AuchenFlower Archives

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.

Disabled Ramp Caught In Auchenflower Train Sparks Safety Concerns

Whilst no one was injured when a disabled boarding ramp got caught on the door of an Auchenflower train, concerns have been raised over the safety of the State Government’s accessibility upgrades.

Commuters regularly taking the Auchenflower train said that the disability-compliant New Generation Rollingstock (NRG) trains are apparently not the correct height, causing a section of the raised platforms to have a gap of about 30 centimetres and rendering problems with the ramp at the door.

One commuter said that the platform appears to have a “camel hump” and assumed that it’s only temporary until the upgrades are done.

But as the Auchenflower station commonly caters to the elderly and mobility-challenged patients who need to go to the Wesley Hospital on Coronation Drive, locals said this accessibility failure must be corrected as soon as possible. As the main transport hub near a hospital, the Auchenflower train station should have full-length compliant platforms.

Work on the platform’s central section started the weekend following the incident on 10 Feb. Scott Riedel, QR Head of South East Queensland, said that the upgrades will continue at the station for the rest of the year. Aside from the raised platform with boarding points, the project is expected to deliver a new footbridge, several lifts, better lighting and CCTV.

Meanwhile, the acquisition of the NRG trains was approved in 2018 despite lacking in compliance with the disability access standards. At that time, the Auchenflower train station upgrades were still in the design phase.

Peach Cafe in Auchenflower Opens at Former Flower Shop’s Site

A charming, new cafe has opened at the site of the former flower shop on 97 Haig Road and it will likely become your next favourite brunch place in AuchenFlower. Standing next to a children’s playground, the Peach Cafe serves freshly-baked goodies, satisfying meals and a selection of excellent coffee.

Peach Cafe‘s all-day breakfast choices, such as smash avocado toast, hotcakes, or bacon and eggs, might seem familiar but this restaurant also serves fusion food inspired by Asian cuisine. If you’re not up for the usual toast and eggs, you cannot go wrong with its rich-tasting Kimchi fried rice with pork belly.

This restaurant’s dishes go perfectly well with Peach Cafe’s coffee, chai latte and hot chocolate drinks.

You’ll find Peach Cafe’s ambiance appealing with its dainty peach and white theme. This dining spot also has an alfresco dining area for families with kids and dogs coming from the nearby park.

Since this restaurant is still fairly new, there’s still room for growth and adjustment. But it won’t be surprising if Peach Cafe becomes your place of choice for catching up and relaxing with friends and family!

“Had such a wonderful breakfast at Peach Cafe! Beautiful light atmosphere, best coffee in Brisbane and delicious food. Great service and a great vibe. The avo toast is divine and don’t forget to try the delish pastries on offer! 10/10 would return!”
~ Franchesca Chorengel, Facebook

“Have been there twice now, and both times I’ve been incredibly pleased with the whole experience – delicious coffee, mocha comes sprinkled with real chocolate, kind staff and lovely (dog-friendly) seating out the back. So glad to have another local cafe pop up and will definitely be back.”
~ Pia Richardson, Google Review

“Came here for coffee on a Saturday morning, so many people queuing up, coffee must be good. And yes it is also got a little kid park next to it. No wonder it’s popular.”
~ Misscharlot, Zomato