- Devine have stated they will be proposing twin towers on the Carrington site (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=560914),
- The demolition of 480 Queen for Trilogy Tower (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=457523) is imminent,
- Demolition for Empire Square (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=457527) is imminent,
- Not long before Broadway on the Mall (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=505097) is approved,
- Not long before Westminster Hall (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=514746) is approved,
- AM60 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=465169) is under excavation,
- DBRREEF tower (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=469247) is about to start demolition,
- Supreme Courts (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=480773) are now an official proposal,
- Regent Tower (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=540853) is now proposed,
- Eagle Street Pier (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=398185) hasn't gone anywhere for a while,
- One one one Eagle Street (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=410528)has been approved and the demolition of the Indigo Building is imminent,
- MonMary (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=98083) has been completed
- Skyline Tower (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/forumdisplay.php?f=198&order=desc&page=2) has been completed
- Albion Flour Mill (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=499503) has started demolition,
- Meriton Tower (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=474743) is proposed with another (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=573478) on the way,
- Demolition has occured on the Macrossan (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=355794) site
- 53 Albert Street (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=395499) has gotten a move along.
- Tank Street Bridge (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=359396)has started construction

Any that I've missed?

KJB, also:


SkyCampus at 400 George is well underway,
Northbridge at 32 Turbot next door is coming up even faster, now in to the typicals
The podium of 275 George is nearly completed and tower section due to start very soon,
The massive new podium around 545 Queen St is gaining height,
The hole at Brisbane Central, 140 Elizabeth St is being excavated for a third time!
The Devine offiice tower at 333 Ann St is close to being topped out,
Demolition of the building at 270 Adelaide St for Icon Place was finished last year and excavation is underway,
The podium 167 Turbot St is nearing completion and they are about to start on the typicals,
Central Plaza Three is in the tower section, and was recently onsold,
The excavation at Matisee tower at 110 Mary St is still underway,
Green Square at 503 St. Paul’s Tce has been topped and is nearing completion,
The NAB Historic Annex at 308 Queen St is coming along nicely,
Wesly Mission House at 140 Ann St is being excavated,
The various buildings at Petrie Barracks, Given Tce are rising quite nicely
Allegra on Astor at 109A Astor Terrace is rising quickly
SW1 on Merivale St is going gang busters!
Suncorp Plaza Refurb at 143 Turbot is finished
WBC Annex 199 George St is all but complete
Evolution at 18 Tank St is amlost complete
Tribune at 199 Grey St was completed recently
Centary Square at 108 Wickham St was completed recently


BWT, I left out Vision because I'm tired of it.

No mention of Newstead Riverpark there!!!

did anyone watch 9 news tonight? was anyone embarrassed by the way in which one of the world's largest and most luxiorious cruise liners was treated when it arrived in brisbane. heres the first glimpse of brisbane tourists got (those who bothered to disembark) got.

* arrival at the port of brisbane. how industrial
* it was raining (ok no one's fault)
* red tiles of carpet were laid out on the ground
* the rain flooded the carpet and was ankle deep (even under the covered walkway)
* tourists herded to the city on buses through brisbane's most scenic drive, the port of brisbane mwy.

and all this was because some dipshit decided to build a cruise terminal on the WRONG fucking side of the bridge. now pual lucas wants a rivermouth terminal to be back on the agenda. fucking rediculous!!!!!!!!

^^ Apparently it was so disgraceful they will never return to Brisbane.

did anyone watch 9 news tonight? was anyone embarrassed by the way in which one of the world's largest and most luxiorious cruise liners was treated when it arrived in brisbane. heres the first glimpse of brisbane tourists got (those who bothered to disembark) got.

* arrival at the port of brisbane. how industrial
* it was raining (ok no one's fault)
* red tiles of carpet were laid out on the ground
* the rain flooded the carpet and was ankle deep (even under the covered walkway)
* tourists herded to the city on buses through brisbane's most scenic drive, the port of brisbane mwy.

and all this was because some dipshit decided to build a cruise terminal on the WRONG fucking side of the bridge. now pual lucas wants a rivermouth terminal to be back on the agenda. fucking rediculous!!!!!!!!


Sigh... i could see that coming a few days ago when they said it was arriving to Brisbane next. It really is a joke.

and all this was because some dipshit decided to build a cruise terminal on the WRONG fucking side of the bridge. now pual lucas wants a rivermouth terminal to be back on the agenda. fucking rediculous!!!!!!!!

Thats what you get when the Government jumps in bed with a developer. (not that its a bad thing) but there needed to be more intelligence on the governments side, rather than developer. :P

Hell, what a deal Multiplex got!

Is the issue the gateway bridge's height or the fact that the ship cannot turned around in that stretch of the river? I am sure I read somewhere it was the latter. Either way it wasn't very thoughtful not to consider that large ships could not be accommadated at Portside and ships are only getting larger.

Both!

I was told today from someone who works at the port that it could have gone under the bridge but only on the right low tide.

It really infuriates me the total lack of foresight that has gone into developing this cruise terminal which was 10 years over due as it was!! Not only is the terminal too small for the larger cruise ships like the Sapphire Princess or the Queen Victoria/Mary 2 to name just a few but also for P&O's new perminantly Brisbane based Pacific Sun which passengers must now check-in for in a shed adjacent to the newly opened facilities which barely serviced the then based Pacific Star some 6 months ago.

The fact that now it cant even handle the smaller Brisbane based Pacific Sun cruise ship is shocking enough, but to force the superliners that give many people a once in a life time opportunity to showcase Brisbane to the world to pull up next to a grain silo among the oil refineries and freight yards is just an absolute fucking joke!!!! Multiplex & the state goverment deserve to be hung out and shot!!

Oh well. Not much we can do about it now. And besides, cruise ships aren't the be all and end all of our city.

^^ Wow, glass half-full.

Not too worried about Multiplex and State Govts relationship? NORTHBANK!!!

did anyone watch 9 news tonight? was anyone embarrassed by the way in which one of the world's largest and most luxiorious cruise liners was treated when it arrived in brisbane. heres the first glimpse of brisbane tourists got (those who bothered to disembark) got.

* arrival at the port of brisbane. how industrial
* it was raining (ok no one's fault)
* red tiles of carpet were laid out on the ground
* the rain flooded the carpet and was ankle deep (even under the covered walkway)
* tourists herded to the city on buses through brisbane's most scenic drive, the port of brisbane mwy.

and all this was because some dipshit decided to build a cruise terminal on the WRONG fucking side of the bridge. now pual lucas wants a rivermouth terminal to be back on the agenda. fucking rediculous!!!!!!!!

Yes it was very embarrasing.

Shame that the Gateway Bridge wasn't a tunnel!!!

It would have been nice if the international terminal was on the Northern Side of the river on reclaimed land beyond Luggage Point and the airport rail line was extended (part underground) out to it. One could have incorporated some parkland elements and shopping with it too such as the location of a DFO as well as a major city cat stop. Of course this would cost hundreds of millions of dollars to reclaim and buil and an upgrade of the road through Mertletown.

Perhaps the GOLD COAST will get it right with their proposed terminal - if thats still on the agenda.

J

I agree with you JayT re the north side of the river. I had a look at the site from the air yesterday and feel that the Tangalooma site could be stretched to fit. Imagine a major cruise ship terminal, Tangalooma ferries, access to the proposed bay ferries (though I believe the base should still be in a Circular Quay style facility incorporated into Northbank) as well as a part time citycat stop and rail link integrated with the airport and/ or Pinkenba line with stops at Northshore.

Surely this would be a better option.

^^That would be an ideal setup with all transport modes incorporated into the one area. Would make it easier for tourists as well, as at the moment it is an ad-hock jumble.

Here's some more food for thought, apparantly it costs more to turn a cruise ship around (service) at Portside Wharf than it does to turn the Queen Mary around when she docks in New York!! Where is the money going and what makes us think we're so great that we can charge so much and provide so little??

It might have something to do with the tugboats.

Couple of pics of the river areas east of the Gateway Bridge.

I remember ages back when the Gateway started, there was talk at the time of a tunnel, I saw something in the paper about it.

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/9193/p7130019ry4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/2513/p7130176rt7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Just wondering what is happing to the car park on Albert St, the big one with the Coffee Club underneath? Which has been removed - I was looking on here but couldn't find any info - sorry if it's here with a thread. And does anyone know which store on Albert Street is getting the new Krispy Kreme?? I remember a while back on here a little debate on doughnuts :)

The one on albert street is the DBRreef Tower (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=469247).

Just wondering what is happing to the car park on Albert St, the big one with the Coffee Club underneath? Which has been removed - I was looking on here but couldn't find any info - sorry if it's here with a thread. And does anyone know which store on Albert Street is getting the new Krispy Kreme?? I remember a while back on here a little debate on doughnuts :)

Looks like the corner of Albert and Adelaide where the Coffee Club used to be.

Does anyone know if there is a structure plan for the Toowong area or if there is one being considered in the near future?

^^^^ No actually - there was one under that car park. And thank you justdigi for replying to my Q. Yes that other Coffee Club you speak of KJBrissy has gone, every shop around that CBA building has gone.

Story on ABC news about Brisbane getting a 60m version of the London Eye, to be located at Southbank. I'd rather see them go for 100m + with this if they really want it to look impressive. I wonder if they have the Sea World one in mind, it's about that size.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/03/09/2184397.htm

What a waste of money that would be.

^
It's being privately run, so i'm not sure why it would be a waste of money?

Do you mean to go on it?

A waste to go on it.

im sure the asian tourists wont think its a waste

A little more information from the Premiers office. I have never really been near similar things but are the prices mentioned at the bottom maybe a little steep?

Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
09/03/2008
BIG WHEEL comes to South Bank.

Visitors to Brisbane's South Bank will soon be able to soar 60 metres into the sky for a panoramic view of the city, river and mountains with the arrival of a giant observation wheel.

The Big Wheel is expected to be in place by May 10 - to mark celebrations for the 20th anniversary of World Expo '88.

"We've always know Brisbane was a beautiful place and now we'll have a new way to show our family and visitors alike," Premier Anna Bligh said.

"The southern end of South Bank's Cultural Forecourt is currently under utilized - an overlooked section of the 17 hectare parkland site.

"In addition I believe we can do more to make the most riverfront area near QPAC with its beautiful views of the CBD.

"One suggestion could be to open up the bottom of the QPAC building on the river side to allow cafes, restaurants and retailers like bookstores to open up this stretch to more people.

"Sadly at the moment it serves mostly as a footpath.

"I think we can do better and I urge anyone with an interest in the precinct to email or write with their suggestions to thepremier@premiers.qld.gov.au or mark their envelope 'South Bank proposal' and mail it to PO Box 15185, City East. Qld. 4002.

"I would like to see the southern end of Cultural Forecourt become a lively family friendly place, a good place to be every day of the year.

