Wednesday’s nationwide Telstra outage left businesses in Petrie Terrace scrambling to serve customers after payment terminals and mobile services stopped working during the busy morning trade.
The nationwide network failure disrupted calls and data services across Australia, but for many local businesses, the immediate concern was much simpler: how to keep trading when customers couldn’t pay.
Customers walked away as EFTPOS failed
Among those affected was Tiger Eye Bar in Petrie Terrace, where owner Sudhir Shetty said all three Telstra-connected EFTPOS terminals stopped working for about two hours.
Without working payment terminals, some customers who did not have cash chose to leave instead of waiting for the systems to return.
To keep the business operating, Shetty brought in an Optus-connected EFTPOS terminal from another venue. After the outage, he also encouraged customers to carry cash, saying it remained a reliable backup when technology failed.
His experience reflected the challenges faced by businesses across Australia as the outage disrupted payment systems, online services and mobile communications.
Businesses across the country felt the disruption
The outage began early on Wednesday morning, 8 July, after a software fault affected Telstra’s network timing systems.
For several hours, customers across Australia were unable to make calls or use mobile data. The disruption also affected businesses, public transport services in several states and emergency communications before services were progressively restored later in the day.
Questions over emergency calls
As Telstra restored its network, attention turned to the outage’s effect on emergency services.
Health Minister Tim Nicholls said Telstra had not initially told the Queensland Government about 17 missed Triple Zero calls affecting the Queensland Police Service, with most originating from regional Queensland.
Queensland Police later confirmed every affected caller had been identified and contacted. Officers carried out welfare checks by phone and, where necessary, in person. Queensland Ambulance Service also confirmed that people who required medical assistance received help.
Telstra apologised for the disruption and said a software fault affecting its network timing systems caused the outage. The company also said there was no evidence the incident was linked to a cyberattack.
Some customers also needed extra time to reconnect after services began returning.
A narrow block with little more than a carport at the rear has become one of the last slivers of undeveloped land in Petrie Terrace, with the agent marketing it calling it the smallest parcel he has ever handled.
The 185 square metre block at 38 Regent Street is one of only four vacant lots remaining in the suburb, two of which have already been earmarked for development. Beyond a small shed and carport at the rear, and a patch of unprotected vegetation that would need clearing, the site is otherwise vacant. Services can be connected to the block, though that is subject to authority approval.
Ray White Paddington agent Nicholas Hall, who is handling the listing, said it was the smallest parcel of land he had ever brought to market. He said there had been roughly 50 enquiries so far, despite a delay while some matters were sorted out with Urban Utilities. Most of that interest, he said, has come from developers and builders, with a handful of investors also circling.
Photo credit: Ray White Paddington
A slightly larger parcel in Petrie Terrace sold for $1.115 million roughly two years ago, and a house has since been completed on that site. He said vacant land in the suburb had become extremely rare. Only four undeveloped blocks remain across the entire 4000 postcode pocket.
Part of the appeal lies in the address itself. Petrie Terrace sits within walking distance of Roma Street Parklands, South Bank and the CBD, while Caxton Street and Suncorp Stadium are practically on the doorstep. A handful of the venues earmarked for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics will also be a short stroll away. For buyers thinking long term, the suburb is close to Brisbane Grammar, Terrace, the University of Queensland, QUT, Petrie Terrace State School and Kelvin Grove State College, along with everyday essentials like the cafe next door to the block itself.
A shrinking pool of vacant land
Photo credit: Ray White Paddington
The Petrie Terrace listing fits into a broader pattern playing out across Brisbane, where blocks of undeveloped land within the inner city are becoming harder to find. A search of the Greater Brisbane market turned up just 24 blocks of between 700 and 800 square metres, among them a 760 square metre site at Indooroopilly listed for offers over $2.5 million.
At the smaller end of the scale, the record for the tiniest block sold in Queensland still belongs to an 89 square metre parcel that changed hands for $550,000 in February this year. That sale eventually went to a family of three who had spent six years trying to get a foothold in the property market, a reminder that even the most modest patches of dirt can carry outsized significance for buyers locked out of more conventional options.
Whether the Regent Street driveway ultimately ends up as someone’s first home or another developer’s project remains to be seen. But its presence on the market, however small the footprint, says plenty about how tight Brisbane’s inner-city land supply has become.
