Poolwerx has opened its 150th retail store in Cannon Hill, marking a network milestone for the pool and spa maintenance franchise across the ANZ region.
Founded in 1992, Poolwerx has grown from a single mobile operation into an international franchise network operating across Australia, New Zealand and the United States. The company reports it is approaching 200 stores globally and operates around 750 service vans.
Photo Credit: Poolwerx
Cannon Hill Store Linked To JC Pools Acquisition
The Cannon Hill store forms part of Poolwerx’s acquisition of JC Pools Services, described as the largest acquisition in the company’s history. Poolwerx said the deal strengthened its residential and commercial presence across Brisbane, including two retail locations and their associated service territories.
Poolwerx reported the acquisition added 4,000 clients and included multi-million-dollar commercial contracts, expanding its commercial servicing capacity. Refurbishment of the Cannon Hill site was scheduled for completion by 31 October 2025.
Photo Credit: Poolwerx
Franchise Partner Behind The Milestone Opening
The Cannon Hill store is operated by franchise partner Richard Kelly, who leads the Poolwerx Mt Gravatt Group. The Cannon Hill location is Kelly’s fifth store, alongside existing outlets in Balmoral, Carindale, Mt Gravatt and Rochedale.
Since joining the network in 2021, Poolwerx reported Kelly delivered 58 per cent revenue growth across four retail stores and a fleet of 20 service vans.
Photo Credit: Poolwerx
Growth Targets For The Network
Poolwerx has forecast double-digit network growth over the next five years and has targeted double-digit total revenue growth in FY26. The company has linked its next stage of expansion to technology, digital transformation and an adaptable service structure.
Poolwerx said the Cannon Hill store reflects continued investment in expanding its residential and commercial footprint, with further network growth projected over the next five years.
After enduring flood disruptions, Morningside Central is finally getting the transformation locals have been waiting for, with a $30 million redevelopment built to withstand Brisbane’s wettest weather.
Construction begins this February on the ambitious project that will not only expand the Junction Road shopping hub with 17 new retail tenancies but will fundamentally reimagine how the centre operates during flood events. At the heart of the flood mitigation strategy sits a new suspended, flood-immune car park with approximately 300 spaces, designed to keep vehicles high and dry even when floodwaters flow through the area.
Photo credit: morningsidecentral.com.au
For a community that has watched rising waters repeatedly disrupt shopping and damage cars parked at the centre, the elevated infrastructure represents more than just clever engineering—it’s about reliability and peace of mind.
Chin Hong Investments, which has owned the centre since 2002, describes the redevelopment as a significant long-term investment shaped with the local community in mind. According to the shopping centre’s official announcement, the project has been “designed to better meet the everyday needs of locals, the redevelopment will deliver a more modern, accessible and flood-resilient centre, reinforcing Morningside Central as a place to live local and shop local.”
What’s Included in the Expansion
Photo credit: morningsidecentral.com.au
The staged redevelopment encompasses far more than just flood protection. Plans include extensions to the existing shopping centre building, with the internal layout undergoing a considered reconfiguration within the current footprint and gross floor area.
Woolworths will receive a refresh and expansion while remaining open throughout construction, a commitment that ensures the community maintains easy access to essential grocery shopping during the works. The supermarket improvements will include updated trolley bays, improved service and loading areas, and more direct-to-boot parking for grocery shopping convenience.
Among the 17 new tenancies will be an elevated commercial office space, bringing fresh employment opportunities and greater service diversity to the neighbourhood. The project will also deliver improved pedestrian connectivity throughout the centre, including new lift and elevator access to enhance accessibility for people with mobility challenges.
Streetscape improvement works along Wynnum Road and Junction Road will give the centre’s exterior a contemporary update, while safer and more accessible pathways will make navigation easier throughout the complex. The new layout has been designed to be more intuitive, improving the overall shopping experience.
The approximately 300 car parking spaces will include improved pedestrian connections between parking areas and shops, creating better flow and less stress for everyday visits.
Supporting Local Businesses Through Construction
Photo credit: Google Street View
Chin Hong Investments has committed to supporting existing tenants throughout the staged construction process. During the works, Chempro Chemist will relocate to a nearby interim location, while Morningside Central News will resize its store.
Several much-loved local businesses will continue trading from their current locations during Stage One of construction. Leisa’s Café, Koko Sushi, Smiling Dental, Morningside Family Medical Centre, and Sullivan Nicolaides will all remain operational, ensuring the community maintains access to essential medical services and favourite dining spots.
