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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

Mr Jeebus: Tingalpa Burger Named Best in Queensland

Photo Credit: Mr Jeebus/Instagram

A Tingalpa burger shop has been recognised as serving Queensland’s best burger, following a public vote as part of the 2025 All the Best of Queensland awards.

Recognition for a Local Favourite in Tingalpa

Burger venue Mr Jeebus, based in Tingalpa, has been awarded Best Burger in Queensland as part of this year’s “All the Best of Queensland” competition, an initiative linked to Queensland Day celebrations. The recognition was based on more than 61,000 votes cast across 15 categories by residents statewide.

Background of the Awards Program

The “All the Best” campaign is run annually to spotlight Queensland businesses and local icons. The 2025 edition included public voting for categories such as best beer, pub, coffee, and burger. Mr Jeebus secured the top burger spot alongside six other Brisbane-based winners, including Botany in Newstead for best parmi and Archer Brewing in Wilston for best beer.

A Track Record of Recognition

This latest accolade follows previous wins for Mr Jeebus, including Brisbane’s Best Burger in 2020 and again in 2024. The business began in Tingalpa and has since expanded operations across Brisbane with venues in Eagle Farm and a weekly Friday pop-up in Nundah.

Community Contribution and Charity Support

Mr Jeebus is also known for its consistent community engagement. The venue has partnered with Richie’s Rainbow, a children’s cancer support charity, as its “Charity of the Month.” Donations can be made directly through their ordering platform, and the campaign is visible across all locations.

Quality and Expansion Plans

In line with its growth, Mr Jeebus has begun franchising. The brand recently announced its move into controlled beef processing by investing in its own commercial mincer. This ensures uniformity in patty production and flavour consistency across all future franchise outlets.

Future Outlook

The award win aligns with the business’s franchising launch and has contributed to growing public interest. With ongoing community ties and operational expansion, Mr Jeebus’ recognition adds to Tingalpa’s food scene visibility on a state level.

Published 7-June-2025

Retirement Development Progresses in Manly as Sales Pass 50%

Photo Credit: The Village Manly

Over half of the first-stage apartments at The Village Manly retirement development in Brisbane’s bayside suburb of Manly have been sold within six months.

Background and Development Timeline

The Village Manly, a retirement living project in Manly developed by The Village Retirement Group in partnership with Anglicare Southern Queensland, has reached a key sales milestone. The first stage of the project—comprising 76 three-bedroom apartments across two six-storey buildings—has sold more than 50 per cent of its available units.

Initial plans for the project were released in August 2021, following development approval granted by the Queensland Planning and Environment Court in December 2019. Construction was delayed following a request in October 2023 to amend the approved plans, changing the original four-storey design to a six-storey configuration.

Revised Design and Facilities

The revised development includes a total of 187 one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom units across six multi-storey buildings, ranging between four to six levels. The buildings are located next to Anglicare’s EM Tooth Aged Care facility and the heritage-listed Lota House.

Stage 1 features basement car parking and community amenities, with architectural design by O’Neill Architecture and construction led by FKG Group. Three-bedroom units in Stage 1 are priced from $1.3 million, with penthouse contributions listed between $1.65 million and $2.5 million, as outlined in the Village Comparison Document issued by the State.

Manly retirement living — *Photo Credit: The Village Manly*

Local Context and Living Features in Manly

Situated approximately 20 kilometres from Brisbane CBD, the Manly site offers water views and is positioned to meet the growing demand for retirement accommodation in the region. The development is promoted as a premium lifestyle option, with community facilities including a heated pool, gym, yoga studio, café, cinema, arts and craft rooms, and a medical and allied health suite.

Apartments have been designed to maximise bay breezes and greenery, with a focus on functionality and liveability. The partnership also supports access to homecare services and proximity to residential aged care.

Retirement development — *Photo Credit: The Village Manly*

Community Feedback and Future Construction

Local residents and stakeholders have shared mixed views regarding the revised plans. Some expressed concerns over the increased building height, while others acknowledged the need for additional retirement housing options in Manly.

The development team has stated that the design balances demand with heritage considerations, particularly the nearby Lota House. This marks the second collaboration between Anglicare Southern Queensland and The Village Retirement Group, following an earlier project in Taigum.

The Village Manly Stage 1 development — *Photo Credit: The Village Manly*

Next Steps

Construction for the revised Stage 1 is expected to be completed by mid-2026. The remaining apartments in Stage 1 are currently on the market, with 38 units still available.

