from todays finrev. some positive news

Stirring of interest in new Brisbane units
12:00AM | Michelle Singer | The Australian Financial Review

Brisbane's new unit market may have shown a rise in activity levels for the first time since 2007 but it remains far from being on the road to recovery, a report shows.

Not sure if this has been mentioned already, the Carseldine/Fitzgibbon development scheme was approved late last month:
http://www.ulda.qld.gov.au/01_cms/details.asp?ID=33

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/3636/picture1asv.png


:lol: to the small part of rural along Depot Rd there ^^ what's it a farm? It looks like it has a creek at the rear, i guess in the long term that would be added to the open space..

Wow that has a large section of open space to it... I guess it must have some significance to it, or the govt just don't want to encourage more sprawl... anyway having a nice urban village in the centre near the train station is good... Less the development zoned to the south of the high transmission power lines, one would think the open space would continue to follow it so people don't have to complain living so close to the HVPL.

CP1 has its cleaning gantry out. Happens twice a year, I believe - somebody may want to get a photo.

When you say CP1 is that Central Park 1? the tall white building with the roof top that can open up for telecommunications and has window cleaning devices that come off it?

When you say CP1 is that Central Park 1? the tall white building with the roof top that can open up for telecommunications and has window cleaning devices that come off it?
No, the other tall white building with the roof top which doesn't open for telecommunications and only opens for window cleaning devices which come off it. I'm talking about Central Plaza 1 - what the hell are you talking about?

roof top that can open up for telecommunications

LOL - "Open the roof I need to make a call"

Or is it over on Ann St? They're pretty far from the city out there so they only have satellite comms :lol:

^ Be nice. No need to take the piss.

:( Its just funny. Maybe I'm getting mean in my old age?

Actually, the first thing I thought was Dr. Evil.

Roof opens more than twice a year, I've seen it open a few different times this year already - maybe just a bad year for 'em. I'd love a ride on the BMU on CP1.

Just had the most interesting Town Planning UQ lecture of the year.

It was for a practical planning subject and we had four guest speakers. I'm sorry that I don't know their full names for the complete story.

Anyway, first guest spoke on behalf of the South Bank Corporation. He spoke about the ongoing evolution of South Bank into a premier cultural, recreational and lifestyle hub. He also spoke about the Southpoint development as well as the potential opening of the ABC Studio and the renovation of the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. Was all very interesting.

Second guest spoke about past planning mistakes and how Queensland has perhaps the best reputation for building things in the wrong places (ie. The Brisbane Entertainment Centre and the Chandler Swimming Centre, both of which have poor public transport access.

Third speaker is an integral part of the busway developments and he spoke about the establishment of the South East Busway, the Inner Northern Busway and the potential for the Eastern and Northern Busways. He also explained why buses were chosen rather than light or heavy rail. Interestingly, he mentioned the establishment of a direct bus route from UQ Lakes to Westfield Chermside and how Westfield has realised they have no real options to increase carparking. So they want to significantly improve public transport access to the centre.

He also spoke of bus routes through the city, with some crossing the river from South Bank to service the QSM, others going over the Captain Cook Bridge to the Eagle Street side. Eventually, he said that the Woolloongabba Bus Station could be reconfigured to allow buses to cross the Story Bridge and service Fortitude Valley and Bowen Hills. He said that Brisbane is no longer a country town but a world city (actually a few of them said that, picking up on Brisbane Marketing's advertising :lol:), with people wanting solely to get to Queen Street. Areas like Bowen Hills and Fortitude Valley, as well as South Bank will form the outer areas of the Brisbane CBD

And the last lecturer was an architect for the Queensland Children's Hospital near the Mater. He said that the design phase is not yet complete, but he showed us some of their current designs...to put it simply, it looks amazing :D. Picture Brisbane Central yellow-tinted waves, with large bubble windows at the end of some corridors, looking out over Woolloongabba, South Bank and the CBD. The bubbles are sort of yellow coloured with some red and blue and floor to ceiling windows. The ambulance/emergency entrance is from Stanley Street and the main entrance is from Raymont Street.

Great, great lecture

Gosh your lectures are so much more interesting than mine. Try sitting through 2hrs of Acct1101 or Econ1310 (Business statistics)! Half the time I either ditch or am asleep.... lucky you for enjoying your lectures. Mine are just a have 'to-do-to'.

Thanks Sky_Is_The_Limit, I appreciate the inside information. I'm particularly pleased that they're thinking big regarding the Busways.

No probs :)

Our assignment is to come up with a vision for the South Brisbane-Woolloongabba area. To be honest, my interest in Town Planning was waning, but this has sort of restored my interest in Town Planning and the Built Environment :)

While everyone is having fun doing projects in Brisbane, my project is down at Logan City. Logan Campus for Griffith in Meadowbrook (Loganlea train station) to be more accurate. What we have to do is to make it a major activitiy centre and transform it into a educational and health hub in Logan.
It's alright I guess, just did our first assignment-Respond to brief and now heading towards the writing part.

Just had the most interesting Town Planning UQ lecture of the year.

It was for a practical planning subject and we had four guest speakers. I'm sorry that I don't know their full names for the complete story.

Anyway, first guest spoke on behalf of the South Bank Corporation. He spoke about the ongoing evolution of South Bank into a premier cultural, recreational and lifestyle hub. He also spoke about the Southpoint development as well as the potential opening of the ABC Studio and the renovation of the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. Was all very interesting.

Second guest spoke about past planning mistakes and how Queensland has perhaps the best reputation for building things in the wrong places (ie. The Brisbane Entertainment Centre and the Chandler Swimming Centre, both of which have poor public transport access.

Third speaker is an integral part of the busway developments and he spoke about the establishment of the South East Busway, the Inner Northern Busway and the potential for the Eastern and Northern Busways. He also explained why buses were chosen rather than light or heavy rail. Interestingly, he mentioned the establishment of a direct bus route from UQ Lakes to Westfield Chermside and how Westfield has realised they have no real options to increase carparking. So they want to significantly improve public transport access to the centre.

He also spoke of bus routes through the city, with some crossing the river from South Bank to service the QSM, others going over the Captain Cook Bridge to the Eagle Street side. Eventually, he said that the Woolloongabba Bus Station could be reconfigured to allow buses to cross the Story Bridge and service Fortitude Valley and Bowen Hills. He said that Brisbane is no longer a country town but a world city (actually a few of them said that, picking up on Brisbane Marketing's advertising :lol:), with people wanting solely to get to Queen Street. Areas like Bowen Hills and Fortitude Valley, as well as South Bank will form the outer areas of the Brisbane CBD

And the last lecturer was an architect for the Queensland Children's Hospital near the Mater. He said that the design phase is not yet complete, but he showed us some of their current designs...to put it simply, it looks amazing :D. Picture Brisbane Central yellow-tinted waves, with large bubble windows at the end of some corridors, looking out over Woolloongabba, South Bank and the CBD. The bubbles are sort of yellow coloured with some red and blue and floor to ceiling windows. The ambulance/emergency entrance is from Stanley Street and the main entrance is from Raymont Street.

Great, great lecture

I just got a boner! :banana:

There is an interesting article in todays Prime Site (Courier Mail). It mentioned the adoption of the neigbourhood plan which would allow buildings of up to 30 stories to be built in South Brisbane. It likened South Brisbane to North Sydney in terms of its future.

J

Traffic revamp for Brisbane CBD to cater for superbuses

Alex Dickinson of mX
August 21, 2009 02:00pm


A DRASTIC traffic overhaul is planned for the central business district to free up road space for Brisbane City Council's "superbus" service.

Adelaide St would become one-way and bus-only lanes would roll out across Fortitude Valley, according to proposed changes to integrate the new CityGlider service between Newstead and West End from mid-2010.

Details obtained by mX show Adelaide St would be one-way for private vehicles coming from North Quay towards the Creek St intersection, where they would have to turn left.

Drivers coming in the other direction from Fortitude Valley in Adelaide St would have to turn right into Creek St.

See mX's myspace page
The restrictions would not apply to buses, taxis and bikes using Adelaide St.

New bus lanes are also planned for Ann and Wickham streets in the Valley.

The Bus Rapid Transit Implementation Plan jointly funded by the State Government and Brisbane City Council investigated how the CityGlider service would integrate with council roads.

But Lord Mayor Campbell Newman's spokesman said today: "No decision will be made until all the options are modelled and considered by council and community consultation occurs.

"As it stands, Adelaide St is meant to be used by buses and local traffic only. It shouldn't be used as a through road."

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan referred queries on the changes to public transport authority TransLink, which said it would assess the option once the council submitted its business case for the CityGlider service.

The CityGlider between West End and Newstead should be up and running by mid 2010 and council says fares will be $2.50.

Services will run from the West End ferry terminal via Montague Rd, Mollison Rd and Melbourne St, crossing the Brisbane River on the Victoria Bridge, through the CBD and through Fortitude Valley in Wickham and Ann streets and through to the Teneriffe ferry terminal.

The council says services will run every five minutes in peak times and no less frequently than every 15 minutes. CityGlider buses will also receive priority at traffic lights and intersections to cut travel time.

Scanned this promoting Brisbane 2000 from the SMH back in 1988

http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/2738/brisbane2000smhmarch131.jpg

^^ arrr yes
I have heard of this project
If it was ever build, it would had been the tallest building in Aus of its time
Aurora Tower is standing on its site now

Just had the most interesting Town Planning UQ lecture of the year.

It was for a practical planning subject and we had four guest speakers. I'm sorry that I don't know their full names for the complete story.

Anyway, first guest spoke on behalf of the South Bank Corporation. He spoke about the ongoing evolution of South Bank into a premier cultural, recreational and lifestyle hub. He also spoke about the Southpoint development as well as the potential opening of the ABC Studio and the renovation of the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. Was all very interesting.

Second guest spoke about past planning mistakes and how Queensland has perhaps the best reputation for building things in the wrong places (ie. The Brisbane Entertainment Centre and the Chandler Swimming Centre, both of which have poor public transport access.

Third speaker is an integral part of the busway developments and he spoke about the establishment of the South East Busway, the Inner Northern Busway and the potential for the Eastern and Northern Busways. He also explained why buses were chosen rather than light or heavy rail. Interestingly, he mentioned the establishment of a direct bus route from UQ Lakes to Westfield Chermside and how Westfield has realised they have no real options to increase carparking. So they want to significantly improve public transport access to the centre.

He also spoke of bus routes through the city, with some crossing the river from South Bank to service the QSM, others going over the Captain Cook Bridge to the Eagle Street side. Eventually, he said that the Woolloongabba Bus Station could be reconfigured to allow buses to cross the Story Bridge and service Fortitude Valley and Bowen Hills. He said that Brisbane is no longer a country town but a world city (actually a few of them said that, picking up on Brisbane Marketing's advertising :lol:), with people wanting solely to get to Queen Street. Areas like Bowen Hills and Fortitude Valley, as well as South Bank will form the outer areas of the Brisbane CBD

And the last lecturer was an architect for the Queensland Children's Hospital near the Mater. He said that the design phase is not yet complete, but he showed us some of their current designs...to put it simply, it looks amazing :D. Picture Brisbane Central yellow-tinted waves, with large bubble windows at the end of some corridors, looking out over Woolloongabba, South Bank and the CBD. The bubbles are sort of yellow coloured with some red and blue and floor to ceiling windows. The ambulance/emergency entrance is from Stanley Street and the main entrance is from Raymont Street.

Great, great lecture

Sounds good. All I will say that it is downhill form their in regards to lecturing as you progress through the years. Although one has to hope for some turn over of staff.

Valley to get tree-lined boulevard
By Nicole Carrington
City News
14 August 2009

FORTITUDE VALLEY: Working, dining and playing in Fortitude Valley is about to undergo a green makeover.

As part of Brisbane City Council’s future planning for the Valley, a precinct area of 225ha will receive a major overhaul with the construction of a $2 million subtropical boulevard extending up Wickham St.

The boulevard is being built by developers Leighton Properties and Leighton Contractors, the joint venture partners behind HQ, a six-star Green Star-rated, mixed-use precinct in Fortitude Valley, at the corner of Wickham and Brookes sts.

Work will begin on the subtropical boulevard in late 2009.

Meanwhile HQ, the second development to be awarded six-star Green Star status in the country, is due for completion in early 2010.

In addition to its 44,000sq m of commercial office and retail space, cafes, wine bars and public plazas, HQ will house a bicycle centre with 260 racks and incorporate water saving and recycling devices.

