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Cox Park Pickleball Court Construction Set To Start Amid Community Concerns

Work on new pickleball courts at Cox Park in Lota is set to begin on 27 July, with Brisbane proceeding with the park upgrade following months of community discussion. While the project will deliver new sporting facilities and additional green space, some nearby residents remain concerned about the location of the courts and their potential impact on the surrounding neighbourhood.

Read: Whites Rd Residents Oppose Plans For New Childcare Centre In The Area

The works, scheduled to run until September, will replace the former netball courts with courts marked for pickleball, along with two new seats for players and spectators. According to Cr Alex Givney, the replacement courts have been relocated further into the park so they are more than 50 metres from nearby homes. The former netball courts will be removed and replaced with turf, creating additional green space for park users.

The construction area will be fenced off while works are underway, with construction taking place on weekdays between 7am and 5pm. Brisbane City says disruption to park users is expected to be minimal during the upgrade.

The project comes as pickleball continues to grow in popularity across Australia, with the sport recognised as one of the country’s fastest-growing recreational activities.

Residents Continue To Voice Concerns

Cox Park — Photo credit: Google Street View

The project follows severa l months of discussion among nearby residents and members of the local pickleball community, with some residents continuing to oppose the proposal despite changes to the design.

Residents have raised concerns about the proximity of the courts to nearby homes, the distinctive sound produced during pickleball games and whether Cox Park is an appropriate location for the facility. Some residents have also questioned whether there was sufficient community consultation before the project moved ahead.

Earlier this year, Cr Givney acknowledged that communication with residents could have been better and apologised for not engaging the community as effectively as intended. She later met with nearby residents to discuss the proposal and said community feedback helped shape the final design.

Among the changes made was relocating the replacement courts further away from residential properties in an effort to reduce potential impacts on neighbours. The upgrade will also see the old netball courts replaced with lawn, increasing the amount of open green space available within the park.

Read: Lota Park Tree Poisoning Investigation Continues as Community Demands Answers

The proposal has also attracted support from members of the local pickleball community, who say dedicated courts would provide more opportunities for residents to play the sport. Supporters said the facilities would help residents stay active and provide another space for the growing local pickleball community.

Construction is scheduled to finish by 18 September, weather permitting. Once complete, the project will deliver new pickleball courts, additional seating and expanded green space at Cox Park.

Published 22-July-2026

Major BMX Racing World Championships Near the Bayside Cut Short

Photo Credit: 2026 UCI BMX Racing World Championships - Brisbane/Facebook

The 2026 UCI BMX Racing World Championships ended early when strong winds forced organisers to cancel the elite finals at Chandler.

The event was due to take place at the Brisbane SX International BMX Centre on Sunday, 19 July 2026. However, strong westerly winds made the track unsafe. Riders could not begin the final rounds, and officials waited to see whether conditions would improve.

The Union Cycliste Internationale, known as the UCI, later cancelled the remaining elite races. The decision brought an unusual end to a major international sporting event at Chandler.

Completed results decide the medals

With no finals completed, officials used results from the last completed rounds to decide the medals.

Great Britain’s Bethany Shriever claimed the elite women’s title after recording the fastest qualifying time of 36.585 seconds. The result gave Shriever her fourth BMX world title. She had previously won in 2021, 2023 and 2025. Australia’s Saya Sakakibara took silver with a time of 36.908 seconds. Dutch rider Laura Smulders received bronze.

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Sakakibara misses her final chance at gold

Sakakibara entered the Brisbane championships as one of the leading contenders in the women’s event. The 26-year-old won gold at the Paris Olympic Games in 2024 and hoped to claim her first elite world title before an Australian crowd.

She advanced through Saturday’s racing and held the second-fastest time before the weather stopped further competition. After receiving silver, Sakakibara said she remained proud of the lap she completed. She also acknowledged that the result hurt more because the championships were held at home.