"In the meantime the arrival of the giant wheel will give visitors and locals a new way of seeing our city, its river, Botanic Gardens and the Story Bridge.

"The 60 metre Big Wheel will give 336 people in 42 gondolas, per ride, the chance to enjoy South Bank and a new perspective on Brisbane.

"Weighing in at some 365 tonnes, the giant observation wheel will be positioned above the existing Flag Court Fountain which will have improved lighting and water jets," the Premier said.

The UK company which will provide the giant wheel (World Tourist Attractions) has provided similar huge wheels in London's Hyde Park, Spain and Germany.

The CEO of South Bank Corporation, Malcolm Snow said the likely costs for a family to ride on the observation world would be around $40 (two adults + two children).

"We expect adults will pay somewhere between $15 - $20 dollars and children between $10 and $15 per ride," Mr Snow said.

"I expect it will stay on site for the next two years to become part of the celebrations for Queensland's 150th anniversary," he said.

^^ If that is the prices, than that is a big big rip off. To only go 60m high, and pay $20, is just a waste. I am sure you could get a better view ontop of the story bridge or even City Hall clock tower (not sure what you can now see from there though :))

Well its a bargain compared to the Story Bridge Adventure Climb: Cheapest with them is $110 for an Adult and $82.50 Concession. And less effort as well.

Nice to see that the flag court fountains will be switched back on too.
Would be great to see all the other civic fountains back on as well.

The ferris wheel is from the british company that owns the ferris wheel in York, England and is exactly the same size. Its a little smaller than the 200m giant they are building in Beijing but its something and not costing us a red herring to have it here.

Pic of the ferris wheel in York
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/d5/York_Wheel.jpg/450px-York_Wheel.jpg

How many can fit in the pods? 4, 5?

How many can fit in the pods? 4, 5?

8 according to the figures from the news release.

It looks like the same as the one at Seaworld. The gondolas are pretty cramped, they squeeze you in.

I've been on the London Eye, and it is much bigger and excellent. Its pods fit about 20 people and you can walk around.

If we are going to have this, it needs to be big, doing it half-arsed will fail.

http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/3879/londoneyeke5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Its a little smaller than the 200m giant they are building in Beijing but its something and not costing us a red herring to have it here.


are red herring's notoriously overpriced?

are red herring's notoriously overpriced?

I can confirm that they are overused.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts to open Brisbane store
Daniel Sankey | March 7, 2008 - 8:43AM

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts will celebrate the announcement of the location of its first store in Queensland with an Australian Idol-style search for its first intake of staff.

Krispy Kreme Australia CEO John McGuigan said Albert Street in Brisbane's CBD would be be the home of the popular chain's first store in Queensland. The store will be supplied by doughnuts cooked daily at a new facility in Logan, south of Brisbane.

"In coming to Queensland we're looking to employ up to 100 people across our retail and production operations," Mr McGuigan said.

"We are delighted to call Albert St home for our first store, and all our efforts will be geared towards opening the doors to the people of Queensland very soon."

While the opening date for the new store has not yet been revealed, an open recruitment drive will be held next Saturday, March 15 at the Conrad Treasury Hotel.

In what's shaping as an Australian Idol-type talent search, interested jobseekers simply need to turn up with a copy of their resume to the first session at 10am.

"Building the Queensland team is an exciting step for us. We are passionate about creating a fun working environment as we recognise that if our people are happy, then we have not only created a great place to work, but also an environment that delivers a quality customer experience," Mr McGuigan said.

http://www.krispykreme.com.au/stores/qld.cfm

I don't understand the big fuss about Krispy Kreme donuts as I thought they ok but not outstanding and overpriced. Give me a good old cinnamon donut like the ones at the ekka anyday.

are red herring's notoriously overpriced?

i thought a red herring was a 'random question'

Newman has been re-elected as Lord Mayor.

And the Liberals have also won the majority of council seats.

i thought a red herring was a 'random question'
Danubis was just being a smart arse. A red herring is actually a diversion. I used it in the wrong context, big deal, lets move on.

Going to be interesting to see how things change in the development field. One big issue is 'CBD.' Is it confined to the river boundary. Considering it is the focal point of a 200km urban conurbation, it is seriously limited and impeded by the river.

If the CBD could be expanded from where it currently is (ie, using exactly the same design rules as the CBD, somewhere else - no height restrictions, for example) where would/should it go?

Over the river to South Brisbane around Vulture Street? I wouldn't want places like New Farm having huge skyscrapers though this is a outsiders opinion remember.

I have a couple of directions i would like to see the density increased, around the South Brisbane - Mater Hill area along the river behind South Bank.

Also maybe increase the height and density of the Gabba area and the stretch along Coronation Drive down to UQ.

Brisbane and it's future growth is in no way "impeded" or "limited" by the river. It is our greatest asset not something that needs to be overcome.

Growth is not impeded by the river, the rules to the impeding. The river is a fabulous asset, a large proportion of which is reserved for people sitting in their cars to grab a quick look at as the trundle along the motorway.

Bowen Hills/Mayne Railyard. The next CBD.

I saw on the news 2day that donald trump has noticed Brisbanes boom and wants a piece of and is propsing to build a massive skyscraper. he said he wants 1 that stands out in brisbanes skyline and said it could be anywhere from 400-600m

^^Which news?

edit...:ohno:

Over the river to South Brisbane around Vulture Street? I wouldn't want places like New Farm having huge skyscrapers though this is a outsiders opinion remember.

Skyscrapers in New Farm? :sly:

Did you even read his post?

New cinema site ready to roll
Katherine Feeney | March 20, 2008 - 11:43AM

Palace Cinemas has begun construction of its second Brisbane venue as part of the $120 million mixed-use rejuvenation development of the Petrie Terrace Police project, tipped for completion later this year.

Managing Director of the independent cinema chain Benjamin Zeccola said the approved plans would answer the demands of an increasingly sophisticated local film market.

"With Palace Centro in James Street experiencing a record holiday season we know Palace Barracks will meet the increasing demands and desires of Brisbane; a fast growing culture-savvy city," he said.

The "unique and sophisticated" Palace Barracks venue will be licensed and comprise six theatres fitted with the highest standards of seating and sound, providing Brisbane cinema patrons with "the best that cinema has to offer from the far reaches of the globe," the company claims.

The Barracks development also includes commercial offices, a supermarket, specialty retail outlets and underground car parking, which Premier Anna Bligh said "is pivotal to improving the attractiveness and livability of the City West area."

"The development will revitalise the Barracks Precinct through the redevelopment of the derelict buildings and the construction of new commercial and entertainment facilities that will harmonise with the existing commercial and entertainment character of the precinct," Ms Bligh said.

The development will also provide pedestrian access between the precinct and the Brisbane CBD via a pedestrian walkway from Caxton Street to Roma Street.

Did you even read his post?

Oh oops sorry I missed with nt in wouldnt... :nuts:

Does anyone know if there is a structure plan for the Toowong area or if there is one being considered in the near future?
I remember when Toowong Shopping Centre was approved (and built) and there were grave misgivings then regarding parking, traffic flow and general congestion. Since then there has been very little (any?) alleviation to traffic flow.

has anyone read bad news in todays fin rev?
CREDIT CRUNCH SCUTTLES BRISBANE PROJECTS
in short
nervous devlopers are pulling out of 21 of the planned 25 towers planned for brisbane due to recent financial turmoil.
because the cost of raising capital has skyrocketed and companines have scaled back plans.
Grollos Vision is one still still proceed. as well as
111 eagle,Trilogy and 145 ann st.
The 40storey planned for Regent theatre site has also been canned.
bugger

:shocked::shocked::shocked: oh no does that mean empire square is not going ahead. :badnews:

has anyone read bad news in todays fin rev?
CREDIT CRUNCH SCUTTLES BRISBANE PROJECTS
in short
nervous devlopers are pulling out of 21 of the planned 25 towers planned for brisbane due to recent financial turmoil.
because the cost of raising capital has skyrocketed and companines have scaled back plans.
Grollos Vision is one still still proceed. as well as
111 eagle,Trilogy and 145 ann st.
The 40storey planned for Regent theatre site has also been canned.
bugger

Meriton would still be going ahead would it not? The Regent would never go ahead in it's current form and the developers said they would only build if they got pre-commitments. I'm surprised about Empire, but there were still no conclusive comments. It would be interesting to note the likes of the Macrossan to see if it is still being constructed. It wouldn't surprise me if the Eagle Street Pier twins were on that list, and they are probably including Broadway on the Mall as well (Although, if I were a company I'd rather set up in Broadway than Devine's Westminster Hall Tower!) The transit Centre Tower is just waiting for pre-commitments, so they are also at risk of not going ahead. Otherwise, it is all fairly small stuff!

All I could get:

Property
Credit crunch scuttles Brisbane projects
Lisa Allen
25 March 2008
Australian Financial Review (Abstracts)

The global slowdown has impacted heavily on Brisbane's property market, scuttling more than 80 percent of the proposed tower projects in Brisbane's CBD. Analysts say just four of the proposed 25 will eventuate in this cycle: the $500 million One One One Eagle St tower, by GPT; APH's $800 million Trilogy project; 145 Ann St, by Leighton and Devine; and Austcorp's $1.03 billion tower, Vision. Grocon is already working on Vision. Others such as Metacap's Empire Square project in Elizabeth Street, seem unlikely to go ahead despite council approval. Multiplex and ISPT's plan to demolish part of the historic Regent Theatre complex to build a 38-storey tower also look doomed after the Queensland government received legal advice it could stop the demolition. In the wake of the collapse of so many projects, Jones Lang LaSalle says the rental market in Brisbane will remain strong and will continue to see rising rents.

Number of Mentions in original article: Jones Lang, Jones Lang LaSalle, Multiplex, property market, Queensland, Regent

Apart from Regent and Empire Square, it doesn't get very specific. Would be nice to know what they are referring too.

Just read the article and it wasn't very specific about projects that have been put on hold except to say Empire Square and Regents theatre.

The article basically says that the four big projects mentioned above are the only ones going ahead in this cycle.

Do any of the big upcoming projects, not including the ones above, have big pre-committments?

Heavens, that was all a bit sudden.

I thought Empire Square was much further down the pipeline than Trilogy ?!

It all depends on funding I suppose. Banks and other institutions will only hand out the cash if there is minimal risk to them.

I think there will be a few more than four projects going ahead, they will just be put on hold for a while until they get precommittments.

Can't be as bad as when I was in Brisbane in 1991. Then, virtually every tower planned was cancelled, the CBD was pockmarked by abandoned holes, and what is now Novotel was a hulking, rusting skeleton.

:badnews:

I don't think this would be really unexpected to anybody who has followed property markets for a long time. If all, or even 50% of what has been proposed in Brisbane in the past couple of years got built the market would tip into oversupply which isn't good for anybody.

