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Green Bin Deliveries Begin in Nundah as Brisbane Overhauls Rubbish Service

A fundamental shift in how Brisbane manages household waste has begun, with Nundah residents joining a citywide movement to make the three-bin system the new standard and divert nearly a quarter of all residential rubbish from landfill.

The New Normal for Brisbane Bins

A fundamental shift in household waste management is now underway, making the three-bin system of general waste, recycling, and green waste the new standard for eligible homes. The citywide delivery of up to 160,000 new green-lidded bins officially started this month.

For residents in Nundah, as well as suburbs like Algester, Milton, and Northgate, deliveries are scheduled to take place between August 11 and August 22. The broader rollout will continue across Brisbane on a suburb-by-suburb basis until December, eventually expanding the service from 170,000 homes to all eligible properties.

From Garden Clippings to City Savings

This initiative gives residents a direct role in tackling one of the city’s biggest waste challenges. Garden organics currently make up almost a quarter of the contents in the average general waste bin. By separating this material, the community can help divert between 65,000 and 80,000 tonnes of green waste from landfill each year.

This diversion has a significant financial benefit, with Brisbane City Council projecting it will offset between $2 million and $3 million in state government waste levy costs in the first year alone, and up to $32 million over five years. The collected green waste will be recycled into valuable mulch and compost.

What the Change Means for You

As the green waste service becomes a core part of council’s collection, the fee structure is also being standardised. Households receiving a new bin will see a Universal Waste Charge of $49.52 added to their annual rates.

Property owners who already have a green bin will have the separate charge for that service removed and rolled into the standard waste charge, resulting in no extra cost. In a significant expansion of the program, renters are now eligible to receive and use a green bin. Once a new bin is delivered to a property, collections will begin the following fortnight, alternating weekly with the yellow-lidded recycling bin.

A Guide to Effective Green Recycling

To ensure the program’s success, it’s important for residents to place only acceptable items in their new green waste bins. This includes grass clippings, leaves, flowers, weeds, and small prunings from trees and shrubs. All garden material should be placed in the bin loose, not in bags. To allow for effective processing, items should be no larger than 10 centimetres in diameter and 75 centimetres in length. It is also important to ensure the bin lid can close completely. All other items, including soil, rocks, and general rubbish, must not be placed in the green waste bin.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the rollout builds on the city’s track record of sustainability and supports residents in doing the right thing for the environment. He stated that the council’s focus is on reducing waste, saving money, and making Brisbane a clean and sustainable capital city while supporting households through cost-of-living pressures.

Published Date 11-August-2025

Brisbane Airport Growth Plans Highlighted in 2026 Draft, Consultation Open

Photo Credit: Brisbane Airport/Google Maps

Brisbane Airport has released its 2026 Preliminary Draft Master Plan for public consultation, outlining expansion projects and noise measures affecting surrounding suburbs.

Background to the Draft Plan

The Brisbane Airport 2026 Preliminary Draft Master Plan was made public on 4 August 2025, opening a 60-business-day consultation period ending on 30 October 2025. The document outlines a 20-year vision, including more than $5 billion in planned sustainable infrastructure investment over the next decade.

Brisbane Airport Corporation projects passenger numbers will grow from 25.7 million in 2026 to 52 million by 2046. The airport’s direct workforce is expected to double from 25,000 to 50,500 jobs during the same period. Economic contribution is forecast to increase from $5.6 billion to $11.5 billion annually.

airport expansion — *Photo Credit: Brisbane Airport*

Third Terminal and Airport Development

A third terminal is planned within the next decade to meet future demand. It is expected to be a domestic–international hybrid, allowing passengers to connect between flights without moving to a different terminal. The terminals will be renamed numerically as 1, 2, and 3.

Work on the new terminal’s tarmac is scheduled to begin next year, with expansion capacity built in for future growth. No name change for the airport is proposed.

2026 Master Plan — *Photo Credit: Brisbane Airport*

Transport and Connectivity

The plan reserves a rail corridor for a future Metro line connection, although operations cannot begin before 2036 due to an exclusivity agreement with the current Airtrain service. Upgrades to cycling, pedestrian, and motorist access are also proposed.