The building is already 78 per cent pre-leased, with tenants including the Valley Chamber of Commerce and Technology One.

Brisbane City councillor Amanda Cooper said the new subtropical boulevard would enhance pedestrian connections to other landmarks such as the RNA and Emporium, with a wide footpath, raised garden beds and attractive mix of subtropical trees.

Leighton Properties executive director and state manager Queensland Andrew Borger said the boulevard, designed by leading landscape architects EDAW, would link the Brunswick St entertainment end of Fortitude Valley to the chic James St area.

He said it would “breathe new life into the area, day to night, by increasing Wickham Street’s retail offerings, shade, safety and visual appeal.”
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There's also a pelimiary design for something similar in Barry Pde. Its just a private firm putting the idea forward, there's no word from Council yet if that will go ahead.

I can't help but feel we are slowly ripping apart the Valley and everything that it stands for. Tree lined boulevard just sounds so wrong for the Valley, I least they shouldn't need much watering as passer bys should provide enough liquid after long nights.

Saw the stuff about Barry Pde as well in City News, looked like a design consultant at ARUP, who have offices just around the corner got bored and decided, hey why don't I have a shot at redesigning that. Was generally ok, and that general area is pretty much ignored. However those two petrol stations are usually some of the cheaper ones around Brisbane.

^^ arrr yes
I have heard of this project
If it was ever build, it would had been the tallest building in Aus of its time
Aurora Tower is standing on its site now

I prefer Aurora to this one. :)

I can't help but feel we are slowly ripping apart the Valley and everything that it stands for. Tree lined boulevard just sounds so wrong for the Valley.

Disagree.

If the Emporium is suitable, then this is suitable. At least it'll look nice - The Valley is 95% eyesore. Is an eyesore part of what it stands for? I think not.

^^ 95% of what you say is unfounded crap.

To say that the valley is an eyesore is bollocks. The grit and grime that you may consider eyesore has seen so much history and life. A great number of people consider James Street and Emporium to be the true eyesores.

My point was merely to point out that beautification of that section of the valley is hardly a bad thing, especially given that it could well be better presented. There have been complaints on this forum in the past that the ugly bitumen footpaths need fixing. For me, the curbing, signage and details are ageing. Others have commented positively on the effect of such developments as HQ dressing up Wickham St. Is it so hard to accept that some new streetscaping is a nice thing for any city? I would have thought you'd be the first advocate of a pedestrian friendly environment. The need for more trees is also discussed on occasion.

Granted, I expressed it with some exaggeration to make a point. It hardly opens me to insult. What I say is more thoroughly thought out than a lot of the gump that gets on this board.

I think the valley can be updated without losing its rough edges .. but on another note the valley mall is in a shocking state .. on one end you've got bad kebab shops .. a bank .. an over priced cd shop .. gloria jeans and macca's .. the rest of the mall is full of average cafe's that do average food and havent updated there appearance in years.

So while I agree that the valley needs to keep its edge and vibe there are lots of area's that need desperate improvement. Its only a matter of time before they start building highrises on some of the prime sites in the valley and this will force some of the much needed upgrades that the valley has desperately needed for years.

double post .. plz delete.

Arr dodgy kebabs
night clubbers best friend
serious question, which kebab shop is the best one?

The irony is is that it wasn't that long ago that the Valley wasn't edgy at all and it was the premier shopping district! If it wasn't for the destroying character of the suburb it wouldn't have the character that people are trying to keep!

Anybody else see the thing about the approval of that new tower on channel 7 tonight .. which one was it again .. I only caught the last bit of it.

Disagree.

If the Emporium is suitable, then this is suitable. At least it'll look nice - The Valley is 95% eyesore. Is an eyesore part of what it stands for? I think not.

You gotta be kidding. The area has great architecture for starters, good dining and great entertainment options. It can only get better in the years to come.

Myer extends CBD Trading Hours

MYER'S city store will introduce the first major trading hour change in the heart of Brisbane in a decade when it opens for an hour and a half longer on weekdays next week.

In an aggressive push to match the spending habits of city workers, residents and travellers, MYER'S city store will introduce the first major trading hour change in the heart of Brisbane in a decade when it opens for an hour and a half longer on weekdays next week.

In an aggressive push to match the spending habits of city workers, residents and travellers, doors will remain open until 7pm Monday to Thursday and 9pm Friday from next Monday.

Poll: Is extending Myer's trading hours a good idea?
Blog: Shop smart with Paddy HintzIt comes as Queensland retail figures suffered the country's worst collapse in June, falling away 3.5 per cent in May compared to a national drop of 1.4 per cent.
Shoppers spent $294.6 million in Queensland department stores in June, down $298.3 million from May. Nationally, discretionary spending was down 8.8 per cent. Queensland contributes 20.1 per cent to an estimated $4 billion in national department store-generated revenue.

The extended trading will bring Brisbane into line with Myer's weekday trading in Sydney and puts it ahead of Melbourne, which is delaying extended hours during redevelopment.

The WA Government last week knocked back extending Perth's trading hours beyond 5pm weekdays or on Sundays.

Myer's Queensland regional manager Mark Scott said the move responded to changing consumer needs and represented the first major permanent change since Sunday trading was introduced.

But Myer also would be looking to drive more sales, particularly in discretionary spending following an almost $4 million drop in turnover at Queensland department stores in June this year.

"It's come from the feedback of our customers. We've found that at 5.30 on weekdays, when we been trying to close the doors, there's still been a lot of people in the store," Mr Scott said.

"It's the way we live our lives these days. It's no longer just a predominantly nine-to-five work environment. People can't always just walk away from their desks at 5pm any more."

Mr Scott said longer trading would help cater for customers of goods requiring high service levels, such as electrical goods, high-end cosmetics and designer fashion.

Development agency Brisbane Marketing is hoping other city traders extend their hours to bring more people into the city at night.

"We see it as a very exciting move and we hope that it will pave the way for other retailers to follow," director of CBD retail, Julie Turpie, said.


Poll: Is extending Myer's trading hours a good idea?
Blog: Shop smart with Paddy HintzIt comes as Queensland retail figures suffered the country's worst collapse in June, falling away 3.5 per cent in May compared to a national drop of 1.4 per cent.

Shoppers spent $294.6 million in Queensland department stores in June, down $298.3 million from May. Nationally, discretionary spending was down 8.8 per cent. Queensland contributes 20.1 per cent to an estimated $4 billion in national department store-generated revenue.

The extended trading will bring Brisbane into line with Myer's weekday trading in Sydney and puts it ahead of Melbourne, which is delaying extended hours during redevelopment.

The WA Government last week knocked back extending Perth's trading hours beyond 5pm weekdays or on Sundays.

Myer's Queensland regional manager Mark Scott said the move responded to changing consumer needs and represented the first major permanent change since Sunday trading was introduced.

But Myer also would be looking to drive more sales, particularly in discretionary spending following an almost $4 million drop in turnover at Queensland department stores in June this year.

"It's come from the feedback of our customers. We've found that at 5.30 on weekdays, when we been trying to close the doors, there's still been a lot of people in the store," Mr Scott said.

"It's the way we live our lives these days. It's no longer just a predominantly nine-to-five work environment. People can't always just walk away from their desks at 5pm any more."

Mr Scott said longer trading would help cater for customers of goods requiring high service levels, such as electrical goods, high-end cosmetics and designer fashion.

Development agency Brisbane Marketing is hoping other city traders extend their hours to bring more people into the city at night.

"We see it as a very exciting move and we hope that it will pave the way for other retailers to follow," director of CBD retail, Julie Turpie, said.

From: http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/s...-23272,00.html

Fantastic! Hopefully we'll see a chain reaction effect...

The river was in a state today. Even saw a dead Ibis floating along.
http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/4986/p10004507560093.jpg (http://img195.imageshack.us/i/p10004507560093.jpg/)

I'm really glad Myer is paying attention to the levels of ppl around at night. Comon we really need to liven the place up at night.

The river was in a state today. Even saw a dead Ibis floating along.


lol what does that say about the health of the river?... those fuckers are hard to kill.

I'm really glad Myer is paying attention to the levels of ppl around at night. Comon we really need to liven the place up at night.

speaking of the myer centre -> has anyone heard if they're planning on rationalising the bus station underneath? it's a nightmare! If the existing building structures prohibit this, I would just close it down completely given king george is now open... but i imagine there is some long term agreement to keep it open for a hundred years.

i dont think King George can cope with so many buses servicing QSBS

hmm maybe... it's hard to gauge because kgs has yet to be tested on its capacity potential.

I guess the rationalising would be to make it more of a through fare station (like KGS) instead of the start and end point station it is now. Would be very tough engineering wise I imagine to achieve anything like that, especially without digging up half of the Queen Street Mall.

speaking of the myer centre -> has anyone heard if they're planning on rationalising the bus station underneath? it's a nightmare! If the existing building structures prohibit this, I would just close it down completely given king george is now open... but i imagine there is some long term agreement to keep it open for a hundred years.

perhaps there is a lease agreement or deal with the BCC to keep it operating for some time... but then again i can't see why they should close the one under the myer centre, KGS station isn't really that big and if this one closes then all the extra busses would have to go up to street level?

Unless... after the train spur which runs between the city station and the south via botanic gardens etc opens up the Myer bus station will eventually be closed?

The river was in a state today. Even saw a dead Ibis floating along.
http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/4986/p10004507560093.jpg (http://img195.imageshack.us/i/p10004507560093.jpg/)

I find it disgusting that people choose to throw rubbish into the river, especially plastic bottles. Following the november storms, I was shocked with the amount of general rubbish that was being sent downstream.

Wandered down a creek side park in Melbourne after a big storm had caused a flood. The water had receded and there were approximately 100 plastic bags stuck on every tree.

perhaps there is a lease agreement or deal with the BCC to keep it operating for some time... but then again i can't see why they should close the one under the myer centre, KGS station isn't really that big and if this one closes then all the extra busses would have to go up to street level?

Unless... after the train spur which runs between the city station and the south via botanic gardens etc opens up the Myer bus station will eventually be closed?

I've thought about this issue before too. It's basically like having two central stations which don't meet. Even before the KGSBS it was largely the same situation where you would need to surface from the Myer Centre bus station to hit street level and walk 1-4 blocks for your connection or vice versa.

NO WAY could KGSBW cope with ALL the buses... NO WAY...

I'm not sure how "big picture" the new TransLink info terminals are in the Myer Centre but I remember the previous shit terminal would only contain info on Myer Centre buses and I saw many people get fed up with it. Basically someone would punch in Chermside for example but because Chermside buses didn't leave from the Myer Centre the results would indicate nothing. It was really quite flawed.

The Myer Centre bus station is over crowded with buses and people and is old now and also claustrophobic. That narrow tight turn in the station is ridiculous!

To gain more space they may very well need to buy out most of the bottom floor retails area ie Subway / KFC / Newsagent etc... big $ plus revamp.

It was also a mistake closing the staffed info counter there.

My biggest gribe however is that the knuckleheads in the Myer Centre Bus Station need a bomb put under them re: public announcements.

There is the odd announcement but the ratio is about 1 : 5-10 for occasions needing announcements.

When announcements are made they are typically far too late for any practical forward planning ie at 8:40am advising that the 8:30am service is running late (really, thanks for that).

What is needed (for example) is an announcement at 8:25am advising that the 8:30am service is running 10 minutes late so that customers can use that real time information to make decisions ie will I wait or catch another route or catch a cab or go for a coffee or call to advise of turning up late etc... it is such a simple thing but it has a very real butterfly effect.

Also seeking truthful announcements. The old "running 5 minutes" late often really means 10-20 minutes late.

The people want the truth and we want it often.

The opening of the King George Square Bus Station, which does seem to have regular, helpful announcements in comparison, simply adds to the gap in service delivery between the two bus stations just 150 metres apart.

I actually worked on many moons ago proposal to under ground the bus station up beyond PO Square, considering this area is ear marked for walking mall only I see merit in it being re-introduced as a proposal perhaps. This meant that the tight right turn, and the current myer centre arrangment was made redundant as basically it was just one long underground station under Queen st.

I actually worked on many moons ago proposal to under ground the bus station up beyond PO Square, considering this area is ear marked for walking mall only I see merit in it being re-introduced as a proposal perhaps. This meant that the tight right turn, and the current myer centre arrangment was made redundant as basically it was just one long underground station under Queen st.

Yeah, I can imagine it being almost cheaper or at least comparable to start fresh instead of renovating and expanding (within many limitations) the Myer Centre Busway.

