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

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

Lifejackets, Locals, and the Love of the Bay: Boating Safety Rules Anchor in Manly

For many locals in Manly, weekends on the water are second nature. Whether it’s fishing or sailing, or simply paddling through the Moreton Bay Marine Park, recreational boating is more than a pastime — it’s a way of life.

But from 1 July 2025, Manly’s boaters will need to be more than just sun-smart and tide-aware — they’ll need to make sure their lifejackets are properly worn in high-risk situations, or risk a fine starting at $333.

The new lifejacket laws, introduced by Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ), have been in effect since December 2024, but the focus until now has been on education. That grace period ends this July, with full enforcement beginning just in time for the winter school holidays.

What the New Rules Mean

Under the updated laws, lifejackets are now mandatory in specific circumstances — especially on smaller boats and when conditions are riskier. This includes:

Boating alone or only with children under 12 in open boats under 4.8m in length
Crossing designated coastal bars
Operating open boats at night
When children under 12 are on open sections of any boat
On certain unpowered or low-powered craft, like kayaks, rafts, and pedal boats

MSQ’s renewed safety focus follows sobering statistics: 64 people died in Queensland boating accidents between 2019 and 2023 — and just five were wearing lifejackets at the time

Boating by the Numbers in Moreton Bay

Manly is home to Queensland’s largest small-boat harbour, and its facilities — including two public boat ramps and numerous pontoons — support thousands of boaters each year. According to Maritime Safety Queensland, the state is home to over 261,000 registered recreational vessels and more than 1 million boating licence holders, with a significant concentration in the south-east

Locally, the most popular activities in Moreton Bay include fishing (66%), motorboating (63%), and sailing (35%), according to a 2022 recreational boating study commissioned by Healthy Land & Water

Manly clubs — from the Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club to Sailability — continue to grow in membership, proving the bay’s strong boating culture.

Safety Meets Lifestyle

Brisbane Coast Guard, which operates its largest flotilla right here in Manly, welcomes the tougher stance on safety.

“We’re seeing more casual boaters and families out on the water than ever,” one volunteer said. “It’s not just seasoned sailors anymore; and these new laws will help save lives, especially among newer or less-experienced users.”

The TMR campaign aligns with broader efforts to improve marine safety, including awareness drives about fatigue, alcohol, and poor vessel maintenance. These are all frequent factors in maritime incidents.

Community Buy-in

At the Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club, Commodore Joan Fitzgerald said most members are already familiar with lifejacket laws, but the reminders are helpful — particularly during holiday seasons when visiting boaters are more common.

“We encourage everyone, locals or visitors, to check the Maritime Safety Queensland website or ask staff at the harbour before heading out,” she said. “It’s not about policing fun. It’s about ensuring your family comes back safe.”

The club has even offered to host information nights and distribute printed guides on the new rules through affiliated clubs and schools.

Published 23-June-2025

Belmont Road Tragedies Prompt Urgent Roadside Safety Call

Photo Credit: Queensland Police

A man has tragically lost his life in Belmont after being rolled over by his truck, highlighting the perilous risks faced by drivers on Australian roads.

At approximately 5:00 a.m. on 17 June, a fatal incident took place on the Gateway Motorway on-ramp at Old Cleveland Road in Belmont. Emergency services were called after reports of a man on the side of the road. Initial police investigations indicate that a truck driver had pulled over to inspect his vehicle when he was tragically run over, sustaining critical injuries and being declared deceased at the scene.

Police Seek Witnesses

The Queensland Police Forensic Crash Unit is continuing its investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities are appealing to the community for assistance, urging anyone who was in the Belmont area around the time of the crash and may have dashcam or CCTV footage to come forward and contact police. Community cooperation is vital in understanding such incidents fully.

Roadside Risks and Driver Vigilance

This heartbreaking event serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers involved when vehicles stop on or near busy roadways. Drivers are often vulnerable when attending to vehicle issues or assisting others, making awareness and extreme caution paramount.

Road safety experts consistently advise that even routine inspections can become perilous situations, urging drivers to consider safety protocols such as activating hazard lights, placing warning triangles, and, if possible, moving to the safest available location off the main thoroughfare.

The road incident highlights a broader concern for road safety, whether it involves roadside inspections or complex merging manoeuvres, urging all road users to exercise maximum care and vigilance to prevent further tragedies.

Published Date 19-Jun-2025

Police Seek Public’s Help After Man Robbed at Lota Fitness Centre

Photo Credit: myPolice Brisbane West

In the close-knit suburb of Lota, an early morning robbery outside a local gym has left residents rattled and police calling for help.

