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The Gap Among Suburbs Tipped for Further Rent Hikes

Renters in The Gap are being warned to prepare for continued rental increases, as new data reveals the suburb is among several across Australia facing mounting pressure from tight housing supply and growing demand.

Read: New Townhouses Proposed for Ferny Grove to Boost Housing Choice

A new report by property investment company InvestorKit has flagged The Gap—alongside nearby suburbs like Loganlea and Wynnum-Manly—as one of the areas most likely to see rental prices continue rising over the next 12 months. The findings are based on key indicators such as vacancy rates, rental yields, affordability comparisons between renting and buying, and long-term population demand.

While the pace of rent hikes has moderated compared to the sharp surges of recent years, conditions in suburbs like The Gap remain particularly strained. Demand continues to outpace supply, with rental stock across Australia still around 30 per cent lower than it was before the pandemic began.

The Gap, known for its family-friendly appeal and proximity to natural parks and the CBD, is feeling the pinch more acutely due to its limited new housing development and competitive property market.

In this suburb, the cost of buying a home has become increasingly prohibitive, leading more residents to rent as a longer-term solution. That shift is adding further pressure to already scarce rental listings, reinforcing the upward trend in prices.

Nationally, rents now average $649 a week, and vacancy rates remain low at 1.2 per cent—figures that reflect a broader issue across urban and regional markets. However, the situation is especially challenging in areas like The Gap, where housing diversity is limited and construction of new rental stock has not kept pace with population growth.

Experts say the current challenges stem from structural issues that have been building for years, including a long-standing shortage of social and private rental housing, underinvestment in diverse dwelling types, and lagging construction pipelines. In suburbs like The Gap, these conditions combine to make renting not only more expensive, but also more competitive and uncertain.

Read: Young Couple Outbids Downsizers to Set Auction Record in Upper Kedron

As the country heads into another year of rental stress, suburbs like The Gap will be key areas to watch—both as pressure points for tenants and as indicators of how deeply the nation’s housing issues are being felt at a community level.

Published 19-June-2025

New Townhouses Proposed for Ferny Grove to Boost Housing Choice

Photo Credit: DA A006775078

A significant new development featuring 12 townhouses is set to enhance housing diversity within the Ferny Grove community, following a recent application lodged with Council for a multi-dwelling project and land subdivision.

Project Overview

The plans, designed by Red Door Architecture, outline the creation of 12 new homes, each featuring three bedrooms. These new residences will contribute to the low to medium-density housing options available in the area, with a mix of both detached and attached townhouse designs.

The project is planned to reach a maximum height of three storeys and will sit on a substantial 10,618 square metre site. Alongside the dwellings, the development includes provisions for 24 resident parking spaces and an additional five spaces for visitors.

Design and Green Spaces

A key aspect of the design focuses on integrating green spaces and private outdoor areas for future residents. The plans allocate 17 per cent of the site for deep planting, amounting to 514 square metres, to enhance the natural environment.

Each townhouse is also planned to have its own private open space, ranging from 35 to 38 square metres, which includes alfresco areas and balconies designed to meet residents’ recreational needs. Vehicle and pedestrian access to the development will be via a private internal road connecting directly to McGinn Road. The overall site will also be subdivided into two separate lots, measuring 3,020 square metres and 7,595 square metres respectively.

Community Integration and Planning Perspective

Planners from Ratio Consultants have expressed that the proposed development is well-suited for its location, both in terms of statutory planning guidelines and the existing neighbourhood context. They indicated that the project provides a high-quality, architecturally designed residential offering, noting the thoughtful details such as on-site refuse collection and varied building designs.

The planners believe the townhouses will present an attractive appearance due to their diverse setbacks, roof styles, building heights, and choice of materials. According to their assessment, the development is expected to contribute to creating contained, sustainable, and functional communities by providing housing diversity and choice for different household types and individuals throughout various life stages.

