Rockpool Reveals New Plans for $43-M Carseldine Aged Care Facility

The residential aged care provider Rockpool is currently in the midst of planning an all-new, eco-friendly aged care facility in Carseldine — one that is estimated to cost a total of $43 million. 



Rockpool Residential Aged Care aims to create the first 5-star Green Star rated aged care community in Australia by working with the Queensland State Government to set up a new facility in Carseldine Urban Village, a zero energy emission community. 

The proposed aged care facility, which will be six storeys high and capable of housing up to 150 residents, can be split into five separate communities optimised for small-scale living. Each of these communities will contain 30 beds for its residents, a lounge area, and a dining area. 

Due to the smaller size of each room, in tandem with their separation to create unique communities, they make for environments reminiscent of traditional homes. Though the facility itself will be large, the residents will still be close. 

Render of the proposed aged care facility.
Photo credit: Rockpool

The six-storey development, if approved, will be built from the ground up, with costs reaching a total $43 million. Construction alone is estimated to bring in 120 new jobs to the local community, scheduled to begin in May 2021 and finishing sometime in October 2022. 

Carseldine Urban Village can be found at 532 Beams Rd, Carseldine. To learn more about Rockpool Residential Aged Care, visit their website. Follow their Facebook page for the latest updates and announcements concerning their proposed facility. 

Carseldine Village Terrace Homes Will be 100% Solar Powered

Carseldine Village, the ongoing residential development on Beams Road, will be using 100 percent solar power, enabling the homeowners to cut down on their electricity expenses. 



The State Government recently announced that the terrace homes development will be “zero net energy emission homes” and will greatly help Queensland achieve the targetted 50 percent renewable energy by 2030. 

“All the Carseldine Village terrace homes and the Oxley Songbird detached residential dwellings homes will come with solar PV, battery storage systems, heat pump hot water systems, WiFi air conditioning and will be electric vehicle charger ready,” Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said. “This could save owners up to $1,600 per year off their power bills.”

Photo Credit: Carseldine Village
Photo Credit: Carseldine Village

The same zero net energy emission system is also being adapted at Songbird Oxley, another government-led residential development in the western suburbs. 

A landmark deal between Natural Solar, Australia’s largest solar battery installer, and U.S. tech company, Tesla, was recently signed as well, which will deliver Tesla Powerwall packages to the Oxley homes, saving the residents $2,000 per year.



“Homeowners at Songbird Oxley can expect to save up to $2000 per year, delivering a return on investment in around 5 years. With solar, you typically generate more energy than you need, so by combining it with the Tesla Powerwall, it can be stored and used when needed,” Natural Solar CEO Chris Williams said.

Mr Miles said that they are hoping more builders and developers will aspire to develop zero-emission homes following these two innovations.

Beams Road Overpass Project to Unveil Business Case in Early 2021

Plans for the construction of a significant local road in Carseldine are moving along as the government expects to unveil its business case for the Beams Road Overpass project in early 2021. 



The business case should incorporate feedback from the public and the experts in designing the Beams Road Overpass versus its cost estimates following the end of the community consultation in October 2020.

Workers from the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) have done on-site investigations to check if the ideas received during the community sessions are possible. 

Photo Credit: TMR

The preferred design underscores the following benefits and impacts:

  • completely remove the rail level crossing
  • includes active transport paths for walking, bike riding and mobility devices.
  • potential to impact residential properties
  • will reduce the number of car parks at the existing Carseldine park ‘n’ ride, however, this impact will be offset by the development of a new park ‘n’ ride area on the eastern side of the rail line

The road that will connect the northern suburbs communities aims to improve travel time and safety, as well as ease the congestion for commuters. Once the business plan is completed and released, the TMR aims to start the overpass construction by late 2021.



A commitment of $128 million from the Queensland Government in June 2020 accelerated this project, which will also ental upgrades to the Carseldine park ‘n’ ride. Brisbane City Council and the Australian Government have also set aside funding, rounding up the total investment to $248 million.

For questions and comments about the Beams Road Overpass project, contact the project team on metropolitanregion@tmr.qld.gov.au or phone (07) 3066 4338.

Carseldine Village: Stage 1 Completion Target Set for February 2021

Stage 1 of the Carseldine Village project, fast-tracked by the Queensland Government in mid-2020, could meet its targetted completion date in February 2021, allowing the first set of homeowners to move into the facility by the middle of the year.



Construction of the Carseldine Village Stage 1 includes the 53-terrace residential units, the aged care facility, and road upgrades to three nearby intersections to improve access and traffic flow. The project has brought on over 60 local jobs for the civil works and an additional 50 jobs for the construction of the terrace homes. 

