Beam, the e-scooter operator servicing West End and other Brisbane suburbs, faces the axe over allegations that it consistently exceeded daily device limits.
Brisbane announced that it would seek a replacement operator following an investigation that found Beam had breached its daily cap by approximately 500 devices. The company has denied the council’s accusations.
Transport chair Cr Ryan Murphy confirmed the cancellation, stating that Beam’s devices would be progressively removed. While the council acknowledged the potential for e-mobility in Brisbane’s transport future, it emphasised the importance of adherence to regulations.
The decision comes amid ongoing debates about rental e-scooters across Australia. In recent weeks, several councils, including Sunshine Coast and Melbourne, have considered or implemented bans on e-scooters due to safety concerns and community feedback.
Brisbane City Council said it would refer Beam to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) after finding the company failed to report all hireable devices on numerous occasions. The council estimated the lost revenue to be around $330,000.
A Beam spokesperson expressed disappointment with the decision, stating that the company disagreed with the council’s findings and would review its options. Beam has appointed external advisers to audit its fleet management system independently.
West End residents, take note: a significant section of Montague Road is currently closed for essential drainage works. This closure, which began on September 2, is set to continue until November 2024. Here’s what you need to know about the project and how to navigate the area during this time.
Excavation of sections of Drury Street and a 110-metre stretch of Montague Road
Installation of new drainage pipes, manholes, and roadside gullies
A new drainage outlet in Orleigh Park
Road surface and park area restoration
Closure Details
Affected Area: Montague Road, between Drury Street and Hill End Terrace intersection
Duration: September 2 to late November 2024
Work Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Weekend Access: Road open to all vehicles on Saturdays and Sundays (unless weekend work is required)
Navigating the Detour
Detour Map (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)
A detour is in place to direct drivers around the Montague Road closure. Detour routes will be clearly marked, and drivers are advised to pay close attention to signage and follow traffic control directions.
Those travelling through the area should plan ahead and allow extra time for their journey due to the altered traffic conditions. Where possible, motorists are encouraged to consider using alternative routes to avoid the construction zone entirely, helping to reduce congestion in the immediate area.
During work hours, there will be no through traffic access on Montague Road for regular vehicles, though buses are an exception to this rule. Bus services will continue to operate along their usual routes throughout the construction period, ensuring minimal disruption to public transport users.
Pedestrians and cyclists need not worry, as safe access through the work area will be maintained at all times, allowing for continued active transport in the neighbourhood. Parking availability will see some changes, with sections of on-street parking on Montague Road temporarily unavailable during the construction.
As the project progresses, updates may be provided regarding changes to traffic conditions or work schedules. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through local council announcements. Visit Council’s website to find out more about the project or phone the project team on 3178 5413 during business hours.
Highgate Hill, often eclipsed by its vibrant neighbour West End, is poised for a surge of residential development with the submission of plans for a new multi-residential apartment complex.
Riccardo and Mark Berlese, a significant executive at Sarina Russo Group, are in charge of the rare opportunity for new housing known as Westbourne Residences.
The proposed development, located at 13-19 Westbourne Street, is set to comprise 47 apartments across a three-to-four-level building, conveniently situated just 800 metres from South Bank Station. Westbourne Residences aims to cater to a diverse range of residents with 10 one-bedroom, 34 two-bedroom, and three three-bedroom apartments.
The project aims to preserve Highgate Hill’s historic character. The building’s façade will showcase red brick, echoing the area’s heritage architecture, while the hit-and-miss brick detailing will harmonise with the neighbourhood’s traditional timber and tin elements.
The design stands out thanks to the building envelope’s division into two distinct forms, which includes landscaped arrival areas and circulation around garden balconies. A communal rooftop space will provide residents with a swimming pool, deck, barbecue facilities, a breakout area, and a gym.
The development’s prime location, just 400 meters from Brisbane State High School and within walking distance of The Collective Markets, West Village Shopping Precinct, and South Bank Parklands, further enhances its appeal.
This project in Highgate Hill marks a significant addition to Highgate Hill’s residential landscape, following Sabi Property’s previous apartment development proposal, now believed to be under the development of McNab on Dudley Street.
A heritage-listed church in West End is set to embark on its latest transformation. The 19th-century edifice, which recently housed a Pilates school, will soon open its doors as “August,” a promising new restaurant that’s already creating buzz in the city’s culinary circles.
At the helm of this exciting venture is Brad Cooper, a name familiar to Brisbane’s gastronomes. Cooper, who previously led the kitchen at Florence in Camp Hill and served as chef at Bar Francine, is no newcomer to the hospitality scene. For August, he has joined forces with his partner, Matilda Riek, bringing a wealth of experience and vision to this unique dining concept.
