Eat, drink, and be merry! ‘Brooky Bite Nite’ returns to The Brookfield Bar at the Brookfield Showgrounds every first Friday of the month, with live music and even a family-friendly film showcase.
Happening on Friday, 1 April 2022, Brooky Bite Nite will kick off at 5:30 p.m. with sumptuous comfort food from Carlos Tacos and BBQ Roadshow whilst an ice cream truck will also be around to sell delightful cold treats for dessert.
At 6:30 p.m., a presentation of the film “Little Vampires” will be underway at the showgrounds, where guests may also enjoy a BYO picnic. Brookfield Show Society in conjunction with Pullenvale Ward Councillor, Greg Adermann, planned this event with the support of the Lord Mayor’s Community Fund in time for the end of Term 1. Bring the kids for a family movie date and some socialisation with friends.
“Litte Vampires” is a story of an 8-year-old boy who tries to save his young vampire friend and his family from a ruthless vampire hunter.
The whole community is welcome to come along and enjoy a wind down for the week . Non-members are definitely welcome and encouraged to visit.
Family-friendly, it’s the perfect way to wind down and welcome the weekend whilst enjoying the vistas across the oval. The Brookfield Bar is your community bar to catch up with old mates and make new ones too!
Thousands of residents have been stranded or isolated as heavy rain and floods inundate South East Queensland, cutting off major arterial roads in West Brisbane. Here’s an update on road closures and safe spaces in Kenmore, Upper Brookfield, Pullenvale, and nearby areas.
As of 6:00 a.m. Monday, 28 Feb 2022, roads in Bellbowrie and Moggill have been unpassable to motorists. Some areas are also isolated as large blocks of rock, as well as mud and water flow, have filled the streets.
Most stores, including essentials like the Pullenvalle Marketplace IGA or Coles in Moggill, are either closed or running with limited staff as workers can’t get through or risk being stranded on the roads.
“Seqwater began releases from Wivenhoe Dam from yesterday morning,” Cr Greg Adermann said. “The first releases downstream of Moggill will reach the city by the time of this morning’s high tide.”
Safe Space for the Stranded
Those stranded on the road but can get to Kenmore District Rugby Club on Hepworth Street are welcome to use the facilities, take a warm shower, recharge their devices, and warm up with food and drinks.
“Kenmore Bears is open for anyone in need of food, drink, shower facilities, somewhere to charge your devices or a safe warm space,” the club stated.
“Donations of towels and food are welcomed, as is anyone able to volunteer their time to assist in cooking/serving. Please feel free to come down to the Club and connect, to find help or to offer it. Please stay safe.”
Checking for Safe Roads
Whilst residents are advised to stay safe and dry at home, some may need to go out for food and other essentials or emergency supplies. They can track which roads are unpassable or safe as updated by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
As of 28 Feb 2022 09:02 a.m., Mashall Lane in Kenmore is passable without delays. However, residents are advised to take precautions as the roads remain slippery.
Power Down in West Brisbane
Meanwhile, more than 800 residents in Kenmore and 150 homes in Upper Brookfield have been without power due to the weather event. Energex said they are working to restore the power back as soon as possible but delays could be expected as the rising waters threaten power substations and homes across the city.
“Remember; while your property or street may be high and dry, the electrical infrastructure that supplies you could be flooded,” Energex said. “While we try to localise de-energisations as much as possible to minimise the impact on everyone; however, safety must come first.”
Did you know that over 80 volunteers participated in last year’s Clean Up Australia Day in the inner western suburbs? In 2022, the clean-up will cover areas around Kenmore Village, with an aim to attract more volunteers who can contribute to enhancing the creek lands.
Cubberla Witton Catchments Network (CWCN) is leading the charge for Clean Up Australia Day at Kenmore. This year’s area will include west to Fig Tree Pocket Road, north to about Ludlow Street and south to about Kersley Road. There are heaps of grounds to cover thus all hands on deck are required.
Volunteers will converge at the corner of Marshall Lane and Moggill Road, Kenmore in the park near the Caltex Service Station before 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, 6 March 2022. Tony Pressland will supervise this worthwhile activity and will provide the gear. However, volunteers are advised to also wear a hat and gloves, apply sunscreen, and bring water to prevent dehydration.
“What better way to help the local environment than to clean up,” CWCN said. “No matter how small or large the piece of rubbish is you bag or collect, our waterways and our wildlife will love you.”