She had hoped to win gold but accepted that the weather was outside the riders’ control.

The local crowd also left a strong impression on her. Sakakibara said the support from spectators at the start hill made the occasion special despite the disappointing finish.

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Asmus claims elite men’s title

For Australian rider Jesse Asmus, the completed results were enough to secure the elite men’s title.

Asmus became the world champion after setting the fastest time in the completed racing. He finished ahead of Great Britain’s Ross Cullen and France’s Mathis Ragot Richard. The title marked a major step in his career. Asmus had won his first Australian national title only three months earlier.

Still, the result brought mixed feelings.

Asmus said the win felt different because he did not race across the finish line in front of the home crowd. Even so, he recognised the title as an important achievement. He had also watched the weather forecast before Sunday’s program. As a result, Asmus treated Saturday’s laps as if they might decide the championship. He focused on recording clean and fast times while racing could continue. His leading time later proved enough to secure the rainbow jersey.

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Jolly adds another Australian world title

Queensland rider Josh Jolly also secured a title through his strong qualifying performance.

Jolly won the under-23 men’s world title after recording the fastest completed time in his category. He posted 33.681 seconds. The result followed his move to Brisbane earlier in 2026. Jolly relocated to train in Queensland and work alongside riders including Asmus. The victory became his second BMX world title. He had previously won the junior men’s championship in the United States in 2024.

Australia also collected medals in the junior events. Cameron Gatt won silver, while Isla Basa secured bronze. The national team had faced an earlier setback when Izaac Kennedy crashed during practice on Friday. The crash ruled him out of the championships.

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Chandler event adds to Brisbane 2032 experience

The championships also drew interest as Brisbane prepares to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032.

The BMX centre at Chandler showed how the venue handled a major international competition. The cancellation also highlighted the value of allowing extra time for weather delays. The World Championships did not have a spare day for the elite finals. Organisers also needed to prepare for the next stage of the program.

By comparison, the Olympic BMX program is expected to include a contingency day for weather delays and this may allow racing to continue later when unsafe conditions interrupt competition.

Racing continues at Chandler

Although the elite world titles ended early, the wider championships continued at the Brisbane SX International BMX Centre.

Challenge and Masters racing was scheduled from Wednesday, 22 July, to Saturday, 25 July, as part of an event involving more than 3,000 riders. These events bring together riders from many countries across a wide range of age categories. Asmus also remained at the venue in a team management role. He planned to support younger Australian riders through their events.

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Published 20-July-2026

East Brisbane Area Sports Results 17-19 July 2026

AFL

Toyota AFL Premiership

Sat, July 18, 2026 (Optus Stadium, Perth • Whadjuk) – Toyota AFL Premiership – Men – Round 19

• West Coast Eagles 69 | Brisbane Lions 93

QAFL

TPIL Lawyers

Sat, July 18, 2026 (Kombumerri Park / Neptune Homes Oval 1) – TPIL Lawyers QAFL – Men – Round 15

• Broadbeach QAFL Seniors 68 | Coorparoo QAFL Seniors 61

Sat, July 18, 2026 (Dittmer Park / Southside Toyota Oval) – TPIL Lawyers QAFL – Men – Round 15

• Mt Gravatt QAFL Seniors 46 | Morningside QAFL Seniors 128

Sat, July 18, 2026 (Jack Esplen Oval / Jack Esplen Oval 1) – TPIL Lawyers QAFL – Women – Round 15

• Morningside QAFLW Seniors 24 | Aspley QAFLW Seniors 35

Sat, July 18, 2026 (Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex / Neil Upton Oval) – TPIL Lawyers QAFL – Women – Round 15

• Maroochydore QAFLW Seniors 13 | Coorparoo QAFLW Seniors 17

FQPL

Sat, July 18, 2026 (St Georges Park (St George Willawong FC)-Field 1) – FQPL1 – Men – Round 19