Communities across Australia are calling for historic inner-city Defence sites to be used for affordable housing, schools, and expanded public access, as the federal divestment of 67 military properties, including Victoria Barracks Brisbane, moves forward.
The barracks is among 67 Defence Department properties earmarked for sale nationwide, as part of a divestment plan announced in February 2026 that is expected to generate an estimated $3 billion for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
A Heritage-Listed Site with Maintenance Pressures
Photo credit: defence.gov.au
Listed on the Commonwealth Heritage Register, the Petrie Terrace site includes 17 heritage-listed buildings, a parade ground, a sandstone boundary wall and a historic tennis court, along with military assets and culturally significant collections.
The Department of Defence has acknowledged that several heritage retaining walls are failing or have already failed due to age and construction methods, and that significant maintenance, remediation and safety works have been carried out across the site’s heritage buildings.
The Army Museum South Queensland currently operates on-site, though with limited public access, offering guided tours on three Wednesdays each month. Under the divestment process, Defence says the museum may relocate to Gallipoli Barracks, approximately eight kilometres away, or remain on-site. ADF personnel and Reserves are scheduled to relocate to Gallipoli Barracks, while Australian Public Service staff will move to CBD office accommodation.
Community Consultation Underway
Photo credit: Google Street View
Defence held a community information session in Brisbane in April 2026, and says the feedback received will help inform transition planning and next steps.
More than 100 submissions have been lodged with a Senate inquiry into the matter, with public hearings scheduled throughout May 2026. Submissions have come from veteran, housing, heritage and community organisations.
Some local MPs and the National Trust of Australia are calling for inner-city barracks sites to remain under Commonwealth ownership. Others have described it as a “once in a generation” opportunity to deliver outcomes that blend heritage preservation and public use.
Affordable housing has emerged as a recurring theme in community feedback across all three barracks sites. In Melbourne, Southbank residents and local MPs have also called for land at the barracks to be used for a school to serve the suburb’s growing family population.
The Federal Position
Photo credit: LinkedIn/Peter Khalil
Assistant Defence Minister Peter Khalil, who fronted a community forum in Melbourne attended by more than 100 people, said no decision had been made on who the properties would be sold to. He said the Defence Department was engaging with local councils, community organisations and heritage bodies throughout the process.
Mr Khalil said he understood there was a strong emotional connection to sites such as the Victoria Barracks, and that the sale would not result in heritage buildings being demolished. He said the department wanted people to be able to access the sites and engage with their history. He also indicated there could be both commercial and community possibilities for the properties, and that discussions with local councils and stakeholders were continuing.
With the Senate inquiry still in progress and Defence consultations continuing, no final decisions on the future of Victoria Barracks Brisbane have been announced. Community members seeking to stay informed or provide input can register for updates through the Department of Defence website at defence.gov.au.
Two adjoining commercial properties in Petrie Terrace have been brought to market, marking a rare opportunity within Brisbane’s well-established Caxton Street entertainment strip.
A tightly held section of Caxton Street in Petrie Terrace is entering a new phase, with 18–26 Caxton Street listed for sale after more than a decade. The offering brings together two adjoining freehold buildings positioned within one of the city’s most recognisable sporting and hospitality corridors.
Located approximately 160 metres from Suncorp Stadium, the site sits at the centre of a precinct long associated with major sporting events and high foot traffic. The strip continues to function as a focal point for pre- and post-event activity, alongside consistent trade as a food and beverage destination.
Photo Credit: Colliers
Dual Buildings With Immediate Flexibility
The Petrie Terrace property comprises two connected buildings with a combined net lettable area of 512 square metres, complemented by external seating space. One tenancy is secured by a long-standing food operator with a lease in place, while the adjoining building is offered with vacant possession.
The larger structure spans four levels and includes an existing liquor licence, providing scope for immediate activation. The property is also fitted with commercial-grade infrastructure, including kitchen facilities, service systems, and multiple bar areas, supporting a range of hospitality or entertainment uses.
Additional features include a self-contained space that can function as an office or residential component, offering further flexibility for future operators or investors.
