kenmore Archives - Page 7 of 13

Road Closures, Alternatives, and Safe Spaces in Kenmore, Nearby Areas

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.

Residents may check for outage and restoration updates on the Energex site.

“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.”

For electrical safety concerns, especially damaged electrical infrastructure, residents may phone 13 19 62.

Volunteers Welcome for Clean Up Australia Day in Kenmore

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.”

Volunteers in Kenmore may ring Mr Pressland via 0407039899 to express their interest to participate or simply come to the meet-up place on 6 March.

Kenmore Property Market Shows Double-Digit Growth at End of 2021

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.

Kenmore property market — 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.”
Victoria

Kenmore Property Market Remains In Demand With 15% Median Growth

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.

Kenmore median house price growth — Photo Credit: Property Market Updates

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 Unit Price Growth

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.

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.”
Paladin

Kenmore Property Market Shows Strong and Steady Growth

Highly sought-after suburbs like Kenmore that show strong, steady growth over time remain among the top choices of buyers, as Brisbane property values are expected to perform consistently well over the next few years.

From July 2020 to June 2021, the median house price in Kenmore is at $820,000, a 13.57% rise from the previous period. Data from Property Market Updates showed that over 195 houses sold within the 12-month period. House listings stayed on the market for an average of 39 days, reflecting the competitiveness of buyers who show a distinct preference for the large detached houses on spacious blocks found in the suburb.

The biggest sale during this period was a resort-style six-bedroom house for $3,400,000. Located on Annabel Street, the property has 1,391 square metres of living space with more than 800 square metres of garden space, including a poolside pavilion. It’s perfectly positioned close to parklands, primary and secondary schools, the popular Kenmore Village Shopping Centre, and the Legacy Way tunnel.

In the last five years, the median house price has increased by 28.13%, from $640,000 in mid-2016 to $820,000 today. Over the last 10 years, house prices have increased by a solid 54.43%, from the 2011 median house price of $531,000.

Unit Price Growth

From July 2020 to June 2021, Kenmore’s unit properties still performed better than most apartment markets in Brisbane. Unit median price growth has been modest but still showing steady growth at 3.88%, listing at an average of $670,000. Some 26 apartment properties in Kenmore spent 50 days on market.

Most of the buyers are downsizers and retirees who likely have houses in the suburb but now prefer a smaller dwelling to maintain. Approximately 15% of the population in Kenmore rent their homes, much lower than the average rental population in Brisbane.

Mid- and long-term unit price growth has been consistent, though modest. In the last five years, the median unit price has increased by 5.68%, with the 2016 median pegged at $634,000. Over the last 10 years, unit prices have increased by 19.64% from $560,000 in 2011 to $670,000 in June 2021.

Why Kenmore?

The great weather, laid-back lifestyle, and dynamic housing market in the Brisbane area (and QLD as a whole) are major attractions to move interstate. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, one person in four people who move interstate in the country is someone relocating from NSW to QLD.

Kenmore is considered to be a highly appealing option to interstate buyers, with buyers from out of state pleased at how much bang for their buck they are able to get, particularly those used to more cramped dwelling spaces elsewhere.

Overall, Kenmore is attractive because of its relative proximity to Brisbane airport, its comfortable median house price, and the spacious blocks with large, detached houses that the area is known for.

Many of those who have moved into Kenmore are keen on transitioning to long-term suburban living whilst maintaining other properties closer to the city.

Although the suburb measures just approximately 5.8 square kilometres, there are 18 parks covering nearly 6.7% of the total area, presenting a refreshing contrast to the busy bustle of the CBD which is also not that far away.

Far from being disconnected to the downtown area, it has incredible access to transportation along Moggill Road, and its tree-lined streets, quiet neighbourhood, and walkable surroundings have everything buyers look for.

Kenmore Hills

Serious buyers looking to move to quiet, well-off surrounds also consider neighbouring Kenmore Hills, where properties spend an average of 49 days on market with a median house price that sits just above $1 million. The median house price in Kenmore Hills grew by 10% this 12-month period ending June 2021, quite a good showing for this tightly held suburb.

Your Little Artists Can Get Creative for Dad at the Brookfield Markets

Father’s Day is coming up! If you have little children, there will be a fun opportunity for them to make Dad something special at the Brookfield Markets.

On Saturday, 4 Sept 2021, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Kenmore West Kindy will have a maker’s table prepared for little artists to unleash their creativity and make a special card, artwork, or handmade gift for Dad.

