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La Belle Vie in Bardon Lives Up to the Promise of a ‘Good Life’

For a taste of authentic French cuisine, La Belle Vie, located in the beautiful hills of Bardon, lives up to the promise of a “Good Life.” Led by head chef Samuel Perrin, the revitalised restaurant, which changed hands in mid-2020, has found the right recipe for success despite a challenging time for the industry.

Committed to giving diners the ultimate French dining experience, La Belle Vie’s menu consists of classics like Ratatouille (roast vegetables), Haricot Verts (fried beans), escargot in butter, and a selection of sumptuous cured meats with Arnaud French rillette and pickles (charcuterie).

For the entrees, the foie gras and Saint-Jacques (pan-seared scallops, truffle oil, sweet potatoes purée, crispy serrano) essentially paired with French baguette with butter, come highly recommended especially if this is your first time at the restaurant.

Photo Credit: LaBelleVieBistro&Bar/Facebook

Diners put a seal of approval for the Caille (quail coq au vin style with red wine sauce, bacon, mushrooms, onions and carrots) and the Margret (Aylesbury duck breast, honey & spice sauce, mushrooms, roast chat potatoes), showcasing Perrin’s exceptional cooking technique. The ingredients used at the La Belle Vie kitchen are all locally-sourced and the chef perfectly plays up the tastes and texture, with the right consistency and temperature, once served to the guests.

To cap the dining experience, La Belle Vie has a fantastic line-up of desserts, including the gorgeous tarte and crème brûlée with a smidge of the authentic hardtop. Meanwhile, Jean-Jacques Peyre’s brilliant wine selection perfectly complements the chef’s menu.

Despite the lockdowns within the last 12 months, La Belle Vie has managed to host special COVID-safe events and private functions, which allowed the operations to thrive. Once the restrictions slowly eased off, the restaurant was also the premier choice for wine and lifestyle workshops.

Meanwhile, it has been indeed a great start for La Belle Vie as was it named as one of the top four French restaurants at the 2021 SEQ Awards for Excellence for the Restaurant and Catering category alongside Bisou Bisou in Fortitude Valley, Haig Rd Bistro in Auchenflower and the winner, Montrachet in Bowen Hills.

For the menu, opening hours, workshops, functions, and bookings, check out their Facebook page for the details.

“My husband and my second time here, our first time we knew we wanted to come back to celebrate our anniversary and we did just that. Such an amazing experience and a thoughtful, deliciously, wonderful dessert. Thank you to the team at La Belle Vie, we will have nothing but great things to tell everyone we know.”
BM

“Loved my food, view and staff here. We had the lunch time two course which I couldn’t believe the quality for the price it was delicious. Can’t wait to bring my girlfriends here. The vibe is just gorgeous.”
Amy Hughes

“Such a great dining experience … it was our first time and we both went with the steak and beans on the side. Both steaks were cooked perfectly to medium rare and the beans were delicious. Service was great as was the ambiance. lots of other happy faces around as well. We’ll be back for sure.”
David Pryde

Bardon Property Market Continues to Deliver High Capital Growth Rates

Bardon, one of the more expensive property markets in Brisbane, continues to be highly desirable because it provides families a suburban dream home close to the city and within premier school catchments. Thus, it’s no surprise that houses in this west Brisbane suburb remain in high demand, continuing to deliver fairly high capital growth rates for homeowners.

Highlights

Bardon is a family hotspot with desirable school zones that attract house hunters who prioritize education.
The median house price of Bardon rose to 25.06 per cent from July 2020 to June 2021, hitting $1,300,000, a sizeable leap from $1,039,500 from the previous 12-month period.
The median unit price dropped to 1.14 per cent due to low stocks despite high demand.

