The REIQ recently reported the latest housing market statistics which showed the Hamilton median house price among the highest in Brisbane at $1,442,000, a huge 32.9% increase over the last 12 months, yet according to the REIQ figures, only 0.8% over the last 5 years. In the 2nd quarter of 2018, there were 8 homes sold in the Hamilton.
“Average days on market have been approximately 75 days for homes in Hamilton,” says Loretta Accornero of Harcourts Ascot.
Steady Market Demand
“There has been a -10.91% median price drop for units in Hamilton over the past 12-month period with the median sale price of $495K and average days on market is in excess of 100 days. These figures are due to the amount of units for sale in the “Portside” and “Hamilton Harbour” precinct.
“As a Townhouse and Unit specialist in the ‘4007’ area, there has been a lot of extra demand to purchase townhouses, duplex’s and standalone townhomes with no body corporate fees due to the increasing administration fees in unit and townhouse complexes.
“There have been good numbers attending open homes in both houses and units, very similar to last year,“ she said.
The new SpeedyCat is all set to start services on Monday 24 September 2018 to cut travel times from Northshore Hamilton to Riverside and from the University of Queensland to North Quay. The announcement comes as Brisbane City Council launched a new sports-themed CityCat.
Public and Active Transport Chairman Cr Adrian Schrinner said more than 100 weekly SpeedyCat express services will operate during peak hours on weekdays.
Photo credit: Luke Hauck (WT-shared) Anewcleardawn/Wikimedia Commons
“The express services will also service terminals at Apollo Road in Bulimba, Teneriffe, Guyatt Park in St Lucia and West End, to boost travel options for residents so they can spend less time travelling and more time at home with family and friends,” Cr Schrinner said.
“The completion of river works for the Kingsford Smith Drive upgrade now means we can roll out new SpeedyCat services, however this new timetable will also incorporate changes to other river transport services, including CityCats, CityFerries, CityHoppers and Cross River Ferries.
The same number of CityCat services will remain. However, passengers can expect a go-slow section of the river during construction of the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane.
This is in line with the celebration of Australia’s first INAS Global Games, recognised as the biggest sporting event for athletes with an intellectual impairment.
Cr Schrinner said the INAS games will strengthen Brisbane’s reputation as an inclusive city.
“With only one year to go, we are today unveiling Brisbane’s 18th sports-themed CityCat that will proudly display the colours of the INAS Global Games, coming to our city in October 2019,” CR Schrinner said.
Robyn Smith, CEO of the Global Games Sports Company, is delighted to hear about the CityCat branding with INAS colours.
“It will not only promote this inclusive event to the Brisbane community, but showcase the world’s best athletes who will compete and demonstrate that their impairment is no barrier to sporting excellence,” said Ms Smith.
The games are expected to attract more than 1,000 athletes from other parts of the world.
The construction of Brisbane’s new runway has achieved a critical milestone with the completion of the first portions of the link taxiways. The completed works will connect the new runways system with the existing system and terminals.
The recent milestone is part of the $120 million Dryandra Road Underpass contract, which includes the delivery of a public roadway. The public roadway, due to open in late September, will travel under the taxiways. It will allow access to the General Aviation Precinct and the Plane Spotters’ Area on Acacia Street.
Brisbane’s New Runway – Project Overview
Video credit: Brisbane Airport/YouTube
“As the finish line for the construction of the biggest aviation project in Australia draws close it is easy to forget just how much planning it has taken to get to this point,” Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) Chief Executive Officer, Gert-Jan de Graaff said.
“Brisbane’s new runway has been on Master Plan documents since the 1970s, so to be here where we can physically stand on taxiways and see the foundations of the runway being laid is a huge achievement for the thousands of people who have been involved with this project since its very early days,” he said.
The milestone is a great achievement for the project; it is, however, just the “tip of the iceberg”. Together with the runway and taxiway construction, a number of other constructions will also be underway like the High Intensity Approach Lighting system to both the north and south of the runway centreline and the landscaping of the 300ha site, Mr de Graaff said. These constructions will be completed ahead of the opening in mid-2020.
