Brisbane Accommodation

[NM]

I think JohnK was talking about using public transport initially at least. Hence my suggestions realted to train services, which are probably the most effective ways to get to both toowong and Eagle Farm.

And that is why I mentioned the name of the train station in the previous sentence. I was just pointing out the pain in crossing the river by car if and when it is done during peak hour. I have seen and experienced the change in traffic crossing the river over the last 25 years and I can tell you that given the choice I would be avoiding it (as I do). I used to drive form the south-east suburbs to Milton every day and am very happy to not have to do it now.

 

[Bundy Bear]

$285.00 for accom in Brisbane is a bargain, no wonder its no longer available. Around the inner east; Bulimba, Morningside the rents are about $320-$400.

Good luck with the job hunting.

 

[Mal]

$285.00 for accom in Brisbane is a bargain, no wonder its no longer available.

Pretty much sums up my thoughts. Inner City rentals (ie City, Spring Hill, New Farm, Valley, South Brisbane) etc have been going up quite a bit in the last couple of years. A lot of rental properties are being converted into Serviced Apartments, but they are still often wanting over $200 / night (caused in part by the perceived lack of hotel rooms in Brisbane). There is also a very low vacancy rate (I believe around 1%) which also increases rents. Even a non furnished studio apartment is now over $300/week in most apartment places.

I did some looking around, and couldn't find even a serviced once per week single bedroom/studio (furnished) for less than $400. And the place I saw was nothing special. Perhaps calling around a few managed places might give you a good deal but it's still a rental agencies market, and I think the deals are few and far between. Perhaps look at Wotif or similar for the cheaper hotel rooms and then if you like the place call them and try to negotiate a good weekly rate for 3 months or so.

Moving out into the suburbs there might be some good deals to be found, like has been mentioned previously. Chermside would be a good suburb (nice mix of older places and new places) and has good public transport to your required destinations. However, that is also a place that is booming at the moment, so rents may not be appropriate.

 

[oz_mark]

Yes, the little things are important to me as well. It works both ways. I received a call from the agent this morning that the prospective employer will be in Sydney next Thursday and would like to conduct an interview in the Qantas Lounge at 2:30pm. How do you think that makes me feel? Unworthy! How would I make a decision on a prospective employer without seeing the work environment?

If the employer has a few Sydney based applicants it may be easier and cheaper for them to do it this way. When I have applied for jobs in other areas I have in the past
1) been flown there
2) done the interview by phone
3) had my interview in a hotel room (was a suite and not in the bedroom part!)

 

[JohnK]

If the employer has a few Sydney based applicants it may be easier and cheaper for them to do it this way. When I have applied for jobs in other areas I have in the past

As far as I know I am the only Sydney based applicant. Maybe I am reading too much int it so I have spoken to a few people on the interview arrangements and so far the decision is split. From my point of view an initial phone interview would have been better and if all OK then a second interview at the employers site. After all how many people actually accept a job without having a feel for the work environment first?

 

[Flashback]

Personally I think you are being way too picky.

If you're that keen to get a job, if things such as having to fly JQ (even if only for the interview) detract you from even thinking about the position, then you really aren't serious about getting the position.

 

[JohnK]

Yes I am being a little too picky but that is my character and I don't consider this a bad thing. Oh and I am serious about the job but I also need to consider what is best for me. The JQ reference in this thread started off as a joke, if you notice the used, but I am deadly serious and very stubborn. Anyway enough of JQ and I will get back on topic.

Thanks for all the suggestions on locations to look for accommodation. To start with I have been searching for fully furnished studios/units in Toowong, St Lucia, Auchenflower, Milton, Spring Hill, Kangaroo Point. It would appear that it would not be difficult to find a place for under $300/week, with some of them closer to $200/week, but without seeing it first I cannot comment on the condition or the location. I have been sending some emails to Real Estate agents asking for more information.

If things progress further then I will spend a few days in Brisbane looking for suitable accommodation and hopefully some more expert advice from the local Brisbanites that I have already met.

Again thanks for all the useful suggestions.

 

[Mal]

To start with I have been searching for fully furnished studios/units in Toowong, St Lucia, Auchenflower, Milton, Spring Hill, Kangaroo Point. It would appear that it would not be difficult to find a place for under $300/week, with some of them closer to $200/week, but without seeing it first I cannot comment on the condition or the location.