House Price Growth

As a family hotspot, Bardon remains at the top of the list of house hunters who prioritise education. Reports cite that houses in desirable school zones across Greater Brisbane have logged the fastest property growth amid the pandemic. In Bardon’s case, the median house price rose by 25.06 per cent from July 2020 to June 2021, hitting $1,300,000, a sizeable leap from $1,039,500 from the previous 12-month period, according to data from Property Market Updates.

Buyers and investors are competing strongly for highly-coveted Bardon houses which currently stay on market an average of 44 days, quite brisk for the price points involved. There were 212 house sales closed during this time period. Of the stocks sold, 70 were three-bedroom houses, which were wrapped up at a snappy pace of just 23 days on market, with an average asking price of $1,100,000.

A restored 150-year-old Colonial Queenslander on an acreage property on Moonya Street, with most of its original architectural facets intact, sold at $4,095,000, the highest price for the period. This house, which features a children’s play fort and a gorgeous botanic oasis for family games and celebrations, is within an easy walk to St Joseph’s School or Bardon State School, the Girls Guides Clubhouse, and Bardon Bowls Club.

Unit Price Growth

In recent years, attractive low-rise apartments and townhouses have popped up in Bardon with slightly bumped up prices compared to most unit markets in Brisbane. For the period ending June 2021, however, Bardon’s unit market dropped by 1.14 per cent, pulling the median price down from $703,000 to $695,000.

Though units were quickly bought at an average of 38 days on the market, there were not enough stocks to meet buyer demands. Just 48 properties were sold during this period with three-bedroom units selling the most stocks for downsizers who want to remain in the area.

About Bardon

It’s easy to forget that the city is just five or six kilometres away for those living in peaceful Bardon. Located at the foothills of Mount Coot-tha, this suburb connects the residents to 1,500 hectares of tranquil and gorgeous green space with heaps of parks and walking tracks.

The majority of homeowners in Bardon are owner-occupiers living in large blocks of free-standing colonial or modern houses, enjoying an enviable work-life balance. They spend their weekends unwinding at the local parks and community hubs or visiting the clusters of businesses at Macgregor Terrace, where most quaint cafes and restaurants operate.

Bardon is also close to the cafe culture of Paddington and Red Hill, its neighbouring suburbs. Residents can drive to the city within 20 minutes whilst bus services help the locals get around but quite a number do love to cycle in Bardon and take advantage of its natural beauty.

“We moved out from Paddington to Bardon because we needed more bedrooms and a larger garden. Bardon is a great mix of both inner-city charm and large blocks which are harder to find in Paddington. GREAT for family life. Lots of lovely cottages and Queenslanders. We live next to a park. Have been here a year and love it.
RightwingNuclearArmedAussie

“Bardon is a spectacular and quiet place which is close to the CBD. In my whole 20 years of living here, I have only ever been waiting at a traffic light for over one minute once and that was in Milton the neighbouring suburb. It is diverse and great for people with average incomes or those who are affluent. Very good public and private schools and there is a park entrance on almost every street!”
RileyN

“Bardon is a quaint, leafy suburb close to the city. The Queenslander houses and narrow streets give the suburban old-world charm, and there are plenty of trees and greenery to lend this suburb a peaceful vibe. I have lived in this suburb for 15 years (on the “Rainworth” side of Bardon) and have always found it to be quiet, clean and safe. It is also very close to the restaurants of Rosalie and a short drive to the city. However, I do not recommend this suburb for anyone without a car, as the public transport is limited to buses that are not very reliable.”
LocalVoiceQLd

Developer Appeals Chiswick Road Childcare Centre Proposal

The developer of a planned childcare centre on Chiswick Road in Bardon has filed an appeal with the Planning and Environment Court months after the rejection of its original proposal. The controversial project received nearly 500 objections from locals who said there were too many childcare centres in the precinct.

Corella Property Investment Trust submitted plans to build a childcare centre on 56-60 Chiswick Road in mid-2020, gaining hundreds of submissions from the residents during the public notification. Council asked the developers to outline its plans to demonstrate the potential traffic impact as the property is adjacent to Cecil Road, a hilly but narrow street that has had a number of traffic incidents.

