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Sanofi Australia Reveals Plans to Expand Solar Farm Project at Its Virginia-Based Manufacturing Campus

Photo credit: U.S. Department of the Interior, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Sanofi Australia recently revealed its plans to double its green energy commitment at its Brisbane manufacturing campus in Virginia, following the successful installation of 1,500 solar panels at the site.

Read: Toombul Shopping Centre Redevelopment a Possibility, Community Will Have a Say

At a ceremony held last mid-October 2022, Sanofi unveiled its 1,500 rooftop solar panels installed by Smart Commercial Solar at the company’s consumer healthcare manufacturing facility. The event was attended by The Hon. Anika Wells MP, Federal Minister for Aged Care, Federal Minister for Sport and Member for Lilley.

Sanofi is a global healthcare company that operates in about 100 countries and provides potentially life-changing treatment options and life-saving vaccine protection to millions of people globally. Sanofi’s Brisbane-based vitamin, mineral and supplement manufacturing campus produces Nature’s Own, Ostelin and Cenovis products.

During the unveiling ceremony, Sanofi likewise revealed its plans to expand the solar panel population at the site to 3,000 which will include solar panel-topped car shade across the campus park as well as new electric charge points for employee vehicles.

Expected to be completed by 2023, the solar farm is projected to save the site approximately 1,400 tonnes of CO2 and deliver 2GwH of electricity, more than 25 per cent of its annual electricity needs. The solar farm will generate electricity enough to power some 200

“As a global healthcare company, we recognise that climate change presents one of the greatest challenges of our age and that environmental action, taken by everyone, is a key to protecting the health of people worldwide,” Sanofi Australia & New Zealand Country Lead Karen Hood, said.

“Globally we are committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 and Net-zero by 2050 across all scopes. We have started a number of major programs to deliver on these commitments including switching to renewable energy across all global operations. Locally, our solar panel program in Brisbane is a proud part of this critical journey.”

Read: Construction of New Motor Museum in Banyo Underway

The Brisbane solar farm is another proud step forward on Sanofi’s commitment to carbon neutrality across the whole value chain by 2030 and is the latest of the many actions taken in Australia to help meet its global environmental commitments including:

In 2021 the Australian business announced it was moving to a hybrid car fleet. This shift is now 75% complete.
In June 2022 it launched an industry-first partnership with Return Unwanted Medicines, which aims to help raise awareness of the environmental impact of the incorrect disposal of unwanted and out-of-date medicines
In 2022 its consumer healthcare brand Nature’s Own announced a leading three-year partnership with Greening Australia to help restore natural ecosystems by establishing 25,000 native trees, shrubs and wildflowers across three major Australian cities. The phase one rooftop solar farm was installed by Smart Commercial Solar.

Sanofi Australia is one of the country’s top five medicines and vaccines companies with more than 50 medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, six on the Life-Saving Drugs Program, and 17 vaccines in the country with seven on the National Immunisation Program.

Sanofi Australia also operates a consumer healthcare business in Australia with household name brands including Telfast, Bisolvon, Nature’s Own, Ostelin, Cenovis and many others.

What To Look Forward To At Nundah Christmas Twilight Markets

Are you ready for Brisbane’s best Christmas market? Nundah Christmas Twilight Markets is returning in 2022, with plenty of activities for all ages.

Read: Toombul Shopping Centre Redevelopment a Possibility, Community Will Have a Say

Hosted by Nundah Farmers Markets, the Christmas market is not one to be missed, especially if you’re looking for a family-friendly event around town. Mark your calendars on Saturday, 3 December 2022, for Nundah Christmas Twilight Markets from 4:00 p.m. ’til 10:00 p.m. with these things to look forward to:

Artisan makers and handmade gifts

Nundah Christmas Twilight Markets — Photo credit: Nundah Farmers Markets/Facebook

There will be stalls featuring artisan gifts you can’t find elsewhere. There are gorgeous gifts like pottery from Diygirl.shedshop and one of a kind, unique earrings from Bunny Tail Designs, personalised decorations from Hello Rocco, handmade natural soaps from Earthly Soap and gorgeous stationery from Anandi Designs Planners and Stationery Australia.

