Manly West Archives - Page 2 of 3

Manly West Development Opportunity: Silky Oaks Children’s Haven Site Hits the Market

A prime piece of real estate in Manly West, which has housed the Silky Oaks Children’s Haven for nearly eight decades, is poised for redevelopment.

The 25,059sq m site at 218 Manly Road currently provides various services, including support for children and teenagers, housing and homelessness assistance, and an early learning centre. Now, Silky Oaks Children’s Haven is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) to explore the future potential of this expansive property.

While most of the services currently operating on the site will be relocated, the existing 57-place early learning centre will remain and be expanded. The EOI campaign, managed by Knight Frank agents Christian Sandstrom and Sam Biggins, aims to attract proposals for a variety of uses, with a focus on long-term ground leases and outright sales. This includes plans for a new, purpose-built 120-place early learning centre adjacent to Manly State School.

This prime Manly West location offers significant development potential. The 25,059 sqm site is currently zoned for low-density residential and community facilities.

The EOI process is open to various possibilities, including seniors’ living, residential buildings, allied health facilities, and educational institutions. The site is particularly well-suited to medium-rise projects, which offer the advantage of shorter construction timeframes.

Mr Sandstrom anticipates significant interest from developers and potential occupiers. He highlighted the site’s suitability for medium-rise projects, offering attractive 12- to 15-month construction timelines. The need for comparable development opportunities in this sought-after bayside suburb will fuel demand further.

Mr Biggins emphasised the unique nature of the offering, noting that the property has not been on the market in over 85 years. Its elevated position provides panoramic views of Moreton Bay and the Brisbane CBD.

The site’s regular shape and dual street access offer flexibility for staged development. He believes the potential for diverse development outcomes will draw interest from various parties.

The EOI campaign closes at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, 17 October.

Published Date 15-October-2024

Manly West Local Sentenced to Community Service for Improper Sale of Shared Caravan

A Manly West local has been sentenced to community service for allegedly selling a jointly-owned caravan without her former partner’s consent.

Read: Cycling Incident on Manly Road Prompts Safety Concerns

The 55-year-old woman, identified as Leona Mercia McKinnon, pleaded guilty to a single charge of fraud at Maroochydore Magistrates Court last week.

The court heard that the defendant, who works as a veterinary assistant in Manly West, sold the recreational vehicle to a reputable dealer in Woombye for $27,000 in March this year. The Manly West local allegedly forged her ex-partner’s signature on sale documents and provided a copy of his driver’s licence without permission. The funds were deposited into a joint bank account.

According to the police prosecutor, the woman’s actions were “always doomed” to fail due to the lack of sophistication in the scheme. The victim, who was unaware of the sale, submitted an impact statement detailing the financial loss incurred.

The defence lawyer argued that the defendant’s actions occurred in the context of a relationship marked by domestic violence, describing her as being in a “terrible position” at the time. The lawyer requested that no conviction be recorded.

Acting Magistrate Anna Smith acknowledged the context of the offence but noted that the victim had been compensated for the caravan, a fact not disclosed in the impact statement. She gave limited weight to claims of social, psychological, or physical effects on the victim due to lack of supporting evidence.

Read: Two-Vehicle Accident at Bognor Street Intersection Leaves Driver in Critical Condition

The magistrate reportedly ordered the defendant to complete 100 hours of community service. No conviction was recorded, and no restitution orders were made.

This case highlights the complexities that can arise in property disputes following relationship breakdowns and the legal consequences of unauthorised sales of jointly-owned assets.

Published 1-October-2024

Cycling Incident on Manly Road Prompts Safety Concerns

A serious bicycle incident in Manly West has left a male cyclist fighting for his life. The event occurred on Saturday, July 20, at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Manly Road, prompting an immediate response from emergency services.

Read: Two-Vehicle Accident at Bognor Street Intersection Leaves Driver in Critical Condition

Critical care paramedics were dispatched to the scene and subsequently transported the injured cyclist to the Princess Alexandra Hospital. Medical authorities have described the man’s condition as life-threatening, underscoring the severity of the incident.

Details surrounding the circumstances of the accident remain unclear, with local authorities yet to release an official statement.

Road Safety Statistics

Recent data from the Department of Transport and Main Roads’ Weekly Road Fatality Report paints a sobering picture of road safety in Queensland.

As of the latest report, there have been a total of 161 fatalities on Queensland roads in 2024. Around four of these fatalities involved bicycle riders. These statistics underscore the ongoing challenges in ensuring road safety for all users, particularly vulnerable road users such as cyclists.