Published Date 12-Jun-2025

Hillbrook Chorale to Perform ‘Wattle Sky’ in Enoggera

Music lovers in Enoggera are in for a rare treat this June, as Hillbrook Anglican School’s Hillbrook Chorale presents a uniquely Australian choral concert at the Tree of Life Chapel on Sunday, 22 June from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Read: Brisbane Weekend Guide: Comedy, Music & More 13 to 15 June 2025

The highlight of the afternoon is the Australian premiere of Wattle Sky, a three-movement choral song cycle by acclaimed Brisbane-based composer Joe Twist and lyricist Jodie O’Regan. This powerful new work explores Australia’s involvement in space science, telling the remarkable story of golden wattle seeds sent into orbit aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and later studied by school students across the country.

Originally from the Gold Coast, Twist brings international experience and local heart to the piece, having composed for names like Moby, Kate Miller-Heidke, and Bluey. His deep understanding of choral music makes Wattle Sky a perfect centrepiece for the Hillbrook Chorale, who are working closely with the composer in the lead-up to the performance.

Hillbrook Chorale — Joe Twist (Photo supplied)

The program also features a vibrant lineup of Australian compositions, including:

Shackleton by Paul Jarman, a dramatic musical retelling of the Antarctic explorer’s epic journey
Bell Birds by William Brown, a lush setting of Henry Kendall’s classic poem
The Brown Snake by Thelma Plum, celebrating Brisbane’s river and untold stories
Spirit of Australia by Donna Dyson and Damien Leith, a soaring anthem
Lay Your Burden Down by Jane Christie-Johnston, an emotional original work
Keep a Dream in Your Pocket by The Seekers, a nostalgic audience favourite

Under the direction of conductor Joshua Clifford and accompanied by Judy Collins, the Hillbrook Chorale promises an afternoon of inspiring music that blends contemporary storytelling with timeless choral beauty.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 concession, and free for children under 5.

Read: When Enoggera Witnessed the Execution of a Circus Giant

This is a rare chance to experience the premiere of a major Australian work in the heart of Enoggera, performed by one of Brisbane’s most passionate school ensembles.

About the Hillbrook Chorale

Founded alongside Hillbrook Anglican School in 1986, the Hillbrook Chorale has long been a cornerstone of the school’s community. This SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) community choir performs an eclectic mix of musical styles, spanning classical, folk, and contemporary genres.

Under the direction of Joshua Clifford and with Judy Collins as accompanist, the Chorale is dedicated to fostering a positive, supportive, and musically enriching choral experience.

Published 11-June-2025

Safety Concerns Rise as Ferny Grove Dog Park Remains Waterlogged

More than two dozen dog owners in Ferny Grove are calling on authorities to address significant drainage problems at the popular Ferny Grove Dog Park, which regularly leaves large sections of the community asset unusable and hazardous after rainfall.

The petition, initiated by Suzanne Broderick of Ferny Grove, has gathered 24 signatures since its launch and is open for support until Saturday, 30 August 2025.

It highlights how frequent periods of rain turn the park into a waterlogged and extremely muddy area, preventing dogs from safely enjoying the space and forcing owners to clean their pets extensively or avoid the park entirely.

Community Concerns and Safety Risks

Ferny Grove Dog Park — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Residents and frequent users of the off-leash park at Arbour Street have voiced serious concerns about the ongoing conditions. They say that the persistent poor drainage makes the park inaccessible or dangerous after wet weather. Beyond the inconvenience, the muddy conditions are also believed to pose potential health and hygiene risks for both dogs and their owners.

A significant worry for the community is the safety aspect, with several incidents reported where dog owners have slipped and fallen due to the wet ground. While no serious injuries have occurred to date, petitioners warn of a considerable risk to local residents if the issue remains unaddressed. The current state of the park also limits the community’s access to a vital recreational space intended for off-leash exercise and socialisation.

Calls for Council Action

Petitioners are formally requesting Brisbane City Council to take specific actions to improve the park’s condition. They are asking Council to assess and upgrade the park’s drainage system to stop waterlogging. Additionally, they suggest Council consider installing gravel in high-traffic zones to reduce mud. Ensuring regular maintenance and monitoring of ground conditions, particularly after wet weather, is also a key request.

The petition states that Ferny Grove Dog Park is a well-loved community asset, and that these improvements would greatly enhance its usability, safety, and overall quality for residents and their dogs. Council is being urged to prioritise this issue and act promptly to ensure the park can be enjoyed throughout the year.