Photo Credit: Colliers
Positioned For Continued Growth
The Petrie Terrace listing emerges amid ongoing investment activity across the Caxton Street precinct. Recent high-value transactions and new venue concepts have contributed to a broader shift, with the area evolving into a more expansive entertainment destination.
The site’s corner positioning provides strong exposure along Caxton Street, reinforced by a 24-metre frontage that enhances visibility and accessibility. Its zoning supports a mix of uses, aligning with the area’s established hospitality and leisure focus.
Photo Credit: Colliers
Limited Supply Driving Demand
Freehold opportunities of this scale remain limited within Petrie Terrace, particularly in locations with direct proximity to major event infrastructure. The combination of existing income, vacant space, and established foot traffic positions the property as a flexible asset suited to both owner-occupiers and investors.
Expressions of interest for the Petrie Terrace site are scheduled to close on May 21, reflecting the anticipated level of market interest in a precinct where availability remains constrained
One of Paddington’s most significant landmarks is set to change hands after more than a century and a half of military service, as the Commonwealth moves to sell Victoria Barracks on Petrie Terrace as part of a sweeping national property divestment.
The historic site, located just one kilometre from Brisbane’s CBD, is among more than 60 Defence properties across Australia earmarked for divestment following a multi-year audit of the department’s 3 million hectare estate. The nationwide sell-off is expected to raise approximately $3 billion, with Victoria Barracks sites in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne alone accounting for $1.3 billion of that total.
Photo credit: Defence Australia
Defence Minister Richard Marles released the audit findings on 4 February, agreeing to recommendations to divest surplus and costly properties that serve no strategic military value. The decision will see Australian Defence Force personnel including Reserves relocated to Gallipoli Barracks, 8km away, whilst Australian Public Service personnel will move to office accommodation in the Brisbane CBD.
For local residents, the announcement revives long-standing conversations about the future of this largely inaccessible heritage precinct, positioned strategically between Roma Street station and Suncorp Stadium.
The Australian Institute of Architects has welcomed the sale but emphasised the critical need for rigorous design governance to protect the site’s heritage and cultural significance. Caroline Stalker, Queensland Chapter President, described it as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver genuine public benefit.
Stalker said in a statement that the sale creates a rare chance to give something back to the public realm, calling for transparent processes, strong cultural and heritage safeguards, and design-led planning that prioritises streets, parks, culture and community uses alongside any housing or commercial components.
Photo credit: Defence Australia
Victoria Barracks Brisbane is listed on the Commonwealth Heritage Register and includes 17 heritage-listed buildings, a parade ground, sandstone boundary walls, and a historic tennis court. The site also houses the Army Museum of South East Queensland, which currently offers limited public access through guided tours on three Wednesdays each month from 9:30am to 12:15pm.
The future of the museum remains uncertain, with Defence indicating it may relocate to Gallipoli Barracks or potentially remain on site depending on negotiations with future owners.
Any redevelopment will be subject to strict protections under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, which requires the Commonwealth to preserve the heritage values of listed properties. The Department of Defence has committed to exploring options including adaptive reuse of heritage buildings, retention of facades, partnerships with heritage organisations, and archival recording.
National President of the Australian Institute of Architects, Adam Haddow, has called for the establishment of a Federal Architect position to provide consistent design leadership across Commonwealth property transitions of this scale. Haddow said that when the Commonwealth reshapes city-defining precincts, it must do so with the same rigour expected of any major public project.
The sale process will be managed by the Department of Finance, though officials acknowledge some properties may take years to sell given the complexity of heritage requirements and potential remediation needs. The Commonwealth expects to save approximately $100 million annually in maintenance costs for ageing and underutilised facilities across the portfolio.
Net proceeds of about $1.8 billion after relocation costs and expenses will be reinvested in Defence capabilities.
A Landmark With Deep Roots
Photo credit: Google Street View
Victoria Barracks has been an integral part of Brisbane’s landscape for more than 160 years. The site predominantly provides office space to support capability management, service delivery and museum functions, and has accommodated various Defence operations throughout its long history.
The barracks experienced significant use during both World Wars, playing important administrative and logistical roles. In recent years, the Commonwealth has undertaken significant maintenance and remediation works across the heritage buildings, including a full roof and drainage system replacement, remediation of rising and lateral damp, mortar joint repairs, timber restoration, repainting, fire safety upgrades, and replacement of electrical infrastructure. Several heritage retaining walls have required attention due to age and construction methods.