Armed Robbery in Lota Leaves Local Man Shaken After Early Morning Attack

A man was threatened and robbed outside a Lota gym during a quiet early morning, shocking the small bayside community as police search for the person responsible.

Shortly before 4 a.m. on Tuesday, June 18, a 36-year-old man was approached outside a fitness centre on Railway Terrace in Lota. According to Queensland Police, the man was confronted by an unknown male who demanded his car keys and stole his grey 2017 Volkswagen Polo hatchback. The vehicle was later seen in Wynnum without its number plates.

Police Appeal to the Public

Investigators say the man believed to be involved in the robbery is described as Caucasian and was wearing a black hoodie at the time. Authorities have released images of the individual and the stolen vehicle in the hope that members of the public may recognise him or provide information to assist with the investigation.

The vehicle, a grey Volkswagen Polo with Queensland registration ZZD 750, was last sighted on Wondall Road, Wynnum, at approximately 9:15 a.m. that same day. Police have confirmed the plates were removed by that time, making the car more difficult to trace.

Community Concerns and Vigilance

The quiet community of Lota has been shaken by the early morning robbery, raising concerns about safety during daily routines. Police are treating the incident seriously, though they have not confirmed if a weapon was involved.

Residents are urged to stay alert and cautious. Authorities are also asking anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage from Lota or Wynnum to come forward.

How to Share Information

Police are urging anyone with information to contact Policelink on 131 444 or submit a report at police.qld.gov.au/reporting. Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersqld.com.au.

The case reference number is QP2501071726. Investigators hope community support will help identify the suspect and restore safety in Lota.

Published 19-June-2025

Wynnum and Manly Identified for Ongoing Rental Growth

Photo Credit: Pexels

Wynnum and Manly have been identified as Brisbane suburbs where rents are expected to keep rising, driven by limited housing supply and sustained demand from tenants.

Rental Market Outlook for Brisbane’s Bayside

Wynnum and Manly have been included in a national list of 20 suburbs where rents are forecast to continue increasing over the next 12 months. The latest analysis attributes the pressure to ongoing low vacancy rates, constrained housing supply, and a rental market that remains more accessible than home ownership in these areas.

These bayside suburbs were identified along with other Queensland locations such as Loganlea and The Gap, which also face tight rental conditions and low stock availability.

Wynnum and Manly rents — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Bayside Demand Reflects in Market Figures

In Wynnum, house rents have increased by 6.1 per cent over the past year to an average of $700 per week. Unit rents have grown 5.5 per cent, now averaging $580. House values in the suburb rose by 24.5 per cent over the same period, while units saw a 15.2 per cent increase.

Manly has reported a median weekly rent of $780 for houses and $620 for units. The rental yield for houses currently stands at 2.86 per cent, while units return 3.80 per cent. Properties in the suburb are moving steadily, with houses spending 32 days on the market and units 16 days.

Suburb Characteristics and Growth Drivers

Wynnum combines older Queenslander-style housing with newer developments and is supported by proximity to schools, parks, public transport, and a growing local population. A $1 billion redevelopment of Wynnum Plaza is in progress, with completion expected by late 2025.

Manly offers a marina-side lifestyle and remains popular with families and professionals. In 2021, 68 per cent of homes in Manly were owner-occupied, reflecting the area’s residential stability and long-term appeal.

Together, Wynnum and Manly form a connected bayside corridor that benefits from established infrastructure, coastal amenities, and ongoing urban renewal.

Brisbane rental market — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Broader Market Conditions

Across Australia, the rental market continues to face pressure. SQM Research reported a national vacancy rate of 1.2 per cent in May, reflecting a slight improvement from April but still well below pre-pandemic levels. With rental listings limited and population growth continuing, demand is expected to remain elevated.

This sustained imbalance between supply and demand suggests that suburbs like Wynnum and Manly are likely to see further upward pressure on rents into 2025 and beyond.

Published 18-June-2025

Large Service Station and Fast Food Planned for Chandler Rural Land

Photo Credit: DA A006760916

A substantial new service station and fast-food outlet is slated for a vast rural site at the prominent intersection of Old Cleveland Road and New Cleveland Road in Chandler, utilising less than seven per cent of the total land area.

The development application has been formally lodged for the project, which aims to cater to both local commuters and regional traffic passing through the area.

