Toowong Residents Group

08/04/2026

This Sunday morning (12 April), the Tour De Brisbane will limit access on many roads around Brisbane, including the following Toowong streets between 4:30am and up to an estimated 12:30pm:
Ada St, Birdwood Tce, Frederick St, Horrocks St, Legacy Way Tunnel Eastbound, Milton Road, Mt Coot-tha Road, Paddington Dve, Richer St, Simpsons Road, Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, Walter St and the Western Freeway.

Details on the multiple routes can be found at:

NEXT EVENT DATE – SUNDAY 12 APRIL 2026 ACCESS AND DETOUR PLANS Our partners

18/11/2025

The Heart of Toowong development has entered the official public consultation stage with the Brisbane City Council. There's been strong interest expressed on the Council website with a growing number of public submissions both in favour and against the proposed development.

On 7 October, the Council acknowledged that the proposed building heights of 49, 55 and 58 storeys are "a departure" from the heights in the City Plan and Toowong-Auchenflower Neighbourhood Plan and the Council said it wishes to obtain community feedback before further progressing the application process with the developer.

Our recommendation is that whether you support or oppose or have a position somewhere in-between, the best way to make a submission is to do so on the Council website (link below) using your own words to express your views and improvement suggestions. This approach is more effective with Council assessors than any copycat submissions from a common document template or just writing to your Councillor.

However, timing is key - the Council website advises the Public Notification period concludes on Monday 8 December.

The "Assessment Report" document (sorry, you'll need to step through the Council website back to 15 August to find it) incorporates the developer's response to the overall height, setbacks, public realm and other design considerations. If the proposed height is your main concern, this is the document of interest to help make your submission responsive to the developer's rationale provided to Council.

There's plenty of other detail on the development design, with 29 documents submitted also dated 15 August by the developer that details a wide range of topics such as wind impacts (Appendix U), reflected glare from the exposed glass (App. P), noise assessment (App. O), landscape design (App. I), traffic report (App. W), Heritage (App. R) associated with the former Carver & Co building (presently a laundromat), claims of Community Benefit (App. G) and Economic Need (App. M).

The Council will consider the size and value of the site would always result in a large development on the land (it is flagged in the town plan as a Catalyst Site), and the close proximity of public transport will be part of the justification for increased height and living capacity at that location.

This link is to the Council developmenti website to review documents and place a submission:

https://developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au/Home/FilterDirect?filters=DANumber=A006836692

22/09/2025

Regarding the proposed Toowong Central development, university student Brianna is studying a course on Development and Social Impact Assessment. Her study group has chosen to focus on the Toowong Central Development and is seeking community feedback through online surveys and face-to-face conversations.

She has designed a short survey (5 to 10 minutes) to capture residents, students and workers' thoughts, concerns and aspirations regarding the development. She advises the responses are confidential and will be used for academic purposes only.

If you would like to participate, the survey link is :

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16/08/2025

The development application for Toowong Central "Heart of Toowong" has been submitted to the Council for assessment. The site is located on the former Woolworths site together with the Compare the Market office building and the Asian supermarket along High St.

The heritage laundromat building (Carver & Co.) is being retained underneath one of the towers. The Toowong and Auchenflower Neighbourhood Plan identifies the site as a 'Catalyst Site'. It consists of 939 regular + 92 short-term accommodation units split across 3 tall towers.

The application is ambitious in seeking approval for 3 towers that will dominate the surrounding area buildings at tower heights of 55, 58 and 49 storeys respectively. The Neighbourhood Plan allows for 25 storeys on the site, with additional height requiring an Impact Assessment process to justify the excess height.

The application is generally in line with the community consultation sessions conducted on 11 June which focussed on community facilities and benefits to justify the height.

The application detail includes tower and facility designs, traffic analysis, reflected glare & wind impact, heritage assessment, existing land contamination, a claim for economic need and other assessment criteria.

The application is open for community responses to its impact, primarily height. The community response will be considered by the Council's development assessors whether the towers' height and associated impact can be justified. I recommend looking at the Assessment Report first before sending any comments to the Council assessors via the website.

Earlier this week, Councillor Penny Wolff has expressed her concerns about the height of the development in her page, however it is worth understanding that Councillors do not have the power to influence the Council's assessment process under the State's Planning Act.

Details can be found at:
https://developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au//Home/FilterDirect?filters=DANumber=A006836692

The documents available on the Council developmenti website lacks Appendix E - the pre-lodgement advice of the Council's Independent Design Advisory Panel (IDAP), which would have been interesting.

18/06/2025

In today's Brisbane City Council budget, the following items were listed for the Toowong suburb:

* Community Festival support - Toowong Hands and Hearts Fair
* Road Construction Minor - Coronation Drive at Toowong
* Footpath and Bikeway Reconstruction - Burns Road, Dean Street, Oakman Park, Ivy Street and Jephson Street
* Road Network Renewal - Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, Ventnor St and Vera St
* Safety Fences and Guard Rails - Moggill Rd at Toowong
* Playground Replacements - Perrin Park
* Upgrade Neighbourhood Parks - Perrin Park
* Transport Network - "Toowong Upgrade Projects". No detail shown in the budget papers, but it may be related to the Sylvan Road bikeway and local network improvements between the Western Freeway and the Bicentennial bikeways.

