Eagle Farm Archives - Hamilton Today

Eagle Farm Transforms into a Global Circus Village for a Returning Hometown Star

A massive touring village requiring 120 crew members and 17,000 square metres of space is currently taking shape at Eagle Farm to host an international circus production led by a former Brisbane ballet student.

A Childhood Realised

How often does a childhood fantasy become a globetrotting reality? For local performer Mitch, the journey started as a 15-year-old ballet student captivated by a video of Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA. He watched the enigmatic Trickster character bind the entire performance together with magnetic energy, never imagining he would eventually step into those very shoes.

Fast forward to today, and strong ticket sales have prompted organisers to extend the Brisbane season until October 4, 2026. The spectacular run kicks off under the big top on August 1. After performing the lead role to crowds worldwide, Mitch expressed that stepping onto the stage in front of his family and friends feels like a deeply meaningful full-circle moment.

Building of a World Wonder

Transforming a quiet suburb into an entertainment hub takes serious manpower. Seven days. That is exactly how long it takes a dedicated crew to pitch the towering 56-foot tent capable of seating 2,500 eager spectators. KOOZA translates from Sanskrit as a box or treasure, effectively serving as a circus packed into a magical container.

Inside this massive venue, 53 artists hailing from 19 different countries deliver mind-bending acrobatics. They explore deep human themes of fear, identity, and power while balancing extreme physical strength with delicate fragility.

Sights and Sounds of the Big Top

The visual and auditory scale of this production is staggering. Audiences are immersed in a live, pulsating soundtrack that fuses 1970s funk with orchestral arrangements and traditional Indian music, driven each night by six musicians and two singers. Visually, the stage explodes with colour through more than 1,200 handmade costume pieces crafted in Montreal.

One standout army outfit features 400 individually sewn metallic flaps, creating a convincing illusion of heavy armour. This travelling powerhouse has mesmerised more than 10 million people across 23 countries since its 2007 debut, proving that the magic of the circus remains as captivating as ever.

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Published Date 28-July-2026

Meet the Robot Mowers Working Around the Clock at Brisbane Airport

Brisbane Airport

Brisbane Airport has become the first major airport in Australia to trial a fleet of autonomous robot mowers, deploying four machines across its 919-hectare airside precinct in a move that will save more than 60,000 litres of diesel fuel every year.

The robot mowers, now operating on the airfield adjacent to the Hamilton and Eagle Farm precinct, run day and night on a mix of solar energy and the airport’s renewables-backed electrical network. They maintain grassed areas continuously rather than in scheduled bursts, a fundamental shift in how airside vegetation management is handled at one of the country’s busiest aviation hubs.

For Brisbane Airport, which processes more than 23 million passenger movements per year and sits across a land footprint equivalent to 54 South Bank Parklands, keeping the grass cut is not a cosmetic concern. It is a safety requirement.

Overgrown grass attracts wildlife, and wildlife on or near runways is one of the most persistent hazards in civil aviation. The robot fleet addresses that risk around the clock, significantly reducing the amount of time staff need to spend working in active airside zones.

The machines and how they stay in bounds

Each robot mower operates within a defined zone maintained by a combination of onboard sensors, geofencing and a physical barrier. The system keeps the machines away from active runways and taxiways, and they navigate autonomously without manual intervention once deployed. If something unexpected enters their path, they stop or redirect.

The continuous mowing cycle produces a secondary benefit that is less obvious but genuinely useful. Because the grass is cut little and often rather than in periodic heavy passes, the process selectively encourages healthier grass species to establish and allows the airport to reduce its use of herbicides across the airfield. The result, in the airport’s own assessment, is greener and more resilient grass than conventional mowing produces.

“These robot mowers might be small, but their impact is significant,” said Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff. “Unlike conventional mowing, which must be scheduled around air traffic and staff availability, these robotic mowers can operate day and night. This reduces disruption to flights and the need for manual mowing, helping to maintain our airfield while keeping safety front and centre.”

Part of a longer sustainability journey

The robot mower trial is the latest in a series of technology-driven sustainability initiatives at Brisbane Airport stretching back several years. The airport deployed Australia’s first all-electric aircraft refueller through Air BP in 2022 and introduced Oscar, an AI-powered smart recycling assistant, into its terminals the same year.

In 2023, it became the first Australian airport to achieve Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 4: Transformation, the highest level of the globally recognised accreditation programme. It also accelerated its Net Zero target by 25 years, committing to reach net zero scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2025.

