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Transport Department Launches Initiative To Improve Safety For Bus Drivers

A call to improve safety for bus drivers in Brisbane, especially for those who drive in problematic routes across Forest Lake and Inala, have finally been heard, following the announcement of Queensland’s new network officer strategy.

Read: Notorious Forest Lake Blvd and Rudyard St Intersection to Get Safety Upgrade

In January 2023, Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey announced that bus drivers will be protected with full safety barriers and that Queensland Police Service will focus on public transport services in the Brisbane metropolitan area.

This comes after some bus drivers started boycotting the routes due to attacks from gangs in the area, after being spat on and even having human faeces thrown on them.

Safety For Bus Drivers — RTBU members with Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey (Photo credit: RTBU QLD Branch)

Because of the incident, Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) issued a safety notice to members advising them of their rights to be safe at work.

“It is widely known that the 100/110 bus routes servicing Inala and Forest Lake are the most dangerous routes in the Transport for Brisbane Network,” RTBU QLD Branch said.

The union added that on 8 January, an RTBU Member was assaulted twice by an organised gang. Authorities were required to stop the 100 service altogether due to the uncontrolled violence and chaos created by the gangs that were present that night.

The new network officer strategy that would improve safety for bus drivers is part of the Queensland Government’s $64.7 million commitment for public transport over the next five years.

This would mark the first time that police will patrol Queensland’s bus network. They will also be deployed across Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Logan.

RTBU said this is a big step in the right direction and they are looking forward to working closely with Translink in the delivery of the new initiative.

Read: Would Public Transport Be Able To Keep Pace With Pallara’s Booming Population?

For the meantime, there’s a mobile unit in the area constantly monitoring the situation all day as well as a team sent over from Translink who are on duty from 6:00 p.m. every night.

Bus Drivers Stop Night Service to Inala and Forest Lake Due to Safety Concerns

Photo credit: RAIL TRAM AND BUS UNION / rtbu.com.au

Bus drivers servicing routes 100 and 110 have had enough. Due to rising incidences of youth crime and violence, buses on these routes will no longer be travelling through the areas of Inala and Forest Lake at night, until further notice.

The Rail, Tram, and Bus Union (RTBU) has recently announced that from 6.30 pm to the last service, bus service will no longer continue past Stop 67 on Blunder Road, Oxley every Thursday to Sunday for route 100 outbound beginning 20 January 2023. This will also apply to route 110 outbound as it will not go further than Stop 59 on Mortimer Road, Acacia Ridge North.

The announcement is in response to the continued violence being experienced by the drivers servicing these bus routes. RTBU said that their drivers continue to experience incidents of being assaulted and buses being vandalised despite temporary measures put in place the week before “to help alleviate youth gang violence.”

“The safety of our bus drivers is still in imminent risk. The measures put in place so far are simply not enough to deter the youth gangs threatening and attacking our members.

“This is not good enough!

“Everyone deserves the right to go to work without fear and go home without being assaulted.

For the past weeks, it was reported that there have been about 24 incidents of violence including assault, spitting, and attacks from the outside using rocks and bottles. The last incident occurred Friday 13 January 2023 when a huge rock was thrown at the bus window where two female passengers were seated.

“We acknowledge the disruption this will cause to members of the community but our members deserve to be safe at work and we take any action necessary to guarantee this.

“Police need to be allocated to these routes to keep our drivers safe until fully encapsulated screens and a dedicated transit police squad are up and running.”

In late December 2022, the State Government announced that it will introduce new measures in response to the rising crimes involving the youth including increasing high-visibility patrols; construction of two new youth detention facilities; and a penalty of 14 years if an offence is committed at night, where the offender uses violence or threatens violence.

Published 24-January-2023

Residential Subdivision Proposed on Pine and Orchards Roads, Richlands

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

A proposal has been submitted for a residential subdivision, converting two large lots on Pine Road and Orchard Road in Richlands into 50 smaller ones.

The proposed subdivision of the subject site involves two lots located at 70 Pine Road and 140 Orchard Road in Richlands.

Forty-five of the proposed allotments will be small lots intended for residential dwellings with sizes between 210 sqm and 326 sqm. The small lots are projected to accommodate up to three-storey dwellings or rooming accommodation and a potential amalgamation in the future to create alternative developments including dual occupancy and multiple dwellings.

