News and other stories about real people, places, and events in Milton and nearby suburbs.
Here’s your chance to ask questions or raise concerns about peace, order and safety in the community at a coffee with a cop session in Milton.
Inner West Crime Prevention will be out and about for a cuppa and a chat on Park Road, Milton this Saturday, February 25. This is proudly supported by local State Member for Cooper, Jonty Bush.
When: Saturday the 25th February 2023
Time: 9:30am to 11am
Where: Whisk and Ladle, 20 Railway Terrace, Milton
XXXX Brewery in Milton has shifted to 100 per cent renewable solar power after signing a Power Purchase Agreement with the Woolooga Solar Farm.
Justin Merrell, the sustainability director of Lion, which owns XXXX Brewery, hailed this move as the latest evolution for the company. It comes two years after Lion was certified as the first large-scale carbon-neutral brewer in Australia.
“The 144-year-old XXXX brewery at Milton is one of Brisbane’s most historic landmarks, but this latest evolution to 100 per cent renewable electricity proves this icon of Australian brewing, is still capable of moving with the times,” Mr Merrell said.
“All of our beer produced here – up to 250 million litres annually – is now made using 100% renewable electricity. This agreement will stop around 138,000 tonnes of carbon emissions from entering the atmosphere. That’s the equivalent of taking 45,000 cars off the road.”
Deputy Premier Steven Miles said that this deal shows business confidence to invest in decarbonisation.
“An increasing number of companies want to decarbonise their operations and offer consumers low-emission products, made in Queensland,” Mr Miles said.
“The pipeline of renewable projects in the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan means we will continue to see more and more companies make the transition and lower emissions.
“With the PPA in place, Lion has reached their target of 100% purchased renewable electricity by 2025 in Australia, two years ahead of schedule. And they’re Australia’s first large-scale carbon neutral brewer.”
“Milton mangos will now be solar-powered by Queensland sunshine.”
Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said the move meant all of Lion’s beers brewed across Australia would now be brewed with 100% procured renewable electricity.
“XXXX is proudly brewing solar-powered beers with 100% renewable electricity from right here in the sunshine state,” Mr de Brenni said.
“More consumers are demanding action on climate, so now XXXX will be the beer of choice for the emissions and climate-conscious.”
Follow XXXX Brewery on Facebook for more updates.
More music and live performances will be enjoyed at Suncorp Stadium in Milton following the announcement of an increase in the concert cap from six to 12 major events.
Following Elton John’s farewell show in January 2023, the massive sports and entertainment venue on Castlemaine Street will be hosting more shows to boost Brisbane’s tourism economy.
After seeking feedback for the cap increase, more than 78 per cent of local residents and businesses in Milton supported the new concert cap. Previously, live musical performances were limited because there are still many residential sites in the area.
Tourism and Sports Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the new concert cap would apply for 2023 and 2024.
“We’re seeing a stream of major international music acts putting together plans to get back on the road with world stadium tours after Covid,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“Right now, Suncorp Stadium -with its central location, capacity and public transport capability – is highly sought-after by promoters bringing music events to Australia.
“Whether it’s Ed Sheeran or the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, major concerts bring visitors who spend millions of dollars in the tourism economy and support local jobs.
“Five concert events are already locked in for Suncorp Stadium in the first two months of 2023.
“That leaves one more show for the rest of the year under the current six concert cap and several overseas acts scrambling to finalise dates.
“We’ve asked Queenslanders to have their say on lifting the concert cap from six to 12 a year for 2023 and 2024 and found strong support for more music at Suncorp Stadium.”
However, Mr Hinchliffe also said that Suncorp Stadium will remain primarily a world-class sports stadium, adding that the increase in concert cap is a “response to extraordinary post-Covid demand for Suncorp Stadium dates by some of the world’s biggest music acts.”
“These are high-quality events that will support the sustained recovery of our visitor economy from accommodation and hospitality to tourism operators.”
Shop owners on Park Road in Milton are optimistic about the precinct’s revival and the influx of new customers after years of a slump due to the departure of key businesses.
In the last few years, Park Road cafes and other stores were forced to move out of the precinct due to increasing rent rates and parking issues, especially during game days at the nearby Suncorp Stadium. The renovation of the stadium has also had a direct impact on the competition of businesses in the surrounding areas.
Milton has also been heavily impacted by Brisbane’s major flooding events in the last decade, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, a few new businesses, such as Mongrel and Arrivederci, are slowly keeping the precinct abreast with activities. Oldtimer La Dolce Vita cafe, which will be turning 34 years old in 2023, has been buzzing with different events that are spilling over to the street side.
