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Albion Is Top 9 Greater Brisbane Suburbs for Liveability

What makes a suburb a liveable place? A recent Domain study aims to determine just that, and you’ll surely be happy to know that across 17 indicators, Albion ranks high among the 260 Greater Brisbane suburbs in terms of liveability.

The Domain Liveable Brisbane study findings have shown that the ten most liveable suburbs were situated in the inner north. Sitting at the ninth spot is Albion, thanks to its cultural and cafe offerings. Albion residents also benefit from ease of access to bus services and access to employment.

Top ranking Alderley, scored 10 out of 10 in public transport and open space, and also scored well across other criteria including low crime rate and access to schools. Apart from public transport and open space, however, Alderley scored best for tree cover and topographic variation.

The top 10 Greater Brisbane suburbs for liveability are Alderley, Wilston, Ascot, Paddington, Newmarket, Red Hill, Kelvin Grove, Windsor, Albion, and Grange.

The Domain Liveable Cities study is authored by Deloitte Access Economics and Tract Consultants which, based on several indicators, measures liveability in suburbs across Melbourne, Sydney, and for the first time this year, Brisbane.

The indicators used in the study for Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane were:

Culture – the density of cultural services such as libraries, museums, and galleries
Retail – the density of retail offerings and the proportion of a suburb covered by retail outlets
Cafes and restaurants – the density and proximity of cafes and restaurants in a suburb
Employment – the proportion of a suburb’s population that can walk to work
Train/bus/tram – measures the access to train stations and bus stops
Ferry – the average distance from the suburb’s centre to the closest ferry wharf
Open space – percentage of a suburb that is a public open space
Tree cover- percentage of a suburb’s tree canopy cover
Crime – the number of offences per 100,00 resident population
Education – the proximity to primary and secondary schools from the centre of a suburb
Airport noise – only for Sydney and Brisbane
Mobile and Broadband – the quality and availability of mobile and broadband services
Topography variation
Walkability – measures a suburb’s walkable access to employment, shops and or transport
Traffic congestion – measure the difference in average trip time between peak and off-peak hours
Coast proximity – measures the average straight line from a suburb’s centre to the closest coastline or beach
Harbour and ocean views – the proportion of the suburb that has harbour, bay, or ocean views.

Access to ferries was also used as an additional indicator in Sydney and Brisbane and access to trams was measured in Melbourne. Also, for Brisbane and Sydney, airport noise was also considered, and for Sydney alone, harbour and ocean views.

The study revealed that higher-density suburbs are more likely to be liveable, particularly because older suburbs undergoing transformation may likely experience increased traffic congestion. The findings underscored the importance of a suburb’s ability to provide amenity for its residents to make it more liveable.

Brisbane Airport’s New Runway Launch Date Announced

The long wait will soon be over. Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) has confirmed the official launch date of Brisbane Airport’s new runway, following the commencement of the final component of the construction programme.

Whilst the timings of the first arrival and departure have not been confirmed yet, BAC has proudly announced that the first historic flights will take off and land Brisbane’s new runway (BNR) on 12 July 2020, after eight of construction.

“Today is a culmination of eight years of physical construction, many years before that in planning, and foresight from nearly half a century ago for one of the most exciting projects in Brisbane’s history,” Gert-Jan de Graaff, BAC Chief Executive Officer, said.

“It’s surreal to think we are just months away from seeing the first aircraft land and depart on this infrastructure masterpiece.

Photo credit: 2020 Brisbane Airport Corporation / newsroom.bne.com.au

The new runway, Mr de Graaff said, is an enabler for growth across all facets, with an estimated 7,800 new jobs created by 2035, as well as an additional five billion in annual economic benefit to the region.

“We are seeing firsthand that the new runway is bringing more flights, destinations and choices for the travelling public, and this growth will only strengthen from 12 July 2020,” Mr de Graaff said.

“We encourage everyone residing in Brisbane to visit the dedicated Flight Path Tool, available on Brisbane Airport’s website, which allows you to search any address to find out specific information in relation to aircraft volume forecasts and the expected noise footprint for the current and future flight paths,” Mr de Graaff said.

Photo credit: 2020 Brisbane Airport Corporation / newsroom.bne.com.au

Coinciding with the announcement, the line marking of the new runway and accompanying taxiways commenced, which marks the final component of the construction programme and will be undertaken over the next four to six weeks.

Once the line marking has been completed, the detailed commissioning process for the new ground lighting, navigational aids and control tower systems will follow.

