New Subdivision in Moggill Set to Boost Housing Options

A new 29-lot subdivision has been approved in Moggill, promising to expand housing options for potential homebuyers. 


Read: Treetops at Kenmore: Where Sustainable Living Meets Modern Luxury


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.

subdivision
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.

subdivision
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.


Read: Low Crime Rates Make 4069 Among Brisbane’s Safest Postcodes


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.

Published 22-August-2024

New Flight Paths Set to Increase Aircraft Noise Over Kenmore, Brookfield

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.

Airservices Australia flight path Brisbane north west Kenmore Brookfield
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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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 flight path to reduce aircraft noise
Photo Credit: Airservices Australia

Community Reaction

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.

Published 21-Aug-2024

Fig Tree Pocket Development Faces Backlash as Locals Push Back with Objections

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 Proposal

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.

571 Jesmond Road 68 Cubberla Street Fig Tree Pocket
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.”

571 Jesmond Road 68 Cubberla Street 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.

Published 2-Aug-2024

From Bills to Bliss: Pullenvale Family’s Life-Changing Phone Call

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.


Read: The Heartfelt Tale of Amy Gomes: Kenmore Author with a Lifesaving Pen


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.


Read: Fifteen-Year-Old Snooker Phenom Lilly Meldrum Claims Historic National Title


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.

Published 29-July-2024

The Kenmore Contribution To The 4x100m Olympic Relays Launches

Between 5:34 a.m. and 5:50 a.m. on Sunday morning, Kenmore may have contributed 2 Gold Medals to the Paris Olympics. Well, that’s the dream anyway.


Read: Lilly Meldrum: Kenmore SHS Snooker Prodigy


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.


Read: Kenmore’s Olympic Hero Cate Campbell Announces Retirement


So we can be confident that Kenmore will secure at least one Gold by 5:50 a.m. on Sunday, but could Cartwright and his team make it two?

Stan Sports will have a dedicated channel showing all the Swimming events live.

Bronte Campbell and the 4x100 Women's Freestyle Relay Schedule
Jack Cartwright and the 4x100 Men's Freestyle Relay Schedule

Bellbowrie Local Jayden Brown Rides His Way to Paris 2024

Jayden Brown, a talented equestrian from Bellbowrie, is poised to represent Australia at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This achievement marks a significant milestone in his dressage career, which has been characterised by dedication, natural talent, and a deep connection with his horses.


Read: Kenmore’s Olympic Hero Cate Campbell Announces Retirement


Brown’s journey to Olympic qualification has been impressive. Earlier this year, he secured two top-six finishes at a Grand Prix event in Wellington, UK. Riding Sky Diamond, he placed fifth with a score of 69.969 percent, while aboard Willingapark Quincy B, he finished sixth, scoring 69.478 percent. Both performances met the qualifying standards for the Paris Olympics.

Growing up in Bellbowrie with three older sisters who were all equestrians, Brown was immersed in the world of horse riding from an early age. His formal training began at 13 when he met Jenny Gehrke, one of Australia’s leading riders and coaches, at a pony club. This encounter sparked a two-decade-long mentorship that has been instrumental in shaping Brown’s career.

Brown with his mentor and friend Jenny Gehrke (Photo credit: Jayden Brown/Instagram)

Gehrke speaks highly of her protégé, noting his “great natural position and a great feel and empathy for his horses.” This innate ability has been evident throughout Brown’s career, from his early days competing on his horse Widelo in the World Young Rider championships to his recent successes on the international stage.

Brown’s pursuit of excellence led him to train with Canadian Olympian Leonie Bramall, both in Australia and Europe. This experience broadened his skills and exposed him to top-level international competition. His talent was further showcased when he finished 14th at the World Young Horse Championships in Verden, Germany, riding San Andreas.

Over the years, the 36-year-old dressage rider has divided his time between Australia and Europe, competing on various horses and continually honing his craft. His current success is attributed to the strong partnerships he has formed with his horses, particularly Quincy B and Sky Diamond.

Photo credit: Jayden Brown/Instagram

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Brown expressed gratitude to his supporters, especially Terry and Ginette Snow and the Willinga Park team. He acknowledged the crucial role played by all the horses in his career, with special mention to Quincy B and Sky Diamond for their outstanding performances in securing Olympic qualification.

As Brown prepares for the Paris Olympics, he reflects on the journey with pride and appreciation. “We have officially closed off our qualifying campaign for Paris,” he wrote, “and whatever comes next, I’m super proud of my horses.”