Landing on Brisbane’s New Runway
Video credit: Brisbane Airport/YouTube
“The Underpass is an engineering feat, being 1.6 metres thick at the deepest point, these bridges are designed to withstand the weight of a fully-laden A380 as well as any planned, future variants,”Jim Frith, McConnell Dowell Managing Director said.
The Underpass, being constructed five metres below sea level, will require a de-watering system that will remove the equivalent of the volume of two Olympic swimming pools in a single, 24-hour period. The physical structure, on the other hand, is comprised of approximately 20,000 m3 of concrete and 4,000 tonne of reinforced steel.
The enormity and complexity of the construction works also meant the employment of around 300 people, Mr Frith said.
Brisbane’s New Runway – Construction Timelapse
Video credit: Brisbane Airport/YouTube
Brisbane’s new runway by the numbers
Brisbane’s new runway site is 360 hectares (2.5 times the size of the Brisbane City CBD)
The runway is 3.3 km long and 60 metres wide
The taxiway system will be made up of 12 km of taxiways (25 metres wide)
The runway is made up of three layers: 2,475 mm sand, 600 mm of crushed rock and 125 mm asphalt
The taxiways are made up of three layers: 1,500 mm sand, 200 mm crushed rock and 490 mm of concrete.
Project contribution to SEQ:
90 per cent of project employees live in South East Queensland (SEQ)
90 per cent of construction equipment to be sourced from SEQ
Up to 675 people to work directly on the project during peak period
Additional $5 billion in annual economic benefit to the region by 2035
7,800 jobs generated by the new runway by 2035
Dryandra Road Underpass
750,000 cubic metres of sand was moved for construction of the underpass
5 km of water and sewer pipes were installed
35 km of conduits installed
Nearly 20,000 cubic metres of heavily reinforced concrete poured
More than 700 concrete piles driven to an average depth of more than 30 metres below ground level
1.1 km of separated roadway
Four lanes – two airside, two landside
Designed to withhold the weight of a fully-laden A380 and future variants (approx. 710 tonne)
The BACfiscal year 2018 reportindicates the biggest growth in five years for Brisbane Airport domestic passengers. There were additional 263,000 domestic passengers for a 1.5 per cent increase from FY17. The domestic passengers volume totaled 17.5 million.
For FY18, Brisbane Airport international passengers grew by 5.2 per cent or more than 5.9 million. The China and Hong Kong market registered its largest year-on-year passenger volume growth so far, up by 20 per cent. Following China and Hong Kong are Malaysia (up by 19.6 per cent), India (up by 14.7 per cent), and Korea (up by 13.9 per cent).
Video credit: Brisbane Airport/Youtube</span
Overall, the FY18 saw a 2.4 per cent year-on-year increase in passenger numbers, including domestic and international traffic. Passenger numbers grew to more than 23.4 million passengers.
More Direct Flights, Seats, and Partnership With Local and State Government Fueled Passenger Growth
BNE attributes the increase in passengers numbers, both international and intrastate, from direct flights and more seats to and from Brisbane Airport. During the same period, there was also a 5.8 per cent increase in seats to global destinations.
“This is why BAC aggressively competes to attract new airlines, bigger and more efficient aircraft, and additional flights from our city to unserved direct destinations.” he said.
For the first time in three years, intrastate passengers traffic grew owing to increased seat capacity to/from Brisbane. Some intrastate routes showed good growth with Proserpine, Mackay, and Townsville outperforming other destinations and absorbing the additional seats. Video credit: Brisbane Airport/Youtube</span
“The figures show the considerable efforts we undertake in aviation attraction, along with the contributions our partners in local and state government make through various incentive schemes, trade missions and campaigns, boosts visitors to Queensland, with Brisbane the gateway to the city, as well as the broader region, from northern NSW to Tropical North Queensland,” Mr de Graaff said.
Looking Forward to 2019
“As the opening of Brisbane’s new runway draws near, we remain committed to championing Brisbane and Queensland to the world, while continuing the roll-out of our extensive multi-billion dollar infrastructure program, growing and updating our facilities and services with a keen focus on providing an exceptional customer experience,” Mr de Graaff concludes.