Feast on Fruit and Deli Morningside will temporarily close during construction before returning with fresh, modern fit-outs in new locations within the redeveloped centre.
A Flood-Resilient Future
The transformation comes at a critical time for Brisbane’s inner suburbs, where flood resilience has become a pressing concern following severe weather events in recent years. The suspended car park design and elevated infrastructure mean the centre will be able to maintain operations even during significant flood events.
With construction kicking off in February, the project marks the beginning of what Chin Hong Investments calls a long-term commitment to creating a modern, accessible shopping hub ready to serve Morningside today and well into the future—rain or shine.
A development application has been lodged for a childcare centre on Lytton Road in Morningside, proposing the conversion of an existing commercial building into a 94-place early education facility.
The application relates to 350 and 360 Lytton Road, where an existing two-storey commercial building is proposed to be adapted for childcare use. The site has a total area of 23,960 square metres and is located within an established industrial setting.
The proposed development retains a two-storey form, with a maximum building height of 10 metres.
Photo Credit: DA/A006889566
Design and Layout
The proposal has been designed by Marlowe Architecture and includes six internal activity rooms supported by three outdoor play areas. Landscaping is proposed to improve the streetscape and provide separation from surrounding industrial uses.
Internal pathways connect building entries with outdoor areas, while circulation within the site separates staff, visitor, and service vehicle movements.
Photo Credit: DA/A006889566
Access and Parking Arrangements
Vehicle access is proposed via existing crossovers on Lytton Road. The development provides 19 car parking spaces, including 10 visitor bays and nine staff bays secured through easements.
Pedestrian access is facilitated through internal walkways linking the building and outdoor play areas.
Photo Credit: DA/A006889566
Planning Context
Town planning advice has been prepared by iPlan Town Planning. The site is zoned IN2 Industry (General Industry B) and is located within the River Gateway Neighbourhood Plan area, as well as the Temporary Local Planning Instrument 01/25 for the Colmslie Road Industry Precinct.
The application was lodged on 23 October 2025 and is identified under reference number A006889566.
The proposal will be assessed against the applicable planning controls. No approval timeframe or construction schedule has been identified at this stage.
A global technology company has locked in a long-term future at Rivermakers Business Park, with Motorola Solutions committing to a 10-year lease in Brisbane’s inner east, a move pointing to rising demand for well-located industrial land close to the city.
The lease agreement was confirmed in December 2025 and relates to a newly developed industrial facility in Morningside, Brisbane.
Background And Location
Rivermakers Business Park sits on a large former industrial site in Morningside and is being reshaped into a mixed industrial and commercial precinct. The park is positioned near major road connections and sits within a short driving distance of the Brisbane CBD, the Port of Brisbane and key freight corridors. These factors have made the precinct appealing to companies seeking modern facilities without moving far from the city’s core workforce and infrastructure.
Motorola Solutions Australia selected a building at Lot 29 Dunhill Crescent within the park. The facility measures about 1,598 square metres and is being fitted out to meet the company’s operational needs. The decision places a global technology and communications business alongside other established tenants already operating in the precinct.
The Lease Deal
The agreement secures Motorola Solutions as a tenant for a full decade, a length of commitment seen as significant in the industrial property sector. Long leases reduce vacancy risk for owners and signal tenant confidence in location and market conditions. While the rental rate was not made public, the deal was described by market advisers as being in line with top-end local leasing benchmarks.
The property is owned by the Irvine Group, with the transaction handled by Cushman & Wakefield. Market specialists involved in the deal indicated that demand for high-quality industrial space in Brisbane remains firm, particularly for sites offering flexibility and modern design.
Market Context
Brisbane’s industrial market has seen continued interest from logistics, technology and service firms looking for space closer to consumers and transport links. Growth in e-commerce, population increases and infrastructure investment have added pressure to limited inner-city industrial land supply.
Rivermakers Business Park forms part of this broader shift, repurposing older industrial land into newer facilities designed for long-term use. Industry commentary linked to the deal notes that long-term commitments from large tenants help reinforce confidence in Brisbane’s industrial outlook over the next decade.
Community Impact
For the local area, the lease brings employment activity and long-term commercial stability to a site once dominated by heavy industry. The ongoing development of Rivermakers Business Park is expected to support surrounding businesses, trades and service providers, while maintaining industrial jobs close to established residential communities.
The streets of Milton have been transformed into an open-air gallery, with local residents painting vibrant artworks on traffic signal boxes throughout the suburb. These eye-catching installations celebrate everything from local stories to community connections, turning everyday street furniture into conversation starters.
