Brisbane City Council Archives

Court Sides with XXXX Brewery in Milton Over Church Objections

A long-running battle between Brisbane’s XXXX Brewery and the Anglican Church has ended with a court decision allowing the brewery to expand its ethanol storage near the heart of Milton.

The ruling was delivered on Thursday, June 6, by Planning and Environment Court Judge Nicole Kefford. It clears the way for Lion-Beer, Spirits and Wine Pty Ltd, which owns the iconic 130-year-old brewery on Milton Road, to build three 40,000-litre ethanol tanks on the site.

The Dispute Next Door

The Anglican Church, through the Corporation of the Synod of the Diocese of Brisbane, launched a legal appeal against the Brisbane City Council’s earlier approval of the brewery’s development plans (DA A006226036). The tanks are planned to sit just eight metres from the boundary shared with church-owned land, which includes St Francis Theological College, student residences, and historic buildings.

The church argued that the tanks posed a serious safety risk, suggesting the potential for a dangerous explosion scenario near where students and staff live, study and worship. It also raised concerns about ethanol vapours affecting the health of residents.

The land owned by the Anglican Church includes the heritage-listed Old Bishopsbourne and the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, and is used not just for training clergy, but also for public events like weddings, funerals, school tours and conferences.

*Photo Credit: Milton Anglican Church/Google Maps*

Court Decision: Risks Managed

After several months of hearings, including sessions in February, April and May, Judge Kefford rejected the church’s concerns. She found that the claims of a likely explosion, specifically a stoichiometric tank chamber explosion, were not backed by credible scientific evidence.

She ruled that the development could proceed, provided it followed strict safety conditions. These include certification from a qualified dangerous goods consultant and compliance with relevant storage and safety guidelines.

The judge stated that the brewery’s risk management measures were sufficient to protect public safety and the local community. She noted that the brewery and its consultants had demonstrated a clear understanding of the risks and how to control them.

Milton’s Brewery to Grow

The XXXX Brewery, operating since 1877, has long been regarded as a local landmark in Milton, possessing significant heritage and cultural value. The site spans over 58,000 square metres and includes several buildings used to make beer and mixed alcoholic drinks.

Ethanol is already stored on the premises in smaller containers, but the new tanks will allow for larger-scale production of drinks such as alcoholic ginger beer and other seltzers.

Council supported the brewery’s application throughout the case, saying the development aligned with the area’s planning codes and did not pose an unacceptable risk to the community.

Published 8-June-2025

Anglican Church Challenges XXXX Expansion Plans in Milton

Photo Credit: Anita Massih/Google Maps

A legal battle in Milton continues as the Anglican Church contests BCC’s approval of ethanol storage tanks at the XXXX brewery.

Church and Brewery in Ongoing Dispute

A development dispute (DA A006226036) in Milton has escalated with the Anglican Church and XXXX Brewery continuing their legal contest in the Planning and Environment Court. The case follows BCC’s decision to approve the installation of three 40,000-litre ethanol storage tanks at the brewery, operated by Lion.

The approval, granted in early 2023, was intended to support the production of non-beer alcoholic beverages, including seltzers. The brewery produced around 190 million litres of alcoholic beverages in 2023.

ethanol storage tanks — *Photo Credit: DA A006226036*

Expansion Plans and Explosion Concerns

The Anglican Church, which owns 38,000 square metres of land west of the brewery, raised concerns about public safety, air quality, and the risk of explosion. The tanks would store up to 120,000 litres of ethanol, a flammable liquid, at a site approximately eight metres from residential accommodation and 19 metres from a college library.

Recent council-commissioned analysis from risk expert Dr Raghu Raman found that, in the event of a vapour cloud explosion, the pressure wave would reach up to 1.1 metres but remain within the Milton Road property boundary. However, this differed from the methodology used by the brewery’s expert, Dr Frank Mendham, prompting further legal responses.

legal dispute in Milton — *Photo Credit: DA A006226036*

Requests for Additional Expert Review

The church’s legal team argued that Raman’s 50-page report introduced new modelling evidence that had not previously been reviewed by any party. The court later vacated the planned hearing to allow the church to nominate its own expert.

Judge Nicole Kefford ordered the experts representing the brewery, the church, and the BCC to meet and deliver a joint report. The three-day hearing was postponed pending this review.

Health and Emissions Concerns

The Anglican Church referenced the National Pollutant Inventory, stating ethanol exposure could lead to symptoms such as nausea, stupor, and respiratory irritation. The church also raised concerns about emissions from the venting system, which would release ethanol fumes at 14 metres above ground level.

The site houses St Francis Theological College, which has operated since 1936. The church’s submission noted the presence of heritage-listed facilities, residential buildings, and educational infrastructure in close proximity to the proposed ethanol store.

XXXX brewery — *Photo Credit: DA A006226036*

Suggested Alternatives and Safety Proposals

The church argued the brewery’s 58,270-square-metre site had other suitable areas for the ethanol tanks, further away from sensitive facilities. They contended the chosen location unnecessarily increased risk to residents and students.

In its application process, Lion advised BCC that the ethanol would be chilled below the threshold classified as a dangerous good and piped to the brewery.

Next Steps in the Milton Case

The experts’ joint report is expected to be presented to the court by late April. The court will resume proceedings the following week to determine the validity of the development approval based on the combined evidence.

Published 25-Apr-2025

Milton Residents Encouraged to Attend Sustainable BNE Festival

Photo Credit: Sustainable BNE Festival/Facebook

Residents of Milton are being encouraged to attend the Sustainable BNE Festival at Roma Street Parkland, offering a free community event focused on practical ways to live more sustainably.

