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$8 Million Resort-style ClubQ Expansion Unveiled in Keperra

Frasers Property Australia has announced the next stage of ClubQ at The Quarry in Keperra, featuring $8 million in resort-style amenities, including three pools, a wellness centre, and leisure spaces designed for residents.

Expanding Lifestyle Offerings in Keperra

The second stage of ClubQ introduces two new walk-in pools, a children’s splash-and-play zone, a private wellness centre with gym, sauna, and yoga space, and a sunset deck with a barbecue pavilion overlooking the D’Aguilar Range.

These facilities, worth $3.5 million, are built on the first stage’s existing 25-metre lap pool, residents’ dining and event space, and landscaped green areas. Once complete in 2026, the precinct will offer more than 4,600 square metres of open space managed to a resort standard.

Frasers Property Australia — Photo Credit: Supplied

The Promenade Collection

Coinciding with the amenity launch, Frasers Property introduced The Promenade Collection, featuring 22 homesites north of ClubQ. Buyers can select their own builder or opt for turnkey designs by Glenvill Homes and The Quarry’s resident architect, Marco Calvino.

Land starts from $755,000, with new four-bedroom homes estimated at around $1.5 million, offering residents premium access to ClubQ’s wellness and leisure facilities.

Designed for Family Living

The latest design phase was guided by feedback from The Quarry’s first residents, with a focus on creating spaces that encourage connection and relaxation. The family-friendly pools and creative play zones aim to bring generations together in shared outdoor environments.

Keperra resort development — Photo Credit: Supplied

Transforming the Former Keperra Quarry

Set across approximately 48.7 hectares, The Quarry will deliver about 400 elevated homesites as the long-running granite quarry phases down operations.

Situated 9.5 kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD, Keperra remains sought-after for its proximity to schools, healthcare, and transport networks. Frasers Property plans to continue the community’s staged hillside development through 2026 and beyond, introducing new landscaped areas, improved pedestrian connections, and enhanced recreational zones to further strengthen neighbourhood interaction and outdoor living opportunities for residents.

Published 8-Oct-2025

Adelaide Street Tunnel Completion To Ease Travel For The Gap

Photo Credit: BCC

The completion of the Adelaide Street tunnel in Brisbane’s CBD is set to improve public transport reliability for commuters from The Gap and surrounding suburbs.

Shaping A Decade Of Transport Works

After more than two years of construction, the 213-metre Adelaide Street tunnel will open to buses and metro services on 29 September 2025. The project marks the final stage of the Brisbane Metro program, which was first outlined in 2016 as part of plans to reshape the city’s public transport network.

During construction, around 16 Olympic swimming pools of soil and rock were excavated, with extensive underground works carried out since 2023. In August 2025, final activities included testing, commissioning, electrical installation, landscaping and road finishing. Weekend closures of the Inner Northern Busway were required during this stage.

Direct Link Between Key Busways

The tunnel connects North Quay on the Brisbane River with King George Square in the CBD, creating a direct link between the Inner Northern and South East busways. About 1,200 bus and metro services are expected to use the tunnel each weekday.

By moving these services underground, the tunnel is expected to reduce the number of buses travelling on CBD streets by up to one-third during peak periods. It will also ease pressure on Adelaide Street and surrounding streets such as George and Turbot.

For The Gap, services including the 444 and other frequent routes will now use the tunnel, improving reliability and travel times into the CBD.

Brisbane Metro — *Photo Credit: Peter Lawrence/Facebook*

Residents Walk The New Tunnel

Thousands of residents attended the community open day held on 24 September, walking through the tunnel before its official opening. Visitors raised questions about safety systems, with engineers explaining fire management controls. Others highlighted the benefit of removing buses from surface streets and the improved cycling infrastructure nearby.

Feedback indicated that many attendees saw the project as a significant change to the city’s transport landscape, with expectations of smoother travel and reduced congestion once services commence.

New Connection Ready For Service

The Adelaide Street tunnel will open to regular services on 29 September 2025, marking the completion of a near decade-long program to improve Brisbane’s transport network. For commuters from The Gap, the new underground connection is expected to provide more reliable travel into the city and reduce pressure on busy CBD streets.

