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Detector Dog at Brisbane Airport Sniffs Out Exotic Invasive Pest

Photo credit: David R. Lance, USDA APHIS PPQ, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

A biosecurity detector dog at the Brisbane International Airport helped to prevent a live brown marmorated stink bug from entering the country. The detector dog sniffed out the bug, known to be an agricultural, horticultural, and social pest, in a passenger’s duffle bag.

The heavy influx of passengers during the December season was no match for a detector dog named “Petal,” who successfully sniffed out a live brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), its department’s second detection since the department started training dogs to detect BMSB in 2018.

Deputy Secretary of biosecurity Chris Locke said Petal and her handler were doing a routine screening of arriving passengers when the dog responded to a passenger’s duffle bag where a bug was discovered. No further b bugs were found after the officers conducted a thorough inspection of the item.

He said that the bug was then secured and sent over to entomologists to confirm that it was indeed a BMSB. The passenger, who was an Australian citizen, said that they had no idea that they were harbouring a high-risk pest. No fine was issued.

Detector Dog at Brisbane Airport Sniffs Out Exotic Invasive Pest — Photo Credit: Lildobe, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

BSMB is exotic to Australia and poses no risk to human health, but it is a nuisance pest that can wreak havoc once it enters and establishes itself in our homes and buildings. It is also known to consume and damage more than 300 fruit types, ornamental plants and vegetable crops including apples, grapes, sweet corn and tomatoes.

An adult BMSB is about 12 mm to 17 mm long. It is brown in colour with a shield-shaped body and pale white bands on its antennae as well as distinctive black and white banding along its body. Once they are disturbed, brown marmorated stink bugs release a pungent odour.

Meanwhile, their eggs are light green and shaped like barrels. They usually lay eggs in clusters of 25 to 30 on the underside of leaves.

The first time a detector dog was able to expose a live BMSB was when “Velvet” successfully detected the bug in 2021. There are currently 37 dogs trained to detect brown marmorated stink bugs under the department’s detector dog program.

Published 3-January-2023

Ships Diverted To New Terminal in Pinkenba As Portside Wharf Closed

The closure of Brisbane’s Portside Wharf has prompted ships and cruise lines such as Regent Seven Sea Cruises, Silversea, and Viking to look for alternative arrangements, particularly now that the 2022/2023 cruise season has officially started. The diversion to the new Brisbane International Cruise Terminal in Pinkenba is part of preparations for a hefty makeover.

Read: Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Of The Seas Arrives At Brisbane International Cruise Terminal

Brisbane International Cruise Terminal was completed in 2020, but due to two years of uncertainty brought by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Pinkenba facility was only opened in June 2022.

Brisbane’s new international terminal, following discussions with cruise lines, is reportedly looking forward to welcoming some additional cruise visits in their facility.

Photo credit: Brisbane International Cruise Terminal/Google Maps

Since then, Queensland’s first dedicated cruise facility has welcomed a few high-end ships, including Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas and Holland America Line’s Noordam.

Meanwhile, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia worries that any last-minute changes to itineraries will cause disruption to thousands of guests and affect the cruise industry as it strives to restore the country’s cruise economy.

One of travellers’ concerns about BICT is that it’s not currently connected to public transport.

In response to this concern, Port of Brisbane said that the issue about public transport is the responsibility of the state and local government.

“While the BICT itself doesn’t provide shuttles, we recommend passengers contact their cruise lines directly to see if they provide any services for their passengers,” Port of Brisbane stated on social media.

Portside Wharf Makeover

Portside Wharf has closed as part of its preparation for its $20 million extensive makeover, which is set to begin in late 2022 and finalised by December 2023.

Cavill Architects Practice Director Andrew D’Occhio and Urbis Senior Designer Lorena Garcia Martin said the investment would herald a new future for Portside Wharf by drawing on its rich legacy.

Read: Coming Soon at Portside Wharf: FOSH, an Upmarket Seafood Restaurant

New tenancies, such as dining, retail and entertainment sub-precincts and areas dedicated to lifestyle and wellness convenience and premium boutiques will be established as part of the Portside Wharf’s major redevelopment.

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.

Northshore Hamilton Transformation Accelerated, Development Scheme Amendment Approved

Photo credit: The State of Queensland / statedevelopment.qld.gov.au

Plans for a world-class riverfront precinct that will serve as a future home of the Brisbane Athlete Village for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games have been accelerated, with the approval of the expansion of the Northshore Hamilton Priority Development Area.

Announced in late October 2022, Deputy Premier and Planning Minister Steven Miles approved a development scheme amendment for the Northshore Hamilton Priority Development Area, adjoining the Brisbane River and suburb of Hamilton.

