Mining magnate Clive Palmer has significantly expanded his presence in Fig Tree Pocket. The 70-year-old businessman has amassed a sprawling compound now estimated to be worth up to $60 million.
Palmer’s property holdings in Fig Tree Pocket now stretch across nearly half a kilometre of Brisbane River frontage. Since the pandemic began, he has tripled his footprint in the area, now owning seven titles that collectively form one of the largest private landholdings in the suburb.
Clive Palmer started his spree with this Fig Tree Pocket home in 2018. Photo Credit: Ray White New Farm
The foundation of Palmer’s Fig Tree Pocket estate is the former property of Peter Bond, which he acquired in 2018 for $7.5 million, a significant discount from its original $12 million listing price. This 1.26-hectare property marked the beginning of Palmer’s expansion in the area.
Mr. Palmer purchased a neighbouring property in 2020. Photo Credit: Facebook / Jason Adcock-Adcock Prestige
In 2020, Palmer acquired two neighbouring properties, each priced at $5 million. These acquisitions, made through his company Closeridge and in his own name, secured him control of the left side of the street leading to the Brisbane River.
The extensive river frontage of Palmer’s compound provides him with the unique opportunity to anchor his superyacht, “Australia,” adjacent to his residence.
Among Palmer’s neighbours in Fig Tree Pocket are his son Michael, who owns a nearby property, and Queensland tech entrepreneur Bevan Slattery, founder of NextDC and Megaport, who resides next door on the riverfront.
This significant investment in Fig Tree Pocket real estate comes as Palmer awaits a decision from an international court regarding its jurisdiction to hear his case against the Commonwealth.
An extraordinary story on Peter Fegan’s radio show on 4BC Mornings detailed claims that a massage parlour allegedly operating as a brothel in Kenmore has forced a local real estate business to shut its doors due to safety concerns for staff and inappropriate behaviour from customers.
On the radio show, Roxanne Workman, the owner of a Remax real estate office on Brookfield Road in Kenmore, explained that the neighbouring massage parlour, suspected of offering sexual services, has caused her significant business and safety issues.
She said they “can hear everything” that went on with their next-door neighbours. Ms Workman also said that activities were audible during business hours, leaving her staff too uncomfortable.
Ms Workman further mentioned that men had entered her real estate office by mistake, assuming it was the massage parlour and asking for services. Her office has a 20-year-old receptionist, and men have come in to ask if she gives massages.
Ms Workman expressed deep concern about the impact this was having on her staff, with some feeling unsafe working alone in the office.
Relocation Due to Safety Issues
Ms Workman said the massage parlour, which advertises its services online, is located in a quiet suburban area near schools. She raised concerns about the exposure of children and local residents to inappropriate activities, pointing out that Kenmore State School and other local institutions are nearby.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
The business owner also voiced worries about the safety of her own after-hours business operations, saying the parlour has a discreet back entrance behind her office. Ms Workman relocated her business after her landlord did not respond to her concerns.
Calls for Action
The situation has attracted attention not only from the community but also from local representatives. Ms Workman has been in contact with local officials who have been supportive of the issues she raised about the brothel in Kenmore. However, an immediate solution has yet to be found to resolve the issue.
Mr Fegan, host of the radio program, pledged his support for Ms Workman and promised to follow up on the matter, saying that 4BC and Channel 9 would pursue the case further.
The incident has highlighted growing worries about the placement of such establishments in residential areas. The broader community now questions why businesses that offer adult services are being allowed to open next to family-friendly businesses and schools.
Kenmore seniors and their families are invited to a special free screening of the Australian film “Unsung Hero” at Kenmore Church. The film highlights the inspiring journey of an Australian family who overcame incredible odds to achieve their dreams in the music industry.
The movie will be shown on Tuesday, 22 October, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Kenmore Church, located at 41 Brookfield Road. Attendees will enjoy free popcorn and have the chance to connect with other seniors and community members.
Organised by Churches of Christ, one of Australia’s largest not-for-profit organisations, this event is part of the Queensland Seniors Month celebrations. It recognises seniors’ contributions while fostering community connections and social interaction.
