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Refurbishment of Shaftesbury Street Park Dog off-Leash Area Underway

Refurbishment works on the facilities within the Shaftesbury Street Park dog off-leash area in Tarragindi is already underway.

The Brisbane City Council has started the refurbishment project to upgrade the facilities within Shaftesbury Street Park dog off-leash area located at 59 Shaftesbury Street Tarragindi. The council, however, has designated a temporary dog off-leash area whilst construction is underway.

Under the refurbishment project, works to be undertaken will include the upgrading of all entrances; installation of new seats; removal of a small shelter; and carrying out turf remediation.

The upgrading of dog off-leash area started 8 April and is expected to be completed in early June 2019.

Alternative Dog Parks Near Tarragindi

Whilst refurbishment works at Shaftesbury Street Park are underway, there are other off-leash parks that are just minutes away from Tarragindi where your furry friend can explore, run, and socialise with other dogs:

Dutton Park at 359 Gladstone Road, Dutton Park – features of the park include an electric barbecue, basketball and netball facility, dog off-leash area, outdoor fitness equipment, picnic area, and an accessible and inclusive playground.
Hyde Road Park at 331 Fairfield Road, Yeronga – facilities include barbecue, bikeway as well as a car park, a dog off-leash area, picnic area, and a playground.
Salisbury Recreation Reserve at 323 Evans Road, Salisbury – this park offers electric and wood barbecue facilities, as well as basketball/netball facility, dog off-leash area, outdoor exercise equipment, a picnic area, and playground.
Abbeville Street Park at 41 Abbeville Street, Upper Mount Gravatt – features include basketball/netball facility, a community garden, dog off-leash area, outdoor fitness/exercise equipment, and playground.
Boorabbin Picnic Ground at 677A Mt Gravatt-Capalaba Road, Wishart – aside from dog off-leash area, the park also has basketball/netball facility, wood barbecue facility, picnic area, playground, rebound wall, shared pathway, shelter, and car park.

59 Shaftesbury St, Tarragindi QLD 4121, Australia

Locals Against Proposed Childcare and Community Centre in Rosebank Square

External perspective of proposed building in Rosebank Square, Salisbury (Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council)

Residents of Salisbury are opposing the proposed multi-storey community and educational hub with a childcare centre located at 60 Rosebank Square.

The development application lodged January 2019 by a humanitarian and non-governmental organization has received a number of submissions from locals, who object the plan on various aspects.

“Primarily, apart from the aesthetic of the building being completely clashing with the existing residential architecture, I am most opposed to the size of this development,” one resident wrote.

Designed by Albion-based Neylan Architecture, the applicant is seeking to construct a three-storey building with five internal child care rooms, seven classrooms, a bookshop, office, meeting hall with a stage, kitchen facilities, general amenities and an outdoor play area.

The 1,244-sqm subject site is surrounded by low-density residential dwellings and the proposed building, according to the residents, is too large, too dense and too high for the site.

Apart from childcare centre and educational establishment, the proposal seeks to include 36 parking spaces, which the residents believe would add to the already concerning amount of traffic in the area.

If approved, the applicant will demolish the single storey building and associated car parking to facilitate the development.

Proposal designed by Neylan Architecture (Photo credit:Brisbane City Council)

“I don’t think the post-war shops should be demolished, as they were an important part of the original 1950s/60s estate development design in this area and demonstrate the provision of local amenities in housing estates at the time,” a resident said.

Above all, locals including Brisbane City Councillor Steve Griffiths is most concerned about the proposed change of operation of Rosebank Square to a one-way street.

Cr Griffiths is against the idea of making it a one-way street, adding that he is aware of the upset being voiced over the plans for the site.

In the present, residents are still allowed to lodge their submissions for the proposal. For further updates about the multi-storey community and educational hub at 60 Rosebank Square in Salisbury, see the Full DA – A005107743.

Esher Street Café & Deli: Grab Delightful Breakfast Surprise at This Tiny Tarragindi Coffee Shop

There’s a tiny coffee shop in Tarragindi that has attracted quite a following from outside the suburb, despite the competitive market catering to coffee lovers. Named after the street where it is located, Esher Street Café & Deli is a tiny family-owned and –operated coffee shop.