Those who object to the proposal pointed out that the junction on Cecil and Chiswick roads have had traffic buildups during the weekdays as cars access these areas to get to St Joseph’s Primary School.

Meanwhile, another childcare centre has been lodged by a different developer along Vimy Street nearby, whilst there are a couple of childcare centres proposed or has been in the middle of the construction along the busy Boundary Road where Rainworth State School stands.

Bardon Childcare Centre — *Photo Credit: Developmenti/BCC*

“The significant number of public submissions already received for the application aligns with Council’s view that traffic impacts remain unresolved and the bulk and scale of the proposed development are not compatible with, nor integrate, with the built form intent of the character residential zone,” Council cited in its letter to Corella Property Investment Trust (DA A005563407).

Corella, however, has referred their proposal to the Planning and Environment Court in August 2021, citing that its application was properly made and compliant with the relevant assessment benchmarks. The developer said that their application did not trigger referral agencies.

Bardon Latrobe Football Club Responds to Issues Raised by Local Petition

Photo credit: Bardon Latrobe Football Club/Facebook

The Bardon Latrobe Football Club (BLFC) has issued a statement about a petition submitted by Bowman Park 4065 Friends, represented by Head Petitioner Simone Cross, raising various concerns and issues from some locals in the neighbourhood about the Club’s activities at Bowman Park.The Bardon Latrobe Football Club (BLFC) has issued a response to a petition submittedby Simone Cross, head petitioner and part of Bowman Park 4065 Friends, a group that has raised various concerns and issues in the neighbourhood about the Club.

Read: Locals Voice Concerns On Bardon Latrobe’s Expanded Hours Of Operation

In a media statement released by the Club to Bardon News, BLFC addressed issues raised by the said petition and reiterated that their commitment to keeping family sporting activities active in the local community has remained unchanged.

The Bardon Latrobe Football Club traces its roots to a powerhouse merger of two of Brisbane’s oldest football clubs, the Latrobe Football Club (established in 1916 at Gregory Park, Milton) and Bardon Soccer Football Club (established circa 1926 at Bowman Park, Bardon).

“Every Sunday and holiday its glades resound with the merry laughter of children and many, cricket & football clubs take advantage of its natural beauties.” Quoted from: *Cobblers flats page 6, Daily Standard, Sat 27th Feb, 1915*
Photo Credit: Taken from the BLFC Website

This potent combination was the nucleus of the present-day Club, formed by the merger in 1970. The Club has carried on with the use of Bowman Park for sporting activities, a venue that parent club Bardon Soccer FC has been using since the early 20th century.

Despite some complaints to the contrary, the Club assured concerned nearby residents and other locals that operating hours have remained unchanged over the last 10 years, with sporting activities ceasing most nights at 9:00 p.m., a little later on Friday and earlier at the weekends.

“Bardon Latrobe Football Club would like to assure the community that it has not changed direction. It remains firmly focused on junior sport (80% of members less than 16 years old) keeping the local community active (85% of members live in Bardon or neighbouring suburbs),” Dr Phil Cowlishaw, former President and current Club Registrar, said.

Bowman Park

Bowman Park is a popular neighbourhood destination because of its picturesque, natural creek ways, kids playgrounds, a basketball court, BMX track, bikeway, and bushwalking areas. The park is an on-leash dog area.

Concerns have been raised in the petition that parts of the parklands are being used as overflow parking, damaging the vegetation in the area and creating a safety issue for park users. BLFC further explained that the Club is authorised to use the leased land behind the clubhouse, something it has done so “…for many years without any injury or mishap.”

The Club also allows free and unrestricted access to the leased playing fields for the general public to enjoy when they are not in use or under maintenance, although reminders are given to visitors to avoid any damage to the playing field and park.

