A large parcel of publicly owned land in Banyo is being prepared for release to the market for residential development, with the site expected to deliver up to 400 homes.
The site is located on Blinzinger Road in Banyo and is described across program and reporting material as being around six hectares, with one program description listing it as 6.4 hectares. The land was previously used as an Energex depot and has been fenced and unused for about a decade.
Material describing the site states it is close to public transport, shops and schools, and indicates it is suitable for residential development. The site has also been linked to earlier industrial operations connected to the electricity network in Brisbane’s north, with reporting describing its past use as a depot and associated facility.
The Land Activation Program is designed to unlock underutilised publicly owned land for housing by bringing surplus sites to market for development. It allows private developers to identify and register interest in underutilised Queensland-owned land that may be suitable for housing outcomes.
Public sector agencies are also expected to identify land that is no longer required or has no reasonably foreseeable operational use, so it can be released for housing. Economic Development Queensland is responsible for assessing proposals using criteria intended to confirm sites are genuinely surplus and suitable for residential development, including mixed-use outcomes where applicable.
Program material also states Economic Development Queensland can use planning and development powers under the Economic Development Act 2012 to help fast-track housing delivery by addressing site constraints and infrastructure challenges.
For unsolicited industry proposals, program information states Economic Development Queensland will investigate nominated sites and provide advice on suitability within 30 business days.
The approach differs from earlier land partnership models because the sale of publicly owned sites to private developers is not framed as requiring social or affordable housing components. Supporters of the approach argue fewer conditions can help projects proceed faster. Critics argue the absence of mandated affordability settings limits the likelihood of direct benefit for low-income households or people waiting for social housing.
Reporting on the shift has also referenced a KPMG review of the former Ground Lease Model, which was described as estimating a cost of $1.7 billion for 715 dwellings.
The Banyo land release is identified as the first site to be brought to market under the program, with further sites expected to follow progressively across Queensland as activation strategies are developed. No detailed construction schedule or housing mix has been set out in the material provided.
Missed bin pickups in Wavell Heights have become increasingly unpredictable since it was publicly acknowledged that collection standards have slipped and services need to be improved.
LM Adrian Schrinner acknowledged during the very first session of the year that recent collection performance was not meeting expectations and said Council would use the options available under its contract to drive improvement.
A Suburb-Level Example During High-Pressure Weeks
When collections are missed, the impact is felt quickly on a quiet residential street. Residents have told concerned agencies and media outlets that a skipped service can leave families storing extra rubbish at home, or placing full bins back out and hoping the truck returns. People also want to know when to expect a follow-up run, especially if waste is left out for days.
Citywide complaint numbers add context to the local frustration. A report in 2025 stated that Council was contacted 12,000 times about missed bin collections in the first five months of 2025, showing how often residents felt they had to chase a basic service.
Temporary Waste Sites Show How Disruptions Can Spill Into Daily Life
During the severe weather and clean-up period, a Wavell Heights location was listed for temporary waste support. However, the Wavell Community Hall carpark at Edinburgh Castle Road is one of the sites linked to missed services and access problems in parts of Brisbane.
Brisbane’s March 2025 severe weather event recovery updates outline how disruptions can affect day-to-day services, particularly when roads are blocked, and waste volumes climb. For residents, the main concern is that while a missed collection is understandable during extreme weather, follow-up must be clear and timely.
Council guidance says residents can log a missed service after the normal collection window, using its online Report a bin problem form. The bin collection advice says missed red-lid bins can be reported after 4.30pm on collection day, while missed yellow or green bins must be reported within two working days to trigger a response.
Residents say the system works best when paired with clear answers. They want a simple message when a street is missed, a clear plan for the makeup run, and fewer duplicate reports on the same issue.
Wavell Heights food lovers have plenty happening this summer, from a winter festival announcement to a northside coffee roaster doubling down on its espresso game and a popular wine bar heading back to where it all began.