The 5 large lots totalling 6,007 sqm, meanwhile, are intended for multiple dwellings, residential care facilities or retirement facility development of potentially up to five storeys high with areas ranging between 800sqm and 1,587sqm.

There are no plans to demolish the existing dwelling house and sheds on the proposed Lot 48 whilst the rest of the site will be cleared to facilitate the proposed development.

Proposed residential subdivision plan | Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

The proposal relies on previously approved arrangements (DA A005057116) namely the road layout, extent of drainage reserve and engineering arrangements.

“The proposal relies predominantly on the previously approved road layout with the exception of Road 1 which will be altered and extended with the southern culdesac to the removed. Road 1 will continue to curve around to the south to connect to the unconstructed western portion of Yerongpan Street passing partly through the site,” the Consultant Planning assessment report states.

“This will result in a slight increase in the extent of the previously approved drainage reserve due to the removal of the culdesac.Yerongpan Street will be extended along the western portion of the corridor to be dedicated as part of the development.”

Published 14-January-2023

A Pallara Woman Enters New Year a New Millionaire

Photo credit: Jill Wellington / Pixabay

A Pallara woman enters the New Year as a newly minted millionaire and plans to spend her windfall building a new family home and taking an overseas holiday.

The woman held one of the two division one winning entries in Forest Lake – Pallara woman eyes overseas odyssey with $1 million Gold Lotto win that was drawn last 21 December 2022. She took home $1 million.

“Oh my god! Oh my god!,” the Pallara woman joyfully cried after receiving the great news from an official from The Lott.

“Are you kidding me?! I’ve won $1 million?! Holy s***!

“I’m in tears. This is amazing. What an early Christmas present!

“I’m working from home today, and it’s going to be hard to concentrate for the rest of the day!

She said that they have been playing the same six-game entry into Monday & Wednesday Gold Lotto for many years. “It’s only a small game,” she said, “so I’m surprised we’ve won division one!”

“We marked our own numbers using birthday dates and other numbers close to our hearts.

“I need to go ring my husband then have a laugh and a cry by myself!

“My husband won’t believe me. He’s at work right now!

“Wow! I have to wrap my head around it!”

When asked what she will do with her windfall once it lands in her bank account in the new year, she said that since they are currently renting, she would love to buy a family home.

“Overseas holidays are definitely on the list,” she added,” Wow, I can’t believe we can do all of this now!”

“I would love to go to Thailand and Vietnam, and my partner would love to go to America.

“Thank you so much!”

The woman purchased her winning entry online.

The winning numbers in Monday & Wednesday Gold Lotto draw 4245 on Wednesday 21 December 2022 were 30, 9, 45, 4, 8 and 41. The supplementary numbers were 24 and 26.

Owner of Stolen Vehicle In Ellen Grove Shares Trauma After ‘Horrifying’ Incident

A resident from Ellen Grove was left traumatised after being a victim of a break-and-enter incident, which resulted in his vehicle being stolen on New Year’s Day.

Read: Notorious Forest Lake Blvd and Rudyard St Intersection to Get Safety Upgrade

Zak Kelly, the man from Ellen Grove was traumatised after having his Land Cruiser stolen. The vehicle reportedly has a value of $150,000.

The horrifying incident was caught on his CCTV camera, and Kelly couldn’t help but feel concerned especially after seeing that one of the thieves, who happened to be a woman, was holding a gun.

The armed woman was believed to be the lookout, whilst two men broke into their Ellen Grove property.

Kelly said the fact that the woman has a weapon is very daunting and frightening, and it’s giving him sleepless nights. The thieves reportedly rammed the Land Cruiser through the fence.

Unfortunately, the persons of interest are not yet caught by authorities as of writing. For now, the Ellen Grove resident only wishes to have his vehicle, which he got after years of hard work, returned to him.

If there’s only one thing the man is thankful for, it’s that he did not caught the thieves in the act. Otherwise, things might have become worse, according to the man, who is also a father of four.

Meanwhile, authorities are urging members of the public to Immediately dial 000 for Police if they sighted the vehicle. The stolen vehicle is a dark grey 79 series Toyota Land Cruiser bearing the Queensland Registration V87RB0.

Read: Locals Say They Didn’t Know About Proposed Parkinson Subdivision Until It Was Too Late

Under Queensland’s laws, an offender who gains entry to the premises by any break, and then commits an indictable offence, is liable to a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

The Hub Community Projects Receives Grant To Maintain Its Community Garden in Inala

The Hub Community Projects, a community organisation based in Inala, has been chosen as the recipient of Brisbane’s Cultivating Community Gardens Grant.

