The Carseldine Farmers and Artisan Markets brings together a few of life’s simple pleasures: listening to music, eating, and appreciating art. Every Saturday, locals from Carseldine and neighbouring suburbs like Aspley, Fitzgibbon, and Bridgeman Downs get to unwind at the market located at the old Queensland University of Technology.
Carseldine Markets, which opens 6:00 a.m. and closes at noon, is a five-minute ride from the Aspley Hypermarket. It houses more than 180 stalls for products of every kind. There is a stall for deli lines; Artisan baked breads and pastries, and traditional foods as well as fresh local seafood. There are stalls dedicated for arts and crafts, where visitors could find handmade accessories, soy candles, and wooden toys.
Carseldine’s addition to the list of the best Queensland’s markets does not come as a surprise. Aside from livening up the locals’ weekends, it supports local farmers. One of the most frequented stalls is The Organic Stall, where visitors can delight in farm fresh organics. The owner drives down to the Byron farms every week to hand select his produce.
“There are some delicious food stalls serving great food. Then after breakfast walk through all different types of stalls ranging from fresh foods to flowers, nick nacks, doggie stuff,” suggests Louise, a Brisbane local.
The market offers interesting things to do for people of all ages. Children could have fun in the rides. Dogs will enjoy their day out with the doggy treats available at the market stalls. Free yoga classes are available from time to time, for visitors who want to de-stress from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The Aspley Village Precinct Project of the Brisbane City Council is all set for a 2019 launch after the project team’s presentation of their improved proposal.
In September 2018, the Council introduced this $5.9-million streetscape improvement project which aims to refurbish and revitalise the shopping district at Gympie Road in Aspley. Its main objective is to boost local economic growth within the neighbourhood.
The project is part of Brisbane’s Future Blueprint, which aims to create a city of neighbourhoods with vibrant, connected, and safe centres for both locals and visitors.
Initial Proposal
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council
The initial improvements planned by the Council’s project team for the Aspley Village Precinct Project include:
Upgraded signalised pedestrian crossing on Gympie Road to secure safety in the area. This is still subject for final approval from the Queensland Government.
Upgraded footpaths for improved accessibility, maintenance, and visual amenity.
Realignment of existing pedestrian crossings and placing of additional cautionary tactile pavings on kerb ramps for improved safety.
Additional planting of trees and groundcover plants for improved visual and physical amenities.
Additional street furnitures and public artworks for people to use and enjoy.
Community Consultation
The community consultation period was completed in September 2018. All the feedback and ideas given by the concerned members of the community were collected through an online survey and three community consultation sessions.
At present, the council is still developing its updated proposal as a response to the feedback given by the community. The new and improved proposal is expected to be released soon.
Satellite View of Aspley Village Precinct Project.
Photo credit: Google Maps
What’s Next
Onsite construction will follow after the presentation of the project team’s improvement proposal. With both time and weather permitting, it will be ideal for construction to begin early of 2019 and be completed by the end of the year.
To ensure minimal disturbances occurring during the construction phase of the Aspley Precinct Project, the Council will conduct a consultation meeting amongst the businesses located in the shopping centre. By doing so, the Council also safeguards the shops’ access during their business hours.
Two expressions of interest (EOIs) invitations have been opened to find developers who will deliver high-quality and well-designed homes and retirement and aged care accommodation at Carseldine Urban Village.
“We’re conducting a two-stage competitive process to make sure we have the skills and experience on site to deliver the diverse living options needed to achieve our vision,” Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said in his statement.
“One EOI is calling for builders to join a panel to be able to build terrace homes at Carseldine Urban Village, while the second EOI is seeking interest from developers and retirement operators for land available to purchase and develop,” Mr Dick said.
The 9,000+-sqm retirement site could contain around 150 mixed dwellings for all levels of mobility.
“It’s also great to see there’s an emphasis on affordability, and the adoption of sustainable features such as rooftop solar and battery storage systems,” Member of Aspley Bart Mellish said.
“Planning for the urban village has focused on creating a well-connected community where residents can walk between residential and recreational areas, with ample transport options available.