“Unsung Hero” tells the remarkable true story of David and Helen Smallbone, a family who migrated from Australia to the United States after David’s music promotion business collapsed. With nothing more than their faith, seven children, and a deep love of music, the Smallbones rebuilt their lives in Nashville.
Helen’s unwavering faith inspired the entire family to push through hardships, and eventually, their children became two of the biggest names in Christian music—Grammy Award-winning artists for KING + COUNTRY and Rebecca St. James.
Although the film is faith-based, its focus on family, resilience, and the challenges of starting over in a new country appeals to a broad audience. Its story resonates with the universal themes of hope, love, and perseverance, making it perfect for the seniors and caregivers attending this event.
Photo Credit: Kenmore Church
Kenmore Church, where the screening will take place, is a growing, modern church launched in 2019 with a mission to bring a fresh expression of Christianity through multiplying discipleship and spiritual renewal. The church is committed to building connections across generations and contributing to the community’s well-being.
New research shows a disturbing statistic on koalas being lost to accidents and disease. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Fig Tree Pocket helps rehabilitate as many as it can, but data shows thousands are being admitted to wildlife hospitals every year.
Research published in Society and Animals on 4 September 2024 shows that over a 22-year period, 50,858 koalas were admitted to wildlife hospitals, and the majority had to be put down despite the best efforts of veterinarians and carers. The research highlights habitat loss, car strikes, and chlamydia as the leading causes of admission.
Euthanasia: The Most Common Outcome
The data shows that only 25% of koalas admitted to veterinary hospitals were released back into suitable habitats, with euthanasia being the most common outcome. PhD candidate Renae Charalambous, from the University of Queensland, explained that diseases like chlamydia accounted for nearly 30% of hospital admissions, followed by injuries from motor vehicle accidents and dog attacks.
Koalas hit by cars were four times more likely to be found dead than treated and released, and those who did make it to the hospital were three times more likely to be euthanised than saved.
Adult koalas and females were particularly vulnerable, with chlamydia being a key factor in the decision to euthanise many of the admitted animals. The statistics present a bleak picture for the survival of koalas in Queensland, with researchers emphasising the importance of addressing these threats through conservation efforts.
Vaccination as a Ray of Hope
In a related study, koalas monitored in the Moreton Bay region were part of a 10-year vaccination program targeting chlamydia, a significant threat to the species. The research demonstrated that vaccinated koalas had a 64% reduction in chlamydial-related deaths compared to unvaccinated koalas. Lone Pine Sanctuary, along with other wildlife organisations, supported these trials, offering crucial help in managing the health of local koala populations.
Vaccinated koalas not only showed lower disease incidence but also increased survival rates, particularly during their breeding years. Researchers emphasised that while vaccination alone cannot solve the issue, it is a critical tool when combined with other strategies like habitat protection and road safety improvements.
Future Conservation Efforts
With koalas officially listed as endangered in Queensland in 2022, researchers like Ms Charalambous stress the need for a holistic approach to conservation. She believes that while the survival odds for koalas are grim, there is still time to reverse the decline if conservation policies target the main threats.
“It’s not too late to restore the region’s healthy koala populations and this is a great opportunity to holistically address and minimise the threats they face,” Ms Charalambous said.
“I hope this research sheds light on policy gaps so decision makers can target intervention strategies to save the koalas we have left.”
Lone Pine Sanctuary continues to be a key partner in these efforts, helping to rehabilitate koalas affected by disease and injury. The centre’s involvement and contributions from veterinary hospitals and other wildlife centres highlight the importance of community-focused conservation strategies.
After nearly two years of deliberation, plans have been announced to create a dedicated area for smaller dogs within the existing dog off-leash park at Booker Place Park in Bellbowrie.
This decision comes as a response to ongoing concerns from owners of smaller dogs about the safety of their pets in the mixed-size dog park.