“An additional 1.2 kilometres of this prime waterfront location will be transformed into a vibrant, mixed-use precinct for the community,” Mr Miles said, adding that the project will be one of the biggest contributions of Brisbane riverfront parkland since South Bank was established.

“A new commercial heart will be located along Macarthur Avenue to take advantage of increased foot traffic and maximise the invaluable new riverside parkland.”

Northshore Hamilton Transformation Accelerated, Development Scheme Amendment Approved — Photo credit: The State of Queensland / statedevelopment.qld.gov.au

Northshore Hamilton is a 304-hectare precinct which makes it Queensland’s largest waterfront urban renewal project, supporting a mix of retail, residential, entertainment, cultural and commercial uses.

The amendment will enable Northshore to accommodate more than 10,000 athletes and team officials for the Olympic Games and more than 5,000 for the Paralympic Games. It will also deliver new roads, road upgrades and a new public realm.

The Athlete Village will be developed on the Economic Development Queensland-owned land within the Northshore Hamilton PDA.

The Deputy Premier added that the Athlete Village will be converted into a housing and commercial property once the Olympic and Paralympic Games conclude. This in turn will provide more than 1,750 apartments along with commercial and retail space.

Overall, the Northshore Hamilton is estimated to provide over 14,000 dwellings which will house more than 24,000 residents. The residential offering will include aged care, retirement living social and affordable housing, key worker, hotel, build-to-rent and market accommodation.

The amendment to the development scheme took effect on 28 October 2022 following the online publishing.

Vaxxas Wins ‘Product Innovation’ At 2022 Lord Mayor’s Business Awards

Biotech company Vaxxas, which is currently building its manufacturing facility in Northshore Hamilton, received the “Accenture Australia Award for Product Innovation” at the 2022 Lord Mayor’s Business Awards.

Read: Works Progressing Well For Northshore’s Needle-free Vaccine Facility

Vaxxas took home the recognition for their needle-free vaccine, which is delivered through high-density microarray patch. The squared patch has around 5,000 little projections invisible to the naked eye and is said to be less invasive than a shot.

In July 2022, the company has already completed preclinical animal studies, which suggests the patches’ efficacy against all currently known variants of Covid-19.

The technology, which is attracting global attention from leading health, philanthropic and government organisations, has a number of benefits, including enhanced immune response, eliminating the need for deep refrigeration, low-skilled or self-administration, and reduced patient anxiety.

The company announced the initiation of Phase 1 clinical study of their first needle-free vaccine In November 2022. It’s being conducted at the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Sippy Downs clinical research location.

Vaxxas’ upcoming facility in Hamilton (Photo credit: *northshorebrisbane.com.au*)

If the studies are successful, Vaxxas would make the vaccine patches available to the market as early as 2025.

Vaxxas will manufacture their Phase II, Phase III and early-stage commercial use in Hamilton, a first of its kind in Australia featuring a house office, R&D laboratories, and device and cleanroom manufacturing spaces.

2022 Lord Mayor’s Business Awards

The Lord Mayor’s Business Awards recognise the best and most innovative businesses and entrepreneurs in Brisbane. The awards centre on the energy, drive and passion behind businesses in any commercial or industrial sector contributing to the growth of Brisbane’s economy.

Around 600 business leaders participated at the 2022 Lord Mayor’s Business Awards. For this year, winners were announced at a gala dinner in City Hall on 21 October 2022.

Read: Portside Wharf Set for Major Transformation

The Accenture Australia Award for Product Innovation is one of the nine categories open to businesses. Vaxxas topped other three finalists for the category –software company RedEye Apps, Morningside based outlet mall Circonomy, and Li-S Energy, which makes lightweight lithium sulfur batteries.

Portside Wharf Set for Major Transformation

Photo credit: Portside Wharf / portsidewharf.com.au/

Portside Wharf is set to undergo a $20 million facelift, a first in its 16-year history, Brookfield Residential Properties announced recently.

Brookfield Residential Properties announced recently that the dining and lifestyle precinct will be refurbished to reaffirm the precinct’s distinction as a vibrant neighbourhood village by the water.

The Cavill Architects and Urbis are tasked to develop the designs for the planned project which the company expects to commence later this year before it gets finalised by December 2023. The design vision for the refurbishment will aim to enhance the attractiveness of the precinct to the local community, particularly those who are just within 20 minutes’ distance from its premier by-the-river Hamilton location.

The project will include an extended plaza and main street that will enhance views and access to the Brisbane River, as well as additional shading and landscaping that will complement the expanded year-round outdoor dining at the site. Exciting new tenancies will be introduced along with defined dining, retail and entertainment sub-precincts, and areas dedicated to lifestyle and wellness, convenience and premium boutiques.