Noise and Community Concerns

Aircraft noise remains a concern for nearby suburbs. The master plan suggests quieter jet engine technology and routing more flights over Moreton Bay to reduce suburban noise. Airservices Australia is seeking feedback on possible flight path changes to address community concerns.

Security and Emerging Technology

Security screening upgrades will allow passengers to leave laptops in carry-on luggage, aiming to reduce wait times. The plan also allocates space for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, sometimes referred to as flying taxis, though this technology remains in early development and faces regulatory challenges.

Public Engagement and Next Steps

Public engagement activities include community events across Brisbane, information booths in airport terminals, and online access to the full draft plan. Members of the public can review the document and provide feedback until 30 October 2025 via the airport’s website.

Published 10-Aug-2025

Brisbane Airport-Based Stralis Leads Hydrogen Aircraft Push in Japan

Photo Credit: Trade and Investment QLD/Facebook

Stralis Aircraft, headquartered at Brisbane Airport, has formalised a new aviation research agreement in Japan, reinforcing Queensland’s role in advanced manufacturing and sustainable flight technologies.

Background and Context

Queensland recently concluded its largest education and research trade mission to Japan and Taiwan, focused on rebuilding international partnerships across education, research, and high-tech manufacturing. The delegation of 37 sector representatives showcased the state’s capabilities and met with overseas institutions, education agents, and government partners. The mission also supported the rollout of the Queensland–Japan Trade and Investment Strategy 2025–2028.

Hydrogen-Electric Aircraft Agreement Anchored at Brisbane Airport

A central outcome of the mission was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Brisbane Airport-based Stralis Aircraft and Japan’s Akita University and Akita Prefectural University. The agreement will see Stralis test its hydrogen-electric propulsion systems at Japan’s Joint Research Center for Electric Architecture.

The company’s Brisbane Airport facility is the base for its development of hydrogen-electric aircraft technology aimed at significantly reducing emissions and operating costs. Stralis claims its proprietary powertrain is six times lighter than traditional fuel cells and offers ten times the range of battery-electric aircraft. A demonstration of the hydrogen-powered Bonanza aircraft in Japan is planned for late 2026.

Education and Research Outcomes Across the Region

Beyond aerospace, the trade mission enabled new student mobility programs, research collaborations, and exchange agreements with Japanese and Taiwanese universities. A biotech roundtable in Taiwan focused on clinical trials and medtech development.

The mission also promoted Queensland’s immersive education model to Japanese students and connected regional Queensland institutions with education agents in Tokyo and Taipei. These activities are aimed at boosting enrolments and ensuring benefits reach communities beyond the southeast.

hydrogen aviation — *Photo Credit: Trade and Investment QLD/Facebook*

Strategic Support for Clean Aviation Growth

Japan is targeting 2035 for the commercial rollout of decarbonised passenger aircraft. The Stralis partnership supports this timeline while expanding research and workforce development opportunities in Queensland. The agreement also includes training programs for aviation technicians and engineers to support hydrogen-powered aircraft development.

Trade and Investment Queensland assisted in linking Stralis with Japanese research centres and aviation stakeholders. The collaboration reflects Queensland’s broader aim to contribute to global aerospace innovation through its Brisbane Airport-based industry assets.

Next Steps for Queensland’s Aerospace Sector

The hydrogen-electric propulsion trials are expected to begin in partnership with Japanese institutions, while Stralis continues development and workforce expansion at its Brisbane Airport base. The broader trade mission outcomes are projected to support over 30,000 jobs in Queensland’s international education sector and further establish the state as a hub for advanced manufacturing and sustainable aviation.

Updated 5-August-2025. Published 24-July-2025

Pet Ownership Booms in Nundah, New Figures Show

Photo Credit: Petsy / Facebook

New data has identified Nundah as one of Queensland’s leading suburbs for pet ownership, placing it among a handful of communities across the state recognised for having a high concentration of furry family members.

A National Snapshot of Pet Homes

A recent analysis of pet insurance data has offered a glimpse into where Australia’s most devoted animal lovers live. The figures, released by pet insurance provider Petsy, ranked the top five suburbs for pet ownership across the major states. The study highlights a fascinating divide in lifestyle choices among the nation’s pet owners.

