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Over 1,400 People Have Their Say on Manly and Lota Master Plan

More than 1,400 people have contributed ideas for the future of the Wynnum, Manly and Lota foreshores as authorities develop a 20-year master plan.

Community Engagement Draws Strong Local Response

Brisbane City officials have completed the first stage of community consultation for the Wynnum, Manly, and Lota Foreshores Master Plan. The process drew more than 1,400 survey responses, with 87 per cent coming from residents within the area.

The initial engagement period has now closed, and feedback will be used to prepare a draft master plan scheduled for release in 2026.

Popular Activities and Key Themes

Survey results show the foreshores are primarily visited for walking, picnicking, socialising, and enjoying the natural surroundings. Respondents highlighted the need to maintain the area’s environmental character while improving facilities for public use.

Suggestions covered a range of priorities, including upgraded parking, revitalisation of the Wynnum Wading Pool, and increased amenities for sports, recreation, and tourism.

community engagement — *Photo Credit: BCC*

Specific Community Suggestions

Ideas submitted through the consultation included:

New pedestrian and cycling connections, such as a footbridge between Wynnum North and Lota.
Redevelopment of underused sites into hospitality and community spaces.
Upgrades to boat ramps, playgrounds, and sporting facilities, particularly netball courts and clubhouses.
Expanded shaded areas, native tree planting, and better drainage in parks.
Initiatives to protect local wetlands and mangroves, as well as improved fishing, kayaking, and walking opportunities.

Other feedback addressed safety measures, more public seating, water bottle refill stations, and infrastructure for both active sports and passive recreation.

Environmental Considerations

Several submissions emphasised protecting the Ramsar-listed wetlands and preserving habitats for migratory shorebirds. Calls were also made for more sustainable operations for local vendors, such as solar-powered facilities and reduced use of chemical weed control.

Next Steps

BCC will incorporate the feedback into the draft Wynnum, Manly and Lota Foreshores Master Plan, which will be released for further community comment in 2026. Residents will have another opportunity to provide input before the plan is finalised.

Published 10-Aug-2025

Beat the Summer Rush: How Manly Families Can Get $150 for Kids’ Swim Lessons Now

Photo Credit: QueenslandGovernment

In a community where life revolves around the water, a programme is helping Manly’s youngest residents learn to swim by providing their families with $150 vouchers for lessons at local swim centres.

Relief for Rising Family Costs

As local families continue to manage rising living expenses, a Queensland government initiative is providing direct financial support to help cover a key childhood activity. The SwimStart programme offers vouchers of up to $150 per child to pay for swimming lessons, aimed at youngsters aged four and under.

This financial assistance is designed to ensure that cost is not a barrier for children to learn critical survival skills in the water, a fundamental part of the Queensland lifestyle. The support allows parents to invest in their child’s safety without adding another strain to their budget.

A Smart Time for Safety

The programme’s latest round of applications comes at a strategic time for parents. Learning to swim during the cooler months is an ideal way to prepare children for the beaches, pools, and waterways that are central to community life in the Moreton Bay region come summertime.

State officials, including Minister for Sport Tim Mander, have highlighted that swimming is one of Queensland’s most popular activities for children and that lessons from a young age are a crucial introduction to physical activity and water safety.

The programme works with a diverse range of organisations across Queensland, including community-based groups like the Moreton Bay Colleges Swimming Association and specialised businesses such as Just Sports N Fitness and Millumby Pty Ltd. To find a specific swim school in the Manly community that accepts the vouchers, parents are advised to use the provider directory on the government’s official programme page.

How to Access the Programme

The third round of the SwimStart programme is now active, having commenced on 28 July 2025. Parents and carers of eligible children are encouraged to apply for the vouchers as soon as possible to secure a spot with their preferred local swim school.

Once received, families will have plenty of time to use the support, with the vouchers remaining valid for redemption until June 2026. The programme is part of a wider government investment in grassroots sport, intended to build a foundation of healthy and safe activity for the state’s youngest residents.

Published Date 04-August-2025

Man Critical Following Motorcycle Collision On Old Cleveland Road

Photo Credit: Google Maps

A Belmont man in his 60s remains in critical condition at Princess Alexandra Hospital after his Harley Davidson motorcycle collided with a Ford Ranger at Old Cleveland Road and Mount Petrie Road, one of the suburb’s busiest intersections.

The serious crash occurred at approximately 1:58pm on Wednesday, July 16. The motorcyclist sustained life-threatening injuries in the collision and required immediate critical care from paramedics before being rushed to hospital.