The good thing is that the banks and other lenders are generally more sensible now than they were in the late 1980's so you don't have lots of speculative proposals that stop early in construction leaving bomb sites everywhere you just get lots of plans on paper that get put on hold.

It is also good because is this means Brisbane will get more of a constant stream of towers rather than a huge boom and bust situation.

Maybe one good spin off will be the current Northbank proposal becoming unviable :)

Let's hope so! Maybe that's why they say 25 towers???

I tried to go out and get a copy, but sold out at my local (and i'm otherwise quite lazy).

But from what I've read so far there doesn't seem any new information, just predictions from analysts. Is the article referring to buildings that have an office component (if so Meriton 1 et al. might still be on the cards), or is it all of them? If not the later, then how did they get to 25?

I"m also surprised by DBREEF not going ahead, given than 80% is pre-commited to Rio Tinto.

Maybe one good spin off will be the current Northbank proposal becoming unviable :)

That would be a dream come true.

here is entire article.
mentions Empire square may be effected?
kjbrissy-i wouldnt worry about meritons tower. harryT would build it during a world war if he could. he has his own money and builds everything without any pre-committments! he knows he is only going to make money in the end.

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/1986/briscreditgm5.jpg
http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/7650/briscredit2hs3.jpg
http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/8606/briscredit3fx8.jpg
http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/6034/briscredit4js6.jpg

Thanks Cull

And there we go....."no one is owning up to abandoning their plans"

In the past in Brisbane it seems that when developers abandon their plans something bigger and better usually comes along.

Think of what was proposed before Aurora, Rivercity, Northbridge, Qcentre and others. In the past they have come up with bigger and better project in most cases.

J

The Macarthur site is an exception to that rule plus the current Devine tower going up on Ann St is also smaller than previous proposals.
My bet is that developers will be more conservative with their plans from now so instead of a 50 level tower for example they will build a 30 level tower.

There just isn't the space to be conservative in Brisbane. If a small development is built on a prime site in the CBD, it could be 20-30yrs before it's redeveloped to take full potential of the site.

^^ The council should bring in a minimum height restriction with any developer wanting to build a low-medium rise development they go to the fringe or outer areas of Brisbane.

it will all go in a cycle, eventually the high rent demands will persuade some companies to go for greater heights.

here is entire article.
mentions Empire square may be effected?
kjbrissy-i wouldnt worry about meritons tower. harryT would build it during a world war if he could. he has his own money and builds everything without any pre-committments! he knows he is only going to make money in the end.

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/1986/briscreditgm5.jpg
http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/7650/briscredit2hs3.jpg
http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/8606/briscredit3fx8.jpg
http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/6034/briscredit4js6.jpg

Or:

Brisbane's office space is hot property
Shannon Molloy | March 28, 2008 - 1:47PM (http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/business/brisbanes-office-space-is-hot-property/2008/03/28/1206207371903.html)

Office space in Brisbane's city fringe remains hot property and the majority of new developments leased before they are even complete, according to one expert.

Preliminary data for 2008 prepared by Jones Lang LaSalle found 70 per cent of the 145,000 square metres of commercial space due for completion had been pre-committed.

Long considered a distant cousin of the CBD commercial market, fringe suburbs now stand firm as a "first option" for many tenants, the company's national leasing director Christian Sandstrom said.

Mr Sandstrom's forecast is for continued success, with fringe area pre-commitment figures for 2009 already at 29 per cent.

"With a large part of tenant demand being unmet for existing available space, this pent-up demand is now reflected in the high levels of pre-commitment for new projects," he said.

Suburbs within seven kilometres of the CBD, including South Brisbane, Milton and Bowen Hills, are expected to sustain strong growth, he said.

New developments in fringe suburbs were able to be built faster than CBD projects because they were smaller in size.

This speedy completion helped to meet some of the tenant demand.

In comparison, larger scale CBD projects were often subject to much longer construction periods, encouraging prospective tenants to look further out.

Commercial rents in fringe suburbs were also about 20 per cent less than the CBD, he said.

And while the global credit crisis could see some projects put on hold, he predicts continued confidence in the Queensland commercial market.

"Queensland's diverse economic base, strong population growth and a massive State Government-led infrastructure program are three pillars of strength.

"(This) will underpin the success of the fringe market and provide a buffer in the event of any sustained economic downturn in the US."

Brisbane's commercial property vacancy rate currently stands at 1.3 per cent.

^^
Todays prime site features a rendering of a new 20 story tower in South Brisbane.

J

Scan? Location?

JayT are you talking about this one?

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=591697

^^No, it looked very different to that and I'm pretty sure it was all Office!

^^
Todays prime site features a rendering of a new 20 story tower in South Brisbane.

J

I saw Prime Site, and I thought the picture was of the planned building for the corner of Vulture and Main Streets.

Live in Bowen Hills or Hamilton? Meet your 30,000 new neighbours
Shannon Molloy | April 1, 2008 - 5:00AM

The inner-city suburb of Bowen Hills and a 304ha chunk of former port land at Hamilton are set to be revitalised into urban residential and commercial hubs centred around new public transport infrastructure.

The Queensland Government today declared the two sites as Urban Development Areas, which will see red tape cut as development applications are fast-tracked.

The government hopes the reduced cost to developers will be passed on to home buyers and go some way in alleviating pressure surrounding low housing affordability.

Premier Anna Bligh said she believed the declaration was a significant step towards getting land and housing on the market quickly.

"Queensland's toughest challenge in housing affordability is the lack of supply and these new areas will deliver housing for more than 30,000 Queenslanders," Ms Bligh said.

"The Urban Land Development Authority will plan, manage and deliver these strategic sites to the market."

The two development areas will act as congestion busters by focusing on public transport, Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Paul Lucas said.

"The 108ha Bowen Hills Site will be centred around a new, signature Bowen Hills railway station and bus exchange," Mr Lucas said.

"Northshore Hamilton is ideally located to benefit from an extension to City Cat services... I am also very keen to investigate extending the Doomben rail line into the development."

Brisbane's commercial sector will also benefit, with the potential for more than 300,000 square metres of space at Bowen Hills alone.

Development activity is expected to begin on the Bowen Hills and Hamilton sites within a year. Parts of Fitzgibbon, Mackay and Woolloongabba are expected to be declared as UDAs later this year.

Article (http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/queensland/live-in-bowen-hills-or-hamilton/2008/03/31/1206850806387.html)

108ha in Bowen Hills. How big is Bowen Hills, were are they going to fit that in? On top?

By demolishing most of the industry that is there.

Or more specifically, the Mayne Railyards.

That will never be developed on. I would be impossible to have an efficient rail network without Mayne there and building over the top will cost too much.

Oh trust me, it will. There are plans already in the pipeline. It is a longterm project though.

Not if QR have anything to do with it.

Next time you catch a Ferny Grove train have a look at the entire nothern section of the Mayne railway yards... it seems to have been scaled back / shut down in anticipation for "something"... I would be suprised if this area was retained for railway purposes, regardless of whether or not it should be. Thoughts?

Not if QR have anything to do with it.

I'm sure nothing will happen until it has been thoroughly worked through by the UDLA, QR and the state government.

Next time you catch a Ferny Grove train have a look at the entire nothern section of the Mayne railway yards... it seems to have been scaled back / shut down in anticipation for "something"... I would be suprised if this area was retained for railway purposes, regardless of whether or not it should be. Thoughts?

This section was abandoned when the storage of freight trains was relocated to Acacia Ridge and I think it is just used to store and dump bits and pieces of rail and sleepers. Its a lot of dis-used area which I anticipate they will develop it in the near future.

South of the Ferny Grove flyover, QR have built new stabling yards for the extra electric trains that are coming into service so I don't think they would have done that if they were going to relocate anytime soon.

BrizzyChris; I was pretty sure it was the mayne railway yards too.. but I think KJ might be right

see here: http://www.ulda.qld.gov.au/01_cms/details.asp?ID=100

http://www.ulda.qld.gov.au/_dbase_upl/Bowen_Hills_UDA.jpg

This might be the initial development, but whether it's 10 years down the track or 30, the Mayne Railyards will eventually be built on (over maybe).

Eventually I think that they will be builty over. When the land is valuable enough to do so!

Geez that photo looks brown ... must represent the height of the drought eh...

Whats with the big tunnel on the front pages of the papers?

RNA announces multi billion dollar makeover for EKKA grounds

THE ROYAL National Association will today announce a billion-dollar makeover of its central Brisbane showgrounds, after revealing a million-dollar hit from last year's Ekka flu.

The makeover will include retail, commercial and residential facilities – designed to turn the showgrounds between Fortitude Valley and Bowen Hills into a year-round inner-city lifestyle-cultural hub.

The Ekka will remain a permanent cornerstone of the the 22ha precinct under the masterplan to be released for public comment today.

The private sector will be invited to enter joint ventures with the RNA, which also plans hotel accommodation for the site – and, potentially, new rail and bus access. And – if negotiations with the State Government succeed – the old Queensland Museum built originally by the association will become the new front entrance to the Bowen Hills site.

But the RNA first has to get approval from the Urban Land Development Authority which was set up by the state to take Bowen Hills planning matters out of the hands of the Brisbane City Council.

Last night a spokeswoman for the ULDA said the authority had been negotiating with the RNA and "the work they want to do has been accommodated" in the interim land-use plan the state released on Monday.

RNA chief executive Jonathan Tunney said plans could take 15 years to deliver but timing would depend on the amount of private support because, financially, the RNA could not manage alone.

"We will end up with an exciting, vibrant facility for the people of Queensland who can use it 24 hours a day, more or less year-round," Mr Tunney said. "We will end up with a retail, commercial and accommodation area that – for 10 days of the year, Ekka time – will have a farm on top of it."

Streets within the precinct would close and new ones would be created in the redevelopment due to start late next year with refurbishment of the industrial or show bag pavilion and a new large-animal facility on the O'Connell Tce side.

Mr Tunney said that the project would provide up to 250,000sq m of commercial space, 30,000sq m for retail, 30,000sq m for residential use and the industrial pavilion would expand to 75,000sq m.

"There will be more than enough room in that pavilion for us to continue staging the biggest truck show in the southern hemisphere but, in conditions where the floor is level and exhibitors do not have to let down tyre pressures to get vehicles in," Mr Tunney said.

After public consultation, the RNA will submit development applications to the ULDA.

State Government sources said yesterday that the showgrounds might be serviced by a new internodal station handling rail and bus passengers.

A committee including Queensland Rail and Queensland Transport would report next year on an underground rail link that would run between Woolloongabba, the city and Spring Hill, with a possible link to the existing line that runs through the showgrounds.

