As it happened: Brisbane on Thursday, August 1

All-abilities walking and cycling trails on the Sunshine Coast, upgrades to the Beenleigh Aquatic Centre, and a new artistic precinct in the Lockyer Valley are among the first 22 projects to be funded through the SEQ Liveability Fund.

The fund is a joint initiative between all three levels of government, including 11 councils, which will contribute more than $285 million into infrastructure in south-east Queensland – the state’s fastest growing region.

In Brisbane, money will go towards a transformation of Victoria Park in Brisbane’s inner north, involving a new adventure playground, walking tracks, and upgrades to intersections and car parks.

“Better parks, more public art, improved community facilities and new walking and cycling paths help create more to see and do in our growing communities,” Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said this morning.

“Our region is one of the best places in the world to live and we’re keen to continue working with the Australian and Queensland governments to make it even better.”

The government expects to announce the second round of successful projects in coming months.

Premier Steven Miles has held talks with the federal government and his state cabinet colleagues about the future of the Queensland branch of the CFMEU.

Miles, who had already vowed not to meet with nor take donations from the CFMEU while it was under a cloud, has reiterated his determination for the Queensland branch to also come under independent administration.

His latest comments, and seemingly more hardline approach, came after allegations a non-union worker was assaulted outside his home, something Miles said police were taking “incredibly seriously”.

“What changed yesterday is this clear allegation of violent behaviour by the CFMEU in retaliation against another worker,” Miles said.

“I am a proud trade unionist. Queensland has a strong and mighty union movement and that is important, but there is no place for violence or bullying or intimidation and I have said that every single time I have spoken about the CFMEU.”

Queensland’s Labor government will need to legislate for the branch to come under administration.

The state’s booming tourism industry has a new backer in Brisbane Airport chief executive Gert-Jan de Graaff.

The well-known businessman was announced as a board member of promotional agency Tourism and Events Queensland this morning.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to help make Queensland an even more attractive destination for travellers from across Australia and around the globe,” de Graff said in a statement.

“The coming decade is about making Queensland renowned the world over and growing one of our most important and sustainable industries to deliver more jobs for people across the state.”

De Graaff was central to guiding Brisbane Airport through the unprecedented collapse in passenger numbers during the coronavirus pandemic.

Police are appealing for witnesses after a fire at a tobacconist in Strathpine last night.

About 10pm on Wednesday, a white Nissan Navara utility was driven into security bollards at the front of the shop on Gympie Road.

The vehicle was then set alight.

A 26-year-old Warner man, who was nearby at the time, was then assaulted by three people.

The trio left the scene on foot.

The 26-year-old victim was taken to the Prince Charles Hospital with minor injuries.

It was believed the Nissan had been stolen from a Booval property between July 9 and 11.

Smoke is currently affecting Mount Coot-tha, Bardon, Toowong, Indooroopilly, Chapel Hills, Kenmore and surrounding areas, due to a hazard reduction burn in the Mount Coot-tha Reserve.

The fire is under control and no properties are at risk.

People in the area are advised to stay inside and close windows and doors, keep respiratory medication close by and not fly drones around the fire.

Just six months after being appointed Queensland Ballet’s artistic director, Leanne Benjamin is parting ways with the company.

Rockhampton-born Benjamin was picked to take over from Li Cunxin after an extensive international search, and had returned to her home state after many years working in the UK.

In a statement, the ballet says the decision was mutual, but that it was difficult to realise Benjamin’s vision within the current economic environment, which was “understandably dispiriting”.

The departing director said she would miss the company and its arts colleagues in Queensland “as they continue to channel excellence despite the odds”.

“Ultimately ... it has become very clear that my artistic aspirations for our company, including the opportunity to engage diverse choreographic voices, both international and Australian, and venture outside of the traditional theatre environment with immersive opportunities, is not immediately possible within the funding constraints faced by the company,” she said.

Greg Horsman will fill her role in an acting capacity as Queensland Ballet prepares for its next season, due to be launched in October.

Australia can learn from other nations’ experiences to make Brisbane 2032 a springboard for the nation as a “global cultural powerhouse”, says an independent think tank report.

The report from arts and culture think tank A New Approach, released yesterday, makes several recommendations including a national cultural plan to support Queensland’s current legacy strategy, Elevate 2042.

It also advocates for establishing an Australian international cultural relations institution.

“It’s not good enough for Australia to be one of only two nations in the largest 15 economies in the world to not already have an institute of this type,” ANA’s chief executive, Kate Fielding, said.

“As we’ve seen in France, the whole nation gets involved in, and is represented through, the Opening and Closing ceremonies and the four year Cultural Olympiad.

“This isn’t just a sports mega-event, it’s a cultural mega-event too.”