Published 25-Sep-2025. Updated 3-Oct-2025

Tram Pulling Contest Returns to Ferny Grove

Photo Credit: Brisbane Tramway Museum/Facebook

The Brisbane Tramway Museum in Ferny Grove will host a family-friendly event featuring tram rides and a tram pulling contest.

Tram Rides and Contest Mark Anniversary

On Sunday, 28 September, the Brisbane Tramway Museum will commemorate the 63rd anniversary of the Paddington Tram Depot fire with a special event from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 50 Tramway Street, Ferny Grove.

Visitors will have access to unlimited rides on up to seven restored trams, with vehicles dating between 1901 and 1964. The program will also feature a tram pulling contest, where local gym teams will compete to move a horse tram along a 50-metre track against the clock.

Preserving Brisbane’s Tram History

The Brisbane Tramway Museum Society, established in 1968, opened the Ferny Grove site in 1980. The museum holds more than 20 trams that once operated on Brisbane’s tram network, along with two single-deck trolley-buses. Other exhibits include depot buildings from Ipswich Road, a substation with equipment from former Brisbane substations, a signal cabin, historic tickets, uniforms, and photographs.

The museum also operates demonstration tram rides each Sunday afternoon, weather permitting, with carriages still equipped with original bells and period advertising.

Food and Facilities for Families

Alongside the rides and contest, food and drinks will be available, including a sausage sizzle, coffee wagon, donuts, ice cream and cold beverages. Free venue parking will also be provided.

Ticket Information

Entry costs $20 per adult, $10 per child, $15 concession, and $50 for a family of four. Doors open at 2:30 p.m., with refunds available up to seven days before the event.

tram pulling contest — Photo Credit: Brisbane Tramway Museum/Facebook

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Looking Forward

The event at Ferny Grove offers visitors an opportunity to explore Brisbane’s tramway history, enjoy unlimited rides, and experience a unique tram pulling contest marking a significant anniversary.

Published 22-Sep-2025

Teen from The Gap Charged with Terrorism Offences Granted Bail

An 18-year-old student and part-time lifeguard from The Gap has been charged with terrorism offences after police allegedly discovered extremist material, chemicals, and weapons at his home during a raid.

The teenager was arrested following a joint operation involving the Australian Federal Police, Queensland Police, and ASIO. He now faces two counts of possessing and controlling violent extremist material through a carriage service under the Commonwealth Criminal Code. If convicted, he could face a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Investigators also confirmed that further charges may be considered as forensic analysis of seized material continues.

In Brisbane Magistrates Court, the teen broke down in the dock as the charges were read. His father, seated in the public gallery, was also seen in tears.

Prosecutors argued the young man posed an unacceptable risk to the community, pointing to extremist videos, a lengthy digital document promoting terrorist acts, and chemicals allegedly stored for use in explosives. Authorities said more than 50 additional files linked to firearms and bomb-making were also found on his devices.

Items seized during the raid reportedly included books and publications linked to nationalist and racist ideologies, along with chemicals and explosive precursors. Some outlets have also reported that weapons, including a crossbow and knuckledusters, were taken from the property.

Defence arguments and bail conditions

The defence highlighted the teenager’s age, lack of criminal history, and strong family support as reasons for bail. His lawyers also suggested he may be on the autism spectrum, pointing out that he had been cooperative with investigators and was engaged in work as a lifeguard alongside his studies.

Magistrate Rosemary Gilbert granted bail under strict conditions, which include a nightly curfew, limited access to the internet, and regular reporting to police. The teenager must also participate in a deradicalization program as part of the court’s orders. The magistrate explained the decision was based on exceptional circumstances, noting the absence of evidence suggesting an imminent attack.

Community and broader concerns

The case has drawn attention in Brisbane, particularly within The Gap community, where neighbours expressed concern about how extremist ideologies can reach young people. Authorities have used the case to warn about the growing threat of online radicalisation, urging parents and local communities to remain aware of the signs.

Investigations remain ongoing as police and security agencies review the materials seized from the property. The teen is expected to return to Brisbane Magistrates Court next month as the case progresses.

Published 12-Sept-2025

Keperra Quarry Set for Major Transformation With New Community Precinct

Photo Credit: DA A006751263

Keperra Quarry is moving a step closer to becoming a new residential hub, with plans lodged for 58 homes, a gymnasium and a landscaped community precinct in Brisbane’s north-west.

