Homepage Latest News Archives - Page 19 of 36

Makeovers and Improvements Set for Heathwood Parks and Recreational Spaces

Heathwood residents can look forward to improved recreational spaces, with improvement works for Rotary Park approaching completion and the eagerly anticipated transformation of Dunvegan Street Park about to commence.

Read: Calamvale District Park Named One of Brisbane’s Most Popular Parks

Dunvegan Street Park

Dunvegan Street Park will soon boast a brand-new multi-use games arena. The park currently features a playground equipped with a fort containing five swings and a shaded area, offering children the opportunity to swing, slide, and engage in play activities.

Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/Facebook

Construction for the multi-use games arena is scheduled to commence in early June 2023. The addition of this state-of-the-art facility aims to create a safe environment for locals to engage in basketball and soccer, promoting active and healthy lifestyles.

As preparations for construction get underway, Brisbane City Council advises residents to anticipate minor detours or temporary closures in the vicinity of the park.

Furthermore, limited parking availability, as well as noise and dust associated with construction activities, may be experienced by those in the vicinity.

Rotary Park

Rotary Park, another well-loved green space in Heathwood, has received a notable enhancement of its own after it was retrofitted with a sun shade cover.

Photo credit: Rajeev Raveendran Nair/Google Maps

Previously known as Stapylton Park, Rotary Park features various amenities including tables with benches, a small playground, convenient bins for waste disposal, and ample on-street parking.

The installation of a playground shade sail at Rotary Park marks its inclusion in the city’s Sun-safe suburban playgrounds program.

This program aims to create shaded areas in playgrounds, enabling the community to utilise these spaces more frequently, particularly during the scorching summer months.

Read: Green Light For Pallara Shopping Centre: Development Application Approved

As part of this initiative, more than 50 shade sails will be installed across Brisbane, providing ample shade for residents and visitors. Additionally, numerous trees will be planted in parks throughout the city by the end of 2023, further contributing to the overall appeal and greenery of these outdoor spaces.

Published 25-May-2023

“Hold the Red”: Red Light-Runner Detection Technology Set to Expand Across Queensland

Photo Credit: NON / Unsplash

Following a series of successful trials conducted over the last five years at four intersections in southeast Queensland, including Calamvale, the innovative technology aimed at preventing accidents due to red light running is now poised for expansion to more than 12 new locations.

The “Hold the Red” system employs radar technology to identify vehicles that appear likely to run a red light. When a potential danger is detected, the opposing traffic lights are held on red, preventing vehicles from entering the intersection and thereby reducing the risk of T-bone collisions.

The system is designed to maintain the opposing lights on red for a duration of two seconds, allowing sufficient time to avert potential accidents.

Whilst the primary objective of the system is to minimise crashes at these locations, motorists caught by the radar will also face penalties through infringement notices for the offence.

Furthermore, those found to be speeding in an attempt to beat the light change will be subject to additional fines.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey announced that the “Hold the Red” technology will be implemented at various locations across Queensland, encompassing North Queensland, Western Queensland, Central Queensland, and South East Queensland.

The selection of these places is based on crash statistics and the kind of occurrences that have taken place there.

“This National Road Safety Week, Queenslanders are being asked to ‘drive so that others survive,” he said.

“It’s an important message that reminds us that road safety is everyone’s responsibility.

“Motorists who run red lights pose a potentially deadly risk to other road users.

Mr Bailey added that the technology has proven effective in preventing a significant number of accidents, revealing that it successfully averts 33 per cent, or one in three, crashes caused by red light runners. This underscores the system’s ability to not only save lives, but also mitigate the catastrophic outcomes often associated with T-bone collisions.

The expansion of the “Hold the Red” trial into regional Queensland, in addition to Brisbane, has been met with positive reception.

RACQ CEO David Carter highlighted the impact of red light violations on vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists, cyclists, scooter riders, and pedestrians. He emphasised the importance of responsible driving and urged all road users to prioritise the safety of others, drawing attention to National Road Safety Week.

“The expansion is a key feature of the Queensland Road Safety Action Plan 2022-24 and will further assist as we work towards achieving our Queensland Road Safety Strategy 2022–31 targets of reducing fatalities by 50% and serious injuries by 30% by 2031,” Mr Bailey concludes.

The ‘Hold the Red’ technology is expected to be installed by mid-2024.

Published 16-May-2023

Alvey Reels Finds New Lease on Life

Photo credit: Facebook / Alvey Reels Australia

Alvey Reels has found a new lease on life under the ownership of the iconic Australian company, Gowings. The renowned Australian fishing gear manufacturer almost ceased operations last year due to rising costs and supply chain issues.

Alvey Reels has been a staple of Australian fishing culture, having been synonymous with high-quality fishing reels to anglers across the country for more than a century.