I would love for the George Street tunnel entrance to close after it is tunneled down (steep I know) under the river to a sunken Cultural Centre Busway which tunnels around into the current passage behind the Convention Centre plus a tunnel from William Street (near the Margaret Street end) to connect. $1.2b should do it. Plus extra room / connection for Northbank then :-)

I'd love a ride on the BMU on CP1.

I have. Its horribly scary.

someone should film the experience and youtube it.

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/2069/246853572b68d190e78.jpg (http://img291.imageshack.us/i/246853572b68d190e78.jpg/)


August 26, 2009 10:57am

MOST passenger car drivers think four-wheel-drives don't belong on city streets and consider them a danger to other road users, a survey has found.

Most passenger car drivers think four-wheel drives don't belong on city streets and consider them a danger to other road users, a survey has found.

They also want four-wheel drive owners to be hit with higher registration fees and feel intimidated when driving close to an off-road vehicle.

The survey, by insurer AAMI, found 77 per cent of passenger car drivers think 4x4s shouldn't be allowed in cities while 75 per cent considered them safer for the occupants but a danger to other road users.

Sixty-six per cent also backed higher registration fees for the larger vehicles.

AAMI corporate affairs manager Mike Sopinski said on every measure the survey showed stark contrasts between passenger car and four-wheel-drive owners about road entitlements and obligations.

"It is of concern that road users hold such strong views about their fellow motorists and this may spill over into driving behaviour," he said.

"We therefore urge drivers of all vehicle types to come to a better understanding of their common rights and obligations.

"Clearly all drivers share the objective to make road travel safer, so we encourage them to share the road in an understanding and responsible manner."

Ironically AAMI's research also revealed that four-wheel-drive owners made fewer insurance claims than their passenger car colleagues.

The company's figures revealed a claim rate of 16.3 for every 100 four-wheel-drive owners and a rate of 17.82 among passenger car owners.

The AAMI survey quizzed 2,503 people across Australia.


Source: http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,25983810-5003402,00.html

Source of Photo: Flicker, http://farm1.static.flickr.com/82/246853572_b68d190e78.jpg?v=0

Alas the photo of the sign is not linked directly to the Courier Mail news article, i just put it in there for the sake of the argument.

from Brissy_Phil
When announcements are made they are typically far too late for any practical forward planning ie at 8:40am advising that the 8:30am service is running late (really, thanks for that).

What is needed (for example) is an announcement at 8:25am advising that the 8:30am service is running 10 minutes late so that customers can use that real time information to make decisions ie will I wait or catch another route or catch a cab or go for a coffee or call to advise of turning up late etc... it is such a simple thing but it has a very real butterfly effect.

Also seeking truthful announcements. The old "running 5 minutes" late often really means 10-20 minutes late.

Yes I agree with you ^^ those announcements are annoying especially when there is a lot of people waiting and then they say it is late AFTER the time period of it being already late, sure they could wait till the time is late. I.e. wait till 8:30am until announcing the 8:30am is going to be (potentially comming) but in reality people could maybe chose to do something else instead of waiting and then finding out 10 mins later it will be late.... (:bash:) it is obvious that it's late, but why tell us just 10mins after it will be even later....

I think that survey is a joke, I have no problem with what other people want to drive. I have family on a farm, all with 4WD's and if they need to come to the city (which they do every 3-4 months) what are they supposed to do...

A whole family, with a 4WD each!?!

What do they do in the CBD. Is it essential for them to drive their 4WD's into the CBD? If so then I would assume it could be classed as a delivery vehicle or such like and then be fine.

A whole family, with a 4WD each!?!

yes, and 2 planes, 2 trail bikes, 8 quads, whats your point...? Do any of you guys get out to the country at all... Not having a go, general Q is all.

What do they do in the CBD. Is it essential for them to drive their 4WD's into the CBD? If so then I would assume it could be classed as a delivery vehicle or such like and then be fine.

A number of things, generally meetings with industry boards, specialist doctors/hospital, export/import managment, running erons etc. If its a quick trip they'll just fly into Archerfield and catch a cab or meet someone there. But if its a bit of mucking about they'll drive in.

Anyways, the point is whats wrong with 4WD's, I'm looking at one myself, it will probably stay on tarmac, I want one because I have a dodgy back and hate bending down to get the kids out of their seats or lift the pram out. Also would be of use when I do head west myself.

^^4WD have higher death rates of pedestrians with accidents at specific speeds and also have higher fuel consumption rates. The first is the most important though.

I can appreciate that a lot of the people on this board live in shoeboxes in the CBD with no real life outside of themselves or perhaps themselves and a partner.

The fast is, however, that this is AUSTRALIA and that the majority live in a diversity of situations. To take the high ground in the CBD and ban 4WD's is pretty ridiculous - you are aware that, once you drive in 20kms in any direction, you've gone more than far enough to be surrounded by large properties, farmland and rough roads/trails. People live there, too!

Heck, you only need to go to Mt Cotton - just off the pacific mwy and there are huge properties, quarries, factories, earthmoving businesses - all these people use 4WD's and are only 30mins from the CBD! How do they get into town??

In my situation, I was raised in a large family. We drive a 4WD because it was the best vehicle to accomodate us all comfortably. How many others are in this situation?

Sorry, but this kind of utter ignorance of the world around us just makes me angry. You CANNOT ban 4WDs from the CBD altogether. It'd be an utter nightmare! 4WDs are an essential part of life for SO MANY people. Like I said, are we living in Australia.

Heck - the farmers wouldn't even be able to get their produce to the markets on a Saturday morning if we banned their cars.

^^I think you have just taken things way out of context. Farmers bringing produce in would be a delivery vehicle would it not? I grew up in a family that had 5 family members living at home at the one time and not once did we own a 4WD. Also for your information I have only lived in a so called CBD shoebox for 3 years, a very small fraction of my life.

Also, what is the apparent need for many of these people to get into the CBD other than for work reasons? I think you'll also find that a majority of Australia's 4WD are owned by people living in suburban areas and are NOT owned by large families or families on a farm.




And to say that you cannot ban them is complete ignorance. Munich (IIRC) is a CBD that has a large part of it's CBD for no vehicles at all. Gosh, how could it survive??

I'd prefer to have a look at why said pedestrians are being hit before pointing the finger, but would have thought that would be a no brainer, 2-2.5ton worth of car v's a J walker.. FWIW, Bentley's and some other luxury cars you see driving around the CBD are 2.5 tons or so but I guess they have lower bonnet lines.

Slightly OT, but I would love to load up a 4cyl with the same weight a 4WD can carry (not total, just the load) and put the fuel consumption thing to a test. I reckon it would be par or in favour of the larger car.

^^I think you have just taken things way out of context. Farmers bringing produce in would be a delivery vehicle would it not?

Sure, it could be, but do we love red tape that much? It's hardly worth a complex new permit and application system, no doubt with yet another authority delegated to deal with it and inflate their staff. The qualifications would be arbitrary, just as a blanked ban on "4WD's" is arbitrary - what about small trucks? Vans? Other commercial vehicles? Heavy sedans and wagons? Bentley's? How is the vehicle qualified - because it has drive to all 4 wheels? Over a certain weight?

Give me a break. It's like banning P platers from driving turbocharged and supercharged cars - it's ineffective, because there are massively powerful cars with no turbo, whilst the Smart ForTwo is eliminated.

I grew up in a family that had 5 family members living at home at the one time and not once did we own a 4WD.

Well, it was 8 for me and we travelled a lot due to dad's work arrangement. We're all big people and we needed luggage space - result very few suitable cars. I know it's a weird example, but there are plenty of "weird examples" out there, and a 4WD still makes an excellent family carrier if you don't like cramped, gutless people movers.

Also, what is the apparent need for many of these people to get into the CBD other than for work reasons?

Because nobody ever goes to the CBD for anything, of course... It's only the business hub of the region, but hey... Of course the average person finds valid reason to go relatively frequently.

I think you'll also find that a majority of Australia's 4WD are owned by people living in suburban areas and are NOT owned by large families or families on a farm.

So how do you propose to ban 4WD's on that basis? You ban them all to combat one group of people and a huge portion of the population therefore suffer? Hardly makes any sense.

The goal of these people is to combat a certain population, which frankly can't be stopped without significant cost to others or 5,000 mountains of red tape. It isn't worth it - it's an idealistic goal which is not acheiveable in the proposed fashion.

And to say that you cannot ban them is complete ignorance. Munich (IIRC) is a CBD that has a large part of it's CBD for no vehicles at all. Gosh, how could it survive??

Right - let's set about building a CBD that is pedestrian friendly and laden with public transport ammenity, like Munich. An admirable goal. What we DO NOT want to do is go the way of Britain and just start banning everything and hoarding red tape to acheive a goal. It's ineffective. Actual tangible progress and physical action is what's needed, not legislation and paperwork.

Anyway, Munich is a totally different kettle of fish. I would suggest it's a much, much harder task for an Australian city to acheive that than a European one for demographic and geographical reasons.

^^Funny London works quite well.

^^4WD have higher death rates of pedestrians with accidents at specific speeds and also have higher fuel consumption rates. The first is the most important though.

ok while i agree with these points and others of the like of Marty and Fyver, people may like to know that the issue is not new and has been around for a while, this isn't the 1st time it has been posted:


Warning on 4WDs
THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
Sunday 25 November 2001

STATE governments may need to enhance road safety by reducing the number of 4WD vehicles driven in urban areas, a new study has found.

Researchers said it was a myth that 4WDs were safer for occupants than large family sedans. The evidence showed that 4WDs posed dangers to other cars on the road. The Monash University Accident Research Centre has rated vehicles to determine the risk of injury to drivers and people in other cars, known as aggressivity.

The data came from more than 600,000 crashes in Australia for cars built between 1982 and 1998. Several 4WD vehicles showed high aggressivity rates.

Source: Pedestrian Council of Australia, http://www.walk.com.au/pedestriancouncil/Page.asp?PageID=257

The argument said Several NOT all ^^ ... could it be the drivers themselves but NOT all drivers.... and could it be people who have limited experience of using the 4wds off road and not those who already use them off road. I.e. People who buy 4wds for their families living in suburbia and NOT from the country... In fact I know many families who have these big tanks in suburbia BUT DON'T even go out bush or off road ever.... Seeing some in minor floods around brisbane, some people are actually scared to use their 4wds to drive through 30cm of water, :lol:

Anyway Now if you look at the above dates of the study ^^ (Between 1982 and 1998) it could be perhaps argued that the research for even today's news was based on older heavier vehicles (not neccessarily any larger) but perhaps these 4WDs had less safety features in them, especially for brakes... Then again one could also argue that it is the drivers (soccer mums) :lol:

So to speak who like to drive these tanks and are part of the cause and NOT so neccesarily people from outter areas that reley on 4wds. As yes I know people who live up at Mt Cotton and require a 4WD to cross a small creek and the driveway is over 1/2 a km long and is rubble and it would be driveable by a non 4wd vehicle but I cannot drive up there in a medium sedan as (im too low to the ground).

Further more, the plan only is to ban them from the CBD not urban areas. So yes I agree with KJ brissy, deliveries are usually by trucks from farms and not by 4WD's. Deliveries into the city for fresh fruit/veg etc would not therefore require a 4wd etc.

AND I think if there were to be any plan to ban 4wds from cities perhaps there should also be more talks with people who own them first and not to just impose a ban without finding out the real stats for sure.... As it could be that these latest tests are based on old data still with no real changes in stats...

OR people with 4WDs who do need to enter school zones and city (built up areas) such as the CBD should do so but park them on the edge of the zone or if that seems still ridiculous then what about 4wds or any vehicle which is higher up than the average sedan would need to enter these zones at lower speeds than that of an ordinary average car vehicle such as travel at a maximum of 30km/hr for around start/finish of school days and in inner city areas where people are present.

OR why not just ban the use of all communication devices whilst driving if some complain this has impact on the drivers judgement to control a vehicle (whether it be 4wd or any ordinary sedan/hatch/sports/delivery van etc). People would then need to pull over to take a call.

I think thats my :2cents: on making it fair for 4wd drivers and pedestrians other road users.

My family owns a civil engineering and earthworks business, my dad is required to go onto building sites regularly to inspect progress and have meetings. 90% of the sites are within metropolitan Brisbane.

He's not producing or delivering anything but certainly requires a 4WD.

It would say London functions so diametrically differently to Brisbane it's not even a valid comparison. Nothing like randomly referring to world cities whose model would be totally untenable here.