The sale timeline remains unclear, though the complexity of heritage obligations and the scale of the divestment program suggest the process could extend over several years. For Paddington residents who have long glimpsed the historic buildings from Petrie Terrace, the next chapter of Victoria Barracks presents both opportunity and uncertainty about how this landmark piece of the suburb’s heritage will be integrated into the community’s future.
Brisbane’s most famous sporting pub, the Caxton Hotel, has a new owner. After nearly three decades under the stewardship of the Farquhar family, the historic Petrie Terrace venue has been sold in an approximately $50 million deal backed by Sydney Roosters chairman and NSW billionaire, Nick Politis.
The Caxton Hotel has been closely linked to Brisbane’s sporting and social events for more than a century. Originally established in 1864 and rebuilt in 1884 following a fire, the venue has stood on Caxton Street in Petrie Terrace for more than 150 years.
Photo credit: The Caxton Hotel/Google Maps
Its proximity to Suncorp Stadium (formerly Lang Park) has made it the go‑to spot for pre‑ and post‑match gatherings across sporting codes, especially rugby league. The nearby ‘running of the buses’ tradition during State of Origin sees team buses travel down Caxton Street, just metres from the venue.
Photo credit: Michael Copland/Google Maps
Under the Farquhar family, who owned the pub for nearly 30 years, the Caxton evolved into a multi‑faceted hospitality hub. Their management introduced tiers of offering including the Char Grill & Terrace Bar, the Cauldron Bar, gaming facilities, function spaces and live entertainment areas. In 2023 the Farquhar brothers were inducted into the AHA National Hall of Fame in recognition of their contribution to Queensland’s hospitality sector.
The venue is large‑scale, with multiple bars and external space allowing it to host thousands of patrons. It has been reported to handle up to 3,000 guests across its bars and car‑park areas. The site has been described as the unofficial headquarters for sporting celebrations in Brisbane.
A New Chapter: Nick Politis and SEQ Hospitality
Nick Politis (Photo credit: roosters.com.au)
The sale of the Caxton Hotel was conducted off‑market and negotiated by Leon Alaban and Drew Mitchell of Savills Australia and New Zealand. Politis’ company, SEQ Hospitality Group, in which he holds a controlling interest via Eumundi Group, is adding the Caxton to its growing southeast Queensland portfolio of hotels and hospitality assets. Already the group owns a number of venues including the Treetops Tavern, the Ashmore Tavern and the Queens Arms Hotel in New Farm.
For Politis, whose net worth is estimated in the multiple billions, this purchase adds to his interests in sport, real‑estate and hospitality. The acquisition places him in direct competition with nearby NRL‑owned venues, such as the Beetson Hotel (formerly the Gambaro Hotel), which has been transformed into a sports‑bar experience by the ARL Commission.
Although based in Sydney, Politis has long‑standing ties to Queensland, and the acquisition continues the venue’s strong connection to the rugby‑league community. With SEQ Hospitality overseeing operations, the Caxton Hotel is set to continue its longstanding role as a landmark in Brisbane’s cultural and sporting landscape.
With the transaction finalised, fans in Brisbane can expect the Caxton Hotel to remain a major destination for sport, entertainment and community gatherings. Its long history, combined with new ownership and management, positions it to stay an important hub for generations of supporters.
Aware Real Estate has acquired The Barracks in Petrie Terrace for about $150 million, with plans to activate new leasing and upgrade facilities across the mixed-use precinct.
The Barracks at 61 Petrie Terrace was developed in 2008 by Property Solutions with QM Properties. The 1.09-hectare site integrates three heritage-listed buildings with a modern A-grade office tower and retail spaces, totalling 19,433sq m across five buildings. It includes 10,393sq m of office space, 9040sq m of retail tenancies and 451 car bays.
The precinct was acquired in 2018 for $162.32 million by Fortius Brisbane Barracks Trust, an unlisted single-asset vehicle.