While the site spans an expansive 103,200 square metres, the proposed service station and fast-food premises will occupy a development footprint of approximately 8,000 square metres.

Development Overview

Designed by Verve Design Group, the plan features a 360-square-metre service station building. An ancillary food and drink outlet will include a drive-through facility.

To accommodate vehicles, the development will provide 30 parking spaces, with four dedicated bays for electric vehicle (EV) charging. For refuelling, eight stations will be available under a 4.7-metre-high canopy.

Access and Connectivity

Access to the new facility is strategically planned to manage traffic flow efficiently. Motorists will have left-in and left-out access directly from Old Cleveland Road.

Full-movement access, allowing turns in all directions, will be provided from New Cleveland Road. Additionally, new left-turn lanes are proposed at both entry points to assist vehicle movements.

Planning Justification

Planners from Benchmark Planning have stated that service stations are a necessary amenity in rural areas, much like in urban localities. They highlight that the proposed development’s footprint of less than seven per cent of the overall site area is consistent with a low-scale, low-intensity rural character.

The planners also noted that the chosen south-eastern corner of the site, at the junction of Old Cleveland Road and New Cleveland Road, is considered the least rural part of the entire property, making it a suitable location for such a commercial venture.

Published Date 13-Jun-2025

Bayside Bliss in Manly: Olivera Opens Doors to Mediterranean Charm

Photo Credit: Olivera/ Facebook

Manly has welcomed Olivera, a new refined Mediterranean restaurant that is quickly cementing the bayside area’s growing reputation as a premier dining destination.

Located prominently on the corner of Cambridge Parade and the Esplanade, Olivera is the latest undertaking by Consortium QLD, the group behind popular establishments like The Arsonist and Wang Chung.

This addition aims to blend the vibrant flavours of Southern Europe with a relaxed Queensland charm, offering a bright and airy dining experience for locals and visitors alike.

A Culinary Journey

Heading the kitchen at Olivera is Chef Sean Garrett, who brings considerable experience from renowned kitchens around the world, including Michelin-starred establishments in the UK. The menu reflects a focus on fresh ingredients and refined cooking techniques. Diners can choose from a range of small plates, perfect for sharing, or larger main courses.

Notable dishes include a rich Southern Rock Lobster linguine, prepared with a bisque reduction, blistered cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil. Another hearty option is the slow-cooked lamb shoulder, served alongside caramelised yoghurt, silverbeet, smoked olive, and rosemary jus. For those with a sweet tooth, the caramelised goat’s milk panna cotta with fig leaf granita has already become a popular choice.

The beverage selection is equally thoughtful, featuring a variety of carefully created cocktails. Examples include a delicate chamomile daiquiri, made with chamomile and vanilla-infused rum and lime, and a more robust fig old-fashioned, which balances fig-infused bourbon with honey and walnut bitters.

A Sanctuary by the Bay

Olivera was conceived with the idea of creating a place where elegance, warmth, and flavour come together. The restaurant is named after the olive tree, a symbol often associated with peace, prosperity, and connection, aiming to be a comforting space for those seeking authentic Mediterranean food and enjoyable shared moments.

The design of the venue enhances this atmosphere, with reviewers noting its beautiful decor and a high ceiling that helps carry in the refreshing sea breeze. The overall feel is described as a relaxed yet refined dining space, offering views across Manly Harbour and exuding a Mediterranean warmth combined with a bayside Hamptons lifestyle vibe.

The approach to cooking at Olivera is described as intentional, with dishes garnished thoughtfully and presented with poise. Each meal is designed as a tribute to the sun-drenched coasts that provide inspiration, hoping every visit feels like coming home.

Community Focus and Positive Reception

Olivera is quickly garnering positive attention within the community for its quality food and service. Reviewers have consistently praised the food as “delicious” and “packed with flavour.” Standout items frequently mentioned include the fresh focaccia bread, grilled prawns, squid Bolognese balls, pork chop, lamb ribs, scallops, and yellowfin tuna. Special dishes like the Ouzio Snapper with fennel and tomatoes, and the cumin-and-coriander-crusted slow-roasted lamb shoulder, have also received particular acclaim.

The restaurant’s thoughtful wine list and creative cocktail menu have also been well-received. Olivera is seen as a suitable venue for special occasions and is highly recommended for groups, contributing to Manly’s appeal as a place for celebratory gatherings and quality dining experiences. One reviewer noted that “every dish was packed with flavour and looked amazing,” after experiencing the $90 set menu.

Published Date 11-Jun-2025