Inclusive Club

“The majority of our seniors who play at the club are mums and dads of the junior members who also volunteer and coach at the club. The club welcomes playing members of all ages, as young as 3 and as old as 61 years old and players of all genders and abilities,” Dr Cowlishaw shared.

Latrobe Ladies Football Club, 1921
Photo Credit: Taken from the BLFC Website

Over 30s Women’s Team (affectionately known as the Mum’s Team), 2021
Photo Credit: Supplied

Despite the ongoing controversy, the Club remains in constant communication with concerned neighbours and residents, to clarify issues arising from the petition. The petition, which will close on 30 October, has received just over 300 signatures from residents of Bardon and other neighbouring suburbs, as of the end of September 2021.

For comments, suggestions or feedback, please contact the club by emailing community.liaison@bardonlatrobe.org.au.

To view the petition on the Brisbane City Council e-Petition site, click here.

Locals Voice Concerns On Bardon Latrobe’s ‘Expanded’ Hours Of Operation

Photo credit: Bardon Latrobe Football Club/Google Maps

Residents living near the Bardon Latrobe Football Club (BLFC) have launched a petition to preserve park access for all residents by limiting the activities of the club at Bowman Park.

Read: Bardon Latrobe to Get $500K Infrastructure Funding

Simone Cross, who started Bowman Park 4065 Friends, submitted a petition to the Brisbane City Council, inviting other members of the community to sign and help save Bowman Park from over-development.

According to the petition submitted, alleging that the football club has grown their facilities, extended their hours to allow operation until 10:00 p.m., and even acquired a liquor license.

BLFC has a Council lease to play Soccer and Cricket on the sports oval, with an agreement with BCC in 2012 to focus on kids’ soccer. However, the petition alleges that the club has changed direction, grown significantly, and altered their name from Bardon Latrobe Junior Soccer Club, removing the focus from kids.

“The Club now has over 700 members with many Senior teams participating in training during weeknights and playing matches at Bowman park throughout the evenings and weekends,” according to Bowman Park 4065 Friends.

“The noise on the weekends is loud and regularly extends into the evenings. To date, there have been many breaches of their liquor license entitlements and behaviours that are not suitable for a quiet suburban neighborhood,” the petition also says.

In addition to noise, locals who signed the petition are concerned about parking, pointing out that parts of the parklands are used as overflow parking damaging the vegetation and creating a safety issue for park users.

These residents regard Bowman Park as a place “… donated to the health of the people of Brisbane…” and “…appreciated for its untouched ‘wildness’, where no single activity dominates. It’s a park for all the community.”

More than 200 residents have signed the petition so far. To sign the petition, those interested may visit the Brisbane City Council’s e-petitions page. The petition closes on Saturday, 30 Oct 2021.

To view the original e-Petition, click here: Brisbane City Council e-Petition by Simone Cross, Head Petitioner. Petitions express the views of the Head Petitioner and may not represent the views of Council or this publication.

Meat At Billy’s Rosalie Butcher Shop Moves to a Bigger Space

Five years since they opened a shop in Rosalie, Meat at Billy’s, one of Brisbane’s most preferred butcher shops, has moved to a bigger space next door to their old site on Baroona Road.

The new fit-out looks similar to its parent shop in Ashgrove and has more room to showcase more products, including the rubs and sauces offered at the main outlet.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the owners of Meat at Billy’s said that they are truly grateful for the patronage of the local customers who wanted to support local businesses. The essential store was kept well-stocked as customers who needed food supplies keep coming, with some even asking for cooking tips and suggestions.

The butchers at Meat at Billy’s are also masters in the kitchen and their instructions and recommendations are just some of the things that customers appreciate about this store.

Billy Gibney opened the first store in Ashgrove in 2009, which has since built a loyal base for its quality meat, diverse products, and informative or helpful workers. Known for their premium chops, housemade gourmet sausages, and hard-to-find meat like the honeycomb tripe, the store also provides a variety of grass-fed and free-range meats for the health-conscious.

