Mirvac recently confirmed the impending demolition of flood-ravaged Toombul Shopping Centre, at the same time ruling out any explosive demolition due to mould issues within the structure. However, in an unexpected turn of events, an announcement was made that special operations police will be making their presence known in the area.
The Special Emergency Response Team, bomb squad, dog squad, and Public Safety Response Team of the Queensland Police Services are set to carry out a four-day training exercise this February 2024 at the Toombul Shopping Centre.
These specialised units often conduct scenario-based training in vacant or derelict buildings, and this time, Toombul will serve as their training ground.
Live ammunition or explosives will NOT be used during these exercises.
Residents Notified of Police Activity
Residents were recently informed through letterbox notifications of the police activity scheduled to take place between 17 to 21 February 2024, from 9 am to 4 pm daily. The notifications indicated that there might be loud noises during this period, and residents may notice an increased police presence in the local area.
In addition to the police activity, three telecommunications companies, Waveconn, Telstra, and TPG, are in the final stages of preliminary work at the Sandgate Rd site to ensure uninterrupted mobile phone coverage. The demolition process will commence with minor tasks such as disconnecting services within the site and removing some interior fittings and fixtures.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Demolition Plans and Future Development
Mirvac has selected Rosenlund Contractors Pty Ltd to handle the demolition works, which will occur six days a week from 6.30 am to 6.30 pm. Approved plans indicate that the Toombul bus interchange and associated roads will be retained.
Although no development application has been submitted yet, it is expected that Mirvac will seek approval for a mixed-use project to replace the 56-year-old shopping centre. This project may include public green space, residential areas, and a smaller retail component.
Efforts to revamp the site of the damaged Toombul Shopping Centre, which was severely affected during the February 2022 flood event, are gaining momentum with support from various quarters.
The proposed transformation aims to create a vibrant precinct featuring social and affordable housing solutions, with significant implications for the Toombul community and Queensland. This initiative comes as a response to the growing need for affordable housing in the region.
Reflecting on his personal history, Premier Steven Miles mentioned his early employment at a café situated within the Toombul Shopping Centre and expressed his sentiment regarding its loss. Despite this, he underlined the potential of the site, particularly given its expansive size and proximity to a train station.
“It is a large piece of land with a train station – and that is exactly the kind of land that we want to see developed, and developed with affordability in mind and with a share of those properties to be social and public housing,” Mr Miles said.
Photo Credit: Mirvac
Private Ownership and Governmental Collaboration
Notably, the land in question is privately owned by the developer Mirvac. Mr Miles welcomed Housing and Planning Minister Meaghan Scanlon’s commitment to collaborate with Mirvac.
Minister Scanlon expressed her intent to utilise her planning powers and social housing budget to assist in this venture. The Premier emphasised the significance of granting the Housing Minister planning powers, which could provide her with the necessary flexibility to expedite development approval.
While Brisbane City Council approved the demolition of the Toombul Shopping Centre in 2023, the precise future of the site remains uncertain. Minister Scanlon has not yet met with Mirvac to finalise the transformation of the location into residential accommodation featuring social and affordable housing.
However, she enthusiastically declared her readiness to present the proposal to the developer, citing the urgent need to address Queensland’s housing shortage. She also extended her willingness to engage with other developers interested in contributing to the cause.
Awaiting Mirvac’s Decision
A spokesperson for Mirvac stated that the company has not yet determined the future use of the once-iconic shopping centre.
The fate of the Toombul site now hinges on the collaborative efforts of the state government, private developers, and local authorities as they seek to create a more inclusive and affordable housing landscape for Queensland residents.
Jeanette Meyer began this enchanting journey when her daughter, Jodie Wendorf, brought home the joy of Christmas lights after marrying an American. With Kendall Meyer by their side, three generations came together, transforming their home into ‘Grandma’s Christmas.’
What started with a few lights has blossomed into an awe-inspiring display, drawing the community together each festive season. The house has become a beacon, welcoming families to an interactive wonderland that pays homage to Alice in Wonderland, blending classic Christmas elements with whimsy.
Jeanette Meyer’s creativity shines through homemade decorations crafted from wood, paper mache, and thousands of lights. The display has evolved from a humble sleigh and reindeer ears to an intricate exhibit that captures the imagination.
However, amidst the lights and admiration, the display holds a heartfelt memorial garden. It’s a place of remembrance for the community, honouring those who’ve passed, including premature babies like Jodie’s son.