Most customers agree that the café serves great coffee, if not the best tasting coffee. Coffee is brewed using their very own Esher St Blend, made from four types of coffee beans of various origins, roasted to a rich caramel toast. You can also grab a bag of this special blend to enjoy the aroma and taste of their coffee in the comfort of your home.

Esher Blend — *Photo credit: Esher Street Cafe & Deli / Facebook*

But it isn’t just their coffee that turns customers into regulars. The coffeehouse is also known for its breakfast and lunch fare. Most recommended are the dukkah-spiked avocado smash and the roast pumpkin & chickpea fritters.

For breakfast, there’s also the Italian Eggs Breakfast consisting of poached eggs, gluten-free chorizo sausages on a roasted tomato herbed base with baby spinach. You can also opt for open croissants topped with bacon, haloumi, eggs or a slice of Canadian smoked salmon with avo.

Other yummy dishes to try are the Couscous with garlic steamed veggies, chicken and spinach strudels, Greek lamb wrap, Frittata with Garden or Greek salads, and many more. The serving portions and delicious taste of their menu is sure to appease even those who are feeling hangry.

Aside from coffee, the café serves mocha, hot chocolate, cold pressed juices, smoothies, milkshakes, and organic bottled drinks.

Also lately, Esher Café & Deli has slowly been carving a name for its gorgeous made-to-order cakes as Esher has been requested to bake cakes for weddings and birthdays.

The atmosphere at Esher is shabby-chic and homely, with its mismatched chairs out front and the whitewashed wooden furnishings in the courtyard. The simple and rustic ambience lends a welcoming and relaxed feeling.

It is a child friendly café since you will see high chairs out back and they have bothered to put up a small kids corner to keep the little ones occupied while you enjoy your meal.

Those with pets need not worry because Esher has allotted a spot on their footpath to secure dogs, with a water bowl provided.

Out back seating at Esher St Cafe — *Photo credit: Esher Street Cafe & Deli / Facebook*

The coffee shop is at 46 Esher St, Tarragindi. It is open from 6:00am to 3:00 p.m. on weekdays and from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on weekends.

Residents Dismayed Over Approved Tarragindi Bowls Retirement Village

Photo Credit: RetireAustralia

The fight to save Tarragindi Bowls Club from being redeveloped into a retirement village is over and protesting residents, particularly ones under the Tarragindi Resident’s Alliance, have been left highly disappointed now that the Planning and Environment Court has given the go ahead for the project.

“A very sad day for my community and home . Despite objections by virtually the entire suburb , the council has approved a multi storey 100 room apartment complex amongst the homes of Tarragindi,” one resident wrote on Facebook.

In 2018, residents had lodged an appeal before Brisbane’s Planning and Environment Court against Brisbane City Council and RetireAustralia following BCC’s approval of the $80-million project.

Following the court’s decision, the Tarragindi Resident’s Alliance thanked the brave families who put their financial and emotional resources to help take the fight to court.

They also reminded the community “to vote for someone that will support the community expectations in regards to development.”

The alliance believes the only way to stop more inappropriate development is to vote for a council that does not disregard the Town Plan and the very people they represent.

Reasons for Locals’ Objections

Locals were opposing the planned development to protect the character and integrity of the suburb. The Tarragindi Resident’s Alliance noted that the scope and height of the planned development is out of proportion to the surrounding landscape.

RetireAustralia, in partnership with Yeronga Services and Community Club, initially proposed to build a huge 6-storey L-shaped apartment building containing 95 units for retirees.

When the Council asked them to adjust their plans in 2017, they reduced the number of storeys to five. The development application was revised and got an approval from BCC in January 2018.

Locals are not convinced that the development is suitable for Tarragindi’s low-density residential area and character housing, the main reason why many people have invested heavily in the area.

What’s Next for Tarragindi Bowls Club

According to RetireAustralia, the project will see the return of the Tarragindi Bowls Club to the site, following its closure in December 2017.

The new bowls club will feature a new, 10-rink championship-quality, turf bowling green, co-located with the retirement community, as well as a clubhouse and café.

