mt gravatt Archives - Mount Gravatt News

Expanded Living Plans Proposed for Upper Mt Gravatt

A revised development application for Upper Mt Gravatt aims to increase local housing density with a proposal for 150 townhouses and apartments split between two buildings on Dawson Road.

Rising Heights and Housing Mix

The project at 36 Dawson Road is designed by Prospect Apartment Architecture and signals a shift towards taller living spaces in the area. The updated plans show an increase in height for both structures on the site. Building one is set to rise from seven to eight storeys, while building two will grow from five to seven storeys.

This upward expansion allows for a total of 150 dwellings, offering a mix of unit types to suit different households. The majority of the residences will be two-bedroom units, totaling 112, alongside 12 one-bedroom and 26 three-bedroom options.

Design and Community Spaces

Planners from Mewing Planning Consultants stated that the project focuses on a high standard of construction. They noted that the design uses a variety of materials, finishes, and screening to create visual interest and break up the building’s exterior appearance. Beyond the apartments themselves, the site covers 4,856 square metres and includes significant shared areas.

Residents will have access to an 800-square-metre rooftop communal area, and 10 per cent of the site is dedicated to deep planting to maintain greenery. Each dwelling also includes its own private balcony.

Traffic and Parking Upgrades

To support the increase in residents, the development includes a substantial boost in parking facilities. The number of car spaces has risen from 194 in previous plans to 272, which includes a new visitor parking area at ground level.

Active transport is also a priority, with bicycle parking spaces increasing to 188. Vehicle and pedestrian entry to the complex will be managed through a private internal road that connects directly to Government Road, aiming to keep traffic flow organised within the site.

Published Date 10-December-2025

28th Anniversary Celebrated by Senior Citizens’ Circle in Mt Gravatt

Photo Credit: Greek Orthodox Church of the Dormition of Our Lady/Facebook

Mt Gravatt marked the 28th anniversary of the Circle of Senior Citizens & Friends during a gathering attended by His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane at the Parish of the Dormition of the Theotokos.

Event Overview

Mt Gravatt hosted the 28th anniversary celebration of the Circle of Senior Citizens & Friends at the Parish of the Dormition of the Theotokos. His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane joined parishioners, seniors and community members to mark the occasion. The gathering reflected the long-standing connection between the parish and the senior community it has supported for nearly three decades.

Acknowledgement of Parish Leaders

During his visit, Bishop Bartholomew recognised the efforts of Parish Priest Father Nicholas Brown and group coordinator Irene Cayas. Both were acknowledged for their continued commitment to the wellbeing of senior residents who participate in the Mt Gravatt program.

Their involvement remains consistent with the group’s purpose, which has focused on regular support, friendship and community engagement throughout its 28 years.

Messages to the Community

Bishop Bartholomew delivered the blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia and expressed hopes for the good health of all senior attendees.

A gift was presented to the Bishop during the event to acknowledge the anniversary of his episcopal consecration. He noted that the gesture moved him deeply and asked those present to keep him in their prayers. The presentation formed part of the celebration’s emphasis on community, support and shared milestones.

Reflection on the Episcopal Journey

The Bishop also expressed his gratitude to Archbishop Makarios for recommending his name for the episcopacy to His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Holy and Sacred Synod of Constantinople. His reflection highlighted the ecclesiastical process that led to his role in Brisbane and his ongoing service to local parishes such as Mt Gravatt.

Community Sentiment

Community members shared supportive messages, with many acknowledging the dedication of the women involved in the senior group.

Comments reflected appreciation for the friendships the program has fostered, as well as the sense of stability and companionship it has offered to senior participants over the years. The messages pointed to the group’s significant place in the Mt Gravatt community and the continuity of its mission.

Published 2-Dec-2025

Mt Gravatt Woman Scores Solo $5m Windfall

Photo Credit: Pexels

One lucky Mt Gravatt resident has beaten the odds to become the country’s sole winner of a recent $5 million windfall.

The significant win occurred during draw 1540 on Thursday, 20 November 2025. As the sole winner of the top prize, the Brisbane local will take home a total of $5,251,913.32. She is set to receive the funds on Friday, 5 December 2025, which she noted would arrive perfectly in time to celebrate Christmas and the New Year.

The excitement began on a Friday morning when officials called to deliver the news. The winner admitted she was initially hesitant to answer the phone, fearing the unknown number was a scam or a “dodgy” caller.

