Lota Archives - Manly Today

Man Charged Over Late-Night Fireworks at Lota Jetty

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

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

Residents in Lota, Manly, and neighbouring bayside suburbs are among thousands across Brisbane set to appear on a newly updated flood risk map to be released next month.

Read: Manly and Nearby Suburbs Eligible for Cyclone Alfred Relief Payments

From 19 September, the council will incorporate revised flood modelling into its planning scheme, reflecting the latest studies conducted in the Lota Creek, Breakfast Creek, and Jindalee catchments. City-wide, 17,246 properties will be affected: 10,129 properties will be included for the first time, more than 2,000 properties will shift into a higher risk category, and about 400 properties will be removed.

Photo credit: Brisbane Flood Awareness Map

For the bayside, the Lota Creek catchment spans parts of Lota, Manly, Manly West, Ransome, Wakerley, Gumdale, and Chandler. The updated modelling focuses solely on creek and waterway flooding, meaning it does not apply to Brisbane River or overland flooding. The mapping reflects recent flood events, advances in technology, and new national guidelines that account for greater climate change impacts, raising projected rainfall allowances in modelling by as much as 60 percent.

flood risk map — Photo credit: Marissa Jackson/Google Maps

Council says the revised flood awareness tool is intended to help residents better understand potential risks, make informed property decisions, and plan for resilience. Some affected properties may face only a very low likelihood of flooding, such as a one-in-2,000-year event, but will still be included for awareness and planning purposes.

While the council has urged insurers not to use the new mapping to impose excessive premium increases, it has acknowledged it cannot control how insurance companies respond. Residents concerned about potential financial impacts are encouraged to contact their insurer and, if necessary, seek competitive quotes.

For those in the Lota Creek catchment, especially low-lying streets near the creek mouth and adjacent wetlands, the update is an opportunity to review flood preparation plans, consider property modifications, and understand the level of risk, however small, that may now apply.

Resident Checklist: Lota & Manly Flood Risk Map Update

1. Check your property’s updated flood risk

Visit Brisbane’s Flood Awareness Map online.
Enter your address, select the Creek/Waterway Flooding layer, and review your property’s category.

2. Read your council letter carefully

Look out for an official letter from Council explaining your flood category change.
Keep this for insurance and property records.

3. Contact your insurer

Inform your insurer of your current risk category and request confirmation of any premium changes.
If your premiums rise, compare quotes from other providers.

4. Review your flood preparation plan

Identify evacuation routes and nearby safe areas.
Keep an emergency kit with essentials such as bottled water, non-perishable food, important documents, and a torch.

5. Consider property upgrades

For homes in higher risk zones, explore flood-resilient building materials, raised electrical outlets, and improved drainage.
Seek professional advice for cost-effective flood mitigation.

Read: Cyclone Alfred Aftermath: Road Closures and Recovery in Tingalpa

6. Stay informed

Subscribe to council alerts for severe weather warnings.
Attend any community information sessions if announced for the Lota Creek catchment.

7. Keep communication open

Talk to neighbours, especially if they’re elderly or new to the area, so they’re aware of the changes.
Share reliable information, not rumours, about the flood map update.

Published 14-August-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

Community Walk Raises Over $7,000 for Childhood Cancer in Lota

Photo Credit: Richie's Rainbow

A community walk held in Lota successfully raised more than $7,000 for Richie’s Rainbow Foundation, bringing together locals to support children with cancer.

Community Walk Returns to Lota

The annual Richie’s Rainbow Walk took place at Lota Park on 18 May 2025, marking its fourth year of community participation and the third birthday of Richie’s Rainbow as a registered charity. The event saw a strong turnout from families, friends, and volunteers, all walking in support of the foundation’s work with children diagnosed with cancer.

Richie’s Rainbow walk in Lota — *Photo Credit: Richie’s Rainbow/Facebook*

Check-in began at 9:00 a.m. The walk started at 10:30 a.m. Participants had the option of completing a 10k or 5k route along the Lota, Manly, and Wynnum foreshore.

Richie’s Rainbow: A Legacy of Support

Richie’s Rainbow Foundation was established to raise awareness about childhood cancer. The foundation’s particular focus is on rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare childhood sarcoma. Each year in Australia, around 800 children aged 0–14 are diagnosed with cancer. About 100 do not survive. The foundation also supports research into improving survival rates and treatment options for these conditions.