Read: Get To Know Thai Hoa, the Inala Grocer That Supplies Many of the Best Restaurants in the City

Through the grant, Hub Community Projects Inala received a total of $2,485.55 grant in November 2022, which will be used to develop and maintain their community garden.

Councillor for Forest Lake Ward Charles Strunk said this is great news for the many local families who source food from the gardens and volunteers who dedicate their time to reduce carbon footprint.

Run by the group’s amazing and dedicated volunteers, the community garden is home to a range of vegetables, herbs, succulents, and even hard to find plants like choko, luffa gourd and Egyptian spinach.

Hub Community Projects’ community garden can be found at the group’s Neighbourhood Centre, at 79 Poinsettia Street, Inala.

About the Cultivating Community Gardens Grants

Brisbane City Council’s Cultivating Community Gardens Grants provide funding to local non-profit community-based groups and organisations to establish, develop and/or maintain community gardens on Council-owned and other land.

Community organisations eligible for the grant receive $1000 to $2,500 in funding.

Organisations can use the funding for different types of projects, such as buying tools or material for their gardens, services relating to the maintenance of the garden, or publicity and programs that increase wider community involvement and education about the gardens and their activities.

Read: Grand Plaza Acquisition Ups EG Funds’ Portfolio to $1 Billion

Applications for the grant are open to all incorporated not-for-profit organisations in Brisbane, given that they have no outstanding debts or overdue, unacquitted grants with Council.

To learn more about the grants, including the application process, visit Council’s website.

Pallara Man Allegedly Hit a Cyclist and Two Pedestrians in Three Separate Incidents

Photo credit: Kindel Media / Pexels

A Pallara man has been charged with multiple counts of grievous bodily harm after he allegedly hit two pedestrians and a cyclist with his car in three separate incidents.

The first incident allegedly happened on the morning of 23 December 2022 when the man hit a 27-year-old woman who was walking through the Calamvale shopping centre’s underground car park from behind with his vehicle, believed to be a silver 2010 Ford Focus.

He then fled the scene without offering assistance to the woman who was later found by members of the public and was taken to the Mater Hospital. She is reported to be in stable condition.

Another incident occurred allegedly involving the same vehicle on the evening of 1 January 2023 when an 85-year-old man riding his bike along Daw Road in Runcorn was also hit. Police said that the vehicle came from behind the elderly cyclist and swerved to hit him.

Like in the previous incident, the vehicle fled the scene and rendered no assistance. The cyclist was transported to the Princess Alexandra Hospital and is in stable condition.

Two days after the alleged incident involving a cyclist, a vehicle with a matching description got involved in another incident. This time, an 81-year-old man from Eight Miles Plains who was walking through a Mt Gravatt shopping centre car park was allegedly struck by the same Ford Focus. He was transported to the Princess Alexandra Hospital and is in stable condition.

CCTV footage of the three incidents showed the silver 2010 Ford Focus as the vehicle involved in the incidents.

The 37-year-old man has been charged with three counts of acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm, failing to remain at the incident and render assistance, and one count of failing to provide a specimen of blood for analysis.

The man whose bail has been refused was already scheduled face Brisbane Magistrates Court.

Published 6-January-2023

Discover Warril Parkland: Nature-Based Adventure Parkland in Larapinta

Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / Flickr

Warril Parkland in Larapinta, part of the $100-million Oxley Creek Transformation project, is the perfect place for some family fun spent outdoors. Check out the nature-based playground, a lakeside boardwalk and a pontoon, as well as picnic facilities, birdwatching, bushwalking, and off-road cycling opportunities.

Swing in nature-play playground at Warril Parkland — Swing in nature-play playground | Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / Flickr

Located at 1059 Paradise Road, Warril Parkland is home to many land and water animals.

Stage One of Warril Parkland – Larapinta, part of the $100-million Oxley Creek Transformation project which spans the area from the Brisbane River at Tennyson to Larapinta, is now complete.

Path in nature-play playground atWarril Parkland — Path in nature-play playground | Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / Flickr

Kids will definitely have a grand time exploring the nature play area which incorporates water play, swings (including a toddler seat), a flying fox, an observation tower with a tunnel slide, and climbing nets.

