Multiple Dwellings Within Summerlin Banyo Development Proposed

A development application has been lodged seeking to establish for Phase 5 of the Summerlin development on Solomon Street, Banyo.

The proposed site at 15 Solomon Street and 43 Rochat Avenue, Banyo covers a development site area of 1,973 sqm for the multiple dwellings, out of the total area of approximately 4.92 hectares.

Multiple Dwellings Within Summerlin Banyo Development Proposed
Summerlin Banyo Master Plan Community
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council – Argus Design / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Designed by Argus Design, the proposal will be Stage 5 of the $100-million Summerlin development in Banyo and seeks to establish a multiple dwelling comprising 21 apartments across the three-storey residential building. The application also seeks  boundary realignment to facilitate the changes to the master plan configuration.

Staging Plan 
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council – Argus Design / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

The building will contain nine 2-bedroom and 12 3-bedroom apartments with a 67% percent site cover. Private open space will be provided for the ground floor apartments including a courtyard area, ranging from 35sqm to 100sqm, whilst all other apartments will be provided with balcony ranging from 15sqm to 26sqm in size.

Multiple Dwellings Within Summerlin Banyo Development Proposed
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council – Argus Design / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Access to the building is via a 7.4-metre crossover from Solomon Street on the northern end of the western boundary. Two on-street car parks and four street trees will be removed to facilitate the upgrade of the roadway.

The proposal provides a single level basement car park, containing 33 resident car parking bays and 4 visitor car parks.

“The proposed development will add to the variety of housing available in the vicinity, providing spacious apartments which are complemented by the large communal open space and the surrounding well-designed residential development within Summerlin Estate,” Wolter Consulting Group Planning report said.



Banyo Rated No. 1 Brisbane Suburb with Best Access to Schools

Banyo, the residential/industrial suburb 13 kilometres north of Brisbane CBD, emerged as the number one suburb with the best access to education. This community in the Northgate Ward scored 10 out of 10 in a study on the most livable places in Australia.

The Domain Liveability study, which was released on the 18th of Nov 2019, looked into 18 indicators to determine the quality of life of its residents. The scores for access to both primary and secondary schools, however, were based on proximity and not the quality and performance of the schools.  

Study co-author Daniel Terrill said that proximity is significant for many families since there are faced with challenges like travel time, drop-offs and pick-ups. Having schools near where residents live lowers travel times and presumably, short travel times are better for the parents and the children.

Photo Credit: Domain Liveability


Aside from Banyo, Chermside West, Clontarf, Ferny Grove and Kelvin Grove also scored high on school accessibility. In Kelvin Grove, open homes are popular with families because they want to secure a house in a school catchment area. People buy houses in this suburb not necessarily to live in it but to rent it out first until such time that they would actually need it.

According to The Good Schools Guide, there are 76 primary and secondary schools within and around Banyo. Based on the NAPLAN, Earnshaw State College at the corner of Earnshaw and Tufnell Road in Banyo is the most improved Brisbane North school for 2019. 



Bunnings Warehouse Virginia Is Now Open!

The new $50-million Bunnings Warehouse on Sandgate Road, Virginia celebrates its grand opening via a four-day kiddie event slated over two weekends.

Photo credit: Bunnings Warehouse / bunnings.com.au

Designed by Group 4 Architects, the elevate Bunnings Warehouse features a hardware and trade supplies, a nursery, food and drink outlets, shop and showroom.

The warehouse retail is located on the first level with an undercroft parking that can accommodate 433 cars including 8 spaces for accessible parking, 3 trailer bays, and 39 within the Timber and Trade area. The timber and trade shop is situated at the store’s rear area and can be accessed from Newton Street and Sandgate Road.



Bring along the kids and enjoy the fun-filled activities that Bunnings Warehouse Virginia has prepared to mark its grand opening:

  • Saturday 9th November  
    • Jumping castle, giant games, roving magician, animal farm, face painting, snow cones, popcorn and lollies, from 9am to 3pm
    • Dora the Explorer meet and greet, from 11am to 2 pm
  • Sunday 10th November 
    • Jumping castle, giant games, roving magician, animal farm, face painting, snow cones, popcorn and lollies, from 9am to 3pm
    • Chase from Nickelodeon’s PAW Patrol meet and greet, from 11am to 2pm
  • Saturday 16 November 
    • Jumping castle, giant games, roving magician, animal farm, face painting, snow cones, popcorn and lollies, from 9am to 2pm
    • PJ Masks meet and greet, from 11am to 2pm
  • Sunday 17 November  
    • Jumping castle, giant games, roving magician, animal farm, face painting, snow cones, popcorn and lollies, from 9am to 2pm
    • Spider-Man meet and greet, from 11am to 2pm

Photo credit: Bunnings Warehouse / bunnings.com.au

Bunnings Virginia is also opening its doors for community groups to raise funds via Sausage Sizzle. Interested community groups may contact Bunnings Warehouse to book a Bunnings sausage sizzle.

