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Mt Gravatt QSAC Eyes Metro Lifeline For 2032 Games Legacy

Griffith University is proposing to build a high-frequency Metro link to its Nathan campus and the nearby Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre in Mount Gravatt, as part of a plan to present initiatives that would leave a lasting legacy to the community even after the 2032 Olympics.

Cities Research Institute at Griffith University is in charge of the initiative that aims to tackle concerns about public transport access to the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC), a key athletics venue for the Olympic Games.

The State’s decision to ditch the Gabba rebuild and reject other stadium proposals has sparked debate about the long-term benefits and transport links of the $1.6-billion QSAC redevelopment.

Photo Credit: Facebook/QSAC – Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre

Brisbane LM Adrian Schrinner, who previously threw his support behind the Victoria Park option, has left the issue of transport around QSAC to the government.

Professor Matthew Burke from the Cities Research Institute believes there’s a more cost-effective solution. He is proposing a Metro route that would run from the South East Busway into the university campus. This would make it easier for students to get around, improve logistics for the Games, and boost public transport options for the QEII Jubilee Hospital.

The plan would involve turning existing parking lots into Metro stations, which could lead to fewer people driving. State Development Minister Grace Grace says the government is keen to explore all options that will ensure the Games’ success and leave a positive legacy for the community. This includes improvements to transport links between QSAC, the hospital, and Griffith University.

Griffith University Vice Chancellor Carolyn Evans emphasised the importance of better connections between the campus, QSAC, and the hospital. She said a well-integrated precinct would benefit the wider community.

While the specifics of the Metro proposal are still being considered, Cindy Hook, CEO of the Brisbane Organising Committee, has acknowledged the value of fresh ideas in shaping the Games infrastructure.

As discussions continue, there’s also a focus on the potential environmental impact. Professor Burke says there would be minimal disruption to the nearby koala habitats.

In the midst of these developments, the upcoming launch of the Metro system later this year highlights the city’s commitment to improving its public transport network, with further expansions planned.

While QSAC has been chosen as a Games venue, the ongoing discussions show the complex interplay between building infrastructure, considering the environment, and leaving a positive legacy for the community.

Published Date 12-April-2024

Mercure Brisbane Garden City Hotel in Upper Mount Gravatt to be Demolished for New Apartments Project

Melbourne-based diversified investment group and property developer, Salter Brothers, is set to make its first development play in the Queensland capital with new apartments right in Upper Mount Gravatt.

The project involves the demolition of the Mercure Brisbane Garden City Hotel in Upper Mount Gravatt and the development of a new 17-level apartment building at 18 Macgregor Street, Upper Mount Gravatt. The 5,356 sqm site is ideally located a mere five-minute walk from Garden City Westfield, one of Brisbane’s largest shopping centres.

**Mercure Brisbane Garden City Hotel**
Photo Credit: Google Maps

The plans for the mixed-use building, created by Bates Smart, a firm with a rich history dating back to the mid-1850s, include 101 apartments above a four-level podium. This podium will house a 90-space childcare centre and parking for 107 cars.

The residential apartments, starting from level six and running through to level 17, are designed as “gently undulating petals,” according to Bates Smart’s submission to the Brisbane City Council. The design is inspired by the native indigenous Tea Tree Flower and Wallum Banksia, two species of flora endemic to the region. Each apartment is expressed as an individual ‘petal’ with a curved edge, spatially and visually separated from the adjacent apartment.

Each floor will house eight apartments, six two-bedrooms, and two three-bedrooms. The living rooms and balconies capitalise on the views and solar access.

A rooftop communal terrace, conceived as an extension of the nearby Toohey Forest Park, will span the entirety of level 18. The rooftop will feature a pool, mineral spa, and a landscaped seating area oriented to the north, offering a primary view outlook towards Mount Gravatt. Additional amenities include a resident gym, an amenity room, and a landscaped barbecue area.

Bates Smart drew inspiration from the local Turrbal and Jagera Peoples’ name for Mount Gravatt, ‘kaggur-madul’, meaning the ‘Place of the Echidna’, or ‘Where Echidnas Rest’, when designing the external shading system. The design mimics the delicate fine grain repetition of echidna spikes, reminiscent of traditional indigenous jewellery making.

Meanwhile, down in its native Melbourne, Salter is currently developing Candela Ivanhoe, a project comprising 62 one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartments in Melbourne’s northeast.

Published 26-April-2024

Daly’s Native Plants in Mansfield Flourishes with New Low-Cost Water Initiative

Daly’s Native Plants in Mansfield is among the recipients who received a collective total of 100 megalitres of low-cost water, as part of a statewide initiative to support small businesses and community groups.

