OK, so let’s address the elephant in the room. It’s Origin time, and 12 months ago, Madge Maguire pulled off an unexpected turnaround for the Blues with a series decider at Suncorp. Madge is 1 from 1 in Origin and has made way for Laurie Daly, maintaining the perfect record.
Now the Broncos season has got a bit rocky of late. Madge is under pressure. The new discipline which had the Broncos off to the races until a few weeks ago has given way to giving up good leads and, frankly, not looking as consistently dangerous in attack.
The game stats against the Rabbits look great on the surface. The Broncos, having 9 line breaks and 29 tackle breaks, but most of that was the first half where they dominated.
The crime last week was letting the Rabbits back into the game and not scoring in the second half. Getting Latrelled was an uncontrollable.
Is this a temporary blip or a virus slowly spreading at Red Hill?
The Dragons will be a good litmus test for whether the Broncos are genuine contenders this year. Losing their nailbiter to the Warriors last week suggests that they are competitive. Warriors are now 2nd on the ladder though the Dragons in 13th spot makes this a must win for the Broncos.
Ezra Mam returns to the Broncos side, a forced early recall to replace Ben Hunt, who’s hamstring injury rules him out at a crucial time for the Broncos. The former Ambrose Treacy College student has been slaughtered on social media for his off-the-field troubles but the Suncorp faithful will forgive everything if he can deliver on Sunday afternoon.
Xavier Willison will start. His tackle breaks are becoming valuable. Now, he just needs to learn how to offload like Kitione Kautoga of the Eels (what an offload to Inongi against the Dolphins for Dylan Brown’s try last week!).
Toby Couchman is replaced by Jack de Belin in the Dragons starting side. Blake Lawrie comes into the Interchange.
The game at Suncorp on Sunday, 18 May, kicks off at 2:00 p.m. If you can’t get there Kayo and Foxtel will broadcast the game live.
Did you know that Lang Park in Milton was once a penal settlement, a cemetery and a circus before transforming into a world-class sports centre, now popularly known as the Suncorp Stadium?
Before the 1840s, the Milton grounds were once part of an established Moreton Bay Penal Settlement. When the land became accessible, free settlers turned part of the area into the North Brisbane Burial Grounds.
The North Brisbane Burial Grounds
From 1843 to 1875, this cemetery was the main burial site of the city, which inevitably became unsustainable. To address the overcrowding, burials were no longer done at the North Brisbane Burial Grounds following the opening of a new cemetery in Toowong. Essentially, the old burial site became redundant and under-maintained.
By 1910, the Queensland Government planned the site’s redevelopment as a recreational area to cater to the city’s growing population thus the North Brisbane Burial Grounds was sealed off. Relatives were asked to move their deceased loved ones’ remains at the expense of the government.
Renamed To Lang Park, the Recreational Grounds
By 1914, the site was renamed after Reverend John Dunmore Lang, an advocate of Australian republicanism and the founder of the Presbyterian Scots in New South Wales. He was also instrumental in helping migrants move to Brisbane.
During World War I, Lang Park was a familiar parade ground for the locals. Other events, such as the Wirths’ Circus and the athletics carnivals, were also mounted on this open area.
The Queensland Amateur Athletics Association then leased the park for its sports events. Lang Park became the official home of the Queensland Soccer Council and the Latrobe Soccer Club until the mid-1930s.
By the 1950s, the Queensland Rugby League chose Lang Park as its headquarters. With additional funding from the government, improvements were undertaken to provide the site with the spectators’ area, the Frank Burke Stand.
Three decades later, Lang Park hosted NSWRL/ARL games but by the 1990s the leagues moved on to other locations due to a number of issues and factors, including the opening of the ANZ Stadium on Kessels Road in Nathan.
In the late 1990s, Brisbane officials hatched a $280-million plan for a state-of-the-art stadium in Milton. During this time, Lang Park was already sponsored by Suncorp-Metway and its stadium was renamed the Suncorp-Metway.