Brisbane’s new runway is expected to be delivered under budget at a cost of $1.1 billion or a saving of $200 million.

Byblos Brings A Feast of Authentic Mediterranean Flavours

Step into Byblos and be transported to a world of authentic Mediterranean flair, where the food is flavourful and the vibe is perfect for relaxing with your group. Specialising in Lebanese cuisine, this restaurant is located within the lovely Portside Wharf in Hamilton.

Byblos, so named after the oldest Lebanese city, has a mix of seating options by the riverside patio, the curtained lounge and the large dining areas for family gatherings. Every part of this dining spot exudes luxury Middle Eastern ambience.

Open since 2005, the secret to Byblos’ longevity isn’t just because of its food. Northeasterners often pick this place for enjoying a few after-work shenanigans or catching up with friends.

Byblos’ menu is extensive and ideal for even the fussiest eater. The rekakat (lightly fried filo pastries filled with feta and mozzarella cheese, chopped onion and fresh herbs) comes highly recommended and goes well with the long list of cocktails and drinks from its award-winning bar.

As it is a Mediterranean restaurant, Byblos isn’t lacking in healthy options. Choices of salads, grilled skewers and mezat (meat) dishes are plenty. These are often served for sharing with a friend. The Lebanese love dining so much that meals are always social events.

If this is your first visit, the restaurant has a Mezza banquet option ideal for four people minimum. It includes starters, entrees and desserts, so you can try every flavours that this eatery has to offer.

Byblos is open daily from for lunch and dinner. There’s a live music performance every Sunday afternoon. For its trading hours, refer to its Facebook Page.

“Authentic Mediterranean food! Arrived and Brisbane at night and we wanted a small fancy place for dinner. The place is relatively crowded and hyped up. Many locals I assume, came for drinks. Food was really nice, especially the hummus dip. Worth the price tag and the visit!”
Dennis Chan, Google Reviews

“We had the best night out here. The food was amazing, the ambience was so relaxing and the wait staff were just so helpful and lovely. 2 very enthusiastic thumbs up!”
Geri Davie, Facebook

“Good food, came quickly. Booked a last minute table with ease. Would recommend. They have booths which makes it easy when you have a number of kids with you.”
Tablefor6, Zomato

2019 Was a Record-Breaking Year for Brisbane Airport

In 2019, the total number of passengers at Brisbane Airport (BNE) crossed the 24 million mark for the first time, helping Brisbane Airport Corporation record the strongest international and domestic growth among Australia’s major airports.

BAC’s international passenger volume posted growth of 266,182 or 4.5 percent to more than 6.3 million for the calendar year. Domestic passengers, on the other hand, grew by 1.3 percent to more than 17.7 million.

“Brisbane as we know it is evolving and going from strength to strength thanks to a number of major infrastructure projects currently underway,” Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) Chief Executive Officer, Gert-Jan de Graaff said.

*Photo credit: Brisbane Airport / Facebook*

“With Brisbane Airport recording the strongest passenger growth amongst Australia’s major gateway airports, it is clear the rest of the world is taking notice of our great city and region and all it has to offer,” he said.

“The growth in visitor numbers is good news for our city, with the latest International and National Visitor Surveys conducted by Tourism Research Australia showing record expenditure occurring in Brisbane by both domestic and international visitors.

“It is through the collaboration and the collective strength of government, tourism and industry partners in promoting the unique and world-class offerings of Queensland that we continue to see visitor arrivals rise,” Mr de Graaff said.

BNE recorded its busiest day for international passengers on 21 December with 23,063 arrivals and departures within 24 hours. Whilst November posted the biggest passenger growth, an additional 41,991 international travellers, compared to November 2018.

Brisbane Airport Traffic performance – 2019 calendar year

	2018	2019	Year-on-year growth
International arrivals and departures	6,073,988	6,346,082	+4.5%
Domestic-on-carriage	8,423	2,511	-70.2%
Total international passengers	6,082,411	6,348,593	+4.4%
Domestic arrivals and departures	17,538,428	17,766,240	+1.3%
Total passengers	23,620,839	24,114,833	+2.1%

Meanwhile, BNE recorded its busiest day of the year for domestic arrivals and departures with a record-breaking 63,525 passengers. In terms of growth, April recorded the biggest domestic passenger growth with additional 65,738 travellers as compared to the same month in 2018.

In mid-2020, BNE is expected to double its capacity with the opening of its newest runway whilst the $40-million redevelopment of Domestic Terminal is also expected to be completed this year.