The new Bunnings Warehouse Virginia is located at 1836 Sandgate Rd, Virginia. Store hours: Monday to Friday 6.30am – 9pm; Saturday 7am – 7pm; and Sunday and 7am – 6pm.

1836 Sandgate Rd, Virginia QLD 4014

Council Starts Trial of Foreshore Dog Off-Leash at Nudgee Beach

Council has commenced a year-long trial of foreshore dog off-leash in pilot areas in Sandgate, Nudgee Beach, and Manly.

Beginning 12 October 2019, residents will be allowed to walk their dogs at these pilot sites: Manly – at the end of Davenport Drive, between the fishing platform and RQYS Port Centre Park; Nudgee Beach – in Nudgee Beach Reserve, south of the car park to Nudgee Road; and Sandgate – along Lover’s Walk between Second Avenue and Zeehan Street.

The start of the one-year trial comes after Queensland Government issued the guidelines for establishing off-leash areas in marine parks, based on the result of University of Queensland research on disturbance to migratory shorebirds.

Based on a 25 years worth of data, the UQ research revealed that the population of many of the migratory species have dramatically declined and are already close to extinction, including the eastern curlew, which has already declined by 80 percent in 30 years.



A joint project of Brisbane City Council, the Department of Environment Science, and the University of Queensland, the Foreshore Dog Off-Leash Area Project aims to protect and conserve shorebirds whilst creating recreational opportunities for dog owners in the identified foreshore dog off-leash areas.

By engaging the community about the areas where dogs are allowed to move about freely without a leash and areas they will need to be on-leash, disturbance to threatened shorebirds will be reduced.

Nudgee Beach Foreshore Dog Off-Leash Area Map
Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au

On-site signage will be in place, and community education and engagement events to ensure voluntary compliance during the trial period.

During the trial period, the University of Queensland – School of Biological Sciences will monitor shore bird species present, habitat value, and levels of disturbance along the entire foreshore.
Members of the community are invited to have their say about the dog off-leash trial by completing an online survey before midnight on 17 November 2019.

Arnott’s is Having a Bakery Tour This November at Virginia

Witness and experience the magic behind Australia’s iconic biscuits at the Arnott’s Bakery Tour Day, happening at Newtown Street in Virginia on 2 November 2019.

Ever wondered how Arnott’s scrumptious biscuits were made?

If you answered yes, well then it is time for you to mark your calendar because Arnott’s Virginia Bakery is opening its doors to the public for the second time in 30 years. How cool is that, right?

On 2 November 2019, Arnott’s Bakery in Newtown Street at Virginia will allow families to enter the biscuit-making facility through a one-hour guided tour from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

On the tour inside the bakery, guests will be able to witness how raw ingredients are combined and manufactured into a variety of Arnott’s best-selling biscuits. Guests can also expect to be involved in the different activities prepared by Arnott’s. 

Arnott's
Photo credit: The Arnott’s Foundation‎/ Facebook

Here are some of the activities prepared inside the tour:

  • Arnott’s Mobile Bikkie Bakery
  • Arnott’s Merchandise Stall
  • Chocolate Wheel
  • Face Painting for the kids
  • Free photo opportunity in our 1925 Albion truck
  • Food & Beverages available for purchase through Sodexo onsite catering



Ticket Price

Adult$30
Child$20
Family (2 Adults & 2 Children)$80

You may purchase your tickets online at EventBrite. Make sure to select your chosen time slot during checkout at the payment page.

All net funds raised through ticket sales as well as other activities inside Arnott’s bakery during the tour will be donated to Camp Quality, a primary beneficiary of the Arnott’s Foundation.

Camp Quality is a non-profit organization that helps children with cancer. They have been operating in Australia since 1983 by offering programs that are specifically designed to help children aged 0-13 cope with the daily ups and downs of dealing with cancer.

