South Brisbane Archives - West End Today

McDonald’s West End Construction Draws Complaints Over 4:00 a.m. Work

West End residents have raised concerns over repeated overnight construction noise at a new McDonald’s development, including activity recorded around 4:00 a.m. or hours after authorised site work had ended.

Published accounts from neighbours near the Melbourne Street site describe months of disruption from heavy machinery, reversing trucks, drilling and unloading activity. The complaints have raised questions about whether overnight work at the site remained within council-approved hours.

In comments published in earlier media reports, Brisbane City Council said there was no approval for construction work at the site at 4:00 a.m. Previously reported footage from the site showed workers unloading steel at about that hour.

Located at 220 Melbourne Street on the West End–South Brisbane border, the fast-food outlet is set to operate 24 hours a day upon completion later in 2026.

Months of overnight disruption

Nearby residents have reported hearing cranes, drills, reversing trucks and other heavy machinery during overnight works. Some have said activity occurred more frequently than they understood was permitted, while others reported receiving no advance notice before some late-night operations.

The construction site sits in an inner-city area containing residential and commercial properties, placing overnight works in close proximity to nearby households and businesses.

Strict limits on night approvals

Brisbane City Council records confirm contractor Store Tec Pty Ltd obtained an out-of-hours construction approval for 220 Melbourne Street.

Photo Credit: DA A007012001/Development.i BCC

Brisbane noise rules prohibit clearly audible building-work noise within an affected building between 6:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m., Monday to Saturday. Clearly audible building-work noise is also prohibited at all times on Sundays and public holidays, excluding Saturday public holidays, unless authorised by a development approval.

An out-of-hours approval does not grant unrestricted round-the-clock access. Council guidelines state that only the works and locations specified in an approval may be undertaken during the approved days and times.

Details released for the Melbourne Street project show Store Tec held approval for work between 9:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. on designated nights. Council said there was no approval for work at the site at 4:00 a.m.

Earlier project notices advised nearby residents and businesses of planned overnight works, with most activity expected to finish by about 1:00 a.m.

Construction continues as neighbours seek clarity

Construction is continuing ahead of the restaurant’s planned opening later in 2026, while questions remain over the reported early morning activities.

No formal enforcement action over the reported 4:00 a.m. activity had been publicly identified at the time of publication. McDonald’s has said it is reviewing the concerns with its construction partners, while affected residents can report suspected out-of-hours building noise to Brisbane City Council.

BCC NOISE RESTRICTION AND COMPLAINTS

Published 31-Aug-2026

West End Parents Seek School Space in Montague Road Precinct

Photo Credit: Economic Development Queensland

West End parents are pushing for part of the 7.1-hectare Montague Road Precinct to be reserved for a new public primary school as the riverfront site is considered for thousands of homes.

West End School Push Turns to Montague Road

West End State School families are calling for education planning to be included in the future of the Montague Road Precinct, a 7.1-hectare riverfront landholding near South Bank and West End.

The school’s P&C has asked for part of the precinct to be reserved for a second public primary school in Brisbane’s inner-south, citing current enrolment pressure and expected growth from nearby residential development.

The precinct is about 1.3km from the Brisbane CBD and includes about 400m of river frontage. It is being considered for more than 4,000 homes in a mixed-use area that may include hospitality, retail and public spaces.

The site remains in the early concept stage, with community consultation available and a preferred proponent selected.

Montague Road Precinct riverfront land — Photo Credit: Economic Development Queensland

Parents Point to West End Enrolments

Parents and students gathered outside West End State School on Monday morning with banners and placards as part of the campaign.

The P&C, which represents about 2700 parents, has pointed to enrolment pressure across the school catchment. It has cited catchment data indicating 94.1 per cent of local primary-school-aged children attend West End State School.

Using 2021 Census data, the P&C estimated that new developments could add another 700 to 800 students to the catchment. That figure includes growth linked to about 8000 apartments already approved.

The group has framed the request as a call for supporting infrastructure, rather than opposition to new housing in West End and nearby suburbs.

West End State School campaign signs — *Caption: Montague Road precinct – Visual for illustration purposes only.*
Photo Credit: *Lendlease*/Economic Development Queensland

Riverfront Precinct Includes Former Industrial Sites

The Montague Road Precinct includes the former Visy site, now publicly owned, and the recently closed milk factory site, which was sold by Lactalis to property developer Stockwell.

The former Visy site had previously been considered for use as a foreign press centre during the 2032 Olympic Games, before later being put forward as a development site open to private housing bids.

In late May, the Montague Road Precinct was named among four provisional priority development areas across Brisbane.