CWCN has been actively organising the annual clean-up in western Brisbane for over two decades. Since the pandemic, however, the amount of waste and disposable face masks have been surging, raising more concerns about its impact on the environment.
“The last two years have seen significant increases in single-use plastics, alongside unprecedented numbers of face masks, takeaway coffee cups and food packaging littering our footpaths, parks and beaches,” Clean Up Australia stated.
“Thousands of Aussies have already signed up for Clean Up Australia Day, but more people are urgently needed to tackle our country’s waste problem as the environment experiences the brutal impact of the pandemic.”
Year-end figures show that Median house and unit prices in the Kenmore property market continued to soar in 2021 with upticks in the double digits amidst a growth spurt in the Brisbane property market due to accessible credit, low stocks, and increasing interstate migration. All these, despite talk of a predicted downturn in the coming months.
Highlights
Kenmore experienced a 21.34 per cent median house price growth from January 2021 to December 2021, with the median ending up at $919,944 by year-end.
The unit market tracked high growth as well 19.54 per cent for the same period with the median unit price closing at $777,000.
Kenmore’s booming property market is low on supply with cheaper interest rates but at under a million for the excellent location, it remains one of the better value buys in Brisbane.
Kenmore Median House Price Growth
According to Property Market Updates, Kenmore median house price grew by 21.34 per cent for the period of January 2021 to December 2021, remaining just under a million and still within the price range of many buyers compared to other suburbs.
For a median house price of $919,944, buyers could acquire a beautiful family home on a large block of land within this well-placed suburb. Kenmore remains one of the locations in the country where homeowners spend less of their annual income for mortgage repayments. Thus, more than 80 per cent of residents could afford to be owner-occupiers as opposed to renters.
During the said 12-month period, 214 properties were sold in Kenmore for an average market listing of 26 days. Four-bedroom properties landed the most deals and closed on the market in under three weeks.
Buyers of Kenmore homes are mostly established families on their second or third property who are likely long-stayers with kids that go to go schools within the catchment. Thus, the Kenmore property market remains strong and high in demand with double the average of property visits for Queensland homes in general, according to realestate.com.au.
Kenmore Median Unit Price Growth
The unit market in Kenmore picked up by 19.54 per cent for the same time period, with the median unit price closing at $777,000. Since stocks are down, only 45 unit properties were sold with an average of 16 days on market.
Some unit investors pick Kenmore during their transition from urban living in the inner cities to a more family-focused suburban lifestyle. Interstate buyers, on the other hand, go for this suburb when they’ve been locked out of markets like Indooroopilly.
The unit market growth in Kenmore reflects how it is playing catch up to the divergence between houses and unit prices in Brisbane’s two-speed market.
About Kenmore
More than five years ago, this humble suburb in the west had a median house price under $500,000 and whilst its growth has been tracking upward since then, properties in Kenmore remain very reasonable and affordable for many buyers. Thus, Kenmore’s appeal as a well-priced family suburb has made it one of the sought-after locations in Brisbane.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
This locale is highly-regarded for having everything residents want — good schools, sporting fields, dining and shopping precincts, parks and recreational spots.
Kenmore draws a feeling of community without that disconnect from urban living. It has a substantial transport system with buses frequently plying along Moggill Road, taking residents to their jobs in the city or the university. It’s also quite near the train station in Indooroopilly and very accessible to the western suburbs’ major road networks.
Kenmore is dotted with plenty of brick houses originally built in the 50s or 60s, with residents who have the money to do renovation projects to upgrade their homes and improve their gardens.
“Mostly big yards, separate houses and super friendly community. Leafy tree-lined streets, suburban walking and close to both Mount Cootha and Brisbane. Very central for access to other suburbs. Good cafes, churches, sports grounds and clubs. People stop and talk in the street. Low crime.”
Jason
“Excellent suburb within 10 kms from the city centre. Large leafy suburban lots and homes are perfect for the family. Top-rated public and private schools in the suburb. Homes still affordable as compared to homes in Indooroopilly & Fig Tree Pocket just one suburb over.”
Tej
“We moved from Toowong, reluctantly, when we bought here in late 2011. I am so glad we did. It is a great suburb for families, very safe, 3 primary schools to choose from just in the suburb and two excellent high schools in it or nearby (Indooroopilly State being the second). People are actually friendly, not in your face, but friendly. Much more so that in the more student/young professionals domain of Toowong. The buses are great, regular and able to connect you to everywhere via the Indooroopilly bus station. There is a bus that goes straight to UQ (University of Qld) too. There is an abundance of shops, farmers markets etc for groceries (including the 3 major supermarkets) and it is a short drive to either Indooroopilly or Mount Ommaney for everything else.”