Handmade goodies are not limited to items, because there are also boozy jams, courtesy of Stone & Lea, a specialty grocery store known for their relishes, chutneys, pickles, and handcrafted jams.

Gourmet eats and drinks

Piante Pizza will be there for their plant-based pizza, whilst Spanish Paellaman will be delighting guests with their Spanish paellas and tapas along with WAGYU Blacks with their famous Japanese wagyu wraps. Then wash it all down with a refreshing cold brew from Stone & Wood Brewing.

Aside from gourmet dishes, guests will be treated to a heaven of sweets, such as NYC cookies from TAMA, French macarons by Mama Mac’s Macarons, mini dutch pancakes by House of Poffertjes, and rocky road from Duchess of Sweet.

Activities for Everyone

There will be live entertainment and a pop-up bar. There’s so much in store, not just for adult visitors, but also for little ones who want to join in the fun. Get your cameras ready and post at the spectacular Christmas cheer and decorations or why not take some snaps with Santa?

Read: A Starbucks Development Is Coming to Northgate

If you’re planning to go, don’t forget to follow Nundah Farmers Markets’s Events Page for more information and further updates. There’s plenty of free parking on site! Entry fee costs $2 per person.

Toombul Shopping Centre Redevelopment a Possibility, Community Will Have a Say

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Once plans are ready, community drop-in sessions will be held to provide opportunities for locals to have their say on plans for the redevelopment of Toombul Shopping Centre. This was Mirvac’s commitment after discussing the possibility of rebuilding the flood-damaged northside shopping precinct with local representatives.

Mirvac expects to come out with the redevelopment plans in the second half of 2023 but a concrete timeline has not been outlined just yet, according to MP Leanne Linnard who met with the company’s executives alongside MP Anika Wells in mid-October 2022.

“Mirvac has confirmed … their commitment to retail, green-space, and ongoing access to public transport in any rebuild,” Ms Linnard shared.

“We have also been advised that there will also be opportunities to attend drop-in sessions to provide your direct feedback on what you would like to see at the site.”

A spokesperson from Mirvac also confirmed that they will come up with a community consultation program and keep the public up to date, beginning with the shopping centre’s demolition to prepare for the rebuilding.

Northsiders have been asking Mirvac to reopen Toombul Shopping Centre following the February floods, especially with the approaching holiday season.

However, the damage from the floodwaters has resulted in moulds all over the building. According to reports, Mirvac has begun stripping these moulds, a process which is expected to go on for weeks.

Meanwhile, PRAX Studio has come up with its own masterplan for Toombul Shopping Centre. The company said they are a “stakeholder in the future of Toombul” and thus wanted to engage the developer, Mirvac, by sharing their ideas about the future of the precinct.

“Our masterplan vision for Toombul prioritises the community’s needs and desires while taking maximum advantage of this once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver an open, green and accessible community heart for the enjoyment of future generations,” Prax Studio said.

“By advocating for the community and articulating a vision in which their views a better represented, our vision will contribute to achieving a development outcome that will be an enduring piece of public architecture befitting this wonderful site.”

Construction of New Motor Museum in Banyo Underway

Photo Credit: Brisbane Motor Museum / Facebook

If you love classic cars, then this upcoming motor museum in Banyo is worth waiting for. Construction of the Brisbane Motor Museum on Nudgee Road is well underway and it could open very soon!

Just minutes north of the Brisbane CBD and Airport, the Brisbane Motor Museum at 959 Nudgee Road is set to become the new home for historic and classic car enthusiasts. Construction is already well underway with the target opening in late 2022 or early 2023.

According to plans, the ground floor space will include a foyer, storage area, reception and access to the undercroft car parking area. There will also be meeting rooms, a gift shop, a food and drinks outlet, a public elevator, a library and a 900+sqm of space that will serve as the exhibit area.

Level 1 floor plan | Photo Credit: Brisbane Motor Museum / Facebook

Level 2 floor plan | Photo Credit: Brisbane Motor Museum / Facebook

A “Minor Change Request” application has been lodged to propose changes to the previously approved development application A005810743, including the installation of a Pad Mount Transformer and changes to the hours of operation.

