Category: Homepage Latest News

What the Hospital Rescue Plan Means for Prince Charles Hospital

Queensland has announced the Hospital Rescue Plan to address growing pressure on the state’s health system, promising three new hospitals, a new Queensland Cancer Centre, and major upgrades at 10 existing facilities. The plan, announced this week, aims to correct years of mismanagement and bring long-term improvements to healthcare delivery across the state.

Read: The Prince Charles Hospital Expansion Moves Ahead in Chermside

Among these expansions is a significant upgrade to The Prince Charles Hospital, which will receive at least 93 new beds and a broader expansion to meet growing patient demand in Brisbane’s north. The investment aims to boost capacity and reduce pressure on emergency departments and elective surgery waiting lists.

Hospital Rescue Plan
Photo credit: The Prince Charles Hospital/Google Maps

The plan follows the release of an independent review into past hospital infrastructure projects, which highlighted serious issues in planning and delivery. According to the review, several projects were developed with limited preparation time—some in as little as six weeks—and governed in a way that placed unrealistic timelines ahead of other critical considerations. This approach led to cost blowouts, missing services, and late-stage design flaws.

The Prince Charles Hospital project was identified as one of the most affected, currently running $428 million over budget. The review noted a “disproportionally high number of scope risks and unresolved scope decisions,” warning that these unresolved elements could continue to push costs higher.

Hospital Rescue Plan
Photo credit: The Prince Charles Hospital/Google Maps

Despite the challenges, the review supported the continuation of the current stage of the Prince Charles Hospital project, while recommending a thorough reassessment before moving forward with stage two. The aim is to ensure that future stages are delivered with stronger planning and oversight.

Locals and healthcare workers have long called for an expansion of The Prince Charles Hospital, which serves as a major referral centre for cardiac and respiratory care in the state. The upgrade is seen as vital to future-proofing services in Brisbane’s growing northern corridor.

Read: The Prince Charles Hospital in Chermside Saves Mum’s Life with Groundbreaking Transplant

As Queensland’s population continues to grow and age, the stakes for getting hospital infrastructure right are higher than ever. The Hospital Rescue Plan, if delivered with the care and diligence promised, could mark a much-needed reset—starting with getting projects like Prince Charles Hospital back on stable ground.

Published 24-January-2025

Local Restaurant Guide – 4032

From sizzling mains to sweet finishes, Chermside’s dining scene is full of surprises. We’ve scouted the top spots earning rave reviews of places where people don’t just eat, they celebrate their meals. If you’re looking for your next go-to, these local favourites deserve a place on your list.

1. The Bavarian Chermside

ABOUT THE BAVARIAN CHERMSIDE
4.6 Google rating

Gympie Rd, Chermside QLD 4032

MENU
BOOK A TABLE
SOCIAL MEDIA

Google Reviews

Michael Ladilaw
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
WE ABSOLUTELY LOVE OUR BAVARIAN RESTAURANTS. Shame that the Rockhampton branch has folded recently. This one is very quiet, but it is an extremely wet day. Enjoyed the meals just the same. Chicken schnitzel is to die for and the burgers go down well also. Cheers big ears

Leoni van Nieuwenhuizen
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Huge portion sizes and friendly staff. Bavarian platter could have easily been enough for a family of 4. Pork snitchel was as big as my 10year olds head

Lok Lowe
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Booked online for the 2 for 1 Tuesday schnitzel special for our lunch date. Friendly & prompt service and the servings were generous sizes… We left with full & contented tummies and will definitely be coming back again.