The appeal of ‘Grandma’s Christmas’ is undeniable. Hundreds flock to witness the spectacle each night, transforming the street into a scene reminiscent of ‘The Walking Dead.’ The display’s acclaim even reached the heights of winning best northside residence and best overall at the 4KQ Christmas lights competition in 2019.
Despite the global attention, Jeanette Meyer remains grounded. Her favourite part? The cherished moments spent together as a family, a sentiment echoed by her daughter. For Ashley Wendorf, growing up amidst this luminous tradition has been nothing short of incredible.
In Banyo, ‘Grandma’s Christmas’ isn’t just lights; it’s a testament to familial bonds, creativity, and the communal spirit of the festive season. For 20 years, this radiant spectacle has illuminated the hearts of locals and will continue to do so for generations to come.
The Nudgee Recreation Reserve, now Brisbane’s newest multi-sports park and recreation reserve, made its debut for the summer holidays, heralding a new era of recreational development in the region.
Once an idle piece of land, the site has undergone a remarkable transformation into a sporting haven. Nudgee Recreation Reserve is set to become the flagship location for Football Queensland’s latest northern Brisbane facilities.
Football Queensland has been granted the lease for this $35 million recreational marvel. The facility encompasses six state-of-the-art playing fields, a clubhouse, and community spaces, forming a pivotal part of the Metro North hub for football. This development aims to address the growing demands in Brisbane, where the sport has over 100,000 club-based and social participants.
Meeting the Soaring Demand for Football Facilities
Remarkably, the six football fields at Nudgee Recreation Reserve are already reserved at full capacity from Monday to Friday, well ahead of its official opening. This underscores the pressing need for sports facilities in the region and the strong demand for such amenities.
Football Queensland has thoughtfully reserved certain slots on weekends for community use, ensuring that residents can also enjoy this remarkable facility. Various community programs, including Girls United, Walking Football, Multicultural Settlement Program, and MiniRoos Kick-Off, will find their home at the Nudgee Recreation Reserve. Football Queensland plans to offer additional programs such as the FQ Academy, FQ Referee Academy, coach education, and Queensland state team sessions at this venue. Local community clubs will also benefit from valuable field space, further enriching the overall sporting experience in the area.
Leo Sancini, Vice President of the Brisbane City Football Club, expressed his enthusiasm for the Nudgee Recreation Reserve, particularly highlighting its potential for growth in both women’s and men’s football. As the city anticipates the upcoming Olympics, the facility’s presence will undoubtedly open doors for many aspiring football players, providing countless opportunities for the community to embrace this beloved sport.
A Multi-Sport Facility for the Community
However, its appeal extends far beyond just the football enthusiasts. This recreational gem boasts an array of amenities, including a playground, BMX pump track, and even a dedicated dog park, promising a wide range of activities to cater to the diverse interests of the local community.
Photo Credit: CrAdamAllan/Facebook
The Nudgee Recreation Reserve’s versatile sporting fields are designed to accommodate a variety of sports, including touch football, cricket, and soccer. In addition, a new 223-space car park and pathway connections to Nudgee Train Station and Railway Street have been established to ensure easy accessibility for all.
Further work on the clubhouse interior, including sports field lighting, change rooms, meeting rooms, storage, and public toilets, is expected to be completed in early 2024.
Retail giant Kmart Australia Limited (Kmart), a subsidiary of Wesfarmers, has filed a lawsuit against Mirvac Retail Sub SPV Pty Ltd and Mirvac Capital Pty Ltd, part of the ASX-listed Mirvac group, over the closure of Toombul Shopping Centre due to flood damage.
The lawsuit, which seeks $10 million in compensation, alleges that Mirvac breached their lease agreement by closing the shopping centre. This lawsuit unfolds 18 months after Toombul Shopping Centre’s closure was initially announced due to extensive flood damage.
The Lease Dispute: Kmart vs. Mirvac
Kmart contends that it had a valid lease agreement with Mirvac until February 2027. In the claim filed in the Supreme Court in Brisbane on Friday, 15 Dec 2023, Kmart asserts that Mirvac should compensate them for the loss of profit that the discount department store would have earned during the lease period.
They argue that this compensation should be based on the anticipated trading if the store had reopened after flood damage occurred on 25 and 27 Feb 2022.
Kmart further alleges that Mirvac’s estimate of the loss of profit during this time amounts to $13.4 million, reduced to $10.1 million in net present value.