Project Timeline and Approvals

The development application was lodged with Brisbane City Council on 1 May 2025 by Frasers Property Australia. It covers “Precinct D” of the former quarry site on Samford Road and Settlement Road, Keperra.

The application seeks approval for residential lots, new community facilities and landscaped areas, building on earlier precinct approvals already in place for the broader 48.7-hectare redevelopment.

Housing and Community Facilities

Precinct D proposes 58 detached house lots ranging from 235 to 527 square metres, to be delivered across five stages with supporting roads and infrastructure. At its centre, a 135-square-metre gymnasium will sit beside the existing pool and community building.

The recreation centre is planned with lounges, a management office and a breezeway linking the gym to the main lawn. Surrounding common areas would feature pools, gardens, shaded lawns, parks and play spaces.

Landscape and Environmental Features

LatStudios has prepared the landscape design for Precinct D, aiming to reconnect the site with its bushland surrounds. Inspired by the quarry’s fractured granite, the plan shapes pathways, paving and planting patterns.

A 5,400-square-metre “Central Common” will serve as the neighbourhood’s hub, with pools, gardens and shaded gathering areas. Native plants and reused quarry materials will provide shade, biodiversity and a distinct local character.

Community Impact and Connectivity

For the Keperra community, the quarry’s redevelopment promises new housing, green spaces and recreation within an established suburb. The site has direct links to Samford Road and is close to schools, shops and public transport.

Pedestrian pathways, including a 500-metre loop, will connect homes to common areas and landscaped features. The design focuses on safe, flexible outdoor spaces with shaded areas, gardens and play zones, while keeping the neighbourhood tied to its bushland setting.

Published 28-August-2025

The Gap, Ferny Grove and Upper Kedron Clubs Score Ellendale Community Funding

A netball club, a decades-old dance sport group, and several community organisations in The Gap, Ferny Grove and Upper Kedron have secured various grants through the Ellendale Community Grants, with projects ranging from resurfaced courts to school soccer goals all set to benefit.

Investing in Young Athletes

Phoenix Netball Club President Thom Contreras said the $3,500 grant will go toward resurfacing three well-used courts that have taken a beating from weather and heavy use since they opened in 2017. He explained the facilities cater for 285 players across 32 teams, training and competing up to five days a week, and resurfacing is vital to maintain safety and keep the courts in use during the coming season break.

“Over half of our members live at Ferny Grove and Upper Kedron, and we have a number who live at Ellendale,” he said. “We’re really grateful Cedar Woods supports not just our club, but other groups across the area.”

Celebrating a Growing Dance Sport

Everton Physical Culture Club, celebrating its 40-year anniversary, received $1,000 to improve its promotion at events and competitions. Associate Teacher Peta Tyquin said Physie is an accessible and affordable sport spanning children as young as three through to women in their seventies. She added the grant would help the club present professionally at national events while keeping classes affordable for its 80 members.

“We’re excited to have this injection of funds to help us continue providing for our community,” she said.

John Kibble, Mia Denning, Georgia Naggs, Elanor Lippett, Claudia Carter, Keirra Ryder, Peta Tyquin. Photo Credit: Supplied

Backing Families and Schools

Other groups to receive funding included Mitchelton Youth Club, which gained $1,500 to add safe seating to its lobby, and Samford Play Group, which will use $1,500 to repair unsafe play equipment. St Andrews P&C in Ferny Grove secured $1,500 for new aluminium soccer goals for students, while St John’s Wood The Gap Conference received $1,000 to help families purchase school supplies and cover the cost of camps.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Cedar Woods for its ongoing support through the Ellendale Community Grants Program,” Aimee Riedel from St Andrew P&C said.

“This grant will allow us to purchase durable aluminium soccer goals, a much-needed addition to support the highly popular sport during lunch breaks. For many students living in the Ellendale community, this investment encourages physical activity, teamwork and a sense of connection, both at school and within the wider local community. Initiatives like this truly make a difference in supporting the health and wellbeing of our children.”

Ellendale’s Ongoing Contribution

Cedar Woods Properties Development Director Blair Britton said this year’s round of grants brings the total contribution from the Ellendale initiative to $95,000, shared amongst more than 60 groups since 2017.

“With 590 families living at Ellendale we are proud to support these valuable initiatives, and this year’s recipients all share a common mission to improve the lives of young people in the community,” he said.

