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8 New Stores to Visit At Westfield Garden City

There are more options to taste, shop and play with at Westfield Garden City. The centre recently added eight new retailers to cater to the growing needs of Mt Gravatt locals. If you’re looking for new food to try, a wardrobe update, or great new experience, here are the places to visit in the revitalised precinct.

TASTE

Cinnabon
Level 2, outside Michael Hill

The rumors are true! America’s famous cinnamon roll bakery, Cinnabon, is now at Westfield Garden City. The store had its grand opening last 15th of Feb, baking a fresh batch of sweet doughy goodness every 30 minutes.

*Photo Credit: Cinnabon Australia/Facebook*

Chengdu Taste
Level 2, outdoor dining precinct

This restaurant’s specialty is Sichuan cuisine, which has bold and spicy flavours. Chengdu Taste has a hot pot, dumplings and buns. Its servings are perfect for sharing with a friend and the food is priced affordably.

*Photo Credit: Westfield Garden City/Facebook*

Sugar Puff
Level 2, near Timezone

For every sweet tooth hankering for a new dessert or sweet drink to try, there’s Sugar Puff. Featuring Japanese desserts, the food served at this cafe is satisfying and flavourful as well as ornate and Instagrammable.

*Photo Credit: Sugar Puff Cafe Garden City/Facebook*

Momo Chicken & Beer
Level 2, near Timezone

This Korean street food-inspired restaurant has been in Queensland since 2014 and opened its doors in Westfield Garden City just before summer in 2019. Momo is open late nights for diners who enjoy a cheerful drink and feast with their friends. The store has takeaways and deliveries.

*Photo Credit: Momo Chicken & Beer/Facebook*

The Moo
Level 1, near 8 Street

The Moo serves thirst-quenching yoghurt and rice smoothies. This beverage shop is originally from Sydney and its drink selections are Chinese-inspired.

SHOP

Dangerfield
Level 1, opposite Jay Jays

Melbourne’s alternative fashion hive is now in Mt Gravatt. Dangerfield, which opened in Westfield Garden City in December 2019, features street-style clothes and accessories that cater to the young and carefree generation.

Pavement
Level 2, near ZARA

Pavement caters to young fashionistas in the ages of eight through 16. The store has a wide array of girls’ clothes, including swimwear, bags, wallets, shoes, sunglasses and accessories. Pavement’s items are ethically-sourced.

PLAY

Cloud 8 Karaoke
Level 2, beside Timezone

Cloud 8 Karaoke is the very first themed karaoke bar in Brisbane. It has 14 different rooms to accommodate parties both small (maximum of eight people) or large (maximum of 40 people).

The karaoke song list has a diverse music library so guests can sing their heart out to their favourites. The bar also offers a wide range of drinks, including Japanese wine, Korean soju and other popular drinks around the world.

*Photo Credit: Cloud 8 Karaoke/Facebook*

More shops are set to open in the coming months. Check the Westfield Garden City official site for the announcements and updates.

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Mt Gravatt Kerbside Collection: 4 Simple Ways to Stay Clutter-Free

Here’s your chance to get rid of clutter at home as the next kerbside collection in Mt Gravatt and Mt Gravatt East is set for Monday, the 9th of March 2020. Time to get moving and gather up items the weekend before the scheduled collection.

Take note to bring out only acceptable items, such as sporting equipment, bath and laundry tubs, carpets and rugs, electronic waste, white goods, furniture, small household appliances and wood products less than 1.5 metres in size. If you need to get rid of bottles, glass, mirrors, hazardous wastes and other unacceptable items for kerbside collection day, you can make arrangements with resource recovery centres instead.

Whilst kerbside collection helps reduce the clutter in your home, you can stay clutter-free by adopting these simple ways.

1. Have a proper filing, organisation, and storage system.

Where does all your clutter come from? In most homes, the most common clutter sources are:

Bills, lists and documents
Children’s items
Clothes
Tools (kitchen, gardening, related hardware)
Electronic devices and chargers
Decorative stuff and knickknacks

If you are able to identify the source, you will be able to see what needs a filing, organisation, or storage solution. For instance, if you’ve got piles of paperwork at the kitchen counter, you might need a filing rack in that space to keep documents orderly. If you have gardening items, you might need a console or cabinet in the backyard so that these are not all over the place.

2. Chuck out things you “might” use one day.

Professional organisers have one rule of thumb: give items away if you haven’t been using it for more than a year. So, that bread maker sitting inside its box at the back of your pantry, which you only used once in three years, could be of a better use for someone else. Maybe a relative or a friend will want this unexpected gift.