RetireAustralia believes the co-location of the club with the new retirement community provides a convenient recreational and social option for their future residents and the Tarragindi community.

Although the Planning and Environment Court approved the retirement village in Tarragindi, it is still subject to changes.

These amendments will be confined to the northernmost part of the development and some to the western boundary, according to town planner Christopher Buckley.

Based on the agreed amendments, RetireAustralia should also increase the setbacks of the bowling green, acoustic window treatments and changes to landscaping. Other small changes include removing a footpath and moving a children’s play area.

RetireAustralia senior development manager Angus Spencer is confident that the project would revitalise the club.

A construction timeline has not yet been set, and RetireAustralia and YSCC look forward to providing project updates including the start of construction.

Rough Sailing for the Development Proposal on Rosebank Square, Salisbury

It appears that it’s going to be an uphill battle for the proposed development at Rosebank Square, Salisbury, as residents in the area fight against the granting of Council approval.

The community expressed concerns regarding the proposal to develop a childcare and community centre at 60 Rosebank Square in Salisbury, such as the increased noise, congestion, rat-running, design not keeping with the neighbourhood’s character, and the size and height of the building.

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

Representatives of the Tzu Chi Foundation, however, during a meeting held last February and attended by community representatives and Councillor Steve Griffiths (Moorooka Ward), expressed their willingness to consult further with experts to address concerns about traffic flow. Although, the applicant remains firm about keeping the design and the inclusion of a childcare centre to make the project viable.

So far, there have been more than 100 submissions on the Council’s website stating their reasons why they are opposed to the development proposal.

I am concerned that this development will negatively impact the quiet community in Salisbury with much more traffic through quiet side streets. I am also concerned that the increased traffic will pose a safety risk to the children of the community, particularly with a popular park for children and families just across the road. I am also concerned that this development does not directly benefit every member of the community of Salisbury, but rather provides a service for individuals from other communities. – submission 10 Feb 2019 (name withheld)

This tiny niche of East Salisbury is fully occupied by homes balanced by a park proportionate our size. The area proposed for a massive world business and charity in a ‘hideous castle’,to dwarf a housing community in architecture, size and height, should await some future construction/s for activities commensurate with the existing living dynamics. – 04 February 2019 (name withheld)

The building would not serve as a community centre. Based on its current usage the Tzi Chi Foundation do not interact, communicate or invite community members to their functions or events. This would be invite only, not a community based centre. – submission 03 Feb 2019 (name withheld)

I don’t think the post-war shops should be demolished, as they were an important part of the original 1950s/60s estate development design in this area and demonstrate the provision of local amenities in housing estates at the time. I believe they would meet the criteria for local heritage significance as a result. – submission 17 Jan 2019 (name withheld)

According to the development application, the proposal is for a 3-storey childcare centre, community use, educational establishment, and shop.

The proposed centre, designed by the Neylan Architecture, with a gross floor area of 1,810 sqm will feature classrooms that will accommodate about 84 children, support facilities, performance area, a bookshop, meeting space, external play area, as well as 34 car parking spaces including one for PWD.

The Council has already issued an information request dated 19 February 2019, asking the applicant Tzu Chi Foundation to address issues on the proposal’s built form, proposed use, building design, car parking and access, deep planting, noise, and stormwater

New Queensland State Netball Centre in Nathan to Host Suncorp #TeamGirls Cup

Photo Credit: Queensland State Netball Centre/Facebook

The new $44 million Queensland State Netball Centre in Nathan will host a Super Netball pre-season tournament. Dubbed the Suncorp #TeamGirls Cup, the sports event will take place from the 8th to the 10th of March 2019.

The games will have all eight teams of the Suncorp Super Netball present. Each team will play four matches per session scheduled on Friday evening, the whole day Saturday and Sunday morning.

To check the full schedule and to find out which team will go up against each other, sports fans may download the full fixture provided by Suncorp Super Netball.

*Photo Credit:* *Queensland Firebirds/Facebook*

The pre-season tournament in the new Queensland State Netball Centre will be up for 10-minute quarters only. Nevertheless, the Queensland Firebirds are excited to welcome other players to their new state-of-the-art homebase.