In Queensland, the Gold Coast emerged as a significant hub for pet ownership, with Pimpama taking the top spot. The suburbs of Southport and Coomera tied for second place. Nundah was ranked equal fifth alongside Buderim, Redbank Plains, and Palm Beach, cementing its status as a key community for pet lovers in the state.

East vs. West: A Tale of Two Lifestyles

The report showed a clear trend difference between the eastern and western states. In New South Wales and Victoria, many of the top-ranking suburbs, such as Rosebery in Sydney and Melbourne’s CBD, are known for high-density apartment living. This suggests that limited space is not a barrier for residents wanting to bring a pet into their home.

Conversely, in South Australia and Western Australia, the suburbs with the most pets are those offering more space, larger backyards, and access to beaches or parks. Adelaide’s Woodcroft and Perth’s beachside Scarborough topped their respective state lists, showing a preference for open, green environments.

Protecting Furry Family

Petsy Founder Monica Limanto stated that the data provides a fun look into the suburbs where pets are most loved. She also noted that the figures indicate a positive trend of households choosing to protect their animals like family members. According to Ms Limanto, having pet insurance helps owners manage the cost of unexpected vet bills, giving them peace of mind and the ability to approve necessary medical treatments for their pets.

Updated 4-August-2025. Published Date 22-July-2025

Nudgee Old Boy James O’Connor Earns Shock Recall to Wallabies Lions Squad

Photo Credit: James Connor/ Instagram

St Joseph’s College, Nudgee old boy James O’Connor has secured a remarkable return to the Wallabies in a 36-man squad announced in Brisbane, placing him on the verge of playing in a second consecutive British & Irish Lions series.

Nudgee Product’s Celebrated Return

The selection marks a significant comeback for James O’Connor, who has not been part of a national squad since 2022. His inclusion follows an injury to flyhalf Noah Lolesio and a period of strong form. The recall highlights the enduring strength of Brisbane’s schoolboy rugby programmes, particularly at Nudgee College in the city’s northern suburbs, which is well-known for shaping elite players. O’Connor’s career was fostered at the GPS school, which also produced other professional players like former Wallaby Joe Tomane.

Veterans Chasing History

O’Connor’s return puts him alongside fellow veteran James Slipper in a position to achieve a rare feat in Australian rugby. If either player takes the field during a Test match, they will join Wallaby great George Smith as the only Australians to play in two successive series against the Lions, which tour only once every 12 years. Slipper, the most-capped Wallaby with 144 appearances, came off the bench in all three Tests in 2013, while O’Connor started at flyhalf for that entire series.

Squad Details for Lions Series

The squad, comprising 20 forwards and 16 backs, also includes two uncapped players in Brumbies speedster Corey Toole and Western Force backrower Nick Champion de Crespigny. Queensland lock Josh Canham is the only other change from the squad that prepared for Fiji last month.

In another historical note, Tom Lynagh is in line to create the first Australian father-son duo to play against the Lions, with his father Michael having featured in the 1989 tour. The three-Test series begins at Suncorp Stadium next Saturday night, before moving to Melbourne on Saturday, July 26, and concluding in Sydney on Saturday, 2 August.

Coaching Focus on Readiness

Wallabies Head Coach Joe Schmidt stated that the selection process involved difficult decisions as the coaching staff worked to balance team continuity with recent player form. He explained that the group understands the special nature of playing the Lions and that all selected players will be competing for a Test jersey. Schmidt stressed the immediate need for the team to improve its accuracy and cohesion, with the first Test just eight days away.

Published Date 17-July-2025

Uncertainty Grows for North Brisbane Junior Motorcycle Club Over Land Sale

The North Brisbane Junior Motorcycle Club, a long-standing institution that has trained Australian champions and fostered a strong local motorsport community, is at risk of closure after being told its Banyo site will be rezoned and sold for industrial use.

Read: Outdoor Sport and Recreation Facility Proposed in Pinkenba

The club, which has operated on Raubers Road for over three decades, has been on a short-term lease from Brisbane City for the past 14 years. Earlier this year, members were formally advised that the land would be sold, leaving the club in limbo and unable to plan for the future.

Club president Brett Nicholls said the potential closure would have a significant impact beyond the club’s 400 members. He said it would affect several other motorsport groups in southeast Queensland, describing the club as more than a riding venue, a place that serves as a community and sporting institution.