• St George Willawong 0 | Caboolture Sports FC 0

Sun, July 19, 2026 (John Fredericks Park (Capalaba FC)-Field 1) – FQPL1 – Men – Round 19

• Capalaba FC 0 | Holland Park Hawks 0

NPL

Sat, July 18, 2026 (Croatian Sports Centre (Gold Coast Knights)-Field 1) – NPL – Men – Round 19

• Gold Coast Knights 1 | Wynnum Wolves 2

Sat, July 18, 2026 (Heath Park (Eastern Suburbs FC)-Field 1) – NPL – Men – Round 19

• Eastern Suburbs 1 | Magic United 4

Sun, July 19, 2026 (Goodwin Park (Olympic FC)-Field 1) – NPL – Men – Round 19

• Olympic FC 3 | Brisbane Roar B 1

Fri, July 17, 2026 (Croatian Sports Centre (Gold Coast Knights)-Field 1) – NPL – Women – Round 23

• Gold Coast Knights 6 | FQ Academy QAS 0

Sun, July 19, 2026 (John Fredericks Park (Capalaba FC)-Field 1) – NPL – Women – Round 23

• Capalaba FC 0 | Eastern Suburbs 0

NBL1 North

Fri, July 17, 2026 (Hibiscus Sports Stadium) – NBL1 North – Men – Round 14

• South West Metro Pirates 91 | Mackay Meteors 95

Sat, July 18, 2026 (Auchenflower Stadium) – NBL1 North – Men – Round 14

• Brisbane Capitals 98 | Southern Districts Spartans 110

Sat, July 18, 2026 (Hibiscus Sports Stadium) – NBL1 North – Women – Round 14

• South West Metro Pirates 64 | Mackay Meteorettes 88

Sat, July 18, 2026 (Auchenflower Stadium) – NBL1 North – Women – Round 14

• Brisbane Capitals 75 | Southern Districts Spartans 83

QRL

Sat, July 18, 2026 (BMD Kougari Oval, Brisbane) – QRL – Hostplus Cup – Men – Round 18

• Ipswich Jets 22 | WM Seagulls 52

Sat, July 18, 2026 (Totally Workwear Stadium, Brisbane) – QRL – BMD Premiership – Women – Round 7

• Brisbane Tigers 22 | Western Clydesdales 14

Sat, July 18, 2026 (BMD Kougari Oval, Brisbane) – QRL – BMD Premiership – Women – Round 7

• WM Seagulls 14 | Mackay Cutters 16

Chandler BMX Program Maps Nine Days Of Racing

Photo Credit: 2026 UCI BMX Racing World Championships

The Chandler BMX program will move from championship practice and finals into four Challenge competition days, bringing riders from more than 40 nations to the Brisbane SX International BMX Centre.

Running from Friday, 17 July to Saturday, 25 July, the 2026 UCI BMX Racing World Championships will divide its nine-day schedule between the Championship and Challenge programs.

Three Days Decide The Championship Titles

The opening Friday will place the championship field on the track for official practice from 10am to 2pm.

Meet Your Heroes Day will run alongside the session, with selected members of the Australian team taking part in appearances, signing sessions and a live question-and-answer program.

Qualification will follow on Saturday, 18 July. Riders are scheduled on the track from 9:10am until 4pm, with the first race beginning at noon.

The Championship finals and awards will be held on Sunday, 19 July. Track activity will run from 9:50am to 3pm, and the first race is again scheduled for noon.

Sunday’s winners will earn the right to wear the UCI rainbow jersey until the following world championships. The jersey carries bands of blue, red, black, yellow and green.

*Photo Credit: 2026 UCI BMX Racing World Championships*

Australian Riders Face An International Field

Olympic champion Saya Sakakibara and Gold Coast rider Izaac Kennedy are among the Australians identified as contenders in Chandler.

Sakakibara has won the past three overall UCI BMX Racing World Cup titles. She moved back to the Gold Coast and has spent more time riding the Brisbane track before the world championships.