Either way - you overlooked my point. I'm merely advocating some positive action that will make the CBD more accessible rather than red tape and legislation which imposes a ban rather than enables an alternative. It's also unproductive, hard to enforce and burdens a significant portion of society.

Build that metro, create those pedestrian plazas, increase the busway network and rail frequency. Get TOD's moving again. That's how you make a city better and more accessible. Don't give me this "ban 4wd's" "ban cars" "ban dogs" "ban trucks" "ban children" "ban common sense" rubbish.

My family owns a civil engineering and earthworks business, my dad is required to go onto building sites regularly to inspect progress and have meetings. 90% of the sites are within metropolitan Brisbane.

He's not producing or delivering anything but certainly requires a 4WD.

Wouldn't he love applying for a permit through some beurocratic department, paying for it, having to renew it all the time, having it inspected and having a "legitimate reason to use" his vehicle blah blah.

Not gunna happen.

It would say London functions so diametrically differently to Brisbane it's not even a valid comparison. Nothing like randomly referring to world cities whose model would be totally untenable here.

Either way - you overlooked my point. I'm merely advocating some positive action that will make the CBD more accessible rather than red tape and legislation which imposes a ban rather than enables an alternative. It's also unproductive, hard to enforce and burdens a significant portion of society.

Build that metro, create those pedestrian plazas, increase the busway network and rail frequency. Get TOD's moving again. That's how you make a city better and more accessible. Don't give me this "ban 4wd's" "ban cars" "ban dogs" "ban trucks" "ban children" "ban common sense" rubbish.

Don't give me this "ban 4wd's" "ban cars" "ban dogs" "ban trucks" "ban children" "ban common sense" rubbish.

^^ Yes let us not compared London here... the use of a 4wd there is probably not so much needed....

and there has to be better ways of dealing with 4wds than just baning them, see some of my above suggestions... while maybe they sound a little harsh, I do think they are much better than saying BAN BAN BAN ^^ them....

While I feel for pedestrians and cyclists in the CBD and inner city area as I do have issues with some 4wd users who don't giveway at certain intersections even when it is signposted to do so, (probably they don't read the signs) :bash: I also have the passion to go outbush in a 4wd. I don't own one but I wouldn't mind having one, but I don't want the extra expenses at the moment, if I owned one I wouldn't take it into the city centre anyway, I'd take the bus (but that's a different ball game)

After all town planners like myself should be working out alternatives of other ways of dealing with issues such as this. I think it may be a good challenge that can be worth while looking into (and not just from a political side of it)... :)

I can appreciate that a lot of the people on this board live in shoeboxes in the CBD with no real life outside of themselves or perhaps themselves and a partner.

The fast is, however, that this is AUSTRALIA and that the majority live in a diversity of situations. To take the high ground in the CBD and ban 4WD's is pretty ridiculous - you are aware that, once you drive in 20kms in any direction, you've gone more than far enough to be surrounded by large properties, farmland and rough roads/trails. People live there, too!

Heck, you only need to go to Mt Cotton - just off the pacific mwy and there are huge properties, quarries, factories, earthmoving businesses - all these people use 4WD's and are only 30mins from the CBD! How do they get into town??

In my situation, I was raised in a large family. We drive a 4WD because it was the best vehicle to accomodate us all comfortably. How many others are in this situation?

Sorry, but this kind of utter ignorance of the world around us just makes me angry. You CANNOT ban 4WDs from the CBD altogether. It'd be an utter nightmare! 4WDs are an essential part of life for SO MANY people. Like I said, are we living in Australia.

Heck - the farmers wouldn't even be able to get their produce to the markets on a Saturday morning if we banned their cars.

Ok, hold up a little bit there. For those of us who live in the city and have no interest to go bush bashing doesn't mean we 'don't have lives'. That's an incredibly stupid comment, one that I'm sure you're wishing you didn't make now.

As for 4WDs, I appreciate their use in rural areas, but the fact remains, they are completely inefficient and if you want to drive one in the city, you ought to be penalised in one way or another for it. Whether that penalty be higher registration, or a CO2 tax, but you shouldn't get away scott free from using one when there are sooo many options out there for you to drive now.

As for 4WDs, I appreciate their use in rural areas, but the fact remains, they are completely inefficient and if you want to drive one in the city, you ought to be penalised in one way or another for it. Whether that penalty be higher registration, or a CO2 tax, but you shouldn't get away scott free from using one when there are sooo many options out there for you to drive now.

Define ineffecient though. As I said earlier, put the same load capacity in a 4cyl and see what happens to fuel economy when you've got to run 2 cars or two trips with the smaller engine.

I came up with a credit system about 2 years ago, where if you used mostly public transport to get through the city you built up credits. On the odd occassion when you have to use your car you could basically trade credits instead of a "toll" say. If you want, you could sell/trade credits to people who drive everyday, credit being say an amount put on your gocard (would have to be a nominal amount, lower than the real toll charge) - in effect people driving partially funding public transport users etc.

Inefficient in fuel consumption, weight, and size. Do you know the options out there?

Cross overs diesels, small capacity turbo/supercharged engines. Even mid sized wagons.
4WDs like Landcruisers in a city are really quite pathetic, and many of those who I see who drive these monsters on city streets also use the size of the vehicle to intimidate others, all the while putting out more than double the emmissions of more appropriate cars.

If you don't know of the other options when purchasing a car, you simply aren't informed.

^^ I'm pretty sure nothing replaces the trusty landcruiser on a large property. It's a matter of what's best suited to the purpose. Landcruisers are brilliant - the ute's in particular.

You're making broad sweeping claims regaring the fact that people "should be" penalised and that 4WD's "are inefficient" and that people who buy them over other options are "uninformed." What you say is debateable.

As for your attack on the words, "don't have lives" - you blatantly took them right out of context. I'd appreciate you not doing that.

Inefficient in fuel consumption, weight, and size. Do you know the options out there?

Cross overs diesels, small capacity turbo/supercharged engines. Even mid sized wagons.
4WDs like Landcruisers in a city are really quite pathetic, and many of those who I see who drive these monsters on city streets also use the size of the vehicle to intimidate others, all the while putting out more than double the emmissions of more appropriate cars.

If you don't know of the other options when purchasing a car, you simply aren't informed.


LOL, there will not be a smaller car that can do what a Cruiser can do, the tyres will EXPLODE. You do know how fuel ratings that are printed in the glossy brochures are calculated don't you? they're a joke, much like a prius is. Do you know how to read fuel maps and RPM? Power and torque graphs?

Anyways, this thread has gone way off topic, somewhat my fault sorry mods :bash:

PS - for the record, I'm not a fan of people buying cars outside whay they're designed for, but I'd also wouldn't want to stop someone purchasing one just because I can, thats not fair.

A blanket ban won't be good, and red tape may be worse - but something needs to be done! Its ridiculous that people will drive these monsters and never get them off bitumen.

One of the guys working with me has had a Prado for ages, just bought a brand new one actually and drives it to work every day. From the middle of the Gold Coast to the middle of the City, EVERY DAY. Its not like he needs to, he has other cars (and nice ones too), but prefers to drive the beast. I would guess by the number of 4x4s here there are plenty more people like him.

I'm not saying he shouldnt own one, sometimes he will take it off the path, but seriously...

I read these forums a lot and I am tempted to post sometimes, but I hold back because I feel as though what I write will not really contribute to the general direction of the topic at hand and besides, I'd be cluttering up the threads when all I want to see, and I'm sure some other people may agree with me, is pics of the new highrises gradually progressing and interesting news or stats in each of the different projects or in this "News" general thread.

I am going to have a whinge now though. I don't understand the rationale behind writing something like "95% of the valley is an eyesore" or "What you're saying is rubbish." These comments aren't furthering discussion at all. They are antagonistic to the point of being extremely boring to read due to their blunt nature and non-defendable positions.
I know as someone who doesn't post much, I shouldn't be critical of others who actually participate, but please stop the hostile arguments. Surely people can be more civil and not right each other off all the time.

PS. I have a small 4WD. I hardly ever take it off road. I have a few times and its been great. Do I feel a bit guilty for having it in the city? Yeah, occasionally. Do I think that if I hit someone with it, even by accident, they'll be worse off than if I hit them in a sedan. Yes, of course. That's been proven time and time again. Have I ever had an accident? No. Should that be taken into consideration? I think so. Plenty of accidents occur with motorbikes, sedans, buses due to the driver, the road, the conditions, the speed, not the vehicle.

Oh come on - do we all have to be thin skinned little puppies? Nothing wrong with getting the knives out once in a while for a spirited discussion.

Nothing I said is meant to offend. I know my manner is rambunctious at times, but it's nothing more than that. I express some opinions fairly strongly - I believe in having one and being able to justify it.

I actually believe that a large portion of the Valley is an eyesore, anyway. That's my opinion. I'll be the first to admit it's nothing more than that - others will disagree.

Anyway, I know your comment wasn't only towards me. Just chiming in (as usual) :)

pfft... cars are boring. next argument.

I read these forums a lot and I am tempted to post sometimes, but I hold back because I feel as though what I write will not really contribute to the general direction of the topic at hand and besides, I'd be cluttering up the threads when all I want to see, and I'm sure some other people may agree with me, is pics of the new highrises gradually progressing and interesting news or stats in each of the different projects or in this "News" general thread.

contribute away ;)

I am going to have a whinge now though. I don't understand the rationale behind writing something like "95% of the valley is an eyesore" or "What you're saying is rubbish." These comments aren't furthering discussion at all. They are antagonistic to the point of being extremely boring to read due to their blunt nature and non-defendable positions.
I know as someone who doesn't post much, I shouldn't be critical of others who actually participate, but please stop the hostile arguments. Surely people can be more civil and not right each other off all the time.

comments like the above may not be contributing an awful lot, but this is a public forum....there are no quality controls. sometimes 'horrible' is all you want to add, rather than a 2,000 word spiel on why the glass is of the wrong hue, reflectiveness, environmental standards ect.

PS. I have a small 4WD. I hardly ever take it off road. I have a few times and its been great. Do I feel a bit guilty for having it in the city? Yeah, occasionally. Do I think that if I hit someone with it, even by accident, they'll be worse off than if I hit them in a sedan. Yes, of course. That's been proven time and time again. Have I ever had an accident? No. Should that be taken into consideration? I think so. Plenty of accidents occur with motorbikes, sedans, buses due to the driver, the road, the conditions, the speed, not the vehicle.

so....good drivers should be given dispensation for having 4WDs?

Valid points, Orfeo and Marty. I was not attacking anyone in particular, and when I get the latest info on something before everyone else, it will be posted on SSC.

I used to be so against 4WDs in cities but it becomes hard to hate them when so many of your friends (and boss) has one. I have to drive them for work so I can't winge now.

Someone wake me when we get bored of talking about 4WDs...

^^
Me too

A LARGE glass panel has fallen on to Eagle Street in Brisbane City from the pool fencing on level 39 of the Riparian Plaza.

Police said the 1.5m x 1.6m sheet of glass made one ``hell of a mess'' when it crashed down at about 2.30am.

``It shattered all through the foyer entrance,'' an officer said.

No-one was injured.

The street is closed from in front of the building to Charlotte Street.

Source : Courier mail

How many people a year die globally from glass / materials falling off buildings?

Um. yes, we used to watch the glass falling out of that riverfront building, quite entertaining. Back to the 4WD's though, just quite surprised in this country that so many presume that Aussie's have a natural right to the things. But when I raised the issue at a BBQ with regards to Oz's comparative wealth to next door Indonesia was informed by an Aussie that Indonesia was not reality. Rather a conversation stopper. I find driving 4WD's much less stressful than little cars, you just cruise along and used to be able to see over everyone else - until they all got them as well. As for not getting out of town - I have got out of town so much I have stopped getting 'out of town' because there are few places around this amazing area that I have not done. As for disgruntled arguments on the web - that is the basis of democracy, there is nothing polite about it - get used to it.

Someone wake me when we get bored of talking about 4WDs...

Agree - this is a Skybar topic

Apparently Toyota will only sell their 4WD's to families with at least 3 children as it's inevitable you will back over one of them in the driveway and therefore have at least 2 kids left.

Few things I picked up from today's Prime Site...

1) 180 Queen Street (Country Road store and subsequent offices) has been purchased by Kay Seymour (wife of Kevin Seymour) for $22 million.

Kevin Seymour said that a clean up of the building was in store, and that it will be retained. Good sign for the Country Road store because it is a little tired looking.