2. El Camino Cantina Chermside

ABOUT EL CAMINO CANTINA
4.6 Google Rating

Gympie Rd, Chermside West QLD 4032

MENU
BOOK A TABLE
SOCIAL MEDIA

Google Reviews

Federico Arboleda
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I recently had the pleasure of dining at El Camino, a fantastic spot that truly knows how to serve up a delicious meal. The manager, Efendi, was incredibly welcoming, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere from the moment I walked in. The highlight of my meal was the tacos – they were absolutely amazing! Fresh, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned, each bite was a delight. A huge shoutout to the chef for crafting such a memorable dish! The combination of quality ingredients and expert preparation really stood out. Whether you’re a taco lover or just looking for a great meal, El Camino is definitely a place to check out. Highly recommended

Samuel
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We ordered the taco tower and Our waitress Kate was incredible. She made sure we were looked after during our dining time, fish and chicken tacos were the best and again Kate’s service topped the night off! Thank you Kate and staff

Nikki Maree
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Alejandra was amazing!! She gave our table great service and fit our vibe perfectly 💕 Am definitely coming back here for the Tex-mex deal! Bottomless margaritas, amazing wings, tacos and churros! You can’t go wrong.

3. Motto Motto Japanese Kitchen

ABOUT MOTTO MOTTO JAPANESE KITCHEN
4.6 Google Rating

Westfield Chermside Cnr Gympie &, Outdoor Dining Precinct
Level 2 Hamilton Rd, Chermside QLD 4032

MENU
SOCIAL MEDIA

Google Reviews

Grace Wilson
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The classic tonkotsu ramen is my favourite in motto motto It’s perfect for me anytime of the day or season. Service is very good especially with their staff name Chisato. She is a gem!

Mitch Cole
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
AWESOME! Great selection of food, Service very prompt and friendly, and such an awesome atmosphere! – Tried their new katsu curry this time, it was amazing!!

Amanda chah75
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We went together with our baby today. The Unagi Don and the Ramen was so yummy! And we would like to say thank you to the waitress, Chisato who made our day! Chisato was so lovely, she kindly offer us the baby chair, super helpful and super friendly. Highly recommended!

4. Bombay Bliss

ABOUT BOMBAY BLISS
4.4 Google Rating

634 Gympie Rd, Chermside QLD 4032

MENU
BOOK A TABLE
SOCIAL MEDIA

Google Reviews

Krishna Chandra
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Great food choices. Friendly atmosphere and beautiful Indian music to accompany a pleasant dining experience. My best choice is biryani and a big choice of Indian sweets. Love this place and we strongly recommend it to everyone.

Aashika Khadka
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Today I get biryani chicken and goat it was so delicious i definitely recommend chicken and goat biryani is in a brisbane …. the staff friendly …. service andquality then others places Staff look after everything 😍😍😍that i love it everything is perfect.. its too hot today outside but she having smile on face and serving food to my family

Moira Mahony
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Late lunch on a Tuesday: it’s a tiny cute cafe with authentic decor and indoor & outdoor tables. I had lamb samosas, which were tasty and had great pastry covering. The Bengali gulab jamun were sweetly spiced, and good mango lassi. My friend had Kashmiri rogan josh, with the gulab jamun and mango lassi. The rogan josh lamb was tender, and all the spices could be tasted at once; good. Would come again.

5. Thai Ayuthaya

ABOUT THAI AYUTHAYA
4.3 Google Rating

Chermside Place, 725 Gympie Rd, Chermside QLD 4032


Menu
Book a Table
Social Media

Varun Sanil
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
The food is great value for money.. and lots of veggies. Perfect balance of taste, cost and portion sizing. Green curry is a must try! Very strong flavours and aromas.

John McKenna
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very enjoyable meal with friends last night. Service was prompt and a great selection. Coconut prawn entree and Masaman beef melt in your mouth were my favourites. Will definitely be back.

John Burgers
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fried rice with seafood was absolutely delicious, and I have tried quite a few Thai fried rices around Brisbane. Will recommend to anyone who is partial to Thai 🙏👍 Only thing that brings the atmosphere down 1 star is the proximity to the road, otherwise perfect dining experience 🤌

Gympie Road Named Among Brisbane’s Worst Peak-Hour Routes

A new report from RACQ has identified a section of Gympie Road as one of Brisbane’s most congested peak-hour routes, with traffic experts urging immediate action to address worsening delays across multiple northern suburbs.