School Site Sought Before Further Growth

The West End State School P&C has argued that the precinct offers a chance to plan education infrastructure before further residential growth occurs across the peninsula.

The group has said a new primary school had previously been planned for Brisbane’s inner-west, but no site had been secured.

Parents and alumni from Brisbane State High School have also sought access to part of the Visy site to support that school.

An education spokesperson said West End State School had sufficient capacity, with strategies in place for existing and forecast enrolments in the short to medium term.

Published 26-June-2026

Free State of Sk8 Exhibition Rolls Into South Brisbane

State Library Queensland

The Edge Screens at the State Library of Queensland‘s Cultural Centre in South Brisbane are running a free digital exhibition celebrating Queensland’s rich skateboarding history, just minutes from West End’s own beloved skatepark.

The exhibition, titled State of Sk8, forms part of a broader winter program at The Edge, the State Library’s creative hub at Stanley Place. It draws on research by 2025 John Oxley Library Honorary Fellow Dr Indigo Willing, whose year-long fellowship explored the stories, spaces and subcultures that have shaped skateboarding across Queensland. The digital display runs throughout the month of June, making it a well-timed cultural stop for anyone in the inner south.

For West End locals, the connection feels close to home. The suburb’s own skatepark, a well-known gathering point on the inner-south skate circuit, was one of the local facilities that the skateboarding community successfully pushed to have upgraded, with works completed in 2025.

The State of Sk8 program puts that kind of grassroots advocacy into broader historical context, tracing how generations of Queensland skaters have shaped their cities, one grey space at a time.

From the streets into the archive

Dr Willing’s fellowship, titled “Queensland Skate of Mind: Subcultural Game Changers to Olympian ‘Roll’ Models,” focused on recovering stories that have largely been left out of mainstream accounts of Queensland’s history. Her research documents how skateboarding evolved from a subculture built around repurposed concrete infrastructure into a globally recognised Olympic sport, while remaining deeply tied to inclusive community-building at the local level.

The Edge Screens, a digital display format previously used to showcase 4ZZZ Radio memorabilia as part of the State Library’s Stranded program, bring this research into a publicly visible format. The exhibition draws on material from the State Library’s own collections, community archives and the photographic work of contributors to Dr Willing’s fellowship.

Beyond the digital screens, a broader State of Sk8 program brings the culture to life at The Edge. A free public panel discussion headlines the lineup, alongside paid hands-on workshops running from 24 to 30 June. Visitors can try their hand at laser etching skateboards or designing 3D-printed mini decks.

A scene bigger than you might think

Queensland’s skateboarding story carries more weight than most people realise. Among those documented in Dr Willing’s research is Arisa Trew OAM, who at just 14 became the youngest Australian to win gold at the Paris Olympics, and holds the record for the most X-Games wins of any woman in the competition’s history.

Photo Credit: Queensland Academy of Sport

World Skate SB competitor Dani Campbell, a member of the Songline First Nations Skateboarding team, is also featured in a newly commissioned digital history added to the State Library’s collection as part of this program.

The research also shines a light on the community builders, the women and queer skaters, the photographers, the zine-makers and the small-business owners who kept the scene alive long before the Olympics came calling.

Getting there from West End

The Cultural Centre sits at Stanley Place, South Brisbane, roughly a five-minute walk or ride from West End’s Boundary Street precinct. The Edge Screens exhibition is free and does not require booking. The State Library is open to visitors throughout the week, and The Edge’s facilities are accessible to anyone holding a State Library membership, which is free to obtain.

For the full State of Sk8 program, including workshops and the panel discussion, click here.

Published 24-June-2025

McDonald’s West End Construction Kicks Off on Melbourne Street

Construction is set to begin on a new McDonald’s restaurant in West End, following planning approval for a fitout confirmed earlier in 2026.

Read: West End McDonald’s Fitout Approved for Melbourne Street Site

McDonald’s Australia confirmed works will begin at 220 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane, on the border between West End and South Brisbane. The site will operate as a 24-hour restaurant once complete. The project is expected to inject more than $5 million into the local economy and create around 80 jobs during construction, with a further 120 positions available when the restaurant opens later in 2026.

Render of McDonald’s West End (Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online – A007012001)

The restaurant will be operated by Mandy Wentworth, a Queensland local who began her career with McDonald’s as a crew member more than 24 years ago. The West End store will be her first as a licensee. In a statement, Ms Wentworth said the restaurant would aim to play an active role in the local community through jobs, training and support for local causes and groups.

According to McDonald’s Australia, the restaurant has been designed with the neighbourhood’s outdoor dining culture in mind. The fitout will include indoor and outdoor dining areas, a McCafe and a dedicated room for delivery partners.