I'd be interested in knowing what you found between $200 and $300. Even 'Men's Hostel's' and similar shared accommodation places tend to be in the late $100 range / week.

 

[JohnK]

I'd be interested in knowing what you found between $200 and $300.

So would I! I don't believe everything I read, especially real estate agents*, so I would need to see the place first before making any decisions.

Furnished Room 502A/391 Wickham Tce Spring Hill, $175/wk
Partly Furnished 1 Brm Unit 31 Bishop Street St Lucia, $220/wk
Fully Furnished Studio Apartment 4/47 Sandford Street St Lucia $230/wk
Fully Furnished 1 Brm Apartment Kangaroo Point, $230/wk
Fully Furnished 1 Brm Apartment 10/53 Thorn St Kangaroo Point, $245/wk
Fully Furnished Studio Apartment Kangaroo Point, $250/wk
Furnished Studio Apartment 609/239 Wickham Tce Spring Hill, $260/wk
Fully Furnished Unit 4/6 Wight St Milton, $270/wk
Fully Furnished 1 Brm Unit 4/25 Fortesque St Spring Hill, $270/wk
Furnished Studio Apartment 8/355 Main St Kangaroo Point, $275/wk
Fully Furnished 1 Brm Unit 6/18 Wellington St Petrie Terrace, $275/wk
Furnished Studio Apartment Kangaroo Point, $280/wk
Furnished 1 Brm Unit 11/1 Sheehan St Milton, $280/wk
Fully Furnished Studio Apartment 9/10 Bailey St New Farm, $280/wk
Fully Furnished 1 Brm Apartment 3 Whitmore St Taringa, $295/wk
Fully Furnished Studio Apartment 11/355 Main St Kangaroo Point, $300/wk
Fully Furnished Studio Apartment 355 Main St Kangaroo Point, $310/wk

If none of these are suitable there are many other fully furnished apartments/units/studios between $300 and $350 per week.

* My apologies to any honest real estate agents on AFF....

 

[TonyD]

After all how many people actually accept a job without having a feel for the work environment first?

I would say many would go to the first interview without the work env. even occuring to them. Certainly I have been to several in that boat.
I too have had interviews in several third-party locations, I wouldn't worry about that, maybe the interviewer had other reasons to be in Sydney and wanted to do you a favour. Good Luck with It !! Cheers

 

[QF WP]

Having only just noted this thread, have read it with interest (being a 40 year BNE lad).

I think getting the job should be the primary focus, then focus on where you'll be staying. Depending on where the job may be based will depend which areas willl suit you best.

Personaly, whilst I don't agree with your thinking about the travel policy of the prospective employer JohnK, you certainly have the right to express your opinion. For whatever reason, if they are offering to fly you up for the interview, accept it. Surely it would be best not to put conditions in their way at the interview stage, otherwise they will question your motives. Whilst your motives may be altruistic ("I prefer to travel QF") they may have a set travel policy (or perhaps a "best fare of the day" position). If it's only a fly-in, fly-out on the same day (and you will only have hand luggage presumably if that's the case), then as you can check-in online and you have access to SYD & BNE QP's (as a Plat), then your only downside is not earning SC's for the flights.

Looking to buck the status quo (system) so early may make them feel you are not a team player (and I talk as an employer going through the hiring process now and we are looking at that focus when hiring). Of course, YMMV.

On the accom front, I know some of those places you linked (given I have worked in Spring Hill for 20 years, have lived in western suburbs for 25 years and also lived in Kangaroo Point).

 

[JohnK]

I think getting the job should be the primary focus, then focus on where you'll be staying.

Of course getting the job is the number one focus but I also need to work out how much it is going to cost me to make the move. Take note that I pay no rent right now so if the best I can do is $400/wk then I am in trouble as the job will not be paying me enough to make the Brisbane move worthwhile considering I will also be commuting back to Sydney every week or every second week.

Depending on where the job may be based will depend which areas willl suit you best.

This job is in Toowong so I have basically worked out where I need to stay or where I want to stay.

Personaly, whilst I don't agree with your thinking about the travel policy of the prospective employer JohnK, you certainly have the right to express your opinion.

Please take that part of the discussion with a grain of salt. The job is more important than the logistics of getting to the initial interview and as I mentioned earlier my initial statement had a attached to it. The rest was just speculation.