Brisbane Airport Corporation expects that the capacity growth will spill over into the next 12 months. New services will open next year to reinforce international passenger growth. Domestic passenger growth, on the other hand, is expected to show modest growth in FY19.
In the meantime, we have three preview screenings picked here for the comedy and psychological thriller film buffs out there. You might want to check these out.
Preview Screening: THE DEVIL MAY CARE TRILOGY: BLOOD LUST WRATH
plus Q&A with cast and crew
Photo credit: StickyTickets/stickytickets.com.au
“The Devil May Care follows the reluctant rise and fall of Ryan O’Connor (Dave Beamish) across 3 interconnecting short films, each a different genre of movies.”
TIMELINE OF THE NIGHT:
5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. – Red carpet and photos
5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Introduction and displaying other short films and media
6:00 p.m. – Feature screening
6:30 p.m. – Q&A with cast and crew
Ryan O’Connor is an Irish mob heir who was just a young boy when he ran away from his father’s violent legacy. Twenty years later, his past is haunting him and he must now find a way to protect his family.
Jonathan Creed’sThe Devil May Care Trilogy screening will feature 3 back-to-back films of different genre (crime/thriller, romance/drama, and psycho horror). Each film has a different filmmaking style and each is intertwining into the same story.
Credit: DMC Trilogy/YouTube
Presented By: Kristian Fletcher
Kristian Fletcher began presenting themed cult movie events when he was just 17. In 2005, he launched a “travelling” retro dance party called Retro-Spekt, which still can be seen at venues around Brisbane.
Ticket Prices
General Admission $17.50
* Includes Sticky Tickets booking fee.
** Ticket prices may vary slightly based on the payment method selected at checkout.
“A feel-good Aussie romantic comedy about what happens when the one that got away comes back.”
A film by Marion Pilowsky, The Flip Side tells the story of Ronnie (Emily Taheny), a deep-in-debt restaurateur who five years ago was left heartbroken when her brief intense romance with British movie star Henry (Eddie Izzard) ended. Luke McKenzie plays Jeff, Ronnie’s good-hearted boyfriend, who unwittingly creates a way for Ronnie and former fling Henry to meet again.
With Henry having the perfect opportunity to seduce her again and she still having feelings for him, how will Ronnie deal with this awkward situation?
A psychological thriller from director Michael Pearce, Beast explores the dark story of a troubled 27-year-old island girl still living with her family. Despite having a domineering mother and a sister who stole her thunder on her debut, she is too beholden to leave her family and ailing father.
However, when Moll met and fell madly in love with Pascal, she felt alive for the first time. She found the strength to move in with Pascal and break away from her family and the conservative community.
After Pascal got arrested as the key suspect in a series of brutal murders, she was left alone and afraid. Amidst suspicion from the community against Pascal, she chooses to stand by her man. As she deals with the circumstances in her life, she will be forced to make choices that will forever change her life.
Trips between the city’s inner-north and western suburbs are now quicker and safer with the completion of the Inner City Bypass upgrade.
One of Brisbane’s most important routes, the ICB and is integral to the city’s economic growth as it provides a vital link in the road network with its connections to Lutwyche Road, AirportlinkM7, Clem7, Legacy Way, and the soon-to-be-upgraded Kingsford Smith Drive.
Lord Mayor Graham Quirk marked the project’s completion on 20 August 2018.
“Council is committed to tackling traffic congestion right across the city and the ICB upgrade is one of 1,000 road projects that are being delivered as part of a $2 billion investment,” Cr Quirk said.
“With more lanes and bus priority measures, this upgrade will ensure the ICB can cater for future traffic demands which are expected to grow to 130,000 daily vehicles by 2031.”
Credit: Brisbane City Council/YouTube
Upgrades to the ICB included the new 150-metre on-ramp, which will provide direct access to the city from the Inner Northern Busway and Bowen Bridge Road.
According to Cr Quirk, more than 50 bus services travel along this stretch of road every day. Upgrades will allow bus passengers to save up to 10 minutes on their journey along the ICB. With this, new timetables will come into effect from 27 August 2018.