Brisbane Airport Head of Sustainability Jess Rudd said the autonomous mowers align directly with that longer-term commitment. The 60,000-plus litres of diesel saved annually represent a meaningful reduction in operational emissions from ground maintenance alone, replacing fuel-heavy machinery that has historically run for long hours across the airfield.

“Our innovation programme is about trialling and scaling technology that delivers real results,” said Oscar Maan, Brisbane Airport’s Innovation Lead. “These autonomous mowers show how that approach is already making a difference on the ground.”

What comes next

The current pilot covers a growing portion of the airside land area, with the fleet expected to expand into additional zones over time. How quickly that expansion happens will depend on the programme’s ongoing performance assessments, but the airport has signalled clearly that scaling the technology is the intention rather than keeping it confined to a trial footprint.

Brisbane Airport sits within the City of Moreton Bay and Brisbane City boundary near Hamilton, Pinkenba and Eagle Farm, and its operations connect the region to more than 50 domestic and international destinations.

Further information on Brisbane Airport’s sustainability programme is available here.

Published 26-June-2026

Slideways Brings Multi-Level Track Experience to Eagle Farm

Photo Credit: Slideways Go Karting/Facebook

A multi-level indoor go-karting facility in Eagle Farm is offering a unique racing experience designed for drivers of all ages and skill levels.

Purpose-Built Track for Sliding and Drifting

Slideways Go Karting Brisbane, located at 870 Kingsford Smith Drive, is the only two-storey indoor go-kart track in Brisbane. The 425-metre circuit features sweeping turns, elevation changes, an outdoor loop, and a custom-designed track surface that allows karts to drift.

Designed by Slideways Go Karting Australia, the venue caters to first-time drivers and experienced racers alike, with a focus on both fun and speed. Lap times are tracked to the nearest thousandth of a second, with the fastest laps recorded monthly.

Facilities and Access

The venue is fully indoors, making it an all-weather option for individuals, families, and group events. Spectator areas, car parking, a café, and barbecue facilities are available on site. Slideways is accessible within 15 minutes from Brisbane CBD and only 10 minutes from the airport, making it a convenient option.

Brisbane karting crentre — *Photo Credit: Slideways Go Karting/Facebook*

Kart Options for All Ages

Slideways operates a fleet of European CRG karts powered by 9-horsepower four-stroke Honda engines. These are used across different session types based on age, height, and weight.

Cadet karts: for drivers aged 7+ and 120cm+
Intermediate karts: for ages 11+ and 145cm+
Pro karts: for ages 14+ and 145cm+, used during advanced sessions

All karts are limited to a maximum driver weight of 130kg.

Booking Requirements and Safety Guidelines

Bookings are essential, either via phone on (07) 3868 2225 or the official website. Adjustable seats and pedals cater to driver comfort. Safety measures are enforced by trained track marshals. Those with specific health conditions or who are pregnant are advised not to participate.

Eagle Farm karting — *Photo Credit: Slideways Go Karting/Facebook*

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Slideways hosts regular midweek events, including Wednesday race nights and discounted sessions on Cheap Tuesdays, exclusive to the Eagle Farm and Nerang locations.

Published 27-May-2025

Eagle Farm, Other North Brisbane Suburbs Warned of Rise in Stealing From Vehicle Offences

Photo credit: Queensland Police Service / mypolice.qld.gov.au

Last 7 December 2022, a spike in stealing from vehicle offences in the North Brisbane area, including the suburb of Eagle Farm, was recorded prompting police to urge residents to be extra vigilant.

A total of eight offences of such type have been reported in a 24-hour period, the police noted, including tools stolen from utes parked in Northlink Place, Virginia and Cullen Avenue, Eagle Farm and number plates stolen from parked vehicles in Nundah, Brisbane Airport, Clayfield, Windsor and Stafford.

There was also a reported incident of a vehicle that was entered and searched on Jardin Street in Kedron.

For the past six months to 8 December 2022, North Brisbane has recorded a total of 27,240 alleged offences with Chermside having the most number of offences at 1,281 followed closely by Carseldine with 1,059. The rest of the North Brisbane suburbs recorded less than 600 incidents for the past six months with Eagle Farm having 85 reported offences.

Police advise residents to fit their number plate with anti-theft screws to prevent plate theft, which can be ordered free of charge at this webpage.

Likewise, you can reduce the risk of vehicle theft by parking behind locked gates or in a locked garage, if possible, as parking on the street greatly increases the risk of theft.