Meanwhile, the full extent of last year's flu outbreak has been revealed in the RNA's annual report. It showed that the outbreak and inclement weather at Ekka time wiped $1.2 million from last year's Brisbane Exhibition gate receipts, which dropped a staggering 23 per cent to just over $4 million.

But the RNA still had a surplus of $1.55 million, the Ekka shortfall being covered by other events and parking fees.

President Vivian Edwards said that there were lessons to be learnt from the 2007 Ekka.

"In 2008, the RNA will work closely with Queensland Health in the preparation, planning and communication for (a flu outbreak)," Dr Edwards, a neurophysician, said.

The record Ekka attendance of more than 800,000 was set in 1988, the year Brisbane hosted the World Expo.

http://media01.couriermail.com.au/multimedia/2008/04/080401_rna/ekka-plans.jpg

Looks Good:)

J

^^Looks dreadful. It's heritage listed for a reason.

Only one of the stands is Heritage listed. Not the showgrounds.

I don't think there is much there that is heritage-listed. Most of the RNA grounds are a lot of old sheds and under-utilised areas that are dormant for most of the year. About time they do something to add life to the area which is prime real estate. There was talk years ago about moving the EKKA to the old airport but was knocked on the head due to the fireworks being in the flight paths.

It's a lot better than the Sydney option, which is to move miles from town. We all know the land is worth a fortune, so I'm happy to see a good comprimise that allows the Ekka to prosper in the same location and also uses that inner city land better for the rest of the year.

Pleased to see the old Museum is to be embraced into the project, and also the talk of better bus/rail links and an underground line.

I have been to Sydney's royal easter show at Homebush and it really lacks that atmoshphere that Brisbane's ekka has and is not the same as it was. I think the same would happen here if we did relocate the Ekka.

How would they support all that Retail and Commercial above rat mazes of tunnels parallel O'Connell Street?

It's disappointing to see the original concept for a 4,000 seat entertainment/concert venue has been dropped. That was the best thing about the original masterplan.

I don't think there is much there that is heritage-listed. Most of the RNA grounds are a lot of old sheds and under-utilised areas that are dormant for most of the year.

Go to the EPA website. I think you'll find you are wrong.

I like the proposal!! It will be similar to an urban village, only with a transient environment.

Hi guys,

Just thought I'd let you know about a fantastic website. It has some of the most amazing aerials of Australian cities I have ever seen - many of Brisbane and suburbs.

Take a look at the link below.


http://www.abovephotography.com.au/Aerial-Photos/

Just remember if you use the photos to CREDIT the photographer AND to post a link. These photos are for sale don't forget.

In doing this we may even be doing the photographer a favor in drumming up new business - hopefully

J

the qld museum is perhaps the most interesting building in brisbane! i hope they are quite sensitive with it. It would also be good to see that the grounds are more accessible by foot from the valley/spring hill. Ive always felt that the showgrounds have had their back (so to speak) to the south.

please do something interesting...

the qld museum is perhaps the most interesting building in brisbane! i hope they are quite sensitive with it. It would also be good to see that the grounds are more accessible by foot from the valley/spring hill. Ive always felt that the showgrounds have had their back (so to speak) to the south.

please do something interesting...


Hey - Welcome to the forum:)

J

the qld museum is perhaps the most interesting building in brisbane! i hope they are quite sensitive with it. It would also be good to see that the grounds are more accessible by foot from the valley/spring hill. Ive always felt that the showgrounds have had their back (so to speak) to the south.

please do something interesting...

I think the chances of the Old Museum Building passing back into the hands of the RNA is highly unlikely. The commonwealth government have spent years converting the building for use by the Queensland Youth Orchestra and to give them the boot now so the building can become part of the exhibition grounds would be ludicrous. I think we can safely assume that the old museum will not be part of this make over.

Wasn't the old museum building originally built as an exhibition hall....along the lines of the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne?

They mentioned in the television news article that the old museum was going to get a facelift as well.

^^ hasnt it been getting one for the last 3 years

The Old Museum facelift is nearing completion. Most of the interior was done around 1995/1996 and the building was recently re-roofed and they are now repairing other parts of the exterior and fixing up the grounds. I picked up a friend from there the other day and as I drove over the hill along Gregory Terrace it just looked spectacular. It hasn't looked so good in a bloody long time.

The OMB was built as an exhibition hall and Concert Hall (the pipe organ in city was originally installed in the old museum) but it has spent most of its life as an art gallery and museum. It has now been converted back into a concert hall with rehearsal facilities.

It's a lot better than the Sydney option, which is to move miles from town. We all know the land is worth a fortune, so I'm happy to see a good comprimise that allows the Ekka to prosper in the same location and also uses that inner city land better for the rest of the year.

Pleased to see the old Museum is to be embraced into the project, and also the talk of better bus/rail links and an underground line.

I have been to Sydney's royal easter show at Homebush and it really lacks that atmoshphere that Brisbane's ekka has and is not the same as it was. I think the same would happen here if we did relocate the Ekka.

Amen to that. Many Sydneysiders miss the atmosphere. I remembered Moore Park also offered chairlifts and cable cars which Homebush does not.

The CBD is more central in Brisbane than in Sydney (which is located right on the coast), while Brisbane is a bit further inland. PT favours it as well.

I noticed that no-one posted this about the Brunswick St station upgrade. I copied it from Soulvision in SSL.

Article is sourced from the Brisbane Times

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/ffximage/2008/03/31/470pigcity,0.jpg

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/ffximage/2008/03/31/470brunswick1.jpg

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/ffximage/2008/03/31/470brunswick6.jpg

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/ffximage/2008/03/31/470powderfinger.jpg

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/ffximage/2008/03/31/470brunswick5.jpg

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/ffximage/2008/03/31/470brunswick3.jpg

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/ffximage/2008/03/31/470brunswick2.jpg

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/ffximage/2008/03/31/470brunswick7.jpg

New-look station captures music history

Shannon Molloy | March 31, 2008 - 11:01AM
Brisbane's rich musical history has been immortalised in art as part of the redevelopment of Brunswick Street station, which is speeding towards completion.

The station's newly-upgraded platforms three and four reopened this morning after several months of work, which saw a major facelift undertaken to increase public access and visual appeal.

Quotes from Andrew Stafford's iconic book Pig City, which follows the rise of several successful Brisbane bands, were integrated with artwork on the platforms.

In selecting which quotes would appear, Mr Stafford said he aimed to capture significant moments in Brisbane and Fortitude Valley's music history.

However a tour of the upgraded platforms this morning revealed a slight faux pax - workmen had covered part of a tribute to Mr Stafford's book with an exit sign.

A second "thank you" panel was also completely covered by an information sign. A bemused Mr Stafford received assurances the error would be corrected.

Brunswick Street is the city's second busiest station and caters to about 2.5 million passengers each year.

The station had begun to look a little tired, but the $30 million-plus redevelopment would "bring it up to speed" with the rest of the Valley, Member for Central Grace Grace said.

However she did acknowledge the disruptions caused to some passengers by the closure of platforms.

"It's a little inconvenience for a lot of gain," Ms Grace said.

"I'm confident the end result will be worth any temporary disruption to passengers."

After spending Saturday night exploring the Valley's nightclubs and bars to familiarise herself with the city's entertainment precinct, Ms Grace said she had seen first-hand the need for the redevelopment.

"The Valley is becoming a real hub of Brisbane - there were thousands of young people out enjoying themselves on Saturday.

"The redevelopment of this 30-year-old station will bring it up to speed with the Valley."

She praised the work of local artist Jennifer Merchant, whose soundwave pattern design had made the platforms much brighter and lighter.

Ms Merchant said the integrated art aimed to signify the arrival at Brisbane's music centre and give a sense of speed and movement.

Work on the station is expected to be completed in December.

----------------

Stage 2 will now commence. This will see even more renovations including an update of the current ugly black ceiling.

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m173/soulvisionQ2/stage_2_commences_31_march_2008_tcm.jpg

We have posted about it Fabian, just not in this thread. I'd appreciate too, if you stopped referencing that other forum. There is no need to reference him when he too copied it all from the Brisbane Times website.

have they replaced the TV screen monitors? are they LCD now?!

Yep. They're LCD!!! Awesome isn't it.

David Spade dosn't look too happy.


http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/ffximage/2008/03/31/470pigcity,0.jpg

The tv networks never picked up the new season of Just Shoot Me.

David Spade dosn't look too happy.

He must have been slapped in the face by a woman he just insulted (again)

I dont own a tv so I have no idea who David Spade is

I dont own a tv so I have no idea who David Spade is

Nothing to worry about :P

First NSBT bridge officially opened

March 2008 - The first permanent bridge of the North-South Bypass Tunnel (NSBT) project is now officially open.

Providing a direct link north from the Inner City Bypass (ICB) to Lutwyche Road, it’s the first of 11 bridges that together will create one of the largest traffic interchanges in Brisbane.

The new Sunshine Coast exit is adjacent to the Horace Street off-ramp, which is now closed.

The length of the bridge beams in the northern interchange, placed end-to-end, is equivalent to seven Gateway Bridges.

When complete, the three-level northern interchange will cater for more than 100,000
motorists per day.

http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/BCC:BASE::pc=PC_1717

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h318/cj_81_/nsbt_feb08_aerialview.jpg

Was walking along george street today and while crossing the road at the refurbished sunsuper building with the ugly coloured glass. There was a contractor there explaining to someone else that a truck came round the corner and ripped the edge off the corner of the new cover over the footpath.

Not hugely exciting but interesting none the less

Just read in the brisbanetimes site that Northbank has been put on hold!
Courier-mail site says it has been "ditched"!
Happy days :)

Sadly it isn't ditched, just having a makeover.

I can assure you that this probably means they are going to use the full river! Haha lol make the Victoria Bridge into one big fugly plaza that takes up the whole river.

It is good that it is getting a makeover. Let's just hope they get it right! Would you rather nothing was done?

I would support any development that is on the bank and not in/on the river. I know the area is a nightmare, I think its disgusting at the present state. But it would be cool if they found a creative way of making it nice and safer in the area underneath the bridge by making it a nice plaza etc.

It is good that it is getting a makeover. Let's just hope they get it right! Would you rather nothing was done?

I would rather nothing was done than anything like Northbank. Anything that involves going over the river like Northbank does is verboten.

^^I would rather that they build underneath the Freeway where there is land, build a big sail like structure that covers the side and the top of the Expressway, and build supertalls on the empty lots on the land side of the expressway. This is also making sure that there is a bikeway/pedestrian way the width of a small road running between the Expressway and any buildings.

I didn't like the current North Bank at all!

I would rather nothing was done than anything like Northbank. Anything that involves going over the river like Northbank does is verboten.