In February, it was announced that the Council would receive a $5 million Commonwealth grant towards a $12 million project to construct the Sylvan Road Bikeway for active transport.

I could not locate references in the budget to the proposed Toowong-West End active transport bridge which is dependent on State and/or Commonwealth funding.

15/06/2025

For the proposed major development at the former Woolworths site, the posters at the 11 June public consultation can be found at https://www.flipsnack.com/6DFE58DD75E/heart-of-toowong-consultation-posters/full-view.html and the survey (closes tonight) can be found at https://theheartoftoowong.org/

25/05/2025

Representatives of the owners of the former Woolworths site between High St, Sylvan Rd & Jephson St at central Toowong are conducting community information sessions on Wednesday 11 June.

Bookings (required) and details for one of four 45 minute sessions can be found at https://bit.ly/heartoftoowong .

No details on the development concept are available at the moment.

A longtime vacant site in central Toowong is proposed to be transformed into a vibrant, landmark mixed-use precinct. The 1.4-hectare site has frontages on Sherwood Road, High Street and Jephson Street and will include generous public open space across the lower levels. On Wednesday, 11 June 2025 we....

04/03/2025

Fellow residents,

It is important to already be prepared and ready to shelter during the worst of the cyclone weather.
The list below was derived from a guide for an apartment building in Toowong. Consider this list and adapt for your situation.

PREPARATIONS

• Clear all items off your apartment balcony and place them inside – e.g. furniture (including tables), pot plants, bicycles, BBQs so items don’t get picked up by the very strong wind and become dangerous flying objects to neighbours, yourself or fly into your apartment doors.
• Outdoor trampolines are very dangerous when caught by the wind - collapse them and bring them inside.
• Tape your exposed glass doors & windows with packaging tape, and if possible apply coverings such as cardboard or plastic sheeting. Applying tape on the inside helps holds the glass in place if it is shattered when hit. Avoid putting tape on any existing stickers on your glass.
• Turn off water service taps to your washing machine & dishwasher - there are usually some water tap controls next to the machines.
• Turn off major and non-essential electrical devices – e.g. TVs, computers, washing machines and dryers. Leave the fridge on for now.
• Prepare and test a battery-operated radio and have spare batteries. Do not rely on mobile or internet access for listening to radio.
• Prepare and test torches and spare batteries so you can navigate in your apartment and in or out of the building at night if no power.
• Fill water containers in case of extended water services interruptions.
• Have a first aid kit and manual. Emergency services can be delayed during a cyclone.
• Pre-charge any USB storage batteries to extend your mobile phone longevity.
• Stock up if you rely on prescription medicines. Prepare ice packs in the fridge freezer if the medicines need refrigeration.
• Prepack essentials in case evacuation is ordered by authorities, including strong shoes (not thongs). Tough clothing may also help protect. See link below for a Brisbane City Council checklist.
• Know your escape path - in apartments, learn the location of the fire stairs doors on your floor and the building exit locations if you are not familiar with them. Take your keys with you.
• Prepare stock of non-perishable foods - e.g. canned foods
• Fill your vehicle fuel tank – fuel may be scarce after the emergency.
• Have some books, magazines, puzzles or games handy – e.g. for children
• Stock on pet food and reserve water if you have a pet. A leash would be handy if you need to relocate.
• Have some cash on hand - EFT payment systems may not operate without mobile or power after the cyclone has passed. Try to have a mixture of cash note values.

ONCE THE EMERGENCY HAS BEEN DECLARED (likely on Thursday)

• Move vehicles off the street. If you have basement parking, consider over-filling it with any secondary vehicles of residents.
• If you've parked in an unusual location, or blocking someone in, leave a note visible through your car windscreen on how to contact you (e.g. name, address and mobile phone number) in case your car needs to be relocated promptly.
• Ask your neighbouring residents if their car spot is free to use before using it for your vehicles.
• Vehicles may be required to park each other in to maximise space. Please try to maintain a wide vehicle path so others can get past.

DURING THE CYCLONE

• Turn off the mains power to your apartment via your fuse box. This will protect the fridge, ovens, air conditioning equipment and all other electrical devices from power surges.
• Follow any emergency services direction promptly and without fuss. They may not have time to repeat their warning. If you are told to evacuate; it is an order, not an option.
• Shelter - Bathrooms are typically the safest rooms for sheltering. If you need to leave your apartment, fire stairs may be the best alternative.
• Stay inside and away from the windows in case of glass breaking. Close blinds and curtains to contain any broken glass if the windows are hit by debris.
• Do not leave or drive vehicles during the cyclone, unless directed to do so.
• Do not use the lifts – if you are trapped in a powered-off lift, help cannot reach you.
• Emergency services will be unable to reach you if you ask for help until the emergency has passed.
• Have a battery-operated radio nearby to listen to news and alerts.
• If the strong wind stops, do NOT assume the emergency is over. Listen to the radio in case the “eye” of the cyclone gives only a temporary reprieve to the strong winds The wind direction will change after passing through the "eye".