Community Reaction Mixed

Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online – A007012001

The announcement has drawn a divided response from local residents. Some have welcomed the development, citing convenience and proximity to other dining options in the area. Others have expressed opposition, with some calling for a boycott and urging locals to continue supporting independent businesses in the suburb.

The site attracted attention in November 2025 when hoarding erected around the location was targeted with graffiti opposing the development.

McDonald’s Australia said the restaurant would be operated by a local licensee and described the design as intended to complement West End’s streetscape.

Read: West End Bar Bosc to Close After 13 Years on Vulture Street

Nearby residents and businesses have been advised that construction firm Store Tec will carry out overnight works between 9pm and 6am from 1 June through to 3 July, with most activity expected to wind up by 1am on each working night.

No opening date has been confirmed.

Published 2-June-2026

The West End Park Where Aboriginal Girls Were Once Sent Into Service Is Now a Place of Reconnection

Brooke Prentis/Facebook

Link-Up (Qld) has identified more than 80 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls connected to the former Aboriginal Girls Home at West End, making their names available online as part of a research project aimed at helping descendants reconnect with that history.

The work is among the most direct efforts yet to restore identity and family connection for those touched by the institution, which operated from 1899 to 1906 on the land now known as Cranbrook Place within Orleigh Park. For descendants across Queensland and beyond who may have had gaps in their family history they could never fully explain, the project offers something concrete to reach toward.

Link-Up (Qld) chief executive Patricia Thompson AM said the research is fundamentally about recognition. “It is about recognising the women and girls who were removed from their families, and creating opportunities for descendants to reconnect with that history,” she said.

The history behind the former Aboriginal Girls Home

The Aboriginal Girls Home operated under the Aboriginals Protection and Restriction of the Sale of Opium Act 1897, one of the most sweeping pieces of legislation in Queensland’s history. The Act gave the Chief Protector of Aboriginals extensive control over the movements, employment and daily lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the state.

The West End home functioned as a receiving depot and transit point. Girls and young women were brought to Brisbane from communities across Queensland, held at the home, and then placed into domestic service in white households, often far from their families and Country.

Any single woman travelling through Brisbane or between domestic postings was required to stay there. The institution was classified as a reserve under the Act in 1904.

By 1900, 22 Aboriginal young women were in domestic service in Brisbane. That number had climbed to 121 by the time the home closed in 1906 following a public inquiry into conditions there. The house itself, known as Cranbrook, was demolished years later. Only a set of concrete steps remains at the site today.

Names that were nearly lost

The research Link-Up undertook drew on historical records to identify 80 women and girls who are directly or indirectly referenced in connection with the Home. That work builds on earlier research and represents years of archival effort to recover names and details that were never intended to be easily found.

Those names are now published on Link-Up’s website as part of an ongoing commitment to honour the lives of women who passed through the institution and to support healing for the families who came after them. Descendants who register their interest through the site can also receive updates about the project and be invited to contribute to future stages of the work.

A community that gathers every year at Orleigh Park

Link-Up has held a Sorry Day event at Cranbrook Place each year during Sorry Week, the period leading up to National Sorry Day on 26 May. This year’s breakfast drew Stolen Generations survivors, performers Kristal West and the Nunukul Yuggera Dancers, and community members from across the region to the site where the Home once stood.

National Sorry Day marks the anniversary of the tabling of the Bringing Them Home report in federal parliament in 1997, which documented the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families. A memorial to the Stolen Generations was erected at Orleigh Park in 2012, four years after the federal apology in 2008.

For descendants wanting to connect with the research or register their interest in the project, click here. Link-Up (Qld) can also be reached directly through their website for family reunion and reconnection support services.

Published 21-May-2026

West End McDonald’s Fitout Approved for Melbourne Street Site

Building work is anticipated to begin in June 2026 on a new McDonald’s restaurant at 220 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane, a site on the border between South Brisbane and West End, after planning documents confirmed approval for a fitout to commence.

Read: Voluntary Liquidation Process for Melbourne Street Popular Italian Restaurant

Rumours of the development had been circulating for well over a year, generating discussion across online forums including Reddit and Facebook, where responses were mixed, with some residents expressing opposition and others acknowledging the prospect of local employment.

Construction firm Store Tec has notified nearby residents and businesses of overnight works scheduled between 9pm and 6am from 1 June to 3 July, with most activity expected to wrap up by 1am on working nights.

Community raises questions about local fit

Melbourne Street — Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online – A007012001

Cr Trina Massey has raised concerns about the approval process. She said the decision to approve the development without community consultation reflected problems in the planning system, and called for greater support for local businesses over corporate expansion.