“By ensuring the streetscape is attractive and inviting, with wide footpaths and shady trees, the resulting development will be an area that every local can enjoy.”
Shortlisted EOI proponents will be invited to submit a request for proposal (RFP). By May 2019, the final builder panel of successful proponents is expected to be announced. The announcement of the successful developer(s) for the retirement site, on the other hand, will be by mid-2019.
Flythrough animation of Carseldine Urban Village
Video Credit: Brisbane Development / YouTube
About Carseldine Urban Village
The Carseldine Urban Village proposal will transform the former Queensland University of Technology grounds into a sport and recreation, residential, commercial and retail precinct. Over a span of four years, the redevelopment will be undertaken in four stages, with the $35-million Stage 1 scheduled to commence late 2019. The Stage S, which is already underway, will deliver sport and recreation precinct and is expected to be completed by mid-2019.
The approved master plan development application and Stage 1 will feature terrace homes and a proposed retirement site, public spaces, and three intersection upgrades—Zillmere Rd and Dorville Rd, Beams Rd and Dorville Rd roundabout.
Forty-one submissions were received by Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) during the public notification with traffic congestion being one of the key issues identified during consultation.
“We’ve heard the community, we’re acting on their feedback, and these intersection upgrades will be beneficial for local residents,” Bart Mellish-Member for Aspley said.
“We’re also committed to the ongoing protection of native flora and fauna, and the rehabilitation of Cabbage Tree Creek.
“Thirty new termite and rot proof nesting boxes will be installed in existing bushland, providing shelter for gliders, parrots and bats, while further conservation measures are to be introduced as works progress,” Mr Mellish said.
Aspley ranks among the most liveable and most affordable suburbs in Brisbane, the latest property report revealed. The report released for Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Hobart uncovered a few other surprises as well.
For liveability, the several aspects were considered such as low crime rate; proximity (within a 5-km radius) to amenities such as schools, green space, public transport, shopping centres, and health care facilities; and an unemployment rate on par or lower in comparison to the State’s average.
Three suburbs, within a 20-km radius of the CBD, stood out as the most liveable and affordable hotspots in Brisbane for homes: Aspley, Everton Park, and Geebung — all north of Brisbane; a stark contrast to previous reports, where hotspots were distributed in all regions of Brisbane.
Affordable and Liveable Hotspots Suburbs in Brisbane for Houses
Suburb
Median Price*
Rental Yield
Future Projects**
Aspley
$600,000
3.9 %
2.0 million
Everton Park
$605,000
3.8 %
6.9 million
Geebung
$545,000
3.9 %
7.6 million
Source: PRDNationwide / prd.com.au
*Median price captures sales transactions from 1 January 2018 to 30 September 2018
**Project Development (Future Projects) is based on an aggregate of estimated construction value for residential, commercial, industrial, mixed-use, and infrastructure projects scheduled to commence in the 2nd half of 2018.
National Overview – Affordable and Liveable Guides – Second Half 2018
Considering the facts: median price growth of 1.3% since 2017, rental yield of 3.9% ( above Brisbane average of 3.8%), low vacancy rate of 1.9%, and project developments worth $2.0 million, Aspley is a highly-desirable suburb to invest in now.
Among the most liveable cities, Brisbane and Sydney are tied at the top spot with an average liveability cost of 3 percent. Melbourne and Hobart follow with 10 percent and 12 percent respectively.
Affordability wise, Brisbane houses, with a price tag of $500,000 or less, have become more accessible, increasing from 10.6 percent in the 2nd half 2017 to 12.4 percent in the 2nd half of 2018. For the same period, premium houses ($2 million and above) have dropped from 1.1 percent to 0.0 percent.