Following the upgrades, Suncorp-Metway Stadium was again renamed and simplified to the Suncorp Stadium, now boasting a capacity of 52,500. As part of its expansion, the trolley-bus depot within the site had to be demolished along with a number of buildings on Milton Road.
The site’s redevelopment was finished in time for the 2001 State of Origin Series. The very first game hosted at the new Suncorp Stadium was between the Brisbane Broncos and the Newcastle Knights. The 2003 Rugby World Cup was hosted at the stadium and has since become the traditional home of the state’s rugby league.
By 2006, the Suncorp Stadium hosted its first concert with Robbie Williams performing for two nights to a full house.
The Suncorp Stadium is marked for another major redevelopment in the coming years as Brisbane prepares to host the 2032 Olympics.
Brisbane Roar Football Club is assessing a hybrid stadium model that retains its Milton base at Suncorp Stadium while exploring smaller nearby venues to address falling attendance and improve match-day viability.
Club Responds to Ongoing Attendance and Performance Challenges
Brisbane Roar is navigating significant changes ahead of the 2025–26 A-League campaign. This includes a renewed focus on its presence in Milton. The club intends to keep Suncorp Stadium as its main base, while also exploring the use of a smaller venue to improve match-day atmosphere and operational sustainability.
Recent seasons have seen Brisbane Roar struggle to draw crowds. Current attendance figures average just 5,463 at the 52,500-seat Suncorp Stadium. This ongoing issue has added financial strain despite continued backing from the Indonesian ownership group, the Bakrie Group.
The appointment of Michael Valkanis as head coach marks a major shift in club leadership. Following a string of underwhelming performances, the squad has been overhauled. However, recent results have shown signs of recovery. In their last five matches, Brisbane Roar recorded three wins, one draw, and a single loss, including a 2–1 victory against Central Coast Mariners.
Club leadership views access to smaller venues as necessary alongside its continued presence at Suncorp. The move responds to current financial pressures and addresses the visual impact of low attendance in a large venue.
Secondary Venues Under Review
Brisbane Roar is evaluating Perry Park and Ballymore as potential complementary venues to its Milton base. While not located in Milton, both sites are nearby and seen as viable for select matches. Perry Park has a 5,000 capacity, and Ballymore is primarily used by Queensland Rugby Union. Access to either would allow the club to operate in purpose-fit environments while maintaining Suncorp as its traditional home.
Club leadership has emphasised that any transition would be gradual. Suncorp remains a central part of their future. The goal is to re-establish a consistent fan experience while ensuring financial efficiency.
The club’s current strategy supports its goal of becoming a respected and high-performing football organisation across Australia and the Asia-Pacific. This includes developing talent through grassroots initiatives such as the Roar Active Program and Brisbane Roar Academy. These remain key priorities for the club’s community engagement efforts in Queensland.
Highly regarded Cantonese restaurant China Sea, known for consistent quality seafood and an unexpected link to a famous Australian meme, operates from its elegant Park Road premises in Milton.
Under the guidance of respected restaurateur Stanley Cheung, China Sea specialises in fine Cantonese cuisine. Sources describe the food as consistently excellent, with seafood being central.
Diners praise dishes like whole steamed fish with ginger and shallots, lobster noodles, salt and pepper calamari, fresh chili mud crab, and large steamed NZ oysters. The restaurant prides itself on freshness, with dishes arriving steaming hot, perfectly presented, and tasting as if sourced directly from the ocean that morning.
Beyond seafood, other dishes receive high marks in customer reviews. Peking duck, often served two ways, is noted as a standout, alongside crispy skin roast pork, described as consistently excellent.
Photo Credit: Google Map
Photo Credit: Google Map
Photo Credit: Google Map
Honey chicken with thin, crunchy batter, deep-fried squid, sweet and sour pork, and Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings) are also popular choices mentioned in reviews. Even desserts, like panna cotta, have been called perfect by diners. While widely considered authentic Cantonese, some feedback suggests the flavours might be slightly adapted for Australian tastes. Preparation takes place in an open kitchen staffed by qualified chefs.
