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Proposals for Heritage Trail and Footbridge at Rafting Ground Park in Brookfield Receive Overwhelming Community Support

Proposals to establish a heritage trail and rename a footbridge at Rafting Ground Park in Brookfield have gathered overwhelming community support.

Proposed Heritage Trail

The proposed heritage trail at Rafting Ground Park is intended to honour the legacy of the bullockies who operated in the area and played a crucial role in sending timber down the river for the early development of the city.

Community sessions were held to seek local inputs and feedback on plans for a proposed path from the park’s entrance to the footbridge; the incorporation of five to six storyboard plaques along the trail to tell the story of the bullockies; and the inclusion of a recognition of the traditional owners on the first sign at the entry to the trail. The type of path, whether a natural rock/gravel path or a concrete path, is also under consideration.

“There was majority support for a heritage trail at the Park and some great suggestions that we will incorporate in the developing a concept for the trail,” Cr Greg Adermann said, while expressing gratitude to those who participated in the community sessions.

Judy Magub, President of the Kenmore and District Historical Society, played a pivotal role in developing the concept for the heritage trail. All of the feedback received have been shared with Ms Magub, who is working on the proposal to be presented to BCC for advice and costing in the coming weeks.

Renaming a Footbridge

In another significant development, a recommendation to name the footbridge in Rafting Ground Park in honour of the late Emeritus Professor Ludvik Bass has received considerable local interest and support. Of the 81 responses received, only 2 were opposed.

Professor Bass had a profound connection with the park, and his family had been associated with the area for over 50 years. The naming of the footbridge stands as a tribute to Professor Bass’s dedication and advocacy for the park.

Professor Bass’s connection with the park dates back to the 1970s when his family frequently visited for picnics and leisure activities. His involvement in advocating for the construction of the footbridge was pivotal in connecting different parts of the park and improving accessibility.

The developments mark a significant step forward in recognizing the historical significance of Rafting Ground Park and ensuring that its stories continue to be shared for generations to come.

Published 23-Aug-2023

Jacaranda House Charms, Wins House of the Year

Photo Credit: Creative Force Ltd 2023 / mbqld.awardsplatform.com

At this year’s Master Builders Brisbane 2023 Housing & Construction Awards, Corella Construction was awarded the prestigious Xact Accounting House of the Year for the charming beautiful Fig Tree Pocket riverfront family home, Jacaranda House.

The Master Builders Brisbane described the Jacaranda House as “an exceptional build oozing style and old-school craftsmanship.” The Hamptons-style riverfront abode boasts a 57–metre-wide frontage and is divided into various components such as dormer windows, elongated patios, and glazed gable ends.

Jacaranda House Charms, Wins House of the Year — *Photo Credit: Creative Force Ltd 2023 /* mbqld.awardsplatform.com

“The detail was exceptional boasting an old school craftmanship almost forgotten,” the judges’ comments state.

“It was a moving experience visiting this project. The builder created an icon on the Brisbane River for future generations to admire.”

The master bedroom features a walk-in closet and a nursery room. There’s also an ensuite with a freestanding Victoria and Albert bathtub that offers a view of the abundant Jacaranda trees lining the riverside of the property.

Jacaranda House was further described as “an entertainer’s dream” for its expansive outdoor space that can be accessed from the dining, living, and bedroom sections. An all-inclusive outdoor kitchen complements the pool area that’s further complemented with an integrated spa and an infinity edge.

And making this home extra special is the alfresco area that affords uninterrupted views of the descending lawns leading to the river.

“The builder considered the vegetation with every angle looking onto the river or Jacarandas and tennis court in the back garden,” the judges said.

“Jacaranda House is a shining example of what can be delivered when the owner has a vision, and the builder has the dedication to meet the vision.”

“Jacaranda House boasts a spectacular presentation that takes your breath away.”

The luxurious riverfront home also bagged the ABI Interiors Individual Home over $3 million Award.

Other major winners at the Master Builders Brisbane 2023 Housing & Construction Awards include Jubilee Place by BESIX Watpac (Winner of the 2023 Brisbane Professional Certification Group Project of the Year) and Larc by Graya Construction (Winner of the 2023 Brisbane BUSSQ Building Super President’s Award).