A Popular Community Hub

Ferny Grove Dog Park, often referred to as Arbor Street Park, is a well-known off-leash facility situated at 1200 Samford Road, behind the Ferny Grove Police Station. It is highly valued for its accessibility and free nearby parking. The park spans a spacious 8.24 hectares, providing ample room for dogs to run and play freely within its generally fully fenced boundaries, often featuring double-gated entrances for added security.

The park offers various facilities, including water fountains for hydration, benches and shaded seating areas for owners, and convenient poo bins for waste disposal. Some sources also mention a small agility area and a dog-friendly walking trail.

Despite its popularity as a community hub for dog owners and a venue for events like “Dogs on Patrol,” some visitors note that natural shade can be limited, suggesting earlier visits might be better. It is also noted that the park does not always have designated separate areas for small and large dogs.

Published Date 09-Jun-2025

10-Year-Old Keperra Swimmer Jade Gregory Swims for a Cause

Photo Credit: Laps for Life

Jade Gregory, a 10-year-old swimmer from Keperra, has made a remarkable splash, swimming an incredible 35 kilometres and raising over $3,600 for youth mental health.

Jade Gregory, a student at Ferny Hills State School, completed the astounding distance throughout March as part of the national Laps for Life fundraiser. This annual event supports ReachOut Australia, raising vital funds and awareness to help young people facing mental health challenges and prevent youth suicide.

More than 10,000 swimmers participated this year, but Jade’s exceptional effort placed her among the top 50 fundraisers across Australia, finishing in 48th place.

A Big Goal and Strong Motivation

Jade Gregory — *Photo Credit:* *Laps for Life*

Jade, who has been taking swimming lessons at Ferny Hills Pool since she was two years old and now trains with a squad, explained that she wanted to help raise money and awareness for mental health, stating that she loves swimming and believes it’s important because “too many people suffer, and if it goes untreated, something worse could happen.”

She initially set a smaller goal for herself, but as she continued to swim, her confidence grew. She realised she could swim much further than her original aim and decided to see how far she could go, even completing 50 laps in a single session on her second-last day.

Overcoming Challenges

Her commitment was tested when the pool had to close for a week due to Cyclone Alfred, disrupting her plans. However, Jade’s motivation remained strong. She acknowledged that raising money was difficult at the start but knew she was helping people and making others aware of the issue, which made her want to keep going. Her final tally of 700 laps of the 50-metre pool is a significant achievement for someone, regardless of age.

Community Support and Future Dreams

Jade, a two-time age champion at her school who also represented Ferny Hills State School at the district level this year, mentioned that her dad was her “biggest cheerleader.”

Looking ahead, she has expressed a desire to participate in Laps for Life again next year because she enjoyed the swimming and wants to continue helping others. Jade also shared her big swimming dreams, hoping to one day swim at the Olympics.

Published Date 09-Jun-2025

Keperra Pays Tribute to Maurice Wilson with Memorial Tree Planting

A Queensland Brushbox tree was planted in Keperra in honour of the late Maurice Wilson, a respected arborist, educator, and long-time resident of the area.

Read: Hundreds of Trees Planted as Enoggera Catchment Restoration Continues

The commemorative planting was part of a community tree-planting initiative that saw close to 200 new street trees added to the suburb. The gesture marked not only the community’s appreciation for Mr Wilson’s decades of service but also a commitment to continuing the green legacy he championed throughout his life.

Maurice Wilson — Photo credit: CrStevenToomey/Facebook

Saturday’s tree planting was a meaningful occasion for Keperra residents, who gathered to remember Mr Wilson and contribute to the ongoing greening of their neighbourhood. The event brought together local families, volunteers, and Council representatives, all working side by side to enhance the suburb’s natural beauty and environmental sustainability.

Attendees heard from community member Annette, who shared heartfelt words about Mr Wilson’s life and work. The new trees are expected to provide long-term benefits such as shade, improved habitat for native wildlife, and more livable suburban streets.

Maurice Wilson was more than just an arborist—he was a dedicated educator, mentor, and community figure whose influence extended well beyond Keperra. He served in various key roles with the Council, including as Superintendent of Brisbane Central City Parks, where his work helped shape many of the city’s public green spaces.