China Sea is situated on the ground floor of the Cosmo Hotel and Apartments building at 60 Park Road, Milton, offering diners beautiful river views. This location is conveniently only a short drive from the Brisbane CBD and the Queensland Transit Centre. The restaurant’s interior provides an old-school but elegant setting, featuring carpeted dining areas, lazy Susan tables, and padded booths, making it feel suitable for special occasions. Outdoor seating is also available.
Despite the elegant feel, the dependable quality makes it a favourite for regular visits. Reports mention seamless service, with the owner often present, overseeing the dining room to ensure everything runs smoothly. The venue also caters to functions and parties for groups ranging from 20 to 50 people.
Before establishing the restaurant in Milton, Stanley Cheung ran a successful eatery in Brisbane’s Chinatown (Fortitude Valley) for approximately 25 years. The restaurant relocated to the elite Park Road dining precinct, bringing its established reputation along.
The original Chinatown location gained unexpected notoriety in 1991 following the dramatic arrest of Jack Karlson while he was dining there. His bewildered protests during the arrest, including phrases like “What is the charge? Eating a meal? A succulent Chinese meal?” and “This is democracy manifest!”, were captured on camera and have since become iconic Australian memes. The restaurant reportedly acknowledges this quirky part of its past life in Chinatown.
In the quiet suburb of Rosalie, nestled at the end of the street, once stood Milton Bowl, a ten-pin bowling alley that used to be a beloved gathering place for the locals for over four decades.
Established in 1962, Milton Bowl on Frew St was more than just a venue for bowling. It became a cherished community hub for people of all ages to drink, host parties, play pool, and make lasting memories.
Milton Bowl’s appeal extended beyond adults. It also attracted high school students from surrounding schools who chose bowling as their sport activity. For many regulars, the venue also became a second home, a place where friendships were forged, laughter echoed, and milestones were celebrated.
The 1974 floods, which ravaged the nearby area, left a lasting impact on the bowling alley. The floodwater seeped into the building and caused the lanes to warp. But with resilience and determination, the owners carried out extensive renovations and ensured that Milton Bowl could continue to thrive for years.
Over the years, Milton Bowl became renowned not only for its bowling but also for its live music performances. Local bands and musicians found opportunities on its stage and entertained patrons who flocked to the venue.
However, the news of Milton Bowl’s closure reverberated through the community like a thunderclap. On that fateful day of 17 March 2008, Milton Bowl bid farewell to its patrons and employees.
The Daley family, who had owned the bowling alley for many years, reluctantly made the decision to sell. The building had reached a critical point where substantial investments were needed to upgrade the aging facility. Regrettably, the family knew that bidding farewell was inevitable from a business perspective.
In an attempt to give back to the loyal patrons, the alley offered free games to every player on its final day. People flooded through the doors, sharing stories of meeting their loved ones in those very lanes. The memories made at Milton Bowl were etched in the hearts of the community, as evidenced by the tears shed by staff and patrons alike. The closing of the alley marked the end of an era, leaving a void in the hearts of the locals.
On 8 April 2008, an on-site auction took place at Milton Bowl where pool tables, bowling bowls and shoes, as well as the alley itself, were sold to the highest bidders.
While the closure of Milton Bowl brought an end to a cherished era, it also marked the beginning of a new chapter.
In 2014, the land on which the bowling alley stood was combined with the nearby former Milton Tennis Centre by Brisbane City Council. Though the physical structure may fade away, the memories and experiences shared within the walls of Milton Bowl will endure, a testament to the enduring spirit of community and the power of a beloved gathering place.
As Suncorp Stadium celebrates its 30th naming anniversary this year, it has also built a reputation as a premier concert venue, hosting legendary musicians and unforgettable performances. From its early days as Lang Park to its current state-of-the-art incarnation, the stadium has witnessed the evolution of music and the passion of countless fans.
In the 1980s, Lang Park, the predecessor to Suncorp Stadium, welcomed rock royalty to its stage. Kiss, David Bowie, Simon & Garfunkel, and the iconic pairing of Bob Dylan and Tom Petty graced the hallowed grounds, leaving an enduring mark on the stadium’s musical legacy.