Infrastructure Chairman Cr Amanda Cooper said upgrades offered a significant improvement to the ICB.
“Prior to the upgrade, the ICB was operating at 90 percent capacity with vehicles often queuing up to 700 metres at the Herston Road exit and all road users will now benefit from up to 25 percent travel time savings with the completion of this upgrade,” Cr Cooper said.
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council
According to Transurban Queensland Group Executive, Sue Johnson, Transurban Queensland will provide operations, maintenance, and incident response services on the ICB following the completion of upgrades.
Transurban Queensland was the one who delivered the $60 million ICB upgrade on behalf of the Council. To learn more about the project, visit the official page of the Inner City Bypass upgrade.
Aside from the ICB upgrade, the transport along the Brisbane River is also set to improve with the Council’s investment $68 million investment for new express SpeedyCat services. The new express SpeedyCat will be deployed between Northshore Hamilton and University of Queensland and promises to shorten travel time along the Brisbane River.
It started out as a campaign intended to collect about 20-40 formal dresses for teens in drought-affected areas. The movement was initiated by sisters Anita Guyett and Tashoni Hardy which they launched through the Facebook page “Dresses for the Drought Australia”. The sisters called for donations of frocks, suits, shoes and accessories for the school formal of teens in the drought-affected farming communities.
Photo credit: Dresses for the Drought Australia/Facebook
The sisters’ initiative touched the hearts of people across Australia. In just a matter of days, it already garnered thousands of followers. Support has been overwhelming and responses from donors and commenters were very heartwarming.
Donations continue to pour in at Racecourse Road Dental, on 1/33 Racecourse Rd, Hamilton as more people in nearby cities become aware of the ongoing effort.
Heartbreaking
Farmers in New South Wales and Queensland are feeling the effects of the worst drought in living memory. Many teens in these farming areas are facing possibilities that they will have to forgo this once-in-a-lifetime event.
Tashoni Hardy currently lives in Clayfield and her sister Anita Guyett lives in Melbourne. They both grew up in rural Mackay region, known for its wildlife and fishing. This somehow made them feel more connected with the sufferings of their friends who also grew up away from the city, in regional farming communities.
Ms Guyett said that she heard of stories that some schools are calling-off their formals. The situation that the farming communities are facing have saddened them and they felt the need to help and organise something.
Mrs Hardy remembered how amazing the formals were and she felt that “to not have that opportunity as a young woman or a young man” would be sad.
“I think it’s really important for everyone to have that opportunity to have a special night and feel comfortable in their own skin and not have enormous costs involved with it,” Mrs Hardy said.
Government Support
The efforts of Anita Guyett and Tashoni Hardy have also gained support from the government. A government facility in Longreach was opened to house the donations coming from Brisbane.
“I commend the initiative organised by Tashoni and Anita and encourage everyone to dig through their wardrobes and donate formal attire they may not need anymore,” Minister Mark Furner said.
Minister Mark Furner also delivered a box containing donations of dresses and accessories from his ministerial staff. “This is a small thing that the Queensland Government is doing to help this wonderful initiative and I would like to thank the DAF staff for coming on board,” Minister Furner further said.
For more information about the “Dresses for the Drought” donation drive, please visit the Facebook page: facebook.com/dressesforthedrought.
Donation drop off point is at Racecourse Road Dental, at 1/33 Racecourse Rd, Hamilton
St. James Crabhouse & Kitchen has recently opened in Hamilton, making it the second in Queensland. The first restaurant is located in Kangaroo Point.
Now, Hamilton residents can easily access Alaskan king crabs and many more. With this second store, people from the north need not cross the river to get their crabs craving fixed.
The restaurant is inspired by the popular crab shacks in Boston. It boasts of art murals, street-style and can accommodate 50 guests inside and 45 outdoors.
Photo credit: http://stjamescrabhouse.com.au/
Get crackin’ with their Maine Lobster claws, Jonah crab claws, and Snow crab claws. You also get to choose your own sauce!
The 1kg Qld combo is also a popular choice for those looking for a seafood feast. It includes the Old Mud crab, Moreton bay bugs, prawns, spanner crab, mussels, and it also comes with heart seafood chowder and baguette.