Well I'm sure I'm in a minority saying this but I quite like the expressway.
It has nice elegant lines and I reckon if they gave it a paint job more people would like it too. I don't see a need to hide it or disguise it at all.
Perhaps they could extend the bikeway that was built a few years ago up near North Quay all the way along to Gardens Point. That would be pleasing to the eye, not involve building over the river by a great deal and could incorporate some cafe etc.

^^ I agree with your comments about the expressway- I like it too :) it is sort of the character of Brisbane CBD. Yes it could deal with a paint job and perhaps some shades? I dunno

I don't mind if development goes a little into the river (say 10m), but not the ridiculous extent seen in the proposals.

Well once petrol gets to US$200 a barrell we will have to look at alternative uses for the expressway.

Well once petrol gets to US$200 a barrell we will have to look at alternative uses for the expressway.


So what do people think they will do with the NSB tunnel in a few years? I guess people could live in it.

J

I don't think that is the case, I think that when petrol becomes to expensive, we will start to see the mass production of Air cars and electric cars that do not rely on petrol to operate.

We need to be changing peoples habbits now and that means by not allowing any more greenfield development, increasing active and public Infrastructure and by road dieting (the process of road dieting is to gradually take away lanes of road for cars over a moderate time period.)

With these actions combined you will increase the efficiency of freight and PT. You will be able to get anywhere in the city you want at almost any time by foot, bike or PT, and people will only own cars to go on holidays or for day trips outside of the City itself!

Well once petrol gets to US$200 a barrell we will have to look at alternative uses for the expressway.

Certain ppl could not care less what the price of petrol is and what it will be....to have their own mode of transport is of more importance than the cost of fuel...

Huh?

Private vehicles will never disappear IMO. When oil becomes too expensive, new technologies will be developed....like KJBrissy mentioned...and people will use private cars still. Maybe not too the same extent pre-oil collapse though.

So what do people think they will do with the NSB tunnel in a few years? I guess people could live in it.

J

Grow Mushrooms.

Think im joking then head to the Blue Mountains a couple of ex railway tunnels have been converted in mushie farms as they don't like Vitamin D (ie sunlight)

Basic theory of supply and demand, with supply plateauing and demand still off like a rocket means if you insist on driving you will have to pay through the nose to do so.

^^Correction, if you insist on driving a vehicle that runs off a product with a limited supply. There is a difference.

What is being pointed out that once oil is consumed it represents an opportunity loss, because it is easy to use, it is not so easy to fill a tank with other forms of energy. And they will be expensive because they will not have the prices undercut by cheap available oil/petrol.

I didn't see that on Space 1999

According to the movie "Back to the Future", by 2015 we will all have tiny nuclear fusion reactors, powered by garbage, generating enough power for a Flux Capacitor. And cars will also fly.

electric cars already exist as do air cars. It is just a matter of mass producing them and finding ways of making the technology cheaper. I think in India air cars are used for taxi's if I remember correctly.

Anyone that thinks vehicles are going to diminish or disappear have a very naive and simplistic view. Motor car companies are not just going to keel over and die once they run out of oil. They will simply find another source of energy, optimise it and mass produce it. Cars and traffic is only going to get worse and we will need more freeways. People are only going to use public transport when it is more efficient than using a vehicle and the reality is that is a long way off for most people. We need to be realistic and acknowledge not having a vehicle extremely limits personal freedom and choice of what they can do, so I highly doubt to many will be giving up on having a car anytime soon.

According to the movie "Back to the Future", by 2015 we will all have tiny nuclear fusion reactors, powered by garbage, generating enough power for a Flux Capacitor. And cars will also fly.

As Marty would say "perfect" :lol:

Another panel of glass fell off Waterfront Place today right into Felix Street at lunch time. I hope they dont block the entire section street off for months again.

Another panel of glass fell off Waterfront Place today right into Felix Street at lunch time. I hope they dont block the entire section street off for months again.

Yeah, this has been going on now since the early 90s. I was surprised to hear today people are only just realising that the canopy built around Waterfront Place was for that very reason... safety for pedestrians

Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
11/05/2008
Plan to spur Brisbane tourism growth

Premier Anna Bligh has unveiled state government 'catalyst' proposals for ten iconic tourism projects for the Brisbane region 20 years after Expo 88 first put Brisbane on the map.

The new tourism drawcards include a national indigenous centre at South Bank, a cable car ride to a revamped Mount Coot-tha look out and a second shipping terminal for Brisbane.

The regional tourism investment and infrastructure plan - to be released for public comment today - is a part of the Queensland Government's 10-year Queensland Tourism Strategy.

The draft plan, a partnership between Tourism Queensland and Brisbane Marketing, details more than 30 investment opportunities and 10 catalyst projects in Brisbane and its surrounding regions.

Over 300 industry operators, developers and investors were consulted in the preparation of the report.

The 10 catalyst projects identified as possible triggers for further development and growth in the region were:
1. An internationally significant national Indigenous centre visitor attraction at South Bank.
2. A Moreton Bay aquarium and marine discovery centre at North Bank.
3. A 'Story of Brisbane' high-tech interpretation centre and a viewing platform of Greater Brisbane and the Scenic Rim at Mt Coot-tha. The project could include a cable car system between the lookout and the botanic gardens.
4. Two new or redeveloped major piers for river boat and island services from Brisbane city centre.
5. A second shipping terminal up river to support existing facilities and address the needs of the new, larger cruise ships visiting Brisbane.
6. Two new international five to six star hotels to be built at Victoria Park and in the CBD offering more than 600 new rooms.
7. Ipswich to extend its successful railway heritage theme to create a tourism precinct with a conference centre and accommodation facilities.
8. A major walk with quality hut and lodge-style accommodation in the Scenic Rim World Heritage National Parks.
9. Development of a major Moreton Bay ferry terminus at or near the mouth of the Brisbane River for a faster and more effective link between the CBD and the Moreton Bay islands.
10. An eco-lodge on Moreton Island using the existing lighthouse and surrounding infrastructure.

The Premier said the state government was interested to hear from any developers who showed an interest in building the projects.

Estimates of the investment required for each of the projects ranged from $20,000 to $200 million.

"These ten projects have been identified as things that will further establish Brisbane as a tourism destination in itself," said the Premier.

"They are intended to provoke debate and interest amongst the public and amongst developers and operators who may had an interest in building them.

"It has been 20 years since Expo 88 first put Brisbane on the world map," Ms Bligh said.
"Since that time we have seen the region mature into a thriving and vibrant city surrounded by beautiful natural attractions."

Tourism Minister Desley Boyle said the proposals had the potential to take the Brisbane region to the next level as a tourist destination.

"In the last ten years, domestic visitors to Brisbane have increased by 22 percent and international visitors have increased by 28 percent,'' she said.

"While tourism has charted strong growth, now more than ever, we need to ensure we have a plan in place so we are well placed to be a competitive and attractive destination over the next 20 years."

Tourism Queensland and Brisbane Marketing are holding workshops over the next week in the Brisbane and greater Brisbane region to discuss the plan with local government and industry leaders who have been part of the consultation process.

"The final plan will be released later this year after which project priorities will be s et," said the Premier.

Premiers contact - 07 32244500


If you watched one of the news' tonight you would have a seen a story on this. The list is pretty decent, although I think 5 is worded wrongly. The greenies got upset about the cable car up Mt Coot-ha but hey thats there job.

The list is pretty decent, although I think 5 is worded wrongly. The greenies got upset about the cable car up Mt Coot-ha but hey thats there job.

Yeah, it should say *down* river.

First storm we have had in ages today. Amazing light show from the sky, I've never seen the sky so orange before, the setting sun really lit up the rainclouds as the storm went over Brisbane. Looking out my window now, and it's sort of turning purplish.

It was incredible hey. Went from yellow to orange to almost a red/maroon colour.....perfect before the Reds - Waratahs match! :)

First storm we have had in ages today. Amazing light show from the sky, I've never seen the sky so orange before, the setting sun really lit up the rainclouds as the storm went over Brisbane. Looking out my window now, and it's sort of turning purplish.

It looked really weird... it was yellow and the rain was awesome.

I looked on the Bureau of Meteorology at the map of the rain and it was actually a pretty small, yet really intense rain cell spread across the city.

Yeah I saw it too. I was on my way into the city and thought to myself, there would be an amazing photo if you could get the orange background with a lightning strike in the middle - about 5 seconds later I saw exactly what I was imagining! Wish I had my camera...

yeah it was a great storm. we got a fair bit of it on the northside. we got 22mm in gauge, but most of that fell in 15mins. 22mm doesnt sound like much, but in that short period of time, it flooded my entire yard and the street was flowing like a river.

I've just posted some photos of the storm in the Random Brisbane Photos thread.

Inner Northern Busway opens today! Look forward to the mass confusion as about 200 city stops change!

Anyone else go to the Paniyiri Greek festival in Musgrave Park? I went yesterday for the first time and I thought it was excellent. Wish I'd taken my camera, because I could have got some good photos from the Greek Club of the festival with the city in the background. It was like a Greek Ekka, took over all of Musgrave Park.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Premier gives the green light to Australia’s largest road project

The State Government has pressed the go button on Australia’s largest road infrastructure project to cut congestion and fix one of Brisbane’s most notorious bottlenecks.

Today Premier Anna Bligh and Deputy Premier Paul Lucas announced BrisConnections as the preferred bidder to build Airport Link, the next section of the Northern Busway and a new fly-over road to fix the gridlocked airport roundabout.

Airport Link – which is the most complex road and tunnel engineering feat in Queensland’s history will cost over $3.4 billion to build - but a landmark finance deal means it will cost tax payers just $47 million.

In total the three projects will cost $4.8 billion, including land costs, of which the State will only contribute $1.5 billion instead of the $2.37 billion which the state had budgeted for.

Ms Bligh said the world-class consortium would build two road tunnels and a new airport connection — the 7km Airport Link mainly underground toll road, the 3km Windsor to Kedron section of the Northern Busway and a 750m fly-over above the airport roundabout.

"In terms of construction costs alone these projects combined are twice the size of the North South Bypass Tunnel. This is a huge step forward for road infrastructure in this city,” said the Premier.

“This will bring relief for motorists and bus users by making it much faster and easier for them to get around Brisbane.”

Despite the massive scope of the project the winning design was able to make way for Pop’s Fig - a much loved fig tree of local heritage significance.

“Pop's Fig is highly valued by the local community and forms a landmark for locals and commuters as they make their way along Lutwyche Road,” said the Premier.

“That’s why I am pleased to be able to say that the project design preserves Pop's Fig by moving the busway alignment to the west.”

The Premier said the three projects would have an unprecedented impact on traffic congestion in Brisbane.

“Airport Link will be a stunning addition to Brisbane’s road network and will provide a vital new link between two of South East Queensland’s most important economic centres — the airport and the city,” she said.

“This world-class infrastructure will provide Queensland with Australia’s premier airport-CBD connection and will continue to drive the economic growth that is attracting up to 60,000 people per year to our State.