Plans (Photo credit: Cr Greg Adermann/Facebook)
Cr Greg Adermann, who initially hesitated to proceed with the project due to divided public opinion, has now allocated funding for the creation of this specialised area. He explained, “While I’m not aware of any nasty attacks on smaller dogs at this park, I do know of such instances in other parks in Brisbane. I don’t want to leave it to chance so when I was allocated funding in the recent Schrinner Council budget to provide a fenced area within the park, I took it.”
Photo credit: Joseph Foley/Google Maps
The new small dog enclosure will occupy approximately one-tenth of the overall Dog Off-Leash Area. This addition aims to provide a safer environment for smaller breeds to play and socialise without the risk of intimidation or injury from larger dogs.
In addition to the new enclosure, the project will include several improvements to enhance the overall park experience for all users. These include:
Concrete pathways from the entry gate to both shelters
A dedicated entry gate for the smaller enclosure
Additional seating and trees between the enclosures for shade cover
A new tap and dog bowl in the larger dog area
These enhancements are designed to improve accessibility, comfort, and functionality for both dogs and their owners.
The decision to move forward with this project comes after a community consultation conducted in November 2022. Although opinions were initially divided, continued advocacy from small dog owners highlighted the need for reconsideration.
Work on this exciting new addition to Booker Place Park is expected to commence in the new year, offering a welcome solution for dog owners in the Bellbowrie community.
The project, known as The Plateau Estate, is located at 51 Priors Pocket Road and is being developed by DVLP Projects.
The Brisbane City Council recently granted approval for the subdivision, which will occupy a total area of 2.48 hectares. Lot sizes in the development will range from 500 to 1,400 square metres, offering a variety of options to suit different needs and preferences.
Artist’s impression of one of the housing designs to choose from (Photo credit: DVLP Projects)
In a move that sets this project apart, DVLP Projects has partnered with Metricon, an award-winning home builder. This collaboration will allow buyers to choose from a range of different home designs for each lot, providing a level of customization not often seen in new developments.
The Plateau Estate is situated just 23 kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balance between suburban living and city access. Moggill, known for its leafy streets and family-friendly atmosphere, offers a mix of acreage living and suburban amenities.
Local real estate experts anticipate strong interest in the development, given Moggill’s reputation as a desirable suburb. The area boasts generous block sizes, parklands, and a strong community focus, creating a village-like atmosphere that has become increasingly sought-after in recent years.
Photo credit: Google Street View
The subdivision is well-positioned to take advantage of existing infrastructure in Moggill, including two large neighbourhood centres, multiple childcare facilities, public transport options, and various sporting facilities.
As Brisbane continues to grow and evolve, developments like The Plateau Estate play a crucial role in meeting housing demand while maintaining the character of established suburbs. The project is expected to commence sales in the near future, with completion dates to be announced.
This new subdivision represents a significant addition to Moggill’s housing market and is likely to attract a diverse range of buyers, from first-home owners to families looking to upgrade their living situations.
Residents in Kenmore, Kenmore Hills, and nearby suburbs could experience increased aircraft noise if the new flight paths proposed by Airservices Australia get approved. The new flight paths aim to redistribute Brisbane Airport’s traffic and noise impact across different suburbs. Tell us what you think about this here.
The national airways safety provider recently announced five new flight path concepts, inviting public comment on changes that could significantly affect communities.
Kenmore and other suburbs in Brisbane’s inner-west and northwest are particularly affected by one of the proposed flight path changes. The proposal involves redesigning departure paths from the new runway, which would see aircraft splitting sooner and flying different tracks over the western suburbs. This change is intended to reduce the concentration of flights over some areas but could lead to increased noise for residents in Kenmore, as more flight paths are directed over the suburb.
These changes are part of a broader strategy to share better the noise burden introduced by the city’s new runway, which has been operational since July 2020.
Photo Credit: Airservices Australia
Proposed Flight Paths
Airservices Australia seeks feedback on the proposed flight paths until 15 September 2024. The concepts are still in the early stages, with detailed population overflight data and noise contours yet to be fully mapped out.
Affected Suburbs by Set Proposals
Departures Over Land to the West and Northwest
Affected Areas: Western and northwestern suburbs.
Details:
This set addresses redesigning departure paths to reduce noise over western and northwestern areas.