The precinct has been dubbed as the “first residential development in Queensland to commit to delivering net zero energy emission homes with energy saving features.”

The terrace homes will incorporate solar power, heat pump hot water systems, smart-phone controlled home airconditioning system and a garage with an electric vehicle charger. 

Photo Credit: Carseldine Village

Whilst Stage 1 has been progressing, civil and electric work has begun in December for Stage 2. This next project will add 49 more terrace homes to the village and should be completed by the yearend. 

Photo Credit: Carseldine Village

In January 2020, the village opened the four-hectare sports and recreational facility, The Green.

Developed for community use, The Green’s facilities include three soccer fields, two tennis/netball courts, two volleyball courts, half-court basketball, all abilities playground, yoga lawn, fitness equipment, BBQ area, changing rooms with public toilets, shaded seating and 120 car parks. 



Carseldine Village is on the former QUT Carseldine campus, which has been closed since 2008. In 2012, the site became a Government Office Precinct but four years later, plans to redevelop the site into a mixed use space with dwellings was lodged with the Council.

Carseldine Hosts Inaugural Barktoberfest

You’ve got to love community markets in Brisbane since they’re usually pet-friendly, but a Carseldine market will take things to the next level by dedicating the entire market space to everything pets. Dubbed the Barktoberfest, this pet-lover’s dream market will open in Carseldine on Saturday, the 12th of Oct 2019.

Hosted by Carseldine Markets with the help of the Animal Welfare League, Barktoberfest will feature over 150 stalls for your furry best friend (and for you, too!). Expect your pup to be zooming for heaps of gourmet pet food available at the market whilst you “ooh” and “aww” at the adorable pet fashion merchandise. 

Photo Credit: Carseldine Markets/Facebook


Bring home a keepsake of this memorable event by having your puppy portrait done at one of the stalls. Since Barktoberfest will open from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., competitions, entertainment, workshops on pet care, and other arts and crafts activities will be happening around the clock. 

If you’re not a pet owner yet or you’re looking to add to your brood, drop by the Adoption Zone to meet your potential fur family and go home with a new loyal companion! 

Barktoberfest requires no entrance free so bring the whole family, including your four-legged pal, of course, to experience this fun time. 



Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge Coming to Cabbage Tree Creek in Carseldine

The State Government will build a $1-million pedestrian and cycle bridge across Cabbage Tree Creek. The project aims to improve accessibility to the  Carseldine station, Aspley State High School, and the currently under construction Carseldine Urban Village sport and recreation precinct.

The bridge will divert pedestrians, mostly Aspley State High School students, away from nearby roads and provide a safe way for them to access transport and sporting activities

“While it is discouraged, we know that students and residents regularly use a water pipe to cross the creek, or they walk along the busy Dorville and Beams Roads,” Member for Aspley Bart Mellish said in his announcement.

.Photo Credit: Bart Mellish MP / bartmellish.com

“Soon though, they’ll be able to walk or cycle across a new footbridge, allowing them to move seamlessly between the school, the sports fields and Carseldine train station.

“The new bridge will also connect to existing cycling infrastructure around Cabbage Tree Creek.

“The proposal includes lighting, so we’ll have a better and safer integration of the school, the village precinct and the broader community, and we’ll see more people on their bikes, using public transport, and taking advantage of our green space, which is a real win for the community,” Mr Mellish said.



Aspley State High School Principal Jacquita Miller welcomed the announcement of a new bridge as it will “create an opportunity to supplement the school’s current sports facilities with the new Carseldine Urban Village sports precinct during major sporting carnivals.”

“It will also encourage students to take part in extra-curricular sporting activities outside of what the school offers, enhancing a healthy lifestyle and broadening their community connections,” Ms Miller said.

Construction of the project will commence later this year and is expected to be finished by early 2020. Funding will be provided through the State Government’s Growth Area and Regional Infrastructure Investment Fund amounting to $900,000 as well as an additional $100,000 coming from Queensland’s Department of Education.

Carseldine Markets: Fresh Produce, Live Music, and Lots of Delight to Grab Interest

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.

For more information, visit the Carseldine Markets website and Facebook page.



Carseldine Urban Village Proposal: Locals Are Invited to Have Their Say

The deadline for the submissions regarding the Carseldine Urban Village proposal is drawing closer. Local residents have until 20 September to let the government know what they have to say. The formal public notification for the Stage 1 development proposal started 9 August.

