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Gas Carrier Propulsion Loss in Port of Brisbane Highlights Procedure Issues

Photo Credit: Australian Transport Safety Bureau

A liquefied gas carrier lost propulsion while departing the Port of Brisbane after an electrical blackout caused by generators that were not set for automatic load sharing.

Operational Conditions Before Departure

On 15 March 2025, the 100-metre gas carrier Gaschem Homer was departing from the BP Products berth in the Port of Brisbane under pilotage. The vessel had completed cargo discharge operations at 4:24 a.m. after arriving on 14 March 2025. Recent heavy rainfall had resulted in debris and stronger ebb flows along the Brisbane River, leading to temporary movement restrictions and the allocation of a tug for departure.

During standard preparations, the crew started all three diesel generators and conducted equipment checks, including tests of the bow thruster and main engine. While two generators were synchronised for automatic operation earlier, they were returned to manual mode and left in that state.

*Photo Credit: Australian Transport Safety Bureau*

Electrical Blackout During Manoeuvring

At 11:04 a.m., while the ship was being turned towards the port entrance, the only generator available for load sharing overloaded when the bow thruster was operated at full thrust. This resulted in a complete loss of electrical supply, propulsion and steering.

The blackout lasted about two minutes. During this period, the attending tug kept the ship centred in the channel while the crew restarted generators and restored power. No injuries or damage were reported.

Port of Brisbane blackout — *Photo Credit: Australian Transport Safety Bureau*

Findings from the ATSB Investigation

The ATSB determined that the generator configuration prevented the power management system from distributing electrical load across multiple units. Although all generators were running, two were in manual mode, meaning they could not share load. The blackout occurred when the single available generator tripped due to overload.

The ship’s safety management system relied on generic procedures that did not reflect the specifics of the ship’s electrical systems. The pre-departure checklist included only a broad reference to generator readiness and did not require confirmation of generator mode status. With the crew focused on monitoring debris risks to cooling systems, the incorrect configuration was not detected.

ATSB investigation — *Photo Credit: Australian Transport Safety Bureau*

Safety Actions Undertaken

Hartmann Gas Carriers conducted a risk assessment of power management failure modes across its fleet. Additional safety controls were introduced, including guidelines for blackout prevention and procedures to ensure generators were configured for automatic load sharing during manoeuvring.

Checklists for departure and arrival were revised to include generator mode verification. A power demand matrix was developed to specify generator requirements under different operational conditions. Targeted training for watchkeeping engineers and improved communication processes between the bridge and engine room were also implemented.

Implications for Vessel Operations in the Port of Brisbane

The incident demonstrated how an incorrectly configured power system can lead to propulsion loss in a confined and high-risk environment such as the Brisbane River. The updated procedures, verification steps and training aim to reduce the likelihood of similar events during future operations.

Published 20-Nov-2025

Manly’s Strategy: Why 34 School Teams Took Video Game Seriously

Thirty-four school teams across Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE), representing a broad community spirit that stretches to suburbs like Manly, traded textbooks for tactics in a massive strategy-based video game competition that proved gaming is a serious pathway to developing career skills.

The BCE Minecraft Esports Gala Day, a two-day event held on November 6 and 7, saw students from primary and secondary schools gather at San Sisto College in Carina. The challenge was ‘Capture the Flag’, played within the controlled environment of Minecraft Education. Students did not rely on chance; they used pure intellectual effort and teamwork to capture flags before the time limit expired.

Esports: The New Classroom

video game — *Photo Credit:* *Brisbane Catholic Education/ Facebook*

The competition was managed by The FUSE Cup, an organisation that focuses on fostering positive gaming habits and digital citizenship in schools.

BCE’s involvement in Esports demonstrates a clear commitment to modern learning. A Senior Advisor for Learning and Experience at BCE, Ange Barton, noted that the students did not simply turn up to play; they had been practising and strategising their game plans for months. Ms Barton emphasised that competitive gaming offers students the chance to explore skills vital to the modern global industry, including leadership and strategic direction.

BCE believes that its 77,000 students have varied interests, and Esports provides a valuable opportunity, just like other whole-of-system competitions such as Rugby 7’s and STEM MAD (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Making a Difference). The event was focused on developing future-focused skills in areas like strategy, problem-solving, negotiation, and teamwork, preparing students for an ever-changing professional world.