He later became the Principal Lecturer in Parks and Gardens at Grovely TAFE, where he mentored countless students in horticulture and arboriculture. Before returning to Brisbane, Mr Wilson spent over two decades in Papua New Guinea, working as a horticultural advisor and contributing to sustainable practices in a vastly different environment.

Read: Saving Wattle Creek: Community Unites to Revive The Gap Rainforest

The planting of the Queensland Brushbox stands as a living tribute to Mr Wilson’s passion for nature, education, and community. It is a symbol not only of remembrance but of continued growth—echoing the values he instilled in both landscapes and people.

Published 5-June-2025

Brisbane Tramway Museum Takes Visitors Back to the City’s Golden Era

The Brisbane Tramway Museum in Ferny Grove has always offered a nostalgic glimpse into the city’s past. Now, thanks to a series of thoughtful upgrades and the dedication of its passionate volunteers, the museum is taking visitors on an even richer journey through time—back to the golden age of Brisbane’s trams.

Read: Travel Back in Time at Ferny Grove’s Brisbane Tramway Museum

With a clear vision to enhance the visitor experience, the museum has rolled out a number of improvements. These include updated signage, refreshed brochures, and a new-look website, all designed to make exploring the museum more engaging and informative. The initiative is part of a broader campaign inspired by Planet Marketing, aimed at increasing community awareness and attracting new audiences.

But the most exciting transformation is happening right on-site: a lovingly recreated 1950s suburban street, aptly named Fifties Street. This project, developed over several years as time and funds allowed, brings to life the everyday charm of mid-20th century Brisbane. Visitors can now wander past period-appropriate parking meters, vintage street signs, a tram waiting shed, fire hydrants, and high-voltage power boxes.

One of the newest additions is a striking red telephone box, complete with a vintage handset—an iconic piece generously donated by the Queensland Communications Museum. It’s not just an eye-catching feature; it’s a tangible link to a slower-paced era when trams were the heart of city life.

Looking ahead, the museum plans to add more features to Fifties Street, including a Lych Gate at the entry and classic fencing to further complete the streetscape.

Open every Sunday from 12.30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m, the Brisbane Tramway Museum welcomes all ages to explore, reminisce, and learn. Private tours and group visits are also available by arrangement.

Read: Claire’s Cottage Champions Inclusivity and Strength in Brisbane’s Great Tram Pull Event

For more information, visit brisbanetramwaymuseum.org or call (07) 3351 1776.

Supported by the Brisbane City Council, the museum continues to be a cherished local treasure—keeping Brisbane’s tram history alive, one track at a time.

Published 4-June-2025

The Gap Principal Named Among National Education Leaders

Photo Credit: The Gap SHS/Facebook

The executive principal of The Gap State High School has been named an Excellence Awardee in national education honours, recognising leadership in government schools.

Principal Recognised in National Education Awards

Anne McLauchlan, Executive Principal of The Gap State High School, has been named an Excellence Awardee in the School Principal of the Year – Government category at the 2025 Australian Education Awards. This follows her earlier national recognition in 2023, when she received the A Team Tuition School Principal of the Year – Government award.

*Photo Credit: Australian Education Awards*

Consistent National Recognition

In addition to these accolades, Principal McLauchlan was included in The Educator’s 2024 Best Educators in Australia Hot List. These acknowledgements highlight her ongoing contribution to school leadership and education reform across Queensland and Australia.

Strategic Leadership at The Gap

With over 25 years of experience in education, Principal McLauchlan has introduced key initiatives at The Gap to support student engagement and teaching quality. She developed the Teaching for Innovative Learning and Engagement (TILE) framework, a school-specific model focused on improving instructional practice.

She also implemented Time4 Collaboration, allowing teaching staff to work together on curriculum planning during school hours while students participate in structured enrichment and wellbeing programs.

The Gap State High School — *Photo Credit: The Gap SHS/Instagram*

Capacity Building and Collaboration

Her leadership has extended to staff development, including the use of instructional rounds to support middle leaders. She also led a peer review initiative with local schools, backed by the KYRA Alliance in the United Kingdom, to facilitate cross-school learning and share effective teaching practices.