The Urban Village proposal will develop the former Queensland University of Technology grounds into a sport, residential, and commercial precinct. However, seventy-five per cent of the existing bushland will be retained. To be undertaken in four stages over four years, the redevelopment will deliver 900 homes, as well as commercial, retail space, and recreation and sports facilities.

Carseldine Urban Village
Photo credit: Queensland Government/haveyoursay.dsdmip.qld.gov.au

The $35 million Stage 1 will include a tree-lined boulevard entrance and the subdivision of three master lots. Around 50 homes will be built along with a proposed retirement site. The retirement site could contain a mix of 150 townhouses and apartments for different levels of mobility.

Credit:Brisbane Development/YouTube
Along with the mentioned developments, the application also seeks preliminary approval of the master plan and three external intersection upgrades. The external intersections to be upgraded are Zillmere Rd and Dorville Rd, Beams Rd and Dorville Rd roundabout, and the Carseldine Station Park’n’Ride entry on Beams Rd.

Once completed, the redevelopment project will provide some 600 job opportunities to the locals as well as attract investments. The project will not affect the government office precinct and its 900 workers, Carseldine Markets, and C&K Childcare Centre.

Carseldine Urban Village
Photo credit: Queensland Government/haveyoursay.dsdmip.qld.gov.au

“Several comprehensive reports, including a traffic impact assessment, stormwater management and ecology report, have been undertaken to ensure the proposed urban village is designed and planned with the surrounding environment front-of-mind,” Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said in a statement last 4 May 2018.

“All reports and information are available online now through Economic Development Queensland’s development assessment website. I encourage the community to read the detailed information which the development proposal is based around, and have their say,” Member for Aspley Bart Mellish said.

The  Stage 1 development application can be viewed here (refer to DEV2018/932) : www.dsdmip.qld.gov.au/pda-da-applications

Have your say about Carseldine Urban Village by visiting: www.qld.gov.au/carseldine

Lacey Road Park Now a Designated Launch Area for Drones in Carseldine

After Brisbane City Council’s successful six-month trial of 10 Brisbane parks, Lacey Road Park is now considered as a designated launch area for drones in Carseldine.

In December 2017, several parks across Brisbane have been chosen to include designated areas for flying drones and other remotely piloted aircraft recreationally. These areas are now designated as permanent sites for launching drones.

Lacey Road Park, Carseldine
Lacey Road Park, Carseldine Photo credit: www.brisparks.com.au

Environment, Parks and Sustainability Chairman Cr David McLachlan said the Council’s trial for flying drones in Brisbane parks is a response to the increasing demands from hobbyists. The trial is also part of the Council’s commitment to creating more lifestyle and leisure opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy in Brisbane.

According to Cr McLachlan, drone users who took part in the six-month trial have provided positive feedbacks and hundreds of people have been taking advantage of these designated areas to take off land their drones that are up to 2 kilograms.

“More than 700 people provided feedback to Council following the trial and 80 per cent of those support Council in providing spaces in parks for the launch and landing of drones,” Cr McLachlan said.

drone
Photo credit: CC0 Creative Commons/DroneImagineNation/Pixabay

The Council has determined that the selected parks will remain available to drone users. They will also look for additional sites that could be leased by clubs for drone racing and fixed-wing aircraft activities.

The following conditions are set by the council when flying drones in the designated parks:

CASA regulates the flying of drones and other remotely piloted aircraft when they are in the air. Drone users can review the CASA rules for flying drones recreationally on the CASA droneflyer website. These rules must be followed at all times when flying from Council parklands.

As the land owner/manager, Brisbane City Council is in charge of regulating the launching and landing of these aircraft from Council land.

drone
Photo credit: CC0 Creative Commons/Pok Rie/Pexels

Furthermore, Cr McLachlan said, “Mini-drones that are less than 500g can be launched from any Council park, so long as users comply with CASA restrictions, flight-restricted areas for the Brisbane Airport, Archerfield Airport and helipads.”

Aside from Lacey Road Park in Carseldine, drones that weigh between 500 grams to 2 kilograms can fly in these designated launch areas:

  • The Common Park in Coorparoo;
  • Preston Road Park in Carina;
  • Carindale Recreation Reserve;
  • Canterbury Park in Bald Hills;
  • Lacey Road Park in Carseldine;
  • Wishart Community Park;
  • Voyager Drive Park in Kuraby;
  • Moggill Ferry Reserve; and
  • Keperra Picnic Ground Park

For more information, visit Brisbane City Council’s flying drones in Council parks page.