3. Essential items should have space in your house.

As soon as you walk in your front door, where do you put keys, phones, wallet? Where do you hang your coat, jacket or scarf? These are basic essentials that you always need when you leave the house so these must have an accessible and organised space in your house, such as a table, shelving or cubby hole by the door.

In the same way, your kitchen pantry or cabinet must have a special space for essential ingredients. If you use certain items more often than others, it must be stored and placed where you can easily see and reach out to it, rather than putting these all the way to the back of the storage.

4. Get rid of old items if you bring home a new one.

Cycling through your items regularly greatly reduces the clutter. If you’ve got a new mop, there’s no use to keep the old one since you won’t use it anymore. You also don’t need to dump old items in the garage. Why not have a garage sale or donate your old stuff at tip shops?

A Mount Gravatt Site With Approved DA for a 7-Storey Tower Is Now Under Offer

A Mount Gravatt site with a development approval for a seven-storey tower is now under offer.

The site located at 1484 Logan Road, Mount Gravatt was offered by Expression of Interest, which closed last 31 October 2019. According to the Knight Frank site, the property is already under offer.

The 6,128sqm site is currently occupied by a two-storey freestanding building with 3,013 sqm NLA with onsite parking of 90 vehicles available. The property is fully leased with a passing income of $982,971 per annum.

Anchored by major tenants such as Anytime Fitness, The Salvation Army, and St Vincent de Paul, the site has an approved development application for a seven-storey tower comprising 46 apartments and 2,185 sqm of commercial office space.

Mount Gravatt Site With Approved DA for a 7-Storey Tower Is Now Under Offer — *Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au*

According to the proposal, the redevelopment will involve the rear half of the site currently used as an outdoor parking with existing front retail uses. The residential tower will contain 46 apartments with a ground floor cafe and healthcare premise off a public plaza thoroughfare.

A shop to be located partially below ground and fronting onto Bothwell street is also included in the plan. A total of 134 car parking spaces over three levels will be provided for the two towers, the other tower (not part of the approved DA) being a commercial tower for office use.

Mouthwatering Cinnabon Opens New Brisbane Store in Mt Gravatt

Sugar and spice and everything nice. Southside residents, you’re in for a fantastic Valentine’s Day treat! Cinnabon Australia is opening its second Brisbane store at Westfield Garden City on Friday, the 14th of February 2020.

You can finally grab a fresh ‘bon in the oven at the Cinnabon store on the second level of the shopping centre opposite Stefan as early as 8:00 a.m. The U.S. bakery chain is famous for making a fresh batch of its ooey-gooey cinnamon rolls every half-hour so customers always get ’em hot and soft.

To avoid the long lines on opening day, you may pre-order a CinnaPack online to be picked up at its Westfield Garden City outlet. This pick-up option will be operational any day of the week so you’re free to choose a convenient date beginning 14 Feb.

CinnaPacks come in a box of four or nine (MiniBons) and you can choose from the following flavours:

Cinnabon Classics
Caramel PecanBon
Mixed Cinnabon
ChocoBon

Queensland company Bansai Group is responsible for bringing the famous cinnamon buns to Australia. The company opened its first Brisbane store at the Toombul Shopping Centre in Nundah just before Christmas in 2019. It plans to open 50 more stores all over Australia in the next five years.

As with its first Brisbane store, Cinnabon Westfield Garden City offers coffee, frappes and heaps of sinfully sweet drinks to pair with the food. Check the official site for its trading hours.

Amendment Sought For Approved DA To Add Hungry Jack’s In Rochedale

An application amending the approved proposed development has been lodged to accommodate a future Hungry Jack’s outlet, on Miles Platting Road in Rochedale.

The subject site is located at 323, 329 & 335 Gardner Road and 438, 448 & 449a Miles Platting Road, Rochedale and has a total area of approximately 53,341sqm.

Amendment Sought For Approved DA To Add Hungry Jack's In Rochedale — *Photo credit: Brisbane City Council – Powe Architects /* *pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au*

The proposed changes involve the re-orientation of the building position of Stage 2D Building 2 Food and Drink Outlet, as well as the addition of four car parking spaces, as part of Stage 2 of Rochedale Town Centre development.

The development application will, however, maintain the setback previously approved and the loading bay is still planned to be situated behind the building and further away from the Miles Platting Road frontage.

Whilst there is no increase in GFA, the proposed changes will increase the number of car parking spaces, as a result of the additional four spaces, to 18.