Affordability vs. Liveability
Capital City
1st Half of 2018
Premium
2nd Half of 2018
Premium
Liveability Cost
House
Units
House
Units
House
Units
Average
Brisbane
60 %
30%
75%
20%
15%
-10%
3%
Melbourne
60 %
40%
95%
25%
35%
-15%
10%
Hobart
72%
40%
100%
35%
28%
-5%
12%
Sydney
135%
80%
160%
60%
25%
-20%
3%
Source: PRDNationwide / prd.com.au
Accessible Suburbs by Price Range
Price Range
2nd Half 2017 report
1st Half 2018 report
2nd Half 2018 report
BNE
SYD
MELB
BNE
SYD
MELB
BNE
SYD
MELB
$0 – $500K
10.6%
0.0%
11.2%
10.6%
0.0%
1.9%
12.4%
1.4%
1.4%
$500K-$800K
52.9%
1.4%
37.5%
52.9%
0.9%
21.4%
51.4%
3.7%
21.7%
$800K-1M
18.0%
7.4%
16.2%
21.2%
6.9%
14.6%
20.5%
9.3%
18.9%
$1M – $2M
13.8%
51.6%
27.2%
11.1%
52.6%
52.4%
12.4%
56.3%
50.5%
$2M+
1.1%
33.6%
4.2%
1.1%
35.8%
9.7%
0.0%
25.6%
5.2%
Price Range – Hobart
2nd Half 2017 report
1st Half 2018 report
2nd Half 2018 report
$0 – $350K
28.6%
26.1%
8.2%
$350K- $500K
28.6%
26.1%
24.5%
$500K – $650K
28.6%
21.7%
32.7%
$650K – $800K
10.7%
19.6%
24.5%
$800K+
3.6%
6.5%
10.2%
Source: PRDNationwide / prd.com.au
Other surprises in the Affordable & Liveable Property Guide 2nd Half 2018 report include:
All the affordable and liveable suburbs in Sydney had negative annual median price growth, a first since 2015; a sign that the Sydney property market is already cooling down.
All affordable suburbs in Hobart failed to meet the liveability criteria; an indicator that there is already a strong need to address the liveability aspects in these affordable spots.
Melbourne, among all capital cities, has turned out to be the most resilient in terms of price growth and ease of satisfying the affordable areas’ liveability aspects.
Aspley Special School is one of the 30 state schools that will pilot the newly launched Container Refund Scheme (CRS).
The Container Refund Scheme offers a ten cent refund on every eligible container. This includes containers made from glass, plastic, aluminium or liquid paperboard and can range in size from 150ml to 3L.
“This is a fantastic scheme and one that I would love to see school communities from across the state get behind,” Education Minister Grace Grace said.
Ms Grace also said that the government is providing a $1000,000 grant towards the $150,000 total cost for P&Cs Queensland‘s pilot program. The program seeks to find out the best ways for schools to get involved and maximise the benefits from the CRS.
Participating State Schools
Under the plan, participating schools will trial ways to collect containers within their school communities. Everyone associated with their school, including parents and carers, students and teachers can get involved in the project.
“P&Cs Qld will report back to the government by mid-2019 on the success of the pilot project and we hope to use these findings to encourage more schools to join the scheme,” said Ms Grace
Apart from Aspley Special School, the following state schools are also participating in the pilot program:
Cairns
Balaclava State School
White Rock State School
Yorkeys Knob State School
Townsville
Currajong State School
Pimlico State High School
Townsville Central State School
Townsville Community Learning Centre
Townsville South State School
Woodstock State School
Toowoomba
Harristown State High School
Highfields State School
Brisbane Southside
Chatswood Hills State School
Kimberley Park State School
Loganholme State School
Mansfield State High School
Mansfield State School
Robertson State School
Rochedale South State School
Shailer Park State High School
Envirobank – Bag Drop Pilot
Brisbane Northside
Albany Creek State School
Aviation High
Earnshaw State College
Eatons Hill State School
Mitchelton State Special School
Nundah State School
Wooloowin State School
Sunshine Coast
Mountain Creek State High School
Gold Coast
Bellevue Park State School
Coombabah State School
Ms Grace is positive that most Queensland schools will benefit from this scheme. Currently, CRS aims to increase the approximate 40 per cent recycling rate Queensland has now to upwards of 80 per cent. Such an increase in the recycling rate was observed in other countries when financial incentives are offered to recycle containers.