Published 6-June-2025

Land Secured in Manly for New Special School Planning

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Land has been purchased in Manly West to begin planning new special education facilities aimed at easing enrolment pressure at Darling Point Special School.

Background and Site Constraints

Darling Point Special School, located on Upper Esplanade in Manly, has seen rising enrolments. Operating on a site smaller than one hectare, the school faces physical limitations due to its location beside Moreton Bay and surrounding parkland. To manage enrolment growth, a temporary satellite campus has operated at Iona College since 2022.

Planning Underway Following Land Acquisition

To address these constraints, the Department of Education has purchased a 2.5-hectare site at 218 Manly Road, adjacent to Manly West State School. This land acquisition marks the beginning of early-stage planning, which will include technical site investigations, a concept master plan, and a detailed business case.

The planning aims to provide long-term relief for Darling Point Special School. These plans will be informed by input from nearby schools and the broader community.

Educational Need and Program Overview

Darling Point Special School delivers a broad range of programs for students from Prep to Year 12. The school is known for its co-teaching model, where curriculum specialists collaborate with special educators. Students access diverse subjects including literacy, numeracy, science, arts, music, hydrotherapy, and vocational education.

The school has a sensory room, therapy services using a transdisciplinary approach, and registered training programs delivering certificate outcomes. It also maintains an international partnership with Denmark and is supported by expert consultants in behaviour analysis.

Manly special school — *Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only*
*Photo Credit: Pexels*

Next Steps and Community Engagement

The concept master plan is due by the end of 2025. Public consultation will follow to guide future planning approvals. Construction will depend on funding and formal approvals. Local families, educators and stakeholders are encouraged to take part in the early discussions. Questions can be emailed to BuildingFutureSchools@qed.qld.gov.au.

Published 31-May-2025

Community Consultation Opens for Proposed Bikeway in Gumdale

Photo Credit: CrRyanMurphy

Community consultation is underway in Gumdale to determine whether the unformed Tilley Road corridor should be developed into a 1.5-kilometre bikeway and linear park or preserved for future road use.

Background and Context

The Tilley Road corridor, located between Tilley Road at New Cleveland Road and Manly Road at the Hargreaves Road intersection, has been earmarked for infrastructure development for over a decade. Originally designated as Stage 4 of the Tilley Road Extension Project, it was intended to function as an arterial route for heavy vehicles accessing the Port of Brisbane.

Stage 1 of the project was completed in 2011. Since then, upgrades to the Gateway Motorway and the Port of Brisbane Motorway by the State have reduced the strategic need for completing the extension.

Tilley Road Gumdale — *Photo Credit: CrRyanMurphy*

Proposed Development and Funding

Following a 2024 council election commitment by local official Ryan Murphy, $108,000 was allocated for investigation, design, and consultation to explore the repurposing of the corridor. The current proposal seeks to convert the space into a bikeway and linear park that would improve connectivity between Eastside Village in Gumdale and Mayfair Village in Manly West.

The alternative is to retain the land in its current condition as a preserved but unformed road corridor.

Environmental and Planning Considerations

Part of the corridor is recognised as a protected koala habitat and identified as a koala movement area. Any changes to land use would require environmental approvals from the federal government. A bikeway and park are considered more compatible with maintaining habitat than constructing a new road.

Community Sentiment and Feedback

Residents have been invited to participate in a survey which offers two options: transform the corridor into a bikeway and park, or retain it as future road reserve. Around 1,415 nearby properties have received direct invitations, though all Wakerley residents and other interested parties may also contribute.

The consultation is being conducted independently of the BCC website, as a local preliminary gauge of community interest.

Tilley Road bikeway — *Photo Credit: Google Maps Street View*

have your say

Comments shared on social media reflect a range of views. Some residents support the enhanced cycling and walking links, while others have raised concerns about broader planning issues. One resident questioned whether pre-approval had been granted for removal of termite-infested or hazardous trees along the corridor. Local official Ryan Murphy responded by offering to lodge service requests for residents regarding such maintenance concerns.

There were also questions raised about other local road projects, such as the Meadowlands Road extension. Mr Murphy clarified that this is a separate proposal and is currently only funded for a feasibility study.

Next Steps

Pending the outcome of the consultation, BCC will assess whether to proceed with design and planning for the bikeway and linear park. If support is not evident, the area will remain a preserved road corridor for potential future use.

Published 28-May-2025