Safe, Social, and Supportive

The competition distinguished itself from typical online gaming by promoting healthy gaming habits. A key difference was that students competed against others who were physically present in the same room, rather than opponents playing online from unknown locations.

Ms Barton stressed that this in-person, controlled environment ensures the competition is safe, structured, supervised, supportive, social, inclusive, and values-focused.

The FUSE Cup’s Chief Operating Officer, Dan Martinez, supported this philosophy, confirming that their competitions are designed to be safe, structured, and values-focused to support young students’ wellbeing while they participate in competitive school-based activities.

A Year 11 student from San Sisto College named Caitlain said the competition was a great chance to represent her school in a fun manner. She explained that she got to learn new things and compete against real people, highlighting the social and competitive advantages of the format.

Community Teams Engage

Thirty-four teams participated in the inaugural event. Day one featured primary school teams, including All Saint’s Primary School (Albany Creek), St Mary MacKillop Primary School (Birkdale), and Our Lady of Assumption School (Enoggera).

Day two involved secondary colleges such as Carmel College (Thornlands), St Columban’s College (Caboolture), Trinity College (Beenleigh), and the host, San Sisto College (Carina). The broad representation across the system cemented the competition as a vibrant community event celebrating diverse student talents.

Published Date 19-November-2025

Man Charged Over Late-Night Fireworks at Lota Jetty

Photo Credit: myPolice Centenary

A 35-year-old man is set to appear in court later this month following community complaints about fireworks being set off at a Lota jetty in the early hours of a Saturday morning.

Queensland Police have charged a Kelvin Grove man after investigating reports of fireworks discharged at the waterfront location around 12.30am on 19 October.

According to police allegations, several people ignited a container of fireworks at the jetty before leaving the area via the Esplanade towards Cobar Street. Officers launched an investigation in response to concerns raised by local residents.

The investigation led police to execute a search warrant at a Bellevue Parade property on 9 November. During the search, officers allegedly discovered a box of fireworks along with cannabis plants and cannabis products.

The Kelvin Grove man has been charged with requiring authority to possess explosives, possessing dangerous drugs, and producing dangerous drugs. He is scheduled to face Wynnum Magistrates Court on 24 November.

Possessing and using fireworks without proper authorisation has been illegal in Queensland since 1972. The state maintains strict regulations on explosive materials, with only licensed professionals permitted to conduct authorised fireworks displays.

Police have indicated that their investigation remains active. Detectives are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant footage to come forward. Residents with CCTV or dashcam recordings from the area during the early morning hours of 19 October are encouraged to contact authorities.

Those with information can reach Policelink through the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or by phoning 131 444. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersqld.com.au, quoting reference number QP2502031229.

Published 17-November-2025

Manly War Memorial: The Full Story of the Vandalised Statue

Photo Credit: Anzac Square

Before it was a cherished park, the site of the Manly War Memorial was a simple water reserve known as the Manly Dam, chosen to become a place of honour for 16 local men.

A Solemn Beginning

The community first gathered for the memorial’s dedication on 5 March 1921. It was established to remember 16 local men who did not return from the First World War. The original structure was impressive, featuring a life-sized soldier crafted from white Carrara marble. This statue stood on a pedestal of Helidon brown freestone and a base of Enoggera granite, representing the qualities of the ideal Australian: courage, loyalty, and youth.

A Symbol Targeted

Over the years, the memorial sadly became a target for vandalism. This destructive behaviour reached a low point in 1992 when the marble soldier was torn from its pedestal and its head was broken off. For many years after this incident, the pedestal stood empty, a stark reminder of the statue’s absence and a source of distress for the local community.

The Digger’s Return

The community did not give up on its memorial. In 2007, a concrete replica of the original soldier was installed, finally filling the space. The figure stands in the traditional position of remembrance, with its head bowed and arms reversed. In a surprising twist, the damaged original marble statue, which many thought was lost forever, was found in 2013. It had been stored in a Brisbane City Council depot in Lota.

From Water Reserve to Honoured Park

The ground on which the memorial stands has its own deep history. Before it was a place of remembrance, the land was a water reserve known as the Manly Dam. In 1919, the local mayor, Richard Russell, selected the site for the memorial park. In recognition of his foresight, the park was officially named Richard Russell Park in 1990.