Affected areas would include suburbs like Kenmore, Brookfield, Upper Brookfield, The Gap, Ashgrove, and Bardon.
Arrivals Over Land from the North and West
Affected Areas: Northern and western suburbs.
Details:
This set involves redesigning arrival paths to reduce noise over northern and western areas.
Likely affected suburbs include Samford Valley, Cedar Creek, Bellbowrie, and Pullenvale.
Departures Over Land to the South and East
Affected Areas: Southern and eastern suburbs.
Details:
This set aims to redesign departure paths to the south and east, potentially impacting suburbs like Woolloongabba, Coorparoo, and Carindale.
Independent Parallel Runway Operations
Affected Areas: Suburbs near the parallel runways and areas around Bribie Island.
Details:
This set focuses on optimizing flight paths for independent parallel runway operations, which could affect Bribie Island and surrounding northern and southern suburbs.
Non-Jet (Turboprop) Arrivals from the North
Affected Areas: Redcliffe Peninsula and nearby areas.
Details:
This set is about redesigning the non-jet arrival path to avoid overflying the Redcliffe Peninsula, directly impacting suburbs like Redcliffe, Margate, and Scarborough.
Kenmore residents and those in other affected areas are encouraged to participate in the consultation process to ensure their concerns are heard.
Airservices Australia’s move has been met with skepticism from local community groups, who argue that noise sharing is not a real solution to the problem.
The Brisbane Flight Path Community Alliance (BFPCA), a vocal group advocating for stricter noise controls, has labelled the engagement process as “theatre” and criticised it for prolonging community suffering without implementing meaningful noise abatement measures.
Professor Marcus Foth, chair of BFPCA, emphasised that noise sharing should only be a last resort after exploring all other noise reduction avenues. He and other community leaders are pushing for a curfew and flight caps similar to those in place at Sydney and other major Australian airports. However, these measures are not within the control of Airservices Australia, as they fall under federal jurisdiction.
A proposed development to reconfigure one lot at the corner of Jesmond Rd and Cubberla St into five separate lots is facing significant backlash from Fig Tree Pocket locals who are citing concerns over the potential impact on the suburb’s “unique rural character.”
The Development Application (A006403679), lodged by Hayden Forrester in November 2023, seeks to subdivide the land on the corner of 571 Jesmond Road and 68 Cubberla Street. The proposal also includes plans to donate a portion of the land to Fig Tree Pocket State School to expand its grounds.
According to the town planning report, the development is intended to address population pressures and provide additional housing options in the area, which has seen high demand due to its proximity to quality schools and Brisbane’s CBD.
The application details that the proposed subdivision is “timely, given the current population pressures evident across greater Brisbane.” The report further argues that the new lots will offer “well-located housing and maximise land use efficiency whilst maintaining a configuration that is highly sympathetic to the character of Fig Tree Pocket.”
The site is currently zoned as “Rural,” which typically restricts development to agricultural or large, rural homes. However, the report argues that the site’s characteristics do not align with typical rural land, making it more suitable for residential use. The surrounding area includes residential zones, a school, and some community facilities, supporting the rezoning argument.
The application’s public notification period ran from 8 July to 29 July 2024, during which time local residents were invited to submit their feedback on the proposal.
Photo Credit: Development Application A006403679
Opposition and Concerns
The DA received 62 responses from the public. Out of these, 24 people supported the proposal, while 38 were against it.
The people who opposed the proposal had several concerns:
They worried that the development would harm the rural (country-like) feel of the area.
They feared it could lead to more developments in rural areas, setting a bad example.
They were concerned about increased traffic and parking problems.
They were worried about possible flooding.
They questioned the idea of giving one of the lots to the school, especially since that lot might be prone to flooding.
A detailed letter opposing the development outlined several specific concerns, including the potential increase in traffic along Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket Road, and other local streets.
The local warned that the development could exacerbate congestion, particularly at the intersection of Jesmond Road and Cubberla Street, which is already a “dangerous place for school children” during peak times. The letter also raised environmental concerns, noting that the development could displace local wildlife, such as birds, frogs, and echidnas, which are known to inhabit the area.