Read: Kenmore Stars Bronte Campbell, Jack Cartwright, and Jaclyn Barclay Shine at 2024 Australian Swimming Trials


With his natural talent, years of dedicated training, and strong bonds with his equine partners, Jayden Brown stands as a promising contender in the upcoming Olympics. 

Published 12-July-2024

Lilly Meldrum: Kenmore SHS Snooker Prodigy

Kenmore State High School’s Lilly Meldrum is rapidly emerging as one of Australia’s brightest young talents in the world of snooker. At just 16 years old, Meldrum has already amassed an impressive collection of titles and achievements that have caught the attention of the international snooker community.



Photo Credit: YouTube / WPBSA

Meldrum’s journey in competitive snooker began at the remarkably young age of nine. By the time she was 10, she had already clinched her first junior national title, setting the stage for what would become a string of impressive victories. To date, she has secured seven national junior snooker titles and two national junior pool titles, demonstrating her versatility across cue sports.

Currently, Meldrum holds the distinction of being the Australian under-18 girls champion, under-21 girls champion, and women’s champion. Perhaps most notably, she etched her name in the annals of Australian snooker history by winning the national women’s snooker title at the age of 15, making her the youngest player ever to achieve this feat.

Meldrum’s talent has not been confined to domestic competitions. She has made significant strides on the international stage, competing in prestigious tournaments such as the World Women’s Snooker Championship and the WSF Junior Championship. In 2023, she reached the semi-finals of the Asia-Pacific Women’s Championship, showcasing her ability to compete at the highest levels of the sport.



The young Kenmore SHS student has also shown promise in mixed-gender competitions. In the 2024 Dr Clem Jones AO Queensland Open Snooker Championship, Meldrum progressed to the last 64, competing against seasoned professionals and amateurs alike.

As Meldrum continues to hone her skills and gain experience in high-level competitions, the snooker world watches with keen interest. Her achievements at such a young age suggest a bright future, potentially following in the footsteps of other Australian snooker greats who have made their mark on the global stage.

Published 8-July-2024

Kenmore’s Olympic Hero Cate Campbell Announces Retirement

Cate Campbell, Kenmore’s own swimming legend and four-time Olympian, has officially announced her retirement from elite swimming. The decision comes after an illustrious career spanning over two decades, marked by numerous world records and Olympic triumphs.

Read: End of an Era: No More Koala Cuddles at Lone Pine Sanctuary

Early beginnings and rise to stardom

Campbell’s journey began in a lake in Malawi, South East Africa, where her mother first taught her to swim. From these humble beginnings, she rose to become a dominant force in Australian swimming. Her talent was first recognized at the 2007 Youth Olympic Games in Sydney, where she won the 50m freestyle at just 14 years old.

Olympic glory and world records

Throughout her career, Campbell amassed an impressive collection of accolades:
– Eight Olympic medals, with four being gold
– Twelve World Championship medals, with four being gold
– Seven world records
– Six Commonwealth Games gold medals

Her prowess in the 100m freestyle is particularly noteworthy, with Campbell holding three of the fastest times in the World All-Time Top Ten.

Campbell’s impact extended beyond individual events. She was a crucial member of Australia’s relay teams, anchoring the 4x100m freestyle relay to three consecutive Olympic victories in London, Rio, and Tokyo. Her relay performances include the four fastest 100m freestyle relay splits ever recorded.

A bittersweet ending

Campbell’s competitive career concluded at the Australian Olympic Trials in Brisbane. On June 15, she finished seventh in the 50m freestyle final, won by Shayna Jack. The day before, Campbell narrowly missed the 100m freestyle final by 0.01 seconds, declining media interviews afterwards. These events marked the end of the four-time Olympic gold medalist’s remarkable journey in competitive swimming.

While Campbell’s immediate plans include supporting her sister Bronte and the Australian team at the Paris Olympics, her long-term future plans remain undisclosed. In her retirement announcement, she expressed gratitude to her support network and fans.

Read: New Heritage Trail in Brookfield: A Journey Through History

Campbell’s retirement marks the end of an era and a new beginning for Australian swimming. Her journey from a local pool in Indooroopilly to the world stage has inspired a new generation of swimmers in the area and across the nation—with enormous shoes to fill.

