Heritage headaches
How old does a classic timber Queenslander home that so perfectly reflects the neighbourhood’s architectural heritage have to be before it is safe from being “redeveloped” into a four storey, six-bedroom, seven-bathroom mansion?
Older than 122 years if the council approves a development application to build just such a structure complete with golf simulator, cinema, gym, pool, pond, rooftop kitchen, lift, bar, outdoor living and dining areas and seven-car garage on the site of the 1903 vintage home that sits on the corner of Mole Street and Walker Avenue, Teneriffe.
In a similar vein, what would happen to a heritage listed building that became overgrown with ivy which notoriously eats into the mortar holding the whole structure together?
Would it become structurally unstable and eventually demolished to make way for a redevelopment?
Just asking for a friend.
Men’s shed seeks tools
A sense of self-preservation prevents me from going within five metres of power tools but those members of the New Farm and District Men’s Shed Inc are of a more practical bent.
Thanks to the generosity of the Brisbane City Council, after four years they now have a “shed” – the old Ferryman’s Hut at 29 Macquarie Street, Teneriffe.
Alas, they lack the tools to do what men do in a men’s shed and would be grateful for any second-hand power or hand tools – saws, hammers, chisels, drills, sanders – which local residents find are now surplus to requirements.
If so, please call Paul on 3358 2481. He’d love to hear from you.
Longland not the fast lane
Serious consideration must now be given to installing traffic calming devices – speed bumps to most – in Longland Street, Newstead.
It’s become a drag strip for intellectually challenged drivers attempting to compensate for their inadequacies in the bedroom and boardroom by roaring up and down what is a narrow street making as much noise as possible in expensive vehicles they’d love to own but can only afford to lease.
It’s become a problem and needs to be addressed.
River plans ramp up
Amazing how entrepreneurs have suddenly discovered the Brisbane River with Olympic-related plans for water taxis, floating restaurants and hire boats all lauded by the Brisbane City Council.
Here’s another idea. How about using ratepayers’ dollars to build additional boat ramps along the river to allow Mum, Dad and the kids to launch their tinny and enjoy a day on the water? The river is for all of us to use, not just for those who stand to make a dollar from it.
Dense city plans
Five Queensland postcodes feature in the nation’s top 10 density growth hotspots, with 4006 ranking fourth overall, just behind three Sydney suburbs, according to analysis by property forecasters Informed Decisions. The company’s Dan Evans warned that “if you’re trying to release additional supply into areas that are desirable to live in, there’s a tipping point where you can take away the benefits that make an area desirable”.
Really? Who would have thought.
Airport plans come to land
If you are after some light reading you could head to Brisbane Airport’s website and its preliminary draft 2026 master plan which according to Brisbane Flight Path Community Alliance points to 1600 flights a day over Brisbane by 2046.
Flying the flag for Aus
As revealed in last month’s column my patriotic request for an Australian flag as promised by the Commonwealth Government’s website was denied by federal Labor member for Brisbane Madonna Jarrett on budgetary grounds.
My thanks to Brisbane City Councillor for the Hamilton Ward, Julia Dixon, who stepped into the breach and provided your columnist with a flag to fly on behalf of Village Voice readers and which now flaps proudly in the breeze on my balcony. Advance Australia Fair!