2) Elio Moda is moving from its Elizabeth Street/Edward Street location to a new 200 sq m store further down along Elizabeth Street. The new store will feature a bar, cafe and restaurant in its new location.

Apparently the old Elio Moda site is going to be redeveloped and this made them decide to move. It will be interesting to see how much of the building is redeveloped and what replaces Elio Moda there, eventually. It's a prime location diagonally opposite the Hugo Boss store, hopefully we see something equally up market and well known, and it (along with the old Dymocks store) starts a new wave of luxury brands moving into the city.

3) There is also a small article on the Herschel Street Meriton Tower and it says the building will be 77 storeys high and 250 metres tall. The latest proposal approved by the BCC planning committee last week is for 209 residential units, 422 serviced units and 11 levels of basement parking.

The old TAFE buildings are gone, today

http://img55.imageshack.us/img55/9624/p3220007.jpg (http://img55.imageshack.us/i/p3220007.jpg/)

I suppose it won't be ready for Riverfire hey. Wasn't there a cafe on there aswell?

I'm so glad Aria is coming. It will give some more upmarket (well, expensive anyway) dining options to people.

Aria is here and open for business.

Hoping to get there some time in the next couple weeks. Loving the look of the chestnut, mushroom & truffle gnocci... Woa... Or the $105 wagyu.

mmm, you could probably get a better steak in Rocky for half the price :P

^^
Nice joke

mmm, you could probably get a better steak in Rocky for half the price :P

;) 1/10th: $5 steaks at O'Dowd's.

^^

$2 Steaks !

serious, and they are good too!

http://www.theroyalmailhotel.com.au/Images/Events/Steak_A3_RMH_LR.pdf

^^

$2 Steaks !

serious, and they are good too!

http://www.theroyalmailhotel.com.au/Images/Events/Steak_A3_RMH_LR.pdf

Hey, they do the same thing at The Fox...same promo poster and everything.

$20 wagyu rump at the Meringandan pub would be better

Aria is here and open for business.

Hoping to get there some time in the next couple weeks. Loving the look of the chestnut, mushroom & truffle gnocci... Woa... Or the $105 wagyu.

I had the Gnocchi there on Friday night actually - yum!

^
busy?

^^

$2 Steaks !

serious, and they are good too!

http://www.theroyalmailhotel.com.au/Images/Events/Steak_A3_RMH_LR.pdf

1) that ain't in Rocky
2) it's only avilable 1 day a week, and you don't even get chips, salad or sauce....tragic.

1) that ain't in Rocky
2) it's only avilable 1 day a week, and you don't even get chips, salad or sauce....tragic.

But you get beeer.

Let's not forget, it is two dollars.

Acclaimed designers urge facelift in Valley

THE world-famous structural design firm responsible for the Sydney Opera House and Beijing’s Water Cube has drawn up plans to revitalise Fortitude Valley’s drab Barry Parade.

Arup, which recently moved to the Valley, has prepared preliminary sketch designs and images for an upgrade of the junction.

Arup’s Brisbane planning group leader, Warren Batts, said the firm supported Brisbane City Council and Valley Chamber of Commerce’s desire to create a vibrant outdoor culture in the area.

Two weeks ago, City News reported on plans for a network of laneways and wider footpaths in Council’s draft Valley Neighbourhood Plan.

Mr Batts backed council Urban Planning chairwoman Cr Amanda Cooper’s plans to reclaim the footpaths as public spaces for pedestrians and said the precinct’s potential as a “pedestrian gateway” to the Valley would also resolve the dangerous corner which has been the subject of complaints and a petition to council.

“We love our new location in the Valley, but the existing Barry Pde is a forgotten corner with huge potential,” he said.

“Our design team has come up with some preliminary design ideas to calm the street, build on its existing boulevard character and hopefully encourage new cafes, restaurants, bars, galleries and businesses along an open sub-tropical pedestrian-oriented plaza and meeting place.”

FROM: http://city-news.whereilive.com.au/news/story/acclaimed-designers-urge-facelift-in-valley1/

I had the Gnocchi there on Friday night actually - yum!

dosn't gnocci make all the black kids fat?

damian and i are always pointing out the car window at people -> 'too much gnocci, not enough love'

anyone know if there's a thread on the boggo road urban village yet? i've googled... but can only find those ghastly skyscraperlife people ->

http://www.skyscraperlife.com/queensland-main-forum/11654-u-c-boggo-road-busway-urban-village-project.html

Somerset Dam looking pretty full today

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/3097/p3240003.jpg

somerset always looks full cause they lock the water there as long as possible before releasing it to wivenhoe because its deeper -> less surface evaporation.

Arup is a structural design company, not a architecture firm - why are they getting inolved with this?

From the looks of the article, a bored senior employee just came up with this design and floated it as a possibility in the future.

Brisbane river walk "missing link" to be finished by February

CONSTRUCTION on the "missing link" in Brisbane's river walk is set to begin within days and should be completed by February next year, the council says.

The Brisbane City Council project, which will provide a 3m-wide river walk between New Farm Park and Cutters Landing, was awarded to Moggill Constructions at a cost of $1.9 million.

When the 300m of missing section is finished, the River City will have an almost-complete, continuous river walk between the Regatta Hotel at Toowong and Teneriffe. The completed river walk is expected to take up to 20,000 cyclists and pedestrians per day.

Council's Public and Active chairwoman Jane Prentice said the time frame for the project had been reduced from two years, after the contractor advised it could complete the missing section of river walk in less than 12 months.

"It was going to be spread over two years, but by going to tender we believe we can deliver it this financial year," Cr Prentice said.

"Next week I will be bringing it forward in the budget funding so we can deliver this whole project this financial year."

Cr Prentice said the last piece of the walk had faced several hurdles.

"Every year up until now it has all been too hard and too expensive. You just have to look at the history to know there are always problems with any things that go in the river," she said.

"In this particular case the construction has to be over some major underground electrical cables and that's why it has been put off for so many years."

Cr Prentice said the project would provide a much-needed link for locals, cyclists and pedestrians.

"It is great news because for far too long, we've had that missing link where you have had to stop and go up through the houses and along the streets, and it is one of the busiest links in the network – you see people on everything from scooters to bikes and rollerblades," she said.

Cyclists will be prohibited from riding around the front of Brisbane's Powerhouse and will instead be asked to dismount to avoid problems with patrons using the space.

Documents yesterday showed council did not receive any objections during the tender process.

from : Courier Mail website

which link is missing?

That price makes a mockery of the amounts flung around to fix the boardwalk outside Admiralty.

which link is missing?

Powerhouse to Merthyr Road - around the back of the dog off-leash area.

Brisbane City to go it alone on Northern Link tunnel

BRISBANE City Council is to go it alone in building the Northern Link tunnel, mayor Campbell Newman announced today.

Cr Newman said Council had State Government approval for the project, with excavation to begin by the end of next year.
He said rates would not be affected despite council borrowing all but $500m of the funds needed for the project, which may cost up to $2.6 billion. The Rudd Government has committed to contributing $500m, but Cr Newman said he had not given up on receiving a further $350m of Commonwealth funds.

Cr Newman was unable to provide a toll amount for the tunnel, which is expected to be used by 34,000 cars a day.

The tunnel will link the Western Freeway and the Inner City Bypass.

Council plans for the project were delayed earlier this year after one of the would-be bidders had difficulties financing the project.

Courier Mail

He does this a lot. Every time a hurdle comes up, he either jumps it, or just walks around it.

Does this mean BCC will collect the toll revenue? It could turn out to be a good investment for council long term.

I would love to see this kind of investment in public transport, BUT, given the location of the Northern Link Tunnel, I support the project. It will be needed long term IMO. Good news.

Absolutely, this is the one tunnel that will make SIGNIFICANT improvements in traffic in the inner and western areas of Brisbane. Will really complete the major road works underway in Brisbane. As important as this tunnel is, I hope they build it quickly. It'll be nice when everything settles down again after Brisbane being a construciton site for the most part of 4-5 years, both in terms of the CBD and roadworks.

Victoria Park...I mean the Inner City Bypass is shaping up to be one congested bit of road..

Victoria Park...I mean the Inner City Bypass is shaping up to be one congested bit of road..

Yes this will end up being the clogged artery... They will end up planning another tunnel under it for sure in the future.

at least they have plenty of room to expand the lanes (i assume they will given 3 major arterials will eventually feed into it.

Seven news said that it would only take us (Brisbane City Clowncil ratepayers) 45 years to pay off. Personally if that Maths stacked up, private consortium's would be all over this. The maths must not stack up or very reliant on if's, but's and maybes and so we are going it alone and most likely very fool hardy. Personally I'm not sure that the $500 Million from the federal government is a certainty either.

What a fucking joke. I can't believe Newman can get away with this. Hopefully the State Govt vetoes this in some way.

What a fucking joke. I can't believe Newman can get away with this. Hopefully the State Govt vetoes this in some way.

I thought you would be pro tunnel since your company has a monopoly on civil works in QLD :D

hmmmmm. i'm not entirely against this tunnel but with the cost of the tolls, who would actually use them. $4.85 for airport link, $4.50 for cleM7 and most likely a $4.00+ toll for this. now i dont know how they are going to toll the tunnels but if i drove from stafford to the gabba, i would pay nearly $10 one way. YEAH FUCKING RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! vice versa if i were to drive from stafford to toowong. for a return trip to cost nearly $20 in tolls, that is absolute ROBBERY!!!!!!!!!! no one will use them and the surface roads will remain congested

^^ Until you realise that your fuel costs and wasted time from sitting in the traffic are in fact worth the $10.

I don't think there will be many/any drivers using more than one tunnel at a time. I think they will be popular, but people would generally tend to trade-off by using a tunnel for part of the trip and surface roads for the other part.

Besides, the cost also make public transport more attractive.

What a fucking joke. I can't believe Newman can get away with this. Hopefully the State Govt vetoes this in some way.

I think it would be altogether more constructive if you could give reasons for your outburst.

"Property Market Rebounds" according to the CM - quite a glowing article about so called incredible sales. Not sure if it's an industry beatup or if it's actually happening.

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,26027894-952,00.html

If it's true, then lets hope it holds up and we seem some news on the development front.

$4.85 for airport link, $4.50 for cleM7 and most likely a $4.00+ toll for this.

That is the problem with the model the council and state have chosen. All the projects should of been by the one operator so that you had a capped price, such as Citylink or Eastlink. A capped option would of lowered the price if for example you drove from the south along the entire M7 to the airport, or from the west to the airport on the M5 Tunnel and the M7.

Brisbane City to go it alone on Northern Link tunnel

BRISBANE City Council is to go it alone in building the Northern Link tunnel, mayor Campbell Newman announced today.

Cr Newman said Council had State Government approval for the project, with excavation to begin by the end of next year.
He said rates would not be affected despite council borrowing all but $500m of the funds needed for the project, which may cost up to $2.6 billion. The Rudd Government has committed to contributing $500m, but Cr Newman said he had not given up on receiving a further $350m of Commonwealth funds.

Cr Newman was unable to provide a toll amount for the tunnel, which is expected to be used by 34,000 cars a day.

The tunnel will link the Western Freeway and the Inner City Bypass.

Council plans for the project were delayed earlier this year after one of the would-be bidders had difficulties financing the project.

Courier Mail

34,000 cars per day? Where do they get those figures from. Sounds pretty low to me.

"Property Market Rebounds" according to the CM - quite a glowing article about so called incredible sales. Not sure if it's an industry beatup or if it's actually happening.

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,26027894-952,00.html

If it's true, then lets hope it holds up and we seem some news on the development front.

It's the courier mail...... the courier mail....... you read that and take it seriously??

^^ Of course not. I thought I added a note of doubt to my post.

That is the problem with the model the council and state have chosen. All the projects should of been by the one operator so that you had a capped price, such as Citylink or Eastlink. A capped option would of lowered the price if for example you drove from the south along the entire M7 to the airport, or from the west to the airport on the M5 Tunnel and the M7.

There is nothing at this stage to say there won't be different rates/caps for multiple tunnel usage.

^^ Of course not. I thought I added a note of doubt to my post.

So you did!

Either way, it's a worthy excuse to rag out the local rag.

Today's paper is a particularly terrible edition. Police corruption on page 13? Terribly biased editing on the issue of rally protestors in NSW?

No accountability or credibility, yet so many read and rely on it. It should be banned!!!

What a fucking joke. I can't believe Newman can get away with this. Hopefully the State Govt vetoes this in some way.


well considering the State Govt has guranteed the loan for the BCC i dont think that will happen...