The Wavell Heights food landscape keeps evolving, with changes happening right across the city from warehouse coffee bars to intimate wine rooms.
Winter Warmers at Brisbane Powerhouse
Night Feast is coming back, but you’ll want to pack a jacket this time. The food festival that turned Brisbane Powerhouse into a month-long culinary playground has switched things up for 2026, moving from spring to the middle of winter.
Mark your calendars for July 29 through August 23. The team behind the festival reckons cooler weather won’t dampen appetites for adventurous menus and one-off dishes you can’t get anywhere else. Think of it as an excuse to warm up with good food while enjoying art installations and live music along the river.
If you’ve been before, you know the drill. Entry doesn’t cost anything, but you’ll spend plenty on food and drinks from the restaurants taking part.
Last year drew thousands of people to New Farm over four weeks. The festival hasn’t revealed which restaurants are joining the 2026 lineup yet, but expect that announcement soon.
Fox Coffee has been roasting beans in Geebung for ten years now, and the team is marking the milestone by ripping out their espresso bar and starting fresh.
If you’ve visited the warehouse on Ellison Road lately, you’ve probably noticed it gets busy. The espresso bar now moves 150 kilos of coffee weekly, which explains why they’re installing six grinders and two coffee machines in the new setup.
The rollerdoor comes down on January 27. Don’t panic though – they’re running a pop-up for the four weeks it takes to complete the renovation. You can still grab your focaccia toastie, bomboloni or Vegemite scroll while construction happens.
The redesigned space should be ready by February. Fox Coffee works with design firm Collectivus to create something that looks sharp but still feels like a working warehouse. New shelving means more retail space for bags of beans to take home.
Find them at 3 Ellison Road, Geebung. Check foxcoffee.com.au for updates on the reopening.
Ashgrove Wine Bar Comes Full Circle
Arcade Wine started on Waterworks Road in Ashgrove before relocating to Redcliffe last year. Now owners Danilo Duseli and Matthieu Rabiet are bringing it back to the original neighbourhood.
The wine bar and bottle shop reopens sometime in late February, though an exact date hasn’t been confirmed yet. When it does open, expect a different vibe from before. The team is introducing a tapas menu to go alongside the wine, shifting from the previous bottle shop-focused model.
The Italian wine list is getting refreshed too. Duseli and Rabiet source from established producers and smaller independent growers across Italy’s wine regions. They typically pour 40 to 50 wines by the glass from a cellar of around 160 bottles.
Ashgrove locals who’ve been driving to Redcliffe for the past 18 months can finally walk to their neighbourhood wine bar again. The move back happens because Comino’s Arcade is being redeveloped, bringing Arcade Wine back to where loyal customers first discovered it.
YOMG is opening its fourth Queensland location inside Westfield Carindale’s food court this month. The Melbourne brand mixes two things under one roof – proper burgers made with Angus beef, and self-serve frozen yogurt with toppings.
If you haven’t tried YOMG yet, the setup is straightforward. Order a burger, loaded fries or shake at the counter. Fill your own frozen yogurt cup at the toppings bar. The brand has built a following in Melbourne for doing both things well rather than being purely a burger joint or dessert spot.
Carindale shoppers will find YOMG on Level 1 when it opens later this month. The brand isn’t stopping there either – more Queensland locations are planned for later this year, adding to the expanding Wavell Heights food options across the metro area.
Two Northgate residents are facing criminal charges after police responded to reports of a break-in at a Shaw Road business during the early hours of 16 January.
Queensland Police allege the incident occurred at approximately 1am when officers from Hendra Station were called to the scene following reports of two men inside the premises.
According to police, when officers arrived, they allegedly found one of the suspects attempting to leave through a smashed front glass door, whilst the second man was reportedly trying to escape through a rear exit. Both men were taken into custody at the location.