Kennedy won a Brisbane World Cup round in 2024 before claiming the overall series title that year. He followed that result with silver at the 2025 UCI World Championships.

Defending women’s world champion Bethany Shriever arrives with three world titles and an Olympic gold medal from Tokyo 2020.

The women’s field also includes Canadian Molly Simpson, who won the opening round of the 2026 World Cup, five-time European champion Laura Smulders and Olympic bronze medallist Zoé Claessens.

Alongside Kennedy, the men listed to watch include Eddy Clerté of France, Dutch rider Jaymio Brink, Swiss champion Loris Aeberhard and Colombia’s Diego Arboleda Ospina.

Aeberhard recorded his first two World Cup victories in consecutive rounds before Brisbane. Arboleda Ospina collected the third World Cup win of his career during the opening weekend of the 2026 series in Sarrians, France.

The competing-nations list covers Australia and more than 40 other national teams from across Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa and Oceania.

Chandler BMX Program Continues With Challenge Racing

After the Championship finals, Challenge practice will take over the track on Monday, 20 July and Tuesday, 21 July.

Car parks will open at 7am on both days, followed by spectator entry at 7:30am and track activity from 8am.

Challenge competition begins on Wednesday, 22 July and continues for four consecutive days. The first race is scheduled for 10am each day, with awards included in every competition-day program.

Riders will be on the track until 4pm on Wednesday and Thursday. Venue closing is scheduled for 4:30pm on both days.

Friday’s track program will run until 4:20pm, followed by a scheduled venue closure at 5pm. The final Saturday session will place riders on the track until 3:55pm, with the venue due to close at 4:30pm.

All closing times may change if racing is delayed.

Eight-Metre Start Ramp Shapes The Trackside View

The Brisbane SX International BMX Centre includes an eight-metre start ramp, placing riders above the opening section of the course before the gate drops.

Each start follows a random delay of between 0.1 and 2.7 seconds. Riders then receive four lights and four beeps, with the gate beginning to fall on the fourth signal.

Once racing begins, riders can pedal at up to 220 revolutions per minute, approaching four complete rotations each second.

Ground-pass spectators will watch from trackside areas between the start hills and Turn 3. Grandstand seats run along the finish straight, while outdoor screens will operate between Turns 1 and 3 and near the awards stage.

Another screen will be available inside the Anna Meares Velodrome, which also provides seating and undercover protection away from the track.

Entry, Transport And Venue Facilities

About 40,000 spectators are expected across the nine-day event.

Parking at Sleeman Sports Complex and the Belmont Shooting Complex must be booked in advance. Bus routes 250 and 270 stop at the Sleeman Centre on Old Cleveland Road, and bicycle parking will be available near the Brisbane Aquatic Centre.

Ticket QR codes will be scanned through the AXS app. Visitors will also pass through security screening, including bag checks, when entering the venue.

Food and drink outlets, free water refill points, first aid, accessible toilets and an accessible viewing platform will operate within the precinct. Pram storage and baby-change facilities will also be available.

Umbrellas and camp chairs are not permitted. Smoking and vaping are prohibited within the ticketed area, with a separate designated area outside the perimeter.

The published schedule remains subject to change, including adjustments caused by racing delays.

Published 15-July-2026

Chandler BMX Weekend Opens With Rider Access And Family Day

Photo Credit: 2026 UCI BMX Racing World Championships

Before the world titles are decided, the Chandler BMX weekend will give spectators a close look at championship practice, seven Australian riders and a qualifying day accompanied by family activities.

Final Practice Brings Australian Riders Closer To Fans

Meet Your Heroes Day will begin the public program at the Brisbane SX International BMX Centre on Friday, 17 July.

Spectators will be able to watch the championship field complete its official practice between 10am and 2pm, providing an early view of the riders before qualification and finals racing begins.