West End Community Association (WECA) president Seleneah More said residents had been engaged on the issue for more than a year. She pointed to structural factors shaping the Boundary Street corridor, including rising rents, post-COVID underinvestment, shifting consumer trends and long-term vacancies, as contributing to conditions that favour larger operators over smaller, independent businesses.

McDonald’s outlines its commitment to the area

McDonald’s Australia has pointed to the economic contribution the development will make to the area. A spokesperson said the new restaurant represents more than $5 million in investment and is expected to generate around 80 jobs during construction and a further 120 ongoing positions once open. The company said the restaurant will be run by a local licensee and pointed to its longstanding presence across Brisbane communities spanning more than 50 years.

The approved fitout, listed on Brisbane’s development portal (application number A007012001), will include a public dining area, self-service kiosks, a McCafe counter, delivery and pick-up zones and an external seating area. Planned works also include upgrades to signage, glazing, awnings and interior finishes.

Overnight construction hours were approved to reduce disruption to traffic and pedestrians on Melbourne Street, with road and footpath closures considered impractical during peak daytime periods.

Read: Great Spots for Organic Food Options at West End

What to expect during construction

Residents and nearby businesses have received letters from Store Tec outlining expected impacts during the construction window, including increased noise, traffic disruptions and temporary access restrictions.

WECA has been active on planning matters in the suburb and has indicated residents will continue to raise concerns.

Published 5-May-2026

Voluntary Liquidation Process for Melbourne Street Popular Italian Restaurant

Falalalah, a popular Italian restaurant located on Melbourne Street in South Brisbane, has allegedly entered into voluntary liquidation.

Read: Beefing Up the Menu: West End’s Grown Cafe Goes Omni

The restaurant, which has been in operation for eight years, is reported to owe over $200,000 to creditors, primarily the tax office.

Falalalah was known for its unique Korean-Italian fusion cuisine, with dishes like bulgogi pizza and bulgogi risotto. It first opened its doors in 2015 and quickly became a favourite in the South Brisbane dining scene.

However, business took a downturn last year, leading to a temporary closure in June. The restaurant later reopened under new ownership but allegedly continued to struggle.

The appointed liquidator for the Italian restaurant stated that he was informed of a transfer of ownership or possible sale of the business prior to his assignment. He reported that over $200,000 is owed to a range of creditors, with the majority being taxes owed to the tax office.

The liquidator is now responsible for liquidating any remaining assets of the company and distributing proceeds to pay off outstanding debts.

A Members’ Voluntary Liquidation is the process by which a solvent company ceases operations and wraps up its affairs by distributing remaining assets to shareholders. The winding up itself is typically overseen by a licensed liquidator, usually a chartered accountant from an accounting service.

When a business settles its accounts, any assets are commonly sold openly for cash or cash equivalents. Those overseeing the conclusion of affairs have the legal authority to act on behalf of the company to finalise debts and outstanding payments.

Appointed liquidators have the power to sell remaining assets and finish terminating the business on behalf of the shareholders.

Read: Authentic Asian Flavours Meet Aussie Brews at West Village’s Goodtime Restaurant

Meanwhile, a second Falalalah location remains open at Westfield Mount Gravatt under separate ownership.

Published 15-February-2024

Plans for the Musgrave Park Swimming Pool Refurbishment Released

Council has recently released the improvement plans for the Musgrave Park Swimming Pool in South Brisbane.

New 15m x 8m Learn to Swim pool. Photo credit: Brisbane Planning and Development Online

The proposed plans for the Musgrave Park Pool refurbishment includes a new 15m x 8m Learn to Swim pool which will be heated and will also have PWD access.

Photo credit: Brisbane Planning and Development Online

Furthermore, the existing 50-metre pool will also have modifications. Improvements to the pool involve the following:

Increasing the depth and width for enhanced water polo activities.
New layout with nine lanes.
Installation of a new elevated concourse with a wet edge on both long sides of the pool.
Addition of an internal ramp for PWD access into the pool.
Addition of heating.
Installation of new pole lights.

Other improvements works that will be done in the facility include the following:

Minor alterations to the grandstand and installation of new lighting.
New pool plant plus installation of new equipment.
Improvements in the administration building. These include:

a. Refurbishment of change rooms and amenities.
b. Addition of PWD amenities.

New entry which includes stairs and PWD access ramp.
A future water play area.

Locals are welcome to submit their comments on the current proposal. To learn more about the proposal or lodge a submission, check the Application Details for A005087519.