August promises a menu that traverses the best of European cuisine, drawing inspiration from Italian, French, and Spanish culinary traditions. Cooper and Riek are crafting a selection that will spotlight both meat and seafood, with tantalising draft dishes already in the works.
Food enthusiasts can look forward to innovative creations such as a mud-crab omelette Arnold Bennett and butterflied blue mackerel served with pickled tomato and a mussel vinaigrette.
The restaurant’s commitment to quality extends to its drink selection, with plans for a carefully curated wine list featuring 30 to 50 bottles. This eclectic mix will showcase both local Australian wines and international varieties, promising perfect pairings for every dish.
A Storied Setting
Photo credit: heritage.brisbane.qld.gov.au
The heritage-listed building housing August is a story unto itself. Originally constructed as a Methodist church in 1888 on Grey Street, it found a new home on Dornoch Terrace in 1914. This rich history presented both challenges and opportunities for Cooper and Riek as they set out to reinvent the space.
They shared that the transformation process was complex, requiring six months of planning and approvals, including consultations with heritage experts.
Despite the structural challenges inherent in repurposing such an old building, the duo’s perseverance is paying off. Once completed, August will accommodate around 60 guests, featuring a small, intimate bar in one corner. The space will be adorned with carefully selected artworks, creating an atmosphere that’s both reverent to its past and exciting for its future.
The culinary world of Brisbane is eagerly awaiting the grand opening of August, which is expected to take place this November. As the final touches are put in place and the menu is perfected, food enthusiasts and curious locals alike are marking their calendars for what promises to be a noteworthy addition to the city’s vibrant dining scene.
Brisbane’s eagerly awaited theatre and bar, The West End Electric, will debut on 29 August. This custom-built, 400+-seat venue is designed for high-calibre circus cabaret, comedy, and music. Its Sydney counterpart, The Grand Electric, draws comparisons to a New York club or a Parisian theatre in the Moulin Rouge district.
Opening night will feature the Queensland premiere of the internationally acclaimed circus-cabaret spectacle LIMBO—THE RETURN, part of the Brisbane Festival. This new entertainment hub further solidifies Brisbane’s standing as a global cultural centre.
A Homegrown Success Story
Photo Credit: Supplied
The West End Electric and LIMBO—THE RETURN are the brainchildren of Brisbane-born, internationally renowned production company Strut & Fret. The company is known for The Spiegeltent, The Garden of Unearthly Delights, The Grand Electric, and world-touring hits like Blanc de Blanc.
Scott Maidment, Creative Director of Strut & Fret and Director of LIMBO – THE RETURN, expressed his delight at the enthusiastic reception from West End locals and businesses.
Photo Credit: Supplied
LIMBO—THE RETURN is a breathtaking spectacle that reimagines the original LIMBO. The original LIMBO toured 17 countries, captivating audiences with its fire-breathing and gravity-defying acts. The show’s allure even drew Madonna in for two viewings, leading her to collaborate with the director on her world tour.
Brisbane native Clara Fable, a powerhouse songstress and fire-breathing queen, is thrilled to showcase her talents in her hometown during LIMBO’s Queensland premiere.
A Global Cast of Extraordinary Talent
Photo Credit: Supplied
Clara will perform alongside a world-class cast of circus and performance artists, including LIMBO’s maestro NYC’s Sxip Shirey. Sxip leads a diverse band of multi-instrumentalists and will perform his signature Jank sound, a fusion of New Orleans brass, hip-hop, electronic, and Balkan music.
The live music element of LIMBO is further enhanced by multi-talented musician Mick Stuart, who invented his instrument, the Polymba, adding to the show’s unique sound. Melbourne multi-instrumentalist and circus performer Grant Arthur also joins the band, playing the big brass sousaphone.
A prime riverfront site in West End has changed hands for $63.5 million, marking one of the largest riverfront land sales in the city’s recent history.
The 1.25-hectare site, located at 117 Victoria Street, was purchased by Sydney-based real estate developer Traders In Purple.
Photo credit: Google Street View
The property, which has been on the market since August last year, was previously earmarked for a four-tower urban village comprising 455 apartments. However, plans were halted when the former owners entered liquidation in 2023, prompting the sale.
Traders In Purple, known for their successful delivery of 12 luxury waterfront projects in Moreton Bay, is now setting its sights on the Brisbane market. This acquisition marks their significant entry into the city’s property landscape.