“Development of 571 Jesmond Road specifically will likely be inconsistent with the ‘rural’ intent for that part of Fig Tree Pocket.”
Photo Credit: Development Application A006403679
Community Support
Some residents have expressed strong support for the subdivision, viewing it as a necessary step to address the area’s housing shortage. One couple who frequently travels to Fig Tree Pocket submitted a letter backing the development.
“Given the three excellent schools in Fig Tree Pocket, this subdivision would go some way towards alleviating these pressures by providing additional, well-located housing options,” they wrote. The couple, who live in Oxley but have a child attending a school in Fig Tree Pocket, highlighted the limited housing availability in the area, noting that many families like theirs are eager to move closer to the schools.
They also praised the proposal to donate land to the state school as a generous act that would benefit the school community.
“We believe the proposed dedication of land to the state school to enable an expansion to their grounds is a generous offer and should deliver significant benefits to that school community,” they stated. Their support is grounded in the belief that the development will serve a community need by offering more housing opportunities while also enhancing local educational facilities.
Brisbane City Council is currently reviewing the application, with a decision expected soon. The proposal has already completed all public notification requirements, and the next steps will involve the council assessing the merits and concerns raised during the community consultation period.
It was a typical day at the local daycare’s parking lot for this Pullenvale dad until he received a phone call with life-changing news about his million-dollar Weekday Windfall win.
The lucky dad was one of two Division One winners in the Weekday Windfall draw 4419, held on Monday, July 22, 2024. His share of the prize amounts to a substantial $1 million, a sum that couldn’t have come at a more opportune time for his family.
Upon receiving the news, the winner expressed his disbelief and shock. He conveyed that the win was beyond his wildest dreams and emphasised how significant this windfall would be for his family’s current situation.
Photo credit: The Lott/Facebook
The father revealed that they had been grappling with financial difficulties and facing mounting bills. This unexpected fortune would allow them to clear all their outstanding debts, providing much-needed relief.
The winning numbers for the draw were 35, 10, 37, 28, 16, and 26, with supplementary numbers 22 and 44. The fortunate father’s entry was a 15-game QuickPick purchased through The Lott app.
As he sat in his car, trying to compose himself before dropping off his child at daycare, the winner shared his plans to immediately call his wife and share the extraordinary news. His voice brimming with emotion, he expressed profound gratitude for this life-changing turn of events.
This Weekday Windfall draw saw two Division One winning entries across Australia, with the other winner located in New South Wales. For this Pullenvale family, the win represents not just a financial boost, but a beacon of hope during challenging times, proving that sometimes, fortune smiles when it’s needed most.
Jack Cartwright, the 25-year-old former pupil of Old Lady of the Rosary School as well as the world’s most successful swimming school, St Peters Lutheran, will make his Olympic debut in the 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay.
Having been a finalist in the World Championships in 2017 at 18 years of age, it has been a long time coming.
The 2023 World Championships team in Fukuoka of Cartwright, Flynn Southam, Kai Taylor and Kyle Chalmers grabbed Gold in 3:10.16 from the Italian team and the USA team. However Kyle Chalmers will be the only sub-48-second swimmer amongst the Australian team. Team USA will have a quartet of sub-48-second athletes in their team and the competition for the medals will be very high.
On Saturday 27 July from 7:00 p.m. Brisbane time, the Mens 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay heats will be the sixth event on the program. The Final will be at 5:44 a.m. Brisbane time, the following morning on Sunday, 28 July.
The Women’s 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay heats will also begin on the 7:00 p.m. program Saturday evening, 27 July. The final will be 5:34 a.m.
By comparison, the Women’s 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay team will go into the event with massive confidence. The Women’s 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay and the 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay could be considered the two very best chances of Gold both in the pool and across the full sporting event program.
Bronte Campbell, ex-student of Kenmore State High School, will carry the Campbell family’s hopes in the 4 x 100. This will be her fourth Olympics and the first without her sister Cate, who has now retired from the sport.