According to Kmart, had the lease been in effect in April 2023, when Mirvac settled its insurance claim for flood damage, Mirvac would have breached the lease by not using the insurance payout to repair and rebuild the shopping centre.
Insurance and Repudiation: The Key Claims
Kmart’s lawsuit claims that Mirvac’s insurer had agreed to indemnify Mirvac concerning the flood damage. However, in April 2023, Mirvac informed Kmart that it had settled its insurance claim with insurer FM Insurance but could not disclose the dollar value due to confidentiality.
Kmart had already accepted Mirvac’s repudiation of the Toombul lease on 8 Sept 2022 but maintained that Mirvac’s decision to permanently close the shopping centre constituted a significant loss due to repudiatory conduct.
Mirvac’s Decision and Future Plans
Mirvac, a prominent player in Australian real estate with a portfolio exceeding $11.9 billion, announced the permanent closure of Toombul Shopping Centre on 9 June 2022.
CEO Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz cited extensive damage to crucial infrastructure such as electricity, fire, and escalators, along with the risk of future flooding, as reasons behind the decision.
Kmart asserts that Mirvac’s decision to close Toombul Shopping Centre represented an unequivocal intention not to fulfil its lease obligations, including using insurance funds to rebuild the centre. To date, no defence has been filed against Kmart’s claims, and a hearing date has not been scheduled.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Future Developments: Toombul’s Transformation
Mirvac’s acquisition of the 9.9-hectare Toombul Centre in 2016 marked a significant investment. On 18 July 2023, Brisbane City Council approved Mirvac’s application to demolish the former shopping centre, including buildings, car parks, and shade sails.
Post-demolition, Mirvac plans to create a temporary park in the southeast corner of the site and will fence it off until approvals for the new development, still in the design phase, are obtained. The approved plans include retaining the Toombul bus interchange and associated roads.
Kmart’s Financial Performance
Despite the legal battle surrounding Toombul Shopping Centre, Kmart performs well. In the 2022-2023 financial year, Kmart posted $8.3 billion in sales, representing a remarkable 22 per cent increase, while earnings at the Kmart Group, including Target, surged by 53 per cent.
Telstra, Vodafone, and Optus have jointly established a Temporary Mobile Phone Base Station within Toombul Shopping Centre’s car park. The telecommunication tower, situated near the former Coles click-and-collect area, aims to address the need to ensure effective mobile network coverage in the area.
The temporary station stands tall at 30 meters, equipped with antennas, ancillary tools, and cabinets on an elevated platform. Telstra, Vodafone, and Optus have indicated that this provisional infrastructure will operate until August 2024.
Mirvac, overseeing the site’s transformation, submitted plans for the shopping centre’s demolition in April 2023. The move follows the impact of the Brisbane floods in February 2022, which mandated the relocation of existing telecommunication facilities before demolition could commence.
According to SAQ Consulting, the installation of this temporary base station adheres to the Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code C564:2020. It ensures continuous mobile phone coverage and network capacity for Nundah and its surrounding areas following the decommissioning of existing rooftop facilities.
Mirvac is committed to shaping the future of the site. Plans for the area’s redevelopment, including retail spaces, are in progress. However, specifics regarding the return of major retailers or the exact size of the shopping area remain undisclosed.
Updates on the demolition plans will be provided as they progress. Advance notice of work commencement and ongoing updates will be communicated as needed. For direct email updates on the demolition program, register online at toombulrenewal.com/register.
This Saturday, December 9, marks a momentous occasion for Nudgee as the grand opening of the sporting facility takes place from 8:45 a.m. to 12 noon.
Kicking off the opening are two free BMX workshops for kids aged 6-17 years, run by expert BMX riders from RampFest. Spots are limited so registration is essential. Following the workshops will be a jaw-dropping BMX demo and a free bike giveaway.
Artist’s impression of Nudgee Recreation Reserve improvements (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/Flickr)
Other opening day activities include activities by Football Queensland, free access to the playground, picnic areas and dog off-leash zone, as well as fitness stations for adults.
The Rotary Club of Nundah will be firing up the barbie for a classic Aussie sausage sizzle and breakfast burgers. Cool down afterwards with ice creams and snow cones from the ice cream van.
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/Flickr
The centrepiece of the new facility is the BMX track for keen riders to test their skills. For those preferring to stay on foot, there are picturesque walking, running and cycling paths weaving through the grounds. The recreational area also includes a shared sports field, sheltered barbecue facilities and a new 223-space carpark.