And when your vehicle is unattended, see to it that doors are locked, windows are closed, and valuables are kept out of sight if ever you must leave them in your vehicle.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Investigation On Eagle Farm Creek Turning Blue Is Now Underway

Photo credit: Queensland Environment / Facebook

An investigation is now underway to determine why a tidal creek situated in an industrial area at Eagle Farm is turning blue.

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is asking the public to assist in the ongoing investigation into the pollution event that happened at Eagle Farm last 27 November 2021. DES officers were called to the scene after it was reported that a section of the waterway just near Curtain Avenue had turned blue with some dead fish.

The officers who went to the scene witnessed a strong blue colouration of the creek which is an indication of a discharge of pollutants. They also saw a number of dead fish. DES officers have already taken water samples and fish samples for analysis, which they said could take weeks. Only then will they be able to determine the type of contaminant and how extensive the damage has been.

Whilst an inspection of the area, days after the pollution event was reported, revealed that the colour of the water has returned to normal, DES is still encouraging anyone who has information to call the Pollution Hotline on 1300 130 372.

Photo credit: Kgbo, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Did you know?

In Queensland, it is unlawful to deposit prescribed water contaminants on roadside gutters, stormwater drainage, creeks and rivers. Prescribed water contaminants are pollutants that can wreak havoc on stormwater systems — not to mention the aquatic life whose survival greatly depends on good water quality.

Under the Environmental Protection Regulation 2008 – Schedule 9, the prescribed water contaminants include:

A chemical, chemical waste containing a chemical such as biocide, including fungicide, herbicide, and pesticide; chemical that causes biochemical or chemical oxygen demand; and a decreasing agent.
Gas other than oxygen
A liquid that contains a suspended or dissolved solids
Clinical wastes
Industrial wastes
Oil, including petroleum or vegetable-based oil
Paint, paint scrapings or residues, pain sludge, water used diluting paint or washing painting utensils, and waster from paint stripping
Waste and waste water, generated from outdoor cleaning
Glass, metal parts, paper, piping, plastic and scrap metal
Waste generated from repairing or servicing motor vehicles

What you can do to help care for our waterways

The Brisbane City Council suggests the following to help keep our waterways clean:

Need a car wash? You may wash your car on the grass or go to a car wash. This way you help keep soap and suds out of the stormwater drain.
When there is a heavy downpour, prevent dog waste or any animal manure from running off into our waterways or stormwater drains.
Dispose of hazardous wastes properly and out of the drain
Don’t let erosion and sediment get their way into waterways
Don’t litter. Your rubbish should always go into the trash bin.
If you have to, use fertilisers and garden chemicals sparingly
Do not dump unwanted fish into waterways or flush them in your toilet. Aside from the fact that it is not a humane way of getting rid of your aquarium, these fish can also be invasive and destroy ecosystems.
Report any information about stormwater pollution.

Mark Your Calendars! Bridge to Brisbane Fun Run to Return in August

Did you know that the Bridge to Brisbane fun run event, spanning several suburbs including Eagle Farm, is finally returning to Queensland?

Scheduled for the 29th of August 2021, the Bridge to Brisbane fun run is returning to Queensland for its 25th anniversary — and what better way to celebrate than to take its runners back to the course that started it all: the Gateway Bridge?

For 18 years, between the event’s launch in 1997 to 2015, Bridge to Brisbane’s route consisted of a run across the Sir Leo Hielscher Bridges, or as it’s more commonly known, the Gateway Bridge. It had only changed locations in the past decade due to construction in Kingsford Smith Drive, however runners will finally be able to experience the original route once again.

As always, participants of the fun run are encouraged to wear colourful and zany costumes at the event, such as these runners from a previous year.

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A post shared by Bridge to Brisbane (@bridge2brisbane)

As part of the events, two routes will be available, with the primary route being 10 kilometres long, and the secondary route 4.5 kilometres long. Each one offers their own distinct sights and paths, with both culminating at the Brisbane Showgrounds.

Those who take the primary route will be given the opportunity to run 1.6 kilometres over the length of the Gateway Bridge — one that hasn’t arisen in roughly six years. The 10-km course will start runners off at the iconic bridge before bringing them across Kingsford Smith Drive, and finally ending at the Brisbane Showgrounds.

The 10km route.
Photo credit: Google Maps

The 4.5km route, on the other hand, will start from Hercules Park in Hamilton and make their way towards the Brisbane Showgrounds. Note that with this route, runners will be unable to make their way across the Gateway Bridge.

The 4.5km route.
Photo credit: Google Maps

To learn more about the fun run, visit the Bridge to Brisbane website here. Follow their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates concerning the event, as well as any other special announcements.