See all Brisbane winners here.

Published 22-August-2023

Fifteen-Year-Old Snooker Phenom Lilly Meldrum Claims Historic National Title

Year 10 Kenmore State High School student Lilly Meldrum made history when she defeated defending champion Jessica Woods 4-2 to become the youngest ever winner of the Australian National Women’s Snooker Championship in Albury.

Meldrum, 15, first started playing snooker at the age of 9 on her family’s home table. Despite needing a jigger to reach across the full-size table, she quickly demonstrated a prodigious talent for the sport.

By 2019, Meldrum was already ranked 4th in the world in the under-16 age group. Her recent victory over seven-time national champion Woods underlined her rapid progress in snooker.

Lilly Meldrum defeats fellow Queenslander in comeback fashion

Woods, also from Queensland, jumped out to a 2-0 lead over Meldrum in the championship final. However, the young phenom showed resilience beyond her years and captured the next four frames in a row to claim the national title.

In doing so, Meldrum became the first player other than Woods to win the Australian women’s championship since 2018.

World championship in sights

Earlier this year, Meldrum was a semi-finalist at the World Under-21 Snooker Championship in Thailand.

At just 15 years of age, Lilly Meldrum has already etched her name into the record books and hinted at greater things to come. Her historic national title highlights the arrival of an exciting young player on the global snooker stage.

Published 19 August 2023

Riding into the Sunset: Why McIntyre Centre Had to Close

Photo Credit: HELP ENTERPRISES / helpenterprises.com.au/

Eagle Farm-based charity HELP Enterprises has issued a response to criticisms stemming from the closure of the beloved McIntyre Centre Riding for the Disabled in Pinjarra Hills.

Some residents could not help but express disappointment over their decision to shut the facility. HELP Enterprises, hence, stated to clarify its position and reasoning behind the move.

HELP Enterprises revealed that six different groups had expressed interest in taking over the operation of the McIntyre Centre. Since none of the not-for-profit organisations and allied health providers met the requirement stated under charitable trust, they decided to pause the process.

Taking into account various factors, the charity clarified its decision to shut down the disabled riding centre. These factors include changes in the funding landscape due to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) rules as well as the transition from a volunteer-led operation to a centre requiring qualified, paid staff.

According to the statement, the Deed of Gift that transferred the centre to HELP Enterprises in 2017 necessitated substantial investments, and since then, the organisation has spent around $4 million on infrastructure and maintenance.

They also clarified that the organisation’s commitment to its charitable trust obligations prevented any alterations without court approval.

However, the transition to a blended model of staff and volunteers in accordance with NDIS guidelines, along with other funding changes, led to a drastic drop in the number of rides provided annually – from 7,500 to 2,800.

HELP Enterprises emphasised that the decision to cease services was not taken lightly, and they share the concern for the participants and horses. Furthermore, they were planning on finding appropriate homes for the horses. It was clear to them that they were not planning on selling them at auction.

Whilst acknowledging the difficulty of the decision, HELP Enterprises assured that it is committed to finding the best possible outcome for the McIntyre Centre’s future.

They expressed the belief that it could take up to six months to identify a new operator, and in the interim, the sale of assets including horses would fund essential maintenance of the property.

Published 17-August-2023

Brookfield Community Monitors Installed to Address Flight Plan Noise Impact

Photo Credit: PXFUEL

Amidst the mounting concerns about escalating aircraft noise in the Brookfield and Upper Brookfield areas, temporary noise monitors have been installed to capture data and analyse the impact of flight operations.

The move comes as part of a broader initiative by Airservices Australia (ASA) to address the growing issue of aircraft noise across Brisbane. The results from these monitors will be shared with the community after three months of data collection via the WebTrak platform.

The temporary monitors have been strategically positioned at Jones Rd in Brookfield and Carbine Rd in Upper Brookfield. These locations were chosen to assess the noise impact of aircraft departure and arrival operations, respectively. The initiative underscores ASA’s commitment to addressing community concerns and involving residents in the decision-making process.

Community Engagement Sessions to Discuss Flight Path Options

To foster open dialogue and gather valuable input from residents, ASA has announced a series of engagement sessions starting 8 Aug until 10 Sept 2023. These sessions will provide an opportunity for residents to discuss and provide feedback on the proposed flight path changes.

