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Live Green Through Bethania St Community Garden Workshops

Did you know that the Bethania St Community Garden in Lota will be hosting workshops on gardening and composting?

Composting

Composting involves recycling organic matter such as kitchen scraps, garden clippings, and other forms of green waste by using them as mulch to enrich soil and plants. With the aid of these new compost bins, people will be able to provide their gardens with nutrients from leftover food.

Some of the benefits provided by composting include spending less time weeding, using less artificial fertiliser, making soil healthier, saving time and money, and keeping green waste out of landfills and reducing overall greenhouse emissions.

Brisbane City Council invites Manly and Lota residents to partake in their compost rebate program, which gives eligible Brisbane residents up to $70 worth of rebates on the purchase of equipment. Those interested in taking part can do so via this website. Once registered, people can come and claim their free compost caddy from Councilor Peter Cumming’s office.

Those interested in learning more about composting and gardening can visit the Bethania St Community Garden in Lota which provides a range of workshops both interactive and educational.

Photo credit: Facebook/Bethania Street Community Garden

Upcoming Workshops at the Bethania St Community Garden

A workshop dubbed “Introduction to Organic Gardening” is scheduled for Sunday the 1st of August 2021, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.. The workshop will teach attendants how to start a vegetable garden with topics such as location, soil, garden beds, seasons in South East Queensland, and lastly, plant choice.

Another workshop called “Veggie Gardening for a Year-Round Supply” has been scheduled for Sunday the 8th of August 2021, also from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.. This event will teach attendants all about how food can be grown all year round, covering topics like seasonal plants and how to plan harvests throughout the year.

The last Community Garden workshop in August is “Propagation – New Plants from Old”, will be held on Thursday the 19th of August 2021 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.. This workshop is about propagation — the process of growing plants from specific sources such as seeds, cuttings, and other plant parts. Here, participants can learn about edibles and get the chance to bring plants home to grow and practise what they’ve learned.

To make a booking for any of the three workshops, dial 0439 048 585 and make a reservation. The Bethania St Community Garden can be found at Bethania St, Lota, open seven days a week from 5:00 a.m to 7:00 p.m. To learn more about the gardening and composting workshops offered at the park, visit their website here.

Construction of The Village Manly to Start in Spring

Despite objections from the community and delays brought about by coronavirus restrictions, the construction of The Village Manly, the $70-million retirement home development in Lota, has been scheduled to start in the spring.

Stage one of The Village Manly will consist of two four-storey buildings with 23 apartment units, with a projected completion date sometime between September 2022 – March 2023. The work will open 100 new jobs for tradies.

Details of the second stage are still scarce but The Village Manly development is expected to provide two more buildings with six levels. The development will also include a cinema, a yoga and dance studio, cafes and restaurants, a gym and pool, a hair salon, a club lounge with a billiards room, and a medical health suite.

*Photo Credit: Developmenti/Brisbane City Council*

Natural, open green spaces will surround the apartments whilst the heritage-listed Lota House, built in 1865, will be untouched. This was one of the main contentions of those who objected to the development plans when it was first submitted in 2018 (DA A004942635). The community feared that the medium-rise development would impact and overshadow the area’s character and habitat.

Brisbane City Council initially turned down the application but The Village Retirement Group and Anglicare re-appealed with the Planning and Environment Court after submitting amended plans to reduce the building’s height and the number of units.

The court overturned Council’s rejection in late 2019.

Wynnum Manly Leagues Club Renovations Finally Complete

After 18 months of construction and renovations worth $10 million, the Wynnum Manly Leagues Club is scheduled to host an exclusive grand opening in May 2021. Attendance will be by invitation only.

The renovation of the beloved leagues club, which began in 2019, has finally completed its second stage, introducing an all-new lounge bar and reception. These facilities will be open to the public in the coming weeks, with a special invite-only grand opening event set for the 6th of May 2021.

Each stage of the renovations revolved around the construction of new facilities. Stage one focused on a new bar and gaming lounge as well as a new wing, opening in October 2020.