The Australian appearance line-up features Olympic champion Saya Sakakibara and four-time Olympian Lauren Reynolds, who are scheduled to take part in a live question-and-answer session.

Meet Your Heroes Day — *Photo Credit: 2026 UCI BMX Racing World Championships*

Jesse Asmus, Sienna Pal, Jordan Callum, Mia Webster and Zane Bourke are also listed for signing sessions and other appearances. The sessions will provide opportunities for autographs, signed rider cards and photographs.

Asmus enters the event as the reigning elite national champion. Pal won silver in the junior category at a UCI World Championships before moving directly into elite competition at 18, while Callum, Webster and Bourke compete for Australia at under-23 level.

The appearance program remains subject to change because of competition, training, travel, illness or other team commitments.

Car parks will open at 9am and spectator gates at 9:30am. The venue is scheduled to close at 2:30pm, subject to any delays, while adult tickets start from $10.

Chandler BMX Weekend Moves Into Qualification

The focus will shift to racing and family activities on Saturday, 18 July, when Family Day runs alongside the championship qualification program.

Riders are scheduled to be on the track from 9:10am until 4pm, with the first race beginning at noon. Car parks will open at 8am, followed by spectator entry from 8:30am.

Bluey and Bingo are due to appear during three meet-and-greet sessions. Participation is included with event entry, but advance registration is required and places are limited.

Potential activities listed for the day include face painting, photographs, prizes, giveaways and other meet-and-greet opportunities. A scavenger hunt will be available to the first 1,000 spectators through the gates.

Chandler BMX Weekend — *Photo Credit: 2026 UCI BMX Racing World Championships*

Giant bubbles, stilt walkers and roaming entertainment are also planned, while food trucks and the event village will operate around the racing program.

Family Day tickets are listed at $60 for adults, $40 for children aged five to 12 and $180 for a family. Children aged four and under can enter free. A separate grandstand ticket is required when a child aged four or under will occupy a seat.

The venue is scheduled to close at 4:30pm, although that time may change if racing is delayed.

Two Opening Days Lead Into Championship Finals

The Brisbane SX International BMX Centre sits within the Sleeman Sports Complex at the corner of Old Cleveland Road and Tilley Road in Chandler.

Friday’s practice and Saturday’s qualification program will lead into the championship finals and awards on Sunday, 19 July.

Car parks will open at 9am on finals day, with spectator gates opening at 9:30am. Riders are scheduled on the track from 9:50am until 3pm, and the first race will begin at noon.

Published 15-July-2026

Coorparoo Quilters Hold 42nd Anniversary Quilt Show in Belmont

Photo Credit: Coorparoo Quilters/Facebook

Manly residents looking for a unique weekend outing are invited to a vibrant community event in nearby Belmont, where the Coorparoo Quilters will celebrate their 42nd anniversary with a spectacular biennial show.

Dubbed 42: A Fantastic Journey, the exhibition runs from Saturday 18 July to Sunday 19 July at the Belmont Shooting Complex.

Imagination stitched into reality

This year’s theme draws inspiration from science fiction, fantasy, and adventure. Visitors will be treated to more than 100 quilts and wall hangings reflecting creative interpretations of books, films, and imaginary worlds.

The event will also feature the Cosplay Youth Challenge, giving young makers an opportunity to showcase their talent alongside experienced quilters. Together, the displays highlight how traditional craftsmanship continues to evolve through contemporary design.

Prizes, crafts, and community spirit

Beyond the quilting displays, the weekend offers plenty of activities for the whole family. Visitors can browse handmade craft stalls, enjoy light refreshments, and enter a raffle packed with major prizes. Up for grabs is a sewing machine donated by River City Sewing Centre, a retro-style quilt, a three-day craft retreat, and various gourmet hampers.

With adult entry set at $5 and free admission for children (including high school students), it makes for an affordable family day out close to the bayside.

Supporting local causes

Every ticket purchased directly funds the group’s community work. Coorparoo Quilters regularly produce and donate handmade items to those in need across Queensland.