Kiss, known for their elaborate stage shows and pyrotechnics, brought their brand of theatrical rock to Lang Park in 1980, performing hits like “Rock and Roll All Nite,” “Detroit Rock City,” “Shout It Out Loud,” and “I Was Made for Lovin’ You.”
David Bowie’s 1983 performance, part of his Serious Moonlight Tour, showcased his innovative sound and captivating stage presence with a setlist including “Let’s Dance,” “China Girl,” “Modern Love,” and “Heroes.”
The folk-rock duo Simon & Garfunkel mesmerised audiences with their harmonious vocals and timeless classics like “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Mrs. Robinson,” “The Sound of Silence,” and “The Boxer.”
In 1986, Bob Dylan and Tom Petty joined forces for a tour de force of folk-rock anthems, including “Like a Rolling Stone,” “Free Fallin’,” “Refugee,” and “I Won’t Back Down.”
Modern Musical Era
The redevelopment of Lang Park into Suncorp Stadium in the early 2000s ushered in a new era of concerts, attracting a diverse array of global superstars. Pink, Bon Jovi, U2, Coldplay, Taylor Swift, Eminem, Ed Sheeran, Guns N’ Roses, Elton John, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers are just a few of the luminaries who have graced the stadium’s stage in recent years.
Pink’s electrifying performances, featuring aerial acrobatics and high-energy choreography, have become a Suncorp Stadium staple, with multiple sold-out shows over the years. Her setlists have evolved, including hits like “Get the Party Started,” “So What,” “Just Give Me a Reason,” and “Raise Your Glass.”
Bon Jovi’s anthemic rock anthems, such as “Livin’ on a Prayer,” “It’s My Life,” “You Give Love a Bad Name,” and “Wanted Dead or Alive,” have consistently filled the stadium with energy and passion.
U2’s iconic 360° Tour stop at Suncorp Stadium in 2010 featured a massive claw-shaped stage and a setlist packed with hits like “Where the Streets Have No Name,” “Beautiful Day,” “With or Without You,” and “One.”
Coldplay’s dazzling light shows and sing-along anthems like “Yellow,” “Clocks,” “Viva la Vida,” and “Fix You” have created unforgettable moments for fans.
Taylor Swift’s record-breaking concerts have drawn devoted fans. They feature elaborate sets and costume changes. Her setlists have spanned her entire discography, including hits like “Love Story,” “Shake It Off,” “Blank Space,” and “Delicate.”
Ed Sheeran’s heartfelt ballads, such as “Shape of You,” “Thinking Out Loud,” “Photograph,” and “Perfect,” have created intimate moments within the vast stadium setting.
Generations of fans have come together thanks to the hard rock energy of Guns N’ Roses, who are known for songs like “Welcome to the Jungle,” “Sweet Child o’ Mine,” “Paradise City,” and “November Rain.”
Elton John’s farewell tour stopped at Suncorp Stadium to celebrate his illustrious career. The setlist featured hits like “Rocket Man,” “Tiny Dancer,” “Your Song,” and “Candle in the Wind.”
The Red Hot Chili Peppers brought their funk-rock fusion to life with their infectious energy, performing fan favourites like “Californication,” “Under the Bridge,” “Can’t Stop,” and “Give It Away.”
For many concertgoers, Suncorp Stadium holds a special place in their hearts, filled with cherished memories of unforgettable performances and specific songs. Fans recall the roar of the crowd, the thrill of singing along to their favourite songs, and the camaraderie of sharing the experience with fellow music lovers.
From the intimate moments of a singer-songwriter’s acoustic set to the explosive energy of a rock band’s pyrotechnic display, Suncorp Stadium has provided a backdrop for a wide range of musical experiences. The stadium’s state-of-the-art sound system and expansive stage have allowed artists to bring their visions to life, creating immersive and unforgettable concerts.
As Suncorp Stadium continues to evolve, its commitment to hosting world-class concerts remains unwavering. The stadium’s reputation as a premier venue for sport and music has solidified its place in Brisbane’s cultural landscape. Suncorp Stadium adds another chapter to its storied history with each new concert, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual concertgoer, Suncorp Stadium offers an experience unlike any other. The crowd’s energy, the music’s magic, and the shared passion for live performance create a truly unforgettable atmosphere. Suncorp Stadium is not just a venue; it’s a destination for music lovers of all genres.