Safety Recommendations

In light of this event, safety experts are reminding cyclists of crucial measures to prevent such accidents. Key recommendations include:

Wearing high-visibility cycling gear and equipment to ensure motorists can easily spot riders, especially during early morning hours when visibility may be compromised.
Choosing the safest lane position to maintain visibility and avoid potential hazards.
Using clear hand signals to communicate intentions to other road users effectively.
Considering alternative routes to avoid high-traffic arterial roads where possible, as these often present increased risks due to higher vehicle speeds and volumes.

Read: Tragic Turn in Manly: A Storm, a Capsized Boat, and a Community in Mourning

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by cyclists on urban roads. Authorities urge anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.

Published 22-July-2024

Two-Vehicle Accident at Bognor Street Intersection Leaves Driver in Critical Condition

A two-vehicle collision in Manly West has left a 30-year-old man hospitalised with potentially life-threatening head injuries. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, July 6, at the intersection of Bognor Street and Wondall Road.

Read: Police Investigate Suspicious Car, Moreton Bay College Lockdown Lifted

Emergency services responded to reports of the crash at approximately 1:34 a.m. Critical care paramedics treated the injured man at Bognor Street before transporting him to Princess Alexandra Hospital. According to a Queensland Ambulance Service spokesperson, the victim’s head injuries are considered potentially life-threatening.

Queensland Police Service confirmed that the injured driver was operating a Toyota RAV4 at the time of the collision. Details regarding the second vehicle involved remain unclear, with authorities unable to confirm whether it was parked or in motion during the incident.

No other injuries were reported, and no additional individuals required medical attention at the scene.

The Queensland Police Service has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. They are urging anyone with relevant information or who may have witnessed suspicious activity to come forward. Reports can be submitted through the official Policelink website or anonymously via Crime Stoppers.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety. QPS continues its efforts to reduce road fatalities and serious crashes, emphasising the need for drivers to avoid the ‘Fatal Five’ behaviours: speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seatbelts, fatigue, and distraction.

Read: Man Dead After Jumping Into Waters at Manly Harbour

As investigations continue, authorities stress that road safety is a shared responsibility and encourage all road users to stay informed about safe driving practices.

Published 9-July-2024

Man Comes Forward as $2M Winner from Wynnum Manly Leagues Club

The mystery surrounding the recipient of a staggering $2.2 million prize has finally been dispelled, ending days of speculation at the Wynnum Manly Leagues Club in Manly West.

The massive windfall, drawn last Thursday, 14th March 2024, had remained unclaimed, igniting considerable curiosity about the lucky individual.

A Hamilton man has emerged as the fortunate winner, confirming that he had purchased the winning entry in draw 852 at the Wynnum Manly Leagues Club. The announcement came amidst intense anticipation as patrons and onlookers eagerly awaited news of the jackpot’s recipient.

The club’s manager expressed astonishment, noting that this win marked the largest prize claimed by anyone at the establishment in “years and years.” The revelation sparked significant discussions among patrons, highlighting the enduring appeal and interest in the game.

Wynnum Manly Leagues Club — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Preferring to remain anonymous, the Hamilton man still grappled with disbelief. He confessed to not having concrete plans yet but acknowledged that the windfall would undoubtedly bring about new opportunities for himself and his family.

Reflecting on the surreal nature of his newfound fortune, the winner expressed his astonishment at the realisation that his long-standing numbers had clinched the victory. Despite the initial shock, he expressed optimism about the positive impact the prize would have on his family’s future.

In 2023, players across the eastern states of mainland Australia collectively celebrated over 67.31 million wins, surpassing a cumulative worth of $1 billion. This staggering figure underscores the game’s enduring popularity and widespread success among Australians.

Published 22-March-2024

Manly West Restaurateur Fights Hefty Fine Over Outdoor Seating

The owner of Casa di Louie in Manly West is taking legal action over a hefty fine issued for setting up an outdoor dining area three years ago.

Read: Manly West Shopping Centre Looks to Grow with Expansion Plans

The owner of the popular Italian eatery is reportedly headed to the magistrates court to contest the penalty amounting to $15,480.

The controversy started in 2021 when the restaurateur was offered a 10-year lease by the landlord of a retail space on Radford Road. After signing a letter expressing his need for additional room, the owner alleges the landlord’s representative proposed utilising three of the precinct’s 95 parking spots for expanded seating.

Recognising the necessity of separating diners from vehicles, the restaurateur hired a builder, who informed him that council approval would be required for such an arrangement. When he contacted the council’s business hotline, officials stated that the proposed outdoor expansion would not be permitted.

At this point, the owner claims he informed the landlord of his willingness to terminate the lease agreement. However, he alleges the landlord’s agent advised him to proceed with the outdoor seating expansion despite the council’s stance against it.

The agent representing the landlord corroborated that he verbally relayed to the restaurateur his understanding, based on “high-level” advice from a town planner, that extending the outdoor dining area would not pose an issue.

Although it technically exceeded the precinct’s originally approved gross leasable area, the agent noted the carpark had never reached full capacity.