AFTER THE CYCLONE EMERGENCY HAS PASSED

• If there is a life-threatening emergency, call triple zero (000).

• Power may be lost for an extended period if fallen trees have cut street services.
• Stay away from any fallen power lines. Do not walk or drive through flood waters.
• A lack of water, or water pressure, will restrict access for drinking water, cleaning and toilet flushing.
• Apartment building fire stairs are safer than lifts if there are power reliability problems.
• Minimise phone usage after an emergency to preserve phone battery life and retain capacity in case you need to call emergency services.
• Switch on battery saver mode on your mobile phone before the battery drains.
• Mobile phone bandwidth may be re-allocated by authorities for emergency services, restricting public availability. Text or email is better than phone conversations. Data services (e.g. email over mobile network) may be restricted or exceptionally slow.
• Torches are preferred over candles for light due to fire risks.
• Water services may be interrupted or water quality uncertain – authorities will advise if pre-boiling of water is required to make it drinkable.
• Supermarkets and other stores may be unable to open or re-stock, and be restricted to cash-only payments.
• Garbage collection services will likely be interrupted. Don’t fill the red bins with debris – please leave room for disposal of perishables for first garbage collection.
• Please maintain apartment building security – do not block access doors from closing.
• Basement car park ventilation systems will not be operational if there is a power outage. Minimise your time in a basement. Minimise vehicle running time in a basement since carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) gases can build up.

INFORMATION LINKS:

Preparation - https://www.getready.qld.gov.au
Weather - http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings , http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDQ65002.shtml and http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/meteye/
Council Checklist -https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2024-10/prepare-your-emergency-kit-checklist.pdf
Council guide - https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/community-and-safety/community-safety/disasters-and-emergencies
Preparation -https://www.disaster.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0034/339298/QFES-Tropical-Cyclone-Preparedness-Guide.pdf
Road closures and conditions - https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au/
School closures - https://closures.qld.edu.au/schools.html
Qld Fire and Emergency services - https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/
Status - https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/community-and-safety/community-safety/disasters-and-emergencies/emergency-dashboard

Good luck everyone.

This page provides useful information in preparation for and during a disaster event within Brisbane. Find important links, Council updates and impacts on Council facilities and services.

27/02/2025

The Federal Government has announced funding to assist the Qld Government and Brisbane City Council with $200 million of transport projects. Is it an election year?

For Toowong, the $200m includes $5m towards a $12m project to construct a Sylvan Road bikeway, and $1m to update the business case for the proposed active transport bridge between Toowong & West End.

The Sylvan Road connection between the western freeway & bicentennial bikeways is ranked as one of the worst unsafe riding locations in Bikespot's 2024 national report.

When the Toowong / West End active transport bridge turns into reality, the Archer St landing point will also need investment as it also ranks unfavourably in the same report.

Other notable items in the $200m announcement include $78.5m additional funding for the Indooroopilly Roundabout Project, $51.5m for Brisbane Metro additional funding + $50m Brisbane Metro expansion. The Lord Mayor identified Metro expansion to Carseldine, Capalaba, Springwood and the airport for new business cases.

Media release link at:
https://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/c-king/media-release/albanese-labor-government-building-brisbanes-future

Bikespot
https://www.bikespot.org/reports

Return home BikeSpot 2023 ReportsClick on the images below to access the National, NSW or Greater Bendigo BikeSpot 2023 reports National Report (14.9mb) NSW Report (37.7mb) Greater Bendigo Report (13.2Mb)

20/12/2024

As summer weather intensifies, the risk of flooding increases for residential areas. e.g. Areas in Toowong close to the Brisbane River that were affected in 2022.

There are resources developed by Resilient Kurilpa in West End that are relevant for apartment building body corporates that can assist with flood mitigation, action co-ordination and communication planning. However, it's quite an effort to prepare a relevant plan for each location ahead of any future flood event.

You can find more information at Resilient Kurilpa's youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/ and related resources and planning guides can be found at website https://www.resilientkurilpa.com/

Resilient Kurilpa is a voluntary network of residents and community organisations sharing local knowledge and resources to plan for future floods.

15/12/2024

In an article in today's Brisbane Times about the Kangaroo Point green bridge opening, the Lord Mayor shared the following insights to the Toowong-West End green bridge and the discontinuation of the St Lucia-West End green bridge.

Extract:
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Brisbane City Council had asked for federal funding to open a business case into its Toowong-West End bridge early next year, but had abandoned plans for the St Lucia-West End bridge.

“We’re keen to progress the Toowong to West End Bridge next, in partnership with other levels of government, before the 2032 Games,” he said.

“However, we have to be realistic, and due to rising costs, lower-than-expected revenue and changing community expectations, we’ve made the decision not to proceed with the West End to St Lucia bridge.”

Link (subscription likely required):

Queensland’s tallest bridge opened on Sunday, but Brisbane council announced another of its initial five crossings would be scrapped.