The North Brisbane Junior Motorcycle Club is the only facility in the region offering programs for both junior and senior riders. It has hosted major events like the Brisbane Cup and the Queensland Dirt Track Championships, with no comparable venues nearby, and is the closest similar club is located in the Whitsundays.

Mr Nicholls said the uncertainty has already disrupted the club’s planning process for 2025, forcing them to delay their competition calendar and budget, which are usually finalised six months ahead. He also noted a drop in attendance at recent events, reflecting growing concern among members.

Relocation would not be easy or cheap. Mr Nicholls pointed out that moving to a greenfield site would cost millions, as the club requires extensive infrastructure, not just open land. He added that no other suitable locations have been identified in Brisbane.

The club has started a petition on Change.org, which has gained over 1,500 signatures in support of saving the venue.

“This isn’t just about losing a patch of land. It’s about losing a sporting institution, a youth development hub, and a family that spans across Queensland and beyond,” the group wrote.

Council’s Community Services chair, Vicki Howard, said the site is a contaminated former landfill in a designated industrial zone and is better used to create jobs. She said the council would assist the club financially to help with relocation and was working with other local governments to find a regional solution. Cr Howard also said the council was committed to supporting the club long-term in a location better suited to its needs.

Read: Safety Concerns Force Demolition of Nundah Scout Hall

However, Labor Opposition Leader Jared Cassidy criticised the move, calling it a “cash grab.” He described the club as a vital grassroots facility and urged the council to either reverse the decision or help the club find a new home where it can continue its operations.

With no confirmed date to vacate and planning on hold, the future of the motorcycle club, and the community it serves, remains uncertain.

Published 14-July-2025

Outdoor Sport and Recreation Facility Proposed in Pinkenba

Photo Credit: DA/A005214273

A new outdoor sport and recreation facility has been proposed for Eagle Farm Road in Pinkenba, with a development application now under council review following a recent decision notice.

Development Application Under Review

A proposal has been submitted to establish an outdoor sport and recreation facility at 238 Eagle Farm Road, Pinkenba. The application, lodged by BWC Tradecoast Housing Pty Ltd and prepared by Tam Dang Planning, is being considered under BCC’s code assessment process. A decision notice was issued on 23 February 2025, and the application remains listed as in progress.

The site falls under the Community Facilities Zone (CF5 – Education Purposes) in the Pinkenba–Eagle Farm neighbourhood plan. It is also the former location of the Pinkenba State School, with the heritage structure to be retained as part of the development.

outdoor sport facility — *Photo Credit: DA/A005214273*

Facility Features and Site Design

The proposed facility, designed by Alto Architects, includes:

18 outdoor courts:
• 6 Padel courts
• 6 Beach Tennis courts
• 6 Pickleball courts
107 car parking spaces and 2 motorbike spaces
Two separate bathroom blocks (30sqm total)
A food and drink outlet (15sqm)
A combined office and pro shop (15sqm)
Total impervious area of 8,010 square metres
Total recreation space of 9,732 square metres

Landscaped buffers and acoustic fencing are included in the design to manage visual and noise impacts.

Historical Planning Background

The development follows a previous application (A005214273) approved under conditions determined in the Planning and Environment Court. That approval restricted all site vehicle access to Eagle Farm Road via an easement and specifically prohibited access from Serpentine Road.

Operating Hours and Community Feedback

The proposed facility is expected to operate daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., as noted in a community submission.

Public feedback submitted to council reflects both support and concern. One supporter described the development as a potential asset for Pinkenba, recommending additional upgrades to surrounding infrastructure such as bike paths, playgrounds, and water play areas.

Another submission opposed specific elements of the plan, particularly the proposed access point on Serpentine Road. The concern focused on increased traffic volume on a residential minor road and cited previous legal conditions that prohibited such access. Additional concerns were raised about court lighting, with recommendations for deflectors to minimise glare on adjacent properties.

Pinkenba planning application — *Photo Credit: DA/A005214273*

Current Status and Next Steps

The application (A006687162) was submitted on 6 January 2025. A decision notice was issued on 23 February 2025, though the assessment is still shown as ongoing within council records. The assessment officer is Chris M Dixon. Due to its code-assessable status, no public notification process applies.

The proposed facility aims to enhance recreational offerings in Pinkenba while retaining the site’s historical features.