Among the options being explored are strategies to increase flights over Moreton Bay, reduce nighttime operations’ impact, and distribute flight paths more evenly across affected communities.

Residents of Brookfield, Upper Brookfield, and the nearby suburbs are invited to participate in the community engagement session scheduled for Monday, 14 Aug 2023, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Brookfield Hall within the Brookfield Showgrounds. Additionally, ASA is organising online sessions from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for those unable to attend in person, ensuring that as many voices as possible are heard.

Online Sessions

Tuesday 22 August

Thursday 31 August

Tuesday 5 September

Resurgence of Controversial Flight Path Plan

As part of a comprehensive Noise Action Plan, ASA has unveiled a revived proposal for significant changes to Brisbane Airport’s flight paths. One of the most contentious aspects of the plan involves permitting round-the-clock simultaneous takeoffs and landings from both runways at the airport. The proposal, known as Simultaneous Opposite Direction Runway Operations (SODPROPS), is aimed at addressing the noise issue.

Initially proposed over two decades ago and subsequently abandoned, the SODPROPS plan was revisited following persistent noise-related complaints from residents. While ASA had initially considered implementing SODPROPS only during nighttime hours, the current proposal envisions extending this practice throughout the day, depending on favourable wind patterns, weather conditions, and air traffic volume.

READ THE FULL REPORT

Brisbane Flight Path — Photo Credit: Airservices Australia

Community Responses and ASA’s Approach

The resurgence of the flight path plan has elicited mixed reactions from the community. Marcus Foth, the spokesperson for the Brisbane Flight Path Community Alliance (BFPCA), welcomed the 24-hour implementation of SODPROPS but expressed reservations about ASA’s communication strategies. Foth criticised the agency for inundating the public with technical terminology, hindering meaningful public engagement.

ASA’s broader proposal includes a commitment to exploring alternative flight path options over the next two years. These options aim to distribute noise impact more equitably across the city without increasing the airport’s overall capacity.

Whilst the plan is still under review, Brisbane Airport Corporation has expressed support for ASA’s efforts to mitigate noise impact, particularly during nighttime operations. The final decision, shaped by community feedback and revisions, will determine the future trajectory of Brisbane’s flight paths and their potential to alleviate residents’ noise concerns.

End of An Era: Kenmore Cycles Tracks Closure After 27 Years

Kenmore Cycles, a favourite westside landmark and cycling institution, is tracking the end of an era after its owners announced its impending closure, after 27 years of serving the local community.

Alison and John Forbes, along with their son Ben, made the difficult decision to end the lease of their popular store on Moggill Rd, citing insurmountable challenges in finding an appropriate new location for the shop. They were told to vacate the place as early as August 2021 because the owner had plans for the building but have been unable to find another suitable place for the shop.

The Forbes family expressed their gratitude to their loyal customers and shared their future plans as they bid farewell to the shop that has been a cornerstone of the cycling community. The announcement comes as a disappointment to many cycling enthusiasts who frequented the store for its wide range of bikes, accessories, and repair services.

Alison and John also expressed their concerns about the escalating rents in the region, particularly given the unique nature of their business, which relied heavily on destination visitors more than walk-in customers.

Over the years, Kenmore Cycles became known not only for its comprehensive selection but also for the personalised service and expertise that the shop offers to its customer.

Throughout its 27-year run, the shop navigated challenges such as the rise of online shopping by focusing on building lasting relationships with their patrons.

Despite the difficulties, the Forbes family maintained a six-day workweek, with only limited breaks, ensuring that their customers’ needs were always met. Kenmore Cycles had even managed to weather the storm of online retail, adapting to changing times without compromising the essence of their business.

John said that whilst the decision to close was a tough one, he looks forward to spending more time with his family and potentially assisting his son Ben with his growing coaching and bike hire business, Forbes MTB. This venture has been gaining traction and presents an opportunity for the Forbes family to remain connected to their passion for cycling and the local community.

In October 2022, a Development Application (DA A006134569) was lodged to redevelop the property as a retail and food site. The application is still being assessed as of press time.