Once the news was confirmed, however, her reaction shifted from suspicion to physical shaking. She described being in absolute disbelief alongside her husband, who was with her when the call came through.

The winning 12-game entry was purchased using The Lott app. The winner revealed that the numbers were not chosen at random but were a combination of family birthdates and wedding anniversaries. With the $5 million prize soon to be deposited, she shared her main priority for the future. Her husband will now be able to retire from work. Although she had previously promised herself she would keep any big win a secret, the magnitude of the news made her want to share her joy with everyone.

Published Date 26-November-2025

Eight-Storey Apartment Proposal in Mt Gravatt

Photo Credit: DA/A006830995

A proposal has been lodged for an eight-storey residential building at 23 and 25 Cremin Street, Upper Mt Gravatt, featuring 40 apartments.

Background and Context

A development application for land at 23 and 25 Cremin Street, Upper Mt Gravatt, was lodged on 1 August 2025 under reference A006830995. The record creation was finalised on 5 August 2025. The project, designed by VSA Design, is categorised as a Material Change of Use and requires Impact Assessment, as the planned height exceeds the neighbourhood plan’s five-storey benchmark.

Brisbane property — Photo Credit: DA/A006830995

Development Details

The proposal outlines an eight-storey residential building with 40 units, made up of 14 two-bedroom and 26 three-bedroom apartments.

Parking plans include 91 car spaces for residents and visitors, along with seven motorcycle bays and 50 bicycle parking spaces. Communal facilities cover 210.83 square metres across rooftop and ground levels, supported by 185.16 square metres of deep planting with subtropical vegetation. Vehicle access is proposed from Cremin Street.

Planning and Design

The development has been designed to align with the Medium Density Residential Zone under the Mount Gravatt Corridor Neighbourhood Plan. The project will replace existing dwellings on the site and is positioned near transport links, services, and Westfield Garden City.

Landscape design has been prepared by AGLA, with Devalign listed as both applicant and consultant. The assessment officer for the application is Jack Woolston.

Upper Mt Gravatt development — Photo Credit: DA/A006830995

Assessment Process

The application was confirmed as properly made on 6 August 2025. An information request was issued on 3 September 2025, and the proposal is currently marked as “In Progress – With Customer.”

As an Impact Assessable development, the proposal will require public notification. Submissions may be made during that period, and properly made submissions will provide submitters with appeal rights when Council makes its decision.

Outlook

The Cremin Street proposal remains under review with no decision date yet set. The outcome will depend on the completion of the public notification stage and further assessment steps.

Published 12-Oct-2025

Mt Gravatt Officers Target Reckless Drivers as Community Welcomes School Return

Photo Credit: MyQueensland Police News

Officers from the Upper Mount Gravatt Highway Patrol have increased their focus on road safety, intercepting a series of dangerous drivers on southside roads as thousands of children return to school and police launch a statewide motorcycle safety campaign.

Renewed Focus on Road Safety

With the spring school holidays ending, Brisbane drivers are being reminded to readjust to busier roads and active school zones. The increased police presence is part of the ongoing Operation Xray Spring Break, but it also marks the beginning of October’s Motorcycle Awareness Month, a statewide effort by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) to highlight the vulnerability of riders. The timing is critical, as two motorcyclists tragically lost their lives in separate crashes across Queensland in the 24 hours leading up to the campaign.

Reckless Behaviour on Local Roads

The call for caution follows two recent incidents in the area handled by the Mt Gravatt patrol. On the evening of 27 September, an officer conducting speed checks on the Gateway Motorway near Stretton intercepted a motorcyclist allegedly travelling at 168 km/h in a 100 km/h zone. The 25-year-old Capalaba man received a $1,919 fine, a six-month licence disqualification, and his motorbike was immobilised for seven days.

Just a few days later, on 1 October, another Mt Gravatt officer witnessed a driver allegedly performing a burnout at a red light in Park Ridge. When the officer instructed the driver to pull over, the man allegedly performed a second burnout while reversing. The 48-year-old Boronia Heights man was charged with two counts of wilfully making unnecessary noise or smoke and his car was impounded. He is expected to appear in the Beenleigh Magistrates Court on 21 October.