The site’s importance to the state was formally recognised when it was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992. Today, the memorial honours not only the original 16 men but also the 21 locals who died in the Second World War, along with those who served in the Korean and Vietnam wars.

Published Date 10-November-2025

Quick Carina Retail Sale Shows Strong Investor Interest in Brisbane’s East

A retail centre in Carina has changed hands in a fast sale after buyers moved quickly to secure the property. The high-exposure site on Old Cleveland Road sold for $6.1 million after just 10 days on the market, reflecting strong demand and competition for well-located retail assets in Brisbane’s east.

Strong Interest in Carina’s Retail Market

The Carina property, at 828 Old Cleveland Road, features a two-level building with 11 tenancies, anchored by fitness brand BFT Gyms. The 1,109-square-metre site earns more than $350,000 in annual net income and occupies a 1,486-square-metre corner lot in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held eastern corridors.

The sale, managed by RWC Retail’s Michael Feltoe and Lachlan O’Keeffe alongside RWC Gateway’s Marc Zietsman and Josh Jones, attracted multiple competitive offers within its first week on the market. The agents said the quick sale reflected limited supply in the local retail market and the way buyers are acting decisively when quality opportunities come up.

Third Time the Property Found Its Match

According to the sales team, this was the third time the property had been brought to market, and this campaign finally found the right balance of timing, audience, and strategy. The marketing effort drew multiple competitive offers, and the centre went under contract at the asking price, underlining strong buyer interest in Carina’s retail market.

The agents added that the outcome showed how the right strategy, audience, and timing can connect buyers with premium neighbourhood retail assets. The sale also adds to RWC Retail and RWC Gateway’s growing track record of premium outcomes for Brisbane retail properties, underscoring continued confidence in the city’s investment market.

Limited Supply Drives Faster Sales

The sales team noted that in tightly held suburbs like Carina, limited supply is prompting buyers to make quicker decisions. With fewer available retail properties and strong demand for quality centres, buyers are acting quickly when opportunities like this arise.

With 11 established tenancies, including a gym operator, the centre continues to provide a mix of services to customers in Carina and nearby suburbs, maintaining its role as a key part of the area’s local business landscape.

Published 10-Nov-2025

From Manly to Nambour: The Rise and Fall of a Queensland Preserving Company

Photo Credit: Pexels

The Manly Fruit and Preserving Company, a small jam and fruit canning enterprise in Manly, played a short yet significant role in Queensland’s early food manufacturing before relocating to Nambour in 1927.

Origins at Wyvernleigh Estate

The company’s beginnings trace back to Wyvernleigh, the first brick and stone residence built on Manly Hill in the 1860s. Established by Thomas Jones in 1862, the property later passed to Joseph Leuthwaite, the Arnold family, and eventually William Parker in 1909. During the early 1900s, the Shepherd family leased the estate and began producing fruit preserves in a shed on the property, laying the foundation for what became the Manly Fruit and Preserving Company.

fruit preserving — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Transition to Church Property

In 1925, the Wyvernleigh property was purchased for future church use, marking the end of the jam factory’s operations on the site. The original shed, known locally as the jam factory, was dismantled and its timber reused to build a parish hall for the newly established St John Vianney’s Catholic Church. Under Father Butler’s direction and with the help of local builders Percy Shepherd and Vince Grotty, the hall became a key community venue for local events and gatherings.

Golden Bay Preserves — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Relocation and Expansion to Nambour

Seeking growth opportunities, the company relocated to Nambour in 1927, acquiring the Olympic Hall on Howard Street. This new site placed it at the centre of Queensland’s fruit-growing region, providing access to fresh produce and rail transport. The facility installed modern equipment to produce citrus juices, jams, pickles, tomato preserves, passionfruit pulp, and canned pineapples. Operations began in August 1927, when the first batch of 300 cases of canned pineapples was prepared for Western Australia.

Manly Fruit and Preserving Company — *Photo Credit: Trove*

Fire and Closure

The Nambour factory’s success was short-lived. In September 1928, a major fire destroyed the plant, wiping out its machinery and stock. Limited insurance coverage prevented the company from rebuilding, leading to the end of operations.