Moggill Road development — Photo Credit: DA A006134569

Published 9-Aug-2023

Safe and Sound: Anstead Ranked Among Safest Suburbs in Brisbane

Photo Credit: Pexels from Pixabay

Anstead, Bellbowrie, Moggill, and Priors Pocket have emerged as some of the safest suburbs to reside in Brisbane. Recent data shows that postcode 4070 is the second-ranked area code within the city and 34th across Queensland as a whole.

The analysis, conducted by Budget Direct, utilised property crime data from 2017 to 2020, obtained from the Queensland Police. The specific crime categories examined were “Unlawful Entry” and “Other Theft-Excluding Unlawful Entry.” Additionally, household data from the most recent Census trends was also taken into account.

Among the postcodes analysed, 4070 secured the second-highest position on the list, with a mere 17 crimes per 1,000 properties recorded. This places the area as the 34th safest postcode in all of Queensland.

Examining data from the Queensland Police Services – Online Crime Map covering the period from April 13, 2023, to July 12, 2023, Anstead experienced three reported offences during the last quarter – all falling under the category of “Other Theft-Excluding Unlawful Entry.”

In contrast, the entirety of postcode 4070 saw 53 reported offences within the same period. This figure includes nine cases of “Unlawful Entry” and 15 incidents of “Other Theft-Excluding Unlawful Entry.”

Safe and Sound: Anstead Ranked Among Safest Suburbs in Brisbane — Trend line showing how 4070 has changed over the past 4 whole calendar years, as well as how it compares to the Queensland average | Photo Credit: Budget Direct / budgetdirect.com.au

Below are the top 5 safest area codes in Brisbane.

At the top is postcode 4055, which encompasses the suburbs of Bunya, Ferny Grove, Ferny Hills, and Upper Kedron. With a remarkably low rate of only 14 incidents per 1,000 properties, it ranks at number 25 in the state for safety.

After postcodes 4055 and 4070, we find The Gap (Postal Code 4061) in the third spot. With 21 incidents per 1,000 properties, it ranks at number 41 in the state for safety. In area code 4037, which includes Eaton Hills, the safety record remains impressive. With only 23 incidents per 1,000 properties, it secures the 22nd spot in the state rankings.

Rounding out the top five is the area code 4154 which covers the suburbs of Gumdale, Ransome, and Wakerley, and it also stands as a safe haven for residents. With 24 incidents per 1,000 properties, it ranks at number 53 in the state for safety.

All of the top postcodes on the list exhibited fewer than 60 crimes per 1,000 properties, a significantly lower figure compared to the state average of 130 crimes per 1,000 properties.

Property crime rates attributed to the respective postcodes represent collective statistics encompassing all the suburbs within each postcode. Therefore, these figures may not accurately reflect the individual suburb’s property crime rates.

Published 13-July-2023

Woman Who Allegedly Tries to Help Ambulance Gets $575 Red-light Camera Fine

A woman has spent months fighting a red-light camera fine of $575 and three demerit points after driving through a red light to get out of the way of an ambulance.

Read: Calls for Kenmore Roundabout Upgrades Revived as Traffic Congestion Worsens

The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, allegedly drove through a red light on Moggill Road in Kenmore to make way for an ambulance with flashing lights and siren approaching from behind her.

According to the law, Queensland motorists are allowed to drive on the wrong side of the road or drive through a red light to clear the way for emergency vehicles. The woman claims this was what why she went through the red light but her appeal of the fine was denied because there was no photographic evidence from the traffic camera showing the ambulance.

Photo credit: Transport and Main Roads Queensland/Facebook

She has had to file a Right to Information request to access records from the Queensland Ambulance Service to prove there was an ambulance at the intersection when she went through the red light.

In an email rejecting her appeal, the woman was told the traffic camera evidence showed her vehicle in the right turning lane on Moggill Road with the arrow red, and that crossing the solid white “stop” line constitutes an offence regardless of whether a turn was made or she proceeded straight.

The case highlights what is believed to be a loophole in the law that does not account for situations where photographic evidence fails to capture an ambulance that is present when a driver runs a red light.

The Queensland Revenue Office estimates it receives up to two such disputed fines per month. When appealed, a red-light camera fine is reviewed for any indication of an emergency vehicle in camera images from before or after the offence.