Photo credit: Instagram/Wynnum Manly Leagues Club

On the other hand, stage two brought in a new restaurant and café area, as well as the aforementioned lounge and reception. The café and bar areas finished construction in February, and renovations are expected to be totally complete shortly.

Initially, the club was set to reopen at the start of 2021, however progress has been significantly delayed due to the numerous complications brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The club can be found at 92 Wondall Road, Manly West, open from 9:00AM to 3:00AM on weekdays, and 10:00AM to 3:00AM on weekends. For more information, visit their website here. Follow their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram for the latest promotions, meals and deals, as well as other updates and special announcements.

Manly in Top 6 of Brisbane Suburbs With Biggest Median Price Increase

Whilst hundreds of Brisbane suburbs are projected to have an increase in median price for houses by the end of 2021, Manly has been ahead and has had a 20 percent surge in the first quarter.

This waterside eastern suburb is one of the top six Brisbane areas with the strongest gain in the housing market as of March 2021. Manly’s current median house price is tipping nearly a million at $985,000.

Highgate Hill is also experiencing a 20 percent increase with a median price currently settled at $1.2 million. But it is Yeronga that has the biggest first-quarter surge at 38 percent, followed by Saint Lucia, New Farm and Hamilton at 36 percent.

Brisbane’s property market sales within the last six months have been described as “extraordinary.” However, apartment sales in Manly have been rare, with only a handful of listings during this quarter.

Manly appeals to investors for its chilled coastal lifestyle. The community hub at The Esplanade is a big and idyllic place for families with kids who enjoy heaps of activities at the harbourside, or young professionals who love spending time at the rows of shops and eateries, and retirees who spend their weekends at markets or going on sailing.

A quiet suburb where every age group has its own special sites, Manly has no massive shopping centre with chain stores but there are plenty of small-business retailers. Everything residents need is within a short walking distance from their homes.

Council Permanently Allows Tilapia Fishing at Suprano Place Park Lake

Following a 24-month trial, fishing at the Suprano Place Park Lake in Wakerley will soon be permanently in place after Council finalises the conditions and installs signages to guide eager anglers hoping to enjoy recreational fishing with their families.

The permanency was confirmed in a video post from Councillor Ryan Murphy. Not a lot of residents were aware that there was a fishing trial at the lake, as initiated by Wakerley local Dr Chris May.

Suprano Place Park Lake has an abundance of fully-grown and fingerling tilapia, a noxious and harmful fish species described by the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries as the “greatest threats to Australia’s native biodiversity.” First introduced as an ornamental fish in Australia in the 1970s, tilapa’s population has been significantly increasing since it breeds quickly, easily threatening other species.

“The rules are, if you catch them, they must be humanely killed. They must not be left [in the lake]. Put them in a bag in a freezer and dispose of them in a bin somewhere,” Dr May said. Proper disposal after catching tilapia is necessary to prevent the eggs from spilling onto the water. Anglers are prohibited from using tilapia as bait.

During the trial phase, Council committed to install a fishing platform with seats and tables if the initiative succeeds. It will take at least four to six weeks to set-up and finalise the arrangements at the fishing site but once it’s ready, families in Wakerley could bond over a new activity together, whilst helping protect the water’s biodiversity.

“This has been extremely popular for families teaching their kids how to fish in a low stress, family friendly environment that encourages fishing on the Eastside!” Mr Murphy said.

Take A Look Inside The Newly Opened Manly Boathouse

Photo credit: opentable.com.au

Manly Boathouse is now open and ready to welcome guests! Check out their new space — a sophisticated and spacious dining area that boasts breathtaking views of Manly boat harbour and Moreton Bay.

The whitewashed interiors are bright and airy, giving the restaurant a classic look and relaxed feel. This Hamptons-styled restaurant provides the best views of the bayside from every table, thanks to the giant wall of windows.

Inside Manly Boathouse (Photo credit: opentable.com.au) Inside Manly Boathouse (Photo credit: opentable.com.au)

Outdoor dining (Photo credit: opentable.com.au)

Owners Nikki and Greg Kay, who also run the Reef Seafood and Sushi restaurant in Newstead, opened Manly Boathouse on 8 February 2021. The opening was delayed three days due to a burglary, causing the owners to reschedule bookings for the grand opening.