Why would the state government be the magical saviour? Are they really so superior and wonderful?

They're building Airport Link and guaranteed the loan on this...

There is nothing at this stage to say there won't be different rates/caps for multiple tunnel usage.

That is true, but I doubt that this will occur. I can't see BrisCon or RCY signing up to receive less revenue if you drive through both tunnels. I hope I am wrong....

I thought you would be pro tunnel since your company has a monopoly on civil works in QLD :D

That's true...but I'm in the building division. ;)

That is true, but I doubt that this will occur. I can't see BrisCon or RCY signing up to receive less revenue if you drive through both tunnels. I hope I am wrong....

Unless it presents the prospect of more usage in total.

Well it looks like Brisbane has decided that it wants to be a car city and not anything even vaguely resembling a public transport city. At the proverbial fork in the road its chosen the dark side, and I for one am glad I got the fuck out!

Lol you dick, where exactly did u move to?

I'll ignore the dick remark.
Melbourne - admittedly not perfect, but it has more of a public transport culture. Loved my time in Brizzy - will always have a soft spot for it, but one thing that made me want to leave was the car obsessed attitude, especially after spending a few years in the UK. People looked at me like I was insane because I insisted on catching the bus! lol.

^ I think the main reason for this attitude is that alot of Brisbanites still think they live in a small city. This isn't the case anymore - its nearly 2 million, and you can't still expect to drive everywhere in less than 20 minutes in a place that size. So they insist on the gubbermint building them a freeway for convenience (or local council - even more inappropriate).

you're so right, lucky you got out and moved to a city that isn't freeway obsessed.

haha - left myself exposed there didn't I? Fair call in some respects

I just watch the oil - with IEA pointing out we only need 6 more Saudi Arabia's to keep all these car volumes going. They seem so optimistic about it.

you're so right, lucky you got out and moved to a city that isn't freeway obsessed.

Don't want to support the deserter. But in reality which major city in Australia isn't Freeway/Road obsessed?

Brisbane has great public transport. Compare it with cities in North America and Europe of a similar size and we rate very well.

I went out Saturday night into the Valley. As I was walking back to my flat in New Farm at 2am the traffic was terrible. Surprizingly the traffic at that time consisted mostly of taxi's and busses. In fact there were busses everywhere including the 199 - which I decided on instead of walking.

I think the investment in PT from a state level has been decent. It would appear that the investment is increasing fairly significantly each year, and plans for the future reflect this (provided they come to fruition).

We are getting a lot of freeways at the moment, but the new busways are very large pieces of infrastructure also under construction. Each time a stage is finished, they begin the next one (Boggo Rd just done, now stage 1 of the E Busway is under C; northern busway to RBWH done, now further stages U/C with Airport Link).

It's not just freeways.

I think you do have to question if spending hundreds of million of $ on road tunnels is actually going to play an effective part in reducing congestion in Brisbane in the long term.
It would be interesting to see what constitutes a better investment when comparing roads v PT.

I would agree with your sentiment 17floorsup, but for the busway network currently being rolled out. It's easy to dismiss it's significance (since its not as glamourous as trams or lightrail) until you actually use it everyday - and choose to use it over driving because its actually quicker and more cost effective.

It would be nice if they spent a higher proportion on pt, but considering what the general attitude toward pt was like only 10 years ago, we're actually getting a pretty decent, integrated and suitably varied transport network.

Couldn't have said it better myself, Danubis.

I would agree with your sentiment 17floorsup, but for the busway network currently being rolled out. It's easy to dismiss it's significance (since its not as glamourous as trams or lightrail) until you actually use it everyday - and choose to use it over driving because its actually quicker and more cost effective.

It would be nice if they spent a higher proportion on pt, but considering what the general attitude toward pt was like only 10 years ago, we're actually getting a pretty decent, integrated and suitably varied transport network.

Danubis that was the single most sensible thing you have ever said! Are you using drugs again? :lol:

haha, it comes and goes. Don't stress, i'll be spewing random vitriol again in no time.

also, whilst it may not be major expansion, the rail network is still slowly growing, with new lines to Richlands and a extension to Varsity Lakes underconstruction, there is also the northern busway currently U/C which is accompanying the airport link project..

Yes Brisbane is obviously still car dependant, but you would be silly to ignore all the other pt development going

Bikeways! Huh! Whaddabout bikeways! And flat ones at that. I'm allergic to hills.

^^Sounds like your in the wrong city if your allergic to hills!

If they can build so many tunnels I'm sure they can flatten a few hills.

So they did
near All Hallows at the Valley, that bit was use to be a hill
i do not believe bikes to be an effective way of commuting in Brisbane due to the hills and the weather in summer...
unless they can do something about it

Flattening hills is a rediculous suggestion. PT can be massaged to work within it's given environment. This proposed inner city subway loop is critical, and the positive affect will flow onto the inner bus network.

how come there is so much undeveloped land east of the gateway to places like redland bay and so forth. everytime i drive out there it feels like i enter the country and then arrive back to suburbia 20mins later in victoria point.

Koalas

Koala Farms

how come there is so much undeveloped land east of the gateway to places like redland bay and so forth. everytime i drive out there it feels like i enter the country and then arrive back to suburbia 20mins later in victoria point.

You could also say that whilst a seaside location like Wynnum, Manly, Cleveland, etc attracts residents, the green areas between it and the city are not as highly sought after.

Over time, just like between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, bit by bit, estate after estate, they blanks will fill in.

I wouldn't say they're not sought after. Chandler is a green belt suburb and it's median house price is the 3rd most expensive in QLD (behind Ascott and Soverign Islands). Not many people realise that.

The fact that it's a green belt makes it desireable. Places like Chandler and Burbank also cannot be densified due to planning laws (not allowed to subdivide anymore. Minimum block size for most is 2.5 acres, many 5 and others 10+).

I wouldn't say they're not sought after. Chandler is a green belt suburb and it's median house price is the 3rd most expensive in QLD (behind Ascott and Soverign Islands). Not many people realise that.

The fact that it's a green belt makes it desireable. Places like Chandler and Burbank also cannot be densified due to planning laws (not allowed to subdivide anymore. Minimum block size for most is 2.5 acres, many 5 and others 10+).

your right it is sort after, but the reason it is so exspensive is because of the massive sizes of the blocks

Just wondering, how long does it for the DA to go through an application?

Have used the forum search to see if this has been asked before but can't find it.

Often when I use the council application search (http://pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au) I get "broken pipe" and other errors.

I run it using IE8. Are there any known issues? Am I being stupid?

I wouldn't say they're not sought after. Chandler is a green belt suburb and it's median house price is the 3rd most expensive in QLD (behind Ascott and Soverign Islands). Not many people realise that.

The fact that it's a green belt makes it desireable. Places like Chandler and Burbank also cannot be densified due to planning laws (not allowed to subdivide anymore. Minimum block size for most is 2.5 acres, many 5 and others 10+).


As a town planner I do a lot of work out there. Gumdale, Chandler, Belmont and even Burbank will be Brisbane's Bell Air & Beverley Hills in the future. The regulations state that people cannot subdivide as TOCC says. You can't even put a shed up in those areas without a DA so they'll always remain green and very exclusive.

Funny thing - many years ago tennis courts were quite a status symbol. Take a look at Google Earth and you'll notice the new status symbol is a Helicopter Pad (H)

The regulations state that people cannot subdivide as TOCC says.

Hey - I said that! :lol:

Funny thing - many years ago tennis courts were quite a status symbol. Take a look at Google Earth and you'll notice the new status symbol is a Helicopter Pad (H)

There are a few. House down the road sold for about $3Mil just before the GFC and it had a helipad. Tennis courts went out of fashion in the early 00's. People realised they never used them :nuts:

We put one on the front drive of a house down that way. Just for the status symbol and to use as a carpark, easier to just land on one of the vaste lawns or in a paddock. Having 'Helipad' on the real estate advert is an eye catcher.

Take a look at Google Earth and you'll notice the new status symbol is a Helicopter Pad (H)

I noticed one when searching my father in laws new place at Wakerly, was only temporary though for the Mirvac construction site. Must be OHS thing now ?

Hey - I said that! :lol:


to late im claiming it

For all interested there will be 3 community forums on the Brisbane CBD and fringe.

See here: http://www.brisinst.org.au/upcoming-events.php

A crane has gone up at the back of Coles in New Farm on Welsby Street. Never seen a crane there before - looks odd.

The Emerald site is up for sale. Ray White billboards are up on it.

^^Again.

^^ (hopefully) That means that hideous building hopefully won't get built (not Emerald, but the uuuugly one that protruded out onto the Orient)

^^ (hopefully) That means that hideous building hopefully won't get built (not Emerald, but the uuuugly one that protruded out onto the Orient)

I liked the asthetics of the emerald tower and I would like to see more activity around and engagement of the park area between the city and valley. It is a bit of a dive at the moment and invokes images of rapes, robbery, drunks, assualt and vagrancy.

I also feel St Paul's Cathederal would've been better suited and been more imposing on the Cathedral Square site, but oviously their choice happened before skyscrapers. Brisbane lacks the grand gardened cathedrals such as the CBD ones in Syd and Mel.

The demolition works on the triology site also show the granduer of the back of the cathedral, a view which I feel should be protected with less of something on the triology site. I would rather see a gardened plaza and railway stop here.

Maybe removing the signage on the orient and building some trendy high-class retail on the emerald site would placate the situation.

The Trilogy site would suit Rome's Spanish Steps, however, I don't think the Cathedral is that crash hot. Emerald was fab, wish it had gone ahead, made good use of a tight site.

^^ (hopefully) That means that hideous building hopefully won't get built

That proposal by Watpac was knocked back by Council - it didn't get approval and Watpac withdrew from the purchase.

Eddy Faress & Sam Cahill of the Emerald Group still own the site. But I suspect they wish they didn't.

In the courier mail today:


Taxpayers to fund Anna Bligh's PR campaign

By Steven Wardill
September 16, 2009 12:00am

PREMIER Anna Bligh is planning a taxpayer-funded PR blitz, including a letter to every Queensland household, to dig Labor out of the electoral doldrums.

The Courier-Mail has learnt Ms Bligh briefed Labor MPs at Monday's caucus meeting on plans for a multimillion-dollar advertising campaign to convince Queenslanders to back controversial asset sales.

The campaign plan came as Labor MPs used the meeting to air grievances over the party's low standing in opinion polls and the Government's failure to quell community anger over the asset sales.

A Courier-Mail Galaxy Poll this week showed Labor still trailed the Liberal National Party by a significant margin and there remained widespread opposition to the plan to sell railway operations, tollways, pine plantations and ports.

Ms Bligh yesterday confirmed she was considering ways to better inform the public about asset sales but insisted the cost to taxpayers was yet to be decided.

"No decisions have been made," Ms Bligh said. "I'm considering a range of options in regard to communicating with Queenslanders about the asset sales."

Any advertising would attempt to clarify that the Government is selling the tolling franchise rather than Queensland Motorways' network of roads, and the pine trees rather than Forestry Plantation Queensland's tracts of land.

Ms Bligh recently spent $1 million on an advertising campaign promoting the Government's infrastructure efforts to coincide with her "Building for Jobs" tour.

Electrical Trades Union secretary Peter Simpson said the advertising was an "outrageous" use of taxpayers' money and Queenslanders were well informed about asset sales.

"If we are so broke why are we wasting so much money on consultants for these sales and now we are wasting money on this," he said.

The Government's advertising code of conduct states such campaigns must have an "educative or informative role".

Opposition Leader John-Paul Langbroek said the campaign would be an abuse of power and office by the Premier and it was ironic Ms Bligh was forced to sell assets because the state was broke but could find millions for self promotion.


Source: http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,26079448-952,00.html

This has over 411 comments already....
and this

Click here to see Paul Syvret's take on what Anna Bligh might say. Shown below:

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p300/IFB83/forreal.jpg
is this for real?

BTW I like those ETU stickers about see Q
ld before bligh selling QLD. And also in Redland City there are signs put up on street poles around the area: "Got a problem contact Anna Bligh - call 04-------- (mobile number given out).....

:lol: I wonder if that is her real number....

^^ how about posting the political crap in the relevant forum

ok, i would but where is it? i couldn't find a political thread in qld....

Isn't this a skyscraper forum?

yes but i also thought you put news of any thing relevant to do with Brissy and Gossip as it states it in the title of the thread...... and while it was reported in the courier mail in the Front Page today of the paper it sort of falls under Gossip more than news... :lol:

It's probably relevant. If it were to escalate into a political debate, you could use the Skybar.