The suspects, aged 25 and 23, were transported to Brisbane City Watchhouse where they were formally charged. The older man faces two charges: obstructing police and entering premises to commit an indictable offence by break. His co-accused has been charged with entering premises to commit an indictable offence by break.
Both men were remanded in custody and appeared before Brisbane Magistrates Court on 16 January.
The incident serves as a reminder for Wavell Heights residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity in their neighbourhood. Police emphasise that community safety relies on cooperation between law enforcement and local residents.
Authorities encourage anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour to contact emergency services immediately on Triple Zero (000) if a crime is in progress or if there is immediate danger. For non-urgent matters, residents can report incidents through Policelink at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or by phoning 131 444.
Those wishing to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au or phone 1800 333 000.
Wavell Heights has secured its own slice of Brisbane’s specialty coffee scene with the arrival of a new family-focused venue, Alby’s Cafe, that brings high-end cafe culture directly to the suburbs.
Daniel Bowles and his business partner Chih-Wei “Tiger” Hsu spent the last few years looking for the right spot to set up shop outside the inner city. Bowles noticed a shortage of quality coffee options after he moved his own family from New Farm to the suburbs.
He felt that communities like Wavell Heights had a real demand for the kind of specialty service usually found in the city centre. This new venture continues the team’s shift away from busy city hubs, following the success of their other venues in Hawthorne and Gaythorne.
The cafe sits inside a classic Queenslander that previously housed a business called Kalisto. The owners refreshed the space with bright green and off-white paint to give it a welcoming feel. A sunroom fills the indoor dining area with natural light, while a back deck offers a spot surrounded by greenery.
The design focuses heavily on serving the local families. Bowles named the business Alby’s after his middle son, and the layout reflects this family-first approach. Parents can relax with their drinks while children stay entertained in a dedicated play area. It is also a dog-friendly location, making it a convenient stop for locals walking their pets nearby.
The kitchen serves a mix of simple crowd-pleasers and creative new dishes. The team brought over popular items from their Gaythorne location, such as the chicken melt toastie and the sausage and egg muffin. New standout options include a beef rendang toastie packed with slow-cooked beef and sweet mustard. For those with a sweet tooth, the house-made banana bread comes fresh from the oven with a dusting of icing sugar.
Coffee drinkers can order beans from Single O, ranging from classic pours to matcha and cold brew. A signature item is the iced tiramisu drink, which features a chocolate espresso base topped with cold vanilla foam. The staff are happy to guide customers through the menu, whether they want a standard morning fix or something different. Locals can even buy roasted coffee beans and organic chocolate to take home.
We’ve combed Northgate for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!
Nirdosh Bhattarai ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Had an absolutely wonderful experience here! The owner is incredibly kind and spoke to us so warmly like his own, which made us feel genuinely welcome from the moment we arrived. The food was outstanding the lamb shank was perfectly cooked and full of flavour, the duck ragu was rich and comforting, and the sticky date pudding was just spot on. To top it all off, the owner generously treated us to a complimentary panna cotta, which was also absolutely delicious. It’s a small place with a big heart. Huge thanks to the owner and the chefs for making our lunch so special. Will definitely be coming back again
Josh Muir ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I recently visited this Italian restaurant with my mum, and we were both genuinely impressed. The service was warm, friendly, and attentive from the moment we arrived. I ordered the spaghetti marinara, which was exceptional—fresh seafood, a beautifully balanced sauce, and honestly better than some meals I’ve had in Italy. My mum requested a cocktail that wasn’t on the menu, and the staff happily made it for her, which really highlighted their flexibility and customer focus. We finished with the tiramisu, light and full of flavour, and the perfect end to the meal. Overall, excellent service, delicious food, and thoughtful touches throughout. Highly recommend
Daniel Lachica Jr. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I was craving for Italian food and my boyfriend and I searched for a place nearby and saw their restaurant. We arrived without a reservation but they were gracious enough to give us seats despite the place being fully-booked. The food’s fabulous and delicious: we’ll definitely come back! Everyone’s warm and welcoming and it makes dining here so homely.