P&Cs Queensland Container Refund Scheme Pilot Program
P&Cs Qld President Gayle Walters said they were very excited to be partnering with the State Government to get schools involved in the innovative scheme.
“We see the Container Refund Scheme pilot program as an ideal opportunity to establish on-site donation points in Queensland state schools and we will be working with Refund Point Operators on a sustainable and safe plan to maximise benefits flowing to these schools,” Ms Walters said.
“The scheme has the potential to provide invaluable education for our students on caring for their environment as well as providing a real boost to P&C funding.”
Read more about P&Cs Qld’s pilot program from their official CRS website.
Brisbane City Council is expanding the Fitzgibbon sports precinct at Telegraph Road to include netball courts for district-grade competitions.
With the expansion, the $7 million project would address the shortage of netball facilities in the city’s northern suburbs, said Lord Mayor Graham Quirk. The project also aims to meet the growing need for community sporting facilities. Beginning in mid-2019, the construction works of the extension will commence whilst the project completion is expected by 2020.
“The Bill Brown Reserve Sports Park will provide more leisure and lifestyle opportunities, creating more to see and do in Brisbane,” Cr Quirk said.
“Council is committed to creating a sporting hub at Fitzgibbon and in the past four years has already delivered a new aquatic centre, the city’s first BMX track and a skate plaza, “ he said.
The project involves the addition of four netball courts with lighting, an 80-plus carpark, a new roundabout pathways to the adjoining facilities, and a new recreation-purposes green space. The sports precinct expansion is part of the $40 million sporting package to be spread across Brisbane.
Video Credit:Team Quirk/Facebook
Apart from Fitzgibbon, the Council will also deliver:
A new netball precinct at Wakerley
A synthetic hockey field at Chermside
A synthetic soccer field at Mitchelton
A golf course at Cannon Hill
Two new sports parks at Rocklea and Windsor
Additional two new synthetic sports fields
“With more than 1000 clubs and 220,000 players, sport is a crucial aspect of what makes Brisbane a great place to live work and relax,” Cr Quirk said
The initiative was welcomed by Bracken Ridge Ward Councillor Amanda Cooper as it would provide training opportunities for local netball clubs including the Ridgettes. Clubs that do not have their own facilities for training, such as the Ridgettes, are forced to hire netball courts at local schools for their training,
“These new netball courts at Bill Brown Reserve will not only provide training facilities available both during the day and in the evenings, but will also allow more social netball games for the community,” Cr Cooper said.
“Netball continues to be one of the most popular social sports in our community, but until now our community has not had enough facilities to accommodate games,” she concluded.
Have you already been to the Bracken Ridge Skate Plaza in Fitzgibbon? If not, then you should check this place out; a perfect destination for a day out with the kids.
The Bracken Ridge Skate Plaza and the newly opened Bracken Ridge BMX Track facility sit right next to the Emily Seebohm Aquatic Centre. These new facilities are perfect for skaters, scooters, and BMX enthusiasts of any age and ability.
The Bracken Ridge Skate Plaza, designed by skatepark designer and builder Convic, boasts of competition standard facility with a range of unique features to cater to the advanced and those who want to develop their skills.
Photo credit: Jack “Ripper” Lewis/Facebook
Bracken Ridge Skate Plaza features:
skate obstacles including ledges, rails, banks, spines and gaps
transitions including various quarter pipes and roll-ins to enhance usability and flow
unique structures including a skateable planter box, pole jam and pyramid
lighting installation to facilitate night time use of the park
a shelter, seating and trees to provide shade.
Photo credit: Convic/convic.com
It’s great to know, as well, that these facilities are free to use and enjoy. Children of all ages will definitely have lots of fun here riding their three-wheeled scooters, bikes, or skates. With a covered area of 1,000 sqm, it provides plenty of room to move around plus the Emily Seebohm Aquatic Centre nearby to swim and cool down after a day of activities at the plaza.