Look for Children’s Area at the event, which is usually set up every first Saturday of the month at the Brookfield Markets. This special children’s section, with a dedicated theme per month, has been a popular site for families who keep their young ones engaged whilst parents finish their market day.

The Brookfield Markets showcase high-quality produce and ingredients from local providers, including heaps of pickled food, jams, or chutneys to go with fresh bread and drinks, meats or fish, desserts and sweets, gardening products, as well as homeware and arts and crafts supplies.

*Photo Credit:* BrookfieldMarkets/Facebook

Some families come by to have their healthy breakfast with the rest of the community, with some stalls offering vegan and gluten-free options. This family-oriented and dog-friendly event is held twice a month with ample parking spaces along Brookfield Road.

For updates about the market, follow their Facebook Page.

New Kenmore Community Hub Design Revealed

The design for the new Kenmore Community Hub has been released, showing the ideas that will be incorporated in the upgrade, transformation, and modernisation of the facilities which house the Kenmore Men’s Shed, Kenmore Bridge Club, and e-Waste Connection on 98 Brookfield Road.

Cr Greg Adermann confirmed that $1.5 million in funds was secured from federal funding, through Member for Ryan Julian Simmond, to facilitate the construction of the new Kenmore Community Hub.

“The first task we had was getting the right design for the site, one that would increase space for all three community groups and allow for easy access for all their members,” Mr Simmonds said.

“This design not only transforms the space but it delivers a larger, more modern facility that will allow these very popular groups room to grow.”

Cr Adermann said that Kenmore Men’s Shed, Kenmore Bridge Club, and e-Waste Connection have been asking for a better space for events and parking, as well as improved accessibility for people with disabilities and improved traffic flow at the Brookfield Road entrance.

Kenmore Men’s Shed is composed of men of all ages who engage in productive activities like woodworking, woodturning, woodcarving, furniture repairs, toy making, metalwork, leatherwork, and pyrography. The group conducts other social and educational activities at their headquarters.

Kenmore Bridge Club has been a longstanding social club, with at least 200 players, where members challenge each other to a game of bridge.

e-Waste Connection is a social enterprise that promotes electronic waste recycling. The club was also established to provide people with disabilities a place for developing their skills and building friendships.

With fundings secured, the next step of this project is to lodge a Development Application after finalising consultations with involved parties. Cr Adermann said he will update the community on the progress of this project in the coming months.

Kerbside Collection: When Will Pick-Up Resume in Kenmore & Surrounding Suburbs?

After more than a year’s hiatus, kerbside collection service will be restarting in July 2021. Here’s what residents of Kenmore, Kenmore Hills, Brookfield, Pullenvale and Fig Tree Pocket can expect.

After releasing the budget for the 2021-2022 financial year, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner confirmed that kerbside collection will be back one year earlier than planned.

In April 2020, Mr Schrinner suspended the operations for at least two years, or until July 2022, to direct the service’s expenses to Council’s other initiatives. Despite the unpopular decision, Council used the funds to help struggling small businesses and community groups as a result of the pandemic lockdowns.

“We will start with the suburbs where it was paused…we’ll go back there and then start again in the normal way,” Mr Schinner said in announcing the service’s return.

Here’s the updated kerbside collection schedules for the following suburbs:

DATE	SUBURB
Kenmore Kenmore Hills	26 July 2021
Brookfield Fig Tree Pocket Pullenvale	02 Aug 2021

* Schedules are updated continuously as needed.

SEE UPDATED KERBSIDE COLLECTION SCHEDULE

Prior to the updates, some residents informed Pullenvale Ward Councillor Greg Adermann that Kenmore, Kenmore Hills and Brookfield should be among the first suburbs to restart the service after they saw Council’s page showing a different date.

Photo Credit: Screengrabbed from Council’s official site

“[Kerbside collection] was paused on 3rd of April 2020, not May,” said a local, Ben Ponting, on Mr Adermann’s Facebook page. “Brookfield, Chapel Hill, Kenmore and Kenmore Hills were due to start 27th April 2020.”

“Kenmore was supposed to have their kerbside collection in April 2020 yet the new schedule says Kenmore is only getting kerbside collection in June 2022,” Melinda Waldeck said. “Since kerbside collection was paused in March 2020, if the statement about the starting in July with the suburbs where it was paused is correct then Kenmore should be scheduled to have kerbside collection in August 2021. Kenmore’s last kerbside collection was April 2019, so if we aren’t scheduled until June 2022 it will be over 3 years between collections!”

Cr Adermann was quick to reassure concerned locals and updated them about the situation.

