The Quarry’s first ‘residents’ cause a buzz mining liquid gold

There’s a buzz at Frasers Property Australia’s new $500 million masterplanned community, The Quarry, in Keperra as the first ‘residents’ settle into their new home.

Approximately 240,000 European bees are indulging in Brisbane’s sweetest views since the commencement of the Keperra Quarry Bee Project on the city’s northside.

Jack Stone, Director of the urban beekeeping group managing the project, Bee One Third, said eight European beehives were installed with each beehive containing up to 30,000 bees.

“These industrious bees are integral to the local ecosystem and venture up to 5km from their hives at The Quarry, pollinating gardens, parks, forests, and supporting the blossoming Keperra community,” Mr Stone said.

“Annually, they produce between 200-300kg of honey, a distinctive blend harvested from more than 20 million flowers, encapsulating the diverse nectar and pollen of the area's flora.

“This initiative not only aids in local pollination but also yields a uniquely local honey, reflecting the rich biodiversity of Keperra.”

The bees are contributing to ecological health, community engagement, local produce creation, environmental monitoring, and biodiversity support, making them an asset both environmentally and socially.

Mr Stone and the team at Bee One Third would maintain the beehives and harvest the honey, which is currently being donated to local schools for fundraising initiatives and The Quarry’s neighbours, the residents of Keperra Sanctuary Aged Care on Samford Road.

“We look forward to sharing the honey with the local community and local residents here at The Quarry,” Mr Stone said.

The bees were the stars of a recent School Holiday Program at The Quarry, with families from all over Brisbane attending to learn about the importance of bees and take part in beeswax candle crafting and watercolour painting.

Another program will be held in the winter school holidays on June 30 with a new mix of activities for kids and families.

Scott Ullman, General Manager Queensland Development at Frasers Property Australia, said the bees would be at the centre of the community when it becomes a hive of activity for its human residents in the coming years.

“The bees play an important role in the natural environment and regreening the hillside, which then has a flow on effect given the wider community is able to enjoy these benefits with delicious local honey made on The Quarry's very own soil," he said

"This is something we've done successfully at other projects in Queensland, for example at our Brookhaven community in the Logan catchment, that helps to connect the residential development with the community and surrounding environment."

Mr Ullman said interest had grown since The Quarry launched in Winter 2023.

“The Quarry’s first 29 lots in Release One are now sold out. Since we announced Release 2 in February this year, only a handful of lots remain. Release 3 is also tracking very well after launching in April, with more than 50% of homesites already sold,” he said.

Spanning 48.7 hectares, the hillside precinct of The Quarry is Brisbane’s most elevated community and will feature approximately 500 residences, extensive placemaking and resort-style amenity exclusive for resident use when complete.

Located 9.5 kilometres north-west of the Brisbane CBD, Keperra is an established suburb with strong demand for new housing supply due to its proximity to leading schools, healthcare, and major transport infrastructure.

The existing Keperra Quarry, which mines granite, has operated for more than 60 years and will progressively curb operations as the development of the residential stages advance.

For more information visit: quarrykeperra.com.au