Contribution to National Dialogue

In 2025, Principal McLauchlan represented The Gap State High School at the ASPA National Education Summit in Canberra. The event brought together education leaders from across the country to address issues of equity and excellence in Australian secondary schools.

Sustained Impact and Leadership

Principal McLauchlan continues to lead through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to staff and student wellbeing. Her recognised leadership reflects a long-standing focus on continuous improvement and professional learning within the public education system.

Published 14-May-2025

Record Guzman y Gomez Sale Completed in Enoggera

Photo Credit: Stonebridge Property Group

A Guzman y Gomez outlet in Enoggera has been sold for $7.8 million, setting a new national record for a leased investment linked to the fast food brand.

Strategic Location Supports Value

The newly built Guzman y Gomez in Enoggera sits on a 1,746 square metre corner site. It is located just 5.5 kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD. With daily exposure to over 75,000 passing vehicles, the location offers strong visibility and accessibility. These factors, along with the property’s lease terms, contributed to its market appeal.

Guzman y Gomez Enoggera — *Photo Credit: Guzman y Gomez/Facebook*

The lease agreement with Guzman y Gomez spans 25 years to 2050. There are additional options extending to 2090. The asset was sold for $7.8 million, reflecting a yield of 4.36 per cent. The sale sets a new national record for the highest price achieved for a Guzman y Gomez leased site.

Expressions of Interest Attract Broad Market Attention

The sale was managed by Stonebridge Property Group through an Expressions of Interest campaign that attracted more than 185 enquiries. The process resulted in nine competitive offers from interested parties, demonstrating strong demand for fast food investment assets.

Stonebridge noted that fast food sites are among the most actively sought-after properties across the country. Their combination of national tenants, essential services, and long-term leases offers investors a relatively stable and low-maintenance income stream.

Guzman y Gomez property sale — *Photo Credit: Guzman y Gomez/Facebook*

High Net Worth Investors Drive Transaction Volume

The buyer was reportedly drawn to the long-term security offered by the ASX-listed tenant and the corner location’s traffic exposure. Stonebridge also reported increased activity from high net worth investors in 2025, with internal data revealing a 58 per cent rise in transaction volumes.

The result in Enoggera reflects the continued trend of investors targeting passive, long-term retail assets in growth corridors and inner-city areas.

Published 12-May-2025

Strong Sales Continue at The Quarry in Keperra as Premium Lots Sell Fast

A major milestone has been reached at The Quarry in Keperra, Brisbane’s most elevated masterplanned community, with the sale of its 100th home site signalling strong buyer confidence in the transformative hillside precinct.

Read: Honeybee Haven: Sweet Start to Community Building in The Quarry

The 100th home site at The Quarry in Keperra has been sold to a couple from Brisbane’s southside. Drawn by the community’s elevated position, resort-style facilities, and tranquil surroundings, the buyers are eager to explore the area, enjoy the private parks and amenities, and spend more time with friends who already live nearby.

Located just 9.5km from the Brisbane CBD, The Quarry is a $500 million residential project turning a former granite quarry into a thriving lifestyle-focused neighbourhood. Developed by Frasers Property Australia, the 48.7-hectare site will ultimately deliver around 400 elevated home sites, with a focus on placemaking and exclusive resident amenities.

Photo credit: Scott Nicholls/Google Maps

Since launching in 2023, The Quarry in Keperra has captured the attention of buyers drawn to its unique topography, panoramic outlooks, and resort-style facilities including lap and children’s pools, a gymnasium, and the private resident clubhouse, ClubQ. The latest land releases have seen rapid uptake, with some stages selling out within weeks.

Construction is well underway on the first wave of homes along Ridgeline Way, bringing the vision of a premium, masterplanned community to life. Among the most sought-after are premium lots with uninterrupted views of the Glass House Mountains, D’Aguilar Ranges, and Moreton Bay—highlighting demand for lifestyle and elevation in the Brisbane market.

Read: The Quarry in Keperra Unveils ClubQ: A $5 Million Oasis for Residents

As operations at the former quarry site gradually wind down, the transformation of this iconic part of Keperra continues to gain pace, marking a new chapter for the northwestern suburb. The milestone 100th sale reflects not only a shift in local buyer preferences but also the strong appeal of considered, community-driven design.

Published 8-May-2025