Last May 2022, the company announced that it would cease manufacturing for good, citing rising costs and supply chain issues. However, Alvey Reels has found a new lease on life under the ownership of another iconic Australian company, Gowings.

The company’s original wooden reels have been replaced with carbon fibre models, but there are plans to produce limited editions of the classic wooden reels that will be crafted by hand and made available for purchase.

“Alvey reels certainly have a reputation for being durable; however, they are the choice of many competitive anglers for many other reasons. No other style of fishing reel allows the line to run directly over your index finger while you retrieve your line; this form of fishing is extremely sensitive and enables you to feel the smallest of bites.” – ALVEY

Alvey Reels has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1920. The company’s reels were initially made of wood and produced at a rate of around 20 per week in a Brisbane shed. Despite these humble beginnings, Alvey Reels quickly established itself as a trusted provider of high-quality fishing gear, with a reputation that has endured for over a century.

The move from the Carole Park manufacturing facility to a new location in Darra is another significant change for the company. However, with the backing of Gowings and the continued involvement of the Alvey family, customers can expect Alvey Reels to remain a go-to option for anglers across Australia.

Published 3-May-2023

Green Light For Pallara Shopping Centre: Development Application Approved

A new shopping destination in Pallara is set to become a reality following the approval of the development application for the Pallara Shopping Centre.

Read: Proposed Centre on Gooderham Road: Would Pallara Finally Have A Local Shopping Centre?

The upcoming Pallara Shopping Centre, located at 201 Gooderham Road, will feature two levels of facilities, and will be anchored by a supermarket.

Designed by V Architecture, the centre will be supported by a range of specialty stores, such as a gym, food and drink outlets, a medical centre, offices, and shops.

The centre will operate within proposed hours, with the veterinary clinic and gym open 24 hours, the medical centre and supermarkets operating from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m, supermarket service vehicles operating from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m, online deliveries available from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m, and shops, food outlets, and offices operating from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The proposal involves the provision of 294 car parking spaces in total, along with the addition of two new entry points on Pallara Avenue and one new exit-only access onto Gooderham Rd.

The proposal for the new shopping centre has received over 100 submissions, indicating that the locals have eagerly awaited such a development in the area. In their response to further advice letter dated 17 February 2023, Bluepoint Pallara Pty Ltd also acknowledged the positive reception from the community.

The establishment of the shopping centre is deemed essential for the growing Pallara community as residents currently have to travel to neighbouring suburbs even for basic necessities.

Subject site (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)

In addition to the long-awaited convenience, those in favour of the new shopping centre also anticipate that it will create hundreds of job opportunities for locals and families in the area.

Read: Mixed Reactions To Proposed Shopping Centre In Pallara

Whilst the majority of the Pallara community welcomed the proposed shopping centre, a few residents raised objections about the potential negative impact it may have on their immediate living environment. Specifically, concerns were raised about the possibility of increased noise, heat, and pollution resulting from the development.

Published 24-April-2023

Get Ready For A Day Of Wheels, Food, And Fun At The Forest Lake Show And Shine

Calling all car enthusiasts! After the overwhelming success of its first event in March which saw over 90 vehicles participate in the showcase, The Forest Lake Show and Shine is thrilled to announce that they will be holding another event in June!

Read: Transport Department Launches Initiative To Improve Safety For Bus Drivers

The Forest Lake Show & Shine is more than just a car show, it’s an opportunity for car enthusiasts to come together and share their love of cars with others who understand the thrill of the open road.

Whether you’re a fan of muscle cars, vintage automobiles, JDMs, classics, bikes, sports vehicles, or anything in between, you won’t want to miss out on this fantastic day. They will have a wide variety of vehicles on display, offering a little something for everyone.

Forest Lake Show And Shine — Photo credit: Tracy Reynolds, Forest Lake Show & Shine/Facebook

In addition to the showcase, a variety of food trucks will be available to serve up delicious breakfast and lunch options, as well as hot and cold drinks to keep you refreshed throughout the day. Plus, there will be parking available for over 130 vehicles.

So mark your calendars for 25 June 2023 from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and join them at the Woogaroo St and Coriander Place carpark in Forest Lake for a day filled with automotive excitement.

All proceeds from a gold coin donation or donation of choice at the entry point of the upcoming event will go towards supporting Youngcare.

They proudly support Youngcare, a non-profit organisation that provides essential support and services to young people with high care needs. All proceeds from the vehicle entrants’ donations will go towards helping Youngcare continue their important work.

Read: M1 Upgrade Final Planning Stage: Business Case on Daisy Hill to Logan Motorway Upgrade Underway

Businesses interested in donating or sponsoring category prizes for the upcoming event can contact them on their Facebook page.