Gold shirts for childhood cancer — *Photo Credit: Richie’s Rainbow/Facebook*

The organisation works closely with the Queensland Children’s Hospital and the Australian and New Zealand Sarcoma Association to fund research and provide support services. Past initiatives include the iPad scheme and family respite programs.

Activities and Participation

The 2025 walk featured live music, food stalls, face painting, a family fun zone, and raffles. Participants were encouraged to wear gold. Gold symbolises childhood cancer awareness. Many brought pets and dressed in themed outfits. Registration was $25 per walker.

Funds raised will help continue research efforts and provide practical assistance to families affected by childhood cancer.

Bayside walk supports cancer research — *Photo Credit: Richie’s Rainbow/Facebook*

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Volunteer Effort Behind the Scenes

Organisers credited much of the event’s success to its volunteers. They arrived early and stayed late to ensure the event ran smoothly. The foundation regularly invites members of the public to support its mission through fundraising, volunteering, or event participation.

Continued Commitment to Childhood Cancer Awareness

Now in its fourth year, Richie’s Rainbow Walk continues to grow in reach and community support. The foundation plans to maintain its annual event schedule and expand its impact through ongoing research funding and family support programs.

Published 20-May-2025

Street Spotlight: Beltana Street, Lota

Photo Credit: qimagery.information.qld.gov.au

Beltana Street in Lota captures the essence of a close-knit bayside community with deep historical connections to Australia’s military heritage. This peaceful residential street offers a glimpse into both Brisbane’s suburban development and its commemoration of those who served.

With 85% of properties being owner-occupied and residents staying an average of 12 years and 4 months, the street demonstrates strong community roots. While one-third of residents have called Beltana Street home for more than a decade, the street has seen a healthy balance of established families and newcomers bringing fresh energy to this historic area. The street’s property transactions reflect Brisbane’s dramatic real estate evolution, with 19 Beltana Street selling for just $19,000 in September 1987 – a stark contrast to recent sales exceeding $1 million. This transformation highlights Lota’s emergence as a sought-after bayside suburb combining accessibility with coastal charm.

Remembrance: HMAT A72 Beltana

Beltana Street proudly stands as one of Brisbane’s Streets of Remembrance, commemorating HMAT A72 Beltana, a critical transport vessel in Australia’s World War I effort. This 11,120-tonne ship, owned by the P&O Steam Navigation Company in London, served as one of His Majesty’s Australian Transports (HMAT), leased by the Commonwealth until September 14, 1917. With an average cruise speed of 14 knots (26 kilometres per hour), the Beltana was part of the vital fleet responsible for transporting Australian Imperial Force troops to overseas deployments. When not carrying troops, these vessels transported essential commodities to Britain and France, supporting both the war effort and civilian populations. The naming of this street preserves the memory of the ship’s service and the thousands of Australian servicemen who journeyed aboard her to distant battlefields, many never to return.

Beltana St, Lota Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 31 (29 houses, 2 others)
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 85%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 12 years, 4 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 33%

Beltana St, Lota – As It Looked In 1936

SOME RECENT SALES ON BELTANA ST, LOTA

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
30 Beltana Street, Lota	$1,130,000	Mar 2025
32 Beltana Street, Lota	$970,000	Oct 2024
21 Beltana Street, Lota	$1,325,000	Oct 2024
23 Beltana Street, Lota	$1,100,000	Sep 2024

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON BELTANA ST FROM YESTERYEAR

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
28 Beltana Street, Lota	$575,000	Aug 2007
9 Beltana Street, Lota	$395,000	Oct 2004
19 Beltana Street, Lota	$19,000	Sep 1987

SUBURB PROFILE

The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Lota in 2025 was $973,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Lota in 2021 was $560,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM HOUSE IN LOTA SINCE 2021: $413,000

The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Lota in 2025 was $1,284,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Lota in 2021 was $791,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4 BEDROOM HOUSE IN LOTA SINCE 2021: $493,000

If you know Beltana St, Lota well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

Have Your Say on the 20-Year Master Plan for Wynnum, Manly, and Lota Foreshores

A 20-year Master Plan is in the works to transform and rejuvenate the Wynnum, Manly, and Lota foreshores. The project will explore possibilities to enhance connectivity and create more opportunities for recreation and relaxation, ensuring these beloved coastal areas continue to thrive for future generations.