Awardee

Suburb(s)

Grant Amount

Purpose

Phoenix Netball Club

Ferny Grove / Upper Kedron

$3,500

Resurfacing three playing courts used by 285 players.

Everton Physical Culture Club

Everton Hills

$1,000

Marketing and promotional material for Physie’s 40th anniversary.

Mitchelton Youth Club

Mitchelton

$1,500

Seats and benches for renovated lobby area.

Samford Play Group

Samford

$1,500

Refurbishing unsafe and damaged play forts.

St Andrews P&C

Ferny Grove

$1,500

Purchase of aluminium soccer goals for students.

St John’s Wood The Gap Conference

The Gap

$1,000

Support for families in need (school supplies, camp costs).

Published 27-Aug-2025

Norman Northside to Bring Steakhouse Icon to Enoggera

A new dining destination is taking shape in Enoggera, with Norman Northside set to deliver a three-storey steakhouse complete with a rooftop beer garden, on-site butcher, and seating for 400 diners.

Read: New Resource from Play Matters to Support Enoggera Playgroup Families

The venue is being developed by the Power family, owners of Brisbane’s iconic Norman Hotel in Woolloongabba, and will carry over the signature steakhouse traditions that have made the original a city institution.

Planned for the corner of Wardell Street and Samford Road, the design includes three private dining rooms on a mezzanine level and a Spanish-inspired style with archways. Residents can also expect the popular one-kilogram steak challenge to make its way north.

Community interest is already strong, with hundreds of locals registering ahead of the official launch. The 3077 sqm site has stood vacant for more than a decade following major roadworks, and the project promises to reshape the area into a dedicated hospitality hub.

Designs by KP Architects include basement and upper-level parking for more than 100 vehicles, with landscaping buffers to shield neighbouring homes. Noise controls mean outdoor music will be limited to background levels, with no amplified sound permitted on the rooftop.

“The allure of our open grill will draw you in, as it fills the air with the irresistible aromas of perfectly seared steaks and bold flavours. Paying homage to the iconic Norman Hotel in Woolloongabba, we proudly honour its legacy while infusing a fresh and contemporary twist into the steakhouse tradition,” owners stated in their website.

“We can’t wait to welcome you to your new favourite destination for exceptional food, heartfelt connection, and unforgettable moments.”

Read: Application Lodged for Community-Focused Development in Enoggera

Norman Northside is scheduled to open in mid-2026, bringing a fresh dining option to the northside while carrying forward the character of one of Brisbane’s best-known pubs.

Published 20-August-2025

State Championship Silver for Ferny Grove Year 10 Volleyball Team

Photo Credit: Ferny Grove SHS/Facebook

Ferny Grove State High School’s Year 10 Boys Volleyball Team has earned silver at the Queensland Junior State Championship on the Gold Coast.

Silver Medal Finish

In June 2025, Ferny Grove State High School’s Year 10 Boys Volleyball Team competed at the Queensland Junior State Championship on the Gold Coast, finishing second overall.

The team progressed through a challenging draw, demonstrating skill, coordination, determination and teamwork against some of Queensland’s strongest junior volleyball sides. This achievement was the result of extensive preparation, training sessions and commitment from both players and coaching staff.

Sporting Program and Background

The achievement adds to Ferny Grove’s strong sporting tradition, which places emphasis on participation, skill development and sportsmanship. Volleyball is one of several sports offered by the school, alongside Australian Rules Football, basketball, cricket, cross country, netball, rugby league, soccer, swimming, touch football and athletics.

Ferny Grove students compete in district, regional, state and national events, with past students going on to represent Australia in sports including track and field and rugby league, as well as competing in top domestic leagues such as the AFL and Sheffield Shield.

Ferny Grove Volleyball — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Community Recognition

Parents, staff and supporters praised the team’s sportsmanship, encouragement of each other and respectful conduct towards officials and competitors. The performance was also recognised as a reflection of the school’s “Always Aim High” ethos, where preparation, effort and teamwork are valued alongside results. Many in the community viewed the result as a positive example for younger athletes at the school.

School Approach to Sport

Ferny Grove encourages all students to participate in sport, with opportunities provided for all ability levels. The school’s sporting program highlights the importance of enjoyment, personal growth and collaboration, aiming to complement academic achievement with physical and social development.