Published 12-April-2023

Pallara Home’s Drain Pipe Blockage Reveals Interesting Find

A homeowner in Pallara had to call for help for what seemed to be a drain pipe blockage causing a water overflow from his roof. Thinking he would find a pile of rotting leaves, he checked and guess what he found?

Inside the drainpipe was a non-venomous Coastal Carpet Python. Bryce Lockett from Snake Catchers Brisbane and Gold Coast was asked to remove the reptile. The anxious homeowner was floored to learn that it was about 2.5 metres long.

“He was extremely surprised a large 2.5 metre python could fit in such a small space,” Mr Lockett said in the footage of the snake’s removal that went viral on TikTok with over 1.4 million views.

Coastal Carpet Python is common in Queensland’s rainforests and dry woodlands. Their diet is mostly rodents and possums, but they can also prey on suburban pets like cats, dogs and birds. Though non-venomous, their bites may cause substantial lacerations or punctures.

“Just remember in Queensland a blocked down pipe isn’t always from leaves,” Mr Lockett wrote in the captions.

The Coastal Carpet Python was safely relocated to nearby bushland. Mr Lockett, who has been catching snakes for 11 years, said he loves the job because “no two days are the same”.

@brycegrylls Just remember in Queensland a blocked down pipe isn’t always from leaves! #snakecatcher #fyp #python #australia ♬ Power – Interupt

Published 5 April 2023

Calamvale District Park Named One of Brisbane’s Most Popular Parks

Did you know that Calamvale District Park is the fifth most popular park in Brisbane? With over 200 bookings in the previous year, the beautiful green space has hosted heaps of activities for communities and families.

The well-planned park opened in 2012 and has been home to annual celebrations like Halloweens and Christmas in the Park, as well as the regular Calamvale Pakruns.

“This has been a project I embarked on with local students from Calamvale Community College, Algester State School and St Stephens School who helped me through our local workshops to design a park in a bushland setting to cater for all ages in our community,” Cr Angela Owens said.

“Soon, [we will] welcome a new addition of a Memorial to honour those who have served and continue to serve our Nation,” Ms Owen added.

Among the park’s unique features is the adventure playground, which has the most impressive play equipment for adventurous children called the Sky Walk, a steel-and-rope structure spanning 7.5 metre high and a flying fox of about 50 meters long.

Smaller kids, however, also have a fantastic interactive play area where they can play music or get some thrills at the swing.

Modern barbecue facilities and pavilions for picnics make this site a favourite spot for celebrating children’s birthdays or regular weekend get-togethers. Not far from the playground is the Calamvale District Park offleash dog park with plenty of benches and shade.

“Families from right across Brisbane go to Calamvale District Park because of the incredible playground,” Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said.

“The bush setting, shady trees and great range of other facilities also make it a great spot for an event, like a birthday party.”

Published 25 March 2023

Proposed Centre on Gooderham Road: Would Pallara Finally Have A Local Shopping Centre?

Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

A development application for a two-level centre on Gooderham Road in Pallara that will include a range of uses including a supermarket receives overwhelming support from the local community.

The development application seeks approval for a new centre anchored by a supermarket and supported by specialty stores and other tenancies including a gym, food and drink outlets, a medical centre, offices and shops. The proposed site is located at 201 Gooderham Road, Pallara with a total area of 20,260 sqm.

Proposed Centre on Gooderham Road: Would Pallara Finally Have Its Local Shopping Centre? — *Photo credit: Brisbane City Council /* developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Proposed hours of operation:

Veterinary Clinic: 24 hour
Gym: 24hour
Medical centre: 6 am – 10 pm
Supermarket: 24hour
Supermarket service vehicles: 6 am – 10 pm
Online deliveries:5 am – 11 pm
Shops and food outlets: 6 am – 10 pm
Offices: 6 am – 10 pm

With more than 100 submissions having been submitted so far, the proposal appears to be well received by the locals who have long been waiting for such a development in their area. This was also noted by Bluepoint Pallara Pty Ltd in their response to further advice letter dated 17 February 2023.

“From a review of all submissions, it is clear that there is overwhelming support from the community for the proposed development, noting that it will provide a vital piece of infrastructure in an underserviced catchment. The proposed range of uses will diversify the offering of services, facilities, and amenities and will be an important asset for the local community,” the letter states.