JK ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Tried the Orange Chicken Dutch at Kitchen8, chicken felt a bit sweet by itself, but with the veggies and sauce it all came together so well. Also had the signature Beef Eggs Benny and it was super tasty.
안소연 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Everything I ordered was really delicious. Latte was savory and the fruit juice was fresh. The server service was perfect, too. I really want to go again. I had mushroom cream pasta, Wagyu burger, chicken salad, and I want to try other menus. Best taste I’ve ever experienced in Australia!!
Anastasia Owens ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Our experience was amazing! I took my husband here for their bene brisket and it was divine as well as their coffees. The staff were so lovely and we had service with a smile. I will be going back, it’s worth every dollar!
Cal Law ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Always excellent customer service and a great place to catch up with friends for gelato, coffee and baked goods.
C L ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Such a great patisserie! Fantastic sandwich selection along with cakes and French pastries and other baked goods. I highly recommend their sausage rolls 🤤 I regularly stock up on their freshly baked baguettes as well.
Nanga Little ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Visited today with friend and high expectations having tasted some items previously at work. We had studied the menu online and looked forward to ordering in person. In-store was such a feast for our eyes and I got caught up taking photos. Anyone looking for a special place to visit for a catch-up or just really great baked items this is the place. Fresh made sandwiches looked appealing and will try another day.
Orville de Raadt ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We’ve been here before in summer and sat out the front. They also have an indoor dining area heated in winter AC in summer. The piece de resistance they’ve got a sun drenched back yard pet friendly and the high walls around it no breeze so lovely in the winter sun in qld. The staff are very friendly they even brought out a home made dog biscuit for pebbles with the coffee. I love finding these little hideaways Merlin coffee can’t go wrong and prices are reasonable as well
George F (Australia) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ First time at this little cafe in Northgate QLD. Without question the vanilla slices are home Made and the best I have ever had anywhere. All the food is freshly made and to a very high standard. It looks like a snack bar but is actually much more with plenty of seating and great food.
Zane Skipper ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Quick, calm and lovely service. The atmosphere of the cafe is amazing with artwork littering all the walls, very open layout design. Food is very consistent, yet to be disappointed. I arrived just before the 0700 open time, staff had already opened up with large smiles on their faces. Car after car consistently pulled in during the time I was present. Dog Friendly, with a water bowl filled and provided. Definitely coming back. Can’t forgot the S&P shakers.
Stephen Braid ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Found this place almost by accident. Terrific range of ales and lagers, all made on the premises. Variety of seating (outside, inside or near the vats). Excellent, friendly service. 4 minutes walk from Northgate train station. A must visit!
John de Lombardo ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stumbled across this wonderful brewery by chance whilst riding our electric scooters. We dropped in for liquid refreshments. Four icy cold Mexican Lagers, delicious my friends. My beers tasted even better due to the friendly service. The Aether Brewery is a hidden gem in Melton St Northgate. A pop-up burger tent is attached to the brewery offering price friendly burgers. Go and enjoy.
Andie J ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great microbrewery. Some really interesting beers on tap. I tried one of the sour beers, it was good. Good range of beer options and the pizza was tasty. Staff were friendly and helpful. Loved the venue, has a really cool vibe. One of my new favorite brisbane breweries.
As 2025 draws to a close, Brisbane’s dining landscape has proven more vibrant than ever, with a fresh wave of cafés and casual eateries opening across the city. Among the standouts, Alby’s in Wavell Heights has captured the essence of what makes a neighbourhood café truly special, quickly becoming a beloved community hub since opening in August.
Hospitality veterans Daniel Bowles and Tiger Hsu transformed the former Kalisto Cafe site into this sun-soaked gathering place, reuniting their successful partnership from Butter Café. For Bowles, whose previous ventures include Little Loco, Miss Jones and Sister, the move to Wavell Heights represented an opportunity to bring specialty coffee culture and quality food to Brisbane’s northern suburbs.