The recent release of low-cost water has been tremendously helpful to the nursery in sustaining its operations amidst the challenges of drought and the economic downturn caused by the pandemic.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to support local businesses by providing affordable resources for their survival and growth.

“The allocation of low-cost water was an emotional moment for us. It’s not just about business survival; it’s about keeping our community green and supporting the local ecosystem with our native plants,” Owner Robin Daly shared. “This support helps us continue our mission of environmental stewardship and community service.”

Support and Benefits

“Supporting Daly’s Native Plants is a key example of our commitment to easing cost pressures on Queensland’s small businesses,” Water Minister Glenn Butcher expressed enthusiasm about the support extended to Daly’s Native Plants. “This initiative is about more than just financial relief; it’s about fostering a sustainable local economy and promoting environmental well-being.”

Corrine McMillan, Member for Mansfield, emphasised the initiative’s importance for local businesses, noting that access to low-cost water is alleviating the substantial financial and operational challenges faced by small enterprises like Daly’s Native Nursery. This assistance is crucial for the survival of such businesses and benefits the broader community by enhancing environmental health.

Encouraging Future Participation

With 67 megalitres of water still available for allocation, the government is encouraging other local businesses and community groups to apply. This ongoing initiative supports eligible entities until May 2025, aiming to distribute the remaining water to aid local development and sustainability further.

Daly’s Native Plants promotes sustainable practices by cultivating native plants, contributing to local greenery, biodiversity, and fighting climate change.

APPLY FOR UNALLOCATED WATER RELEASE

Published 22-April-2024

Veteran Support Expanded with New Open Arms Office in Mount Gravatt

Veterans and their families in Brisbane’s east now have improved access to free mental health services with the opening of a new Open Arms counselling office in Mount Gravatt earlier this month.

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The new facility was officially opened on April 16 by Assistant Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Thistlethwaite, marking an expansion of Open Arms’ services in the Brisbane region. It joins another new office opened simultaneously in Stafford.

“Brisbane is home to one of Australia’s largest veteran communities and Open Arms is the Australia’s leading specialist mental health service for veterans and their families,” Minister Thistlethwaite said.

“Our veterans sacrifice much for the service of this country, they put their lives on the line to protect the rest of us. This is an unpayable debt, but veterans can rest assured that Open Arms is there for them when they need support.”

Assistant Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Thistlethwaite MP with Emma Griffith, Open Arms Peer & Community Engagement Coordinator and Leonie Nowland, Open Arms Division First Assistant Secretary (Photo credit: Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling/Facebook)

With over 60,000 veterans residing in the city, the new southside location will make it more convenient for those in Mount Gravatt and surrounding suburbs to access their free and confidential counselling, group programs, and peer support services.

The Mount Gravatt office will be staffed by specialists with military backgrounds and trauma-informed training to provide military-aware care tailored to the unique experiences and needs of the veteran community. Many counsellors are veterans or come from military families themselves.

The facility joins Open Arms’ network of over 30 counselling centres nationwide. With its convenient location, the new southside Brisbane office will help reduce barriers and encourage more members of the area’s veteran community to seek the free, confidential assistance they deserve after serving the nation.

Their Mount Gravatt office is located at Level 2/96 Mt Gravatt Capalaba Rd, Mt Gravatt.

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About Open Arms

With roots dating back to 1982 when it was founded by Vietnam veterans as the Vietnam Veterans’ Counselling Service, Open Arms has an extensive history supporting the mental health needs of Australian military personnel and their families. Over the past four decades, the organisation has delivered more than 2 million free counselling sessions to over 300,000 veterans and their loved ones nationwide.

Today, they offer specialised, confidential mental health support services across the country at no cost to veterans, reservists, and their family members. Their free counselling, group programs, and peer support initiatives are accessible 24/7 by calling 1800 011 046.

Those seeking more details on their comprehensive services and eligibility can visit their website for additional information on this vital resource for the veteran community’s wellbeing and continued care.

Published 22-April-2024

US Tourist’s Australian Adventure Halted by Motorbike Theft in Mount Gravatt

Photo Credit: TikTok / @maxterpiecemoto

A US tourist’s journey around Australia ended abruptly when his Honda Crf 250L motorbike was stolen from his accommodation on Creek Rd, Mount Gravatt.

Philadelphia native Max Cramer was completing a lap of Australia on a motorbike when his vehicle went missing on Wednesday, 10 April 2024.

The alleged offenders didn’t stop at the motorbike. They also reportedly used Mr Cramer’s bank card, found in the tank bag on the bike, at a nearby service station before he could freeze it.