According to the application letter submitted by Planning Insights, the museum will house luxury and rare/vintage vehicles. To accommodate enthusiasts who may elect for a group appointment after office hours and those patrons who may wish to indulge in their interests on a Sunday, operating hours are then proposed to change to 7 am to 10 pm (from the previous 7 pm), Monday to Sunday (from the previous Saturday). After 7 pm operating hours are likely to be by appointment only for better management of the number of visitors and on-site activities.

Car parking is also proposed to be changed from the approved 41 to 39 on-site spaces, inclusive of one PWD (3 towards the front boundary, 33 internal and 3 along the northern boundary).

“The exhibit is planned to offer both a static and dynamic display. Our static display houses mostly vehicles from the museum’s collection as well as feature cars that are on display beyond the exhibit’s duration,” Brisbane Motor Museum said in describing the marques that will be on display at the museum.

Exhibition at Royal Exhibition Building | Photo Credit: Brisbane Motor Museum / Facebook

“Our dynamic display is as mentioned, rotated every exhibit theme providing patrons fresh displays across many interests. Dynamic displays may involve themed events such as ‘The Best of a British’ or ‘The Italian Festival of Speed’ or focus on a car club’s anniversary or celebrated marque.”

959 Nudgee Rd, Banyo QLD 4014, Australia

Brisbane Ghost Tour at the Nundah Cemetery Returns

Photo Credit: Rocketrod1960, Public domain / Wikimedia Commons

It’s spooking time once again! Visit the historic, said-to-be-haunted Nundah Cemetery, join the ghost tour, and hear true ghost stories and eerie facts that have been part of the local lore.

Historic Australia director, Jack Sim, has long been fascinated by stories of true crimes, ghost tales, and jailbirds. For years, he has preserved numerous details of items and subjects that many would find strange and frightening. And in 1998, he established Ghost Tours Australia which today is considered Brisbane’s longest-running ghost tour organisation.

At the Nundah Cemetery, see more than 800 monuments and hear real ghost stories from within the cemetery and of those who have been buried there. The one-hour-guided ghost tour will feature creepy but true stories about the earliest graves, the house by the cemetery, a child ghost, hoodoos, a ghost ship, a medical fraudster, and death by chocolate.

Brisbane Ghost Tours Nundah Cemetery Returns — Photo Credit: Jack Sim Presents / Facebook

And if that is not enough, they might also hear horrible tales of tragedy and crime or even witchcraft and magic that may have been part of the site’s creepy history.

Located on Hedley Avenue in Nundah, the heritage-listed Nundah Cemetery was established in 1846 by German Lutheran missionaries. The cemetery was at the time known as German Station Cemetery, after the district’s name, and is believed to have over 4,000 graves today.

Other Brisbane Ghost Tours include Toowong Cemetery Ghost Tour (The Original), Toowong Cemetery Ghost Tour (Other Side), South Brisbane Cemetery Ghost Tour, and Lutwyche Cemetery Haunted History Tour.

To check for availability on the Nundah Cemetery tour, click here.

Nundah Cemetery | 86 Hedley Av, Nundah QLD 4012, Australia

Darryl Brohman vs Paul Gallen on the Bowling Green

The Wonder from Down Nundah defeats the G-Train.

North’s Finest Darryl Brohman beats The G-Train Paul Gallen at a pre-NRL Grand Final shoot-out on Taren Point Bowls Club.

Gallen who recently took out 2 Qlders back to back in a State of Origin Boxing event, blamed bad preparation for his capitulation 10-6 to the Big Marn.

He cleaned up Justin Hodges and Ben Hannant 2 weeks ago at the Nissan Arena though Hodges is looking for a re-match over 6 rounds and Hannant took Gallen to 4 rounds, with the G-Train taking the win on points 40-36.

“The worst thing is Darryl will go on like a pork chop about this” lamented the G-Train.

“I haven’t asked for a rematch but if the supporters are prepared to come out I’ll come back for a rematch next year”, said Gallen.