“The proposed changes involve changes to the layout of the approved food and drink outlet building to provide a layout that is suitable for future development, and ensures vehicle access is safe and efficient. These changes will also result in the designation of 4 additional parking spaces for the restaurant and no increase in GFA,” the Urbis Assessment report said.

Controversial Rosebank Square, Salisbury Development Proposal Now Awaiting Construction

Tzu Chi Foundation’s proposed multi-use centre at 60 Rosebank Square, Salisbury, one of the most controversial development proposals of 2019, is now just awaiting construction schedule.

Before finally getting the green light in late October 2019, this development proposal went through pretty rough sailing, particularly strong opposition from locals residents. Since it was lodged in mid-January 2019, local residents have strongly opposed the development proposal over concerns of increased noise, congestion, rat-running, design not keeping with the neighbourhood’s character, and the size and height of the proposed building.

The original proposal sought approval to establish a 3-storey childcare and community centre with a gross floor area of 1,810 sqm and will feature classrooms that will accommodate about 84 children, support facilities, performance area, a bookshop, meeting space, external play area, as well as 34 car parking spaces including one for PWD.

In early August 2019, the applicant submitted amended plans for their proposal, reducing the building’s height by removing the mezzanine level, the high-level roof overhanging the Rosebank Square, and the curved wall form to north-east and north-west boundary corners.

*Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au*

To further reduce its bulk and scale, the childcare centre has been further set back from the southern boundary and also re-oriented so that the east and west external walls are also set back from the eastern and western boundaries by 1,500 mm.

The increased southern boundary setback will allow for deep planting to the south-east and south-west corners. Also, the recessed area on the north-east and north-west corners will also be allocated to deep planting in lieu of an awning.

Overall, the amended proposal reduced the GFA from1,810sqm to 1,065.3sqm; site cover from 96 percent to 84 percent; capacity of child care centre from 84 to 70 children; and the number of educational establishment rooms from eight to four.

Responding to other key issues raised by the community such as the cultural incompatibility or the development having no benefits to the local community, the applicant said that the “proposed building offers various activities which will serve the immediate local community.”

The facilities, the developer said, such as the Bookshop with coffee station, Childcare Centre, and the Language school will be open to the public and members of the local community are also welcome to “join in any Tzu Chi Celebrations or become volunteers themselves.”

The Council reverted the assessment process from Impact Assessable to Code Assessable as a result of the amendments, which means that public notification is no longer required and residents will have no right to appeal the Council’s decision.

The changes to the proposal were not enough to allay public concerns, though. Many still believe that the alterations do not change the conditions that make it an unsuitable development in the area. The development application has had more than 200 submissions since it was lodged in January 2019.

Aging SEQ Transmission Line Gets New Lease on Life

A 47-year-old transmission line underwent a much-needed makeover, with several works completed on towers located in Wishart and several other suburbs.

The $3.8-million transmission line upgrade project undertaken by Powerlink involved the replacement of 1,225 insulators and steelwork on 105 towers in Wishart, Eight Mile Plains, and Runcorn.

Built in 1972, the transmission line between Belmont and Bundamba substations runs through Eight Mile Plains, Wishart, Runcorn, Drewvale, Goodna and Collingwood Park, and also near the Gateway Motorway, Beaudesert Road, Logan Motorway, Cunningham Highway and Ipswich Motorway.

Member for Mansfield Corrine McMillan said that the 37-kilometre-long line plays a critical role in securing power supply for both Brisbane and Ipswich and that the project ensured the “transmission line will continue to operate safe and reliably for its remaining 40-year service life.”

“This type of work also demonstrated Powerlink’s ability to deliver complex engineering work in densely populated urban areas,” Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said.

She added that the project, which took about three months to complete and supported nine jobs, required “intricate traffic management planning to ensure activities were completed safely, efficiently and with minimal impacts in the surrounding area.”

Mr Lynham thanked the landholders, local communities and motorists for their patience whilst the project was underway.

More than $2.2 billion on capital works in 2019-20, supporting up to 4,900 jobs, will be invested by Queensland’s publicly-owned electricity companies including Powerlink, Ergon, Energex, CS Energy, Stanwell Corp, and CleanCo.

About Powerlink

Powerlink is Australia’s leading provider of high voltage electricity transmission network services, A State Government Owned Corporation, Powerlink owns, operates, and maintains the 1,700km transmission network extending from north of Cairns to the New South Wales border.