Given that it's posted here, however, it probably won't.

i think its fine to post in this thread... it's relevant given the state is one of the main drivers behind a lot of the infrastructure we end up talking about on here.

My opinion of the Courier Mail has been declining of late.

Never trust a tabloid newspaper. Got taught when I was in high school that tabloids are for gossips and entertainment where else broadsheets are where the real stuffs are happening. Wish Brisbane have another broadsheet apart from The Australian, stupid News Corp.

It's a one paper town.

I rarely read the Courier Mail these days. I don't mind their political bias at times (though sometimes it really gets under my skin), rather the real issue has just been plain dodgy, half-baked, inaccurate or wildly misinformed reporting. It is just utterly, absolutely hopeless. And it HAS gotten worse, even in the last 12 months.

I usually read the Australian now. It's more up my alley anyway - more finance, business & politically focussed.

Absolutely agree.

Never trust a tabloid newspaper. Got taught when I was in high school that tabloids are for gossips and entertainment where else broadsheets are where the real stuffs are happening. Wish Brisbane have another broadsheet apart from The Australian, stupid News Corp.

Well with the shift a few years ago to tabloid format at least it reflected the content inside.

I rarely read the Courier Mail these days. I don't mind their political bias at times (though sometimes it really gets under my skin), rather the real issue has just been plain dodgy, half-baked, inaccurate or wildly misinformed reporting. It is just utterly, absolutely hopeless. And it HAS gotten worse, even in the last 12 months.

I usually read the Australian now. It's more up my alley anyway - more finance, business & politically focussed.

The oz is my homepage :P

The Australian is starting to appeal...

i swing middle of the road on politics but i can't handle the australian because its like a liberal party newsletter. its an insult to the intelligence of the readership that any story (not just editorial) that can rack up coalition points will do so at every opportunity. i guess people still buy it though

double post

Because the Courier Mail is so neutral by comparison...

There are two options. It's about choosing one.

i swing middle of the road on politics but i can't handle the australian because its like a liberal party newsletter. its an insult to the intelligence of the readership that any story (not just editorial) that can rack up coalition points will do so at every opportunity. i guess people still buy it though

i think you'll find the editorials are pretty evenly distributed between left and right (whatever that means). by rejecting the oz... i'm not sure how you're trying to position yourself? people often do tho... i find it bizarre.

I was down at Sydney some months ago and I remember reading between SMH and the Daily Telegraph. The SMH gave me more of a professional view...

:lol: sorry i didn't think this would end up debating the courier mail...
Most of the news in today's paper look like it should belong in a magazine not a paper for actual news.

In the Brisbane Times it seems a bit better; however the article about how carparking spaces are taken up by QUT students to make a stance on 60 spaces in Brisbane CBD is probably not news either....

Here's something related to development in SEQ


Sinking homes dispute heads to court
TONY MOORE
September 17, 2009 - 3:20PM

Collingwood Park families who say their lives have been ruined by a sinking mine shaft have begun Supreme Court action in Brisbane.

Twenty-three families have joined the action, which was lodged by Shine Lawyers today.

Up to 40 homes were damaged to varying degrees in the immediate area of the fault which occurred in April last year.

The residents have asked for the State Government to buy out their homes in the wake of the mine tunnel sinking.

Shine Lawyers special projects partner Roger Singh said they would allege the State Government was aware of the risks of subsidence in the area.

"For the State Government to shirk its responsibility is simply irresponsible," Mr Singh said.

The State Government has set in place a detailed multi-million assistance package to families in the area.

Mines and Energy Minister Stephen Robertson in June outlined an extra $5.6 million in assistance.

"The extra $5.6m builds upon the government's existing $10m financial assistance package to purchase homes considered not economically repairable - or where owners demonstrate extreme hardship circumstances - and to repair other properties damaged by the mine subsidence event," Mr Robertson said.

The mining company, the Redbank Colliery, ran their underground Westfalen mine from 1965 until 1987.

The mine under the homes was filled by the 1974 floods and had to be pumped out before the mining started.

A section of Collingwood Park, to the immediate west of homes affected in 2008, was badly damaged and had to be destroyed , when a mine tunnel sunk in December 1988.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/sinking-homes-dispute-heads-to-court-20090917-ft8g.html

You'd think the gov't or the mining organisations would have informed the developers of Collingwood Park of the dangers before it could all be developed... i wonder how much more land will sink in the future, like Koalas i think maps should be produced to show all the mining areas in Ipswich. If there are no maps or they're patchy then perhaps some deeper research or survey or site analysis needs to take place. :2cents:

:lol: I didn't even think Brisbane airport was producing noise problems to the rest of the community around the airport. I didn't know there was a need for a curfew either.... I thought Sydney needed it but not Brisbane as it is close to the water and most planes would fly over the water to land and not so over the suburbs... then again i haven't been on many flights which turn across over the subs b4..

Minister vows action on Brisbane Airport noise
STEVE GRAY
September 18, 2009 - 6:13AM

Federal Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged that Brisbane airport will start work immediately to make sure life remains bearable for nearby residents.

Mr Albanese on Thursday approved the Brisbane Airports 2009 Master Plan, which sets out the airport's strategic direction and intended usage for the next 20 years.

Firstly, he said the Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) will take a number of steps immediately to improve the way it engages with local communities and responds to their concerns, particularly in relation to aircraft noise.

"I expect to receive regular reports on its engagement strategy and will be closely monitoring its progress and outcomes," the minister said.

"Secondly, a new permanent committee with community representatives will be established to consider ways to improve long-term noise mitigation measures.

"This will be supplemented by a Technical Noise Working Group of industry representatives and ongoing public forums in affected communities.

"Thirdly, the airport will continue to examine all runway options for departures and arrivals, with the aim of maximising over-water operations and minimising aircraft noise over urban areas."

As an additional measure, the airport will set up a Community Experiential Centre with displays, demonstrations and online information about aircraft noise.

Mr Albanese said the government would periodically review the need for a curfew at the airport, with further details to be outlined in the Aviation White Paper scheduled for release later this year.

"The airport has a responsibility to be a good neighbour, mindful that its day-to-day operations impact on the lives of those living around it," he said.

"Accordingly, the government believes those residents should be consulted on decisions that will ultimately affect their quality of life."

The master plan details an expansion of the domestic terminal, upgrades to its aprons and taxiways, and a new parallel runway.

BAC CEO Julieanne Alroe said $4.2 billion would be invested over the next two decades, including needed capacity on the runway, roads and terminal systems.

Ms Alroe said BAC supported the government's call for meaningful, sustained and effective engagement with their community stakeholders.

"We are very mindful of the need to balance the delivery of critical aviation infrastructure to service the growing Queensland economy with the preservation of what is Australia's most liveable city," Ms Alroe said.

BAC has 50 business days to make its 2009 Master Plan public.

AAP
Source: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/minister-vows-action-on-brisbane-airport-noise-20090918-ftvx.html

As an additional measure, the airport will set up a Community Experiential Centre with displays, demonstrations and online information about aircraft noise.

pfft, what is this supposed to achieve? if it is trying to achieve it in practice, then why does it need to show the public too through displays and demos online and in person.... My only guess is to make the people happy :lol:

:lol: sorry i didn't think this would end up debating the courier mail...
Most of the news in today's paper look like it should belong in a magazine not a paper for actual news.

In the Brisbane Times it seems a bit better; however the article about how carparking spaces are taken up by QUT students to make a stance on 60 spaces in Brisbane CBD is probably not news either....

Here's something related to development in SEQ


http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/sinking-homes-dispute-heads-to-court-20090917-ft8g.html

You'd think the gov't or the mining organisations would have informed the developers of Collingwood Park of the dangers before it could all be developed... i wonder how much more land will sink in the future, like Koalas i think maps should be produced to show all the mining areas in Ipswich. If there are no maps or they're patchy then perhaps some deeper research or survey or site analysis needs to take place. :2cents:


The truth is ICC rejected the application because of this very thing however that was overruled by the State (Joh) because they wanted as much development as they could get.

The developer did know about this.

:lol: So it's all Joh's govt fault? I see why people are now trying to take on the govt in court... and now Bligh's govt has to try to fix the past?
What would happen to the land of the old mines that collapsed? would they fill in the holes and rehabilitate the land then try and redevelop it or can it only be remediated and then the land above will have to be returned to a natural parkland area or so?

I guess the people who lost their homes or had damaged homes would not only be needing compensation by the developer/govt but they would need to be relocated to another home elsewhere.

All in all so much for the western growth corridor.... hopefully there are no more pitfalls to follow.

Probably more of a problem with slab on ground construction than suspended floor on posts, which can be jacked up a bit easier.

RE: the australian - not trying to position myself, i have no newspaper allegiances.. the only hardcopy paper i read is AFR, the rest are not worth the money. yes courier mail is just as bad, in a different way though.

journalism is fading in this country, particularly newspapers. as is the way of things there will be change and resurgence but the the only bright spot i've seen lately is businessspectator.com.au

RE: the australian - not trying to position myself, i have no newspaper allegiances.. the only hardcopy paper i read is AFR, the rest are not worth the money. yes courier mail is just as bad, in a different way though.

journalism is fading in this country, particularly newspapers. as is the way of things there will be change and resurgence but the the only bright spot i've seen lately is businessspectator.com.au

i disagree. i think there is some quite good journalism. abc in particular.

ps - i used to carry an AFR around so people would think i'm checking on my shares and business dealings at work.

Is it just me or does Brisbane smell absolutely amazing at the moment. There is a sweet scent in the air everywhere you go. I've noticed it before but it seems stronger this year, almost overpowering when I go for a run.

Has anyone else noticed this?

Is it just me or does Brisbane smell absolutely amazing at the moment. There is a sweet scent in the air everywhere you go. I've noticed it before but it seems stronger this year, almost overpowering when I go for a run.

Has anyone else noticed this?

means you're about to get the stigmata.

means you're about to get the stigmata.

LOL where do you come up with this stuff :lol:

I always find I can smell Jasmine a lot this time of year (love it!).... especially around my neighbourhood coz there's a lot.... can't say for the rest of Brisbane tho :D

Is it just me or does Brisbane smell absolutely amazing at the moment. There is a sweet scent in the air everywhere you go. I've noticed it before but it seems stronger this year, almost overpowering when I go for a run.

Has anyone else noticed this?

It's called Spring.

Read in the Courier Mail Prime Site section today and yesterday's Financial Review property section that the owners of MacArthur Central (Precision Group) have announceda $20 million upgrade and renaming of the centre.

The centre will be renamed 'MacArthur on Queen,' JB Hi Fi (as we already know) has been signed up as a major tenant on the top floor, the Woolworths supermarket's floorspace will be increased by 50% (assume Crazy Clarks and Miller's Fashion Club will be removed from the centre) and it will be made into an 'upmarket' centre

can't say i've ever considered wollies and JB upmarket.

JB and Upmarket? hmmm

Read in the Courier Mail Prime Site section today and yesterday's Financial Review property section that the owners of MacArthur Central (Precision Group) have announceda $20 million upgrade and renaming of the centre.

The centre will be renamed 'MacArthur on Queen,' JB Hi Fi (as we already know) has been signed up as a major tenant on the top floor, the Woolworths supermarket's floorspace will be increased by 50% (assume Crazy Clarks and Miller's Fashion Club will be removed from the centre) and it will be made into an 'upmarket' centre

Probably just Millers. Millers plus Crazy Clarks together would be almost as big as Woolies is at the moment.

Does anyone know what the big ass crane was doing adjacent the Vision site today, had Mary st closed off from Edward to Albert st...?

Vision??? Crane??? WHERE???

:cheer::banana2::cheer:

I said near there, from quick glance it looks like it was doing something for the apartment tower across from vision... Dunno, I was busy trying to run down pedestrians..

I said near there, from quick glance it looks like it was doing something for the apartment tower across from vision... Dunno, I was busy trying to run down pedestrians..
I hope one of those pedestrians was Bob Katter :lol:

Does anyone know what the big ass crane was doing adjacent the Vision site today, had Mary st closed off from Edward to Albert st...?

Don't get excited, pretty sure it was just the Matisse crane coming down.

I said near there

It's ok - I was being silly.

I would presume it is something to do with Matisse. As above - maybe the crane coming down?

Mattisse crane did come down.

I can't wait to read the comments on the news.com website!!