The café’s design immediately sets it apart, featuring a striking fluted-concrete counter, a coloured-glass sunroom and a dedicated kids’ nook. But it’s the atmosphere that truly resonates—locals have quickly made Alby’s their own, settling in for long visits over specialty coffee and creative menu offerings.
“We love the idea of opening neighbourhood cafés that are community focused,” Bowles explains. “I feel like the suburbs are crying out for specialty coffee and quality food—a place that is local and special to them, where they can catch up with their neighbours and friends. We wanted to bring that to Wavell Heights.”
The menu delivers on that promise with inventive toasties, including a popular beef rendang option with American cheese and sauerkraut, alongside comfort favourites that have followed the duo from their previous ventures. Single O coffee from Sydney and sourdough from Brisbane’s Cordelia Sourdough Bakehouse round out the offering.
Photo Credit: Google Maps / maria rita mastronardi
Operating Monday to Friday from 6am to 2pm and weekends from 6:30am to 2pm at 199 Bilsen Road, Alby’s has quickly established itself as more than just another café. It’s become a gathering place where the simple pleasures of good food and warm company take centre stage.
In a year that saw Brisbane welcome Thai brunch specialists, artisan bakeries and inventive sandwich shops across the city, Alby’s stands out by reminding us that sometimes the best additions to our food culture are the ones that make us feel most at home.
A small timber yard tucked away in the quiet back streets of Wavell Heights eventually grew into one of the state’s most successful suppliers thanks to the vision of Peter Leddy, who is being remembered this week as a father figure to the trade.
Peter passed away on 15 December at the age of 79 following a battle with pancreatic cancer. His journey with the local community began decades ago when he saw potential in a modest operation. In 1983, he made a deal with his former employer, Ron Versace, to buy the business. At that time, it was a small merchant shop located in Wavell Heights. He knew that for the company to serve more people, it needed more space. He eventually found a new location in Virginia, close to the city centre, and moved the operations there in 2005.
Once the new site was up and running, Peter decided it was time to retire. He wanted to travel and see Australia with his wife, Kerry. He left the business in good hands, passing the leadership to his four sons. Today, the company is still family-owned and operated. Graham Leddy serves as the managing director, while his brothers Bill, Doug, and Josh manage the production plant, accounts, and the Virginia site.
Graham noted that while products and faces change over the years, the commitment to service remains the same. He credited his father for instilling the belief that taking care of customers should never go out of style.
The business has grown significantly from its early days. It now employs 55 staff members and operates out of a large facility with yards and offices covering more than 6000 square metres. In 2012, the team’s hard work was recognised when they won an award for the best building materials centre in the metro area.
Peter was known for more than just his business skills. He was a dedicated supporter of the industry, serving on the board during the early years of the organisation now known as the National Timber and Hardware Association. He was also a long-time member of the Brisbane Hoo-Hoo Club 218.
Before his time in the timber trade, Peter served his country. He was in the Australian Army during the Vietnam conflict in 1968. His friends and associates across the wood merchandising sector are now mourning a man who gave so much to his profession and his country.
Peter is survived by his wife of 55 years, Kerry, their four sons, and ten grandchildren. A celebration of his life will take place at the Pinnaroo Cemetery and Crematorium Chapel in Bridgeman Downs on Tuesday, December 23, at 11 am. The service will offer a chance for family, friends, and colleagues to say goodbye to a man who built a lasting legacy from humble beginnings.
The Brisbane Hustlers rugby club has announced the death of founding team member and committee contributor Brett Barakat, with tributes shared by teammates and friends online.
The Brisbane Hustlers said the club rebuilt in 2012 after a hiatus, with Barakat among those who helped re-establish the team. The club described him as a committee member who supported the group’s work as it moved toward early Purchas Cup campaigns and preparations linked to the Bingham Cup.