Published 13-Aug-2025

Falcons Push for Field Repairs Amid Drainage Issues in Ferny Grove

Photo Credit: Ferny Grove Falcons/Instagram

A call has gone out for urgent upgrades to the home ground of the Ferny Grove Falcons, as ongoing drainage problems continue to disrupt AFL activities at the local AFL club.

Longstanding Drainage Problems Impact Club Operations

Drainage issues at the Ferny Grove Falcons’ home ground have persisted throughout 2025, with waterlogging frequently rendering the fields unplayable. In March, heavy rain led to cancellations of juniors training, AusKick, SuperKick, and multiple senior sessions. The club had to redirect players to alternative venues, relying on coaches to manage rescheduling.

Despite past efforts to manage the situation internally, the problem has continued through the year, affecting training consistency and match scheduling for juniors, seniors, and masters competitions.

Ongoing Challenges and Limited Progress

By July 2025, the club had entered discussions with AFL Queensland and local representatives, with volunteers like Vik contributing manual labour to maintain basic field conditions. However, no formal resolution had been reached. Drainage infrastructure remains inadequate, and wet weather continues to cause repeated disruptions to the fixture.

The issue has affected not only home teams but also visiting clubs, with multiple age divisions impacted during peak participation periods. The increased number of teams, particularly in women’s and girls’ divisions, has placed further strain on available space and scheduling.

Petition Demands Action for Ferny Grove Fields

In response to the stalemate, the club launched a petition in late July 2025 seeking immediate action. The petition calls for either comprehensive drainage upgrades or access to alternate facilities suitable for the growing AFL program. It has been directed to local and state authorities, along with sporting bodies.

Recent support from residents and members of the wider South East Queensland sporting community has driven signatures into the hundreds. Community members have highlighted safety concerns and the broader impact on youth participation, game development, and weekend family engagement.

Ferny Grove AFL fields — Photo Credit: Ferny Grove Falcons/Instagram

SIGN THE PETITION NOW

Next Steps for Ferny Grove Falcons

As of August 2025, the issue has received local media attention. The Falcons continue to monitor field conditions and update players through social media and team platforms. The club remains committed to restoring home ground access for all divisions and is maintaining communication with relevant stakeholders while awaiting formal intervention.

Published 4-Aug-2025

Proposed Ellendale Connection Fuels Concerns Over Traffic, Parking Access

A decade after the Ellendale estate first made headlines, a proposed road connection linking the Upper Kedron development to Mt Nebo Road is once again raising concern among residents and business owners, this time over changes to parking and traffic conditions along Waterworks Road.

Read: Ellendale Stage 5 Development in Upper Kedron Rejected

The road link, intended to improve connectivity for thousands of homes in Ellendale, has prompted Brisbane’s local officials to roll out extended clearway hours along Waterworks Road, with the aim of easing congestion. However, some locals fear the changes may have created new problems for businesses, service providers, and customers who rely on convenient parking in the area.

Previously limited to weekday peak hours, the clearways now span from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. every day. Council maintains that the decision was guided by traffic data and resident feedback, suggesting most respondents supported the move. The road, a major arterial carrying more than 100,000 vehicles daily, has seen a high number of crashes in recent years, which council believes are linked to abrupt lane changes caused by parked vehicles.

Still, many business operators and nearby residents say they were not properly informed about the changes until after they were implemented. Some claim customers are already being fined for parking violations, and that elderly clients and service vehicles are finding access increasingly difficult. There are also concerns that the clearways could drive away trade and complicate logistics, with no alternative loading zones or nearby parking options provided.

The proposed Ellendale-to-Mt Nebo link has long been a point of contention, and recent state and council discussions have revived the plan. Officials have confirmed that planning processes are underway to remove barriers to the connection, which would potentially direct more traffic from Upper Kedron through Waterworks Road, which is one of the city’s busiest corridors.

Read: Upper Kedron Residents and Minister Exasperated by Delays in Ellendale Bridge Opening

While some welcome the potential relief for residents in the growing western suburbs, others argue that the changes have been rushed and that the broader impacts on surrounding communities and small businesses have not been fully considered. Some community members are calling for a more collaborative approach to traffic planning, urging authorities to provide long-term solutions that balance accessibility with safety and flow.

Published 15-July-2025