Artist’s impression of previous plans for 117 Victoria Street, West End (Photo credit: developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au)
While the site already has development approval for four towers, the new owners are considering a different approach. They have expressed interest in substantially reducing the number of apartments, focusing instead on appealing to owner-occupiers seeking premium residences.
For this project, developers revealed they are targeting executive buyers and families looking for high-quality, spacious apartments and homes in a prime location.
The developer plans to engage with architects, landscape designers, and urban planners in the coming months to craft their vision for the site. Community engagement is also high on the agenda, with the developer pledging to keep local residents informed of their plans.
They believe this site presents a rare opportunity to create a remarkable lifestyle-focused destination near the CBD.
The sale of this West End riverfront property underscores the ongoing interest in Brisbane’s real estate market, particularly in well-located sites with potential for high-end residential development. As plans unfold, the project is likely to attract significant attention from both the property industry and potential buyers looking for luxury riverfront living in Brisbane.
West End is more than just a picturesque riverside locale; it’s a thriving microcosm of creativity and professional diversity. The area boasts the highest concentration of graphic designers, musicians, and web designers in the city, cementing its reputation as a haven for artistic individuals.
The allure of West End extends beyond the arts, attracting many marketing specialists and economists. Its proximity to the Queensland Ballet’s Thomas Dixon Centre on Montague Road has also made it a popular choice for dancers and choreographers. The area’s appeal lies in its blend of artistic vibrancy and professional opportunities, making it a unique and desirable place to live and work.
Brisbane’s Occupational Landscape: A Suburb-by-Suburb Guide
Photo Credit: Screengrab from Google Map
While the West End shines as a creative and professional powerhouse, Brisbane’s diverse suburbs each have their own occupational identities. With their higher property values, the city’s inner areas tend to attract professionals in fields such as medicine, law, and business. In contrast, the outer suburbs are typically home to individuals working in retail and essential services.
Photo Credit: Screengrab from Google Map
This occupational divide is evident throughout Brisbane. The Gap and Ashgrove, for instance, have high concentrations of psychiatrists and anaesthetists, respectively. Capalaba is a hub for air conditioning mechanics and postal workers, while Forest Lake is home to many bus drivers and clergy members. Inala boasts the highest number of beauticians in the city, and Caboolture leads in aged care and disability workers and truck drivers.
Beyond Brisbane: Occupational Hotspots in South East Queensland
Photo Credit: Screengrab from Google Map
The occupational diversity extends beyond Brisbane’s city limits. The Sunshine Coast town of Buderim stands out with the state’s largest workforce of carpenters, electricians, general practitioners, physiotherapists, paramedics, dietitians, pilots, and detectives. It’s also a major education centre, with many teachers and school principals.
Photo Credit: Screengrab from Google Map
On the Gold Coast, Southport is a hub for baristas and restaurant managers, while Surfers Paradise leads in chefs, commercial cleaners, hotel managers, hairdressers, dental assistants, and massage therapists. Upper Coomera has the most childminders, boat builders, repairers, and landscape architects. Interestingly, Hope Island boasts the highest number of CEOs, reflecting the area’s entrepreneurial spirit.
This exploration of occupational distribution across South East Queensland paints a vivid picture of the region’s diverse workforce. From the creative enclaves of the West End to the medical professionals in The Gap and the educators in Buderim, each suburb contributes its unique thread to the rich tapestry of Queensland’s occupational landscape.
Whether you’re a software engineer in Brisbane’s CBD, a barrister in New Farm, or an elderly care worker in Caboolture, your profession makes Queensland a dynamic and vibrant place to live and work.
Hundreds of motorcyclists are expected to gather in West End to remember Ken Hembrow, a 37-year-old father tragically killed while lane filtering in the CBD earlier this year.
The memorial event, dubbed “Ken’s Ride for Justice,” is scheduled for Sunday, 11 August 2024, marking seven months since the fatal crash. Riders will depart from New Farm Park at 8:00 a.m., winding their way through the city before arriving at West End Park on Jane Street at 9:30 a.m.
Organisers have encouraged participants to wear green, Ken’s favourite colour, as a tribute. The ride, sponsored by several motorcycle organisations including SEQ Motorcycle Riders and the Queensland Motorcycle Council, aims to raise awareness about motorcycle safety and support Ken’s family. Chrissy Hembrow, Ken’s widow and business partner at their Urban Hair Loft salon, expressed her gratitude for the community’s support.
“Ken was an amazing dad and a gentle giant. This outpouring of love means so much to our family,” she said.