“I thought Darryl’s bowls turned in more than mine” said Gallen.

The match formed part of the Continuous Call team’s 2GB and 4BC coverage of the NRL grand final.

The Big Marn of course is now well known as a male model for Lowes menswear.

His local footy career launched a huge professional career, in 1974 he made his A Grade debut whilst still in grade 12 at Wavell Heights High School for Norths Devils before playing 91 games for the Penrith Panthers and 23 for the Canterbury Bulldogs, his 2 Origin games including the infamous tackle by Les Boyd which broke Brohman’s jaw.

In 1976 he won the Rothman Medal whilst playing for Norths based out of Bishop Park in Nundah.

Darryl Brohman at Norths Devils Rugby Football Club — Source: Norths Devils Rugby Football Club

The Big Marn’s name continues in the local game with The Darryl Brohman Cup, an Under 10s annual footy tournament held at Norths Devils Rugby League Football Club.

A Starbucks Development Is Coming to Northgate

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au/

A Starbucks development is coming to Northgate. The approved development proposal will also include a service station and research tech offices to be built at the former site of the Northgate Foundry building on Toombul Road.

According to the Verve-designed plans, the development will include the establishment of a service station which plans were already approved back in 2020 and two new stand-alone buildings. The development will be integrated with the existing brick building situated on the southwest side of the 7,994sqm site at 185 Toombul Road in Northgate.

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au/

There will be a Starbucks outlet with a drive-through to be built on the corner of Toombul Road and Holland Street whilst next to it will be one of the research and technology industry buildings.

The approved application will also involve the reconfiguring of the lot into two subdivisions to separate the service station with its associated reciprocal easements. The four buildings will be situated on each of the corner sides of the site with driveways and an 86-car parking area provided at the centre of the development.

The old Northgate Foundry building which has been at the site since the 1950s has been demolished to facilitate the approved development. The project which will cover a total gross floor area of 1,533sqm will provide a new shared driveway to Holland Street and Toombul Road.

The upcoming development at a glance:

Service Station (Tenancy 1)= 193sqm GFA

Fuel canopy, 8 fuel pumps
Shared loading bay
12 car parking
Landscaping

Food and Drink (Tenancy 2-Starbucks) = 200sqm GFA

Single storey (5.5m max. height)
Alfresco area
Single lane drive through (up to 10 queuing cars)
Shared car parking
Shared loading bay
Landscaping

Research and Tech Building (Tenancy 3) = 600sqm GFA

Two storey
Courtyard
Shared loading bay
Landscaping

Research and Tech Building (Tenancy 4) = 540sqm GFA

Two storey
Ground floor awning
Shared car parking
Shared loading bay
Landscaping

185 Toombul Rd, Northgate QLD 4013, Australia

Discussions Ongoing Regarding Possible Toombul Shopping Centre Redevelopment

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Flood-damaged Toombul Shopping Centre in Nundah could soon be reborn, as discussions with Mirvac commence on plans to redevelop the site to make way for the return of retail offerings, with ample open space, and flood resilience measures also to be put in place.

Following the 2022 February flood that heavily damaged the centre, Mirvac announced that the complex was beyond repair. The leases of more than a hundred retailers were cancelled and Toombul Shopping Centre announced its closure in May.

The announcement of the permanent closure of the centre was received with shock and disappointment by locals and businessmen who have since called for the owner to reconsider their decision.

Since then, Mirvac executives have had several talks with Hon Anika Wells MP and Hon Leanne Linard MP who both expressed support for the return of retail offerings at the site. Previous talks with Cr Adam Allan and LNP Member for Clayfield Tim Nicholls were also made. Further discussions wwith stakeholders to discuss redevelopment plans for the site are expected.

Photo Credit: Toombul Shopping Centre / .toombul.com.au

Mr Nicholls would also like for the retail presence reinstated at the site to answer the shopping needs of the local community.

The absence of Toombul mall has left a big void to fill for nearby retail stores and shopping precincts which have since been experiencing nightmarish parking conditions, especially during busy periods.