A Shared Responsibility on Our Streets

Police are stressing that road safety is a responsibility shared by everyone in the community. Inspector Gareth Bosley of the QPS’s Road Policing Command explained that motorcycle riders don’t have the protection of modern car safety features, and a simple moment of inattention from a driver at an intersection or while changing lanes can have devastating results for a rider. He urged drivers to actively check their blind spots and give riders enough space, while reminding motorcyclists to wear protective gear and ride to the conditions.

Closer to home, Upper Mount Gravatt Highway Patrol Acting Senior Sergeant Jay Jordan specifically reminded the community that reduced speed limits in school zones are now back in effect to ensure children, who are often walking or cycling, can get to and from school safely. He encouraged all motorists to stick to the speed limit and remain vigilant, particularly around school crossings.

The Human Cost

These safety campaigns are underscored by sobering statistics. As of early October, the road toll in Queensland stood at 231 lives lost for the year. Within the Brisbane region, 33 fatalities have been recorded, with 24 of those occurring on the city’s southside. The statewide total for motorcyclist fatalities has now reached 46 for the year, a stark reminder of the risks faced on the road every day.

Published Date 13-October-2025

Disney and Pixar’s Cars Event To Roll Into Mt Gravatt

Photo Credit: Westfield

Westfield Mt Gravatt will feature Disney and Pixar’s Cars Activity Zone these school holidays, offering hands-on activities for children and families.

Disney and Pixar’s Cars Arrive In Mt Gravatt

Westfield Mt Gravatt is one of several Queensland centres teaming up with Disney to bring Cars-themed activities to families this September school holiday period.

From Monday, 22 September, to Friday, 26 September, the Cars Activity Zone will run daily from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Level 1 near Telstra. Activities are centred around popular Cars characters, with opportunities to create personalised pencil cases and paint themed plasters. Visitors at select centres may also receive LED light-up bands as part of the experience.

Prize Trip To Disneyland Resort

As part of the program, Westfield members can enter a competition to win a family trip to Disneyland Resort in California. The prize includes a three-night stay and return economy airfares for two adults and two children in partnership with Flight Centre.

The competition runs from 18 September to 13 October, with entries available daily through the Westfield app.

Activities Not Included In Queensland

While some Westfield centres across Australia will host Cars: Drive-In Stories and other large-scale attractions such as a life-sized Lightning McQueen at Westfield Knox in Victoria, these features will not be part of the Mt Gravatt program.

What Families Can Expect In Mt Gravatt

For Mt Gravatt, the Cars Activity Zone will focus on a series of craft-based activities for children over the five-day period. The program is located in a central section of the shopping centre, providing an accessible option for families during the school holidays.

Looking Ahead

Westfield Mt Gravatt’s Cars Activity Zone provides a local school holiday program built around creative activities and supported by a national competition, giving families the chance to experience Cars Land in California.

Published 22-Sep-2025

Brooki Bakehouse Expands With New Store in Mt Gravatt

Photo Credit: Brooki Bakehouse

Brooki Bakehouse has opened a new store at Westfield Mt Gravatt, expanding its Brisbane presence alongside a Gold Coast location at Pacific Fair.

From Fortitude Valley to Mt Gravatt

Founded by Brisbane local Brooke Bellamy in 2022, Brooki Bakehouse first gained attention at its Fortitude Valley store, where viral cookies drew queues and a large online following. The brand’s reputation has since grown internationally, attracting visitors eager to sample its popular baked goods.

The new Mt Gravatt outlet is located on Level 1 of Westfield Mt Gravatt, near Sephora. Customers can now access Brooki’s signature products, including its best-selling stuffed cookies such as Biscoff and Nutella flavours, along with a wider range of sweet treats.

Brisbane bakery — Photo Credit: Brooki Bakehouse

Expansion Across Queensland

In May 2025, Bellamy announced the opening of two new Queensland stores — Westfield Mt Gravatt and Pacific Fair on the Gold Coast — as well as an international pop-up in the United Arab Emirates later in the year. By 3 July 2025, the Pacific Fair kiosk had launched with large crowds in attendance, and by late August both Queensland stores were fully open.

The Pacific Fair store is currently trading as a kiosk on the ground floor near Cotton On. While temporary, Brooki Bakehouse is seeking a permanent space within the centre.

Cookbook Controversy

The expansion followed a plagiarism scandal earlier in 2025, when RecipeTin Eats cook Nagi Maehashi accused Bellamy of reproducing recipes in her cookbook Bake with Brooki. U.S. baker Sally McKenney also raised allegations. Bellamy and her publisher Penguin Random House Australia denied the claims, though the issue sparked strong debate across the food community.

