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Northgate Starbucks With Drive-thru Gets the Green Light

Something’s brewing at the corner of Toombul Rd and Holland St in Northgate, where a new Starbucks cafe with drive-thru may soon be built.

Read: Guzman Y Gomez on Sandgate Rd, Boondall Opens With Record-Breaking Sales

This comes after a ‘fast food outlet with drive-thru,’ presented as Starbucks in the planning documents, was given the green light by Council in early 2022.

Plans indicate that the Starbucks restaurant will measure 200 sqm. The establishment will be housed in a single-storey building with an alfresco area, provision for single-lane drive-through, and boundary landscaping.

In addition to a pedestrian pathway to Holland Rd, the developers are planning to provide shared car parking spaces and a shared loading bay.

The upcoming establishment in Northgate forms part of a bigger plan which includes an existing service station, and two more buildings earmarked for the research and technology industry.

starbucks northgate — Photo credit: Brisbane City Council

Planners stated in the application that the placement of the approved Starbucks venue, which will be on the northeast corner of the site, is in accordance with traffic advice. It will ensure safe pedestrian and vehicle manoeuvring is achieved, whilst maximising efficiency for the development.

toombul road — Proposed floor plan (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)

In 2020, developers applied for a material change of use and reconfiguration of one lot into two at 185 Toombul Rd, Northgate. The reconfiguration of the lot, however, was not carried out.

Based on the amended proposal, the applicant is seeking a reconfiguration of one lot into two, to separate the Service Station with its associated reciprocal easements.

Read: Greet the Morning With Delectable Baked Goodies at Flour & Chocolate Northgate

As part of the development, the applicants demolished the Northgate Foundry building on site, which occupied the space since the 1950s.

The proposed development will include 86 car parking spaces, with four for PWD along with eight fuel pump spaces.

Further details about the recently approved development can be viewed at Council’s PD Online, with the reference A005868233.

Wavell Heights Intersection To Receive Black Spot Upgrades

Four intersections in Brisbane, including one in Wavell Heights, have been earmarked for improvement to reduce the number of incidents in the area.

Read: Locals Welcome Proposed Cannery Creek Sewer Upgrade

Upgrades have been confirmed for the Hamilton Road and Bilsen Road in Wavell Heights, which is considered as one of the accident-prone intersections in the suburb.

Between 2015 and 2021 there were nine reported crashes at the Hamilton Rd and Bilsen Rd intersection, all of which resulted in medical treatment or hospitalisation.

Works, which are set to commence in late 2022, involves the creation of new red arrows to control movements through the intersection, and upgrading crossings to better protect pedestrians.

Authorities will also update the signal phasing, signage and line marking to suit new signals, and relocate bus stops to the departure side of the intersection.

The Australian Government has committed $1.1 million for the project, under the Black Spot program.

Hamilton Road and Bilsen Road Black Spot Project plan (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)

Other Brisbane roads set to benefit from the program this year include:

Adelaide Street and Creek Street, Brisbane City
Rosemary Street and Biota Street, Inala
Forest Lake Boulevard and Rudyard Street, Forest Lake

The Black Spot program is a road safety program run by the Australian Government to fix dangerous roads by treating road locations where a large number of motor vehicle accidents have occurred.

Black Spot sites are those with a proven history of crashes. An intersection will be eligible for upgrades if it has recorded at least three casualty crashes over a five-year period.

Since 2010, Brisbane City Council has completed improvements in over 50 locations across the city.

Gaza Rd, Holland Park West (Photo credit: Google Street View)

One of the city’s successful upgrades is the one at Fison Ave and Southern Cross Way off-ramp in Eagle Farm back in 2015. Prior to the upgrades, it recorded 34 recorded crashes for five years but not one has occurred since the upgrade.

In Holland Park, there’s only one recorded incident to date, from 24 crashes at the Gaza Rd and Messines Ridge Rd prior to the works done in 2016.

Meanwhile, upgrades at the Wavell Heights intersection are expected to be complete by May 2023, weather and site conditions permitting.