The driver of the Ford Ranger, a man in his 50s, was not physically injured in the incident but would have been shaken by the traumatic event.

Queensland Police cordoned off the intersection following the crash, with traffic diversions likely affecting local commuters during the afternoon peak. The Forensic Crash Unit has taken over the investigation and is examining multiple factors that may have contributed to the collision.

Investigators are focusing their enquiries on the sequence of events leading up to the crash, including traffic signal compliance, road conditions at the time, and visibility factors for both vehicles involved. The intersection of Old Cleveland Road and Mount Petrie Road is known to local residents as a particularly busy junction during afternoon traffic.

The intersection has previously been identified as problematic for road users, with concerns raised about vehicles turning right into Mount Petrie Road having to navigate across multiple lanes of traffic.

Police have assigned reference number QP2501245490 to the case and are appealing to the local community for assistance. Investigators are particularly interested in speaking with anyone who may have dashcam footage or CCTV recordings from the area between 1:45pm and 2:15pm on July 16.

The incident serves as a sobering reminder for Belmont motorists to exercise extra caution around motorcyclists, particularly during the current winter months when clear conditions often see increased numbers of riders on local roads.

Community members with information about the crash are urged to contact Policelink at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting, call 131 444, or provide anonymous information to Crime Stoppers Queensland on 1800 333 000 or through www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

The motorcyclist’s condition remains critical, with his family undoubtedly facing an anxious wait as medical teams work to treat his injuries.

Published 16-July-2025

Belmont Shooting Centre Hosts Inclusive BISC Open and Para Development Camp

Photo Credit: Brisbane International Shooting Centre/Facebook

At the Brisbane International Shooting Centre in Belmont, Australia’s only shooter-run international venue hosted a week of competition that brought together Olympic hopefuls, new athletes and Para-shooters training side by side. Competitors from all over Australia and New Zealand came together for a first-of-its-kind camp and national selection event that placed inclusivity at the centre of high-performance sport.

Shooting Centre Grows Beyond Elite Sport

Built in 1968 and significantly upgraded in preparation for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, the Brisbane International Shooting Centre (BISC) now features four international-level ranges for pistol, air rifle and small-bore rifle events. Managed jointly by Pistol Shooting Queensland and Queensland Target Sports through Brisbane International Shooting Centre Ltd, the venue has evolved into a hub for Olympic, Commonwealth and Paralympic pathway athletes.

While the facility is used for high-level training and competition, it also serves local and regional shooters, including those who are just starting out in the sport. From weekly club meets to national selection events, the Belmont-based complex maintains a small club atmosphere while delivering top-tier competitive infrastructure.

Inclusive Para Camp Launches in Belmont

In early July 2025, Shooting Australia hosted its inaugural Trans-Tasman Para-shooting development camp at BISC, gathering 15 athletes from Australia and New Zealand. The camp included high-performance athletes, national squad members and new shooters transitioning from other elite sports into target disciplines. The program focused on practical development, team integration and familiarisation with competition processes.

*Photo Credit: Brisbane International Shooting Centre/Facebook*

The event marked the formal start of Shooting Australia’s “Precision with Purpose” program, which aims to provide structured pathways for Para-athletes and increase inclusion in domestic events. Coaches and support staff from both countries contributed to the sessions, which offered participants access to mentoring, training facilities, and feedback from national-level experts.

BISC Open Offers Real-Time Experience

Running in parallel with the camp was the BISC Open, a Tier 1 national competition recognised by Shooting Australia and Pistol Shooting Queensland. Held from July 4 to 6, the competition included ISSF-sanctioned events in pistol and rifle disciplines. The event also served as the third World Championship selection trial, with results contributing to international team selection.

Finals included the 25-metre rapid fire pistol event, featuring seasoned competitors such as Bruce Quick, Paul Eskaf and Bruce Dimond. These matches were held in the centre’s custom-designed Finals Hall, where spectators viewed live scoring on large digital displays—a feature that enhances accessibility and engagement for those attending or supporting athletes on site.

Club and Community at the Core

The Brisbane International Pistol Club (BIPC), one of the primary resident clubs at the venue, continues to provide regular shooting experiences for locals. Newcomers are invited to attend Thursday night sessions, with the option to join the club and progress through the licensing and training process. Members receive guidance on equipment, safety, and the sport’s competitive pathways, and the club ensures accessibility with wheelchair-friendly facilities and structured entry points for people with different levels of experience.