Do you miss the Brookfield Markets? The New Brookfield Markets is here and it’s kicking off in February 2022, serving delicious food, coffee, and entertainment!
Presented by JAMboree Events, it’s a FREE event that lets you shop and meet up with friends, or bond as a family. There will be live music for adults whilst little ones will be entertained with face painting and a play area with kids toys.
Photo credit: The New Brookfield Markets/Facebook
For those who would love to go out to shop, there will be a lot of stalls on-site featuring a variety of goods. You can shop for fresh produce such as vegetables, fresh seafood, and dairy as well as baked goods, handcrafted items, and clothing.
Photo credit: The New Brookfield Markets/Facebook
If you like locally grown coffee, you can grab some coffee beans from Savages Coffee, which is one of the stalls at the New Brookfield Markets. They grow their coffee right in Brookfield, on their farm from Savages Road.
Then shop for a cause and check out The Fig Tree Gift Shop, one of their charity and community stalls that sells gifts and donate 50% of the sale to The Fig Tree Children.
Photo credit: The New Brookfield Markets/Facebook
Plus, it’s a dog-friendly event, so you can bring your fur babies with you! They got pets covered with Floofy Patisserie, a patisserie which specialises in natural and tasty treats for dogs.
JAMboree Events also run the Pullenvale Markets, which is held at the Grandview Road in Pullenvale. Like the Brookfield Markets, the Pullenvale Markets is held monthly and features fantastic products and services with every stall.
Photo credit: The New Brookfield Markets/Facebook
For more details about the upcoming New Brookfield Markets and know the rest of its 2022 schedule, follow @thenewbrookfieldmarkets on Facebook and on Instagram.
A petition to turn Bellbowrie Shopping Plaza into a community space or a public service site has been created following the departure of Coles, its anchor tenant, and other businesses in early 2021.
The owner of the plaza has reportedly been in talks to bring in IGA but with no confirmation or official announcements on the deal, Greens for Ryan MP Elizabeth Watson-Brown started a petition to revitalise the commercial precinct as a public space.
Ms Ryan said that while the plaza is not yet vacant and small retailers continue to trade and thrive, there are large and under-utilised sections in the property that could be repurposed into other potential public facilities.
She suggested that these vacant spaces be turned into any of the following, pending community consultations:
A public high school, taking pressure off Kenmore and Indooroopilly State High Schools
A transit hub with a light rail or busway across the river via Riverhills to Darra, giving commuters a reliable and traffic-free route into the city
Public specialist medical services, functioning as a satellite hospital for the western suburbs
A library with meeting rooms, or other community facilities
Ms Ryan also pointed out that the growing population in Bellbowrie has been lacking in public services for years.
“This would be a perfect location to fill a need for public services in the area,” she said.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Ms Ryan thought that putting an elevated high school or a similar community facility in a former shopping precinct would be ideal since this is a walkable area.
“Studies suggest secondary-age students will walk or bike to school if there’s a safe route taking about that time or less. Right now almost every secondary student in the area must be driven to school and back.”
However, some of the residents said that Bellbowrie Shopping Plaza is a flood-prone area which was partly why Coles vacated the site. The MP said that the flooding issues should be accounted for in the community consultations, which will entail coming up with a good design solution.
“The site is not completely deserted, but our suggestions don’t necessitate that the whole site is used – the vacant lot portion alone could fit a high school or transit hub as we’re suggesting,” Ms Ryan added.
“I’d love to see the site become a nexus of community activity and there’s no reason that can’t include businesses.”
Refurbishment Plans Lodged
However, in November 2021, Planning Solutions filed a development application (DA A005894017) on behalf of the plaza’s owners to build an elevated car parking area on the property.
Photo Credit: Developmenti/BCC
Sparc Architects was hired for the designs that will provide shoppers with direct access to the supermarket section from the elevated car park. The plans also underscored a refurbishment of the centre to improve customer experience and amenities.
“It is proposed to renovate the existing Centre and to improve shopper convenience and amenity. The existing supermarket at (circa 2020) the eastern end of the shopping centre was built at RL 13.1m AHD to meet flood immunity standards applicable at the time, and it is proposed to raise the level of the adjacent car park (from a surface level of 11.5m AHD) to 12.92m AHD to be at a similar level as the supermarket floor to cater for ease of movement for customers and for ‘click and collect’ services and also to increase its flood immunity.”