The transmission network comprises 15,337 circuit kilometres of transmission lines and 140 substations. Powerlink transports high voltage electricity, generated at major power stations, to distribution networks owned by Energex, Ergon Energy and Essential Energy (in northern NSW).

Powerlink also transport electricity to industrial customers including rail companies, mines and mineral processing facilities, and to NSW through the Queensland/NSW Interconnector transmission line.

Mount Gravatt Outlook Reserve Project Stage One Commences Mid-January 2020

Council has announced that Stage One of the upgrade works on the walking trails of the Mount Gravatt Outlook Reserve, located off Shire Road in Mount Gravatt, will commence in mid-January 2020.

Stage One of the upgrade project will involve the upgrading of the Acacia Track beginning mid-January, for about two weeks; and installation of new stairs at Federation Track which will begin late January, for approximately two weeks.

Construction is scheduled to take place between 6.30am-6pm, Monday to Saturday.

Stage Two of the project will involve improvements to the reserve entry whilst enhancement of facilities at Gertrude Petty Place picnic area and car park will be part of stage three. Timing of stages two and three of the construction are yet to be announced.

Apart from the Mount Gravatt Outlook Reserve upgrade, Council has identified 10 other sites for future park and reserve enhancement projects which also includes:

Colmslie Beach Reserve – An upgrade opportunities plan has already been developed which includes passive recreation opportunities at the beach, installation of sculptures to extend play opportunities, and additional picnic shelters and seating, among others.
Chalk Street Park, Lutwyche – Chalk Street Park is a future park to be located on Wellington Street. Concept plan has been finalised which include new picnic shelters and an accessible drinking fountain; new playground equipment; fitness equipment; bike repair station; and off-street parking on Marita Street.
Eildon Hill Reservoir, Windsor – Proposed improvements under the draft concept plan include providing a viewing platform and upgrading of the walking tracks.
Keperra Bushland, Keperra – Construction works to establish a new rest area within Keperra Bushland Reserve will commence in late January 2020.
Grinstead Park/Shand Street Park (no. 100)/Shand Street Park (no. 131) – Project involves upgrading three parks covering a total area of approximately 20 hectares. Recently announced opportunities plan include proposed pedestrian access with new concrete pathway and shade trees; enhancement of Corbett Street playground with picnic shelter, barbecue and drinking fountain; and upgrade of the existing scout gathering area with new seating and under surfacing.
Stephens Mountain Reserve, Greenslopes – Proposed improvements under the draft concept plan include construction of informal walking and multi-use tracks, improvements to the entry and exit points, as well as a lookout and rest area.
Wembley Park, Coorparoo – Council is currently reviewing ways to enhance and diversify recreation opportunities in the park.
Wishart Community Park, Wishart – An opportunities plan has already been developed which proposes upgrade works including new netball hard courts; new play area and path; formalised car park area; and a new scooter loop at the existing play area.

Top Christmas Events Happening at Mt Gravatt Plaza

As the days wind down until Christmas, Mt Gravatt Plaza has a few more activities lined up to warm up joy. Feel the spirit of the holiday by visiting this shopping centre on Creek Road.

Here are the Christmas activities you can expect during your visit until the 24th of December 2019.

Kids Christmas Craft

When	10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Until the 21st of Dec 2019
Where	Outside Chatterbox

Bring your kids to Mt Gravatt Plaza for a few hours of fun and enriching crafting activities. The children will be taught to make paper baubles or decorate their own gingerbread at this FREE event. There’s no need to book a slot, so feel free to drop by with your little ones.

Charity Gift Wrapping

When	9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Weekdays) 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Weekends) Until the 22nd of Dec 2019
Where	Outside Coles

Since it’s the season of giving, you can take part in a charity drive by having your Christmas gifts beautifully wrapped in exchange for a gold coin donation. One wrapped present equals one gold coin donation. Proceeds will go to The Lions Club of Greater Mount Gravatt Mansfield Inc.

*Photo Credit: Mt Gravatt Plaza/Facebook*

Gifs with Santa

When	10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. daily Until the 24 of Dec 2019
Where	Outside Coles

The kids would surely love a Christmas keepsake with Santa Claus so head down to the Santa Booth for a photoshoot with the jolly old man. A digital copy of the moving photos (gifs) and still photos will be emailed to the parents. The children will also get a free photo book.

This is another FREE event and every participant has a chance to win a $200 gift voucher from Mt Gravatt Plaza retailers if they publicly share their gifs on social media. Use the hashtag #mtgravattplaza to be considered for the draw. Winners will be picked on the 24th of Dec 2019.