Artist Debra Hood’s design, completed in August 2025, features three of Morningside’s most significant historical buildings: the Morningside School of Arts, Georgina House (formerly Georgina Hostel & Nursing Home), and Rossiter’s House, recognised as the oldest house in Morningside. The architectural illustrations sit against segments of pink, cream, blue, and lilac—colours that mirror the nearby mosaic mural work in the adjacent Anzac Memorial. Hood added lilac sections as a nod to the jacaranda blossoms that bloom around the School of Arts hall each October. The entire composition is wrapped in a painted white crepe bandage pinned with a red poppy, honouring the hall’s history as a Memorial Hall in the 1920s. Hood worked alongside members of the Morningside School of Arts Inc Association to bring this tribute to life.
Also celebrating the Morningside School of Arts, this design marks the hall’s upcoming centenary on 19 February 2026. The artwork, completed in June 2025, came about after the Morningside School of Arts Inc Association committee discovered original architectural plans from the 1920s during a major clean-up. Artist and member Olivia Dean Jones incorporated these historical designs into the box, with the Brisbane River meandering around the traffic signal box and a vibrant, stylised depiction of the Art Deco hall. Association president Debra Hood collaborated on the project, which aims to honour both the landmark building and the artistic spirit within the community.
Lin Wang’s artwork, created in March 2021 with Jun Zhang, captures the essence of how Morningside got its name—from the morning sun catching the banks of the river. The design features a bridge connecting to the cityscape, symbolising the suburb’s proximity to the city and convenient public transport. A plane flies towards the sun, acknowledging the 24-hour aircraft noise that has become another characteristic of the area. Close-up images of plants commonly found near the riverbank complete the scene, serving as a greeting and welcome sign for viewers passing this prime location.
Tahlia Pearce’s February 2021 design uses kites as a symbolic visualisation to create a playful narrative encouraging families to come together. The abstract interpretation of Morningside emerged from Pearce’s personal experience searching for a new home in Brisbane. Through the artwork, she aims to reflect the suburb’s serene, welcoming character whilst inspiring locals and visitors to dream big and achieve their goals.
Andi Spark’s June 2020 creation was nominated for Overall Winner in the Artforce Brisbane awards. The design reflects on the poetic inspiration behind Morningside’s name—the morning sun catching the river banks. Spark’s painting depicts soft purple ethereal early morning light amongst tussocky grasses beneath paperbark trees, transformed by strong sunbeams. The artwork also acknowledges the creeks and waterways around the area that, though largely hidden beneath concrete and tarmac, form part of Brisbane’s critical water catchment system.
Daniela Tikel’s May 2021 artwork features the Spur-winged Plover (Vanellus novaehollandiae), a usually shy bird that becomes fiercely protective of its eggs and chicks. The design captures the bird’s distinctive “kekekekek” scream and defensive behaviours, including feigning injury or attempting to spear intruders with wing spikes to prevent their young from being mowed down. The artwork includes a hidden challenge: ladybirds are scattered throughout the design (with none on the EPT cap), inviting viewers to count how many they can find.
Heidi and Damian Cox’s April 2019 design is refreshingly straightforward in its inspiration. The couple loves their French Bulldog, Mr Bones, and believes the world would be happier with more French Bulldogs. Their artwork was nominated for Overall Winner and brings a touch of playful personality to the intersection.
About Artforce Brisbane
These artworks are part of Artforce Brisbane, an annual community art programme run by Brisbane City Council since 1999. The initiative invites Brisbane residents of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to paint original artworks on traffic signal boxes throughout the city’s suburbs. More than 5,000 volunteers have painted over 1,200 boxes across Brisbane, celebrating local characters, cultures, histories and landmarks while reducing graffiti and vandalism. The programme is managed by Artfully, a Brisbane-based arts consultancy specialising in public art and placemaking. Each year, approximately 80 painting opportunities become available as the council upgrades intersections and replaces old cabinets.
Australian Country Choice, the country’s largest family-owned beef producer based in Cannon Hill, will open applications for its expanded “Community Steakholder Grants Program” on 1 January 2026, marking a shift from a single annual funding round to monthly grants throughout the year.
The program will run from February through November 2026, offering up to $1000 in funding each month to community groups operating in postcodes 4170–4174 and 4178–4179. These postcodes cover Morningside, Cannon Hill, and surrounding suburbs in Brisbane’s east.