Recent donations include 150 Christmas placemats for Carina Meals on Wheels, and 175 quilts distributed to major institutions, including the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Redland Hospital, the Lutheran Women’s and Children’s Shelter, and the Quilts of Valour program.

Event Details:

Where: Belmont Shooting Complex, 1485 Old Cleveland Road, Belmont (Entry via Old Cleveland Road).
When:
- Saturday 18 July: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (Last entry 3:00 pm)
- Sunday 19 July: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (Last entry 2:00 pm)
More info: Available on the Coorparoo Quilters website.

Published 15-July-2026

Manly-Lota RSL Leads Nation With New Service for Modern Veterans

Photo Credit: RSL Queensland

The Manly-Lota RSL is making history this month by launching the nation’s first dedicated service specifically designed to honour the unique contributions of modern Australian veterans.

A New Chapter for Local Service

For generations, the Returned and Services League has been synonymous with the major dates that define Australia’s military past. While these moments remain vital to the national identity, members at the Manly branch recognised a growing need to better acknowledge those whose service took place outside of those traditional historical windows.

This new initiative aims to bridge that gap by highlighting the varied roles performed by members of the Australian Defence Force since the end of the Vietnam War. This includes the dedication shown by those involved in complex peacekeeping missions, various homeland defence tasks, and rigorous overseas deployments.

Honouring Modern Contributions

The idea for this event grew from discussions among local RSL members who are still actively serving in the Royal Australian Navy. Bruce Christensen and Fiona Ewington, who helped drive the creation of this service, expressed a strong desire to ensure that every generation of service is valued equally.

Mr. Christensen noted that many who served in recent decades have operated in demanding circumstances that sometimes feel overlooked by the wider public. By formalising this recognition, the branch hopes to reinforce the message that the RSL provides support and community for all veterans, regardless of when or where they wore the uniform.

Joining the Community

This event is intended to be a welcoming environment for all eligible service members, and there is no requirement to be an existing RSL member to attend. Organisers have specifically encouraged veterans to reach out to their former colleagues and bring a mate along, viewing it as a valuable opportunity to reconnect with those they served alongside. The inaugural service is scheduled to take place at the Manly War Memorial in Richard Russell Park.

Following the formal remembrance, a luncheon will be held at the nearby Manly-Lota RSL Hall on Melville Terrace to allow for further conversation and fellowship. Interested participants are encouraged to contact the Manly-Lota RSL for any additional details regarding the day.

The commemorative service will be held on Sunday, 19 July, beginning at 1:00 PM.

Published Date 14-July-2026

New Live Music Series Brings Intimate Performances to Manly

Photo Credit: Mansfield Sessions/ Facebook

Local live music fans are transforming the way they experience performances as a new concert series brings world-class artists to an intimate setting in the heart of Manly.

The introduction of these regular events offers a fresh way for residents to connect with the arts. By converting the local arena into a space designed for listening, organisers are moving away from traditional large-scale concert formats.

This approach focuses on quality sound and a comfortable atmosphere that allows the audience to sit close to the stage. Whether it is a quiet jazz performance or an energetic blues set, the goal is to create a setting that prioritises the connection between the performer and the listener.

The jazz sessions scheduled for Thursday, 30 July 2026, starting at 6:30 PM, will feature the talents of Robyn Brown and The Indigo Collective. This group plans to lead the audience through a range of styles including early blues, swing, and original songs. The focus is on the skill of the musicians, who have a long history of performing in top venues across the globe.

The series also prioritises the discovery of new artists through its dedicated blues nights. The first of these gatherings takes place on Friday, July 24, 2026, beginning at 7:00 PM. This portion of the programme spotlights local acts such as Midnight Sound Machine, Sugarbag Blonde, and Shadie Hadie. By gathering these specific groups together, the organisers hope to foster a local scene where people can find new favourite bands and meet others who share an appreciation for soulful music.