“It is an incredible moment for Netball Queensland as we welcome the world’s best netballers to our new world-class venue here in Brisbane,” Netball Queensland CEO Catherine Clark said in the official press release. “What a fantastic way to open the Queensland State Netball Centre. This arena will become synonymous with the world leading steps that we are taking for female athletes and women’s sport in this country. The access and opportunity that it will provide for our upcoming athletes and spectators is unprecedented,”

Last 25th of February, no less than Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk threw the first ball to signal the official opening of the new Queensland State Netball Centre.

The upgraded facility features a 5,000 seating capacity, eight indoor hard courts, a gymnasium, a changing area, a medical and science section, the administrative offices, as well as the cafe and food outlets. The centre also has an ample parking space that will be able to support the capacity of spectators during practice games and actual tournaments.

Construction of the new site started in mid-2017 and was funded by the Queensland and Federal governments. Brisbane City Council, on the other hand, donated the land where the new Queensland State Netball Centre stands on Mains and Kessels Road.

Meanwhile, the Queensland Firebirds will be hosting their first home game against the Collingwood Magpies in this arena on the 4th of May. The 2019 Suncorp Super Netball season will officially open in April.

Share Shed: Salisbury’s Library of Things

Head on over to one of the warehouses at Textile Crescent in Salisbury to witness and experience a one-of-a-kind library called the Share Shed.

Share Shed Inc, is Queensland’s first “library of things” which seeks to provide a variety of useful quality items that can enhance people’s lives without the need for people to buy and store more items. It was co-founded by Nicole Bray and Sarah Pember back in September of 2017. Since then, this initiative of shared economy has blossomed, making it a finalist for the 2018 Bankasia Community Award.

Share Shed follows the maxim of “Do More, Own Less” and promotes it to all its members. They believe that the act of sharing in itself can multiply a number of positive outcomes.

By borrowing an item, people get to acquire a positive borrowing experience which then allows them to be free from the concept of ownership without having to sacrifice their needs.

In addition to the positive borrowing experience that it gives, Share Shed members also support the overall growth of a more sustainable and less wasteful economy. A by-product of this initiative is the development of stronger ties amongst the members of the community.

Truly, purchasing an item from the store cannot beat the incomparable feel-good experiences that Share Shed brings to all its members

Check out these items borrowed by some of the Share Shed’s members:

How Share Shed Works

Share Shed works on an annual membership basis. Anyone who lives in Brisbane that is 18 years old and above may apply for membership that costs $80.

Click here to sign up for Share Shed. You can also purchase a gift membership for someone who might be interested in joining the Share Shed community too

By being a member of Share Shed, you get to borrow up to five items per week for each item on a seven day period. Share Shed also allows its members to borrow more than 5 items at a time for an additional cost of $5 for each additional item. Members can also extend their item’s borrowing period for another week if no one else has reserved it yet.

Share Shed offers a wide inventory of useful items that are both new and used items. In fact, many of the items found are donations from the community. But at the same time, Share Shed also acquires new items that are placed under the members’ wishlist category through the collected annual membership fee.

You may click here to view all stored items available at Share Shed.

If you have any questions or concerns, you can send a message to Share Shed via email or Facebook message.

Operating Hours

Monday	9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Friday	5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.
Saturday	9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.

Dog-Friendly Cafes In and Around Tarragindi

Photo Credit: Black Lab Coffee/Facebook

Are you looking for a cool hangout where you can get your coffee fix, watch dogs play, and enjoy a tasty meal? If you’re a coffee lover and a dog lover, these establishments in and around Tarragindi might just be your next stomping grounds.

Black Lab Coffee

6/11 Kuring Gai Avenue
Opens Mondays to Saturdays – 5:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. | Sundays -7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Black Lab Coffee is the brainchild of Luke, an entrepreneur who also runs Maluka Produce in Noosaville with his brother Matt. The coffee shop is named after Luke’s beloved black Labrador Audrey and she’s usually at the store to socialise with the four-legged guests.

The dog-friendly nook, located on Kuring Gai Avenue, is meant to be a takeaway coffee spot, where customers can text the store to pick up their orders. However, Black Lab Coffee also has a spacious seating area where guests can linger, drink their coffee, or have breakfast with their furry pets.