This shared focus on high performance and community involvement helps make Belmont’s shooting complex unique. For the Para-athletes involved in this year’s development camp and competition, it offered a rare opportunity to train and compete under the same conditions as their able-bodied peers—something increasingly seen as essential for the growth of inclusive sport in Australia.

Published 14-July-2025

Laggan House: Gumdale’s Old Tin House Tells Story of Family Survival

Photo Credit: Wynnum Manly Historical Society Inc/Facebook

Tucked away in the quiet Brisbane suburb of Gumdale sits a humble tin-shingle shed that once gave one family hope when times were at their hardest. What started as a simple storage shed on Green Camp Road became a lifeline for Constantine Laggan, his wife Margaret, and their four children as they faced the harsh reality of the Great Depression.

A Shed That Became a Home

In 1927, long before Gumdale was the leafy suburb locals know today, Constantine Laggan gathered discarded tins from the Hargreaves Cannery on Manly Road. With limited money and no easy options, he flattened the tins and turned them into the walls of his family’s home. This first house stood in Tingalpa, now known as Arenga Street, Wakerley.

Laggan House — *Photo Credit: Wynnum Manly Historical Society Inc/Facebook*

When the family later moved to Green Camp Road, they turned another tin shed into their next home — the same building now cared for as the Gumdale Historical Museum.

Locals say the shed has served many roles over the years: storage for farm gear, a hay shed, a small garage and even a place to process animals. But for the Laggan family, it was a roof when many families had none.

A Piece of Gumdale’s Past

Decades later, local volunteers stepped in to save the old tin house from disappearing altogether. Piece by piece, they pulled it apart, numbered every plank and iron sheet, then rebuilt it beside the Gumdale Progress Hall on New Cleveland Road. Today, visitors can view items from the Depression era, including a handmade kerosene tin watering can crafted by a gold miner in the 1870s.

Inside Laggan House, shelves and tables show the kinds of household tools, clothing and kitchen items people used when money was tight. Outside, there’s a tool shed, a simple laundry with an old copper, and even a thunderbox toilet that reminds families how far daily life has come.

Local Stories Kept Alive

Local history groups, such as the Friends of Laggan House, keep the memories alive with special open days. Volunteers share stories of how the shed evolved with each new use and how the Laggan family, like many others, made do with whatever they could find. There is even a children’s quiz to help younger visitors spot the old tools and everyday items that older generations might still remember from their grandparents’ homes.

Several times a year, the museum runs themed displays that tie in with the shed’s era, such as wartime memorabilia or vintage clothing. A small book called From Saplings and Kero Tins: A Peek at Gumdale’s Past tells more about how the area changed from bushland and farms to a growing community.

A Place for Locals to Connect

Laggan House now stands as a simple reminder that even a tin shed can have deep meaning. For Gumdale locals, it is proof that a community’s history is not just found in big mansions or grand buildings but also in the small, clever ways families found to survive and stick together.

Visitors can see Laggan House at 737 New Cleveland Road on the first Saturday of each month (except December and January) from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Entry is $2 for adults, $1 for children or concessions and $5 for a family.

Published 11-July-2025

Manly Pool Makes a Splash with Fresh Energy Upgrades

Manly Pool is now swimming ahead with major energy upgrades and a renewed focus on keeping locals active and connected along the Wynnum-Manly Foreshore.

Upgrades Complete After Recent Closures

With funding from the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, the upgrades finished a series of energy efficiency works at Manly Pool. The improvements include a new heat pump that helps cut energy use, an upgraded electrical system and the installation of an energy monitoring system to keep everything running smarter and more cost-effective for years to come.

The works wrapped up after a few brief closures in late June 2025, when the pool shut its gates for urgent maintenance. Council said crews worked hard behind the scenes to reopen the venue quickly, ensuring the community could get back to their regular swims and lessons with minimal fuss.

A Hub for Local Families and Fitness

Manly Pool remains a favourite spot for families and fitness lovers alike. Visitors can dive into the heated 25-metre outdoor pool, join group fitness classes or sign up for learn-to-swim lessons and triathlon training. Little ones enjoy the fenced splash pool, wading pool and waterslide, although the waterslide and toddler pool are closed during winter.

For a coffee or snack after a swim, the outdoor café offers extra space for parents and groups. The pool’s operating hours stretch from early mornings on weekdays to mid-morning finishes on weekends. Locals can check the Manly Pool website or ring the team on 07 3396 2578 to confirm lane availability, activities and booking details.