Have Your Wine Nights at This New Bar in Portside Wharf

Photo Credit: At Mr & Mrs Jones/Facebook

If your idea of a great bar is a relaxed atmosphere, live music, diverse selection of drinks and foods highlighting the flavours coming out of your glass, then you might just want to hit At Mr & Mrs Jones, bar and restaurant in Portside Wharf.

Opened November 2019, At Mr & Mrs Jones has a solid drinks menu. Whether you’re looking for sparkling wine, champagne, rosé wine, red wine, white wine, cocktails, beer, cider, bourbon, whiskey, and even liqueur, every item on the long menu is carefully curated.

Photo Credit: At Mr & Mrs Jones/Facebook

At Mr & Mrs Jones focuses on top quality Australian wines served by the glass or by the bottle. There’s plenty of Barossa Valley gems, plus a selection of bottles from the wine regions of Canberra District in New South Wales and Pipers River in Tasmania. The wine bar also have affordable options hailing from all over the world, including France, Italy, Spain, and many other places.

Enjoy the atmosphere with live jazz jams every Sunday, and if you can play the old piano, you are welcome to tickle the ivories. All these, along with the restaurant’s subtle lighting and cosy ambience just makes it an ideal destination for small and intimate gatherings.

Head chef Warren Turnbull takes care of the ever-changing menu, but since they focus on wines, expect cheese and charcuterie served at all times. Recent favourites were Moreton Bay Bug Meatballs and crispy lemon chicken wings served with pistachio and zaatar spice.

When you’re up for some wine nights with friends or loved ones or just a simple meal in a relaxed bar, check out their place at Portside Wharf, 39 Hercules St, Hamilton. At Mr & Mrs Jones is closed Mondays and Tuesdays and opens from Wednesday to Sunday. Trading hours start at 10:00 am on weekends. You can find more information about them on Facebook and on Instagram.

Hercules Street Park Now Open After Multi-million Dollar Upgrade

The Hercules Street Park (Hamilton Recreation Reserve) has been reopened following the completion of its $10-million upgrade works.

The park upgrade project is part of the Northshore Hamilton urban renewal, which will see the 304-hectare industrial area transformed into a 2.5km riverside precinct over the next 20 years.

“Since Northshore Hamilton was declared a PDA in 2008, the landscape of the industrial and port precinct has changed dramatically,” Minister for State Development Cameron Dick said.

Funding for the Hercules Street Park upgrade project was made possible through contributions from developers in the Northshore Hamilton PDA. The upgrade works took under 12 months to complete.

The new Hercules Street Park features 16,000 new plants; a playground and water play facility; a “pup-graded” dog off-leash park; a multicourt play area and exercise; and a barbeque and seating areas.

Mr Dick added that the playground features a multi-level industrial themed container play structure with a four-metre-high tube-slide and a traditional swing. The smart water play area, he said, utilises water captured and stored in tanks, and features a “synchronised programs and lighting at night to create a family-friendly space.”

Northshore Hamilton is Queensland’s largest waterfront urban renewal project with the State Government’s property development and community-shaping agency, Economic Development Queensland (EDQ), having already invested a total of $77 million in infrastructure to date.

The private sector, meanwhile, has invested approximately $1 billion across 3,000 residences, 20,000sqm of retail, and 22,000sqm of commercial space.

“Over the last ten years development in the $5 billion mix-use precinct has seen the delivery of high-quality housing at Portside Wharf and Hamilton Reach; two CityCat terminals and the Eat Street Markets that attract over 1 million visitors per annum.

“Disused industrial places and spaces have been replaced with The Deck, Factories Precinct, Incubation Zones, EV charging stations and Tennis Australia courts.

“Some of the best international and national institutional developers have played a significant role in Northshore’s transformation, including Frasers Property, Brookfield, Shayher Group, Alceon and Devine.

“Locals, visitors, residents, workers and families can continue to enjoy the fruits of their efforts at Brisbane’s newest park in this revitalised precinct,” Mr Dick concluded.

DA Lodged for Brothers Rugby Union Club Refurbishment Masterplan

The Brothers Rugby Union Club has lodged a development application seeking approval for the refurbishment of Brothers Rugby Club and its sporting facilities at Crosby Park in Albion, over two stages.

The subject site, located at 103 Crosby Road, Albion, comprises five parcels of land with a total area of 55,141 sqm in relation to the masterplan area.

Commonly known as Crosby Park, the site is currently occupied by Brothers Rugby Club consisting of a clubhouse, function facility, gym, change rooms, on-site car parking, and outdoor sport and recreation facilities in the form of two Rugby Union fields.