The redevelopment plans, however, would need to factor in flood resilience measures considering the recent flood events as well as the 2011 and 2015 floods. These flood mitigation plans, according to Mr Nicholls, could also include returning a portion of the lower car park to Brisbane City Council to be used as parkland.

Mirvac acquired the flood-prone property in 2016 for $233 million and spent an additional $35 million for its upgrade. After the February 2022 flooding event, the company’s 2022 Annual Report revealed the $216-m “write-down” of the shopping centre retaiI asset.

Unfinished Pinkenba Quarantine Facility Proposed for Transformation as Housing for DV Victims

A proposal has been raised to transform the unfinished Pinkenba quarantine facility into a dedicated crisis housing complex for women and children who are victims of domestic violence.

In July 2022, the Queensland government announced that the Pinkenba quarantine facility will no longer be required for COVID-19 amidst its delayed opening. The pandemic Wellcamp facility, which opened in February and housed over 700 individuals in the course of six months, has also been ordered closed as of 1 Aug 2022.

Given these changes, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said that there is now an “opportunity to step-up and ensure their Pinkenba quarantine facility becomes a valuable asset rather than a white elephant.”

The Federal Government owns the site, which was originally set to open in 2021 with an initial 500 beds and was also due for a handover to the State Government in March. Delays due to inclement weather pushed back its opening but the completion date of the facility has not yet been announced.

Mr Schrinner said that a number of organisations that have the expertise in crisis housing may run the site on behalf of the government. However, Micah Projects chief executive Karyn Walsh said that the Pinkenba quarantine facility won’t be a quick fix.

Pinkenba Quarantine Facility — Wellcamp Quarantine Facility
Photo Credit: QueenslandGovt

Whilst Ms Walsh backs the mayor’s idea, she said housing accommodation for domestic violence victims should be planned by the right people. She said DV victims will need to have the “security of housing” where the location is near support services as opposed to a quarantine facility in a well-known site.

The quarantine facility was also mainly built for infection control and prevention, supporting the health systems and humanitarian efforts of the government.

A spokesperson for the Federal Government’s Finance Minister and Minister for Women Katy Gallagher said that the $400 million site may instead have future uses for health and emergency situations or as a temporary crisis accommodation following a natural disaster and similar events.

Quarantine facilities in Victoria and Perth have had similar problems and are now vacant or have yet to open.

Mirvac Doubles Payment for Eligible Toombul Shopping Centre Retailers

Some of the embattled shop owners of the flood-ravaged Toombul Shopping Centre will receive a further cash boost after Mirvac announced it will double their payments for eligible small businesses.

Mirvac chief executive Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz said that retailers with an annual turnover of less than $50 million a year will get another three months’ worth of rent payments on top of the three months’ rent payments already promised in June 2022.

Ms Lloyd-Hurwitz said that they have been meeting with these retailers, who communicated their challenging experiences after the February floods that shut down the Toombul Shopping Centre permanently. Mirvac’s decision to terminate the leases placed many of the retailers in debt.

The company determined that it was no longer practical to reinstate the site given its risks of immense flooding. Ms Lloyd-Hurwitz said that the flood caused significant damage to their electricity, electricity, fire and air-conditioning systems, lifts and escalators. Mould has also impacted the shopping centre, which was declared hazardous for people’s health.

Toombul tenants — Meeting with tenants and lawyer Brian Noble
Photo Credit: LeanneLinardMP/Facebook

In June, Cr Adam Allan said that a decision was reached to demolish the existing shopping centre and construct a new one.

“The site is zoned Major Centre zoning under the Brisbane City Plan 2014. This type of zoning provides for a wide range of uses including retail, commercial, residential, entertainment, government, residential care, retirement, and community uses to name some,” Cr Adam sad.

“While Mirvac are only in the early stages of their planning on the future of the site the uses above provide a high level guide of some potential uses.

“There will be some outcomes from the site that Brisbane City Council will be keen to see delivered or retained such as a bus interchange, public space, better connectivity, improved flood resilience, a better interface to Kedron Brook etc

“There will be many discussions between Council’s Development Services team and Mirvac over coming months as their plans for the site are formulated.”