Max Cramer and his bike — *Photo Credit: TikTok / @maxterpiecemoto*

Mr Cramer was living in Broome, Western Australia in June 2023. He initially came to work at a kangaroo rehabilitation centre, with no grand adventure in mind.

However, after spotting a Honda Crf 250L on a marketplace, he embarked on a trip around the country, whose size he admits he underestimated.

Max Cramer travels across Australia — *Photo Credit: TikTok / @maxterpiecemoto*

His trips took him from Broome along the Western Australia coastline, across the Nullarbor Plain, into South Australia, and onto Victoria. He then crossed Bass Strait into Tasmania, before going up to Sydney and into Queensland.

He arrived in Brisbane in March 2024 and decided to settle in and look for a job, while waiting for the wet season up north to pass.

Max Cramer stays in Mount Gravatt — Photo Credit: TikTok / @maxterpiecemoto

Less than a month after arriving in Queensland, he fell victim to the state’s crime crisis. Despite coming to terms with the loss of his motorcycle, Mr Cramer remains determined to complete his journey.

@maxterpiecemoto
This is the end of the trip. If anyone can help in anyway find the bike message me. Sorry guys, I wanted to complete the jounrey.
♬ original sound – Zach Bryan Archive

The Queensland Police Service is appealing for information after the alleged motorbike theft in Mount Gravatt.

Investigations indicate that the red 2017 Honda CRF250 with Western Australian registration BM80234 was stolen from a Creek Road residence between 10 and 11 April.

Published 20-April-2024

Olympians and Paralympians Challenge Venue Decision on QSAC in Mt Gravatt

Several prominent Olympians and Paralympians have written an open letter requesting a review of the decision to select the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC) in Mt Gravatt as the main venue for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics.

They have criticised the decision, calling it “embarrassing” and insufficient for creating a lasting legacy.

The elite athletes, including Curtis McGrath, Sally Pearson, Grant Hackett, Curtis McGrath, Karni Liddell, Sally Pearson, Geoff Huegill, Leisel Jones, and Brenton Rickard, publicly voiced their dissatisfaction by highlighting the QSAC’s capacity limitations and lack of a sustainable legacy post-2032.

Olympians and Paralympians Challenge Venue Decision on QSAC in Mt Gravatt — *Photo Credit: SkyNews*

Despite their strong opposition, Premier Steven Miles remains firm on not revisiting the decision. The athletes stressed how this would impact their training regimes and the broader athletic community.

Premier Miles justified his decision by prioritising other state needs such as healthcare and education over more substantial investments in sporting infrastructure. Infrastructure Minister Grace Grace acknowledged the challenges, particularly concerning transport to QSAC, with potential costs running as high as $1 billion.

Senate Inquiry Insights

A Senate inquiry into the 2032 Games’ legacy criticised the choice of QSAC, echoing athletes’ concerns about the venue’s inadequacies. The inquiry, led by figures like Senator Anne Ruston and former Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, examined alternatives and highlighted the dismissal of a proposed $3.4bn stadium at Victoria Park that promised a more robust legacy.

Graham Quirk’s review had recommended the Victoria Park venue over QSAC, citing it as a superior option for its potential to deliver a lasting community legacy and better value for money. However, the government opted to upgrade QSAC instead, which had been initially built for the 1982 Commonwealth Games, citing lower immediate costs.

Community and Expert Reactions

Community leaders and various sports figures have criticised the decision for neglecting long-term benefits. The Senate inquiry also highlighted missed opportunities for building a more inclusive sporting infrastructure, particularly for Paralympic athletes who face significant accessibility issues.

Critics say the decision to renovate QSAC could lead to higher operational costs due to its location and the lack of necessary facilities for a world-class event. There’s also concern about the displacement of athletes and the environmental impact of upgrading the site.

Published 17-April-2024

Mount Gravatt Experiences Staggering $206k House Price Growth Amidst Booming Market

Mount Gravatt has witnessed an unprecedented surge in house prices, ballooning by $206,605 in the 12 months leading to March 2024, according to the latest CoreLogic report.

Nationwide Boom

The Australian housing market has experienced a robust growth of 8.8% over the past year, a significant indicator of the country’s economic resilience and the real estate sector’s buoyancy. CoreLogic’s monthly housing report, examining the period up to March 2024, has revealed 10 areas that have seen the most considerable increase in house prices by dollar value, highlighting the diversity and potential of the Australian real estate landscape.