More than a butcher shop, this store has a charcuterie and wine selection, deli products, marinades, and other cooking essentials for people who love to cook at home.

“These guys are awesome. My first visit last week to get a few samples. My GOD. The pork medallions are to die for, the pork ribs sensational and the grass fed sirloin simply melted in the mouth. Went back today and loaded up with a week’s worth. Greeted with a new shop, the display is massive full of fresh treats. Do yourself a favour and pay these boys a visit. You will become a devotee. Be back next week.”
Geoff Short

“Had the pleasure of dealing with David and Damien in store today and they were great. Super helpful, very knowledgeable and plenty of advice on how to get the best results with my cooks. The meats unreal as well!!”
Nathan Eyears

“The most amazing customer service I’ve ever received from any shop in Brisbane. The range of products is second to none. You will not be disappointed shopping at Meat at Billy’s Rosalie. Outstanding job guys.”
Melissa Bernard

Auchenflower Train Station Upgrades Hit a Milestone

The accessibility upgrades at the Auchenflower train station have reached a milestone following the installation of a 36-metre pedestrian bridge.

Member for Cooper Jonty Bush said that the added feature will provide a convenient path from the station precinct and to the Wesley Hospital for commuters, especially those with mobility devices.

“In just 48 hours, crews worked over the weekend to assemble the bridge, started installing the station’s new lift shafts and stairs and lifted in the 36-metre steel footbridge,” Mr Bush said.

Further work on the Auchenflower train station will continue in the next six months, which will cover the installation of lifts and stairs connecting the bridge to specific platform zones. The platforms had been raised in early 2021 to allow “easier and safer access to trains.”

“Once the accessibility upgrade is complete, everyone in the community will be able to travel safely and more easily through Auchenflower station and the neighbouring Wesley Hospital medical precinct, including people who use mobility aids, seniors, and people travelling with prams and luggage,” Mr Bush said.

Commuters may expect the following features when the upgrades are complete:

a new pedestrian footbridge with lift access
raised section of platform encompassing the core zone and assisted boarding point
upgraded hearing augmentation loop and tactile platform surfaces
upgraded security cameras and lighting around the core zone
new wayfinding and platform signage around the core zone

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said that, as a safety measure, commuters have to expect closures while the upgrades are underway.

“Queensland Rail is committed to communicating any travel impacts in advance to allow customers to plan their journey and allow any extra travel time required.”

The Auchenflower train station upgrade is part of the $27.5 billion roads and transport investment of the State Government in the next four years.

Petition Created Urging Preservation of Sisters of Mercy Property in Bardon

A petition to protect and preserve the Sisters of Mercy site in Bardon has been set up, following an announcement that the sprawling property will be put up for sale. Local residents are concerned that a new residential development could destroy the surrounding areas of Mt Coot-tha.

Greens MP Michael Berkman said that Brisbane City Council could acquire the Sisters of Mercy property before it’s snapped up by developers. He said that Council may use the Bushland Acquisition Fund to save the site, where a potential new community hub can be established.

The Greens MP created the petition urging the Council to acquire the property. So far, the petition has gathered 2,000 signatures.

Because of its high ecological value, the Sisters of Mercy site is protected from tree clearing. However, residents want assurances that the protection will be strictly adhered to if a private developer buys the site.

Highlights

A petition has been set up to save the Sisters of Mercy site at the Mt Coot-tha hilltop in Bardon, which is up for sale.
Residents want Brisbane City Council to acquire the property instead of developers to preserve the bushlands.
City Planning Chair Krista Adams said that potential development for the site will be strictly assessed because of its high ecological value.

“After consulting broadly with the community, it’s clear to me that residents want the Sisters of Mercy site to be protected for generations to come,” Mr Berkman said.