Flying fox in nature-based playground | Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / Flickr

The lush green space is also home to the Warril Parkland Discovery Trail, part of the Junior Ranger Program, to help kids better understand their natural surroundings by learning about the parkland’s history, animals and plants. The trail’s 11 stops include fun activities and challenges for children of all ages.

Nature-play playground at Warril Parkland — Nature-play playground | Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / Flickr

Other features of the parkland include onsite toilets (with disabled access), a car parking area big enough to accommodate 56 cars with two parks for people with a disability and two bus parking bays.

Water play in nature-play playground | Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / Flickr

Warril Parkland – Larapinta is open daily from 6 am to 6.30 pm.

About Oxley Creek Transformation Project

The Oxley Creek Transformation project is a $100 million project that’s expected to be delivered over 20 years. It aims to transform the corridor, which runs from the Brisbane River at Tennyson to Larapinta, into a world-class green, lifestyle, and leisure destination.

The priority projects under the Oxley Creek Transformation master plan include:

Nature-based Adventure Parkland at Larapinta
A 20-kilometre recreation trail from the Brisbane River to Warri Parkland
Oxley Creek Common Bird Sanctuary – a world-renowned bird-watching destination at Oxley Creek Common
Archerfield Wetlands Parkland – a regional parkland and interpretive centre at Archerfield Wetlands
Restoration Plan – progressive improvements to habitats, vegetation, waterway stability and water quality.

Building Expansion Can’t Keep Pace with Pallara State School Enrolment Surge

Construction delays at one of Queensland’s fastest-growing schools, Pallara State School, can’t keep pace with the rapid growth of student enrollment. Due to this increased demand and current overcapacity, some parents have expressed concerns that their children might not have classrooms when the new school term starts.

Following the opening of Pallara State School in 2016, several housing developments around the area have pushed the Department of Education to prioritise the school’s expansion.

In June 2022, the Queensland Government’s 2022 to 2023 budget included the delivery of $4.4 million for more classrooms. However, the new buildings apparently won’t be ready until late March 2023, per a spokesperson.

Instead, the Department of Education will be setting up alternative classrooms until the actual buildings become operational. But some parents feel this solution will affect their children’s learning despite assurances that these temporary spaces will have classrooms and play areas conducive to learning.

An official from Pallara State School said that if the new buildings are already installed, the school could accept 1,260 students as opposed to the current maximum enrolment capacity of 1,142 students.

Everleigh State School Celebrates Official Opening

After an eventful first year, Everleigh State School in Greenbank will be scaling up its facilities to double its student capacity. Construction is expected to begin in 2023, with a planned 2024 completion.

Read: New Guardian Childcare and Education Centre Opens in Richlands

In its first year, over 250 Everleigh State School Prep to Year 6 students enjoyed its new state-of-the-art facilities. The new school can accommodate a little over 700 students, but it will be able to cater to 1,400 students once Stage 2 is complete.

According to Education Minister Grace Grace, the contract award for the second stage of the school, which will deliver more learning spaces, is planned for early 2023, with completion scheduled in time for the 2024 school year.

Stage 1 includes an administration block, resource centre, multi-purpose hall, learning spaces, amenities, a canteen and covered areas.

Everleigh State School Principal Nicole Wheatley said students and staff at the new school were absolutely delighted with the campus and facilities.

“Our new school not only looks great, we’ve also started out with a positive and growth-minded school community,” Mrs Wheatley said.

Students, families, and the entire school community at Everleigh State School in Greenbank gathered in November 2022 for the school’s official opening which coincided with its successful first-year celebration.

The school is one of the three new schools built by the Queensland Government in 2022, including Nirimba State Primary School on the Sunshine Coast and Coomera State Special School on the Gold Coast.

The school is also one of 912 Queensland schools benefitting from rooftop solar as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s $168-million Advancing Clean Energy Schools (ACES) Program.

There are around 270 solar panels at the school, which helps produce clean, renewable energy saving both the environment and money on electricity bills.

Read: Pallara State School Receives WasteSMART Award for Environmental Initiatives

The Government invested $75 million in the new school, as part of its commitment to build new schools and expand existing schools in Queensland’s fastest-growing areas, including Green Bank.

In 2023, Queensland will open four more schools – Woogaroo Creek State School in Augustine Heights, South Rock State School in Yarrabillba, Ripley Central State School, and a new state high school in Palmview on the Sunshine Coast.