The Top 10 Surge

Mount Gravatt in Queensland leads this exceptional growth, marking a pivotal moment for the Brisbane housing market. Below is a table showcasing the top 10 suburbs nationwide, experiencing the highest increase in house prices:

Rank	Area	Location	Price Increase
1	Warringah	Sydney	$254,195
2	Carindale	Brisbane	$236,277
3	Mount Gravatt	Brisbane	$206,605
4	Eastern Suburbs – South	Sydney	$204,715
5	Pennant Hills and Epping	Sydney	$202,600
6	Burnside	Adelaide	$186,868
7	Marrickville, Sydenham and Petersham	Sydney	$186,264
8	Nathan	Brisbane	$179,013
9	Sunnybank	Brisbane	$178,222
10	Canada Bay	Sydney	$174,588

Market Insights

CoreLogic’s Head of Research, Eliza Owen, shared insights into the housing market’s performance, noting significant value growth across various suburbs.

“Some of the best value markets have floated to the top of the league tables when it comes to percentage capital growth,” Ms Owen stated.

Property Market — *Photo Credit: Unsplash*

Percentage growth vs. dollar value growth provides a new perspective on markets. Warringah in Sydney saw a 14% increase, resulting in a $254,000 rise in home value. Even small percentage gains can lead to significant dollar gains in high-value areas.

Ms. Owen emphasised the potential of lower-priced markets, which have shown higher rates of capital growth. The “lower quartile” home value index rose by 3.1% in the March quarter, showcasing the vibrancy of more affordable markets.

Market Conditions and Outlook

The real estate market in Australia is constantly changing, which affects investors, homeowners, and analysts. With interest rates rising rapidly, borrowing capacities are adjusting, and demographic shifts are influencing market demand.

Over the past year, the real estate sector in Australia has realized the significance of strategic investment and market awareness. Suburbs like Mount Gravatt in Brisbane have emerged as leaders in this regard. Going forward, the adaptability and resilience of this sector will be tested as economic conditions and consumer preferences evolve.

Published 11-April-2024

Scorched Wishart Property Creates Heat, Interests Renovators

Photo Credit: Ray White

A scorched and fire-damaged Wishart property is set to go under the hammer this weekend, presenting an enticing opportunity for budding renovators and first-home buyers.

The three-bedroom, two-bathroom house at 340 Mount Gravatt Capalaba Road sustained significant fire damage to its upper level caused by an electrical fault, leaving ceilings charred and walls coated in soot.

Despite its dilapidated state, the listing has sparked heated interest from prospective buyers eager to tackle a renovation project in the supply-constrained Wishart market. Ray White Marsden AKG agent Aidan Knox reports receiving a staggering 12 offers within just a week of listing, with 8 parties pre-registered for Saturday’s auction conducted by Apollo Auctions.

**Walls are coated in soot from the fire.**
Photo Credit: Ray White

“It’s a case of what you see is what you get — the top floor has significant fire damage, but with its prime location and ever-growing demand in the area, this property represents either a knockdown opportunity, or potential to recreate what was once a beautifully kept home,” said Knox.

“The appeal here is the prospect of a cheap property in a demographically diverse marketplace, and there are a lot of first-home buyers and builders, renovators alike out there who have been missing out on other properties and are ready to have a go at the auction and get hands-on to make this their own.”

House prices in Wishart soared to 13.5 percent over the past 12 months, to a median of $1.225m, according to PropTrack data.

**A bedroom remains unscathed.**
Photo Credit: Ray White

**This bathroom survived the fire with no damages in sight.**
Photo Credit: Ray White

Situated on a generous 546 square meter lot, the lower level escaped the blaze largely unscathed, offering a separate rumpus room and kitchenette as a starting point for renovations. However, Knox notes the sellers prefer not to discuss further details surrounding the “unfortunate circumstances” of the fire.

**Damages are not seen outside as well.**
Photo Credit: Ray White

In the heated Wishart market, where just 28 houses were listed over the past month despite over 1,800 prospective buyers per property, the auction of this charred residence is shaping up to be a hotly-contested affair. First-home buyers and ambitious renovators alike are lining up for a chance to breathe new life into one of Brisbane’s smouldering investment opportunities.

Published 29-March-2024

QAS in Nathan Overhaul: Olympic Hopefuls Confront Training Centre Upheaval

Photo Credit: QAS/Facebook

Queensland’s Olympic athletes could lose their state-of-the-art $10-million training centre, the Queensland Academy of Sports (QAS) in Nathan, if plans for a redevelopment push through.

This looming demolition is part of Queenland’s broader $1.6 billion plan to revamp the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC), which houses the QAS. It raises alarms about the potential derailment of the athletes’ gold medal ambitions.