PIP Theatre, the private entertainment facility, has also secured a 10-year tenancy at the Dome and has unleashed a full program of plays, cabarets and other live productions for 2023.
Heaps of apartment developments are also helping the strip turn a corner. The Ambrose’s construction is almost finished and will welcome 400 residents. Another residential tower with 50 units has been under construction since September 2022. Shayher Group is also set to transform Coronation Drive a few blocks away with a mix of residential and commercial units.
Meanwhile, Brisbane City Council has a $500,000 commitment to redevelop Park Road and its neighbouring shopping precinct. The final plans for this project will be out in early 2023 for community feedback.
Great news for aspiring Brisbane Paralympians! Sporting Wheelies will soon open a new Para Sports Clubhouse and training facility in Milton.
The old Umart Online office and warehouse along Kilroe St will be refurbished into the future Paralympics training facility as Sporting Wheelies signed a seven-year lease of the 1700-square-meter site. It will proudly be an Australian-first initiative.
“The Sporting Wheelies Para Sports Clubhouse will be an inclusive sports hub supporting para-athletes on the road to Brisbane 2032 and inspiring people with a disability to get active and participate in the community,” the organisation announced, adding that the initiative will be a game changer.
“The Milton centre will combine industry-leading facilities with world-class rehabilitation and support services, bringing together disability experts, allied health specialists, Para Sports coaches, and the world’s best academics to improve the lives of people with a disability through co-design and innovation.”
For many years following his accident, Paralympian Luke Matthews has regarded Sporting Wheelies as a vital part of his life. Thus, having this clubhouse will be a big deal for his fellow Paralympians. Mr Matthews is currently training for a sporting event in Japan.
Previously, the training facility was up and running in Bowen Hills and moved to Albion in 2020. However, the organisation began looking for a bigger site near the train stations at Milton and Auchenflower to be more convenient for its members.
The Para Sports Clubhouse is earmarked for a February 2023 opening and includes a cafe managed by people with a disability.
It’s just a few weeks to go before Christmas and the shopping vibe is getting stronger. Check out the 150 specialty stalls for gift ideas you won’t find elsewhere when the annual Milton Christmas Twilight Markets returns.
Happening Saturday, the 26th of November from 4:00 p.m.to 10:00 p.m., the Milton Christmas Twilight Market from the Goodwill Project will feature over 150 specialty stalls with artisan handmade gifts that will definitely be great under your tree.
They’re Insta-worthy so snap an elfie-selfie with the big, jolly man in red, and check out the incredible roving entertainment, amidst the spectacular Christmas decorations!
The best part of Christmas is the food…and the food coma. As with the previous markets, this event will have heaps of the region’s most mouth-watering street eats that are worthy of a (pre)holiday feast, including tasty Brazillian BBQ from Brazzo Boys, rich and creamy gnocchi from Australia’s first Gnoccheria Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers, Piante‘s 100-percent plant-based Napoli pizza and decadent cookies from Tama.
Dreaming of a wine Christmas? Top it off with a tipple from a very special pop-up bar featuring award winning craft spirits from Milton Rum Distillery and Stone and Wood beers to cure every resting Grinch face! These are all set beside one of two groovin’ twilight stages featuring live music and bands all night.
It goes without sleighing, Milton Christmas Twilight Markets is the place to be this Saturday night!
The Milton Markets are Inner West Brisbane’s premium food, farmers & lifestyle market. Every Sunday from 6am to 12pm, with a calendar of special Pop-Up events throughout the year!
Goodwill Projects is one of Queensland’s most dynamic markets, events and venue companies curating flawless events and memorable experiences.
Power might be down for days again in Milton if another massive flooding incident occurs, due to what some quarters believe to be the undesirable location of the Energex substation.
During the February floods, Milton residents and businesses had to face days without power because the Milton Energex substation had to shut down as water and mud crept through the facility.
The construction of the substation was part of the preparations made for the Rugby World Cup in 2003. Greens MP Michael Berkman believes, however, that the substation should have never been built on a flood-prone site.
He relayed that the substation’s location came about after the State Government bought the land owned by Energex as part of the Suncorp redevelopment. In exchange, Energex was offered an alternative site, “on significantly lower land, which Energex warned would probably flood, as it sits below Q100 flood levels,” Mr Berkman said.
“Energex didn’t want to sell the original site to the State Government, so the government compulsorily resumed it as part of the Suncorp Stadium Redevelopment. They then built the substation on the alternative, flood-prone site using Ministerial Infrastructure Designation powers.”
As a result of this decision, the substation has apparently caused problems every time a flooding event occurs. After the 2011 flooding, the substation had to undergo repairs worth $750,000.