Survey Seeks to Find Traffic Choke Points and Transport Issues in West End, Inner South

The Government has launched a survey that seeks to identify traffic choke points and transport issues in West End and the rest of Inner South.

In the online survey, participants are asked to describe their travel experiences to help the Department of Transport and Main Roads to better understand the area’s current and future transport challenges and opportunities.

Feedback from the community will be used for the South Brisbane Transport and Mobility Study. This study will help map a way forward to ensure a safe and reliable transport system for the inner south.

The CollabMap

A CollabMap is now available for locals to give their inputs online. This is an easy-to-use online mapping tool which can be used to pinpoint specific issues.

According to Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey, the study will consider all transport modes as well as seek community input.

“Public comment will be a major component to ensure a complete picture of key connections to the area via river, road and rail,” Mr Bailey said.

“The study will look at access to education hubs, cultural precincts, and essential services such as hospitals – covering the suburbs of South Brisbane, West End, Highgate Hill, Dutton Park, Woolloongabba, Kangaroo Point, East Brisbane and Annerley,” he added.

Residents can use the interactive mapping tool to share where they think there is a transport or mobility issue.

In fact, several transport problems have already been raised for Vulture Street and Montague Road. Issues that were mentioned include the need for a dedicated cycle lane, reduced speed limit, a safe pedestrian and bike crossing as well as the implementation of priority for buses.

When having your say and using the pins in the interactive mapping tool, think about your travel experiences in relation to:

Available information explaining the network and how to use it;
Connections to destination centres and surrounding neighbourhoods;
Safety and personal security on the network; and
The range of travel options available.

Community Consultation

The study will also investigate ongoing and emerging traffic and transport pressures on key connections via the river. Photo credit: CC-BY/Brisbane City Council/Flickr

Furthermore, the Government rolled out a community engagement program to give the inner city residents an opportunity to contribute their valuable local knowledge.

Apart from using the CollabMap, locals can also provide inputs by completing the community survey online or visiting community engagement booths. The survey will be open until 31 October 2018.

Schedule of Community Engagement Booths

Corner Boundary Street and Russell Street, West End (Lizard sculpture)	Tuesday, 25 September 2018 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Goodwill Bridge (South Bank side)	Saturday, 29 September 2018 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Buranda Village shopping centre	Tuesday, 2 October 2018 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. and Thursday, 4 October 2018 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
West End markets (Davies Park)	Saturday, 6 and 27 October 2018 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park (near Bar Spritz)	Tuesday, 9 October 2018 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Gladstone Road shops (corner Gladstone Road and Blakeney Street)	Thursday, 11 October 2018 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Ecosciences Precinct (near Cafe Eco)	Tuesday, 16 October 2018 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
South Brisbane Station (forecourt)	Wednesday, 17 October 2018 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Woolloongabba Fiveways (Logan Road and Stanley Street)	Sunday, 21 October 2018 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
South Bank Busway Station	Wednesday, 24 October 2018 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Mowbray Park (near Ferry Terminal)	Thursday, 25 October 2018 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Aldi Shopping Centre (Montague Road)	Tuesday, 30 October 2018 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Learn more about the South Brisbane Transport and Mobility Study by visiting the official website. You may also contact southbrisbanestudy@tmr.qld.gov.au for more information.

New Residential Tower With 120-Metre Waterfall in South Brisbane Gets Approval

South Brisbane is set to get a new residential tower with a 120-metre waterfall from Aria Property Group after it received approval for its development application.

Designed by Koichi Takada Architects, the mixed-use development, located at 75, 77, and 79 Hope Street and 9 Fish Lane, South Brisbane will include 216 residential units plus retail and office spaces.

The tower’s rooftop will include a combination of landscaping, a 50-metre lap pool, gym, yoga room, change-room facilities, private dining room, and a theatre. It will also have provisions for external BBQ and seating areas for passive and active recreation.

Also part of the approval is the development’s 750-square-metre public park adjacent to the ground floor retail. The new public park will include an outdoor cinema, community garden, public art, children’s play space, and an amphitheatre.

Opposition from Locals

Despite several submissions against the construction of the 33-storey tower, the development application was approved by the Council in early July 2018.

Objections to the development included concerns about the height of the residential development.

Photo credit: www.yourneighbourhood.com.au

West End Community Association (WECA) was among the most vocal critics of the development application. According to a submission by WECA, “This application is excessive in scale, it provides a public open space under a railway corridor that will become an unsafe place, and it is a clear overdevelopment of the 1,368m2 site. It should be refused.”

However, after giving the development a go, the council’s City Planning unit is hopeful that it would become amongst the most substantial residential buildings in the city.

Find out more about the South Brisbane Development Application (A004623409).