DA Lodged for Brothers Rugby Union Club Refurbishment Masterplan — *Aerial photo of subject site by Near Map, 2019*
*Photo credit: Brisbane City Council – Urbis / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au*

Designed by bureau^proberts, the proposed development will be carried out in a two-stage masterplan, with Stage 1 broken down into three sub-stages, and is expected to be completed over an 18-month period.

Stage 1A involves field and lighting works and tiered seating, which is not assessable under the Brisbane City Plan 2014 and so does not form part of the development application.

*Existing Function Facility/ Clubhouse*
*Photo credit: Brisbane City Council – Urbis / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au*

Stage 1B involves the construction of a new clubhouse and ancillary administration areas with GFA of 1,656sqm, which includes the office area and associated board and meeting room, reception and shop, and the Club room, as well as a kitchen and a canteen.

Change rooms and “player dressing sheds” are also proposed on the lower level of the refurbishment. These works will occur to the west of the Jack Ross Oval.

In the south western portion of the subject site, construction of a new 860sqm swim school and 160 car parking spaces, including 4 PWD, is also proposed.

Stage 1C includes the proposed 501sqm Health care services and the 603sqm Indoor sport and recreation facility in the form of two gyms, to be situated north of the main field. Both facilities will be open for public use.

The proposal also includes the introduction of new commercial tenancies to the north of Jack Ross Oval which includes four tenancies across two levels, along with the existing ancillary bar and a new beer garden.

Stage 2 continues the remainder of the refurbishment works to the west of the main field, including a function facility on the upper level and change rooms on the lower level.

“The proposed refurbishment to Brothers Rugby Club and its facilities provides a much-needed upgrade to align the club with Queensland premier rugby competition standards. In doing so it allows for the continued use of the facility as a formalised sport and recreation use as well as an informal one for the wider community for passive and active recreation,” Urbis Town Planning report said.

“In general, the proposed investment will considerably improve the Clubhouse and facilities, and increase accessibility and participation for people of all ages and abilities, providing an equal experience for everyone. The upgrade will also embrace and enhance the wide open spaces the community loves and enjoys at Crosby Park,” Brothers Rugby Club said.

Relax and Unwind at This Chic Wine Bar and Restaurant at Hamilton

Kick back, relax, and make wonderful memories with your family and friends over a bottle of wine at Mr & Mrs Jones Wine Bar and Restaurant in Hamilton.

Whether you are looking for a place to grab a quick bite to eat before or after the movies, a date night spot, or a place for either casual or late night drinking session with your best mates, there is no doubt that At Mr & Mrs Jones is the place to be.

At Mr & Mrs Jones is one of Portside Wharf’s newest establishments. It opened last 7 November 2019 and it is currently located under Dendy Cinemas—making it an easy go-to spot for movie goers.

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🌹🌹 Pimms & Jazz Sunday – pop in you’re always welcome 🌹🌹. #jazz #sunday #brisbane #brisbanebars #brisbanebar #foodie #brisbanefood

A post shared by @ Mr & Mrs Jones (@atmrandmrsjones) on Nov 9, 2019 at 11:17pm PST

This wine bar and restaurant has a chic European-style interior that sets up the classy and sophisticated aura of the venue. It also has a side lounge with an open piano that can be used by anyone who feels like playing some notes. Plus, every Sunday, a live jazz session is being held inside the restaurant.

Apart from the restaurant’s interior features, dog owners will be delighted to know that At Mr and Mrs Jones has a dog-friendly terrace too. So, feel free to bring in your furbabies whilst sipping a glass of wine or two with friends.

At Mr & Mrs Jones’ Offerings

Serving brunch and dinner menus, At Mr & Mrs Jones stands out for its food offerings that are skillfully made by Chef Warren Turnbull—one of Australia’s renowned chefs that is known for his work at Sydney institutions Banc and Assiette, as well as for founding Chur Burger.

A must-try from their menu are the Moreton Bay Bug Meatballs, Fraser Isle Spanner Crab, Hiramasa Kingfish, Crisp Confit Chicken Wings, and Goat’s Cheese Ravioli.

Crisp Confit Chicken Wings
Photo credit: At Mr & Mrs Jones/ Facebook

If you’re in the mood for some wine, relax and have a seat in one of the cosy red velvet armchairs at the restaurant and enjoy a glass or even a bottle of wine with a platter of charcuterie.