Keeping the Community Sustainable

Council says these upgrades mean lower running costs and a more sustainable future for one of the bayside’s most popular community venues. The improved systems will help keep the pool open and in top shape for generations of swimmers, families and fitness groups to come.

Manly Pool is located at 1 Fairlead Crescent, Manly. Opening hours are Monday to Thursday, 5:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday, 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The pool is closed on public holidays, Christmas Day and Good Friday.

Published 10-July-2025

Tingalpa Infrastructure Boost: Safer Roads, Greener Parks & Better Bikeways

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Tingalpa locals can look forward to a series of significant upgrades rolling out this year, including a safer intersection, improved bikeways and greener community parks—all designed to enhance daily life without increasing rates.

Wynnum Road & Hemmant‑Tingalpa Road Intersection Upgrade

A full signalisation of this busy intersection is underway, replacing the previous “give way” layout with traffic lights, dedicated turn lanes, U-turn bays, upgraded footpaths, kerb ramps and a new Hemmant‑Tingalpa Road path.

Early works begun in February 2025, with night shifts between 7 pm–5 am continuing through mid‑2026. The detailed plan, which included community feedback,. aims to reduce crashes (10 occurred between 2016–23) and boost travel reliability for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.

Tingalpa Road upgrade — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Minnippi Lake Bikeway Widen & Upgrade

Council has started upgrading the western loop of the Minnippi Lake shared bikeway, closing that section from mid‑March to early May 2025. Plans include widening, smoothing and resurfacing the path to improve safety and accessibility for cyclists and pedestrians, with signage redirecting users to the eastern loop during works.

Kianawah Park Refurbishment

As Tingalpa’s oldest park, Kianawah Park on Joe Lambert Drive serves as a cricket hub and community green space. The current upgrade effort focuses on improved public amenities with enhanced picnic facilities, new toilets, outdoor exercise stations, and better access paths—responding directly to local feedback during consultation sessions.

Creekside Vegetation Works to Help Flood Management

Buffer zones along Bulimba Creek at Bognor Street and Wondall Road are being trimmed and reshaped to reduce flood risk while supporting local wildlife. This aligns with Council’s ongoing efforts across Bayside suburbs to protect waterways and enhance ecological resilience.

Brisbane City budget — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

What This Means for Tingalpa Residents

These upgrades promise safer crossings at the Wynnum–Hemmant intersection, more family- and commuter-friendly paths around Minnippi Lake, and revitalised park facilities at Kianawah—all strengthening Tingalpa’s appeal as a well-connected, active community.

Drivers should plan for night-time lane closures on Wynnum Road and Hemmant‑Tingalpa Road over the next few months, while cyclists and walkers should follow the detours around the lake loop.

Published 5-July-2025

Feeding Hope From a Carina Kitchen

In a quiet street in Carina, Tilisa and Kena Manumu’a are quietly making a big impact. From their own home, the couple prepare and deliver hot meals, fresh produce, and essential supplies to people doing it tough across Brisbane—particularly in Musgrave Park, Kurilpa Park, and the city centre.

Their not-for-profit, Seini Care Services, was inspired by the legacy of Tilisa’s late grandmother, who passed away in 2021. Known for her compassion and community spirit, her memory lives on in every meal shared and every kind gesture extended.

Service Rooted in Faith

The couple describe Seini Care as a Christian organisation, driven by a simple ethos: to serve with kindness and humility. While their formal charity was registered in 2022 (ABN 63 660 907 479), their outreach began well before then, starting with small food deliveries and growing through word-of-mouth and community support.

Each week, they prepare and hand-deliver meals to individuals experiencing hardship. They also work closely with local churches, supplying fresh produce and food hampers to families in need.

A Community Vision

Beyond their regular outreach, Tilisa and Kena dream of creating a respite and community space for elderly members of Brisbane’s culturally diverse communities—especially those who have migrated later in life and face isolation.

They have already hosted seniors’ events like Gifts of Grace and shared plans for future initiatives on their Facebook and Instagram pages, including the launch of a Meals on Wheels – Seniors program .

Recognised for Their Impact

Their work hasn’t gone unnoticed. The Manumu’as have been nominated for Local Heroes Carindale, a recognition that celebrates individuals making a difference in the community through quiet but powerful acts of service.

How to Support Seini Care

While they do not actively solicit donations in every post, the couple welcome support through:

Donations via their website: www.seinicare.com.au
Volunteering: Contact via email (enquiries@seinicare.com.au) or Instagram @seinicare
Spreading the word on social media, including Facebook and TikTok (@seinicare)

Every week, from their home in Carina, Tilisa and Kena show what it means to care—quietly, consistently, and with no expectation of return. Their story is a reminder that it doesn’t take a big organisation to make a big difference—just two people, a kitchen, and a lot of heart.