Read: Chermside Crash: Driver Allegedly Flees After Multi-Vehicle Collision

The affected stretch, between Hamilton Road and Rode Road, spans just 0.85 kilometres but impacts a few suburbs along the busy corridor — including Chermside. During weekdays, from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m, the average speed along this section has slowed to just 26 km/h, marking a -31.9 per cent drop since 2019 (with 38.2 km/h average speed)

Photo credit: Google Street View

RACQ’s head of public policy, Dr Michael Kane, said the situation on Gympie Road is a clear sign that urgent planning and intervention are needed. He pointed to the broader implications for the region’s transport system and suggested that solutions such as expanded Brisbane Metro services, stronger links to Brisbane Airport, and better cycling infrastructure should be prioritised.

He noted that while many Queenslanders are looking forward to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, public support will likely grow further if people begin to see lasting transport improvements as part of the event’s legacy.

Photo credit: Google Street View

Dr Kane also highlighted the absence of a cohesive, long-term transport strategy for South East Queensland. He said gaps in the region’s ring road network are forcing excessive traffic into the CBD, exacerbating congestion and impacting both productivity and quality of life.

Read: Enforcement Cameras Coming to McDowall to Tackle Illegal Parking

The latest findings from RACQ add to growing calls for investment in future-ready infrastructure to ensure Brisbane’s transport network can support a growing population and ease pressure on key commuter corridors like Gympie Road.

The report also serves as a reminder that while major infrastructure projects are often planned with future events in mind, it’s the everyday experience of commuters that reflects whether these investments are truly meeting public needs.

Published 14-April-2025

Enforcement Cameras Coming to McDowall to Tackle Illegal Parking

In a proactive move to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance safety, Brisbane is expanding its enforcement measures to include McDowall’s Mayer Street and Metro Street, both situated near the bustling Chermside area. 

Read: Brisbane’s Suburban Shift: Why Chermside is Poised to Thrive

This initiative involves the installation of signage and enforcement cameras to deter illegal parking practices that have been a source of concern for residents and commuters alike.

Photo credit: Google Street View

The decision to target these specific streets comes in response to a significant number of complaints regarding vehicles parked illegally in clearways, no-stopping zones, bus zones, loading zones, and areas marked with yellow lines. Such infractions not only disrupt the smooth flow of traffic but also pose safety risks to pedestrians and other road users.

Photo credit: Google Street View

A recent trial conducted by the Council revealed substantial non-compliance in certain areas, leading to congestion and forcing motorists to navigate around improperly parked vehicles. The success of this trial has prompted BCC to extend the use of enforcement cameras to additional locations, including the 16 newly identified sites across the city.

Councillor Sarah Hutton, Chair for City Standards, noted the importance of adhering to parking regulations, stating that illegal parking can significantly reduce road capacity and cause delays for numerous commuters. She urged motorists to consider the broader impact of their parking choices, noting that even brief stops in prohibited areas can have substantial consequences on traffic flow and safety.

Mayer Street, McDowall (Photo credit: Google Street View)

Local residents have expressed support for the initiative, hoping it will lead to more disciplined parking behaviors and a reduction in traffic issues. The installation of enforcement cameras is anticipated to serve as a deterrent against illegal parking, thereby contributing to a safer and more efficient transportation environment in the area.

Read: Chermside Man Plans New Car Surprise for Wife with $75,000 Windfall

As Brisbane continues to grow, such measures are crucial in maintaining order on the roads and ensuring that the city’s infrastructure can accommodate the increasing number of vehicles. Brisbane’s commitment to addressing parking violations reflects its dedication to enhancing the quality of life for all residents and visitors.

Published 9-April-2025

Increase in Flu Cases Reported Across Queensland’s Metro North Hospitals

Hospitals in Queensland’s Metro North region are grappling with a significant surge in flu cases, with Queensland Health reporting numbers that are 3.1 times higher than the average for this time of year. 

Read: The Prince Charles Hospital in Chermside Saves Mum’s Life with Groundbreaking Transplant

Metro North hospitals include The Prince Charles Hospital in Chermside, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in Herston, Caboolture Hospital, Redcliffe Hospital, Kilcoy Hospital, and the Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS) in Herston.