At Mr & Mrs Jones has a stellar selection of wine which includes Pol Roger, Perrier Jouet and Veuve Clicquot champagne, whites from Tasmania, SA, NZ, South Africa, Germany and reds from Tasmania, SA, NZ, Italy and Lebanon.

Apart from At Mr and Mrs Jones’ wine selection, they also serve cocktails which include Mango and Orange Mai Tai, Lychee and Cranberry Highball, Pineapple and Tonka Bean Negroni, and Coffee and Caramel Espresso Martini. Beers, ciders and premium spirits are also available at the bar.

Opening Hours

Wednesday & Thursday	12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Friday	12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Saturday	10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Sunday	10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

To know At Mr & Mrs Jones’ latest updates and offerings, click here.

Bretts Wharf Plaza Officially Opens in Kingsford Smith Drive

The much-awaited completion of Bretts Wharf Plaza is finally done. The new multi-function park area and public event space officially opened at the end of November 2019 with a special celebration attended by locals and VIPs.

As part of the Kingsford Smith Drive upgrade, Bretts Wharf Plaza will connect to the Racecourse Road entertainment precinct, Hamilton Park, and the Lores Bonney Riverwalk. The latter is a modern heritage trail that tells the history of the precinct.

Bretts Wharf Plaza, located just a few metres off the new Brett Wharf terminal built last 2015, will also link with the Portside and Northshore Hamilton.

“The opening of Bretts Wharf Plaza and a new park area is an exciting milestone for the Kingsford Smith Drive upgrade, adding to the already opened Lores Bonney Riverwalk and paying tribute to our past with a new heritage trail exploring the history of the local area,” Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said during the opening ceremonies.

The park may now be enjoyed by locals who would like to take advantage of the spacious green area.

*Photo Credit: Cr David McLachlan/Facebook*

*Photo Credit: Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner/Facebook*

Brief History of Brett’s Wharf

Bretts Wharf was established in 1928 to ferry locals from Hamilton to Bulimba. During the Pacific War, the facility was exclusively used by the U.S. Army to load and ship equipment. After the war, the wharf was also used by commercial shippers until 1993.

In late 1998, Bretts Wharf ceased ferry operations until it was restored and re-opened in 2007. In 2011, the wharf had minor damages due to the catastrophic Brisbane floods and required extensive repairs.

In 2015, the original wharf was completely demolished and was replaced by a new structure 200 metres east of its original location near Kingsford Smith Drive.

Festive Christmas Activities Happening at Portside Wharf Hamilton

Christmas is in full swing in Hamilton as the Portside Wharf unleashes the joy of the Yuletide season with some fun and festive activities for every member of the family. This year, here are what you can expect to see at The Wharf in the days leading up to Christmas.

Christmas Carolers and Elves

Hark! The herald angels will be singing joyful Christmas carols at the Portside Wharf for two weekends. Stop by to listen to the young carolers whilst the Christmas elves hand out sweet candy canes.

DATE	TIME
Saturday 14 December 2019	6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Sunday 15 December 2019	12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Saturday 21 December 2019	6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Sunday 22 December 2019	12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Christmas Frozen Pop-Up

Dendy Cinemas Portside is running Disney’s “Frozen 2” this Christmas season. To supplement this “Frozen” fever, Portside Wharf will host craft activities bearing the movie’s theme from Saturday to Tuesday, the 14th to 17th of Dec 2019.

This FREE Christmas Frozen event will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and kids will learn to make their own snowflake Christmas tree decorations and snow stencil Christmas cards. Stay a while longer and get a chance to meet Elsa of Arendelle.

Christmas Feast

Tired of preparing food for Christmas day? Then leave the preparations to the masters so you won’t have to dampen your holiday mood. Relax and celebrate at these Portside Wharf eateries.

WHERE	SPECIALS
Gusto Da Gianni	Christmas Day Lunch Special Four-Course Set Menu $139 per person
Belvedere Bar N Grill	Christmas Day Lunch Special Three-Course Set Menu $125 per person

For a superb Christmas party to remember, these restaurants at the Portside Wharf are open for hosting holiday functions and group events. Inquire about their food packages or take advantage of the group rates and discounted deals:

Belvedere Bar n Grill
Byblos Bar
Cruisers Alfresco
Gusto Da Gianni
Moda Events
Sono Japanese

One of Brisbane’s shopping and lifestyle landmarks, Portside Wharf is a family-friendly precinct with high-end retailers and top restaurants. Whilst enjoying this year’s Christmas activities, you may also visit this hub to complete your Christmas shopping list.