Now, for those who want a levelled-up kind of fun, there’s the 640-metre Bracken Ridge BMX track to try and test your skills. The BMX facility features:
an asphalted track with freestyle jumps for recreational riding
a shade shelter
installing signage
landscaping
lighting
drinking fountain and rubbish bins
pedestrian pathway connections to Telegraph Road and the precinct car park
Photo credit: Convic/convic.com
The Bracken Ridge BMX Track is one of the biggest BMX tracks in Australia and it’s open to the public all-year-round. Both the Bracken Ridge Skate Plaza and the BMX Track are fully flood-lit during night time and there is also a large onsite free parking.
Check out the Bracken Ridge Skate Plaza and BMX Track, located at 523 Telegraph Road, Fitzgibbon.
Stage S construction of the Carseldine Urban Village Project has officially started in October 2018.
The approved stage S will deliver several sports fields. These include three soccer fields, two grass volleyball courts, a turf cricket pitch and practice nets, and two tennis/basketball courts.
Photo credit: dsdip.qld.gov.au
Moreover, the new sports precinct will offer a variety of activities and expand uses that will benefit the wider community. Activities that will be available include BBQs, shade and seating, children’s playground, and exercise equipment. The precinct will also have new amenities block and over 120 new carparks.
The government approved the stage S development application in May 2018. Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said, “the precinct will promote health, happiness and wellbeing and Economic Development Queensland has undertaken extensive community consultation to ensure the right facilities are provided for the community”.
The civil contractor that will deliver the work is BMD Constructions and the new precinct will be open to the public in mid-2019.
The Carseldine project will redevelop the former Queensland University of Technology (QUT) campus grounds. The project aims to deliver an urban village that provides over four hectares of new, purpose-built sport and recreation facilities. It will also be offering a range of residential, commercial and retail uses. The revitalisation project will also retain 75 per cent of existing bushland.
The new urban village promises to provide opportunities for the community and attract investment as well as deliver jobs and economic growth.
Photo credit: dsdip.qld.gov.au
Furthermore, the project will retain the government office precinct (with approximately 900 workers), Carseldine Markets, and C&K Childcare Centre as part of the master plan.
Construction of Stage 1, which will include a boulevard entrance as well as the subdivision of three master lots, will commence upon the completion of Stage S in early 2019.
A new professional BMX facility, one of the largest in Australia, has opened in Bracken Ridge to add to the growing number of destination attractions in Brisbane.
A first for Brisbane, Lord Mayor Graham Quirk refers to the professional BMX circuit as part of Brisbane City Council’s commitment to creating a new lifestyle and leisure opportunities.
“The $2.3 million Bracken Ridge bicycle motocross track is the first of two dedicated off-road freestyle and racing facilities to accommodate BMX enthusiasts and create more to see and do in Brisbane,” Cr Quirk said.
The 5,700-sqm track was designed by a specialist team, including experts behind the London Olympics BMX competition tracks. The facility has entry, intermediate, and advanced level runs catering to junior and experienced riders. The facility features 640 metres of asphalt track with freestyle jumps with obstacles of heights varying from 40 cm to 160 cm.
Video credit: Team Quirk/Facebook
“We want Brisbane riders ranging from beginners through to professional riders, to have a high-quality track to learn to ride on, practice new tricks, improve skills or prepare for a BMX race.
“There are currently no large, dedicated BMX facilities across Brisbane, and many talented young riders do not have the facilities to hone their skills to a competitive or professional level.
“This purpose-built track, together with one opening at Darra in mid-2019, will be available for up and coming BMX riders to do workshops and practice their techniques.”
“We are a lifestyle city, which is why Council is committed to creating more to see and do in Brisbane, and providing more recreation facilities in our local parks,” Cr Quirk concluded.
“In addition to the riding facilities, the precinct is benefitting from 30 additional car parking spaces and lighting at the track and skate plaza until 10pm.
“A special artwork designed two local artists Cezary Stulgis and Benjamin Reeve, has also been installed at the facility, as part of the Brisbane Canvas initiative,” she said.
The REIQ recently reported the latest housing market statistics which showed Aspley median house price hitting $600,000, up 2% from the last 12 months. The figure is an impressive 26.3% increase over the last 5 years. In the 2nd quarter of 2018, there were 33 homes sold in the suburb.