“The Windsor to Kedron section of the Northern Busway will greatly expand the Brisbane busway network and help pave the way towards a city-wide busway.

“And the Airport Drive connection fly-over will help fix one of Brisbane’s biggest bottlenecks and remove the current headache for people trying to reach or leave the airport through the airport roundabout.”

The Premier said that the combined roads and busway solution construction of Airport Link and the Northern Busway (Windsor to Kedron) will start later this year and all three roads will be completed mid 2012 – six months earlier than originally planned.

The combined projects will cost more than $4 billion to design and construct. Airport Link will cost $3.4 billion, the Windsor to Kedron busway section $444 million and the Airport Drive fly-over $272 million.

“This is a fantastic outcome for the Queensland tax-payer on Airport Link,” Ms Bligh said.

“In a very difficult national and international financial climate and amid rising construction costs, we have managed to keep the Queensland Government contribution to below what we had budgeted for.”

“Based on current interest rates, we will now be contributing less than $50 million for Airport Link instead of the budgeted $850 million which will free up some money for other vital infrastructure.”

Ms Bligh said the main features of the winning bid were:

- Airport Link

* longest road tunnel in Australia at 6.7km

* competitive toll of $4.30 north-south and $3.20 east-west (in 2008 dollars).

* bypasses up to 16 traffic lights

* trips between Bowen Hills and airport roundabout in as little as six minutes

- Northern Busway

* a 3km two-lane, two way busway, including 1.5km underground between Constitution Road, Windsor and Sadlier Street, Kedron

* modern new busway stations at Lutwyche and Kedron

* halve average travel time between Kedron and Royal Brisbane Hospital

- Airport Drive fly-over

* 750m section of fly-over to link the East-West Arterial and Airport Drive which bypasses roundabout and traffic lights

* Existing roundabout replaced by highly efficient signalised intersection

* Combined with Airport Link, will deliver motorists from the international terminal to Bowen Hills in as little as 10 minutes and bypassing 18 sets of lights

* Upgrade of the East-West Arterial to three lanes each way.

The bid includes a number of significant changes which Ms Bligh said were exciting innovations to the original designs.

Key project changes are:

- Massive reduction in impacts on Kedron State High School by relocating Airport Link underground; $5.5m to mitigate impacts on Kedron High and Wooloowin State School

- Partial burying of two of Airport Link’s three ventilation stations, including at Clayfield, to dramatically reduce noise and visual impacts

- Substantially improve traffic capacity at Kedron Brook intersection by relocating surface road and overhead road bridges underground

- Excellent pedestrian and cycle access, underground location and smart design of Lutwyche Busway Station.

Deputy Premier and Infrastructure and Planning Minister Paul Lucas said another change was the acquisition of extra properties for Airport Link and Northern Busway.

“This is a project Brisbane can be proud of. But it will have an impact,” Mr Lucas said.

“Unfortunately because of the improved road connections included in the designs, we cannot do without some extra properties,” he said.

“We will have to resume an extra 35 properties and we will work closely with these owners to acquire their properties in the most sensitive way possible.

“But there are also owners of six surface properties that thought they would be affected and will not be now because of the design changes.”

The BrisConnections consortium includes Macquarie Capital Group, Thiess and John Holland. They employed hundreds of staff and invested millions of dollars on their bid as did the two unsuccessful bidders.

"It was a very competitive process and I want to thank all three groups for the amount of expertise and sheer hard work they brought to these bids,” said Mr Lucas.

Airport Link is mainly underground and will comprise dual tunnels approximately six kilometres in length.

It will link major and local roads at Bowen Hills with the northern arterials of Gympie Road and Stafford Road at Kedron and Sandgate Road and the East-West Arterial in the north-east.

The Northern Busway will ultimately connect the Inner Northern Busway at Herston to Bracken Ridge via Windsor, Lutwyche, Kedron, Chermside and Aspley.

The Windsor to Kedron section of the busway is being delivered with Airport Link to save on build costs and minimise construction impacts.

In what will be Australia’s largest Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project, BrisConnections will be asked to finance, design, construct, commission, operate and maintain Airport Link underground toll road.

The same contractor will also design and build the Windsor to Kedron section of the State-funded Northern Busway and the airport fly-over, before handing it back to the State to operate and maintain.

BrisConnections winning designs will be available for public viewing throughout May and June at the Airport Link and Northern Busway (Windsor to Kedron) Visitors’ Centre at 109 Gympie Road, Kedron, which is scheduled to open on 22 May,” Mr Lucas said.

“People will be given a chance to have their say on these changes,” Mr Lucas said.

“They will have up to four weeks to make submissions about the changes and I can guarantee that all submissions will be carefully considered.”

Where is the financial risk going? Who picks that up?

$272 million for a 750m fly-over....WHAT.THE.FUCK!?

Anyone else go to the Paniyiri Greek festival in Musgrave Park? I went yesterday for the first time and I thought it was excellent. Wish I'd taken my camera, because I could have got some good photos from the Greek Club of the festival with the city in the background. It was like a Greek Ekka, took over all of Musgrave Park.

Yes I went on Sunday afternoon for an hour or so, seeing as nothing much had changed since last year, I didn't stay too long. :)

The INB opened today. I am actually very pleased with the bus stop changes and rearrangements. Going along Adelaide St was much quicker and better process with less buses going through and using stop 43 instead of 47 for the 192/195/196/197 services, and stop 44 for the 199 was very effective. My only concern is the adjacent construction site... the wooden panels make it a bit hard for peds to see where the stop is and there is no where to sit (that doesn't bother me as I am only usually waiting 5mins for the bus) and is very small and in peak hour, I can see that stop getting a bit congested. I also saw a bus doing a city bound 66 at the cultural centre- a grand total of 2 people on board!

A substantial improvement to how it used to be; I am sure users of the 111 appreciate not having to go all the way down to the QSBS and people on the northern routes having a quicker trip in.
The whole system will be given its first major test when peak hour starts, be interesting to see how it goes.

An idea occurred to me today, why didn't they build an underground pedestrian link from the QSBS to the KGSBS? So people at the QSBS can access the new station quicker instead of having to go all the way up and fight through crowds to get to the other station.

All the maps for the new Airport Link and Northern Busway alignment are here:

http://www.citynorthinfrastructure.com.au/page_maps.html

Flew back into Brisbane today and noticed that old power station on the bay side of the Gateway Bridge and thought that it would make a brilliant cruise ship terminal for those ships unable to get under the Gateway.
Just a thought.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/ffximage/2008/05/22/250_waterfrontcanopy_web,0.jpg

Glass still falling... but 6 months before it's fixed
Georgina Robinson | May 22, 2008 - 7:01AM

Article (http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/queensland/canopy-to-catch-falling-glass/2008/05/22/1211182933274.html)

A temporary canopy over a Brisbane street will protect pedestrians and workers from the threat of shattered glass falling from faulty windows in a city skyscraper.

But a permanent solution to Waterfront Place's 18-year-old problem is still six months away.

Two windows have shattered in their frame and fallen from the Felix Street building in the past seven months, but another 200 windows have broken since 1990.

Temporary gantries protect workers around the building's entrance but glass has still bounced off the canopies and onto Felix Street and walkways below.

Building owner Stockland has been in talks with Brisbane City Council since November last year to find a solution.

Lord Mayor Campbell Newman last night said Stockland had agreed to build a permanent canopy over Felix Street but it would take six months.

A temporary structure would be put in place early next week for the interim.

"I've been deeply troubled by what's been going on with Waterfront Place, so I'm glad something is being done about it," Cr Newman said.

"Even though it's only been small fragments of glass falling and not entire panes, they can still cause accidents on Felix St if they bounce off canopies, as they did recently."

Cr Newman said the permanent structure would cover Felix St near the Margaret St corner of Waterfront Place.

"Stockland has been very cooperative with Council in finding a practical solution to this problem and we are very grateful for that," Cr Newman said.

So, there'll be a canopy across Felix St as long as Waterfront Place is there?? When are they going to (or be made to) bite the bullet and replace the glass?

So, there'll be a canopy across Felix St as long as Waterfront Place is there?? When are they going to (or be made to) bite the bullet and replace the glass?

After someone dies of course.

After someone dies of course.

It's sad that this is what needs to happen sometimes for people to get off their ass and act.

Hopefully the canopy is built quickly and the area remains incident free for many years to come.

I am against the plans of building a canopy across Felix St. If council wants to pursue this issue, they should insist all defective windows be replaced and take the matter to court. In my view, building a canopy across Felix St will:

1. Negatively impact the street scape by reducing available light and blocking CBD views.
2. Negatively impact Heritage Listed Buildings such as the Polo Club.
3. Negatively impact the Felix Building and also various eateries contained in Felix St.
4. Ultimately, not eliminate the risk of accidents / injuries from panes of glass falling from Waterfront Place.

This proposal does nothing to protect people standing next to a shattering window inside Waterfront Place. Also, will a canopy be built across Margaret St and around the entire perimeter of Waterfront Place. What about the other buildings in the CBD where windows fall out due to defective glass? Will canopies be built there too?

I'm thinking of starting a petition against this action. What are other peoples thoughts on this?

I wouldn't rock the boat with this one, look on the bright side, for all we know Brisbane's covered street may become a land mark.

Maybe they could make it like Fremont Street (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fremont_Street) in Vegas?

^^ that would be cool! But I doubt conservitives would let you.
If the link doesn't work for you, hear are some pics
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk247/sonic123488/800px-Fremont_Street_09.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk247/sonic123488/800px-Fremont_Street_Binions_Golden.jpg

Yeah, because that's classy....

I'm not even sure of the whole canopy idea in the first place but I for one would chain myself to one of the trees down there if there was even a chance it could end up looking like Fremont Street. There is one Vegas on the planet and thank god it is not Brisvegas!

it could be done to look good, with a mixture of glass and shadecloths, but by the sounds of it they are going to go for a quick-fix, which will probably be pretty stock-standard.

I agree that it could look nice if designed and built with that intention in mind, but this costs money. For example, using a fancy darkened steel structure with stylish glass roofing, perhaps some sort of water feature flowing over the glass roof and some exotic plants etc whereas some white canvas is pretty cheap. But, none of this solves the root cause of the problem.

And today a temporary structure has been constructed in Felix St with concrete barriers etc.

Does anyone know why Council has pushed this issue lately, considering it has been around for 18 years? Last December, the street was barricaded as well for 6 months.

p.s. Great forum here :)

wrong thread... delete please

Heavy rain headed our way

By Robyn Ironside
May 29, 2008 06:30am

FALLS of up to 200mm could be experienced in south-east Queensland over the next four days as an east coast low in the Coral Sea heads our way.