Check Out the Newly Renovated ‘Wavell Heights Gourmet Meats’ Shop

Photo Credit: Wavell Heights Gourmet Meats / Facebook

Have you visited Wavell Heights Gourmet Meats on Shaw Road lately? If you haven’t, then you need to check out their newly renovated shop to find out what’s new.

Since its launch in late 2016, Wavell Heights Gourmet Meats has become the go-to shop among the locals for five-star restaurant quality beef, lamb, chicken, and pork products.

After a brief hiatus and some renovations, this multi-award-winning family-owned butcher shop at Shaw Road Shopping Village reopened in mid-July 2022 with a special BBQ treat courtesy of Stockyard Beef.

Wavell Heights Gourmet Meats boasts a range of locally sourced meat products that are ethically raised and prepared by seasoned staff. From mouth-watering gourmet burgers to hams, bacon, sausages and pizza, the choices are wide and plentiful. And count on their knowledgeable staff when you need tips on how to prepare, cook and serve your meals.

“Always the best meat and friendly staff. I went to buy a meat tray from there, and explained what it was for, and Pat the owner asked if he could donate it. All the staff are legends!! Everyone I talk to who has visited the butcher have all said the same thing. I head there every Sunday to get supplies for our family bbq. Best butcher in Brisbane.” – Andrew S.

“Best meat around. If you want excellent quality meat with real flavour, then go and visit Pat and the rest of the team. Super friendly and knowledgeable staff.” – Louise G.

“The chilli sausages are amazing; slow cooked meatballs a winner and burgers the bestest!” – Russell H.

On a side note, owner Pat Saumani and his version of Ballot Banger made headlines ahead of the federal election day, with no less than Federal Member for Lilley, Anika Wells MP giving a stamp of approval to his creation. His special smoky chorizo, honey pork and beef snag was described as having that little bit of spice that’s often found in election campaigns.

“Pat Saumani from Wavell Heights Gourmet Meats has got my vote for the Best Ballot Banger! Pat created his smoky chorizo and honey pork and beef snag especially for the election – and I appreciate it.” writes Anika Wells MP on her social media.

Pat Saumani from Wavell Heights Gourmet Meats has got my vote for the Best Ballot Banger! Pat created his smoky chorizo and honey pork and beef snag especially for the election – and I appreciate it #shoplocal pic.twitter.com/kSG6wA7kwd
— Anika Wells MP (@AnikaWells) May 21, 2022

Wavell Heights Gourmet Meats is located at Shop 9 / 216 Shaw Rd, Wavell Heights. You may visit their website and social media for updated trading hours or for ordering online.

Shop 9, 216 Shaw Rd, Wavell Heights, QLD 4012

Locals Welcome Proposed Cannery Creek Sewer Upgrade

Locals welcomed a ‘nature-based solution’ which will address overflow at the Northgate and Banyo catchment during wet weather events and manage the impacts of heavy rain in neighbouring areas.

Read: Calls For Brisbane To Implement FOGO Service Renewed

The Wetland Concept Design by Urban Utilities will see the Cannery Creek watercourse improved through overflow corridor pathway network and seating, ponding, rehabilitation of the creek beds, and creating small dams that will allow cleaned water to pass.

The proposed sewer upgrade will naturally treat the overflow water before entering the creek. This will address the existing issue in the community, wherein raw sewerage would mix with stormwater and flow into the creek corridor.

For years, locals have raised awareness about the issue through community meetings, based on Council records and online petitions hoping to address the problem.

“Finally…glad something is being done but this has been a horrendous display of delayed action after issues raised well over 8 years ago,” said one member at the 4013 Cannery Creek Environmental Issues group.

This led Urban Utilities to form a community planning team to work with external experts, landscape architects and stormwater treatment specialists who will help design the creek corridor.

It was one of the two options considered by the team at Urban Utilities, with the other one involving the creation of larger, more expensive pipes which is a traditional approach.