The highlight of the place is ‘The Patio,’ which includes a fish and chippery, a cafe, a gelato bar, and a patisserie. As with the indoor dining area, it has a beachy vibe with its stripey umbrellas and white picnic tables. All patisserie and gelato products are freshly made on site.

The kitchen has Chef Braden White at the helm. Chef Braden is the talent behind the simple yet packed menu with a focus on carefully curated seafood produce cooked over local timber on custom-made barbecue grills. Think a bucket of prawns and oysters or a serving of the superb crab linguine.

In addition to seafood and vegetarian options, they also have special menus available on request. For drinks, they have an impressive list of cocktails and CUB beers, as well as wines and spirits.

Manly Boathouse is open breakfast through dinner seven days a week, from 6:30 am to 10:00 pm. No reservations are required at The Patio but bookings are encouraged if you want to dine in the restaurant or at the bar. Bookings are done through Facebook and OpenTable.

The Manly Hotel: McDonald Family Ends Lease After 51 Years

A year after celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Manly Hotel at the Manly Harbour, siblings Jenny Bradley, Doug and Sandy McDonald sadly announced that they are leaving the iconic property, which has been managed by their family for half a century.

Sandy confirmed they will no longer renew their lease to The Manly Hotel come springtime after a year of mulling over moving on. He said that the owner of the property has a different plan but he believes that the site on Cambridge Parade will remain a hotel despite the changes.

When the McDonald Family Took Over

In 1970, Stewart and Dulcie McDonald, the trio’s parents, took over the hotel’s license. Not long after that, they passed on the management to three of their seven adult children.

Jenny, Doug and Sandy succeeded in continuing their parents’ legacy by employing the same loyal staff. Some of their employees have been with the family for at least three decades.

Over the years, Sandy said that they’ve experienced competition growing in this bayside precinct, as well as the increase of women patrons with better earning capacity than men. The hotel also changed as the times changed, making the facilities more accessible for everyone, including those with special needs.

The family also improved the Clipper Lounge Gaming Room and introduced new concepts and for entertaining their patrons.

Time to Move On

Inspite their wonderful journey, the McDonald siblings said that it was time to move on. Whilst it’s natural to feel sad about letting go of the establishment that has molded their family’s history, as well as the community’s history, the siblings said they are now ready to focus on something else.

Word of the McDonald’s exit has spread on social media.

“Shame it’s a great local, I have been going there for 41 years. It will get a new lease of life I’m sure. All the very best Sandy and family enjoy your retirement,” one local said.

“All the best in your retirement Sandy. It was a pleasure knowing you for all those years at the Manly hotel and brother Doug the place will never be the same again. Congratulations on 51 years. Not many people last that long.”

“My grandad Daniel Teer had his own seat with his name on it in your pub at the bar. My Grandad spend many many many years at the Manly Hotel. You guys to him were family and vise versa.”

The McDonald siblings will be serving their guests the last drinks at The Manly Hotel on 30 Sept 2021.

Rivergate Prepares as Brisbane Olympics Projected to Break Superyacht Record

Luxurious, privately-owned superyachts carrying A-list guests are expected to sail to Queensland if Brisbane becomes successful in its bid to host the 2032 Olympics, potentially boosting the marine and tourism industries at various riverside hotspots in the region, including Rivergate in Murarrie.

Prior to the lockdown disruptions, about 160 superyachts were estimated to dock for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and America’s Cup in Auckland. With these numbers, Rivergate Director Tom Hill said that the upcoming Brisbane Olympics could easily attract a record number of superyachts as this region has “exceptional cruising opportunities.”

“We know that there is substantial pent-up demand among superyacht owners to visit Australia and the Olympics would be another huge drawcard, provided we have the necessary infrastructure to accommodate these vessels,” Mr Hill said.

“The world is experiencing a superyacht building boom and the average size of the vessels is increasing, so we expect there will be many more of these large boats in service by 2032.”