Camp Quality
Photo credit: The Arnott’s Foundation‎/ Facebook

Arnott’s Bakery Tour Terms and Conditions

Here is a short-list of reminders for all guests of the bakery tour:

  • Guests should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to their scheduled tour. This is to ensure that there is sufficient time to check in all personal belongings before entering the site.
  • Children below five years of age are not allowed inside the tour for safety reasons.
  • All children must be accompanied by an adult.
  • All jewelries and accessories must be removed. Guests with nail polish will be required to wear cotton gloves during the tour.
  • All hair must be covered, hairnets to be worn over the ears; and beards, moustaches and long sideburns must be covered by snood (all provided).
  • Shoes must be fully enclosed with a non-slip sole, such as trainers. Thongs, sandals, and heeled shoes are not permitted.
  • A Lab coat must also be worn (this will be provided on day).
  • No cameras or mobile phones permitted in manufacturing area and no photos are allowed.
  • Some areas inside are very warm. Please do not participate if you are prone to heat stroke, heat exhaustion or suffer from heat intolerance.

For more information about Arnott’s Bakery Tour, click here.



The Home Collective Market in Wavell Heights Is Back for Your Early Christmas Shopping

Did you know that plants can be such a powerful and versatile design tool? If you are keen on updating your home decor with some greens then drop by The Home Collective Market in Wavell Heights on Sunday, the 13th of Oct 2019. 

Over 50 stalls will be open at the Wavell Heights Community Hall from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to sell heaps of stuff you’ll need to spruce up your home. Houseplants and gardening needs will flow at The Home Collective Market but there will also be choices of ceramics, homeware, artwork, furniture, wall hangings, rugs, candles and so much more to check out. 



As any garden lover will tell you, you can never have enough plants to update your home design. You’ll have a wonderful time rummaging through the items on sale as you find pieces that may bring some life and colour into the rooms of your house. 

Photo Credit: The Home Collective/Facebook

If you don’t need to buy for yourself, there’s still another reason to visit The Home Collective Market. Start your Christmas shopping early and find unique gift items for family, co-workers and friends.

Photo Credit: The Home Collective/Facebook

Coffee and snacks from The Collective Kitchen will be available for guests who may need nourishment in between shopping. Dogs are allowed just outside the venue provided that they are leashed and well-behaved. 

As with previous market events, the gold coin entry fee will be collected from visitors to help raise funds for the Animal Welfare League.



Wavell Heights Bromeliads Extravaganza Returns for Bargains and More

Twice a year, the Wholesale Bromeliads of Australia hosts a Wavell Heights Bromeliads Extravaganza where plant lovers can purchase directly from growers. If you’ve been anticipating the next event, you’d be pleased to know that it is coming up on Saturday and Sunday, the 28th and 29th of Sept 2019.

On the said dates, Wavell Heights Community Hall will be turned into an indoor garden with heaps of Bromeliads for sale. These plants, which belong to a family with over 3,000 species, can propagate outdoors as a stump or tree in areas with a warm climate. However, it’s also cool to put broms in pots indoors, where they can grow into a decorative plant with patterned foliage or flaming red blooms.



You’ll know more about growing and tending to Bromeliads when you visit the extravaganza. Expect to be in awe of the selection from growers, which includes mini Neoregelias, Alcantareas, Aechmea gracilis and Tillandsias, among others.

Photo Credit: Wholesale Bromeliads of Australia/Facebook

Happening from morning to early afternoon, you may also enjoy a bountiful breakfast, tea or lunch at the Wavell Heights Bromeliads Extravaganza as bacon, egg rolls, burgers and drinks will be available. In addition, 20 plants will also be raffled off to lucky guests.

Take note of these trading hours if you’re planning to drop by. 

28 Sept 20198:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
29 Sept 20199:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.


Council Asking Community Input for Nudgee Recreation Reserve Draft Concept Plan

The Nudgee Recreation Reserve draft concept plan has been released for community feedback.

Brisbane City Council is asking members of the community to provide their thoughts regarding the proposed improvement works of the site, with the release of the draft concept plan. 

Among other questions, the survey is asking if the residents have any comments about the draft concept plan or how they see themselves or their families using the recreation reserve in the future.



The council is planning to deliver shared-use sporting fields, outdoor gym equipment and walking path, sports field lighting, upgraded car park, clubhouse and amenities as well as dog off-leash area on site. 