The $65 million project nature-based approach has been chosen, as it will not only reduce wet weather overflows and improve the health of Cannery Creek, but would also enhance liveability in the local area.

A new sewerage pump station has been proposed as part of the project. It will act as a standby pump station to minimise flows from the nearby sewer main during extreme weather events.

Site establishment and construction of the Cannery Creek Sewer Upgrade is anticipated to start in July 2022. The initial project activities will start on Station Avenue, where the temporary site compound will be set up.

To stay updated about the project, visit Urban Utilities’ website.

Calls For Brisbane To Implement FOGO Service Renewed

Converted Post-war Church In Wavell Heights Now Up For Grabs

stonerealestate.com.au

Unique and filled with natural light, the church comes with four spacious bedrooms, rich timber flooring, and extra-high pitched ceilings throughout. What’s more, the building is already fitted with split system air-conditioning and an electric hot water system.

The property was first sold by the Corporation of the Synod of the Diocese of Brisbane for $90,000 back in 1992.

4 Watcombe St — Photo credit: stonerealestate.com.au

Property history for the site showed it was sold in 1996 for $215,000 and again in 2001 for $286,000 before it was sold to its current owner in 2007 for $620,000.

st thomas wavell heights — Photo credit: stonerealestate.com.au

With 918-sqm of space, the converted church isn’t short on development potential. It does not have heritage protection, which will make it easier for the new owners to subdivide or go for a complete makeover.

Stone Real Estate Aspley, the agency handling the sale of the property, revealed that several developers had expressed interest and gone into due diligence over the site. Aside from developers, the agency also has received a number of offers from Baby boomers who are looking for big flat lowsets in Wavell Heights.

Wavell Heights property — Photo credit: stonerealestate.com.au

You can find the listing for the property here.

Wavell State High School Nominated for 3 Awards At 2022 Australian Education Awards

Guzman Y Gomez on Sandgate Rd, Boondall Opens With Record-Breaking Sales

Photo Credit: Guzman Y Gomez / Facebook

The March 2022 opening of Mexican restaurant Guzman Y Gomez on Sandgate Rd in Boondall, also known as GYG Virginia, was a resounding success, with the new venue hitting the highest daily sales in a single restaurant for the chain, a record previously held by the Cranbourne store.

The double-lane drive-thru on Sandgate Road immediately got busy on opening day. The new restaurant broke GYG’s opening days sales record and sold 6,401 burritos and bowls for a new recorded high for their $5 burritos and bowls offering.

Steven Marks, Founder and CEO of Guzman y Gomez was pleased with the new venue’s opening day performance and stated that setting new records is a testament to the company’s continued growth and demonstrates the capabilities of their team.

Whilst Mr Marks admitted that expectations were high, he was nevertheless “blown away” by the public’s response.

Guzman Y Gomez – Virginia is among the latest locations to open for the brand this year. The store is expected to rank among the top 3 restaurants in Australia given its popularity and huge capacity.

Other locations to open after GYG Virginia include GYG Rochedale, GYG Westmead, GYG Burnside, and GYG Old Noarlunga.

If you’re a fan of burritos, nachos, enchiladas and tacos, then you must visit the new Guzman Y Gomez Mexican restaurant near Nudgee College in Virginia. The store is located at 2125 Sandgate Rd, Boondall QLD 4034. Trading hours are from 6 am to 10.55 pm, Thursday to Saturday; 6 am to 9.55 pm, Sunday to Wednesday.

2125 Sandgate Rd, Boondall QLD 4034, Australia

Upbeat Arts Promotes Mental Health With Brand New Choir in Wavell Heights

Photo Credit: Upbeat Arts / upbeatarts.org.au

Upbeat Arts has launched its brand new choir in North Brisbane (Wavell Heights). Their programs are tailored to provide people who are marginalised and experiencing mental health challenges with a platform to connect with the community and gain their confidence back.