Legacy

Although the Manly Fruit and Preserving Company ceased to exist after the fire, its story remains significant to both Manly and Nambour. Surviving artefacts such as tins labelled “Golden Bay Preserves” serve as reminders of its contribution to Queensland’s early preserving industry. The company’s history reflects the entrepreneurial drive of the 1920s, linking two Queensland communities through innovation and local production.

Published 3-Nov-2025

Brisbane Launches First Aerial Mosquito Sprays of the Season

Helicopters buzzed over Tingalpa Creek, as the first aerial mosquito sprays of the season took place across Brisbane’s bayside suburbs. Around 500 hectares were sprayed to curb early outbreaks of saltmarsh mosquitoes that had emerged after recent rainfall.

Read: Lota Creek Catchment Properties Among Thousands Affected by Flood Risk Map Update

The operation, which took off from Myrtletown Reserve on 30 October 2025, focused on coastal and creek areas including Port of Brisbane, Tingalpa, Hemmant, and the waterways around Bulimba and Tingalpa creeks. Mud Island, St Helena Island, and Green Island were also included in the program.

Brisbane’s entomology team said the sprays were scheduled when mosquito hatching activity was detected. The work was part of an extensive mosquito management programme that ran throughout the year to keep pest numbers under control and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

Photo credit: Instagram/Cr Adrian Schrinner

Chief Entomologist Dr Martin Shivas said mosquito activity tended to rise sharply once the warmer months arrived. He explained that the combination of heat, rainfall and king tides between December and March created ideal conditions for breeding, and that the timing and intensity of each season depended on these environmental factors.

Dr Shivas added that while the team worked continuously on ground treatments across more than 2,400 freshwater breeding sites, aerial spraying was carried out whenever there was a significant saltmarsh hatch. Each year’s mosquito season, he said, presents different challenges depending on rainfall, tides and temperature, with aerial and ground treatments scheduled accordingly.

Last season, Brisbane conducted 12 aerial treatments between October and March, covering more than 16,000 hectares. With the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting above-average rainfall for southeast Queensland over the following months, local residents were encouraged to do their part in minimising breeding grounds around their homes.

How residents can prepare for the mosquito season

Residents can take simple but effective steps to reduce mosquito numbers over the coming season. They should empty water-holding containers such as buckets, pot plant saucers and bird baths, which can quickly become breeding sites after rain. It also helps to ensure gutters are clear of leaves and that rainwater tank openings are properly screened to prevent mosquitoes from entering.

When mosquitoes are active, residents are advised to wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing that covers arms and legs, and to apply insect repellent to exposed skin. Limiting time outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active can further reduce the risk of bites. Additional protection can come from using mosquito coils, lanterns or insecticide emanators during outdoor activities.

Read: Unexpected Encounters: Koalas Found in the Strangest of Places in Mansfield

By following these steps, bayside residents, from Manly to Tingalpa, Hemmant and beyond, can help reduce mosquito numbers over the summer and enjoy the outdoors with fewer of the season’s unwelcome visitors.

Published 3-November-2025

Your Guide to Weekend Markets in Manly: Farm, Art, and Food

Photo Credit: Manly Harbour Village

Manly is offering residents and visitors a unique variety of community shopping experiences, with three different markets providing everything from fresh farm produce to artisan crafts and street food.

A Weekend of Choice

The suburb is reinforcing its reputation as a bayside destination with a market for every taste. Locals can now choose between farm-fresh goods, creative local arts, or a new evening food event. These markets aim to connect shoppers directly with producers and artists in a vibrant, community-focused setting.

Farm-Fresh Saturdays

The popular Jan Powers Farmers Markets bring a “paddock-to-plate” connection to Little Bayside Park. According to event details, the markets are held on the first and third Saturday of each month from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm. Shoppers can browse stalls from passionate producers offering premium-quality regional produce against the backdrop of Manly Harbour.

Creative Sundays

The following day, the same location at Little Bayside Park transforms for the Manly Creative Markets. This event runs every Sunday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. Organisers describe it as an alternative retail outlet for local talent, stressing that it is not a flea market. Visitors can find a wide range of artisan wares, arts and crafts, plants, and fashion.