According to the company’s program documentation, the expansion follows the success of an inaugural round in 2025. The year-round model will provide monthly funding opportunities for projects that improve local areas.
Eligibility and Application Process
Community groups based in the eligible postcodes can apply online for projects that demonstrate community benefit, impact, and ability to deliver. Applications must be submitted by the 20th of each month, with the first deadline falling on 20 January 2026 for the February funding round.
The Australian Country Choice Community Team and Senior Leadership Team will review applications based on three criteria: community benefit, potential impact, and the applicant’s ability to deliver the proposed project. Successful applicants will receive notification in the first week of the month following their application.
Funded projects must be completed within 12 months of receiving the grant. Groups are required to provide receipts and photographs documenting the completed work.
Program Design and Objectives
Photo credit: Facebook/Australian Country Choice
The Community Steakholder Grants Program is designed for community groups and volunteers working on local improvement projects. The company has been operating in Cannon Hill for more than 25 years.
The monthly application cycle differs from the single-round format used in 2025. The program will offer 10 funding opportunities from February through November 2026.
Australian Country Choice has indicated the Community Steakholder Grants Program is the first in a series of community support initiatives planned for 2026.
What’s Next
The program will open for applications on 1 January 2026, giving community groups three weeks to prepare submissions for the first February funding round. Further information about the application process and eligibility requirements is available through Australian Country Choice’s official program documentation.
Groups interested in applying should note the monthly deadline structure and plan their applications accordingly. The expansion of the Community Steakholder Grants Program to year-round operation provides local community groups with monthly access to funding for projects that improve the local area.
Murarrie may soon see its local river hub activated, transforming from a quiet kayaking spot to a hub for river taxis and floating restaurants under plans to open eight Brisbane pontoons to commercial use.
The proposal promises locals new travel options and on-water dining while keeping access for recreation.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
The activation is tied to Brisbane’s build-up for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, when the river will be in the global spotlight. With the removal of the Queens Wharf dock, the city lost valuable berthing space for vessels.
Reviving pontoons is seen as a way to restore that capacity and put the waterways back at the centre of activity. Leaders believe it will showcase Brisbane as a river city to visitors and locals alike. They compare the move to footpath dining, which once reshaped the city’s streets and culture.
Larger sites like Murarrie, New Farm Park and the City Botanic Gardens are the main focus. The plan still needs state approval to change “wet licences” that govern business use on waterways.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Murarrie’s location on Brisbane’s eastern corridor puts it in a strong position to serve both residents and visitors. Adding river taxis and dining boats would give locals faster access to the city and new ways to enjoy the river.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Families and workers could use the hub for travel as well as leisure. A licensing system is being considered to attract operators while keeping community access secure. The intention is to make the pontoons lively spaces that balance recreation with new services.
Many business leaders consider the Brisbane River, even though it is central to the city’s identity, to still be underused beyond the CityCat service. In Murarrie, activating the hub could open the door to new jobs and fresh tourism opportunities.
Residents would gain quicker travel options and easier access to the river. Floating restaurants and eco-tours are among the ideas being discussed. The shift would turn the Murarrie pontoon from a quiet stop into a more active community space.
A proposal for an eight-storey residential project has been lodged for 1181 Wynnum Road in Cannon Hill, outlining plans for 96 apartments and a ground-floor retail space.
A development application submitted on 25 November 2025 seeks approval for a multi-residential project at 1181 Wynnum Road in Cannon Hill. A council record created on 28 November 2025 shows the proposal is undergoing impact assessment for a material change of use and building work.
The application lists Red Capital No. 9 Pty Ltd, Red Capital No. 8 Pty Ltd, Kunpeng Investment Holding Pty Ltd, Cannon Hill Investment Holding Pty Ltd and 1181 Wynnum Road Pty Ltd as applicants, with consultant Steffan Harries. The project is also associated with 1177 Wynnum Road. Source material separately identifies Real Capital Pty Ltd as the developer.
Photo Credit: DA/A006909981
Proposed Development Details
Plans prepared by CPO Architects show an eight-storey building reaching approximately RL38.60 metres. The project includes 96 apartments, consisting of 64 two-bedroom and 32 three-bedroom units, arranged in a consistent layout from levels one to eight.
The design incorporates curved slab edges, vertical screening and landscaping elements.
Photo Credit: DA/A006909981
Parking, Access and Facilities
The proposal includes 161 resident parking spaces and 45 visitor and retail spaces across two basement levels, with 48 bicycle parks also provided. A single retail tenancy is planned for the ground level.