The Prince Charles Hospital (Photo credit: Metro North Health)

The spike in cases has led to immense pressure on the healthcare system, with some families experiencing the strain firsthand. One mother of three described the difficulty of having two of her children admitted to different hospitals due to a shortage of available beds, all while she was battling the flu herself.

Health experts warn that the current wave of respiratory illnesses is particularly severe. Dr Krispin Hajkowicz, an infectious diseases specialist at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, highlighted that 2024 has seen significant increases in cases of COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, and pertussis (whooping cough). 

Dr Hajkowicz noted that while some respiratory illnesses follow a predictable seasonal pattern, others have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to unpredictable spikes.

Photo credit: PIRO/Pixabay

In previous years, Queensland has seen RSV peak in autumn, followed by flu in winter, and other viruses like human metapneumovirus (HMPV) emerging in spring. However, ongoing disruptions mean that respiratory disease patterns remain erratic. COVID-19, in particular, has yet to settle into a seasonal pattern, continuing to spike unexpectedly.

According to the Health Department, rhinovirus—the common cold—was the most frequently reported illness last year, accounting for about one-third of cases. Influenza and COVID-19 followed closely, with RSV making up 8.1 per cent of cases and HMPV at 7.8 per cent.

Metro north
Photo credit: Myriams-Fotos/Pixabay

Medical professionals stress the importance of preventive measures, especially for young Queenslanders who may have missed routine exposures during the pandemic that could have strengthened their immune systems. Vaccination remains a key tool in reducing the spread and severity of infections like flu, pneumonia, and whooping cough, which can be particularly dangerous for infants and other high-risk groups.

Read: Prince Charles Hospital Foundation to Stop Serving Strawberry Sundaes at Ekka

As hospitals continue to manage the surge, authorities urge residents to take necessary precautions, including staying up to date with vaccinations, practising good hygiene, and seeking medical advice early if symptoms worsen. With respiratory illnesses placing increasing strain on the healthcare system, early intervention and preventive care remain crucial in reducing severe cases and hospital admissions.

Published 22-March-2025

Chermside and Surrounding Suburbs Eligible for Cyclone Alfred Recovery Grants

Photo Credit: CrDanitaParry/Facebook

Residents in Chermside and neighbouring suburbs impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred can now apply for disaster recovery payments. Financial assistance available through relief programs.

Read: Chermside Library Among Brisbane Libraries Facing Program Reductions

Chermside disaster relief due to flooding
Caption: Flooding in Huxtable Park, Chermside West due to Cyclone Alfred.
Photo Credit: CrDanitaParry/Facebook

Background: Cyclone Alfred’s Impact

Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has caused widespread disruption across south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales. It prompted the activation of government relief measures. The Australian and Queensland authorities have jointly announced financial assistance for affected individuals and families, particularly in the Brisbane Local Government Area, including Chermside and Chermside West.

Available Financial Assistance

Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP)

The AGDRP provides a one-off, non-means-tested payment. It offers $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per child for those significantly affected by Cyclone Alfred. This financial aid aims to assist short-term recovery efforts for individuals and families.

CHECK ELIGIBILITY

Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA)

Workers and sole traders in the impacted areas who have lost income due to the cyclone can apply for the Disaster Recovery Allowance. It provides up to 13 weeks of financial support, paid fortnightly (maximum $1,007 per fortnight).

State Grants

Residents in Chermside and Chermside West may also be eligible for state-level financial assistance, including:

  • Emergency Hardship Assistance: Up to $180 per person or $900 per family to cover essential needs such as food, clothing, and temporary accommodation.
  • Essential Services Hardship Assistance: Available after five days without essential services such as power, water, or gas. Grants range from $150 per person to $750 per family.
  • Essential Household Contents Grant: Financial aid between $1,765 for individuals and $5,300 for families to replace essential household items lost due to the cyclone.
  • Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme: Up to $4,200 for uninsured homeowners to restore electricity, gas, water, and sewage services.
  • Structural Assistance Grant: Uninsured, low-income homeowners can receive up to $80,000 to repair or rebuild cyclone-damaged homes.
Flooding in Downfall Creek
Caption: Flooding in Downfall Creek, Chermside West due to Cyclone Alfred.
Photo Credit: CrDanitaParry/Facebook
CHECK ELIGIBILITY

How to Apply for Assistance

Residents in Chermside and other affected suburbs can apply for financial aid through myGov or call 180 22 66. Queensland-specific grants can be accessed through the Community Recovery Hubs or contact 1800 173 349.