The local community can have their say by completing the online survey until 22 September 2019 or by joining an information session with the project team outside Banyo Train Station, at 268 St Vincents Road on 14 September 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

BCC will use community feedback and information from the site investigations to inform the final concept plan for the Nudgee Recreation Reserve. Council will advise the community once the plan has been finalised. 

Photo Credit: brisbane.qld.gov.au

About Nudgee Recreation Reserve

The reserve, located at 290 Elliott Road in Nudgee, was first used as an informal site for cricket and football matches during the 1940s. In the 1970s, it was used as a landfill for two years. Sporting activities in the site resumed in the 1990s when the landfill was closed.  

Council will be undertaking further investigations of the former landfill site from September 2019. This entails clearing of vegetation consisting mostly of invasive species. No significant trees will be removed and all works will be carried out in accordance with relevant environmental guidelines. 

For more information about the Nudgee Recreation Reserve improvement project, you can email the project team or phone Council on 07 3403 8888.



Party Planners in Wavell Heights Ranked Among Best in Brisbane

Need a hand with an upcoming corporate event, birthday, or a bridal shower? Did you know that Wavell Heights has one of the top party planners in Brisbane? 

Best in Australia has recently revealed the top three party planners in Brisbane based on their rating points list. The top three party planners according to Best in Australia are My Perfect Party in Wavell Heights, Wicked Bucks Parties, and Amazing Kids Parties in West End.

Party Planners in Wavell Heights
Photo credit: My Perfect Party – The Party Group Pty Ltd / myperfectparty.com.au

The list was based on 100 key considerations that were used in rating the Best in AU candidates, coming from businesses, people, or places in certain industry and/or geographic area. 

The rating checklist considers the candidate’s business history, services, pictures/media, opening hours, social media, website quality, awards and acknowledgements, and feedback and reviews, among other factors. 

The “Best in AU” list is updated every three to four months.

About My Perfect Party 

Located at 16 Chesterfield St, Wavell Heights, My Perfect Party was established in 2010 and has since been catering to clients in and around Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, organising parties and events, from the simple to the more elaborate ones.

Party Planners in Wavell Heights
Photo credit: My Perfect Party – The Party Group Pty Ltd / myperfectparty.com.au

My Perfect Party specialises in planning and organizing for birthdays, anniversaries, christening, bridal shower, hens party, wedding proposal, engagement, small weddings, corporate events, charity events and more.

The services offered include décor and styling, party planning, table styling, venue sourcing, and photobooth hire. The company is led by owner and founder Allison Barret, who is one of Australia’s leading party specialists with 30 years experience as an event professional.



How to Konmari Your Home Before the Kerbside Collection in Wavell Heights

This year’s kerbside collection in Wavell Heights will be on 19 August 2019. It’s the perfect time to get organised or if you’re following the trend, declutter the KonMari way.

The KonMari Method, “is a system of simplifying and organizing your home by getting rid of physical items that do not bring joy into your life.” But how are you going to do that with furniture or big-ticket items? It’s not so easy to get rid of them especially if you have sentimental attachments to lots of stuff. Here are our tips to finally let go of large household items minus the guilt:

Focus on things that spark joy. 

“The space in which we live should be for the person we are becoming now, not for the person we were in the past.”

Marie Kondo

Is your couch broken and unfixable? Then there’s no point in keeping it. It’s also not a good idea to donate it to charity because they will only be spending dollars just to send those rubbish to landfill. 

If your large household items can no longer be donated or recycled, dispose of them during the kerbside collection. Make sure to place them on the kerbside in front of your property by 6:00 am on the first day of the collection period.

Find a good home for items in good condition.

You might have stuff that are in still in good condition but you’re no longer using them. Perhaps you have a bike or sport equipment just sitting in the corner of your garage. Instead of throwing them away, make an effort to find a good home for them. Organisations like GIVIT and NACRO welcome large household items in usable condition. 

Aside from dropping them off to charities, you can also sell them to second-hand furniture shops, antique stores, or to marketplaces like Gumtree, Cash Converters, and eBay.

Invest in high-quality items next time.

Are you planning to get rid of certain items because they no longer serve their purpose? Broken appliances can be repaired but if the costs of repair are more than half the price of buying a new one than it’s better to replace them.

Brisbane City Council’s kerbside collection accepts electronic waste like televisions and computers as well as small household appliances like fans and toasters. 

If you’re participating in this year’s kerbside collection for Wavell Heights, don’t forget to download Brisbane bin and recycling app to be informed about bin collections and to receive notifications when your bins will be collected.