Portside Wharf Set for Major Transformation — Photo Credit: Visit Brisbane / visitbrisbane.com.au

Since opening 16 years ago, Brookfield Residential Properties’ Managing Director, Lee Butterworth, said that now is an opportune time to invest in Portside Wharf’s redevelopment and shape its new vision and future that celebrates the rich history and people of the local community.

“The redevelopment will entice new visitors to rediscover our village by the water, while redefining our vibrant neighbourhood locale for the more than 4,000 residents now living in the immediate area.

“The changes we are making will amplify our community connections, provide exciting day and night experiences, leverage even further our enviable waterfront location, and create enticing spaces for our customers to relax, unwind and socialise.

“We are actively seeking to expand our tenant mix with new convenience, dining, wellness and boutique offerings that support our vision for this new evolution of Portside Wharf.”

Cavill Architects Practice Director Andrew D’Occhio said that the design will open up Portside Wharf “visually and physically from its northern entrance, extending through the heart of the precinct a vibrant main street to connect this area of Hamilton more directly to the water.”

“Portside Wharf’s investment will better connect the precinct to those new spaces and the surrounding Hamilton suburb, making it a comfortable year-round place to visit by foot, with new softened materials, shading and landscaping offering the dual benefit of shaping high-quality places to gather and protection from the elements.”

Portside Wharf features over 12,000sqm of retail space that is home to some of Brisbane’s best dining and entertainment, including Sono Japanese Restaurant, Byblos, Gusto Da Gianni, Dendy Cinema and the recently expanded Zeneldin’s IGA.

The Market Folk Presents Portside Wharf Christmas Market

Photo credit: Portside Wharf / portsidewharf.com.au

Do you wish you could do your Christmas shopping today but the schedule is too tight? Portside Wharf – Hamilton has got you covered. Check out The Market Folk: Portside Christmas Market happening on 18 December and enjoy some last-minute festive shopping.

Don’t miss this festive event happening at Portside Wharf in Hamilton this December as The Market Folk brings you one of the largest ever line-ups of vendors with more than 50 stallholders gathering together and offering a specially curated selection of flowers, plants, ceramic, jewellery, skincare, decor and more.

The Market Folk Presents Portside Wharf Christmas Market — Photo Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland / queensland.com

Founded in 2015, The Market Folk is one of Brisbane’s leading curated marketplaces that operated out of some well-known lifestyle precincts and supported more than 600 creatives and small businesses.

The Portside Christmas Market will also bring in loads of activities and giveaways, including live band entertainment on the wharf and free ornament painting workshops for the first eventgoers to arrive at the site.

On hand as well are local food vendors who will dish out mouth-watering foods from fruit-filled acai bowls to freshly made French crepes.

The event will coincide with the inaugural Northshore Santa Boat Parade which will also be happening along the river complete with glittering Christmas lights display as commercial boats parade down the iconic river to the soundtrack of Christmas classics. Santa will be there too along with other activations out on the water that will make this a truly festive event.

Photo Credit: Facebook / Northshore Brisbane

This an event that your family shouldn’t miss! The Market Folk: Portside Christmas Market is happening on the 28th of December 2022 at Portside Wharf Hamilton from 3 pm to 7 pm.

Portside Wharf | 39 Hercules St, Hamilton QLD 4007, Australia

Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Of The Seas Arrives At Brisbane International Cruise Terminal

Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas arrived at the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal in November 2022, marking a major milestone for cruising in Queensland.

Read: Portside Wharf IGA to Go Upmarket With Its Planned Expansion

This will see one of Royal Caribbean’s ships homeporting out of Brisbane’s new $158 million facility, offering cruisers an opportunity to travel locally along the Australian coast and the South Pacific, in addition to a special voyage to New Zealand.

The company saw significant growth in Brisbane, especially after the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Sydney was booked out years in advance.

Gavin Smith, vice president and managing director for Royal Caribbean International, said the ship’s arrival in Brisbane is the beginning of a new benchmark for family holidays from Queensland and throughout Australia.

Quantum of the Seas — Photo credit: Graham Kemp/Google Maps

Royal Caribbean’s homeporting in Brisbane can be convenient for many families looking for a high-value winter break, since it can get through key ports faster.

Located on the northern bank at the mouth of Brisbane River in Pinkenba, the new Brisbane International Cruise Terminal is conveniently placed near the Brisbane Airport. Without traffic, driving to the cruise terminal from the airport only takes around 15 minutes.

This means travellers from South East Queensland won’t need to head to Sydney and spend extra going to the airport. They can simply go to the Luggage Point, park their car and head off.

