Manly Archives - Page 3 of 13

Community Consultation Opens for Wynnum Manly Safer School Precinct

Parents, students, residents, and local businesses will soon have their chance to help shape the future of safer, smoother travel around the Wynnum and Manly school community.

Read: Land Secured in Manly for New Special School Planning

Community consultation opens on Monday, 15 September, as part of the Wynnum Manly Safer School Precinct project. The initiative covers Manly State School, Wynnum State High School, and St John Vianney’s Primary School, as well as surrounding residents and businesses.

For six weeks, the consultation period will gather feedback on everyday experiences of moving around the precinct, from driving and cycling to walking and public transport. Locals are encouraged to share their expectations, challenges and ideas to improve safety and ease congestion, particularly during busy school drop-off and pick-up times.

The insights collected will help develop a plan to address issues such as traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and accessibility. With three schools and a mix of residential and commercial areas in close proximity, the precinct is a focal point for daily travel, making community input critical to shaping practical and lasting solutions.

Community members can have their say through surveys and engagement sessions, ensuring their voices contribute to creating a precinct that is safer and more efficient for everyone.

HAVE YOUR SAY

About Brisbane’s Safer School Precincts

The Safer School Precincts program is designed to support Brisbane’s growing suburbs while creating lasting benefits for local communities.

The program places its focus on road safety upgrades, stronger pedestrian connections and better opportunities for active travel. These improvements are intended to make it safer for students on their journeys to and from school.

Read: Mansfield State High Draws Families From Across Brisbane

Planned improvements aim to strengthen connections to Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games venues, with upgraded pathways and public transport options making it easier for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to move within precincts and access key destinations.

Published 11-September-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

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

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

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

Street Spotlight: Benalla St, Manly

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

Benalla Street in Manly stands as more than just another suburban thoroughfare – it serves as a lasting tribute to Australia’s maritime military history and the brave souls who served during the Great War. This street of remembrance carries the legacy of HMAT A24 Benalla, one of His Majesty’s Australian Transport ships that played a crucial role in ferrying Australian Imperial Forces to overseas battlefields.

With 70% of properties being owner-occupied and residents staying an average of 16 years and 4 months, Benalla Street demonstrates strong community attachment and stability. This commitment to the area is reflected in the fact that 52% of residents have called Benalla Street home for more than a decade. The street’s property transaction history reveals the remarkable transformation of Manly’s real estate landscape, with 38 Benalla Street selling for $49,800 in January 1981 – a testament to the area’s evolution over the decades.

Remembrance: HMAT A24 Benalla

Benalla Street honours the memory of HMAT A24 Benalla, a vital component of Australia’s Great War naval transport fleet. This 11,118-tonne vessel, capable of cruising at 14 knots (26 kilometres per hour), was owned by the prestigious P&O Steam Navigation Company in London and leased by the Commonwealth government until 6 August 1917.

The HMAT fleet represented a crucial lifeline for Australian forces, with ships like the Benalla specifically leased to transport various Australian Imperial Force formations to their overseas destinations. When not engaged in military duties, these vessels carried commodity exports to Britain and France, supporting the war effort on multiple fronts. The fleet comprised both British ships and captured German vessels, symbolising the comprehensive nature of the Allied naval effort.

By naming this street after HMAT A24 Benalla, Manly ensures that the sacrifice and service of those who sailed aboard these transport ships – and the strategic importance of Australia’s maritime contribution to the Great War – remains forever etched in the community’s memory.

Benalla St, Manly Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 42 (1 townhouse, 23 houses, 18 others)
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 70%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 16 years, 4 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 52%

Benalla St, Manly – As It Looked in 1936

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON BENALLA ST FROM YESTERYEAR

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
38 Benalla Street, Manly	$49,800	Jan 1981
2 Benalla Street, Manly	$45,000	Mar 1985
8 Benalla Street, Manly	$110,000	Jan 1989

SUBURB PROFILE

The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Manly in 2025 was $1,300,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Manly in 2021 was $660,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3-BEDROOM HOUSE IN MANLY SINCE 2021: $640,000

The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Manly in 2025 was $1,875,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Manly in 2021 was $1,013,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4-BEDROOM HOUSE IN MANLY SINCE 2021: $862,000

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

Manly to Host Trio of Major Finn Regattas

Photo Credit: Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron

Manly has been selected to stage three significant international Finn class sailing events in 2026, with the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron named as the host venue.

Major Regattas Scheduled for Brisbane’s Manly

Three consecutive Finn class championships will take place in Manly, Brisbane in February 2026, with entry now open for international competitors. The Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron (RQYS) will host the Australian Finn Nationals, the Finn Gold Cup, and the Finn World Masters across a three-week program.

Background and Significance

The 2026 series will see the Finn Gold Cup return to the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron for the first time since it was last held there in 1976, marking a 50-year milestone. It will also be only the third instance in which both the Gold Cup and World Masters are hosted at the same venue, following events in La Rochelle in 1996 and Weymouth in 2000.

Hosting rights were secured through a formal proposal by the International Finn Association of Australia and RQYS. The bid outlined Brisbane’s strong local fleet, previous hosting experience, and established infrastructure as reasons for selection.

Event Structure and Expectations

The event schedule will begin with the Australian Finn Nationals on 7 February. It will be followed by the Finn Gold Cup and conclude with the World Masters on 27 February. Organisers expect a fleet of 140 to 150 boats across the three events.

Racing will occur on Waterloo Bay. Depending on conditions, there’s an option to shift the Finn Gold Cup outside Green Island. The events are expected to draw participation from Australia, New Zealand, and Europe, with up to seven shipping containers already booked for boats from overseas.