The agent asserted that the council had never issued the restaurateur a show-cause notice or offer to remedy the situation, which he insisted was the crux of the matter.

The restaurateur stated that for three years after the expansion, he received no communication from the council until October of the previous year when they informed him of a single complaint pertaining to “safety.” However, the council declined to disclose the complainant’s identity or provide the investigation report, only citing concerns about “manoeuvrability” in the area.

A council spokeswoman explained that they had repeatedly made it clear to the restaurateur that the infringement was a result of installing an outdoor dining area without approval and against the advice they had provided.

Read: European-style Mobile Restaurant to Roll Out Soon

Whilst acknowledging the resident’s frustration, she stated the council was obligated to investigate complaints, and the situation could have been avoided had the restaurateur followed their initial guidance.

Published 14-March-2024

Manly West Shopping Centre Looks to Grow with Expansion Plans

Plans have been submitted for the expansion of a shopping centre on Burnett Street in Manly West.

Read: Fresh Catch: Manly Boathouse Launches New Seafood Market The Trawler

The proposed expansion plans call for an infill addition to the northeastern section of the existing Mayfair Village at Manly Shopping Centre.

The project design, rendered by architecture firm V Architecture, calls for an extension to be built on the northeast corner of the site, providing space for new retail offerings and upgrading pedestrian access. The plans do not alter existing parking or vehicle entry from Burnett Street.

Aerial view of site (Photo credit: Urbis)

The shopping centre slated for expansion is located at 11-31 Burnett St, Manly West. The proposed addition consists of 475 square metres across two levels.

Artist’s impression of shopping centre’s proposed expansion (Photo credit: V Architecture)

It includes reconfigured tenancies on the first floor and a new retail space above two existing ones. A new lift and stairway are part of the blueprints, along with enhanced landscaping.

Roughly half of the property is currently unoccupied, while a single-story commercial building occupies the other half. This structure will be removed to make way for the development. In total, there will be 94 parking spaces for residents and visitors once completed.

Planners at Urbis say the extension will significantly improve the streetscape on Burnett Street, which presently lacks connection to the shopping centre. The new build-out and entry points will provide better visibility and bolster the overall coherence of the site.

Shopping centre — Photo credit: V Architecture

“Importantly, the proposal capitalises on the underutilised ground floor space and enhances pedestrian connections to the surrounding residential neighbourhood through solving the topographical change between the site and the east Burnett Street frontage,” said Urbis.

“Overarchingly the proposal demonstrates an enhanced interface with Burnett Street to the north and east, whilst maintaining key connections from the development area to the remainder of the Mayfair Village on Manly shopping centre.”

Read: Developers Seek to Transform Retirement Community in Manly into Modern Oasis

The application for expanding the Manly West shopping centre is now under assessment by local officials.

Published 6-February-2024

Manly and Manly West Kerbside Collection: Upcycling Ideas to Repurpose Trash into Unique Pieces

Heads up, Manly and Manly West! It’s your turn for kerbside collection soon! Did you know that you can repurpose a lot of items to give them a new lease on life? Here are some ideas before you think of chucking them on the kerb.

There’s still plenty of time to sort through your old and items for disposal and re-check if your kerbside collection pile includes unacceptable items that will not be picked up. Some of your items might also be more useful as donations to various charities or the Council’s treasure troves to reduce the landfill wastes.

Better yet, instead of throwing some things away, consider upcycling old furniture and start on a beautification project at home!

For instance, old dressers or even old washing machine drums could become great display cases for plants. You’ll need to spend on some good paint brands and brushes to give these items new life.

Need new light fixtures? No need to head out to the store to buy a brand new piece. Look at your existing stuff and repurpose these into unique lanterns or lampshades. You could also repurpose old light fixtures for other uses — the possibilities are endless when you upcycle!

Got plenty of old pictures to sort through? Framing each of these might cost a lot of money but you could save a lot if you upcycle and use old window frames to display these beautiful images.

You don’t even have to put them on the wall. You can also upcycle old picture frames as tables and fill these with your family’s memories.

If your old luggage has been sitting under dust for the last few years, it could still be of use as shelves on empty walls in your house.

Don’t be afraid to try fun and bold colours since the very idea for upcycling is to never constrain your creativity. If you make mistakes, then it’s all part of the learning process. However, it’s always a good idea to prepare the right tools, plan ahead, and then give the old pieces a good rundown first before you start on the project.

Look at YouTube videos for some ideas and instructions on how to carry out this project and ask family members to help you complete it as this will make for a great bonding activity during the weekends.

Manly West Tradeswoman, Lauren Campbell, Wins Apprentice of the Year

Lauren Campbell, a young tradeswoman from Manly West, has received top recognition as the Apprentice of the Year during the 2021 Queensland Training Awards virtual ceremony.