Old and established Brisbane suburbs with large blocks of land, such as the Kenmore property market, remain in demand with buyers seeking opportunities to buy and renovate a home. This demand has set off Kenmore’s growth of more than 15 per cent during the 12-month period ending September 2021.
Highlights
The Kenmore property market had a substantial 15.16 per cent increase for the period of October 2020 to September 2021. On the other hand, the unit market had a slight increase of 1.81 per cent for the same period.
The median house price for this period has reached $870,000 whilst the median unit price settled at $690,750
Property values in Kenmore have consistently tracked an upward trend for the past few years.
Kenmore House Price Growth
According to Property Market Updates, Kenmore had a 15.16 per cent rise during the period of October 2020 to September 2021, which has placed the median house price at $870,000, up from $755,700 in the previous year.
For this said period, 200 houses were sold in Kenmore within an average of 30 days on the market, showing strong buyers’ competition. Most of these buyers have been looking to invest in their second or third house as their family grows.
Four-bedroom homes have had the highest sales in Kenmore, driving the house price growth upward. However, it’s three-bedroom properties that sold the fastest at 17 days on the market.
Kenmore’s apartment market for October 2020 to September 2021 had minimal growth at 1.81 per cent with a median unit price of $690,750, a small bump from $687,477 in the previous year.
Thirty-two units were sold during this period for an average market listing of 22 days. Unit dwellers in Kenmore consist of locals, downsizers, or retirees who still want to remain close to the city. Some, however, are investors who rent out their units whilst they stay in bigger homes within the suburb.
Unit prices in Kenmore, however, have consistently trended upward despite modest numbers.
About Kenmore
Buyers appreciate that they get more value for money in the Kenmore property market, especially for those who are transitioning from inner city life to a more suburban family lifestyle. Kenmore is also attractive to investors who have heaps of ideas and the budget for renovating and updating an old home.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Whilst Kenmore has consistently reflected property growth in more than five years, the property remains affordable compared to other suburbs in Brisbane. This western suburb provides residents with all that they need and there is an active community for every age group.
“There’s a lot of brick houses owned by people with enough money to renovate when it gets too dated. Also, it seems like a lot of people live quite nicely without the flashy gardens”
Bob
“Fantastic location close to the city and great access once the tunnel opens to the north as well as easy times to South via great mtr way. Good schools and nice ressys for a cheap night out for the family. Lone pine for the tourist in all of us plus access including boat ramp for the river person. Good neighbours are easy to find and some streets have great street family appeal.”
Chopster
“Alkina Street in Kenmore is a quiet street, despite being so close to the shopping centers etc. Big pluses here are that everything is walkable. There are numerous restaurants, a gym, video store, massive pet store and a medical center opposite Alkina street, along Marshall Lane. Wongabel street houses a post office, hairdressers, computer store, more places to eat, coffee shops, newsagent, bakery.”
An application to establish a service station at Moggill Road has drawn mixed reactions among local residents.
The approved proposal of Wessel Petroleum involves the development of a service station at 2250 Moggill Road, Brookfield. The building will cover a gross floor area of 287sqm with a maximum height of approximately 5.86 metres.
The development will also provide 13 car parking spaces including one disability parking space, as well as 10 car spaces in the refuelling canopy area and two staff spaces.
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au
The application also proposes the “rectification of the illegal earthworks” performed by its previous owner to “reinstate the flows in the waterway” as well implement substantial revegetation and rehabilitation of the subject site.
Approval Granted
Brisbane City Council approved development application A005600514 in late November 2021 citing, among other reasons, that the proposal undertakes reasonable measures to avoid and mitigate potential impacts the development will cause on biodiversity, as well as protect aquatic habitats, water quality, fish passages, and downstream fisheries.
Moreover, the proposal includes a Rehabilitation Management Plan involving mitigation measures and site rehabilitation including weed management, ecological reconstruction, revegetation, and rehabilitation of degraded minor watercourse.
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au
Local Dissent
The proposal elicited 251 submissions with a majority expressing their opposition citing several reasons including potential ecological impacts, traffic congestion, and the lack of need for such a development.
“This is too close to Moggill Creek and too close to the major water pipeline. We do not need another petrol station in the district.” – S.
“There are so few Platypuses left in our city area please don’t sign the death knell on these and other wildlife in the creek zone. Financial gain for a few are not worth the long term cost to the environment and the quality of life in the Brookfield area.” – G.S.