For whatever reason, if they are offering to fly you up for the interview, accept it. Surely it would be best not to put conditions in their way at the interview stage, otherwise they will question your motives. Whilst your motives may be altruistic ("I prefer to travel QF") they may have a set travel policy (or perhaps a "best fare of the day" position).

Please do not take this the wrong way but if JQ is the chosen carrier for the interview then I will decline the offer and pay my own way to the interview. The employer should not view this in a bad way as they have just saved the money for the interview. The reason could be that I have had a bad experience with JQ, panic attacks, deep vain thrombosis, heart attack, whatever, and do not want to step in one of their aircrafts again.

By the way there is no travel mentioned as part of the conditions on working for this compnay. As for future travel policies it is best for them to know up front that I will not work for a company on best fare of the day policies, especially if this included JQ. If this hinders my chances of getting the job then so be it. I have always been like this and there is no need to change. Something about not bending over too often.

Do people on AFF realise how serious I am about NEVER having to fly JQ? Hopefully I will NEVER have to fly JQ. I have nightmares just thinking about having to fly them. End of story.

If it's only a fly-in, fly-out on the same day (and you will only have hand luggage presumably if that's the case), then as you can check-in online and you have access to SYD & BNE QP's (as a Plat), then your only downside is not earning SC's for the flights.

Looking to buck the status quo (system) so early may make them feel you are not a team player (and I talk as an employer going through the hiring process now and we are looking at that focus when hiring). Of course, YMMV.

I do not travel very well. Anxiety and stress have a lot to do with it. I see no problem asking to be flown up the night before, to give me time to relax, and I will pay for the accommodation. Why is this wrong? How will it reduce my chances of getting the job?

On the accom front, I know some of those places you linked (given I have worked in Spring Hill for 20 years, have lived in western suburbs for 25 years and also lived in Kangaroo Point).

So are the areas I have chosen any good?

Is there anything else that I need to consider? I don't think I have placed any unnecessary conditions at this early stage. All is pure speculation and the interview will hopefully take place in the QF lounge in SYD on Thursday where all will be revealed. I really need want the job, but I am not a pushover....

 

[Mal]

Toowong is on the Ipswich Rail line (and has a few busses that go to it).

If that is the desired work location, then Kangaroo Point will mean a ferry ride, walk, train. Spring Hill will be a 10 min walk into Central Station (Or Roma St Station if at the right end of Spring Hill or Brunswick St if nearer to the Valley).

I'm actually reasonably impressed with some of the places in your listing. I know a few of them for various reasons, and while they may be old places with poor amenities, I'm still surprised at the price they're being advertised for.

 

[JohnK]

Toowong is on the Ipswich Rail line (and has a few busses that go to it).

If that is the desired work location, then Kangaroo Point will mean a ferry ride, walk, train. Spring Hill will be a 10 min walk into Central Station (Or Roma St Station if at the right end of Spring Hill or Brunswick St if nearer to the Valley).

No choice about Toowong at this stage as the first job opportunity which was to be at Eagle Farm has not made a decision yet or they have decided and not informed me or the agent.

Is that ferry + walk + train from Kangaroo Point? There is no means of getting there directly? If that is the case then I will cross Kangaroo Point off the list and try closer to Toowong, possibly St Lucia.

I'm actually reasonably impressed with some of the places in your listing. I know a few of them for various reasons, and while they may be old places with poor amenities, I'm still surprised at the price they're being advertised for.

I had a call from a real estate agent yesterday and they have similar places at a reasonable price. Actually explained to me that one of the places I had asked is an old motel and has everything except for an oven which is really perfect. No guarantee that any of the places will still be available in a few weeks but I am sure that more will come onto the market.

 

[Mal]

Is that ferry + walk + train from Kangaroo Point? There is no means of getting there directly? If that is the case then I will cross Kangaroo Point off the list and try closer to Toowong, possibly St Lucia.

Try TransLink - public transport information for public transport info, but I'm not aware of any direct trips from Kangaroo Point to Toowong. The CityCat (one of the ferries) comes close, but depends really on where you are in Toowong, and Kangaroo Point.

 

[QF WP]

Of course getting the job is the number one focus but I also need to work out how much it is going to cost me to make the move. Take note that I pay no rent right now so if the best I can do is $400/wk then I am in trouble as the job will not be paying me enough to make the Brisbane move worthwhile considering I will also be commuting back to Sydney every week or every second week.