Brisbane, mark your calendars. Metallica is bringing its colossal M72 World Tour to Suncorp Stadium this November, as part of their long-awaited return to Australian and New Zealand shores. Known for blistering sets, unmatched energy, and jaw-dropping production, this will be a night to remember for rock and metal fans alike.
The M72 World Tour is no ordinary run of shows. Since launching in Amsterdam in April 2023, the tour has already attracted over three million fans across Europe and North America, drawing rave reviews from every corner of the globe.
Critics have called it everything from “a stone-cold stunner of a show” (Detroit News) to “as tight and furious as Metallica has sounded in ages” (Los Angeles Times). The band’s innovative stage setup features a 360-degree experience, with the stage at one end and a sprawling Snake Pit stretching deep into the audience — putting fans at the heart of the thunder.
And this time, the Aussie leg is getting the full Metallica treatment: six stadium shows, exclusive Enhanced Experiences (including meet and greets, backstage tours, and VIP lounges), and the coveted “I Disappear Ticket,” granting superfans access to all Australian and New Zealand dates. Support comes from two powerhouse acts — Evanescence and Suicidal Tendencies.
Set List Sneak Peek
While Metallica keeps fans guessing with variations night to night, expect a career-spanning set packed with the following crowd favourites:
Seek & Destroy
Master of Puppets
Nothing Else Matters
Enter Sandman
For Whom the Bell Tolls
The Unforgiven
Sad But True
Fade to Black
One
Moth Into Flame
Lux Æterna (from their latest album “72 Seasons”)
Expect around 16–18 songs per night, often changing across shows to give fans a fresh experience every time.
Metallica: A Legacy Forged in Metal
Photo credit: CC0/Library of Congress Life/Wikimedia Commons
Formed in Los Angeles in 1981, Metallica is widely considered one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time. With frontman James Hetfield, drummer Lars Ulrich, guitarist Kirk Hammett, and bassist Robert Trujillo, the band has sold over 125 million albums worldwide.
Their seminal 1991 self-titled release (commonly known as The Black Album) brought hits like “Enter Sandman” and “The Unforgiven” to mainstream radio and remains one of the best-selling albums of all time. They’ve taken home nine Grammy Awards, multiple MTV and American Music Awards, and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2009.
When Were They Last Here?
Metallica last toured Australia in 2019 as part of their WorldWired Tour, though the Oceania leg was cut short due to James Hetfield’s re-entering rehab. Prior to that, they performed across the country in 2013 and 2010, consistently selling out arenas and stadiums with ease. Brisbane’s metal faithful have waited over six years for their return — and the M72 Tour promises to reward that patience in epic fashion.
Notable Anecdotes and Moments
Photo credit: metallica.com/ Brett Murray
James Hetfield has previously described Australia as one of his favourite places to tour, citing the “diehard energy” of Aussie crowds. During their 2010 Brisbane show, they famously let a fan play drums during “Seek & Destroy” — a moment still talked about among the local fanbase.
Metallica’s All Within My Hands charity initiative, which continues through this tour, has raised over $15 million USD since 2017, supporting everything from technical education to disaster relief and food insecurity efforts. A portion of every ticket sold in Brisbane will benefit local charities.
Tickets go on general sale Monday, 4 November at 12 PM AEST, with multiple pre-sales kicking off earlier. Suncorp Stadium members and local residents will have a head start from 2 PM Friday, 1 November.
For all ticket packages, pre-sale links, and enhanced experience details, visit livenation.com.au.
Whether you’re a diehard member of the Metallica Family or just want to experience one of the greatest live shows in rock history, 12 November 2025 at Suncorp Stadium is the date you don’t want to miss. With Evanescence and Suicidal Tendencies opening the night, and Metallica delivering two hours of pure heavy metal mastery, Brisbane is set to shake like never before.