A communal rooftop area includes a pool, spa, gym, dining spaces, barbeque pods, shaded paths and landscaped viewing decks.
Photo Credit: DA/A006909981
Sustainability and Waste Management
Stormwater treatment, passive design elements and façade shading are included. The plans show 1,557 square metres of landscaping and a green façade. No rooftop solar is proposed. Waste facilities include a compactor and baler, with recyclables to be taken manually to the basement.
A Hemmant industrial site is set to transform into a high-tech riverside village under a new proposal that combines boat storage with community lifestyle spaces.
Frank Developments, led by developer Frank Licastro, recently lodged plans for the project known as Brisbane Marina. The proposal targets a three-hectare area zoned for general industry that sits along a 430-metre stretch of the Brisbane River.
The project aims to shift the focus of the eastern riverfront from strictly industrial work to a mix of business, technology, and leisure. The site is located about 15 minutes from both the Brisbane CBD and the Port of Brisbane.
The development plans introduce advanced marine technology to the area. If approved, the marina would be the first in the city to feature autonomous berthing, which allows vessels to dock without manual steering. The scheme also includes a dedicated landing bay for drones and a marine hub equipped for electric vehicles.
Boating facilities are a central part of the design. The precinct is set to offer more than 70 private berths designed for boats ranging from 15 to 20 metres in length. These wet berths will be supported by a ship lift, onsite fuel, and access to shipmaster services 24 hours a day. The site also includes parking for 288 cars to support visitors and workers.
The vision for the site moves away from the look of a standard shipping yard. The design firm BYculprit created a plan that borrows from the style of classic boatsheds. The buildings will feature sawtooth rooflines, bronze-coloured panels, and natural timber to create what the developers call a luxury industrial look.
Frank Licastro noted that the project is designed to be a working village where people can work and relax in the same place. He explained that the city’s waterfronts are evolving into active precincts rather than just industrial edges. To support this lifestyle approach, the plans include 67 workstores of various sizes. The precinct will also feature wellness zones with gyms and saunas, event spaces, and public boardwalks along the river to connect the work areas with the water.
Proposed updates to planning rules affecting Brisbane’s low-medium density residential areas would impact parts of Morningside, aiming to support the delivery of more diverse housing in well-serviced neighbourhoods.
Portions of Morningside fall within Brisbane’s low-medium density residential zone, which represents 14 per cent of the city’s residential land. Construction activity in these areas has slowed sharply, declining from about 1,100 new homes each year to 445 in 2023. Increasing construction costs have made it difficult for smaller townhouse and unit projects in suburbs like Morningside to remain feasible.
A review of planning rules for the low-medium density residential zone proposes several changes intended to enable a wider range of housing options in established suburbs.
Allowable building height would shift from two to three storeys, with some well-located sites near frequent public transport or shops permitted to reach four storeys. Minimum lot sizes would decrease from 260 square metres to 120 square metres to support the creation of smaller blocks.
The proposal also includes simpler development assessment processes and an expansion of subdivision eligibility from 200 metres to 300 metres from shopping centres. Updated design requirements would maintain neighbourhood character through setbacks, maximum building footprints and space for street trees. Parking rates would be adjusted across the city to help lower construction costs.
Why Morningside Is Part of the Review
The review targets well-serviced middle-ring suburbs, specifically those close to shops, public transport and existing infrastructure. Morningside meets these criteria, which is why it appears among the suburbs listed for potential planning updates.
The changes form part of a broader effort to increase housing options in established suburbs rather than expanding outward.
Brisbane is forecast to need around 210,800 additional homes by 2046 due to population growth and shifts in household size. More than half of households consist of single occupants or couples, yet over 70 per cent of existing homes contain three or more bedrooms.
The proposed low-medium density updates could deliver up to 6,000 new homes by 2032 across the city. Morningside is among the suburbs positioned to contribute to this supply through smaller dwellings such as townhouses, units and compact apartments suitable for first-home buyers and downsizers.
Community and Industry Feedback
Industry groups have expressed support for greater housing diversity and improved feasibility for smaller projects. Early feedback from community members highlights ongoing difficulty accessing affordable or appropriately sized homes, with some residents suggesting that expanded housing options in established suburbs may offer relief.
Initial public feedback is being collected through the city’s online platform, with formal consultation scheduled for early 2026.
The proposed changes are undergoing initial review, with community input informing the next phase of planning. The final outcome will determine how areas such as Morningside can support future housing supply while retaining neighbourhood character through updated design requirements.