Nudgee locals can look forward to having this high quality recreation and sporting hub right on their doorstep. Everyone is encouraged to come down this Saturday and join the community celebration!
Those who are interested in the BMX workshops may go to Eventbrite for session tickets or email RampFest on Chris@rampfest.com.au for more information.
On Saturday 2 Dec 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., soak up the festive vibes as you wander through over 150 stalls featuring the best gourmet eats from local tastemakers and unique, handmade gifts from bespoke makers and creators.
If you feel like mistle-toasting to the silly season, don’t forget to stop by the North Pole Bar to sip on an icy cold brew from Stone & Wood and Revel Brewing Co. or extra festive Christmas spirits from Milton Rum Distillery.
But it doesn’t stop there! Jingle bell rock the night away with live music by Yellow Bird Trio and The B-Sides, be mesmerised by roving Chrissy performers and majestic stilt walkers, stop by the petting zoo, and grab a selfie with SANTA! No resting grinch faces here!
WIN A $200 BAR TAB TO SPEND!
We’re offering you a chance to WIN a $200 bar tab to spend the night of Nundah Christmas Twilight Market! Cheers to that!
Nundah Christmas Twilight Market When: Saturday 2 December | 4PM – 10PM $3 Entry (free for kids under 12) | FREE Parking Where: Station St, Nundah Snaps with Santa: 5PM – 8PM
Featuring: Mr Pulled Slow Cooked Meats, Teppanyaki Noodles, Piante Pizza, Churros Bites, Roll It Ice Cream Co., Bucky’s Cookies and Creations, and more!
Queensland’s cruise industry is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, and plans to fast-track the development of a second Brisbane Cruise Liner Terminal in Pinkenba are now in the works to meet the burgeoning demand.
After languishing as a ghost town during the pandemic, Brisbane’s cruise terminal sprang to life, welcoming 138 cruise ships during its first full year of operation last season. The Pinkenba facility is on track to record a 20 percent increase in the number of ships this season.
This unprecedented surge in cruise traffic is driving discussions to expedite the construction of a second terminal at the mouth of the Brisbane River to accommodate the growing number of cruise ships flocking to the region.
Brisbane’s Record Cruise Season
Brisbane is set to host an estimated 165 cruise ships, bringing nearly 800,000 passengers in 2023. Many of these passengers will embark on journeys along the picturesque Queensland coast, injecting a substantial $200 million windfall into the state’s tourism industry.
This record-breaking season is further highlighted by the arrival of Royal Caribbean International’s Quantum of the Seas, commencing a 25-voyage season in Brisbane that will bring a staggering 115,000 passengers to the city.
Port of Brisbane CEO, Neil Stephens, expressed his enthusiasm for the new cruise season and the contribution of the cruise industry to Queensland’s economy.
“The industry is a big part of Queensland’s economic and tourism success story, with cruising from Brisbane estimated to contribute around $1.15 billion to the state economy over the next decade,” he said.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Economic Impact and Expansion Plans
Brisbane’s growing reputation as a world-class cruise hub is attracting more ships to its shores, generating jobs and boosting economic activity in the region.
However, the surge in cruise traffic is outstripping the capacity of the current terminal. The facility can only accommodate one ship visit per day, and during the summer months, it operates near full capacity. Port officials are already assessing future demand to plan for expansion, ensuring that they can cater to the growing appetite for cruise travel.
Gavin Smith, Vice President and Managing Director of Royal Caribbean’s Australia and New Zealand division, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for the region’s potential growth.
“The proximity of Queensland to the islands in the Pacific, the Great Barrier Reef, the new terminal, all the pieces are there. There’s a lot of momentum, and we’re very excited about the opportunities,” Mr Smith said.
Queensland’s Dominance in the Cruise Market
Data from Cruise Lines International Association and the Australian Cruise Association confirms Queensland’s status as Australia’s second-largest cruise market after Sydney. However, industry insiders believe that Brisbane has the potential for further growth, making it a promising hub for cruise tourism.
The research reveals that Queensland contributed an impressive $1.69 billion to the national cruise economy in the last financial year, supporting more than 5,000 full-time equivalent jobs.
A lifesaving Type 1 Diabetes National Screening Pilot will take place in Nundah, which will be aimed at identifying infants aged 6-12 months who are at risk of developing type 1 diabetes.