Mr Hill added that research has shown an added 60 superyacht visits a year could bring in 2,000 new jobs and almost $1 billion into the region’s economy.

“Imagine the boost to jobs and the economy if more than three times this number of vessels dropped in for the 2032 Olympic Games.”

The projection comes as Rivergate Marina and Shipyard, which was established in 2006, has unveiled its plans to expand the Murarrie facility, bringing a $200 million superyacht hub able to lift vessels of up to 3,000 tonnes and 90 metres for vital inspections, repairs and refits.

By 2032, Rivergate could be a world-class site and completely ready for the Olympics with its extra berthing options, three new refit sheds, and a 5-storey Trade Centre and resort-style crew accommodation for superyachts visitors.

“As the largest facility in the Asia Pacific capable of lifting out and servicing multiple superyachts, the Rivergate expansion would enable more vessels to visit for the Olympics and stay on to cruise the Great Barrier Reef and other spectacular destinations on our doorstep,” Mr Hill said.

Rivergate has earned a reputation for being one of three top shipyards in the whole world, respected by the yacht owners and crew for its safe environment, hospitality and highly-skilled workers.

The facility has near-perfect weather for year-round operations and it’s also close to the services around the capital, making it the given option for boats arriving in Australia for the Brisbane Olympics.

Wynnum Manly Leagues Club to Offer New Facilities in April

The Wynnum Manly Leagues Club is expected to open its newest facilities in April after undergoing a series of upgrades and developments worth $10 million. With the new facilities come 70 new job opportunities!

After over a year in the works, the Wynnum Manly Leagues Club is slowly but steadily nearing the completion of its most ambitious overhaul yet, with the construction of a brand-new cafe, bar and reception area, plus a new lounge area scheduled for completion in late March.

The first stage of the club’s redevelopment began in October, 2020, which revolved around the creation of a new gaming area and an entirely new wing. Stage two began in December, which focused on the club’s new restaurant and café area.

To boost the local economy, the club aims to hire local talents to work in customer service roles. Over the last few months, a little under 20 new hirees have been taken in, and with a list of 70 jobs to fill, there’s plenty of room for more on their roster.

With the creation of new facilities and features for patrons, the club seeks to employ 50 additional members staff to cater to the needs of the club’s patrons. With the bulk of its renovations now nearing completion, the club aims to open its new facilities to the public sometime in April.

Follow the Wynnum Manly Leagues Club’s Facebook page for the latest promotions, meals, and deals, as well as updates on the progress of their renovations.

Find them at 92 Wondall Road Manly West, open from 9:00AM to 3:00AM on weekdays, and 10:00AM to 3:00AM on weekends.

It’s a Go! Controversial Manly Development to Start Soon

Photo credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Despite attracting backlash from the community, construction will soon commence on a 43-unit residential and retail project at 195-201 Stratton Terrace in Manly, just a few months after Brisbane City Council sent the proposals back to the developer for a redesign.

The approval comes after the developer made changes to the development application first lodged in July 2019. Katwal Pty initially proposed 49 units but they reduced the number of units to 43. The developer also lowered the height of the buildings and reduced the retail space from 900 sqm to 140 sqm.

Some of the issues raised by residents on the original proposal are the character, bulk, scale, size, height, density, design and external appearance of the development which did not meet the reasonable expectation in Manly Harbour Village. The Ellivo-designed proposal will be for two 4-storey buildings with a green courtyard separation off Stratton Terrace, plus a rooftop pergola on part of Building 1, offering views to Moreton Bay.

Photo Credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

There are residents who are concerned about the limited parking in the area, and property values of those impacted by the height and size of this development.

Costing over $40 million, it’s dubbed as the biggest ever residential project in Manly. While construction hasn’t started yet, sales for the new development have already exceeded $10 million – and it does not come as a surprise, given its proximity to every amenity, including shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Construction is scheduled to start in 2020, but was delayed after bayside residents appealed to Council. It is expected to start in July with the completion date slated for late 2022.