In that situation, you need to decide whether you would retain your PPR and not rent it out so you can have use of it on weekends you return to SYD, plus pay rent in BNE during the working week. Yes, you then need to juggle the costs of taking the job in BNE versus the income. However, if you rented your PPR, then that income (taxable) would offset the net income from the job, but you wouldn't have somewhere to crash on trips back to SYD, unless you can arrange other suitable accom. As I undrstand it, you don't lose the PPR statsu unless you are away for longer than 6 years (which I can't see happening).

This job is in Toowong so I have basically worked out where I need to stay or where I want to stay.

Then I would definitely be looking at the western suburbs - Toowong, Milton, St Lucia, Indoooopilly - as they all have easy access on the same major roads (Milton Road and Moggill Road). Public transport from Kangaroo Point is fairly limited to ferries and buses depending on exactly where you are (presuming that you wouldn't bring your car with you).

Please take that part of the discussion with a grain of salt. The job is more important than the logistics of getting to the initial interview and as I mentioned earlier my initial statement had a attached to it. The rest was just speculation.

Taken with a lump, JohnK .

Please do not take this the wrong way but if JQ is the chosen carrier for the interview then I will decline the offer and pay my own way to the interview. The employer should not view this in a bad way as they have just saved the money for the interview. The reason could be that I have had a bad experience with JQ, panic attacks, deep vain thrombosis, heart attack, whatever, and do not want to step in one of their aircrafts again.

By the way there is no travel mentioned as part of the conditions on working for this compnay. As for future travel policies it is best for them to know up front that I will not work for a company on best fare of the day policies, especially if this included JQ. If this hinders my chances of getting the job then so be it. I have always been like this and there is no need to change. Something about not bending over too often.

Do people on AFF realise how serious I am about NEVER having to fly JQ? Hopefully I will NEVER have to fly JQ. I have nightmares just thinking about having to fly them. End of story.

So you'd leave an employer that changed their policy mid-contract? Wow, braver man than me. I have the same aversion to JQ and DJ as you, however I have to say that I would consider my options if I was in the right job or had the right opportunity (thankfully, not likely to happen anytime in the foreseeable future). Of course, best fare of the day can be manipulated to your advantage, as IainF has explained to me.

I do not travel very well. Anxiety and stress have a lot to do with it. I see no problem asking to be flown up the night before, to give me time to relax, and I will pay for the accommodation. Why is this wrong? How will it reduce my chances of getting the job?

I have no issue if you are going to pay for items not given to others job applicants (accom in this case). When you come up is your decision. Likewise, I like to fly the night before for the same reasons (reduce risk of u/s planes or weather, etc). If would only reduce your appeal in the eyes of a prospective employer if you wanted something outside the scope of the overall hiring process.

So are the areas I have chosen any good?

As in point 2 above. When and if you get the job, the many BNE AFF'ers can help you sort the wheat from the chaff, based on your job locations and other needs.

Is there anything else that I need to consider? I don't think I have placed any unnecessary conditions at this early stage. All is pure speculation and the interview will hopefully take place in the QF lounge in SYD on Thursday where all will be revealed. I really need want the job, but I am not a pushover....

No, nothing comes to mind. All very much at an early stage of decision making about which of the three jobs you would choose (as none are at job offer stage, which is when the semantics now would become important matters to consider).

 

[straitman]

JohnK,

Having followed this thread from the beginning I really think it is doing you serious harm and believe that it is time for you to have it put to bed. I applaud you for attempting to get the appropriate help with the accommodation however believe it has turned into a circus of wills/won’t and perspective.

If you really want the job, go for it but if you don’t, then back off and give yourself and everyone a break as I believe you are really in danger of alienating everyone here.

If you, as a job applicant, fronted up to me being choosy about airlines and the like you would not get any further particularly when the safety record of the Australian based airlines is without question. What may or may not occur later is a different question.

If I chose to hold the interview in Alice Springs, Oodnadatta or Darwin that would be my choice initially. After that you are more than within your rights to ask to see the work environment, and go through all the T & C of employment. You need to get that far first.

May I politely suggest that you ask the moderators to close this circus down and wish you the best of luck with your job application?

 

[JohnK]

In that situation, you need to decide whether you would retain your PPR and not rent it out so you can have use of it on weekends you return to SYD, plus pay rent in BNE during the working week.

Unfortunately I live at home with my parents which makes the situation a little more tricky.

Having followed this thread from the beginning I really think it is doing you serious harm and believe that it is time for you to have it put to bed.