As Kenmore bids farewell to its swimming queen, Cate Campbell leaves behind a legacy of excellence, perseverance, and sportsmanship that will continue to inspire future generations.

Published 07-July-2024

End of an Era: No More Koala Cuddles at Lone Pine Sanctuary

For decades, famous people like One Direction, Janet Jackson, Roger Federer, and Pope John Paul II have visited the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Fig Tree Pocket for a hands-on encounter with its famed koalas. Effective immediately, however, the wildlife facility has decided to put an end to koala holds and transition to more educational wildlife encounters.



Responding to visitor feedback calling for more in-depth and educational interactions with the wildlife, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary has ended koala holds as of 1 July 2024 and  is set to introduce a new “Koala Close-Up” experience starting 1 September 1 2024. This initiative aims to allow guests to spend more time observing koalas in their natural behaviours, focusing on education over physical interaction.

“Our visitors are increasingly seeking experiences where they can observe our wildlife naturally, without direct contact,” said Lyndon Discombe, the sanctuary’s general manager. “This shift allows us to meet those expectations while fostering a deeper appreciation for koalas and their natural habits.”

Lone Pine Sanctuary
Photo Credit: Supplied

Enhanced Educational Programs

The sanctuary will continue to offer “Koala Moments” and the “Koala Discovery Tour,” designed to educate visitors on koala behaviour, ecology, and care. These programs are tailored to ensure that all interactions are respectful and educational, enhancing visitors’ understanding and appreciation of the species.

“We aim to inspire respect and love for koalas by allowing our guests to see them up close in their natural environment,” added Mr Discombe.

Lone Pine Sanctuary
Photo Credit: Supplied

The Zoo & Aquarium Association (ZAA) Australasia supports Lone Pine’s new educational direction, emphasizing that it aligns with conservation education goals and the need for meaningful wildlife experiences.

Adhering to the highest animal welfare standards, Lone Pine’s interactions are guided by the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and the ZAA’s guidelines, ensuring all wildlife presentations are respectful and beneficial to both animals and visitors.

Famous Koala Cuddles

Historical Significance and Future Directions

Since opening in 1927, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary has grown into a global icon for wildlife conservation. The sanctuary continues to evolve, adding facilities like the Brisbane Koala Science Institute and a nocturnal precinct to enhance educational offerings and conservation efforts.

As Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary phases out koala holds, it reinforces its commitment to providing enriching educational experiences that foster deeper connections between visitors and wildlife. This marks a new chapter in the sanctuary’s history, continuing to be a leading institution in wildlife conservation and education.



Visitors can find more information or book experiences by visiting the sanctuary’s website or exploring the facility at 708 Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket.

Road Resurfacing Project Announced for Kenmore, Kenmore Hills

Kenmore residents can anticipate smoother journeys ahead as plans have been announced for significant road resurfacing projects in the area.


Read: Filming of ‘Darby and Joan’ to Cause Traffic Delays on Brookfield Road


Several key streets in Kenmore have been identified for improvements aimed at enhancing local infrastructure and ensuring road safety.

  • Dumbarton Drive
  • Kersley Road
  • Kilkivan Avenue
  • Tarbet Street

These projects are part of a broader initiative to address community needs and improve the overall quality of suburban roads.

Road resurfacing
Dumbarton Drive (Photo credit: Google Street View)

Following the allocation for these improvements in the 2024/25 Budget, provisions have also been made for the continuation of the Kenmore Road corridor safety improvements project. 

In addition to Kenmore, neighbouring Kenmore Hills will also see significant road resurfacing efforts, which will be at Beilby Road and Creekside Street.

Photo credit: Google Street View 

Recognising the potential for noise and inconvenience during construction, BCC remains dedicated to minimising disruptions through strategic scheduling and clear communication with residents. 

To achieve optimal results and minimise disruptions, temporary road closures will be implemented, along with requests for vehicle removal during working hours. This approach not only ensures the highest quality of resurfacing but also reduces inconvenience for local residents. Some works may occur during night hours or weekends to accommodate high traffic volumes on major roads.


Read: Kenmore Neighbourhood Watch Group Joins Forces With QPS


Regular updates will be provided to ensure transparency and address any concerns that may arise throughout the duration of the projects. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and engaged as these vital infrastructure enhancements unfold in the coming months.

For more details on the scheduled road resurfacing projects in Kenmore and Kenmore Hills, residents are encouraged to visit the Brisbane City Council website.

Published 25-June-2024