“Unfortunately, the real estate agents are still claiming that buyers could build ‘multi-residential, retirement, gated community, health and wellness precincts or a major home site for a high-net-worth private investor.'”

Mr Berkman also wrote Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner to ask for his public confirmation “that developers will not be allowed to circumvent the constraints imposed and the ecological significance recognised in the relevant planning instruments.”

Council City Planning Chair Krista Adams said that it cannot commit to the property’s purchase but stated that any proposed development on the site would be strictly assessed during the planning stages.

Cushman & Wakefield Middle Markets is handling the sale of the Bardon property and the Expressions of Interest closed on 22 July. The outcome of the sale has not yet been revealed.

Appeal Filed for Rejected Coles Local Development in Bardon

A developer has submitted an appeal to the Planning and Environment Court for approval of plans to build a Coles Local supermarket and bottleshop on Macgregor Terrace in Bardon. The proposal was initially rejected due to safety and traffic issues.

In May 2021, Brisbane City Council turned down DA A005505645 based on the recommendations by State Assessment Referral Agency (SARA).

SARA cited that a new supermarket in the area will increase the traffic congestion along the Latrobe and Macgregor Terrace roundabout by 100 to 154 more trips during peak hours. The roundabout already accommodates 23,000 vehicles a day.

Highlights

Council rejected the plan to build a Coles Local outlet in Bardon due to safety and traffic issues.
The developer filed an appeal with the Planning and Environment Court and it’s still under assessment.
Coles Local is a new concept store that will feature more local and high-end providers.
If the appeal is won, the Bardon site will be the third Coles Local in Queensland.

However, Connor O’Meara, the solicitor who represents CB (Qld) Pty Ltd, wrote in the appeal that the development will bring “measurable improvements” to Macgregor Terrace as the project will entail road widening, a “no right out” change to the traffic movement, and signs all over the strip.

The proposal also includes relocating the bus stop adjacent to the eastern access point about 40-metres west, which will remove seven on-street parking spaces.

The developer filed the proposal in July 2020 and divided the opinion of the community. Whilst some locals said they don’t need another Coles, others welcomed the proposal as this will only be the third Coles Local in Queensland. Some residents also said that stores on the strip of Macgregor Terrace are partially tenanted and in need of more foot traffic.

Coles Local, a concept launched in 2018, features a tailored in-store experience with more high-quality products from local producers. The first outlet with this concept opened in Ascot in June 2021. The second store in Taringa/Indooroopilly area has started the groundwork for the construction. A fourth site is also eyed for the CBD but the developers have yet to file an application for it.

If the appeal is approved, Coles Local in Bardon will be a single storey structure with two levels of basement parking that can accommodate more than 100 cars.

Fun Activities For Kids Ages 0-5 At Bardon State School

Photo credit: Bardon State School/Facebook

Bardon State School will be holding Bardon Buddies sessions, a weekly community event for kids ages 0-5, from July 2021 onwards.

Read: Bardon Ranks in Top 3 for Most Renovation Projects in Brisbane

Bardon Buddies, to be held starting 23 July 2021 from 9:00 am to 10:30 am, was created to support all ages with their transition to school. Activities include painting, playdough, games, and storytime.

Believing in the motto, “Learning and Growing,” Bardon State School seeks to maximise each child’s potential in a supportive, challenging and community focussed environment. Their curriculum is not only building the literacy and numeracy skills of our future citizens but embeds inquiry learning to develop curious thinkers and innovative problem solvers.

“We want to foster the artists, academics, musicians, sportspeople, digital whizzes and scientists of the future,” Bardon State School said about their curriculum.

Photo credit: Bardon State School/Facebook

Just last month, Bardon State School held its three-day Athletics Carnival, where kids had a blast participating in sports activities. The upcoming Bardon Buddies is just one of the many activities lined up for this school year.

For further information about this upcoming event, visit https://bardonss.eq.edu.au/ or follow them on Facebook.