Bureau of Meteorology senior weather forecaster Bryan Rolstone said light showers today should increase tonight and continue across the weekend peaking on Sunday.
`One particular model I'm looking at, indicates the Fraser Island area will get over 200mm, about 150mm for the Wide Bay coast and falls of 100mm in parts of the south-east,'' Mr Rolstone said.
In Brisbane falls were expected to vary from 40mm to 100mm, he said.

He said just 24 hours ago the outlook was ``completely different'', with the weather patterns indicating a low much further north that would have delivered light showers at best.

``As it is now we'll have rain over a few days, centred on the Fraser Island-Sunshine Coast region,'' Mr Rolstone said.

Overnight light falls delivered just one to two millimetres over Brisbane and ``zero'' in the dam catchment areas.

Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast fared better with 13.6mm and Coolangatta had 12mm.

The wet weekend should boost the monthly rainfall for Brisbane which currently stands at a paltry 6.4mm compared with the average for May of 92.5mm.

Mr Rolstone said storms would develop in south-west Queensland and over the water, but Brisbane would miss out on any storm activity other than some thunder.

``You can get them (thunderstorms) at this time of year if the atmosphere is right,'' he said.

``You get an upper level low which is a pool of cold air, that's allowed the clouds to build up enough to get thunderstorms.''

Mistake

That article is over a week old. It has already been mentioned on here.

My travels for the day:
Our 868 was late again... arrived at 3:30, and then going over the story bridge it was a massive car park and traffic was going very very slowly.. ended up getting into the CBD at 4pm and had missed 2 buses.. so I decided to pop down into the KGSBS and look at what its like being used by buses etc. (I went through it on May 4 for the open day) and took a 66 at 4:05 or so and got off at Kelvin Grove at 4:15... pretty quick trip on the new busway. The KGSBS is so eerie, and so quiet. You can hardly hear the buses going through and its just quiet (even though there were quite a few people there). The Kelvin Grove Station was also packed with uni students and quite a few buses were pretty full (inbound) so I took a 340 to the Cultural Centre and had a good ride, first time I had been through the QSBS on a bus that wasn't stopping there. Got to the CC at like 4:30pm and took a rather packed 196 home at 5pm (the overhead sign said some routes were coming but they never arrived, so heaps of people poured onto one bus. poor driver.) and got home just when it was starting to get dark. A good, quick afternoon Bus Gunzel trip on the INB :)
Is it me or are the brakes of the MAN NG313's really noisy? They sound like a child screaming

That article is over a week old. It has already been mentioned on here.

Where? I haven't seen that article on here anywhere yet. I am glad he posted it here, I don't venture into every thread, I don't have the time.

^^Do you want me to put it back then?

You might as well so other forumers can read it. There are articles posted in 2 or 3 different threads all the time so don't worry about it. I still haven't found the article in question.

^^ I'm afraid I can't find it anymore.

NSW is supposedly going to spend $58 billion over 4 years ($14.5B/yr) according to:
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23801895-29277,00.html

Yet we are lumped with only $82 Billion over 20 years ($4.1B/yr)

Getting some population statistics (NSW pop 6.9M, SEQ pop = 3.1M) and corresponding them with the NSW spending.. we should get $6.5B/yr or $130B over the next 20.

I know its a pointless rant. I just thought since QLD is a 'smart state' and one of the fastest growing we should equal or exceed that calculated spending.

BTW QR is only expected to deliver 7.2km of new track a year according to the SEQRIP.

from todays fin rev
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3048/2546556598_1b90ba08c3_o.jpg

^^
QSM has always had some of the most expensive property in Australia. Average rents are one thing but when you consider that some of the prestige sites are attracting rents of more than $12,000 per square metre thats pretty amazing. Shops cornering Queen Street & Albert Street have consistantly broken Australian records with Sunglass Hut reputed to still be the most expensive retail outlet in Australia.

J

Couple of things about the article:
US$509.99 = $628- I think someone has used an exchange rate from about 2 years ago. On current rates US$509.99 = AUD$534.38
And the last sentence: Melbourne is 7 days per week and Brisbane is 5 and 1/2??? Was this written by someone from Melbourne who last visted Brisbane in 1980?
Sloppy journalism but lets not let the facts stand in the way of a good story!

Couple of things about the article:
US$509.99 = $628- I think someone has used an exchange rate from about 2 years ago. On current rates US$509.99 = AUD$534.38
And the last sentence: Melbourne is 7 days per week and Brisbane is 5 and 1/2??? Was this written by someone from Melbourne who last visted Brisbane in 1980?
Sloppy journalism but lets not let the facts stand in the way of a good story!

LOL - And this surprises you?

Is this because perhaps if you're retailing in Brisbane, the Queen St Mall is the only place to be - the competition pushing the rents sky high. Other streets really aren't "shopping streets" in the CBD. I hope the renovation of Elizabeth St will help with this and also that Albert St boulevard will help in luring people away from the QSM and other streets will bloom. In fact I'd like the whole of the CBD peninsula to be a hive of people and activity 24/7. More density!!! I used to live in Japan and every nook and cranny has shops everywhere on a scale that's unimaginable unless you've seen it, not just one high street. There also seems to be so much more shop space in general.

Brian McFaddens 'Like Only A Woman Can' was recently filmed in Brisbane's CBD in the dead of night. Amazing seeing no cars on the Riverside Expressway.

SaDLT1AOIfo&hl

Where was 0:30 filmed in? Which busway? The Melbourne St end of the SEB? I can't remember if that turn is right hand turn lines on it or not.. hmm

LOL how random would it be if you were driving down the street and saw people playing drums in the middle? :lol:

hahaha. fabian how did u find that? what utter crap! shame on u mate. lol

must have been shot at like 3.30am on a monday night.

Where was 0:30 filmed in? Which busway? The Melbourne St end of the SEB? I can't remember if that turn is right hand turn lines on it or not.. hmm

LOL how random would it be if you were driving down the street and saw people playing drums in the middle? :lol:

Yeah I am thinking melbourne street end of SE Busway

Oh my god... Three lamest things about that clip: 1. The song itself. 2. The dude's facial expressions. 3. The ending.

L A M E.

:cheers:

They were shooting a Music Video clip at the top of my street the other night - Wilston Lookout, just at the top of Moray Street which overlooks the city. I don't know who it was but I saw the BCC notices all over the place telling people about it.

J

They were shooting a Music Video clip at the top of my street the other night - Wilston Lookout, just at the top of Moray Street which overlooks the city. I don't know who it was but I saw the BCC notices all over the place telling people about it.

J

sure it wasnt channel nine reporting a rape scene?

Oh my god... Three lamest things about that clip: 1. The song itself. 2. The dude's facial expressions. 3. The ending.

L A M E.

:cheers:

It's a great song but the point of posting it was to show the streetscenes and city shots that they captured. You normally wouldnt see the areas of Brisbane so devoid of people.

And remember this is FREE publicity for Brisbane given it's done by one of the UK's leading artists (even though he is engaged to our Delta Goodrem). Lots of international exposure.

Even if you dont like the music, take pride that it was filmed in Brisbane.

Absolutely. I was indeed excited when I saw it.

also the new Subaru Impereza add for australia and internationally was filmed in Brissie as well.... :o

....now all we have to do is sit back and watch the money roll in :)

Sad to hear news that a northside institution in the form of Toombul Music is finishing up on June 30th. It has been a cornerstone of Toombul Shopping Centre and owner Barry Bull blames the closure on the internet impact as well as dwindling patronage at Centro Toombul. Barry Bull has owned Toombull Music for 27 years. I have bought many records and cd's from there and its quite sad to see it go.

Ym0smuwpovE

You normally wouldnt see the areas of Brisbane so devoid of people.

Are you sure?

And remember this is FREE publicity for Brisbane given it's done by one of the UK's leading artists (even though he is engaged to our Delta Goodrem). Lots of international exposure.

Well the single was only released in Ireland and Australia...

Sorry too much beer after work. :nuts:

The impreza ad is nice though

Sad to hear news that a northside institution in the form of Toombul Music is finishing up on June 30th. It has been a cornerstone of Toombul Shopping Centre and owner Barry Bull blames the closure on the internet impact as well as dwindling patronage at Centro Toombul. Barry Bull has owned Toombull Music for 27 years. I have bought many records and cd's from there and its quite sad to see it go.

I've been to Toombul Music many times. It was like an icon of the shopping centre. Sad news.

Check out the lightflashers in Aurora Tower during a national nine news Brisbane bulletin lol

bArTrwUNHN8

It would be so cool to organise some "special" messages during the news with Auroras lights

I think we should also drop a banner from the Storey Bridge approach promoting this forum. Free publicity for us :)

I think we should also drop a banner from the Storey Bridge approach promoting this forum. Free publicity for us :)

Its very common to see people flashing their lights from Aurora when the news is on. I see it all the time. I have two bedrooms that face the city and I'm located near the building with the camera so I can acutally see the same lights flashing as is on the news.

The camera is on the top of the Peragrin/Falcon buildings on Moray Street. Not sure which one but its the one closest to the river.

J

Apparently the Sizzler restaurant in the city closed down... can anyone confirm this? I gather it did because of the low revenue it seemed to get! Plus it was a bit dodgy down there.

Apparently the Sizzler restaurant in the city closed down... can anyone confirm this? I gather it did because of the low revenue it seemed to get! Plus it was a bit dodgy down there.

Closed down maybe close to a year ago.
Workmen are in there at the moment fitting the space out for something else.

Closed down maybe close to a year ago.
Workmen are in there at the moment fitting the space out for something else.

Ok. The last time I remember going there was June last year so it must've closed down sometime last year.

word is rife today throughout the royal brisbane hospital that a large number of consultant doctors have signed a petition stating their intention of mass resignation (like 40 signatories) if the qld childrens hospital is built at the mater in its current proposed form. dont think its going to go ahead guys :) hurrah. -> I hope the government ends up doing it properly and building it at the existing royal kids site.

I was in that sizzler probably like 8 or so months ago. so it had to be after then, obviously

Well I did say "maybe close to a year ago". :)

Yes, it has been closed for quite some time... but I can't help out with an exact date.

I see Northbank has another nail in its well deserved coffin.

But our old mate Soulvision is still in there plugging away, bit like a "everything's alright" message from the Captain of the Titanic. (comment 10)

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/comments/0,23836,23841288-952,00.html

I wonder if they are opening a new one somewhere? It seemed to get a fair bit of patronage, it was just in a den under everything and I felt it was a bit grotty.

As for SV thinking NorthBank will go ahead- until our current QLD gov is out it'll probably go ahead anyway. So don't assume its gone forever :(

I see Northbank has another nail in its well deserved coffin.