While you’re there, you may also shop for ingredients for your Christmas Day feast. Mt Gravatt Plaza has two grocery stores, a butcher shop, a seafood market and a bakery.

The centre also provides ample covered parking spaces for Christmas rush shoppers. The stores open at 9:00 a.m.

Mt Gravatt’s Hallowed Grounds Espresso Expands and Revamps for a Better Dining Experience

Hallowed Grounds Espresso in Mt Gravatt is a familiar local hangout that’s usually teeming with people who want their coffee fix and delicious bites. Since the middle of 2019, this cafe on Logan Road has undergone an expansion and revamp with its new look, new menu and new opening hours.

Today, there is plenty of room for dining or relaxing at Hallowed Grounds, including room for locals to bring their precious pooches in for some flavoured treats. Though the classic food choices remain, such as the avocado smash and the great-tasting Elixir coffee, the new menu caters to food adventures that will have patrons coming back.

The newest breakfast special, the Tuscan bowl (polenta, flat mushroom, poached eggs and kale), is perfect for energising your day, whilst its spicy El Camino (minced beef with tomato, eggs, avocado, sour cream and jalapeños) kicks up the heat to satisfy your cravings. Hallowed Grounds serves all-day breakfast fares like pancakes, bacon, cheese and eggs. The lunch menu has heaps of options from sandwiches, pasta, dish-fish taco, Asian fried wonton coleslaw, and steak with fries.

*Photo Credit: Hallowed Grounds Espresso/Facebook*

The counter cabinet has more than just muffins for dinners looking to grab a quick bite. The pastry selection is more diversified with, among other choices, vegan cupcakes, lamingtons, Hummingbird cake, and Moroccan orange and pistachio slices.

*Photo Credit: Hallowed Ground Espresso/Facebook*

Now that Hallowed Grounds is open till late night on weekends, diners can enjoy some drinks with a platter of nibbles. In keeping with the relaxing vibe, live music plays every Friday night featuring some of Brisbane’s talented singers and songwriters.

Hallowed Grounds Espresso’s new opening hours are updated on its Facebook page.

“Had a great experience having brekkie with wife and baby. Friendly staff served us with a smile. Ordered coffee and eggs Benedict in brioche. Both really good. I even ordered a second coffee. The place is very spacious with a back sitting area. We had no trouble finding a place to sit. Can even call in to reserve a spot if you want more certainty. We sat inside near the front so baby can look around at people and watch cars go past outside.”
~ Naveen Warusavithana, Google Reviews

“Congratulation to the extension of this business. Walked in and glad to see the spacious dine-in area. Ordered a flat white and a plain croissant with jam & butter. Needless to say, I took a seat inside (seems the first time to get a chance to sit indoor). Food & beverage came to the table very quick and the coffee is no doubt keeping a consistent standard. Although the croissant is average, it may achieve a higher mark if the service at the counter can be more passionate.”
~ Ronnielui2003, Zomato

“Haven’t been for a while but thought I’d give it a go on the way home. Love the reno & additional seating. Still great coffee and my avo on toast didn’t disappoint. Will be back.”
~ Lisa Cooke, Facebook

TASTE

Cinnabon Level 2, outside Michael Hill

Chengdu Taste Level 2, outdoor dining precinct

Sugar Puff Level 2, near Timezone

Momo Chicken & Beer Level 2, near Timezone

The Moo Level 1, near 8 Street The Moo serves thirst-quenching yoghurt and rice smoothies. This beverage shop is originally from Sydney and its drink selections are Chinese-inspired.

SHOP

Dangerfield Level 1, opposite Jay Jays

Pavement Level 2, near ZARA

PLAY

Cloud 8 Karaoke Level 2, beside Timezone

1. Have a proper filing, organisation, and storage system.

2. Chuck out things you “might” use one day.

3. Essential items should have space in your house.

4. Get rid of old items if you bring home a new one.

About Powerlink

Kids Christmas Craft

Charity Gift Wrapping

Gifs with Santa

Cinnabon
Level 2, outside Michael Hill

Chengdu Taste
Level 2, outdoor dining precinct

Sugar Puff
Level 2, near Timezone

Momo Chicken & Beer
Level 2, near Timezone

The Moo
Level 1, near 8 Street

The Moo serves thirst-quenching yoghurt and rice smoothies. This beverage shop is originally from Sydney and its drink selections are Chinese-inspired.

Dangerfield
Level 1, opposite Jay Jays

Pavement
Level 2, near ZARA

Cloud 8 Karaoke
Level 2, beside Timezone