Their Alaskan king crab legs Thermidor (cut & grilled with melted cheese/Thermidor sauce) that are paired with fries and house salad is also a popular choice.
If you’re looking for a meatier source of protein, they have pork ribs, beef ribs, chicken wings, as well as a selection of burgers that you can choose from.
Upgrade construction is underway on Kingsford Smith Drive in Hamilton and three streets will have to close in the process.
Brisbane City Council is spending $650 million for the upgrades which involve road and marine works to reduce traffic congestion, boost safety, and create a new entry statement to the city.
The Kingsford Smith Drive is a major road that links the CBD to the Brisbane Airport, Port of Brisbane, Northshore Hamilton, and the Australia TradeCoast area.
Road Closure Schedule:
As part of the construction, several roads in Hamilton will be closed for a period of time.
18 July
Oxford Street – closed for up to two months
23 July
Riverview Terrace – closed for up to eight months
29 July
Day Street – closed for up to five weeks
The upgrades specifically involve:
Road widening from four to six lanes between Theodore Street at Eagle Farm and Cooksley Street in Hamilton
Improvement works on Cookley Street and Breakfast Creek Road in Albion
Improvements on pedestrian and cycle facilities
Upgrades on public transport included indented bus stops
The most significant upgrade is making an entry statement to the city and the design includes:
tree-lined boulevard
new RiverWalk and segregated cycle path with dedicated rest areas
new urban plaza and parkland at Bretts Wharf
rejuvenated Cameron Rocks Reserve including a new lawn that highlights the heritage-listed war memorial
continuous footpaths on both sides of the road
On-road cycle lands between Theodore Street and Harbour Road
Councillor David McLachlan is asking the local community for their patience and provides assurance that the project will deliver great outcomes.
You can visit the Visitor Centre at 605 Kingsford Smith Drive for more project information and to see the 3D project models and fly-throughs. It is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Whether you are a resident or a visitor in Albion, there’s always something to spark your interest, one of which is the Amble About Albion Heritage Trail.
The Amble About Albion Heritage Trail is a great way to explore the area whilst learning about the rich history of the suburb. The historic trail will take you on a journey through a range of places and events that have shaped Albion’s history.
Learn more about Albion’s early European settlement, war-time activity during World War II, its prominence as an industrial centre in the past, and commercial success reflected in the historic Sandgate Road buildings.
Panorama from Albion towards Bowen Hills, ca. 1915 Campbell’s Pottery is on the left in the photograph. Photo credit: State Library of Queensland/Wikimedia Commons
The heritage trail includes 18 points of interest that explore Albion’s historic suburban streets and commercial centre. The 2.7-kilometre trail starts at the Albion Hotel on Sandgate Road, up the hill to Whytecliffe, and then down to Crosby Park.
You may check BCC’s Brisbane Heritage Trails – Amble About Albion Heritage Trail brochure or have it downloaded for your self-guided tour. The brochure map includes additional information such as the location of public transport, public toilets, and access for people with limited mobility.
Take note that some sections of the Amble About Albion Heritage Trail are steep and may not be accessible for people with limited mobility.
1. The Albion Hotel
Albion Hotel, Brisbane, ca. 1866, from which the suburb of Albion takes its name. Photo credit: State Library of Queensland/Wikimedia Commons
Established in 1864, the Albion Hotel is suitably the origin of the heritage trail since the suburb was named after it. It is believed that Albion Hotel’s owner and licensee, Tom Haselden was reminded of the white cliffs of Dover in England when looking at the white cliffs of Petrie’s stone quarry, and named his hotel Albion from the Latin “albus”, meaning white.
2. Albion Flour Mill
The historic mill was constructed by Gillespie Brothers Ltd in 1931 when Australia was struggling with the effects of the Great Depression. The Albion Flour Mill had been Brisbane’s only working flour mill and had been in operation for more than 70 years until it ceased production in 2004. Sadly, it was tragically destroyed by fire in November 2013.