The arrival of Quantum of the Seas to Brisbane earlier in November marks its first Australian season, following a summer program in Alaska. It is set to return for a second season in late 2023.

Read: Plans Unveiled For New Aeromedical Facility At Brisbane Airport

Quantum of the Seas is the lead ship of her class. When it was first put into service in 2014, the Quantum-class cruise ship was the third largest cruise ship in the world by gross tonnage.

One of its cutting-edge features includes the North Star, a capsule surrounded by windows, taking passengers over the edge for a 360-degree view of the open ocean. It also comes equipped with a lounge and entertainment venue, and virtual balconies.

IWC Top Gun Watch, iPhones and More Brisbane Airport Lost Items Up for Auction

Photo Credit: Gerd Altman/Pixabay

Snag a bargain online as more than 500 times left behind at the Brisbane Airport go up for auction soon! Items include an IWC Top Gun watch worth $10k to $30k, iPhones and tablets, jewellery, and strollers or prams.

Lloyd’s Auction will conclude the bidding for internet and absentee bidders on Sunday, 6 November 2022, at 10:00 a.m.

Efforts have been made to return these lost items to their rightful owners. However, at least two-thirds remain unclaimed at the Visitor Information Centre in Brisbane Airport for more than 60 days. These items are either donated to charity or stored for the annual property auction, which has been ongoing for the last four years.

This year’s items include:

Huge volume of IT gear including Laptops, Phones, Tablets, E-Readers & more
2 x Hoverboards
Over 56 sets of Headphones
5 x Guitars
36 x Prams / Strollers
Clothes with new tags including Shoes, Shirts, Hats & more
Prints of Batman, Landscapes, Florals & John Lennon
8 x Audio Speakers
Jewellery – Bracelets, Rings, Ear Rings, Charms
Kitchen Appliances – Pasta Maker, Rice Cooker
3 x Basketballs
Coffee Machine
A range of medical aids such as first aid kits, walking sticks, crutches, walking frame etc
Multiple Fishing Rods
6 x Body Boards
Watches & Fitbits
4 x Cricket Bats
A Disney themed Scooter
4 x Hockey Sticks
Variety of Handbags, Suitcases, Backpacks, Duffle bags etc
2 x Golf Clubs
2 x Cameras
Bocce Set
1 x Massage Table
A Surveyors Staff
Assorted Memorabilia & Sporting Merchandise

Additional exclusive airport items will also be up for grabs, such as:

1 year of free parking at Brisbane Airport
a valuable piece of Brisbane Airport history with a Movement Area Guidance Sign (MAGS) from Runway 01/19
a behind-the-scenes personal tour of Brisbane Airport

Proceeds of the Brisbane Airport lost items auction will be directed to The Courier-Mail Children’s Fund. In 2021, the auction raised $17,699.20 and allowed Braille House to produce 25 new books, including a story on “Bluey,” for blind children.

World’s Most Trusted Golf Simulator Takes Centre Stage at The Golf Bunker Hamilton

Did you know that The Golf Bunker at Northshore Hamilton is the only place in Brisbane that has the TrackMan 4, a simulator that allows players to compete in virtual tournaments or challenge other players in a real-time match?

Read: Public Gets First Look At Breakfast Creek Sports Precinct

TrackMan 4 is dubbed the world’s most trusted golf simulator because it is used by 90 of the world’s top 100 golfers.

Whether it’s to practice short putts or a 400-yard drive, the TrackMan 4 can pinpoint the landing position with superior accuracy, thanks to its ability to track and display the full trajectory of any shot.

It also maps the 3D trajectory of shots in real-time, plus provides all impact and launch information.

The Golf Bunker, a state-of-the-art indoor golf facility located at Northshore’s Hamilton Harbour precinct, allows its members to have access to this simulator 24 hours a day, every single day of the year, so avid golfers can hone their skills, rain or shine.

Founded by Zac Chipperfield, the facility also offers in-house coaching and fitting sessions at the facility, along with fellow PGA golf professional Chris Crooks.

Mr Chipperfield focuses on working with players to help them understand their goals and techniques, to ensure quality results and improved performance.

“I think it is extremely important to not only provide clients with feedback on their technique and drills to improve their game, but also provide a fundamental understanding of the golf swing.” he said.

The Golf Bunker staff — Photo credit: The Golf Bunker/Facebook

Read: Northshore Hamilton to Transform into Athlete’s Village for 2032 Brisbane Olympics

Those who would like to check out the TrackMan system for the first time may attend casual sessions offered at the facility. Visit their website at www.golfbunker.com.au to learn more about them and the TrackMan 4 technology.