Sustainability in Action Returns to Roma Street Parkland

Milton residents can once again look forward to Brisbane’s leading eco-living event as the Sustainable BNE Festival makes its annual return Sunday, 25 May 2025. Formerly known as the Green Heart Fair, the festival will take place at Roma Street Parkland and aims to inspire individuals and families to adopt more sustainable lifestyles through engaging activities and expert-led sessions.

Origins and Purpose of the Festival

Launched by BCC in 2009 as the Green Heart Fair, the festival was rebranded to the Sustainable BNE Festival and is now delivered in partnership with Brisbane Sustainability Agency. It remains the city’s largest sustainability event, designed to demonstrate low-emission, circular living practices and foster a resilient community.

The festival reflects Brisbane’s wider environmental goals by focusing on three long-term outcomes: restoring natural environments, demonstrating sustainability in everyday life, and building climate resilience.

Activities and Zones Across the Parkland

The event will feature several themed areas tailored to different sustainability topics and community interests. Highlights include:

BCC Zone – free native plants and tips on waterway health
Healthy Cities Zone – yoga, silent discos, coffee incentives, and urban gardening
Green Home Living Zone – composting, solar energy, and low-waste living
Preserve Every Drop Zone – water-saving advice and resources
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Zone – waste reduction with OzHarvest and more
Eco Kids’ Zone – nature-based crafts, games, and painting
Move for Less Zone – e-bike trials and electric vehicle education
Sustainable Shopping Zone – preloved fashion and handmade local goods
Feast Street – food trucks offering compostable serveware and diverse cuisines
Resilient Home Zone – flood-resilient building tips
Community Corner – showcasing local sustainability initiatives
Everground by QUT – art installations by university students
Green Heart Ranger – crafts and hands-on sustainability activities

Sustainable BNE Festival — *Photo Credit: LMAdrianSchrinner/Instagram*

Environmental Commitment and Waste Reduction

The event is designed as a zero-waste festival. Measures include:

No sale of single-use plastic water bottles
Water refill stations and reusable cup incentives
A mug library for those without reusable coffee cups
Dedicated waste stations with general, recycling, and organic bins
Volunteers acting as Waste Warriors to guide proper disposal
Repurposed and second-hand furniture for event use
Sustainable practices adopted by all food vendors

Brisbane sustainable festival — *Photo Credit: LMAdrianSchrinner/Instagram*

Access and Amenities

Entry to the festival is free. All workshops and activities are included. The event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and is open to all ages. Attendees are encouraged to walk, cycle, or use public transport. Facilities will include accessible paths, toilets, ATM access, first aid services, and hydration stations. Dogs are allowed on leads. Designated water areas will be provided.

RSVP HERE

Community Participation Opportunities

Milton residents can also get involved as volunteers or exhibitors. Applications remain open for individuals and organisations interested in contributing to the festival’s delivery. The event is managed by the Brisbane Sustainability Agency on behalf of BCC.

Volunteer Application Form

Published 11-Apr-2025

Proposed Changes in Milton May Lead to Fewer Parking Spots in New Developments

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council

Milton is among the inner-city suburbs where plans are progressing to change parking requirements for new developments, potentially leading to fewer parking spaces in residential buildings.

The move aims to increase housing affordability by allowing developers to construct buildings with reduced parking provisions, encouraging residents to embrace alternative transport options and potentially forgo car ownership altogether.

Under the proposed changes, suburbs like Milton, Bowen Hills, West End, and Newstead would be subject to the same planning regulations as the Brisbane CBD. This would effectively cut the mandatory parking spaces for new apartments by approximately half.

Council argues that this shift will help address housing affordability issues in the inner city. By reducing the cost of construction associated with building car parks, developers could potentially pass on savings to buyers and renters. This could make inner-city living a more viable option for those currently priced out of the market.

However, the proposal has sparked concerns from some community groups who worry about the potential strain on existing public transport and active transport infrastructure. They argue that the inner city’s current transport network might not be adequate to accommodate a potential influx of new residents who may rely more heavily on public transport, cycling, and walking.

This is not the first time these changes have been tabled. Council initially presented the plan in May, gaining the support of the State Government. However, community concerns prompted this latest public consultation round, set to close on 5 November.

Following the community consultation period, the plan will undergo final reviews before potentially being adopted early next year. If approved, the changes could significantly reshape the urban landscape of suburbs like Milton and influence the future of inner-city living in Brisbane.

Published Date 21-October-2024

Works for Milton Urban Common Commences

Aerial view from Manning Street park corner, looking towards western corner Railway Parade (Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council)

Construction of Milton Urban Common, a new urban common park for a variety of uses, is now underway.

After announcing the final concept design to the community in mid-2018, Brisbane City Council announced that the works for the new park already started in May 2019.

Situated at the corner of Manning Street and Railway Terrace in Milton, the park will feature green shady spots, seating walls, sheltered tables and ample open space for recreational activities.

Based on community feedback and site investigations, features that have been incorporated into the concept plan include:

a swing to replace the table tennis table
an additional shade structure
public art
a drinking fountain with a dog water bowl
additional large tree plantings
increased garden space, reducing the amount of pavement

View from Manning Street across park, showing swing, gardens, seating and shelters (Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council)

In early 2018, BCC collected community feedback on the concept plan for the first stage of works via an online survey and information kiosks.

The project aims to deliver a space that increases accessible green space in the area, promotes a sense of community, and encourages recreational activity in Brisbane’s wonderful subtropical climate.

Milton Urban Common is part of Council’s commitment to keeping Brisbane clean and green, making the city livable and sustainable for future generations.

Depending on weather conditions, works are due for completion in September 2019. For latest updates on the project, visit the Brisbane City Council’s website.