Why is it doing me serious harm? It is pure speculation. Sure my point of view is different to most people but that is what it is a point of view.

If you really want the job, go for it but if you don’t, then back off and give yourself and everyone a break as I believe you are really in danger of alienating everyone here.

Alienating? Why? There is no job offer for me to accept.

If you, as a job applicant, fronted up to me being choosy about airlines and the like you would not get any further particularly when the safety record of the Australian based airlines is without question.

That is entirely up to you. As is my choice of airline, especially since I offered to pay for the airfares to attend the interview and accommodation and the job requires no further airline travel.

May I politely suggest that you ask the moderators to close this circus down

Circus? Really? Why? Because it has gone off-Topic or my speculation or my warped point of view?

I guess you could say that the way these type of threads get hijacked by senior AFF members and degenerate is much more acceptable behaviour....

 

[QF WP]

Unfortunately I live at home with my parents which makes the situation a little more tricky.

Actually, I think it clarifies your position somewhat. With no PPR in Sydney to worry about, you have less costs & upkeep. You just have to focus on the net income (after tax) versus outgoing (rent, living and travel expenses) and whether you can access items such as LAFHA or tax deductions for the travel to/from job - but I'm no accountant and have never had to claim these items. Although with parents who are getting no younger, weekends back at home in SYD would be important.

Why is it doing me serious harm? It is pure speculation. Sure my point of view is different to most people but that is what it is a point of view.

I think what straitman was alluding to (but I may be wrong) was your previous comment about stress and travelling, his thinking may have been that perhaps you shouldn't be putting yourself under so much stress to apply for an interstate job, but rather hope that you would find something in SYD which may allow you work-based travel on QF as well as your personal travel on QF. Of course, all this is mere semantics until you have been through the interview processes for all the jobs for which yu are currently applying and decide on the bet offer for you (taking into account all your variables).

Alienating? Why? There is no job offer for me to accept.

That is entirely up to you. As is my choice of airline, especially since I offered to pay for the airfares to attend the interview and accommodation and the job requires no further airline travel.

Circus? Really? Why? Because it has gone off-Topic or my speculation or my warped point of view?

I think straitman's comments go to your position of not accepting a job offer if the company travel policy does not match your stated position (QF or bust) - here I am not taking into account the fact that you have offered to fly yourself up at a time that suits you and with a carrier of your own choice, as well as pay for any accomodation. Without knowing the thoughts of all members, it would seem to be a position that may be markedly different from the norm - as a number of members have commented on in this thread. Again, if I'm wrong, straitman or others will let me know

I guess you could say that the way these type of threads get hijacked by senior AFF members and degenerate is much more acceptable behaviour....

Hmmm, hadn't seen that thread before - thanks for pointing out JohnK. Yes, the joys of threads going off topic and being a Moderator...

 

[JohnK]

Just thought I would post an update on the JK circus.

I was not able to secure a job interview for the first position at Eagle Farm. I had an interview in Sydney on Tuesday, for a 3 month contract, and an interview today at the SYD T3 meeting rooms. I should add that the meeting rooms at SYD T3, above gate 13 are very professional. I had no idea.

Anyway I was offered the contract job in Sydney this morning but they wanted a decision straight away. Unfortunately I was not prepared to make that decision without a few days thought.

The interview at SYD T3 was very successful. The person I met, IT director, was absolutely fantastic and it is exactly what I am looking for in a job. I mentioned that I had already been made an offer and I need to make a decision ASAP. No problem at all the IT director jumped straight onto the internet and made a booking on the Qantas website, with a fairly expensive airfare, for me to fly up to Brisbane for a few hours tomorrow. I could not ask for more. I have this feeling that if I pass tomorrows test I will be offered the job. Is there a smilie for stoked?

Anyway I had no choice but to ring the agent for the Sydney job and tell him I am not able to make a decision today, he wanted me to commit today and it was only fair that I refuse the offer, and he should make alternate arrangements. If I am offered the job in Brisbane tomorrow I will accept it. If I do not get the Brisbane then I am in trouble again as I had to burn a bridge today.

I am hoping I get the job. Sorry to have caused anyone grief in this thread but that is how things go when someone is under stress, or is that distress.

I will post further details in terms of accommodation if all is successful but it is looking like St Lucia, Toowong, Auchecflower, Milton or Spring Hill at this stage.