Published 20-June-2025

Gourmet Delights and Live Music at Nundah By Night Fiesta

The Nundah By Night Fiesta is putting a strong emphasis on its diverse food offerings, inviting visitors to embark on a delightful culinary journey.

The market will feature Southeast Queensland’s best gourmet street food vendors, catering to a wide range of tastes. Attendees can look forward to savoury delights such as drool-worthy cheesesteaks from Famous Philadelphia Cheesesteaks, alongside hearty options like tender brisket and juicy pulled pork.

For those with a sweet tooth, the fiesta will offer authentic crepes from La French Crepes and freshly homemade tiramisu from Oh Tiramisu, among other decadent desserts. To complement the delicious food, a special pop-up bar will serve traditional Glühwein, providing a warming touch for the evening.

Beyond the extensive food offerings, the Nundah By Night Fiesta will be a vibrant community celebration. Over 120 stalls will showcase a variety of local products, from artisan crafts to unique goods.

The atmosphere will be enhanced by live music playing across two stages and captivating roving entertainers, including stilt walkers and dynamic Brazilian dancers. Bonfires will provide cosy spots for friends and families to relax. Children can also enjoy various dedicated activities throughout the evening.

The Nundah By Night Fiesta is one of two annual twilight celebrations organised by Goodwill Projects, a Queensland-based company known for curating memorable events and dynamic markets.

These special evening events expand upon the weekly Nundah Fresh Farmer’s Markets, which are held every Sunday at the Nundah Train Station Car Park, offering fresh produce, coffee, and breakfast in a relaxed setting. The twilight fiesta transforms this familiar community space into a lively, large-scale festival, showcasing the vibrant spirit of Nundah.

Published Date 29-Jun-2025

Banyo Parish Launches National Christian Art Prize

Photo Credit: Event Bookings

A Brisbane parish based in Banyo has introduced a new national Christian art competition, offering the country’s largest prize for student artists.

National Art Prize Rooted in Banyo Parish

A newly launched national art prize led by the Banyo-Nundah parish is attracting attention across Australia for its focus on Christian themes and for offering a record prize in the student category.

Background and Origins of the Initiative

The Australian Christian Art Prize was developed by the Banyo-Nundah parish as a means of financial support ahead of its centenary celebrations in 2026. One major aim is the restoration of church artworks. Parish organisers also emphasised the broader role of engaging the community through creative expressions of faith.

The initiative is endorsed by Brisbane’s Archbishop Mark Coleridge, who noted the historical connection between religious themes and the visual arts. The prize reflects the parish’s intent to contribute to public discussion through art without overtly imposing beliefs.

Prize Structure and Entry Details

The competition includes two categories: a $10,000 open prize and a $5,000 student prize, the latter recognised as the largest of its kind for senior secondary students in Australia. All works must explore Christian themes, such as Biblical scenes, the lives of saints, Christian spirituality, or interpretations of God’s creation.

Eligible mediums include painting, drawing, digital works, sculpture, and installations. Artificial intelligence-generated entries and giclée reproductions are explicitly ineligible. All artworks must be original and not previously exhibited post-2025.

Artists may submit multiple entries, with a $55 fee per entry in the open category and $25 for senior secondary students. Each artwork must be entered as a separate ticket. All artworks must be installation-ready and must not contain offensive content.

Banyo parish — *Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only*
*Photo Credit: Pexels*

BUY TICKETS

Key Dates and Exhibition Venue

Entries close at 11:59 p.m. on 22 June 2025. Finalists—expected to number between 50 and 70—will be notified by 6 July. The exhibition will run from 18 to 26 July at the Hanly Room, located within St Stephen’s Cathedral precinct in Brisbane City.

An online platform, Salon des Refusés, will also display non-finalist works for public viewing and sale during the same period. All artworks entered must be for sale, with a 40 per cent commission applied to any sold items.

Engagement and Limitations

The organisers highlighted the importance of providing young people with an opportunity to enter public discourse through art. However, parish staff, council members, and their families are not eligible to enter. All decisions by the judging panel are final, with judging based equally on originality, technical proficiency, and thematic interpretation.

Artists are responsible for freight and insurance costs and must collect unsold works within one week of the exhibition’s end. Unclaimed artworks become the property of the organisers after one month.