New Twilight Evenings

A brand-new summer series, the Twilight Market on Cambridge, is also launching. The first event is set for Friday, 7 November, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. This evening market will take place along Cambridge Parade, featuring a lively atmosphere with craft stalls, food trucks, live music, and local dining options, offering a perfect way to spend a Friday night by the bay.

Published Date 30-October-2025

A Year of Crime in Manly & Manly West: Property Offences Lead, Evenings Busiest

Manly and Manly West recorded a combined 746 offences between 16 October 2024 and 16 October 2025, according to the Queensland Police Service’s Online Crime Map. Within that total, Manly accounted for 351 offences and Manly West 518.

The offence mix across the two suburbs was led by other theft (excluding unlawful entry), followed by drug offences, unlawful entry, and other property damage. Smaller but regular categories included traffic and related offences, assault, good order offences, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, trespassing & vagrancy, and handling stolen goods.

By time of day, offences were most frequent 2 pm–10 pm (297 incidents), then 6 am–2 pm (226), and 10 pm–6 am (223).

By day of the week, Friday, Saturday and Sunday were the busiest days, while Tuesday was the quietest.

Looking month-to-month, the highest totals were June 2025 (84), March 2025 (73) and December 2024 (70). The lowest were February 2025 (43) and May 2025 (47).

Overall, the combined area shows a property-heavy profile typical of busy bayside suburbs, with incidents clustering around shopping strips, arterial roads and nearby residential streets. Routine precautions — locking vehicles, securing valuables and reporting suspicious activity promptly — remain the most effective ways to reduce opportunistic crime.

Published 16-Oct-2025

Moreton Bay College Students Recognised in Brisbane Portrait Prize Next Gen Awards

Three young artists from Moreton Bay College have earned recognition for their creativity and talent in the Next Gen category of the prestigious 2025 Brisbane Portrait Prize, showcasing the strength of student artistry on a city stage.

Read: Moreton Bay College Alumna Dr Bronwyn Herbert, 90, Named Queensland Senior Australian of the Year

Year 12 student Olympia Zavros was named a Finalist for her oil on board work World Where You Live (Do you climb into space?). The self-portrait blends fragments of her passions, from music and astrophysics to Formula 1 and contemporary art, into a richly layered scene set within her bedroom.

World Where You Live (Do you climb into space?) by Olympia Zavros (Photo credit: brisbaneportraitprize.org)

“Like many teenagers, my bedroom is my sanctuary. It changes constantly as my interests shift. This painting holds one version of me – for now. It’s about the tension between who we are, who we want to be, and how we’re seen by others,” Olympia explained.

Joining her are Year 9 student Lanie Kemp and Year 10 student Lara Venes, who each received a Highly Commended award for their thoughtful and emotive pieces.

Fading Memories by Lanie Kemp (Photo credit: brisbaneportraitprize.org)

Lanie’s oil on canvas work, Fading Memories, captures the bittersweet nature of recalling family moments. “While the feeling of that day remains strong, I’ve already started to forget the smaller details. Through distorted perspective, I wanted to show how the sharpness of a memory begins to fade, even if its meaning stays. The tiny figures of my parents resting in my hand symbolise both how close the memory feels, and how distant it’s becoming,” Lanie said.

Brisbane Portrait Prize — Feeling Freedom by Lara Venes (Photo credit: brisbaneportraitprize.org)

Lara’s graphite pencil self-portrait, Feeling Freedom, depicts a fleeting but profound moment: the wind against her face while leaning out of a car window. “It was during a difficult time in my life, and that simple act reminded me how small moments can bring a sense of peace that cuts through the noise,” Lara reflected.

Judge Christine Clark noted the way the portraits embody “strength in humanity and in seeing the good — in community members, in their own family and in their own sense of self enabling that strength.” The works of Olympia, Lanie, and Lara strongly echo that sentiment, each one telling a deeply personal story while resonating with universal themes of memory, identity, and resilience.

Read: Moreton Bay College’s Amelia Sherrard Shines on the National Stage

For the Moreton Bay College community, the recognition in the Next Gen category of Brisbane Portrait Prize is both a celebration of artistic excellence and a testament to the dedication of its young creatives. These achievements not only highlight the students’ skill but also affirm their ability to use art as a language of storytelling and self-discovery.

Published 1-October-2025