Read: Transurban Toll Hike Sparks Outcry

The Brisbane woman has opted not to take her fight to court, which could involve an expensive and lengthy legal process. Still, she argued she ran the red light solely to help clear a path for the ambulance behind her.

Published 13-July-2023

Low Crime Rates Make 4069 Among Brisbane’s Safest Postcodes

Residents of Kenmore, Kenmore Hills and surrounding areas can rest easy knowing they live in one of Brisbane’s safest postcodes. With only 31 crimes reported per 1,000 properties over the past five years, the crime rate at postcode 4069 is well below the Queensland average of 130 crimes per 1,000 properties.

Read: Local Groups To Provide Inputs for Kenmore Community Centre Redevelopment on Brookfield Rd

Postcode 4069 spans many suburbs, including Kenmore, Kenmore Hills, Brookfield, Chapel Hill, Fig Tree Pocket, Kenmore East, Pinjarra Hills, Pullenvale, Upper Brookfield, Kenmore Dc and Lone Pine.

A recent analysis has shown that the area has one of the lowest rates of property crime in Brisbane.

Based on Queensland Police Service’s Online Crime Map, the entire postcode 4069 recorded one case of robbery, 27 cases of trespassing and vagrancy, 29 cases of assault, among other offenses reported between July 13, 2022 to July 12, 2023. A total of 657 offences of varying natures were reported for the whole postcode.

Meanwhile, the analysis found the safest Brisbane postcode is 4055, covering suburbs like Ferny Hills, Upper Kedron, Bunya, Ferny Grove and Ferny Hills, which had the fewest property crimes.

Many homeowners and would-be home buyers are increasingly worried about the risk of robberies or home burglaries, assault, trespassing, and other types of crime. Whilst living in a low-risk suburb helps, Queensland Police says it’s still important for all homeowners to take action to reduce the chance of break-ins, which can happen anywhere.

Read: Kenmore Property Market Remains In Demand With 15% Median Growth

This includes increasing the level of security within their homes, getting involved in the community such as the Neighbourhood Watch program, and minimising the number of unknown visitors they allow into their homes.

Published 13-July-2023

Calls for Kenmore Roundabout Upgrades Revived as Traffic Congestion Worsens

Talks of upgrading the Kenmore roundabout at the intersection of Moggill Road and Brookfield Road have been revived as traffic congestion in Kenmore continues to worsen. Concerns have also been raised about the roadwork intended for this area.

The Royal Automobile Club of Queensland’s (RACQ) recent congestion survey listed Moggill Road as one of the top 10 hotspots in the state. The findings have intensified calls for immediate action to alleviate the gridlock affecting the region.

Councillor Greg Adermann said that the State Government’s proposal to introduce a bikeway on Moggill Road would do little to alleviate the congestion experienced by families stuck at the Kenmore roundabout. He called on the government to redirect funding towards improving the roundabout, ensuring that all modes of transportation—cars, buses, and bikes—benefit from the upgrades.

In 2019, $12.5 million in federal government funds was committed to upgrade the State Government-controlled Kenmore roundabout. The State Government promised to match the federal funds allocation, bringing total funding to $25 million.

However, the State’s proposal to transform the roundabout into a signalised intersection faced strong opposition from the local community. State Minister for Main Roads Mark Bailey subsequently shifted the funding towards a “bike only” solution for Moggill Road.

“This clearly will not help most residents who are stuck in traffic congestion,” Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said, an observation he shares with Cr Greg Adermann.

“We are yet to hear where the $12.5 million of federal funding has gone. Residents deserve to know what is happening with this money and whether it will ever be spent as originally intended – to upgrade Moggill Road,” LM Schrinner added.

Adding to the frustration, Elizabeth Watson-Brown, the newly elected Federal MP for Ryan, voiced her support for the cancellation of the roundabout upgrade, deeming it a “positive step.”

This stance sparked further criticism from residents and local officials who believe that immediate action is needed to address the ongoing traffic congestion crisis.

Community consultation conducted in April 2021 revealed that 94% of respondents were opposed to replacing the roundabout with a signalised intersection. In light of this overwhelming opposition, the Department responsible for the project is exploring alternative options for the Moggill Road corridor, including potential improvements to active transport facilities in Kenmore.

Published 4-July-2023