Published 30-June-2025

Tingalpa to Get New Fast-Food Spot and Upgraded Service Station

Photo Credit: DA A006774847

A new fast-food restaurant and revamped service station are set to bring fresh changes to Tingalpa, as plans for an Oporto outlet and improvements to an existing EG site have officially been given the green light.

Project Timeline and Approval

The detailed Construction Management Plan for the site at 841 Manly Road, Tingalpa received approval on 17 June 2025. The project, lodged by Melrose Built Pty Ltd, will roll out in two stages, with works scheduled to continue until December this year. Site preparation began earlier this month, with demolition and earthworks leading the way for the new Oporto store and drive-through.

What’s Changing at the Site

According to the approved documents, the development will see a brand new Oporto building added to the site, complete with architectural, structural and landscaping works. The project also covers upgrades to the existing EG service station. The fuel setup will be scaled back from eight dispensers to four, while the air and water system will be moved to suit the updated layout. Other works include new retaining walls, refreshed landscaping and new car park linemarking to manage the flow of traffic.

Oporto Tingalpa — *Photo Credit: DA A006774847*

Keeping Traffic and Neighbours in Mind

The plan includes measures to limit disruptions for residents and road users. Trucks and machinery will stick to designated entry and exit routes on Manly Road, and temporary fencing, clear signage and footpath detours will help keep pedestrians safe. The site’s working hours run from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday, with no work on Sundays or public holidays unless extra permissions are granted.

To manage dust, noise and vibration from heavy excavation, Melrose Built has outlined steps such as using noise-suppressed equipment and notifying neighbours in advance if noisy rock-breaking works are needed. A contact person will be on call for community concerns, and any damage to local footpaths or roads will be repaired as directed by council officers.

Environmental Protections and Community Updates

The plan also addresses environmental safeguards. Controls like silt socks and special washout areas for paint and plaster waste will help keep stormwater clean during construction. Any possible soil contamination will be assessed and handled by licensed specialists if required.

Melrose Built says neighbours can expect letterbox updates and signage with contact details to help the community stay informed throughout the works. Workers will be encouraged to carpool or use off-site parking to ease pressure on local streets.

When finished, the site will feature new landscaping, outdoor dining areas and improved traffic flow, aiming to add another convenient food option for locals and travellers alike.

Published 28-June-2025

Photography Seminar Series Coming to Tingalpa This August

Photo Credit: World Photo Adventures

A photography seminar led by World Photo Adventures is set to take place in Tingalpa as part of a national workshop series scheduled across four cities this August.

National Workshop Tour Includes Brisbane Event

World Photo Adventures will bring its photography seminar series to Tingalpa on Saturday, 23 August 2025. The Brisbane leg forms part of a four-city tour also visiting Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney throughout the month.

The five-hour session will be held at the Tingalpa Hotel and is open to participants of all experience levels. Each seminar in the series is priced at $50, with registration currently open.

Led by Experienced Educators

The Tingalpa workshop will be presented by Darran and Julia Leal, co-founders of World Photo Adventures. The organisation has been running photography-focused workshops and guided holidays since 1989. Pearce and Frazer Leal are also part of the team, although they are not scheduled to appear at the Brisbane event.

World Photo Adventures is listed as a Quality Tourism Accredited Business and has led numerous programs across diverse photographic destinations.

Tingalpa photography seminar — *Photo Credit: World Photo Adventure*s

Format and Schedule

The seminar will begin at 9 a.m. with a focus on visualisation and shooting techniques across a range of subjects, including landscape and portrait photography. The morning will include interactive sessions and opportunities for attendees to ask questions.

A lunch break is scheduled around midday, with nearby food options available. The afternoon session, starting at 12:45 p.m., will cover processing workflows and editing techniques before the seminar concludes at 3 p.m.

Attendees will also have the chance to win door prizes, including limited-edition photographic prints, photography books, and magazine subscriptions.

Brisbane events — *Photo Credit: World Photo Adventure*s

Program Background

The seminar series continues World Photo Adventures’ commitment to skill-building in photography through structured, small-group sessions. The organisation states that its programs are designed to provide both practical techniques and creative inspiration for photographers at all stages.

Seats are limited at all locations, and the Tingalpa venue offers on-site parking and lunch availability through the hotel.

Published 27-June-2025