Read: Set Sail for Brisbane Race Week 2025: Thrilling Races and Festivities Await

A Vision for the Future

The foreshores of Wynnum, Manly, and Lota have long been cherished for their scenic views, recreational spaces, and strong community presence. Stretching from the mangrove-lined edges of Elanora Park in Wynnum to the tidal wetlands at the mouth of Lota Creek, the Wynnum, Manly, and Lota foreshores offer a diverse coastal landscape.

Along the shoreline, key landmarks include Elanora Park, Oyster Point, Greene Park, Pandanus Beach, Wynnum Jetty, Wynnum Wading Pool, Darling Point, Manly Beach, Norfolk Point, Manly Boat Harbour, and Fig Tree Point.

Photo credit: Leeanne Axelsen/Google Maps

The initiative is designed to build upon these qualities, ensuring that the area continues to thrive while addressing the evolving needs of the community.

In the first stage of the community consultation, more than 1,400 surveys were submitted, highlighting how people use the foreshores and what improvements they would like to see. The top three reasons for visiting the area included walking, picnicking and socialising, and simply enjoying the natural surroundings.

Key Findings from the Community

Lota foreshores — Photo credit: Jessicatheneonkitten/Google Maps

Through early community engagement, several priorities emerged:

Upgraded walking paths to improve accessibility and enhance the experience for walkers and cyclists.
Improved amenities such as seating, rubbish bins, and playground facilities.
More shaded areas to provide relief from the sun and create comfortable gathering spaces.
Informational signage detailing the history and biodiversity of the region.
Preservation of natural beauty, ensuring that development does not come at the cost of the environment.

How to Get Involved

Residents are encouraged to have their say and shape the future of these iconic foreshores. Feedback is open until Sunday, 27 April 2025, and community members can participate in multiple ways:

Drop a pin on the interactive maps to provide location-specific feedback.
Share aspirations for how they envision the foreshores in the coming years.
Attend in-person consultation kiosks at various locations, including George Clayton Park (Saturday 29 March, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.); Manly Markets (Saturday 5 April, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.); and Wynnum Wading Pool Park (Wednesday 9 April, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.).

Project Timeline

The Master Plan is set to unfold in three phases:

Early to mid-2025 – Community and stakeholder engagement.
Mid-2025 to early 2026 – Drafting and refining the Master Plan.
Mid to late 2026 – Finalisation of the plan and implementation strategies

Read: Brisbane Bayside Warning: Manly’s Melanoma Rates Among Highest in the City

Preserving and Enhancing a Coastal Treasure

As Brisbane grows, so does the importance of maintaining and improving its outdoor spaces. The Wynnum Manly Lota Foreshores Master Plan is a step towards ensuring that this coastal haven remains a vibrant, accessible, and well-preserved destination for all.

To contribute your ideas and feedback, visit Council’s website or attend one of the upcoming engagement sessions. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of Brisbane’s eastern foreshores for generations to come.

Published 27-March-2025

Community Input Sought for Lota Camping Reserve Outdoor Gym

Local residents are being called upon to share their views on proposed upgrades to the outdoor gym equipment at the Lota Camping Reserve.

Read: Manly Included in Neuron’s E-Scooter Comeback Across Brisbane

Cr Alex Givney emphasised the importance of community feedback in shaping the enhancement project. “We’ve heard from many of you, and we want to gather even more input. Whether you’re thinking about new equipment, enhanced facilities, or additional shaded areas, this is your opportunity to influence the park’s development to better serve our community,” Cr Givney said.

The existing outdoor gym, situated within Lota Camping Reserve, currently features callisthenics and exercise equipment designed for strength and mobility training. The upgrade initiative aims to enhance these facilities to better align with community needs and preferences.

About Lota Camping Reserve

Lota Camping Reserve, located at 710 Esplanade in Lota, has already established itself as a popular recreational destination, boasting white rustic timber picnic shelters, modern barbecue facilities, and an extensive network of bike and walking paths.

The park is particularly well-known for its sand-based playground, which includes features such as forts, slides, climbing nets, and various play equipment suitable for both toddlers and older children.

The spacious grounds feature ample parking facilities surrounding the park, making it easily accessible for families and fitness enthusiasts alike. The park’s serene setting by the water creates an ideal environment for relaxation, whether you’re exercising at the outdoor gym, enjoying a family picnic, or simply soaking in the coastal atmosphere.

Read: Safety and Visibility Upgrade Proposed for Manly’s Cambridge Parade Intersection

Residents interested in contributing their ideas can visit the park to scan the QR code or complete the feedback form. The feedback will help guide decisions about the fitness equipment upgrades.