The club said Barakat was often the first person new players met at training, regularly checking in and helping newcomers feel included.
Support For Events And Fundraising
In its tribute, the Brisbane Hustlers said Barakat threw himself into club activities including open days, a new players night, boot camp, awards nights, Rugger Bugger events, and the club’s first trivia night in 2014.
The club also said he helped manage the team at the Bingham Cup in Sydney in 2014 and led an outdoor cinema night on the oval screening Scrum, raising funds needed to get two teams to the tournament.
Barakat had also spent time living in Sydney and was involved with community groups there, including helping put together the first Arab float in Mardi Gras, according to accounts shared in tributes.
A separate tribute described Barakat as an organiser who brought Arab LGBTQIA+ people together through regular gatherings and performances, and also recalled time spent with him in Lebanon.
An informal gathering in Sydney has been announced for Saturday 20 December, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Beauchamp Hotel, 265 Oxford St, Darlinghurst.
Updates shared online stated the Barakat family will hold a funeral service on Friday 9 January 2026. A further update said the funeral is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Queensland time at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, with additional burial and wake information shared separately. A Sydney memorial Mass is planned for mid-January 2026.
Those organising the Sydney gathering have encouraged people to share memories and photos, with ongoing details about events to be circulated through a family-linked WhatsApp update group.
Wavell Heights Gourmet Meats has suffered a loss of nearly $9,000 after an alleged scammer collected a bulk order of premium Wagyu using what the owners later discovered was a falsified payment record.
The case involved a buyer who identified herself only as “Panni,” placing an order for high-end Stone Axe Wagyu beef with the Brisbane butcher. The buyer claimed to operate a restaurant in Ballina, approximately 200km from Brisbane. She requested the Stone Axe Wagyu, a premium Australian beef product reportedly selling at up to $250 per kilogram, and the order totalled close to $9,000.
A day before the scheduled collection, the butcher’s owners say they received an image of what appeared to be a bank transfer confirmation. The printout looked legitimate, according to them, and on that basis they prepared the bulk order for pick-up.
When the time came to collect, “Panni” said her brother would pick up the meat. Staff asked for license details to verify the identity of the collector, but were instead told that noting the vehicle’s number-plate would suffice. Shortly before the shop closed, a man arrived and loaded four boxes of Wagyu into an unrefrigerated hire vehicle — footage from the shop’s CCTV confirms the loading. A staff member assisting with the loading reportedly became concerned after the man gave short, evasive answers when asked about the logistics of the long drive ahead.
The next business day the payment had not cleared. Attempts to contact the buyer failed: the phone number provided had been disconnected. Further checks revealed that the Ballina restaurant cited during the order denied ever placing it or collecting meat. They believe their business details were misused.
Photo credit: Google Street View
The incident aligns with recent warnings from scam-watch advisories about fraudulent meat-sale schemes. A consumer-protection agency cautioned that scammers posing as butchers or “farm-to-table” meat sellers have been targeting Western Australian communities, offering bulk meat at unusually low prices, requesting payment via bank transfer, then blocking buyers once payment is received.
Although the Wavell Heights case involved a physical pick-up rather than home delivery, the tactics, immediate payment via bank transfer, pressure to complete a bulk order, and use of third-party collection, echo those described in the advisory.
For businesses handling expensive perishable goods, the case underscores the risks associated with large orders from unfamiliar clients. Advice from consumer-protection bodies recommends waiting for bank transfers to fully clear before releasing high-value stock, verifying identification when third-party collection is requested, and insisting on suitable refrigerated transport for perishable products.
Queensland Police are continuing their investigation. The owners of Wavell Heights Gourmet Meats have said they will review their procedures for bulk orders to prevent similar incidents. Authorities encourage any business that suspects fraudulent activity to come forward and remain vigilant when handling large or unusual orders.