Community Response and Recovery Efforts

Community Recovery Hubs have been set up in affected areas. It aims to support and guide residents navigating the financial aid process. Due to the high volume of applications, processing delays are expected, but efforts are underway to expedite relief distribution.

LOCATE THE NEAREST COMMUNITY RECOVERY HUB

Next Steps for Chermside Residents

Read: New Five-Storey Unit Building Proposed for Chermside

Chermside and Chermside West residents are encouraged to check their eligibility. Residents are urged to apply for available relief payments. The financial assistance aims to support affected communities in rebuilding and recovering from Cyclone Alfred’s impact.

Published 13-Mar-2025

Kedron Wavell Club to Shelter Residents as Cyclone Alfred Threatens SEQ

Residents in Chermside and surrounding suburbs are being urged to prepare as Kedron Wavell Club is designated as a temporary refuge shelter ahead of Cyclone Alfred’s approach to southeast Queensland. The club, located on Kittyhawk Drive, is one of three emergency shelters set to receive evacuees from 7:00 a.m. Thursday, 6 March. With Alfred gaining strength, authorities warn the worst may be yet to come.

Read: Evacuation Facilities in Chermside and Chandler: What to Bring and Where To Go With Pets

Evacuation Centres Open as Cyclone Alfred Inches Closer

Kedron Wavell Club is among three temporary shelters opening across Brisbane to provide a last-resort safe space for residents who have nowhere else to go. Other locations include RNA Showgrounds in Bowen Hills and Chandler Arena at Sleeman Sports Complex. These shelters will accept evacuees until 12:00 p.m., after which they will lock down for safety reasons.

Authorities stress that these shelters offer only basic amenities—there will be no beds, cooking facilities, or catering. Residents are advised to bring their own non-perishable food and water. Anyone seeking refuge must register upon arrival and provide identification.

With Alfred’s impact expected to intensify, Brisbane City Council urges at-risk residents to evacuate now rather than wait until conditions worsen.

Cyclone Alfred Landfall Delayed, Strengthening Still Possible

As of 1:00 a.m. on 6 March, the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) reported that Cyclone Alfred was located 325 kilometres east of Brisbane, moving slowly northwest at 7 km/h. Initial predictions had the system making landfall on Thursday night, but forecasters have now widened the expected arrival window to Friday afternoon.

Weather experts warn that Alfred could strengthen into a Category 3 cyclone before landfall, with wind gusts reaching up to 155 km/h near its core. Destructive 120 km/h gusts are expected across the warning area, spanning from Double Island Point (north of the Sunshine Coast) to Grafton in northern NSW.

More concerning than the wind, however, is the potential for severe flooding. Reports also indicate that Cyclone Alfred has slowed down, delaying its landfall and giving Brisbane residents a brief reprieve from the worst of the weather today. While this means less intense conditions on Thursday and more time to prepare, the downside is that the longer the system remains over water, the stronger it can become.

Slow-moving cyclones dump rain in the same areas for extended periods, leading to dangerous flash flooding and storm surges. If the cyclone stays slow-moving upon landfall, Brisbane could face prolonged exposure to damaging winds and heavy rainfall. Forecasts still show the system tracking toward the city, though authorities remain hopeful for a last-minute shift away from populated areas.

Some regions could see 300 to 400 mm of rainfall in a single day, with total rainfall surpassing 800 mm in flood-prone areas.

Flood Warnings and Transport Disruptions

Flood alerts have been issued for approximately 6,000 properties across the Gold Coast, while evacuation warnings have been issued in parts of northern NSW, including Pottsville, Fingal Head, and Chinderah. In Lismore, a town still recovering from devastating floods three years ago, fears are growing that its levee system may not hold under the extreme rainfall expected in coming days.

