Getting along
Given that it appears to this non-pet owning unit dweller that there are as many apartment-dwelling dogs in the neighbourhood as there are people, it is gratifying to hear that we are all getting along – ruff, bark, howl, whine – famously.
According to the Office of the Commissioner for Body Corporate and Community Management (BCCM), it is now managing fewer adjudications and conciliations than ever before.
From a record high of 107 pet related conciliation applications lodged in 2018 there were just 32 in 2025. There was an even bigger dip in dispute resolutions between neighbours – turn the music down you idiot! – with the number of adjudications dropping by 81 per cent from a record high of 54 in 2017 to a mere 10 last year.
Phone’s physiological fumble
It seems that for one patron of the New Farm library, their automated phone message software has a bit of a teething problem.
This Village Voice reader ordered some books online and received this transcription of the library’s voicemail on her phone: “Please come to the library and pick up these items. This message will now repeat. Hello. This is a message from the library vagina.”
It is believed that there is no one employed at the library who goes by this name. There may be other possibilities but perhaps it is best not to dwell on them.
Can’t see the river for the trees
Those creative tree trimmers have been at it again with a Brisbane City Council sign appearing in Walker Avenue up on Teneriffe Hill, otherwise known as Billionaire’s Row, warning that it “is investigating trees that have been interfered with in this area.”
“These trees belong to the Brisbane Community and form part of the native vegetation of this area which provides habitat support for wildlife. Interfering with protected vegetation is a serious offence,” it reads.
The pesky trees in question mask sweeping views of the river and beyond. If you know anything, call 3403 8888.
Council finances surfacing
According to the Brisbane City Council’s latest financial disclosures, expenditure on road surfacing in the city increased by 20 per cent. On the evidence, precious little of it was spent in the Teneriffe-New Farm-Newstead precinct.
The council’s net debt is now “only” $3.43 Billion. This, apparently, is good news. The not-so-good news is that liabilities rose from $6.29 billion to $6.42 billion between June and December.
Victoria Park changes hands
Those concerned at the fate of Victoria Park in the coming years are wondering at the strategy behind the State Government’s move to very quietly but radically change the status of the park.
Previously it was state land held by Brisbane City Council under a Deed of Grant in Trust for park purposes meaning it was held in trust for the public and could be leased but not sold.
Following amendments to the Major Sports Facilities and Other Legislation Amendment Bill
that trust has been cancelled and replaced with a freehold title vested in the Games Independent Infrastructure Coordination Authority, a statutory body established to deliver Olympic infrastructure.
Interestingly, the government has handed over the entire 64-hectare park and not just the proposed stadium footprint. Why oh why, you might well wonder, would it do that?
Teneriffe Banks start demolition
Demolition work has started on the former Riverside Industrial Sands site in Skyring Terrace to be developed into a high and medium rise residential complex complete with hotel.
This will see the imminent levelling of the green building on the corner of Commercial Road and Skyring Terrace, another piece of the neighbourhood’s rich history which the council has allowed to be reduced to dust. Shame, shame, shame!