“After receiving a large number of enquiries from local residents, I made enquiries which confirmed that the scheduled services to these areas were postponed just before they were due in April 2020, meaning they should have been among the first to receive a collection upon the resumption of kerbside collection,” he pointed out.

“To Council’s credit, they acknowledged this oversight and today agreed to my request to amend the collection schedule … Council’s website has been amended to reflect these changes,” he added.

Meanwhile, Brisbane residents are encouraged to check the list of items that are acceptable and not acceptable for kerbside collection so that nothing will be left behind by their kerb. Uncollected and improper disposal of household wastes could lead to an illegal dumping fine.

Notorious Kenmore Rd Intersection to Increase Safety With New Upgrades

The notoriously problematic intersection of Kenmore Rd and Fig Tree Pocket Rd is due to receive some new upgrades that can minimise danger and increase capacity.

In May 2021, Brisbane City Council announced the successful allocation of funds to upgrade the notorious Kenmore Rd Intersection, an area that has seen two significant crashes between 2013 and 2018. Both of these crashes involved motorists turning right out of Fig Tree Pocket Rd and failing to give way to westbound traffic on Kenmore Rd.

As a result of these crashes and local clamor for improvement, Council has opted to draft designs to improve the safety of the intersection. These drafts entail the realignment of the south of Fig Tree Pocket Rd to create a new four-way intersection with Errogie Place, as well as the construction of new traffic lights. Pedestrian crossings will also be installed at the traffic lights, and the footpaths in the area are due to receive some improvements.

Further updates revealed that the new design and layout of the upgraded intersection and the new traffic lights have been designed to forecast future traffic volumes to guarantee that these upgrades help the intersection operate safely, efficiently, and within capacity. These will be accomplished with the addition of new turning lanes on Kenmore Rd and both legs of Fig Tree Pocket Rd.

Six months after these upgrades have been implemented, a post-construction survey will be released to check if the intersection is operating as predicted.

A new 4-lane bypass has also been proposed that will reconfigure the Centenary Motorway and the Fig Tree Pocket interchange, linking the former directly to Moggill Rd. The project also entails the reconfiguration of Gem Rd to pass under the bypass, linking it directly to Sunset Rd. A shared off-road pedestrian and cyclist path will also be provided along the entire bypass route, connected to the Centenary Bikeway.

This proposal aims to increase safety, capacity, network efficiency, and traffic flow while simultaneously reducing congestion during peak hours and travel time. Though the proposal to build the new Kenmore bypass currently lacks funding. Those interested in learning more about the proposal can read about it here.

City Cave to Open Latest Wellness Centre in Kenmore

By the end of May 2021, Kenmore will welcome its first-ever City Cave float and wellness centre, providing the local community with float therapy, infrared saunas, and massage treatments.

City Cave franchise owners Taylor Fielding and Matt Joudo are excited to announce the opening of the Kenmore branch, their 20th launch across Queensland. Mr Joudo commented on Kenmore’s potential after noticing that the area has plenty of gym and fitness facilities, but no wellness centres.

“City Cave Kenmore is an opportunity for us to make a difference in people’s lives with healthcare solutions that support relaxation and recovery from the toils of everyday life, exercise, stress and anxiety,” Mr Fielding said.

Matt Joudo (left) and Taylor Fielding (right).
Photo credit: City Cave

Some of the services provided by City Cave include float therapy, which involves getting into a special pool of water suffused with 400 kg of Epsom salts. The water will be set to skin temperature at 34.5 degrees Celsius to create total sensory deprivation.

Customers will be given a choice of calming music or complete silence for the purpose of deep relaxation.

Infrared saunas will also be available. These are particularly beneficial as they heat the bodies of customers in the same way that the sun would but without fear of UV damage. The heat penetrates to soothe the joints and muscles. This technology aims to relax and detoxify the body, relieving pain and purifying the skin while increasing circulation.

City Cave also provides classic massage therapy, an excellent partner to the deep relaxation provided by float therapy. Floating before massages speeds up the process of muscles relaxing, which in turn gives the massage therapist more time to work. On the other hand, floating after massages makes for a relaxing and therapeutic experience.

Each service has been created to provide customers with the treatment necessary to heal the mind and the body.

“It’s not just physical health either; mental health has become such a big focus of everyday life, particularly since the pandemic, and our new centre also caters to that part of the holistic wellness journey,” Mr Joudo adds.

The wellness centre is scheduled to open in late May 2021 at 10 Brookfield Rd, Kenmore. For more information, visit their website here. Follow their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates concerning the venue, deals, dates, and other special announcements.