On 11 January, Ken Hembrow was on his way to work when he was struck by a vehicle driven by 62-year-old Scott Cornelius James Van Iperen at the intersection of Adelaide and Queen streets. Despite having 12 years of riding experience, Hembrow succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Van Iperen pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention. In July, he received a six-month jail sentence, suspended after two months. The relatively light sentence has sparked controversy within the motorcycle community.
Magistrate Joseph Pinder noted during the sentencing that Van Iperen had shown “impatience and intolerance” towards motorcyclists. The court heard that Van Iperen had made disparaging remarks about motorcycle riders to police following the incident.
Community Response
The tragedy has galvanised the motorcycle community. Holly Moore, a client of Ken’s, set up a GoFundMe to support Chrissy and their young daughters, Willow and Hazel. “Ken was not just talented at what he did, but also a devoted ‘girls’ daddy’,” Moore said.
The memorial ride and subsequent gathering at West End Park aim to not only honour Ken’s memory but also to advocate for better road safety measures and awareness of motorcycle lane filtering laws. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by riders on the road and the lasting impact of road incidents on families and communities.
Queensland Ballet is stepping up to address the dwindling numbers of boys in ballet, launching a series of initiatives under the banner of The Ballet Boys Project.
This move comes in response to a concerning 36% decline in male enrolments at the Queensland Ballet Academy since 2020, a trend mirrored across the global dance training landscape.
Queensland Ballet’s Executive Director, Dilshani Weerasinghe, underscored the company’s commitment to tackling this issue head-on, recognising its potential impact on the sustainability of the art form. She encouraged the dance community and beyond to join this movement to ensure the tradition of ballet, while constantly evolving, continues to thrive with solid male participation.
The company has formed The Boys in Ballet Committee to pinpoint obstacles and take decisive action. As its first move, Queensland Ballet is rolling out free weekly classes for boys aged 11 to 14 at their West End headquarters and the Kelvin Grove Academy.
The head of Academy Operations, Gabrielle Johnston, reported a positive response to the initiative since its mid-July launch. She explained that the initiative aims to remove barriers, and boys from all over have come to these classes, which are focused on male-specific ballet techniques. The aim is to foster a unique opportunity to bring together boys enjoying ballet in the community sector.
The programme offers a range of benefits, including specialised training, mentorship from professional male teachers, and the chance to build a supportive network of like-minded peers. To further mark the launch, male dancers within the company shared their journeys into ballet, highlighting diverse paths and motivations.
Queensland Ballet’s annual giving day took place on 8 August this year. All funds raised were directed towards the Academy and nurturing the next generation of artists. Thanks to generous matching donors, donations will be quadrupled.
Boys interested in the Ballet Boys classes can register online at the website.
The Avid Reader Bookshop, long considered the literary heart of West End, has been transformed into a monumental public artwork that’s turning heads and sparking conversations along Boundary Street.
Titled “Charcoal Stories,” this impressive mural is the brainchild of globally recognised, Brisbane-based contemporary artist Vernon Ah Kee.
Artist Vernon Ah Kee (Photo credit: Bec Mac/Facebook)
The project, which wraps around the entire Avid Reader bookstore, is the flagship creation of Chrysalis Projects, an initiative born during the COVID-19 crisis to support artists, revitalise local businesses, and unite the community.
At its core, “Charcoal Stories” is a celebration of Brisbane’s rich literary tradition. The mural features a mosaic of square tiles filled with the names of local authors in Ah Kee’s signature bold black and white text.
Photo credit: Bec Mac/Facebook
Overlaying this typographic tapestry are dark surfboard shields bearing the names of Brisbane’s Aboriginal authors, handwritten by Ah Kee himself. This juxtaposition creates a powerful visual narrative that honours the city’s diverse literary voices.
Photo credit: Chrysalis Projects/Facebook
The scale of the project is impressive, covering over 100 square metres across 52 meticulously hand-painted panels. This herculean task was undertaken by the talented team from All City Walls, artists Yannick Blattner and Benjamin Werner, under Ah Kee’s artistic direction.
Chrysalis Projects’ co-founder Bec Mac (Photo credit: Bec Mac/Facebook)
Bec Mac, co-founder of Chrysalis Projects, emphasises the significance of this artist-led public art initiative. She stated that this project reveals the power of artist-run public art projects, highlighting the potential for creativity to drive community engagement and urban renewal.
For Vernon Ah Kee, “Charcoal Stories” represents more than just an artistic endeavour. He describes it as “a leap of faith,” advocating for more “risk and courage” in Brisbane’s approach to public art and urban spaces.
As passersby stop to admire and engage with this new literary landmark, “Charcoal Stories” stands as a testament to the power of public art to beautify spaces, spark dialogue, and bring communities together.