The program will also be available to residents in the suburbs of Chermside, Bracken Ridge, and Ferny Hills, providing a significant opportunity for early detection.
Addressing the Urgent Need for Early Detection
Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong autoimmune condition that can have severe and even fatal immediate and long-term health implications. Alarming statistics show that this condition affects 1 in 300 children in Australia, and what’s particularly challenging is that 90 per cent of these cases have no family history of the condition.
Consequently, this potentially life-threatening illness can be incredibly hard to identify, especially in infants, where its symptoms can often be mistaken for minor childhood concerns. Consequently, children often aren’t diagnosed until they become severely ill, necessitating emergency care.
To address this critical issue, the Type 1 Diabetes National Screening Pilot offers a simple and free method to detect infants at risk. This initiative is being funded by JDRF and is spearheaded by a dedicated team at the University of Sydney.
Early Detection Saves Lives
Early detection is critical for ensuring better health outcomes for children who may be at risk of developing type 1 diabetes. This autoimmune condition is one of the most common chronic illnesses affecting children and adolescents. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, resulting in insulin deficiency.
Without insulin, the body cannot convert glucose from food into energy, leading to dangerous levels of glucose in the bloodstream. Early screening can identify very early signs of the condition before children start showing symptoms.
Dr. Gary Deed, a General Practitioner involved in the program’s development, highlights the significance of early detection.
“Type 1 Diabetes is a unique illness which doesn’t come from lifestyle choices. It may develop in very young people right through to older ages. The current problem is that early onset is often missed and children especially are presenting in severe medical crises called ketoacidosis, which can have both an immediate even fatal outcome but if the person can be managed there are longer term impacts of difficulty sustaining healthy outcomes compared to people who don’t have this alarming ketoacidosis presentation,” Dr Deed told Brisbane Suburbs Online News.
“This is why screening early, helps us support people at risk to be in touch with health professionals who can prevent serious outcomes mentioned and intervene where needed to offset the emotional and physical crises that are known to occur.
“My passion about knowing the real benefit this reseach project will bring from identifying at risk people/children and then the sheer effort in getting all the aspect of the trial aligned and in place, has required positive patience, but I know the benefits once rolled out will make a difference to families and children.”
A Vision for the Future
The Type 1 Diabetes National Screening Pilot is a crucial step towards early detection and improved long-term health outcomes. The program has a broader vision of making early type 1 diabetes detection a routine part of childhood screening across Australia.
“Given that the goal of the pilot program is to make early type 1 diabetes detection available for every child in Australia and have it become part of routine childhood screening, where are we in terms of achieving that statewide (QLD) at the moment? What’s the critical path that needs to be taken and the barriers or challenges that you see? The goal of this Type 1 Diabetes National Screening Pilot is to identify the best option for implementing screening for type 1 diabetes in children in Australia,” Dr Kirstine Bell from the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkin Centre, who led the development of the program, said.
Photo Credit: Supplied
“A number of screening models have been very successful internationally. So we’re learning from these as well as other national and statewide public health programs in Australia, and then using this Pilot to partner with local communities, like Brisbane North, to understand how this screening should run in our health system and in the Australian population.
“Ultimately, the vision is for this to be a national, government-funded screening program. To achieve that, the government will look at all the evidence from this Pilot and from around the world, to determine if and how best to run a type 1 diabetes screening program.”
Dr Bell also said that the program is set to close at the end of 2024, but children identified as having an increased risk will continue to be monitored for five years to catch any early markers of the autoimmune condition. Over the next two years, the program aims to work with the government to build a roadmap towards full implementation.
Bronwen Manger, a local resident whose child has undergone the screening, emphasizes the simplicity and importance of the process.
“The screening process is simple and hassle-free. I was happy to see that it was available, and I could take proactive action to see if my child was at risk of type 1 diabetes,” she shared.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Simplified Process for Parents
Parents have been given an easy and accessible way to participate in the screening program. They can register for a free test kit online at www.KidsDiabetesScreen.com.au, and the kit will be conveniently delivered to their homes. The screening process involves collecting a saliva sample from the child’s mouth, which can then be sent for analysis.
The majority of children will receive a low-risk result from early screening. However, for those identified as having an increased risk, regular follow-up testing will be recommended to monitor early signs of the condition. The Screening Pilot is not just about identifying at-risk children but also about providing education and support to their families.