*Photo Credit: Black Lab Coffee/Facebook*

The coffee spot uses roasted Di Bella coffee beans but there’s also a good selection of smoothie blends, milkshakes, and other delectable drinks. The food choices are mostly takeaways like rolls, toasties, cupcakes and organic treats.

Dogs, on the other hand, can have fresh drinking water as Black Lab Coffee provides water bowls for guests who bring their pets. Customers may also buy Discuit dog treats, which are handmade and baked without preservatives and artificial flavours.

Since it opened, Black Lab Coffee has hosted many pet adoption events with various animal rescue groups. The store has also mounted fundraising efforts for these organizations and it continually promotes responsible pet ownership.

“Did not realise that my last review has been over 2 years and it ought to be the time for a re-visit. Explored this morning and I am happy to see that the café has extended to provide nice indoor dining area for customers. Business is as busy as before, which is expected due to the fact that the coffee made of Locale bean (should it be Di Bella? not sure?) delivers very good depth of flavour. Tried a mini jam donut to go with my flat white. Although I am not very keen on sweet treats, the donut is surprisingly match well with the coffee. Overall production is consistent and wish they all the best in business. Cheers!”
~ Ronnielui2003, via Zomato 

Todd & Pup

398 Tarragindi Rd
Opens daily 6:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Todd & Pup is known for its gourmet coffee selections, brunches and dozens of sweet treats. Owned and managed by Kate Whitlock, this cafe on Tarragindi Road has been in business since 2014.

Over the years, Todd & Pup has seen a few menu upgrades as well as a site expansion to accommodate more diners. The cafe, however, is still an ideal place for puppy meet ups with its spacious and comfortable outdoor seating area.

Todd & Pup also offers a special kids menu and a puppy menu.

*Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Todd & Pup/Facebook*

“What we lack in human children we make up for in fur-babies. We take our pooch Thor everywhere with us and were absolutely delighted to read that Todd and Pup in Moorooka not only have insta-worthy human dishes – but they also have a Pooch Menu. That’s right ladies and gents, while you’re filling your belly with the outlet’s signature dish – the Fried Chicken Benedict (super soft buttermilk chicken and that sirarcha hollandaise with tantalizing tickle) – your furry friend can be snacking on their own brekky. We chose the sweet potato + bacon doggie hash brown for Thor and it disappeared pretty quickly! Personally we think $7 for a full dog meal is a bargain, especially considering a single scoop of doggie ice-cream costs $7 these days. Next time he wants the Pho. We know because he told us.”
~ The Other Jenners, via Zomato

Esher St. Cafe and Deli

46 Esher Street
Opens weekdays 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m; weekends 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Esher St. Cafe and Deli has quite the indiscriminate and relaxed atmosphere with its recycled wooden pallet furniture. The restaurant is perfect for families with small kids and pets.

*Photo Credit: Esher St. Cafe and Deli/Facebook*

The cafe is also a favourite among health buffs with its vegetarian and gluten-free options. Guests especially love to order the avocado smash, which is their best-selling dish but they also have sumptous servings of poach eggs, baked haloumi, and pumpkin fritters with sourdough toast.

Esher St. Cafe and Deli also serves the best West End roasted Veneziano Coffee.

This restaurant is owned and managed by the same group that runs the Alcove Cafe & Deli in Wilston and Samson & Sophie in Teneriffe.

I really like the avo smash here, and the serving size is generous for the price which is quite reasonable in comparison to most others in the area. The back deck area is a shabby chic style, its interesting but not the most comfortable. Coffee was very nice and the service is pretty good. All up – I’ve quite enjoyed the couple times I’ve been here, I’m sure I’ll be back again.

~ Spice Dad via Zomato

Tarragindi Among Brisbane’s Best Performers for House Rentals Growth

As oversupply is slowly being absorbed by growing demand, Tarragindi emerged as among Brisbane’s best performing suburbs in 2018 in terms of house rental increase — the latest Domain Rental Report says.