“The Government should provide assurance to west side locals that their safety will be prioritised going forward, including a commitment that future substations will be built above Q100 flood levels,” Mr Berkman added.
However, Energy Minister Mick de Brenni said flood barrier upgrades were done to the Milton substation after 2011, which protected the facility from significant damage during the February floods. The substation was immediately switched off for the safety of the locals, which also ensured that power could be restored as soon as possible.
Despite this, Energex took days to restore services as over 1,000 flood-affected properties for more than 180,000 customers across Brisbane have been impacted. The restoration was further delayed as ongoing rain and high winds prevented crew members from working safely.
St Francis College is embracing joy and celebrating diversity in the return of the On Earth Festival, where “being together” is the order and purpose of the day.
The On Earth Festival is a time for connecting and participating in a flurry of activities but every guest, regardless of race, age, religion, background, gender, and sexual orientation, may also create, discuss, contemplate and transform.
The event serves to encourage people “to come together, relax, eat, drink, connect, share and learn,” as well as to inspire changes. On Earth Festival also coincides with the St Francis College Open Day, where mini-lectures will be conducted by members of the faculty.
Visitors may learn about the school’s wide range of study options, which explores the Christian faith. Guests may grab the opportunity to talk to staff about courses and subjects or visit the library, the gardens, the Old Bishopsbourne and the Chapel, as well as meet the students.
Practical Theology Lecturer Jonathan Sargeant will be one of the speakers during the On Earth Festival/Open Day. He will touch on normalising the subject of religion in Australian cultures
Per the organisers, “Jonathan will share the work of the Westhill Project, including some simple communication techniques which enable non-threatening, dialogue-encouraging conversations that integrate faith and life in the 21st Century.”
Meanwhile, the festival itself will also be a celebration of “music, art, spirit, and justice,” featuring the likes of Lydia Fairhall, a talented Worimi woman, Jackson King, whose music inspirations include Nina Simone, and the Brisbane Pride Choir.
Follow updates about the On Earth Festival on Facebook.
Here’s something to look forward to every lunchtime on the first and third Thursday of the month as Milton Mini Markets returns to spice up your mid-week!
Beginning 1st Sept 2022, the corner of Cribb St and Little Cribb St will be a mini food park from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. After more than a year of absence, you will finally be able to score and try some of Brisbane’s best offerings.
From continental food trucks to gourmet food stalls, to boutique burgers, German sausages, rice paper rolls and loaded salads, there’s a lot to unpack and discover from this market.
Farm direct local produce, market provisions, sweet treats to satisfy those afternoon cravings will be at the popular lunchtime market as well. This is the day not to forget your reusable coffee cups and other containers to pack your pantry with delicious and fresh market finds.
The Milton Mini Markets brings convenience when you’re too busy to shop for food. With its cluster of meals on wheels and flavours from all over the world, shoppers will have heaps to choose from.
The Milton Mini Markets is from Goodwill Projects, one of Queensland’s most dynamic markets, events and venues companies curating flawless events and memorable experiences.
For more details, follow the Facebook page for updates.
Despite a challenging few months, Newstead Brewing Co in Milton has bounced back post-flood and has fully reopened after some refurbishments, a bit more work is underway to bring the popular brewpub’s operations back up to 100 per cent.
On Wednesday, 20 July 2022, the brewer announced the completion of its main bar’s construction but the site has been slowly re-opening and welcoming back patrons in the last few weeks, including joining pop-up bars and contract brewing with other flood-impacted venues in Milton.
The pub has also debuted a new menu with its kitchen now back in action in June.
“We’ve been lucky enough to fully reopen the venue and really get the beers flowing,” the operators of Newstead Brewing Co said.
“A big thanks to you guys for continuing to come in and support us, it’s been an incredible few months working our way back and we look forward to seeing much more of you.”
Marcus Cox, the head of the brewer, said that the late February rain bombs in Brisbane heavily impacted their venue so they needed to fix every little valve and replace some equipment. After assessing the risks, the brewery apparently had to undergo major repair work before they can pack and ship out products.
The floods busted the tanks and ruined nearly everything inside the pub. Mr Cox, however, remained optimistic as they proceeded with the rebuild. He said that they are disaster-proofing the facilities, waterproofing equipment, moving a few things to the higher areas of the building, and changing some operational practices.
It will be a long-term project to reduce the risks and secure the site’s future.
Mr Cox is grateful for the support of the community, especially with events and other fundraisers to benefit affected businesses. He said that everyone in Brisbane had problems after the floods but a lot of people still helped.
Follow Newstead Brewing Co Milton on Facebook for more updates.