But our old mate Soulvision is still in there plugging away, bit like a "everything's alright" message from the Captain of the Titanic. (comment 10)

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/comments/0,23836,23841288-952,00.html

lol. SV is enthusiastic, but a little delusional and naive. At least he isn't half as bad as some of the other members at SSL - they are a friggin nightmare.

word is rife today throughout the royal brisbane hospital that a large number of consultant doctors have signed a petition stating their intention of mass resignation (like 40 signatories) if the qld childrens hospital is built at the mater in its current proposed form. dont think its going to go ahead guys :) hurrah. -> I hope the government ends up doing it properly and building it at the existing royal kids site.

the mass resignations of anaesthatists in '05 at the RBH didn't seem to work out so well for them, i'd be surprised if this does either. what is likely to happen is another sit down and discussion, perhaps a few more services will be left at the RBCH past the original date. i'm really not sure there will be a shift in location for the center for a few reasons:

1) the site is already ready at the Mater, whereas something would have to be demolished at Herston, which would require shift at least some services to already crowded facillities.
2) the presence of the private childrens hospital at the Mater, it's useful for convincing specialists to go partially public while keeping a private practice going.

fkp's new masterplan for newstead riverpark is now on pdonline
max height is 32 floors

Building over the river is such a stupid idea. Is there a thread for North Bank.

Soulvision is really into northbank, he/she has written a wikipedia article on it http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northbank , check out the history of the page.

sizzler is shut in the city?

i used to go there when i was back in school

"Increased hazards in manoeuvring CityCats." - is that some kind of joke? Sounds like Alison is fishing for anything to put this fantastic concept to bed.

Northbank will go ahead, but it just needs some modifications.

Posted by: Soulvision of brisbane 5:24pm June 10, 2008
Comment 10 of 18

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/comments/0,23836,23841288-952,00.html

the mass resignations of anaesthatists in '05 at the RBH didn't seem to work out so well for them, i'd be surprised if this does either. what is likely to happen is another sit down and discussion, perhaps a few more services will be left at the RBCH past the original date. i'm really not sure there will be a shift in location for the center for a few reasons:

1) the site is already ready at the Mater, whereas something would have to be demolished at Herston, which would require shift at least some services to already crowded facillities.
2) the presence of the private childrens hospital at the Mater, it's useful for convincing specialists to go partially public while keeping a private practice going.

^^ lol tell dr steyne that.

I reckon something will be built at mater... but as you say, the likelyhood of just one all encompassing state kids hospital is slowly fading.

i wonder if this extension at Mater has something to do with the development at St Laurences college..

For those who dont know, the school oval which is carved into the side of a cliff, is going to be built on including a auditorium, a massive carpark(for the Mater Hospital) and some other Mater Hospital facility as well, then the Oval is going to be placed on top of all this..

It should be pretty incredible to see once done, pretty sure the Mater Hospital is funding all of it, and have offered to build the underground auditorium and a new oval in a deal which mean the Mater Hospital should have a few thousand more carparks.

http://maps.google.com.au/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=brisbane&ie=UTF8&ll=-27.484931,153.026327&spn=0.002027,0.003304&t=k&z=18

"Increased hazards in manoeuvring CityCats." - is that some kind of joke? Sounds like Alison is fishing for anything to put this fantastic concept to bed.

Northbank will go ahead, but it just needs some modifications.

Posted by: Soulvision of brisbane 5:24pm June 10, 2008
Comment 10 of 18

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/comments/0,23836,23841288-952,00.html

It is a pretty weak argument though. Some of those other comments from readers were funny and some of them were fairly uneducated responses.

Anyone get some pics of the fog this morning? I think its the thickest I've ever seen it in Brisbane (or anywhere I've seen it really). Visibility at times was less than 200m, and it was interesting seeing cargo magically appearing out of the mist as cranes moved around in the city.

Anyone get some pics of the fog this morning? I think its the thickest I've ever seen it in Brisbane (or anywhere I've seen it really). Visibility at times was less than 200m, and it was interesting seeing cargo magically appearing out of the mist as cranes moved around in the city.

Look on Australian Skylines thread.

J

Heading over the Green Bridge this morning I don't think I could actually see the river itself - Visibility getting closer to 100m. Not a morning I would have wanted to be piloting the CityCats.

Are you sure?

I've driven around Brisbane at 3-4am lots of times, even at that hour there is activity, you notice the riverside expressway looks like a still shot that they're just panning around. Even in the dead of night getting it empty for more than 30 seconds or so would be a feat. Granted it's mostly taxi's at that hour. The Busway on the other hand during the week wouldn't be hard to find plenty of time post-midnight where it was empty. Buses only run after midnight on the 2 busy nights. (and then every hour)

Heading over the Green Bridge this morning I don't think I could actually see the river itself - Visibility getting closer to 100m. Not a morning I would have wanted to be piloting the CityCats.

I could see neither the Bridge nor the river at all on Friday morning! :)

Apparently the Sizzler restaurant in the city closed down... can anyone confirm this? I gather it did because of the low revenue it seemed to get! Plus it was a bit dodgy down there.

Noooooooooooooooooooo :cry:

It was one of the quietest Sizzler stores I have been to, even at night. I wanted to go back there if in town again for a bite to eat.

Hey but then again maybe this is a bonus as they might be opening a new store in the city? Or refurbishing the old one? Then again 8 months for refurbishment does seem a long time.

LAST weekend in Sydney, I sauntered around dizzy Darling Harbour on my way to catch a ferry and wondered whether Brisbane had missed the boat.

Darling Harbour embraces a convention centre, Star City Casino and hotel, apartments, theatres, the national maritime museum, an aquarium, shopping arcades, fun parlours and scores of chic waterside restaurants and cafes.

It's a tourist mecca that has helped to revitalise Sydney's inner area.

Other nearby tourist hotspots are Pyrmont Point Park, Cockle Bay and the King Street wharf developments.

Pyrmont wharf is special because it is where millions of migrants first stepped ashore to help kick-start this great nation.

There was a jazz festival under way when I visited and Sydneysiders were basking in the winter sun – and their own magnificence.

Who could blame them?

Meanwhile, in Brisbane, the city was again turning its back on the water.

An imaginative plan to create a waterfront precinct at North Bank on the river appears stuck in the mud.

Unloved and neglected, the riverfront land near the Commissariat Stores is perhaps Brisbane's most historic site.

It's where Captain Miller first stepped ashore in 1825 to begin the penal colony that would be Brisbane.

It's Brisbane's civic birthplace.

Regrettably, it is largely inaccessible.

The strip is boxed in by the freeway and is a dangerous no-man's land. Even the Commissariat is a neglected, lonely relic sitting on one-way William St between Parliament House and nowhere else in particular.

The time has come to reclaim the area and return it to the public realm.

It is not too preposterous to suggest that North Bank could be to Brisbane what Darling Harbour or Circular Quay is to Sydney. However the scaremongers have hijacked the North Bank debate.

The plans have been criticised by anti-development Greens who oppose everything, and by heritage ninnies who look back, but never forward. I'm sure on their reckoning Darling Harbour would not have been built.

And they would have also opposed the lovely Battery Park development in New York, and the the East River rejuvenation project in the same city and a similar project in Boston. These water-based urban renewal projects gave outstanding benefits to their communities.

But, no, Brisbane isn't ready, it seems.

North Bank opponents are especially cranky that the proposal envisages a superstructure supported by 1100 piers and jutting 70m into the water. So what.

Now a secret taskforce set up by the Brisbane City Council has recommended against the development in its current form.

I understand the report took Infrastructure Minister Paul Lucas's department completely by surprise.

And the preferred developer, Brookfield Multiplex, knew nothing of it either.

Nevertheless the three-man taskforce headed by University of Queensland civil engineering doyen Professor Colin Appelt raised five serious concerns.

"A large dead zone underneath the development is likely to accumulate debris and become smelly," the report said.

The committee also warned that sediment might build up, releasing toxins and nutrients into the river.

And the report warned there was a risk the development would cause a deterioration of water quality and probable erosion and loss of mangroves across at South Bank.

The trio also warned of a possible flood threat. Since 1974 the word "flood" has carried distressing connotations for Brisbane people. But the flood threat is not a massive one.

The engineers base their assumptions on worst-case scenario – events that occur every 100 years.

Levels could rise 9cm once in 100 years.

Yes, that's centimetres, not metres.

None of the problems raised by the taskforce are insurmountable.

There are several architectural and engineering solutions available to the developers.

Perhaps the plan will need to be scaled back.

Let's hope they don't throw the baby out with the bathwater.

If the structure over the river has to be reduced, perhaps taller buildings will be allowed to make up for the loss of living and working spaces. Office space is scarce and expensive in Brisbane.

And remember the North Bank project will not cost taxpayers a cent while delivering hundreds of millions worth of "public benefit" infrastructure.

And the taller the buildings, the more open space can be retained on the ground.

Parks and gardens, a seafood market, shops, gyms, and an Olympic pool are planned.

It's also important that North Bank starts a conversation with South Bank Parklands. Both developments should complement each other.

North Bank's fate is likely to be decided next week at a three-day Enquiry by Design workshop hosted by the State Government.

When the architects, developers, the National Trust and planning chiefs gather, they should also consider extending North Bank's footprint to include that significant block of Crown land in William St adjoining the proposed site.

This land between Margaret and Alice streets near Parliament House has often been suggested as possible location for a new state executive building.

With its river views, it would be a prime site for an international hotel.

And Brisbane could certainly use one of those.

*hide* the northbank supporters are multiplying!!! nooooo :ohno:

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,23857977-3102,00.html

Interesting that the Sydney press havent picked up on this. They would love something positve.

On Brisbane itself, it is dissapointing that despite some good proposals that they cannot get anything off the ground at Northbank.

As for the issue of turning it's back on the river, I wouldnt agree, because when you look at developments at Southbank and further downstream, people are taking advantage of what it has to offer. Lovely parks, walkways, cycleways and urban renewal developments at Newfarm and elsewhere give Brisbane residents to live, work and play by the river.

i don't think that the reporter fully understands the significance of a 9cm increase in flood levels.

my understanding is that flood studies are prepared on a wide area basis, and any increase in the flood level could result in flood waters breaching some banks and potentially flooding huge expanses of areas that were previously flood free. council gets very sensitive about even a 2mm increase in flood levels in urban areas, so a 9cm increase is absolutely freeking huuuuge

dodgy mspaint drawing to demonstrate:

http://i32.tinypic.com/34qogb8.jpg

All hysteria aside, providing that North Bank can address the flood and tidal issues, and we recieve a world-class, quality design, then surely everyone will be happy? The concept of North Bank isn't fatally flawed, it's just how you apply the idea and design. The second design Multiplex came up with was mediocre on all levels to be honest. We should be getting a better result than that.

Media is reporting that the current Northbank proposal is dead.
A 3 day enquiry is starting today with 50 architects, engineers etc to discuss the Northbank concept and hopefully come up with a new proposal.