3. Dunaverty
Photo credit: “More Historic Homes of Brisbane”, National Trust of Queensland & Ray Summer/www.yourbrisbanepastandpresent.com
This exquisitely decorated timber house was built by Archibald McNish Fraser in 1887. One of its unusual features is the custom detailing throughout the house which reflects Fraser’s Scottish background.
4. Hampton Court
Hampton Court was designed by Edward J Weller, a Brisbane architect who helped introduce the latest European architectural style of Functionalism to Brisbane in the 1930s. Hampton Court was hailed as one of the most modern designs in Australian architecture in 1938.
5. Highlands
Constructed in 1869 by Benjamin Brookes who is a successful ironmonger, this is one of the earliest remaining houses in the area.
6. Whytecliffe
Gracious residence Whytecliffe at Albion 1930 Photo credit: State Library of Queensland and John Oxley Library; Negative number: 199905
Robert Little, Queensland’s first Crown Solicitor, built this grand house in 1876. He named it Whytecliffe as he was inspired by the nearby white cliffs at Petrie’s quarry.
7. O’Driscoll Hall
The construction of this impressive two-storey brick school building began in 1926 following the Catholic Church’s purchase of the property. St Columban’s Boys’ School was then established in 1928.
8. Crosby Park and Chinese Market
In the late 19th Century, aside from what is now known as Crosby Park, there were several Chinese Market Gardens that supplied the town with most of their fresh fruit and vegetables.
9. Albion Park Racecourse
Looking from Toorak Road, Hamilton, over Albion Racecourse, Brisbane, 1929 Photo credit: State Library of Queensland and John Oxley Library Negative number: API-086-0001-0008
Starting as an amusement park in the late 19th Century, the Breakfast Creek Sports Ground became the Albion Park Racecourse in 1909-10.
10. The US Chemical Warfare Service
During World War II, intense wartime industry occurred in Albion and Crosby Park was used by the US Army Chemical Warfare Service.
11. Ellen Street Workers’ Cottage
Ellen Street is one of Albion’s most historic streets with a streetscape of small workers’ cottages built in the late 1880s. Numbers 23 and 25 Ellen Street are the earliest surviving houses in the street. Both residences were constructed in 1885.
12. The Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows Lodge Hall (MUIOOF)
This humble timber hall was built in 1927 as a hall for the Prince Albert Victor Lodge chapter of the Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows (MUIOOF). As a charitable society, the MUIOOF provided financial assistance to its members and their dependents in times of great need.
13. Stephan’s Saddlery
Horse-drawn deliveries, Albion Bakery, Albion, Brisbane, ca 1925 Photo credit: State Library of Queensland, Negative number: 57652
Carl Albert Stephan established his successful saddlery business on this site circa 1895. The saddlery continued to manufacture and sell horse-related products here well into the 1950s.
14. Albion Building
The Albion Building was constructed in 1927 at a time when Albion was experiencing an era of growth and prosperity. The building reflects the prosperity in Albion at the time of its construction.
15. Wyllie’s Buildings
This charming brick building was built between 1910 and 1911 for successful Albion hardware retailer, JR Wyllie & Sons.
16. Albion Post Office
This building was once the Albion Post Office and was constructed between 1925 and 1926. After being sold in 1995, the building is no longer used as a post office and has since been converted into offices.
17. Albion Public Hall
Albion Public Hall, Brisbane, 1909 Photo credit: State Library of Queensland, Negative number: 47138
Built in 1887, this public hall became the centre for Albion’s social events and entertainment. The hall was converted into a picture theatre in the early 1920s and for many years it was known as the Empire Picture Theatre. From 1934, the hall was referred to as the Capitol Theatre.
18. State Butcher shop
In 1917 this shop became one of the first State Butcher shops in Queensland. State butcher shops were established by the Queensland Labor Government under the State Enterprises Act of 1918 as a means of influencing the prices of household staples, such as meat and sugar.
Want to explore more historic sites in Brisbane? Check out the Gallivant Through Ascot and Hamilton Heritage Trail which uncovers the history of Hamilton and Ascot.
This is in line with the celebration of Australia’s first INAS Global Games, recognised as the biggest sporting event for athletes with an intellectual impairment.