At the time of the allegations, Bellamy’s cookbook had already achieved more than $4 million in sales. Maehashi indicated she was not seeking financial compensation but suggested a charitable donation from Bellamy and the publisher.

Business Resilience

Despite the online scrutiny, Bellamy continued to engage her audience with weekly social media updates and pregnancy announcements. In May 2025, Brooki Bakehouse celebrated its third anniversary at the Fortitude Valley store, where customers lined up early for free cookies and to meet Bellamy.

Looking Ahead

With Mt Gravatt and Gold Coast stores now operational, Brooki Bakehouse is preparing to expand further overseas with its UAE pop-up later this year. The business continues to grow its presence, with demand for its signature products showing no signs of slowing.

Published 11-Sep-2025

Classical Education Academy Expands in Mt Gravatt

Photo Credit: St John Kronstadt Academy

A Mt Gravatt school has become a leading part of Australia’s classical education movement, offering traditional teaching methods as an alternative to mainstream approaches.

Background and Origins

The St John of Kronstadt Academy in Upper Mount Gravatt was formally established in 2022 and accredited in 2023 to operate classes from Preparatory to Year 6. Located at 13/2120 Logan Road, the school opened in 2024 with the support of the Orthodox community and has capacity for up to 60 students under its current lease, which runs until 2026.

The idea for the academy originated in 2017, inspired by the birth of the founder’s daughter. A feasibility plan was prepared in 2021, leading to its registration as a not-for-profit entity the following year.

Mt Gravatt classical education — Photo Credit: St John Kronstadt Academy

Focus on Classical Education

The Mt Gravatt school embraces classical education, rejecting modern digital-focused teaching in favour of explicit instruction, phonics, numeracy, and cursive handwriting. Lessons feature literature such as Aesop’s fables and Brothers Grimm stories, as well as recitation and chanting to aid memory.

Technology is avoided in the early years, with an emphasis on books and artwork. The aim is to foster literacy, mathematical skills, and reasoning as a foundation for later learning.

International Context and Local Development

The approach follows a trend that began in the United States, where more than 1,500 classical schools serve over 400,000 students in a sector valued at $12 billion.

In Australia, new classical schools have opened in Sydney and Adelaide, with Mt Gravatt hosting the first classical Orthodox academy in the country. A recent conference in Brisbane featured educators from the United States, who highlighted the importance of studying history in full rather than omitting difficult topics.

Funding and Operations

Parents contribute $5,000 annually in tuition, while additional support comes through federal and state funding to cover teaching staff and operational costs. The academy currently employs two teachers and a teacher aide.

Community Sentiment

Public responses to the rise of classical education have been strongly supportive. Online discussions emphasise the value of traditional teaching, the encouragement of debate, and the focus on critical thinking. A smaller number of comments raised concerns about balancing these traditions with modern educational needs.

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Future Plans

Planning is under way for a larger site of about four acres to expand the school into a full primary and secondary campus. A building grant application is proposed for 2025, with construction scheduled to commence in 2026 and the new Mt Gravatt academy expected to open in 2027.

Published 20-Aug-2025

Koala Luke Fatally Struck on M3 in Mt Gravatt

Photo Credit: Save the Koalas and Wallabies of White's Hill/Facebook

A young koala known as Luke has died after being struck by a vehicle in Mt Gravatt for the third time in under nine months, prompting renewed concerns over habitat safety.

Repeated Incidents on Urban Roads

A koala referred to as Luke was fatally struck on the M3 in Upper Mt Gravatt in July 2025. This marked the third time he had been hit by a vehicle within a nine-month period. The first incident occurred in October 2024 on Creek Road in Mt Gravatt East, followed by a second collision on the M3 in April 2025. While he had previously survived both events and was released with ear tag #1613, the most recent impact proved fatal.

Luke was approximately 4.5 years old at the time of his death and had not yet reached full breeding maturity, raising concerns about the long-term survival of the local koala population.

Mt Gravatt’s Urban Pressures on Koalas

Luke’s death is part of a broader trend affecting koalas in and around the Mt Gravatt region. Conservation groups have pointed to habitat fragmentation, urban road infrastructure, and the lack of safe crossings as key contributors to koala mortality.