These events are designed to be more than just a concert, providing a space where people can enjoy a meal or a drink while hearing music that is meant to be felt. The organisers believe that bringing original music to the local stage supports the broader creative community on the southside. By offering a consistent schedule of performances, the project seeks to build a lasting home for artists who represent a wide variety of musical backgrounds, from country and folk to rock and soul.

Published Date 14-July-2026

Missed Buses Disrupt Daily Travel For Manly Bus Commuters

Photo Credit: Pexels

Missed services, overcrowded buses and trips that disappear from tracking applications are disrupting everyday journeys for Manly bus commuters and other passengers across the Northern Beaches.

For some residents, the reliability problems have meant arriving late for work, paying for alternative transport or changing how they travel across the region.

Passengers have described scheduled buses counting down to their expected arrival time before disappearing from travel applications without reaching the stop. Other reported problems include cancellations and services becoming too crowded to collect people waiting along the route.

Manly Bus Commuters Face Delays

The problems have affected services connecting the Northern Beaches with Manly, the Sydney CBD, Chatswood, Dee Why and the Forest area.

Routes identified in passenger complaints include the 270, 271, 179, 181X, 154X and 174X. An online community discussion also included personal accounts involving the 172X, 142, 177 and 165X.

Some residents described changing between several services or travelling through Manly before continuing by ferry when their usual connections were unreliable.

James Bowman experienced the disruption while travelling from Manly to Wynyard on the 170X. The first two buses he would normally catch failed to arrive on a Wednesday morning, July 8, leaving him about 20 minutes late for work.

Bowman boarded the eventual service at the beginning of the route and secured a seat. As the bus continued towards Wynyard, it passed many passengers waiting at stops.

Manly bus commuters — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Alternative Transport Adds To Costs

Other Northern Beaches passengers have made more substantial changes to their daily routines.

Hannah Challenor, who regularly travels from Collaroy to North Balgowlah, watched a 172X service count down to its expected arrival time at Warringah Mall before it failed to appear.

After being left without her connection, she called her employer to collect her. On another occasion, she paid $18 for a five-minute rideshare journey but still arrived late for work.

Her employer later lent her a car so she could reach her shifts more reliably. Challenor was also considering using her savings to buy a vehicle, despite primarily needing it for travel to work.

The experience demonstrates the practical decisions some passengers are making when scheduled services do not arrive, from arranging lifts to paying for other forms of transport.

Driver Shortages Continue Across The Network

Transport for NSW said industry-wide driver shortages continued to place pressure on Northern Beaches bus services.

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union also linked cancellations and overcrowding with difficulties recruiting and retaining enough drivers.

Transport for NSW said 43 repaired high-capacity articulated buses had returned to service to help reduce crowding. A further 10 double-decker buses were also being added to the B-Line fleet.

The fleet measures follow reports of missed services and packed buses across the region, while Manly bus commuters and other Northern Beaches passengers continue to adjust their work journeys around unreliable trips.

Published 10-July-2026

Bayside Residents Keep Close Watch as Brisbane’s Flight Path Review Continues

A renewed debate over Brisbane’s southern flight paths is bringing fresh attention to aircraft noise, with aviation authorities and community groups offering different views on the best path forward.

At the centre of the discussion is the departure flight path review, part of Airservices Australia’s ongoing Noise Action Plan for Brisbane. While community group Transparent Skies Network (TSN) believes another route deserves greater consideration, aviation authorities say aircraft noise can only be reduced within the limits of aviation safety, weather and operational requirements.

The debate has become less about whether aircraft noise should be reduced and more about which approach will deliver the best outcome.

Community group wants Gateway Motorway option explained

Transparent Skies Network has renewed calls for Airservices Australia to provide greater transparency around how future departure routes are being assessed.