Published 8-November-2024

Brisbane’s Rates Hike Highest Since 2010, Lota Residents to Face Lowest Increase

Photo Credit: Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner / adrianschrinner.com.au

Council recently announced its record $4-billion 2022-23 Budget, along with an average rates hike of 4.93 per cent, the highest since 2010. Did you know that Lota residents will be paying the least rate increase among Brisbane’s suburbs, at 1.49 per cent?

Out of the 184 Brisbane suburbs, Lota’s rate increase is the lowest, followed by Manly (2.03 per cent) and Wynnum (2.12 per cent). Lake Manchester residents will experience the highest rate bill hike with 7.3 per cent. Grange and Burbank follow with a 7.19 per cent and 7.17 per cent rate increase, respectively.

Under the Budget, Council will prioritise flood-recovery projects, investing around $500 million over the next three years to support 23,000 households across Brisbane’s 177 suburbs. Included in that allocation is $166.2 million that will go towards flood-impacted community clubs.

“Brisbane already has the cheapest residential rates in south east Queensland thanks to our years of sensible financial management,” Cr Adrian Schrinner explained, adding that the budget is “sensible and affordable” and is lower than the city’s 6 per cent inflation rate.

Moreover, the Lord Mayor said that the budget guarantees Brisbane residents will get more whilst paying less compared to all the other southeast councils. The 4.93 per cent rates hike, however, is the highest rise in 12 years and is considerably higher than last year’s jump of 3.75 per cent.

“For just $1.63 a week extra, we will undertake Brisbane’s biggest-ever flood rebuild, deliver game-changing infrastructure projects for our future and guarantee record spending in our suburbs.

“Last month I announced we would pause and cancel a number of projects and trim spending in some areas to ensure we can prioritise Brisbane’s biggest ever rebuild,” Cr Schrinner said.

“This budget delivers on that commitment, ensuring we fast-track this recovery while keeping costs under control.”

On top of the $7 million that was spent on flood relief initiatives, which include the $250 rate rebates offered to flood-affected homeowners and the $5,000 cash payments to clubs for their clean-up efforts, a new $1,000 rates rebate will be offered to owner-occupiers who are yet to return to their flood-impacted homes.

“This measure will go to those flood victims who have been impacted the most, ensuring they don’t pay full rates while their home is uninhabitable,” Cr Schrinner said.

Meanwhile, property owners who are renting out their homes for short-term accommodation for more than sixty days a year will see a 50 per cent rate hike. Council will implement the hike in the hope that homeowners will be pressured to return their property to the long-term rental market which will help solve Brisbane’s housing crisis.

Whites Rd Residents Oppose Plans For New Childcare Centre In The Area

Photo credit: Google Street View

Some residents in Lota are opposing the proposal to build a 109-place childcare centre along Whites Road, citing safety issues and the added traffic it may bring to the area.

Read: New Look For Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club As Major Renovations Finally Begin

Public submissions continue to pour on the development application (A005612652), which is currently being assessed by the Brisbane City Council.

The developer seeks to build an 871-sqm childcare centre with 22 carparks at 215 Whites Rd, Lota. It will be two storeys in height and will have a dedicated play area.

Artist’s impression of proposed childcare centre in Lota (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)

Designed by Raunik Architects, the childcare centre would feature gardens suitable for deep planting to soften the aspect of car park entry and deliver an aesthetic suitable for a residential setting.

If given the green light, the childcare centre will have 17 full-time staff and will operate from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Safety concerns

One resident in particular mentioned that Whites Rd is already heavily congested with obstructed views making it a dangerous place to be dropping off and picking up children.

“Currently there is no high demand for another childcare center when there is multiple in a less than 1 kilometer radius of Lota, and within the suburb itself,” said one resident, in a submission opposing the proposal.

In response to the submissions, the developer highlighted that the 22 parking spaces are compliant with Council’s Transport, Access, Parking and Servicing Planning Scheme Policy (TAPS PSP) which outlines a minimum requirement for one car parking space per every five children.

Regarding pedestrian safety, the developer noted that the proposal incorporates a dedicated pedestrian access point and pathway which is separated from the vehicle access to the site, to ensure no safety issues arise between vehicles and pedestrians accessing the site.

Construction of The Village Manly to Start in Spring

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

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

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

*Photo Credit: Developmenti/Brisbane City Council*

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

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

The court overturned Council’s rejection in late 2019.