In 2024 alone, 113 koala deaths were recorded in the area surrounding Whites Hill Reserve, with nearly 70 percent of those occurring during the four-month breeding season. The region known as “Brisbane’s Triangle of Death”—bounded by Mount Gravatt Mountain, Seven Hills Reserve, and Bulimba Creek—has been identified as a hotspot for incidents, with Whites Hill at its centre.

Koala Luke — Photo Credit: Save the Koalas and Wallabies of White’s Hill/Facebook

Koala Activity Patterns and Risk

Koalas are typically active for roughly 20 percent of the day, mainly between dusk and dawn. During these hours, they move between trees in search of food, territory, or mates. These natural behaviours bring them into increased contact with roads and urban developments.

Community organisations report that even small changes can reduce risks, such as walking dogs on leads, driving cautiously at night, and maintaining trees in yards and footpaths. In particular, planting more trees and creating accessible escape paths for koalas are suggested as simple protective measures.

Public Reaction and Concerns

Local conservation pages have documented strong public responses following Luke’s death, with residents expressing frustration over repeated incidents in the same area. Many community members have raised concerns about the long-term viability of koala populations in suburban environments and questioned the adequacy of wildlife protections and urban planning in koala zones.

Concerns have also been raised about whether current monitoring efforts are sufficient, with uncertainty about the number of remaining koalas in the region and whether the local population may already be nearing functional extinction.

koala death — Photo Credit: Save the Koalas and Wallabies of White’s Hill/Facebook

Outlook for Wildlife in Mt Gravatt

Without changes to road planning, habitat management, and community awareness, conservation groups warn that further losses are likely. Luke’s case has drawn renewed attention to existing blackspots and the consequences of infrastructure intersecting with native wildlife corridors.

As breeding season continues, advocates urge residents to remain alert and take preventative measures to reduce further incidents involving koalas across Mt Gravatt and surrounding suburbs.

Published 29-July-2025

Community Feedback Shapes Future Development in Mt Gravatt

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Redevelopment plans for the Mt Gravatt Centre are now being realigned, focusing on housing options, infrastructure upgrades, and improved public spaces before a second round of community consultations late this year.

The initial round yielded mixed feedback, from residents on concerns such as potential overdevelopment, traffic congestion, street parking, local koala movements and habitat protection, and commercial spaces for retailers.

Suburban Renewal Initiative Targets Mt Gravatt

A planning initiative is underway to guide the long-term renewal of the Mt Gravatt Centre. The project forms part of a broader effort to revitalise underutilised suburban areas through targeted development and infrastructure improvements.

The Mt Gravatt Centre Suburban Renewal Precinct Plan aims to deliver more diverse housing, support employment growth, and enhance liveability in the area. The proposal also contributes to regional development targets outlined in the 2023 ShapingSEQ strategy.

Initial community consultation for this stage of the project closed on 13 July 2025. Public input is now under review to inform the next draft phase.

Mt Gravatt precinct plan — Photo Credit: BCC

Focus Areas and Strategic Themes

The plan is structured around four priorities: increasing housing supply, revitalising business and retail areas, improving local transport links, and enhancing outdoor spaces to reflect the area’s subtropical climate.

The precinct is concentrated along the Logan Road corridor and is expected to deliver new residential and commercial opportunities. The proposal includes a review of zoning rules and building height limits to support a wider range of housing types, including single-occupant dwellings, family homes, and multigenerational arrangements.

Local Perspectives and Submissions

Feedback from residents reflected mixed views on the changes. Several community members welcomed new green space, improved walkability, and support for small businesses. However, concerns were raised about potential overdevelopment, traffic congestion, and reduced street parking.

Submissions highlighted narrow roads and existing safety risks in streets such as Miriam and Pickthorne, where increased density could worsen access for pedestrians and emergency services.

Multiple contributions referenced the area’s wildlife presence, particularly koala movements and habitat corridors. Others expressed a preference for moderate development that included community parks, affordable housing, and commercial spaces for independent retailers.

Suggestions were also made to repurpose vacant or degraded sites for townhouse developments or mixed-use buildings with improved pedestrian access.

Draft Plan and Timeline

Planners are now preparing a draft version of the Mt Gravatt Centre precinct plan, incorporating community feedback and technical assessments. A second round of public consultation is expected in late 2025.

Following this, the finalised version is due in mid-2026. Once endorsed by the relevant planning bodies, it will be added to the current local planning scheme and used to assess future development applications.

Published 29-July-2025