“Moggill Road is already congested and Council/State Government can’t seem to do anything to remedy this situation. This development will only add to the traffic congestion and risk of accidents with the coming and going of cars in and out of the service station.” – Anonymous
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au
There are, however, those who support the plan as they feel that competition will help bring down fuel prices. Others welcome the development because it will answer the need for more service stations in the area.
“Fuel prices along Moggill road are consistently higher than typical Brisbane pricing. More competition is needed.” – Anonymous
“In my opinion this development provides two things. Competitive tension in the fuel retail business in the area and an alternative to Moggill and Kenmore fuel stations. In addition, a fuel station will provide a “safe haven” and refreshment stop for cyclists in the area or those enroute to Mt Crosby and Ipswich. An excellent use for this land provided all environmental needs are addressed.” – Anonymous
“There is a definite need for this kind of business along the main western commute. Kenmore facilities are constantly busy, contributing to existing traffic issues and the closest station is then either brookfield or karana downs which is some 15kms away.” – Anonymous
Off-road cyclists will soon have more spaces to explore as plans to create new biking tracks and off-road facilities across Brisbane, including several locations within the Pullenvale Ward, have been released.
Council unveiled the Brisbane Off-Road Cycling Strategy in December 2021 to meet the needs of a rapidly growing community of cyclists. Aiming to deliver “a safe, well-planned and connected network of facilities that protect Brisbane’s natural environment,” inputs for this strategy were gathered following community consultations since 2109.
These consultations included outdoor and cycling groups or clubs, park visitors, bushwalkers and runners, community conservation and environment groups, schools, cycling trainers and coaches, residents, as well as the Queensland Government. About 89 percent of the respondents expressed their support for more off-road cycling facilities.
John Sprent Reserve and Priors Pocket Road Park at Moggill
Platypus Park and Marstaeller Road Reserve at Mount Crosby
Changing Mountain Bushland
Dandy’s Road Bushland
Kholo Bushland Reserve
Shelley Road Park, Kholo
Primley Street Park, Pullenvale
Tuckett Street Park, Kenmore Hills
Per Council, the locations will be further studied “in the next five years and are subject to further detailed design, budget and environmental assessment.”
Off-road cycling sites will cover four types:
a leisurely family bicycle ride along a trail or track
a more technically challenging mountain bike ride with obstacles and climbing
a session with the kids at a pump track, skills track, or dirt jumps
participation by people of all ages and abilities in mountain bike riding, gravel riding, or in a cyclo-cross race
technological advancements such as e-bikes, web-based systems and apps such as Strava and user generated content such as Trailforks
growing demand for individualised, unstructured recreation
preferences for screen time over nature time resulting in ‘nature deficit’, particularly in young people
opportunities for off-road cycling to be used as a tool to engage wider sectors of the community to stimulate interest in active lifestyles, stewardship of bushland reserves or wider social inclusion
“This strategy balances conservation of the natural environment with opportunities for people of different ages and abilities to enjoy Brisbane’s unique parks and natural areas,” Council stated.
Did you know that a replica of the surface of the moon has been built at a Pullenvale facility to help the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation test space exploration equipment in a lunar environment?
Dubbed the In-situ Resource Utilisation (ISRU) Facility, the Pullenvale site within the Queensland Centre for Advanced Technologies has a sealed dust area with fabricated moon dust, pits for smaller-scale tests, and a mission control room where rovers, payloads, and other related equipment may be remotely controlled.
CSIRO Space Program Director Dr Kimberley Clayfield said that the Pullenvale facility is “the latest example of our commitment to stimulating innovation, supporting industry and solving the greatest challenges through space science, technology, and exploration.”
The Australian national science agency designed the specialised simulator to help scientists test equipment and machines in the moon-like environment to see how these will fare in future lunar missions.
Photo Credit: CSIRO
CSIRO ISRU Project Leader Dr Jonathon Ralston said that since the moon’s actual surface has sharp, powdery, and electrostatically-charged dust that “sticks to everything,” this simulator will help the experts come up with the right solutions.
“Our facility offers technology developers the opportunity to test their equipment closer to home, in a safe environment to find solutions to this dusty problem,” Dr Ralston said.
“Our ability to simulate the lunar terrain at this scale is an exciting advancement for the development of space technology in Australia,” Dr Clayfield said.
“We’re looking forward to working with researchers and businesses from across the space sector to test their technology and systems for future space missions.”