Tarragindi recorded a 10 percent year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter house rental price growth for a median weekly rent price of $495, according to the Domain Rental Report for December quarter 2018. Demand for dwelling in Tarragindi appears to be very high indeed as the suburb recorded 1,046 visits per property compared to QLD’s average of 381, the realestate.com.au suburb profile report says. The suburb profile report also indicates the median rental price for houses in Tarragindi, from 1 Feb 2018 to 11 Feb 2019, at $498 whilst the state average stands at $400.

Tarragindi joins top-ranked Manly in the list of best performing suburbs for house rentals with 14.50 percent change for both year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter. Rounding out the list are Ascot, South Brisbane, Nudgee, Fairfield, Petrie Terrace, Dakabin, Banyo, and East Brisbane.

On the other hand, the top performing suburbs for units rental list shows Holland Park taking the top spot with a 12.10 percent increase year-on-year. Completing the list are Clontarf, Bardon, South Brisbane, Balmoral, Herston, Bulimba, Alderley, Coorparoo, Fairfield, and Mount Gravatt. Overall, the median asking rent for units rose to 5.4 percent over the past year.

The rental price increases may well be an indication of an overall turnaround happening across Brisbane rental market, from the previous supply glut that affected dwelling demand in 2017. Also, according to property valuation firm SQM Research, Brisbane’s rental vacancy rates continue to fall with to 2.7 percent in January 2019 as compared to 3 percent in June 2018 and 3.5 percent in May 2017.

Salisbury: From Industrial Estate to Revitalised Suburb

Located just 10 km from the CBD, Salisbury nowadays is proving to be more than just the industrial estate that it used to be. Trendy, newly opened cafes, studios, and community events such as street parties, are giving the neighbourhood a hip and creative vibe, attracting more people into the area.

With easy access to transport facilities such as the railway station, and the substantial number of open spaces, local shops, and well-established schools, Salisbury has become a worthwhile option for those looking for affordable, yet strategic, housing.

A Glimpse of Salisbury’s History

Salisbury Munition Factory — Rocklea Ammunition Factory Photo credit: ozatwar.com

Brisbane, specifically Salisbury, played an important role during the Second World War.

Given Salisbury’s expansive, rural and remote location, a large munition factory, named Rocklea Ammunition, was built along the area of Compo Road, currently named Evans Road, during the 1940s. Large-engine test cells were also placed within the vicinity of Compo Road.

Evidence of munition works in Salisbury can be seen at present time in the suburb’s street names, such as Assembly, Bearing, and Lathe Streets.

By 1943-1944, the Rocklea Ammunition factory had been terminated and its buildings were soon taken over by different groups, converting the entire estate into a base workshop, tank workshop, and an engine refurbish site.

From 1955-1959, series of road structures and extensions were made in order to connect Orange Grove Road, Lillian Avenue, and Evans Road all together. Salisbury was then linked to Tarragindi by September of 1959 via Toohey Road.

In these post-war years, Salisbury’s short distance from Brisbane safeguarded its urban settlement. What was once an industrial wilderness soon became a residential development site given its speedy growth from 1960s onwards.

Year	Population
1911	84
1921	564
1976	6537

Source: queenslandplaces.com.au

Present Day Salisbury

A large number of families have been recently seeking to make Salisbury their new home.

Salisbury Demand Market — Photo credit: realestate.com.au

Read: Tarragindi Median House Price Rises to $777,000 Amidst Strong Demand

With more people dwelling into the neighbourhood, a few residents have opened up their own small enterprises in the area for a more sustainable living.

Different small businesses are now well-established in Salisbury, including coffee shops, brewery, organic restaurants and diners, art galleries, dance and yoga studios, and bookstores.

These businesses in town have further led the owners to assert themselves into fostering a sense of community amongst the people of Salisbury.

Salisbury Chrome Street Fiesta — Different kiosks geared up for Salisbury’s annual Chrome Street Fiesta.
Photo credit: Reload Espresso Bar/ Facebook

Gentrification has brought a newer, and more current “vibe” to the neighbourhood, further driving its growth. In what can be perceived as an attempt by residents to strike a balance between work and family living, today’s Salisbury has evolved to include trendier places where people can grow, enjoy, and feel a sense of belongingness.