A budding leader in her industry, Ms Campbell was honoured for her skills as an air-conditioning and refrigeration tradeswoman. Showing interest as a Year 12 student, Ms Campbell was able to land a job as the very first female apprentice of AG Coombs Queensland, a leading specialist in building services.

“As a fully qualified tradesperson with the company, Lauren is recognised as a future industry leader, who has already promoted careers in heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration to other young women,” Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said.

“Lauren is a deserving recipient of the 2021 Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year award.”

The annual Queensland Training Awards significantly boosts an industry where labour shortages are a reality and acknowledging the apprentices, trainees, students, employers, teachers and training providers could help fill the gaps, according to Ms Farmer.

Also recognised at this year’s awards is Kasey Hardy from Chinchilla, who was named the 2021 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year. She works under the Western Downs Indigenous Traineeship program for Harness Energy Services and Shell QGC and has earned her Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety. She is currently mentoring new Indigenous trainees.

Danielle Dixon from Lota was named 2021 VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year.

“As Executive Chef and Head of School at The Institute of Culinary Excellence (ICE), Danielle was instrumental in transforming ICE’s teaching methods through COVID-19, migrating to online learning, saving countless apprenticeships and careers,” Ms Farmer said.

“Danielle is passionate about addressing mental health and wellbeing issues within the hospitality sector, having created a program for her students with industry links that she’s looking to grow and expand.

“ICE took out the 2021 Small Training Provider of the Year title in recognition of providing apprentices and trainees with training delivered by some of the best chef teachers in the industry, in purpose-built training kitchens at Coorparoo and Kelvin Grove.”

Here’s the full list of winners of the 2021 Queensland Training Awards:

1. Lauren Campbell – Metropolitan – Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year

2. Mitchell Pogan – Darling Downs South West – Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year

3. Helen Millen – Tropical North Queensland – Vocational Student of the Year

4. Kasey Hardy – Darling Downs South West – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

5. Bree Connell – South East – School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year

6. Mary Chol – Metropolitan – Equity VET Student of the Year

7. Danielle Dixon – Metropolitan – VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year

8. The Migrant Centre Organisation Inc. (trading as TMC) – South East – Community Training Initiative of the Year

9. Core Developments NQ – North Queensland – Small Employer of the Year

10. Robinson Civil Group (RCG) – Tropical North Queensland – Medium Employer of the Year

11. Frizelle Sunshine Automotive – South East – Large Employer of the Year

12. The Institute of Culinary Excellence – State direct entry – Small Training Provider of the Year

13. TAFE Queensland – State direct entry – Large Training Provider of the Year

14. Queensland Water Skills Partnership – State direct entry – Premier’s Industry Collaboration Award

Kerbside Collection Finally Returns to Manly and Manly West

Kerbside collection is returning to Brisbane one year after the service went on hiatus. Manly and Manly West are among one of the many suburbs due to receive its aid later in the first quarter of 2022.

After a yearlong hiatus, kerbside collection is back, earlier than planned, after Brisbane City Council decided that the service can resume for numerous Brisbane suburbs this year, including Manly and Manly West.

Last year’s break was able to generate $6 million in savings for Council but this year’s resumption is a welcome move for locals.

The service was put on hold in 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in a bid to save $13 million over two years, however it is returning ahead of schedule, starting with the suburbs that were affected by its sudden hiatus.

Of the $6 million saved as a result of Kerbside Collection’s temporary cancellation, half was given to community groups, charities and sporting clubs to recover from the pandemic and prosper. Business fee waivers were also given to small businesses that were negatively affected by the virus.

Suburb	Kerbside Collection Schedule
Murrarie, Cannon Hill & Morningside	February 14, 2022
Hemmant & Lytton	February 21, 2022
Manly, Belmont & Wynnum West	February 28, 2022
Manly West & Tingalpa	March 7, 2022
Carina	March 14, 2022

According to Councillor Lisa Atwood, each suburb will be letterboxed an information pamphlet weeks before the event on what can be placed for kerbside collection. Note that dates are subject to change in the event of inclement weather or from complications brought about by operational requirements.

Check Suburb Schedules Here

About Kerbside Collection

Kerbside collection is an item collection service that was created to help people get rid of large household items that would be difficult to dispose of otherwise. All one has to do is leave the belongings they no longer want on the kerbside at 6:00 a.m.

Acceptable items include bath and laundry tubs, bicycles and sporting equipment, carpets and rugs, furniture, household appliances, and wood products smaller than 1.5 metres among many other things. Conversely, bricks, car parts, garden waste, glass and mirrors, hazardous waste, and liquids will not be collected.

Labor councillors worked to have the popular service return as it was a basic and essential service that many Queensland residents relied on, however Lord Mayor Schrinner had commented that he had no regrets putting the service on hold.