RQYS and Manly as Host Venue

RQYS in Manly is considered one of Australia’s top sailing clubs, recently completing new facility upgrades. The site includes four launching ramps, five rigging lawns, marina access, and support vessels. Previous regattas at the club, including the 2023 Ronstan International Finn Australian Championships, received positive feedback for race management.

Manly offers proximity to Brisbane Airport, accommodation at Manly Marina Cove Motel, and low-cost camping options on-site. Tourist access to the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Moreton Bay Islands is also a draw for visiting competitors and supporters.

Finn championships Manly — *Photo Credit: Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron/Facebook*

Growth of the Australian Fleet

The Australian Finn class has grown substantially in recent years, aided by national committee efforts and event initiatives. In 2023, twelve Australian boats competed internationally, including three from RQYS. Queensland currently leads the country with 34 Finn-class boats based in Manly.

Future Opportunities

The events will take place during the European winter and are expected to attract long-term stays from international sailors. The hosting aligns with Brisbane’s broader positioning as a sports event destination ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games, presenting potential for increased sponsorship and visibility.

All relevant entry information, notices of race, and updates are available via the RQYS website and the International Finn Association portal.

Published 6-May-2025

Community Survey to Shape Theatre in Manly

Photo Credit: Mercury Theatre Wynnum

Mercury Theatre Wynnum is calling on the Manly community to help shape the future of local theatre, inviting public feedback through a newly launched survey.

A Legacy Staged in the Bayside

Mercury Theatre Wynnum Incorporated, a volunteer-led community theatre and registered charity, has been a fixture in the bayside communities of Wynnum and Manly since 1949.

Founded by Winifred Davson MBE, Mercury Theatre Wynnum was established to enrich the Waterloo Bay area through the performing arts, providing a cultural platform in a district once distant from Brisbane city opportunities.

The first production, Milestones by Arnold Bennett-Edward Knoblock, was staged on 7 July 1949 at the Star Theatre in Wynnum Central. Although the Star Theatre was later destroyed by fire in 1959, Mercury Theatre Wynnum continued to thrive, finding a new performance home at the heritage-listed Manly-Lota RSL Memorial Hall.

*Caption: Scotland Road (2024)*
*Photo Credit: Mercury Theatre Wynnum*

The Stage Is Yours, Manly

Mercury Theatre Wynnum’s mission remains focused on providing an inclusive space for amateur performers. It also creates productions that inspire audiences. The organisation, entirely powered by volunteers, produces live theatre shows, events, and workshops throughout the year, aiming to foster local talent and community spirit.

The latest initiative invites Manly residents to complete a short online survey. The theatre seeks community views on the types of shows locals want to see, what would encourage greater attendance, and any additional ideas to help shape future productions.

Mercury Theatre Wynnum public voice — *Caption: Ladies of Spirit*
*Photo Credit: Mercury Theatre Wynnum*

Hearing the Bayside’s Backstage Voices

Mercury Theatre Wynnum acknowledges that not every resident may be familiar with the group’s longstanding presence. By engaging directly with the public, the organisation aims to strengthen community ties and ensure that future productions reflect the interests and desires of the wider bayside community.

The survey, which only takes around two minutes to complete, forms part of broader efforts to maintain Mercury Theatre Wynnum’s relevance and accessibility in a changing entertainment landscape.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Keeping the Curtain Rising

With over 75 years of history behind it, Mercury Theatre Wynnum continues to look ahead, seeking direct input from the Manly community to guide its future direction. The theatre remains committed to being a central part of bayside cultural life, offering opportunities for both seasoned performers and newcomers to contribute to its next chapter.

Published 30-Apr-2025

War Stories Unearthed in Shoebox Inspire Brisbane Author

At Manly RSL this May, a Brisbane writer will share the hidden story of his grandfather’s role in a forgotten WWI scene — one that hung on his wall all his life.

Manly Book Launch to Share Lost Family War Stories Unearthed in a Shoebox

A family war story buried for decades is set to be shared at the Manly-Lota RSL, where Brisbane writer Paul Dobbyn will launch a book that traces his grandfather’s forgotten role in one of World War I’s most haunting moments.

The event will take place on Friday, 9 May, at the Manly-Lota RSL Sub Branch Hall. The date is meaningful to Dobbyn’s family. It marks the anniversary of both his grandfather’s survival at the Battle of Aubers Ridge in 1915 and his uncle’s death during a 1944 Royal Air Force mission in France.

A Personal Discovery Leads to Public Sharing

Wynnum journalist and poet Paul Dobbyn found the heart of War Spoils in a leather-bound journal left by his grandfather, Captain Henry Dobbyn, a World War I veteran of the Indian Royal Munster Fusiliers. Discovered after his father’s death in 1991, the journal detailed frontline injuries, including wounds at the Somme, and the hardship of raising five children alone in Toowoomba.

A childhood memory of a painting gained new meaning when Dobbyn realised his grandfather was among the soldiers shown receiving a battlefield blessing in The Last General Absolution of the Munsters at Rue du Bois. Though the image hung in family homes, the connection had never been spoken of. It is a quiet discovery that became the book’s emotional centre.

Wartime Sacrifices Across Generations

The book follows Henry Dobbyn’s sons, Denis, who served in Papua New Guinea, and Robert, a Pathfinder pilot killed in 1944, with their stories rebuilt from family records and a blog that retraced Robert’s final flight.

War Spoils blends family history with poetry, drawing on Dobbyn’s public readings from the 1990s, enriched by archival images and wartime music.

Local Reflections for Anzac Day

With a foreword by RSL President Major General Greg Melick and praise from historian Dr Greg Poulgrain, the book is recognised as a moving tribute across three generations.

For Dobbyn, sharing these stories in Manly and Wynnum is about honouring those who served and highlighting the personal side of Australia’s wartime history.

Published 16-April-2025