Public transport services across southeast Queensland shut down at midnight on 6 March. This includes:

  • CityCat and ferry services suspended until further notice.
  • Buses ceasing operations from 6 March.
  • Story Bridge footpaths closed since 5:30 p.m. on 5 March.
  • More than 1,000 schools shut down for safety reasons.

In addition, waste collection services are suspended, and libraries, pools, and community halls are closed until further notice. Energex has warned that widespread power outages could last one to two weeks in severely impacted areas.

Stay alert and keep track of the latest developments regarding Cyclone Alfred:

BRISBANE EMERGENCY DASHBOARD

Emergency Response and Community Support

Authorities have mobilised emergency response teams, with ADF personnel and swift-water rescue teams on standby. More than 125,000 sandbags have been distributed, and additional emergency supplies have been pre-positioned to assist in recovery efforts.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli assured residents that disaster response plans were already in motion. He noted that Queensland’s experience in handling natural disasters would ensure that assistance and recovery efforts begin as soon as conditions allow.

Read: Chermside Library and Downfall Creek Centre Offer New Recycling Options

With conditions expected to worsen throughout Thursday and Friday, officials urge residents to finalise preparations, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay updated via official emergency channels.

Published 6-March-2025

Chermside Library Among Brisbane Libraries Facing Program Reductions

Families who regularly visit Chermside Library are noticing changes to their favourite early literacy programs as Brisbane adjusts its budget for library services. 

Read: Half a Million Visits: How Chermside Library Became Brisbane’s Second-Favourite Library

Popular sessions such as Books, Babies & Rhymes (BBR) and Toddler Time have been reduced, impacting parents and caregivers who rely on these programs for their children’s early learning and social development. Both programs are part of First 5 Forever, a statewide initiative aimed at building strong early literacy foundations for Queensland children aged 0-5 years. 

Photo credit: Naina Kaylin/Google Maps

Previously held three times per week, Books, Babies & Rhymes has now been cut to two sessions per week, currently scheduled on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Toddler Time, which was previously held twice a week, has been reduced to just one session, now running on Fridays. These reductions came into effect after December 25 as part of broader adjustments across Brisbane’s library network.

Photo credit: Paul Hayes/Google Maps

The reductions have left some families disappointed, with many seeing these programs as an important opportunity for children to engage in structured learning, develop social skills, and foster a love of books from an early age.

A recent e-petition, which recently closed, gathered more than 1,300 signatures from community members calling for the full reinstatement of First 5 Forever story time sessions at Brisbane’s public libraries.

Concerns from Library Staff

Photo credit: Si Vi/Google Maps

Similar cuts have occurred at other libraries across the city, including reductions to the First 5 Forever program and various community activities. Library staff have reported increased workloads and concerns over future changes as Council implements further budget measures.

A recent workplace survey conducted by The Services Union revealed significant dissatisfaction among library workers. The results showed that 96.9 percent of respondents felt workplace changes had been poorly planned, while 82.1 percent believed the way Council is implementing these changes is negatively impacting their psychosocial health. Additionally, 52.7 percent of surveyed staff members indicated they were considering leaving their roles due to the strain on their well-being.

Read: Chermside Library and Downfall Creek Centre Offer New Recycling Options

Despite these adjustments, Brisbane libraries remain committed to providing essential services to the community. Parents and caregivers in Chermside are encouraged to check the updated schedules and explore alternative programs available at other branches.

Published 4-March-2025

New Five-Storey Unit Building Proposed for Chermside

Photo Credit: DA A006624446

Plans for a five-storey residential building, featuring twenty-one-bedroom units, have been proposed for 84-86 Wallace Street, Chermside. The development seeks to replace two existing houses on the corner site.

Read: Chermside Welcomes 34 New Homes for Seniors and Essential Workers

Building Specifications

New Five-Storey Unit Building Proposed for Chermside
Photo Credit: DA A006624446

The proposed structure will reach a height of 19 metres and consist of single-bedroom dwellings, each designed with individual outdoor courtyard spaces ranging from 16.64 to 20.42 square metres. 