“A shopping precinct is a must for the growing Pallara community as we are currently travelling to the neighbouring suburbs even for the basic necessities. I strongly support this development.” – Anonymous

“Looks like we’re not having any local shopping center in Pallara. Suburb has been grown in recent times. Without any local shops, all elderly and young families have to travel across other suburbs for their basic needs. We’ve been assured by Stocklands around 4-5 years back that this shopping center is coming but never happened. Hope Council can approve this proposal and we can have our local shopping center asap.” – Anonymous

“There has already been a long delay of the developer’s promise of the shopping centre and my parents who couldn’t drive needed to walk 3 hours to the closest shop to buy any groceries (1.5 +1.5 hours).” – Anonymous

“I believe this development will be a huge addition to the evergrowing Pallara area, as a Pallara Resident.” – Anonymous

Meanwhile, a submission opposing the proposal said that it was considered “inconsistent with the intent of the Neighbourhood Centre precinct under the Preliminary Approval,” particularly, the GFA which exceeds that 4,000 sqm cap and that the “Economic Needs Analysis does not provide sufficient justification for almost double the permitted GFA on site.”

Another resident expressed concern about the proposed development creating noise and heat as well as pollution to their immediate living environment.

Published 17-March-2023

Works Start On Upgrades For Wadeville Street And Parkwood Drive

Works to improve the intersection of Wadeville Street and Parkwood Drive have already started in February 2023, to improve safety and travel efficiency in the area.

Read: Transport Department Launches Initiative To Improve Safety For Bus Drivers

Wadeville Street will be realigned and straightened to create a T-intersection whilst traffic signals on each approach at the intersection will be installed to make the intersection safer for all road users.

Works will also involve signalising pedestrian crossing points, installing new traffic islands and line marking to formalise traffic movements, installing new on-road bike lanes, upgrading footpaths, and relocation of underground services (Telstra, Energex, Urban Utilities, NBN, APA gas).

Project plan (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)

The ongoing works are the Stage 1B of the Wadeville Street and Ritchie Road corridor improvements project for Pallara, which aims to improve safety, reduce congestion and increase travel reliability in the area.

Stage 1A, which involved improving access to and from Pallara State School, including a new right-turn pocket for drivers, crossing point for school children and new bus stops, was completed in November 2022.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner is just one of several intersection upgrades which will be delivered across Brisbane to help residents get home sooner and safer.

“Pallara is one of Brisbane’s fastest growing suburbs and this intersection is already used by 11,000 vehicles daily as well as many local school children,” Cr Schrinner said.

Photo credit: Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner/Facebook

Besides providing better public transport options and improving safety for road users, it’s also expected to provide safer access to Pallara State School.

The project is funded through the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, which supports local road and community infrastructure projects throughout the country.

Read: Residential Subdivision Proposed on Pine and Orchards Roads, Richlands

Standard work hours are Monday to Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Works are expected to be complete by mid-2023.

Castamore Way Park To Get Shade Sail As Part Of City’s Sun Safe Playgrounds Initiative

Richland’s Castamore Way Park, one of Brisbane’s newest parks, is set to receive shade in 2023, as part of the city’s Sun Safe Suburban Playgrounds Program.

Read: Residential Subdivision Proposed on Pine and Orchards Roads, Richlands

Under the initiative, Castamore Way Park will have shade sails which will be beneficial especially during the warmer months of the year. The park will be one of the first 41 playgrounds to be retrofitted with shade covers in 2023.

Brisbane City Council has allocated $10 million for the three-year program to ensure every playground in the city has shade that will help protect parents, carers and children and potentially save lives.

Although Council has incorporated shade in all of the city’s new playgrounds when required, there are some that still need to be retrofitted with some form of cover.

Through the Sun Safe Suburban Playgrounds program, Council will identify those playgrounds that need cover and ensure they receive it over the next three years.

Cancer Council Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mr Andrew Donne supports the program, given that Australia has the highest rate of melanoma in the world.

“What I must convey however, is that skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers,” said Mr Donne.

Photo credit: Oleksandr Pidvalnyi/Pixabay

“I applaud the Lord Mayor as he creates more shady recreational spaces for Brisbane kids,” he added.

Mr Donne also urged locals to do their part in improving their own sun safety, such as using protective clothing, SPF 30+ sunscreen, a broad-brimmed hat; seeking shade and sliding on wraparound sunglasses.

Aside from installing shade sails, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said they will also look at investing in planting mature trees.

“Trees not only create a cleaner, greener Brisbane but are also a great source of shade,” said Cr Schrinner.

About Castamore Way Park

Once a land area filled with just grass and trees, Castamore Way Park is being developed by Brisbane City Council following consultation with the community in 2020.

In mid-2022, works started for the new park and playspace at Castamore Way Park. It will feature a large new playground, drinking fountain, picnic shelter, new tree grove for shade and shelter, new walking paths and an open area for ball games.

Read: Discover Warril Parkland: Nature-Based Adventure Parkland in Larapinta

Castamore Way Park is located at 112A and 120A Progress Road, Richlands.