The group says Airservices Australia’s consultant identified an alternative route following the Gateway Motorway corridor between Minnippi Parklands and the Belmont Rifle Range. According to TSN, directing more aircraft over existing transport corridors and nearby open space could reduce aircraft noise over homes and schools in Brisbane’s eastern suburbs.

TSN is also calling on Airservices Australia to release comparative noise modelling comparing the Gateway Motorway proposal with the option currently under consideration. The group says making that information public would help residents better understand how decisions affecting local communities are made.

The campaign also cites historical radar data showing that aircraft were once dispersed across a wider area before advances in navigation technology concentrated flights along narrower flight paths.

Airservices says changes are already reducing noise over the bayside

While campaigners are calling for additional changes, Airservices Australia says it has already introduced several measures through its Brisbane Noise Action Plan to reduce the impact of aircraft noise where operationally possible.

One of its key initiatives is increasing the use of Simultaneous Opposite Direction Parallel Runway Operations, known as SODPROPS. Under this operating mode, aircraft arrive over Moreton Bay to Brisbane Airport’s western runway while departures leave from the eastern runway over water whenever conditions allow.

According to Airservices Australia’s 2026 progress update, changes introduced in late 2024 aligned over-water departure paths and increased the altitude of aircraft crossing the mainland coastline. The agency says aircraft now cross bayside communities about 4,000 to 5,000 feet higher than before, reducing noise impacts while flying over fewer people.

Airservices says the use of SODPROPS increased from 1.4 per cent of Brisbane Airport flights in 2024 to 2.63 per cent in 2025. It also reports operational improvements have increased its ability to use the system by about 40 per cent when weather conditions are comparable.

The report states that each over-water departure means about 300,000 fewer people are overflown during southerly wind conditions and about 500,000 fewer people during northerly wind conditions compared with standard operations.

Updated flight paths as of 2026 — *Photo Credit: Airservices Australia*

Overnight trial is testing another way to reduce aircraft noise

Noise reduction efforts are also continuing through a separate Brisbane Airport initiative.

In December 2025, Brisbane Airport launched an 18-month voluntary tailwind data trial in partnership with Airservices Australia and with support from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).

The trial is collecting operational data to determine whether more aircraft can safely use over-water arrival and departure routes during overnight hours between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. It allows participating pilots to voluntarily operate with tailwinds of up to 10 knots when strict safety and weather conditions are met.

Brisbane Airport says greater use of over-water operations, particularly at night, has the potential to reduce aircraft noise for surrounding communities. The airport also reported that 63 per cent of overnight aircraft movements between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. had already arrived or departed over water during the six months leading up to the trial.

The second stage of the trial, which includes both arrivals and departures, is now underway and is expected to continue until mid-2027.

Weather and safety still limit over-water operations

Airservices Australia says increasing over-water departures is not simply a matter of selecting a different route.

According to the agency, SODPROPS can only operate when weather, visibility, traffic levels and runway conditions all meet strict safety requirements. During 2025, suitable conditions existed for only 968 of the 4,377 priority operating hours identified for the system. When those conditions were available, Airservices says controllers used SODPROPS about 82 per cent of the time.

The agency says weather remains the biggest factor limiting the use of over-water departures, even though further operational improvements continue to be explored. Flight path design must also account for aircraft performance, interactions with other aircraft, military airspace, airport capacity and national aviation safety standards.

Adding to the discussion

Queensland Senator Paul Scarr recently questioned why aircraft continue to fly over residential neighbourhoods rather than following the Gateway Motorway corridor. In a public statement, he said communities wanted to understand why a route he described as providing the best noise outcome for the greatest number of people had not been adopted.

Gateway Motorway flight path — *Photo Credit: SenatorPaulScarr/Facebook*

His comments reflect concerns raised by some residents and community groups seeking greater transparency around the assessment of alternative flight paths.

Aircraft noise has remained a major community issue since Brisbane Airport’s second runway opened in 2020, and there is little sign the discussion will end soon.

Published 6-July-2026