The plans include a new driveway and 25 car parking spaces, some of which will be reserved for visitors. The development site covers 1,900 square metres.

Site Features and Amenities

New Five-Storey Unit Building Proposed for Chermside
Photo Credit: DA A006624446

A significant portion of the grounds, totalling 157 square metres, or 14% of the entire site, is allocated for landscaped deep planting in both the front and rear setbacks.

The building will occupy 56.28% of the site, exceeding the council’s accepted site coverage of 45%. The ground floor will house a lobby area, and a 188.97 square metre communal rooftop space is planned for residents.

Read: Affordable Downsizer-Friendly Projects Shape The Future of Chermside

Modifications and Approvals

New Five-Storey Unit Building Proposed for Chermside
Photo Credit: DA A006624446

The two current residential houses on the property will be demolished to make way for the new building. The development application is now under review by the council, and approvals are required before any construction work can commence.

Published Date 27-Feb-2025

Chermside Library and Downfall Creek Centre Offer New Recycling Options

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Every year, thousands of household items that could be recycled end up in landfill, contributing to environmental harm. A new trial program aims to change that, with community recycling hubs now open at Chermside Library and Downfall Creek Bushland Centre to collect materials often overlooked in regular recycling bins.

Read: Brisbane Netball Clubhouse Revamp to Move Forward After Approval

The Community Recycling Hubs allow locals to drop off items that typically cannot be recycled in household bins, such as blister packs, CDs, DVDs, cosmetic packaging, and small e-waste. This initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce landfill waste and provide accessible recycling options in Brisbane suburbs.

A New Recycling Trial for Chermside Locals

The new recycling hubs at Chermside Library and Downfall Creek Bushland Centre in Chermside West are part of a pilot project introduced in Brisbane. The trial aims to measure ease of use, collection volume, and recycling feasibility for a range of household waste materials. If successful, this program could expand to more locations across the city.

With over 50 Council-operated community recycling hubs already available across Brisbane, these trial locations offer an enhanced drop-off experience for residents. Unlike standard recycling hubs, which accept limited materials, these trial sites accommodate multiple household items, making it easier for residents to dispose of everyday waste responsibly.

What Can Be Recycled?

Each trial hub accepts different materials, so residents are encouraged to check the Council website or on-site signage before dropping off items. Commonly accepted materials include:

  • Blister packs, which will undergo mechanical separation to extract aluminium and plastic.
  • CDs and DVDs, which will be broken down for plastic recycling.
  • Cosmetic packaging, sorted into plastics, metals, and glass before being repurposed into building materials.
  • Small e-waste, such as cables and accessories, processed for metal and hard plastic recovery.
  • Mobile phones, which will have components extracted, including glass, aluminium, and valuable metals.
  • X-ray films, chemically processed to recover silver and plastic.

The program ensures these materials do not end up in landfills, where they could take decades to decompose. Instead, they are sent to specialist recycling partners for repurposing into new products.

How to Use the Recycling Hubs

Residents can collect their recyclable items at home and bring them to the Chermside Library or Downfall Creek Bushland Centre. Items must be clean and empty, and only household quantities are allowed, with a maximum of 20 items per category per visit. Items should be placed in the correct designated bins, ensuring efficient sorting and recycling.

Community Recycling Hubs Chermside
Photo Credit: BCC

What If the Hub Doesn’t Accept Certain Items?

For items that are not accepted at the trial locations, such as vapes and e-cigarettes, Brisbane residents can visit Council resource recovery centres for proper disposal. Additionally, many retailers offer special recycling programs for products like batteries, ink cartridges, toys, and gardening tools.

Residents can also check the Brisbane Bin and Recycling App, Planet Ark Recycling Near You, or the Recycle Mate website for more drop-off points and recycling solutions.

Read: Prince Charles Hospital Foundation to Stop Serving Strawberry Sundaes at Ekka

Published 24-February-2025