Future Outlook

Through the Australian Christian Art Prize, Banyo’s parish not only raises funds for its centenary but also fosters a national platform for creative religious expression. The exhibition’s outcomes and public response may determine whether the prize continues in future years.

Published 8-June-2025

Local Kettlebell Star Valerie-Ann Abbott Set for Milan World Championship

Photo Credit: Valerie Ann Abbott/ Facebook

A Nundah resident and seven-time gold medallist, Valerie-Ann Abbott, is setting her sights on turning a bronze into a gold medal at the upcoming Kettlebell World Championship in Milan, Italy.

Valerie-Ann is now preparing to represent Australia at the 2025 World Kettlebell Championship, which will be held from 5 to 8 June in Busto Arsizio, near Milan. The event, hosted by the World Kettlebell Sport Federation (WKSF), is expected to bring together top lifters from around the globe.

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A post shared by WKSF (@wksfederation)

For Valerie-Ann, it marks not only another chance to compete on the world stage but also to build on the momentum of her gold-winning performance in Corfu last year.

She achieved significant success at the 2024 Kettlebell World Championship in Corfu, Greece, where she secured seven gold medals and one bronze. She holds the bronze medal from this competition in high regard, as it was earned during her first attempt in the ‘professional’ category.

Her current training is intensely focused on perfecting the 20kg Military Snatch and the two-arm long cycle, an exercise that combines a clean and jerk. This specific movement holds particular meaning for Valerie-Ann, as she was among the first female athletes globally to compete in this discipline. She shared that reintroducing this exercise into her training feels both nostalgic and empowering.

Australian Team Represents Grassroots Growth

Valerie-Ann Abbott — *Photo Credit:* *Valerie Ann Abbott/ Facebook*

Valerie-Ann is one of four athletes from Brisbane heading to Milan, joining 19 other members of the Australian team. Their participation highlights the considerable progress of the grassroots strength community for kettlebell sports in Australia. Despite individual training programmes and geographical distances, the team shares a strong sense of unity and pride.

Evolving Training Regimen

Since her success in Corfu last year, Valerie-Ann’s training approach has changed considerably. After nine years with her Scotland-based coach, she decided to seek a new perspective to further her development. Her new coach encourages her to complete full 10-minute sets regularly, a shift from her previous method of longer, less frequent sets. Additionally, accessory work is now a structured and vital part of her programme, rather than something she tries to fit in. Her main goals are to improve her strength, resilience, consistency, and balance.

Valerie-Ann is currently on a short career break from her role as a Product Lead, which has given her a unique opportunity to focus entirely on her training. She stated that over the past four months, her lifting volume has almost doubled, and the extra time has allowed her to pay proper attention to four different lifts, improving both her technique and endurance.

Local Kettlebell Scene Flourishes

The kettlebell sport in Brisbane, along with other Queensland areas like the Gold Coast and Airlie Beach, is experiencing consistent and organic growth in interest. Valerie-Ann has observed many new talents and younger participants joining the sport recently.

The youngest Queensland athlete is just 14 years old and achieved 108 reps of 12kg in their first competition. Valerie-Ann noted that it is exciting to see younger athletes participate because kettlebell lifting is well-suited for developing bodies. It focuses on sub-maximal loads, which is gentle on joints while still building strength, endurance, coordination, and mental discipline.

Community Support is Crucial

Kettlebell sport is entirely self-funded, meaning international events like the Milan 2025 championship can place significant financial burdens on athletes. In Brisbane, all kettlebell associations are maintained by the dedication, time, and effort of volunteers. Valerie-Ann is appealing to the community to show their support by signing up for a $1 supporter membership on the Girevoy Sport Association Australia (GSAA) website. She explained that this not only supports the lifters but also helps achieve the long-term objective of having kettlebell recognised at an Olympic level, saying that even a dollar means a lot to them.

Locals of all ages, body types, and fitness levels are encouraged to join Brisbane’s kettlebell scene. The presence of community support, experienced coaches, and committed competitors makes the sport accessible and rewarding for everyone. Queensland Kettlebell Sport welcomes anyone curious to attend a session, watch a competition, or simply reach out, stating they would be delighted to have new participants involved.

Published Date 29-May-2025