Esteemed Olympic athletes, including four-time Olympian Cate Campbell and Olympic Gold Medallist Glynis Nunn, have voiced their concerns, suggesting the move could severely impact Queensland’s prospects at the Brisbane Olympics

Ms Campbell and Ms Nunn, among others, fear that the demolition could force athletes to seek training facilities interstate, potentially sabotaging Queensland’s medal chances at upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Despite the potential changes, concrete plans have yet to be unveiled to accommodate the displaced athletes, leading to a chorus of opposition from the sports community.

The Centre for Athletic Excellence

Opened two years ago by former Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, the QAS in Nathan is a high-performance centre touted as Queensland’s “secret weapon” for Olympic and Paralympic preparation.

Designed to provide athletes with a competitive edge, its potential demolition has sparked widespread criticism, including former Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, who recommended ditching the QSAC upgrades and questioned its financial rationale.

Olympic hockey gold medallist Renita Garard and the QAS’s former chief executive, Chelsea Warr have also expressed their opposition to the State Government’s plans.

Athletes and officials alike warn that even a temporary disruption in training could significantly affect performance outcomes. The uncertainty surrounding training facilities poses a challenge not just for current athletes but also for identifying and developing future talents for the 2032 Games.

Government’s Stance

In response to the backlash, State Development Minister Grace Grace has indicated that a detailed business case will outline the full scope and timeline of the QSAC upgrades. The government promises minimal disruption and pledges to work closely with stakeholders to mitigate the impact on athletes, especially in the lead-up to the Paris Games.

Upgrades Foreseen at the QSAC in Nathan for the 2032 Olympics

Photo Credit: QSAC/Facebook

Queensland intends to transform the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC) in Nathan into the main stadium for the 2032 Olympic Games. This decision marks a significant change in direction, sidelining the proposed redevelopment of The Gabba and a new stadium at Victoria Park, despite recommendations for these venues.

Instead, QSAC, a legacy of the 1982 Commonwealth Games, could undergo a comprehensive $1.6 billion upgrade, heralding a new era for the historic site and its surrounding community.

Background and Controversy

After a $450,000 taxpayer-funded review of the Olympic venues led by former Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk advocated for a new stadium at Victoria Park, Premier Steven Miles announced the cabinet’s endorsement for QSAC’s redevelopment. This comes despite the review’s critique of QSAC’s suitability due to transport challenges and limited legacy benefits.

“QSAC Stadium should not be used as an Olympic and Paralympic Games venue to host the track and field events,” Mr Quirk’s panel recommended.

“Transport and access to the QSAC Stadium during the Games will be extremely challenging and costly to facilitate.

“Site topography makes this challenge even harder, noting significant Games operational requirements to safely support the number of spectators, athletes and officials.

“Griffith University would need to be used for bus access, so bushland would need to be cleared and the pathway to the QSAC Stadium widened,” the panel’s findings further cited.

Financial Implications and Alternatives

The decision to invest $1.6 billion in QSAC, defying the independent review’s suggestions, has sparked debate.

With an initial budget to overhaul QSAC and additional funds allocated for Suncorp Stadium and the Gabba upgrades, questions about fiscal responsibility and the best use of public resources have emerged.

Consequently, rejecting a new $3.4 billion Victoria Park stadium highlights the prioritisation of existing infrastructure over new constructions.

A New Vision for QSAC

The proposed redevelopment involves demolishing and rebuilding significant portions of QSAC, including constructing an 8,000-seat western grandstand and additional permanent seating. This plan aims to elevate QSAC to Olympic standards whilst considering the site’s challenging topography and access issues.

The ultimate goal is a versatile 14,000-capacity stadium that serves both the Olympics and the community post-Games.

Griffith University, located next door to the QSAC, endorses investigating the upgrades.

“Brisbane has benefitted vastly from the facility since it opened in time for the Commonwealth Games in 1982,” Griffith Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Carolyn Evans said in a statement.

QSAC Commonwealth Games in the 1980s — Commonwealth Games 1982
Photo Credit: QSAC/Facebook

“It has been home to major sporting fixtures and teams and as a venue for international musical acts such as Madonna and Billy Joel.

“The uses for QSAC will only grow as we approach the Olympics and well after they are finished.

“Additionally, improved transport connections to the area will benefit many thousands of people living in Brisbane’s southern suburbs.”

The decision to focus on QSAC for the 2032 Olympics represents a bold commitment to utilising existing infrastructure, fostering community legacy, and managing financial resources wisely. Whilst the move has its critics, particularly concerning the review’s recommendations, it sets the stage for an Olympic transformation that could redefine Brisbane and its approach to major sporting events.

Published 19-March-2024