Expect Caxton Street at it’s liveliest and plenty of branded activations around the stadium entrances.
Craig Fitzgibbon’s Sharks against former Blues and Kangaroos teammate Jason Ryles’s Eels.
The Sharks had their hearts broken at Leichardt last week. In golden point drama, two dropped goal misses by the Sharks (one was charged down), left it to the 88th minute when Adam Doueihi kicked the winning field goal.
Mawene Hiroti injured his knee for the Sharks aginst the West Sydney Tigers last week and so will be replaced by KL Iro, who is back from a Hamstring injury.
The Eels, coming off a bye, will be without Kelma Tuilagi who is suspended and will be replaced by Charlie Guymer.
William Kennedy is on fire, currently leading the Dally M table.
Mitch Moses vs Nicho Hynes will be a major factor in the game. Josh Addo-Carr averages 1.5 tries per game in the Magic Round (six from four appearances) but the Eels only have until mid-June to secure his place in Cronulla. Sharks Fullback William Kennedy has three tries in Magic Round from three games.
Blayke Bailey’s 367 tackles for the season so far is only just behind the Rabbitohs’ Peter Mamouzelos on 369. Sam Stonestreet currently topping the Sharks try table with six for the season.
Should be a great game to kick off the weekend. It starts at 6:00 p.m. on Friday night.
The Steeden Ball Exchange will be running across the weekend amongst many other activations. They will trade in your old sports ball for a new size three Steeden football. You can bring an old AFL or NRL footy, basketball, soccer ball, netball or rugby ball and you can walk away with a brand new Steeden size three football.
The atmosphere at Suncorp will be electric but if you can’t make it, Foxtel and Kayo will broadcast the game live.
On June 28, Suncorp Stadium in Milton will make Australian sporting history as it transforms into the stage for not one, but two standalone NRL matches in a single day – a logistical and cultural first in the nation’s sporting landscape.
In what promises to be a day to remember for rugby league fans, the Brisbane Broncos will take on the New Zealand Warriors at 3:00 pm, followed by a full stadium reset before the Dolphins meet the South Sydney Rabbitohs at 7.50 p.m.
While back-to-back footy action at the same ground isn’t uncommon during events like Magic Round, the difference here is significant: two separate ticketed events, two individual crowds, and a complete venue turnaround in between.
The occasion marks an ambitious and unprecedented effort from the NRL, Suncorp Stadium, the participating clubs, and broadcasters. It also provides a creative solution to a season disruption: the Dolphins’ original round one home game against the Rabbitohs had to be relocated to Sydney due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Now, fans in Queensland will get their chance to see the fixture on home turf – albeit in a highly unconventional format.
Following the Broncos-Warriors clash, the stadium will be entirely cleared, allowing for a meticulous rebrand of the venue. From sponsor banners to locker room signage and team-specific dressing, every detail will be updated to reflect the identity of the incoming match. Dolphins members with game access will return to their familiar seats once the stadium reopens.
Photo credit: Suncorp Stadium/Google Maps
The dual-game format will also turn the wider Caxton Street precinct into an all-day festival of rugby league. Whether fans opt for just one match or go all in with tickets to both, the area surrounding the stadium is expected to buzz with activity, food, entertainment, and a uniquely Brisbane atmosphere.
Behind the scenes, the operational challenge is immense. Stadium staff, suppliers, and event partners will be working against the clock to reset the venue. Yet, there is a strong sense of excitement and confidence that Suncorp – no stranger to major sporting spectacles – is up to the task. From previous Magic Rounds to navigating natural disasters and hosting global boxing events, the venue has built a reputation for rising to the occasion.
For members and ticket holders, flexibility has been a key part of the plan. Season members will retain their usual seating entitlements, while partial season holders and those with game-specific tickets have been offered options to secure access through their MyDolphins accounts. General public tickets are also set to go on sale soon, offering fans a chance to witness a milestone in the evolution of live sport in Australia.
June 28 won’t just be another day of rugby league – it will be a bold experiment in event planning, fan engagement, and sporting entertainment. And if all goes to plan, it could pave the way for future multi-game spectacles across the country.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