On 20 April 2022, Upbeat Arts launched their Absolutely Everybody Choir – North Brisbane which is now rehearsing every Wednesday from 10 am to 12.30 pm. The North Brisbane Choir is led by conductor Melissa Gill.

Upbeat Arts has been at the forefront of providing “social prescription” to adults who are marginalised due to their mental health issues since 2014. They provide a safe and fun environment where members participate with like-minded people in non-medical activities including choir, creative writing, music theatre and songwriting.

“Studies show that a hearty session of creativity can equate to a good physical workout and stimulate the body, mind and spirit! We’ve developed, piloted and currently run a wide range of innovative arts programs including choral, drama, instrumental and creative writing.”
Upbeat Arts

Aided through Queensland Health’s funding, Upbeat Arts holds five art programs per week: three in South Brisbane, one in North Brisbane and one online for Qld residents.

Upbeat Arts Queensland Programs include:

Absolutely Everybody Choir – North Brisbane
Absolutely Everybody Choir – South Brisbane

The Choir rehearses on Friday mornings with conductor Melissa Gill and accompanist Richard Thayil.

Word on the Street (Creative Writing)

In partnership with Queensland Writers Centre, the creative writing course covers poetry, letters, short-form writing, spoken word and storytelling. Award-winning author Claire Christian handles each session.

Word on the Street ONLINE (Creative Writing)

The program is exclusive to Queensland residents. Members have the opportunity to submit their work and be included in the annual Upbeat Arts’ Word on the Street publication.

Song School (Song Writing)

The program helps members develop an appreciation of the form of a song and develop songwriting skills as well as improve their vocal skills.

Apart from Queensland, Upbeat also operates in Victoria and New South Wales. Click here to apply for free membership in one of their programs.

Heritage Status Sought For Wavell Heights Church

An application has been filed to enter St Luke’s Wavell Heights Presbyterian Church into the Queensland Heritage Register.

Read: Proposed New Cafe, Refurbishment At Geebung RSL Club Lodged

Located at 64 Spence Road, Wavell Heights, the nomination for the church was submitted by architect Donald Watson for the 1966 church building and its surrounds, and excludes the earlier church halls and the later manse.

Under the Queensland Heritage Act 1992, one of the criteria for entry in register is if the place has a strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group for social, cultural or spiritual reasons.

History of the St Luke’s Wavell Heights Presbyterian Church

In January 1949, the Nundah Presbyterian session called for a meeting to form a Presbyterian congregation at Wavell Heights.

The use of one acre of land for Wavell Heights church buildings was obtained from the Medical and Social Services Committee of the Presbyterian Church of Queensland (PCQ) which had in 1948 acquired 10 acres of land in Spence Road for a War Memorial Hospital.

The current front hall, which was previously the church hall, was built using an interest-free loan for the PCQ.

In October 1959, the Home Mission station at Wavell Heights became the separate sanctioned charge of St Luke’s Wavell Heights Presbyterian Church and was able to call its own minister.

There were 196 members by the end of that year, up from 124 the year before. By 1957 there were 341 “scholars” in the Sunday School with a teaching staff of 31. Growth continued, more accommodation was required, and consideration was underway for a new church building by 1961.

Wavell Heights Presbyterian Church — Photo credit: Queensland Government/Andrew Ladlay

The firm of Cross and Bain was appointed as architects on November 4, 1964, with James Gibson nominated as project architect.

Gibson was known for designing several Queensland church buildings, such as St Matthew’s Church of England in Holland Park, Toowong Presbyterian, The Grove Methodist in Ashgrove and St Paul’s Church of England, Manly.

Wavell Heights Presbyterian — Photo credit: Queensland Government/Andrew Ladlay

The church, which opened on November 9, 1966, and blessed on the 19th was highly influential, and received three mentions in the periodical Australian Presbyterian Life.

Based on the report submitted to the Queensland Government, no further building work other than maintenance, repairs and minor improvements has been carried out, apart from a new PWD toilet in 2020, air conditioning in 2019, and a playground and basketball court and a manse carport, all in the 2010s.