Photo Credit: The Barracks/Facebook
Details of the 2025 Acquisition
On 30 and 31 October 2025, Aware Real Estate exchanged contracts to purchase full freehold ownership of The Barracks for approximately $150 million. The sale was managed by JLL and CBRE. Navigator Property Group advised Aware Real Estate during the transaction and will continue to work with the group on long-term asset planning.
Photo Credit: The Barracks/Facebook
Planned Upgrades and Leasing Activation
Aware Real Estate has outlined several value-creation strategies for the precinct. These include activating vacant food and beverage tenancies, improving the presentation of the centre and undertaking upgrades to the office buildings. The group is also preparing for a future relaunch of the precinct once key works are completed.
Market Factors Influencing the Purchase
The purchase aligns with Aware Real Estate’s broader Queensland expansion, following its acquisition of 145 Ann Street for $215.5 million. The group noted strong performance in Brisbane across office, retail and industrial assets.
Nearby development activity includes new residential, build-to-rent and student accommodation projects. Aware Real Estate also expects long-term uplift from infrastructure linked to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
Photo Credit: The Barracks/Facebook
Environmental Credentials
The Barracks holds 6-Star NABERS Energy and Water ratings across both modern and heritage office buildings. A rooftop solar installation of about 335kW supports peak load reduction across the precinct.
The group plans to improve retail activation and building performance before relaunching the precinct. Upgrades are expected to enhance the role of The Barracks as a mixed-use destination in Petrie Terrace.
A nine-year-old girl from Petrie Terrace has turned her own battle with a rare form of ovarian cancer into a mission to bring joy to other young patients at theQueensland Children’s Hospital, raising funds to fill its prize trolley with toys, books and crafts for children undergoing treatment.
The fundraiser launched on 30 July 2025, as Myah McGuigan prepared for her final round of chemotherapy.
From Diagnosis to Determination
Myah’s health concerns began earlier this year when her parents noticed she had lost her appetite and was feeling unwell. A visit to the family GP led to an urgent ultrasound, which revealed a tumour measuring about 15 centimetres by 8 centimetres in her abdomen. She was diagnosed with an ovarian germ cell tumour, a condition specialists describe as extremely rare in children her age.
Within a week of diagnosis, Myah began chemotherapy at the Queensland Children’s Hospital. The treatment quickly reduced the tumour’s size, allowing her to undergo surgery to remove it along with one ovary. Her family said discussions with fertility specialists are ongoing to understand her options for having children in the future.
Her father said it had been every parent’s worst nightmare but was struck by how his daughter approached each challenge. He explained that if Myah was told something would take a week, she would try to complete it in just a few days, showing determination far beyond her years.
A Lemonade Stall for Smiles
Even while undergoing treatment, Myah decided she wanted to help others. Inspired by the prize trolley at the hospital — stocked with donated toys that lifted her spirits after difficult treatments — she set up a lemonade stall with help from her friends and younger brother.
She told her family she chose lemonade because it would appeal to both sweet and sour taste preferences, ensuring “no one would miss out.” The funds raised will go directly towards purchasing toys, crafts and books for the hospital’s oncology ward, with any surplus items donated to the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
The Petrie Terrace community has rallied behind Myah, with neighbours, friends and schoolmates offering donations and spreading the word. Her family expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and acknowledged the hospital’s medical staff for their care.
Myah is preparing for her final chemotherapy session before moving to a monitoring phase. Her fundraising continues, with donations accepted through her GoFundMe page to help fill the prize trolley for as many children as possible.
The Barracks, one of Brisbane’s most prominent mixed-use precincts, is now on the market, offering a rare opportunity to secure a premium asset positioned to benefit from the city’s rapid transformation and infrastructure-driven growth.
Situated at 61 Petrie Terrace on the fringe of the CBD, The Barracks spans 19,432 square metres and features a dynamic blend of retail, office, and entertainment spaces. The precinct is anchored by a Coles supermarket and Palace Cinemas, supported by 23 food and retail tenancies, and boasts more than 10,000 sqm of A-Grade office space, fully leased to major corporate tenants.
Photo credit: Behrooz Ehya/Google Maps
In 2022, Growthpoint Properties Australia acquired Fortius Funds Management and with it, The Barracks—marking a significant addition to its national portfolio of commercial property assets.
