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Brookfield Community Monitors Installed to Address Flight Plan Noise Impact

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.

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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

Transurban Toll Hike Sparks Outcry

Photo Credit: Advanstra, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Brisbane motorists will face an increase in road tolls as operator Transurban raises prices by almost 4 per cent starting July 1. This annual toll hike is in accordance with the Brisbane Consumer Price Index and will affect various routes across the city, including Legacy Way.

At Legacy Way, a 4.6-kilometre tunnel that connects motorists from the Western Freeway at Toowong to the Inner City Bypass at Kelvin Grove. During peak hours, the toll for drivers of cars will increase by 46 cents to $6.60, whilst the price for heavy commercial trucks would jump to $19.79 from $18.73.

The Legacy Way tunnel has been operational since June 2015 and handles approximately 20,000 vehicles daily, significantly reducing travel time between the Centenary Bridge and Inner City Bypass by 71 per cent.

The toll increase comes on the heels of Transurban’s reported 16 per cent revenue growth in their half-yearly financial report to December 2022. In February of this year, Transurban recorded a half-year profit of $55 million.

Outgoing Chief Executive Officer Scott Charlton emphasised the strength of Transurban’s business model in the face of rising inflation and interest rates. However, he also acknowledged that the timing of escalations can vary depending on the asset, implying that some markets have yet to fully reflect recent inflation numbers.

In response to the toll increase, Transurban advised motorists experiencing financial hardship to seek support from the Linkt Assist team. This support includes services such as payment plans, extended payment deadlines, and toll credits.

Describing the toll hike as “unjustifiable,” the Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) voiced its opposition. TWU spokesman Richard Olsen raised concerns about the detrimental effects of increased tolls, emphasising that they would result in higher expenses and ultimately impact the prices of goods.

Olsen further pointed out that these toll increases would add pressure on transport workers, forcing them to meet unrealistic deadlines.

Published 1-July-2023

350 Jobs in Jeopardy as Kenmore-Based Churches of Christ Withdraws From Government Contracts

Around 350 people working for Kenmore-based Churches of Christ could lose their jobs in the wake of its decision to cancel its government contracts to provide care to children who have not been placed with foster carers.

Despite its longstanding relationship with the Queensland Government, Churches of Christ announced its withdrawal from its contracts during a video-conference held on Tuesday, 27 June 2023. Concerns about funding prompted the decision, raising alarm among advocates who fear that other organisations may follow suit.

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Despite cancelling its government contract for care services, Churches of Christ will continue to provide foster and kinship care services. In the coming months, all staff members will remain employed as Churches of Christ assists the government in transitioning the care to another provider that is yet to be determined.

Although the exact number of individuals at risk of losing their jobs is uncertain, the spokeswoman for one of Queensland’s largest child protection services gave assurances that no redundancies have been made thus far.

However, she regretfully disclosed that the organisation had notified both their staff and the State Government of their intent to transition out of youth residential, supported independent living services, and family support services. She explained that this difficult decision was commercially necessary.

Tom Allsop, Executive Director of child safety advocate group PeakCare, warned that the financial viability concerns in the child and family sector could lead to the departure of numerous organisations if immediate action is not taken.

He said that the insufficient funding for these sectors, unable to keep pace with rising service costs, poses a threat to the continuation of services.

Allsop stressed that if the funding crisis is not adequately addressed, it could result in the collapse of the non-government child and family care sector in Queensland, jeopardising the well-being of vulnerable children and causing significant job losses.

Published 30-June-2023

From Art to Coding: Kenmore Library Presents Unforgettable Kids Events!

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au

Kenmore Library is hosting a series of engaging and educational kids events for children of various age groups. There are two interactive activities prepared for kids ages 3 to 12, giving them the chance to express their creativity and participate in instructional games.

Make and Create for Kids

On Monday, 3rd of July from 10 in the morning, Kenmore Library invites children aged 3-8 years to participate in a free art and craft extravaganza. This 6-hour event provides a space for children to unleash their creativity through hands-on activities and express themselves and engage with various art forms. The event is drop-in, meaning there is no need for prior bookings.

Introducing Osmo

On 30 June beginning at 11 am and on 3 July from 1 pm, Kenmore Library will host an exciting one-hour workshop introducing Osmo, an innovative educational gaming system.

Designed for children aged 5-12 years, Osmo merges tactile exploration with iPad technology to provide an immersive learning experience. With Osmo, children can embark on a journey where they can build, create, and learn in a fun and interactive way.

Spaces for the Osmo workshop are limited, so make sure to reserve your child’s place by contacting Kenmore Library. Parents can reserve a spot by calling Kenmore Library at 07 3407 0258.

All events will be held at Kenmore Library, conveniently located in Kenmore Village at 9 Brookfield Road. These kids’ events provide a fantastic opportunity for children to engage in creative and educational activities. Whether it’s unleashing their artistic talents or diving into the world of interactive learning through Osmo, these events cater to a range of interests and age groups.

Don’t miss out on these enriching experiences that combine fun and education. Mark your calendars and join the library’s upcoming events to ignite your child’s imagination and love for learning.

Published 23-June-2023

Pullenvale Ward Among First to Benefit from 2023-2024 Kerbside Collection

Pullenvale Ward will be among the first suburbs to benefit from the reintroduction of funded kerbside collection in the upcoming 2023-24 budget for Brisbane.

The service, aimed at assisting residents in disposing of large household items that cannot be donated, sold, recycled, or fit into regular waste or recycling bins, will take place on 31 July in the suburbs of Kenmore, Kenmore Hills, Brookfield, Upper Brookfield, and Pullenvale.

However, Cr Greg Adermann has confirmed the pick-up schedules for the rest of the suburbs in these areas:

The kerbside collection service ensures that all residents in Brisbane have access to convenient and responsible waste disposal options. This is available for both houses and multi-unit dwellings, including residential properties.

To ensure an organised and efficient collection process, Council has implemented a specific collection week for each suburb. Residents will receive timely notification of their collection week through a flyer delivered to their property at least one week prior to the commencement of the collection in their suburb.

For the convenience of residents, Brisbane City Council also offers free reminders before the kerbside collection. By downloading the Brisbane Bin and Recycling app, available at no cost, residents can receive notifications and stay informed about their collection schedule. It is important to keep push notifications enabled to ensure timely updates.

However, it’s essential to note that kerbside collection will not take place on public holidays. Residents are advised to plan their disposal accordingly and ensure that disposed items are on the Council’s acceptable list.

The reintroduction of funded kerbside collection in Brisbane, with Pullenvale Ward being among the first suburbs to benefit, reflects the council’s commitment to ensuring a clean and sustainable environment for all residents. By providing this service, the council aims to facilitate responsible waste management and contribute to the overall well-being of the community.

Published 22-June-2023