So unreal, West End

By Paul Syvret
October 05, 2009 11:00pm (http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,26167454-5012475,00.html)

WEST End is an eclectic sort of place - a higgledy-piggledy pocket of humanity in inner Brisbane that likes to pride itself on a slightly shambolic look and idiosyncratic character.

It's a place for artists, musicians, political activists and environmental campaigners.

Walk down the main drag of Boundary St and you get a colourful mix of ethnic cuisine, retro clothing stores, double decaf skinny lattes, and peeling posters advertising everything from folk music events to action group meetings about Palestine or rallies to save gay and lesbian dugongs.

This is not a suburb of imported European cars, tennis club memberships and $1000 suits.

The natives though, are getting restive. Apparently West End needs to be saved. No, not from itself, but from the claws of rapacious property developers and the evils of City Hall's planning department.

The threat comes from a draft neighbourhood plan which envisions multi-storey residential accommodation in the area. Opponents, under the Save West End banner, claim that such development would wreck the neighbourhood.

It would deliver an overcrowded concrete jungle and massive windfall profits at the expense of West End's unique character, and add 25,000 residents and 14,000 cars, they say.

Good. About time, too.

This is an inner suburb in the fastest-growing capital city in Australia, a city wrestling with the massive challenges presented by urban sprawl and the infrastructure headaches that go with that. Surely the tofu-munchers and tree-huggers of West End should welcome a planning document that promotes higher-density living near what is one of Brisbane's best-serviced public transport hubs, and within walking distance of the CBD? Surely such development would be more environmentally friendly than housing the claimed 25,000 people on quarter-acre blocks in what was once a koala habitat on the city fringes?

Or is it simply a case of, yes, we support the principles of more economically and environmentally sustainable urban development, but not here, thank you very much. We were here first. Go away.

It's the same sort of selfish attitude displayed by those residents of towns like Byron Bay and Noosa who want to put up the House Full sign now that they've already staked out their patch of turf.

It's the sort of NIMBY-ism we saw when Gold Coast residents rallied to oppose a Muslim school at Carrara, or when locals on Mt Tamborine fired up against the Salvation Army's plans to establish a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre there. No, we're not racists or religious bigots, we just don't want tolerance and multiculturalism here. Yes, the Salvos do great work, but they can do it somewhere else.

In West End's case, what residents are saying is: We're green and progressive but, when it comes to our backyard, "Vote One For Urban Sprawl".

Is the unique character of your neighbourhood spun of such flimsy fibres that high-density residential development – and we're not talking about bulldozing Boundary St here – will kill it?

Has such development in Sydney erased the character of inner-eastern suburbs such as Surry Hills or Kings Cross? No.

Has the growth in residential dwellings in and around Brisbane's Fortitude Valley squashed the frisson of the place? Hardly. If anything, the Valley is more vibrant and colourful than ever.

Or for West End, is it more a case that the thought of actually having to share some of your trendy bohemian space with the greater unwashed doesn't sit well with an innately selfish psyche?

The Save West End action group is calling for three things: Human-scale development (whatever that means) and an urban village atmosphere; the character and diversity of West End maintained; and proper consultation with the people who live here.

Right.

The first point in your log of claims relates to the third. In other words, this is a draft planning document – one open for public consultation. So work with the Brisbane City Council, not against it, to secure pedestrian-friendly development and open, green spaces.

As for the character and diversity issue, that is up to you lot. You are the characters and the diversity.

And has it ever occurred to you that having a few extra near-neighbours might actually add to West End's stock of colourful characters and human diversity?

Or is West End some sort of exclusive club which should be exempt from the growing pains the rest of southeast Queensland is experiencing?

Every neighbourhood is special to the people who live there. And every neighbourhood and every city evolves as the years tick by.

And right now you are trying to quarantine for yourselves a patch of Brisbane that some of your existing darker-skinned neighbours, who now rough it in Musgrave Park, used to call their land.

You whining, self-obsessed NIMBYs.

You may as well go and buy a thumping great eight-cylinder 4WD and put a sticker on the back saying "Stop Global Warming".

Hypocrites.

Wow :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

What an awesome article!!

Personally, I like West End but I don't see what they claim is so special about it. Sure, it has a number of different cuisines and it has some retro clothing stores, but it isn't as special as some people like to make out it is.

That's gold!!!!

Damn hippies!

That is an awesome article. It should be posted in one of the 'sprawl' threads for everyone to read.

Great article... love "You whining, self-obsessed NIMBYs."

I want to see the responses that it gets! Great article and hits the mark beautifully.

Oh wow... That is almost poetry to my ears.

What a dead set champion.

lesbians are like cats, you can't drown the fuckers.

West End is a cess pool of crap.

You're going to last.....

I give it 12 hours before you are banned....hopefully 12 minutes

afraid i can't support anything by syvret. and on this topic he's misinformed if nothing else.

don't get my wrong, i love high density stuff but there is a moderate misrepresentation going on: '– and we're not talking about bulldozing Boundary St here '. well, actually thats exactly the problem.

most of the people don't care about the high density down close to the river, but as soon as it comes to around boundary street the perspective changes. almost none of the buildings are protected, about 5 or so along the strip,and in many cases thats justifiable - they're not only not old, but without particular potential. the problem comes with what would replace them. a 10 level building along there would severely alter the strip, in a manner that many people think would be detrimental. i've spoken to a few of the people involved with this complaint and the majority are being realistic. One said "we get that things will have the change, and redevelopment is inevitable. but 10 levels isn't human scaled. if it was just 4-5 levels we'd be happy". Another said that "if they wanted a taller retail strip, just extend this one down towards the river - don't wreck what we have just because it'll make more money"

lesbians are like cats, you can't drown the fuckers.

thats why you poison them. humanely, obviously.

^
you've got it the wrong way around.

lesbian couples produced lesbians always. straight couples produce lesbians sometimes.

every generation will have more of them. they'll take over, mark my words.

Go do your homework, I thought holidays were over.

:o

nooooooooooo then we'll die out as all the guys left can't find any chicks so they turn gay

frankly, i'm not seeing a problem.

Can't find the old boxing sports thread, so I guess I should put this in here as Brisbane news.

Roy Jones Jr, the light heavyweight boxer and also the only man to have won world titles as a middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight speaking in Brisbane yesterday at the Pineapple hotel as a promotion for his upcoming fight with Danny Green. Danny Green did appear later, but I had to leave to go to work. Roy Jones was very personable, and answered many questions from the crowd.

http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/8266/image0179s.jpg (http://img33.imageshack.us/i/image0179s.jpg/)

as a boxing fan, i have always like roy jones jnr. i didnt know he was making an appearance in brissy today. l like the way he came flew into oz wearing a melbourne storm jersey because of green's association with parramatta. He's past his prime but I will still enjoy watching the bout.

Check out BCC's latest inner city renewal strategy - some major (but not unexpected) changes coming in the eastern corridor...

http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/BCC:BASE:1396178177:pc=PC_5003

"I like it a lot."

Anyone seen the new Powderfinger clip, has the bandmembers filmed with Brisbane shots in the backdrop and then they are superimposed into the Brisbane skyline. They are definately proud Brissy boys!

Anyone seen the new Powderfinger clip, has the bandmembers filmed with Brisbane shots in the backdrop and then they are superimposed into the Brisbane skyline. They are definately proud Brissy boys!

Whats the name of the song?
Edit - found it
DhKAhyP8qKI[/QUOTE]

Looks like it was done at about 5am with the sun coming up - nice effect.

Edit again - WOW thats pretty awesome how thats done - good on Powderfinger.

Great clip!

pity the song's shit.

The song isn't so bad, has some nice riffs, but yeah that film clip is great.

i reckon the song's pretty good.

awesome clip though. while they were at it, they could have kicked over a few ugly oldies. i cant think of a music clip in australia that so purposely and prominantly feature the band's home town

East meets west on southside
Carly Hennessy
October 17, 2009 11:00pm

YOU can buy goat meat, pork belly, fortune cookies and wasabi peas. It's a gourmand's paradise and it is the new Chinatown.

Shoppers and retailers boast Sunnybank, on Brisbane's southside, has eclipsed the city's original Chinatown as the best place to purchase Asian-oriented products.

To the locals and visitors, Sunnybank is the new "east meets west" capital of southeast Queensland.

A typical Saturday morning draws families of all backgrounds to the precinct, where Asian bakeries and yum cha restaurants mix with major grocery stores and coffee shops.

For Elena Alexander, 25, of nearby Kuraby, the multicultural flavour of the precinct and variety of food and restaurants are big drawcards.

"There are so many choices to pick from," she said.

"It is nice to come and try different things. The kids love the ice cream and desserts."

Her partner, Jason Xu, said the most important factor was that the food was great and close to home.

Lee Dalrymple, one of the handful of European-Australians to work in the busy strip on the intersection of Mains and McCullough roads, calls the area "Chinatown with a heart".

The property manager said it could be hard to choose where to eat near her Market Square real estate agency.

"I love to see the different generations (of Chinese families) shopping here," Mrs Dalrymple said.

"They come here because they can catch up with friends . . . they feel at home."

Runcorn resident Wayne Ko said he often took his family to eat at some of the local restaurants.

"It's a very busy place," the Queensland Federation of Taiwanese Association secretary-general said.

Mr Ko said he no longer travelled to Chinatown in the Valley.

"I don't really go there any more because there's not much parking, it's really expensive to park and there's not many businesses there any more."

Feng Shui grand master Tom Lo calls Sunnybank the feng shui suburb.

He said the area was flat with no obstacles, allowing the clear flow of chi, or energy.

"And of course 'sunny' means energy and 'bank' makes money so it has double meaning," he said.

Sunnybank Hills real estate agent Mitsu Sato said many Chinese clients had spoken to him about the feng shui dragon and the good luck it supposedly delivered.

"Lots of Chinese people believe this," he said.
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,26223071-3102,00.html

Sunnybank is the new "east meets west"

This baffles me a little, as a local resident (non-asian) I can confidently say the asian culture and feel to the area etc has been around for more than 20 years. I've been on mother earth for 30 years and for as long as I can remember Sunnybank has been a magnet for the chinese, just like the bayside is becoming slowly the new London.

This baffles me a little, as a local resident (non-asian) I can confidently say the asian culture and feel to the area etc has been around for more than 20 years. I've been on mother earth for 30 years and for as long as I can remember Sunnybank has been a magnet for the chinese, just like the bayside is becoming slowly the new London.

i was a little perplexed by the article to start with, but i think what they are realy trying to get at is that Sunnybank has taken over Chinatown as the asian hub of Brisbane, which ive actually been saying for a while.

Bond uni creates 'world's best' sustainable design

A BUILDING at Queensland's Bond University has won a major international award in London as the world's best example of sustainable design.

The university's Mirvac School of Sustainable Development building, Australia's first higher education building to receive a six-star Green Star Design Rating, held off strong competition from Spain, France, Germany and the UK to take the top award at a ceremony in London.

The building, which has innovatively reduced carbon emissions by 80 per cent, received the acclaim in a special ceremony conducted by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, representing professionals from 140 countries.

The structure is carbon neutral, water efficient, healthy, financially sustainable and smart.

Vice-chancellor Professor Robert Stable, who has just returned from London, said Bond University took great pride in the quality of its facilities.

He said receiving the prestigious award was an example of the world benchmark Bond was setting to deliver a superior campus experience for students.

Judges examined evidence of forward planning and site monitoring and whether recycled construction materials were used.

They also looked at whether there were energy efficient construction and operation procedures and green measures to solve waste and transport needs.

Federal Education Minister Julia Gillard congratulated the university.

http://www2.bond.edu.au/about/faculties/bus/sustainable-development/img/2868-b_600.jpg
http://www2.bond.edu.au/about/faculties/bus/sustainable-development/img/2885_600.jpg
http://www2.bond.edu.au/about/faculties/bus/sustainable-development/img/2460_600.jpg
http://www2.bond.edu.au/about/faculties/bus/sustainable-development/img/2009_600.jpg

I find it funny that Adco constructions built the Mirvac School of Sustainable Development

LOL Bond University
money isnt a problem for them, all these rich kids' dads are willing to pay for it

^^ Get over it mate. Some people have lots of money, others don't. It's called real life.

Bond has massively improved its reputation lately and has some very good degree programs running. It's becoming especially highly regarded in medicine.

I'm over it ages ago
If you have money, you get a better education
if you dont, tough luck dude try again next year
Bond has hex fare now right?

I'm over it ages ago
If you have money, you get a better education
if you dont, tough luck dude try again next year
Bond has hex fare now right?