Beyond its commercial appeal, The Barracks site has an interesting and rich history. It retains three heritage-listed buildings from its time as a police facility: the original stables built in 1912, a three-storey brick barracks from 1939, and the radio communications centre, constructed in 1941. These historical features add cultural significance and architectural character to the modern precinct.
Photo credit: Matthew Long/Google Maps
The sale comes at a time when Brisbane’s inner-west is undergoing significant change, driven by major infrastructure projects such as the Cross River Rail and the upcoming Victoria Park stadium, both part of the city’s preparations for the 2032 Olympic Games. These developments are expected to boost connectivity and foot traffic, enhancing The Barracks’ long-term value.
The precinct is set within a catchment forecast to experience steady population growth, reaching around 269,000 by 2046. Retail spending in the main trade area is also projected to climb to $9.9 billion, underlining the area’s rising commercial appeal.
As one of just three comparable assets in Brisbane’s CBD fringe, The Barracks stands out in a market marked by limited supply and growing demand for high-quality mixed-use investments. With strong existing occupancy, heritage charm, and future upside from surrounding residential development, the property is expected to attract strong national and international interest when the international expressions of interest campaign launches in mid-May 2025.
From 2 May to 5 May 2025, Petrie Terrace will host major festivities as Caxton Street transforms into a pedestrian-only fan zone for the NRL Magic Round, with live entertainment and street activations.
Caxton Street in Petrie Terrace has long been a hub for sport and entertainment, particularly on weekends when crowds descend on Suncorp Stadium for NRL, rugby union, or soccer matches. The area’s vibrant atmosphere, supported by venues such as the Caxton Hotel, Lord Alfred Hotel, and Gambaro’s seafood restaurant, makes it a natural fit for large-scale fan activations.
After the success of previous years, Brisbane retained hosting rights for Magic Round, strengthened by proposals such as establishing a dedicated fan zone in Petrie Terrace.
Event Overview: Fan Zone Activation and Traffic Changes
During the 2025 NRL Magic Round, Caxton Street will be fully closed to vehicles between Petrie Terrace and Hale Street. The full road closure will be in place from 10:00 a.m. Friday, 2 May to 3:00 a.m. Monday, 5 May. Police, traffic controllers, and clear signage will manage detours and assist pedestrians and motorists.
The Caxton Street fan zone, delivered by the NRL with support from BCC, Brisbane Economic Development Agency, and Tourism and Events Queensland, will feature DJs, beer pong, dance parties, live entertainment, interactive games, mascots, food trucks, and giveaways.
Fans will also encounter appearances from former NRL players Todd Carney, Chris Walker, and Joel Thompson, along with Mad Monday promotional models and full bar facilities.
Nightclub passes for Brisbane venues will be available each night, adding to the entertainment offerings across the Magic Round weekend.
Photo Credit: Rabbitoh Warrior/YouTube
Economic Impact and Community Engagement
Magic Round 2024 injected almost $40 million into Brisbane’s economy, with more than 48,000 interstate visitors attending. Hotel bookings for the 2025 event are already above 75 per cent occupancy, an increase of nearly 30 per cent compared to non-event weekends. The local business community, including popular venues on Caxton Street and Given Terrace in Paddington, is preparing for another record-breaking weekend.
The activation is expected to drive significant foot traffic to nearby restaurants such as Gambaro, Black Hide Steakhouse, Fritzenberger, and Libertine at The Barracks, along with cafés and pubs across Paddington and South Bank.
Photo Credit: Rabbitoh Warrior/YouTube
Community Sentiment and Organisational Support
City official Adrian Schrinner and NRL CEO Andrew Abdo highlighted the event’s importance to Brisbane’s major events calendar. Local business representatives, such as the President of the Caxton Street Development Association, Sarosh Mehta, also expressed support for the street closures, viewing them as an opportunity to boost trade and showcase Brisbane’s hospitality sector.
Organisers have expanded the entertainment program following earlier criticisms that past fan zones offered limited activities. Additions for 2025 include more live music, promotional competitions, and interactive fan experiences.
With fresh additions and strong support from organisers, the Caxton Street fan zone in Petrie Terrace is set to offer an even bigger Magic Round experience. The activation is expected to strengthen Brisbane’s profile as a premier destination for major sporting events, with flow-on benefits for local businesses and the broader tourism sector.
