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Locals Want to Replace Bellbowrie Shopping Plaza With a Health Services Precinct

It might take more than the $12-million redevelopment of Bellbowrie Shopping Plaza to convince retailers to stay on. Locals seem to be hoping that the site would be transformed into a health services precinct, a high school, or a community facility.

In a poll via the 4070 & 4069 Action Group, at least 39 per cent of the locals think Bellbowrie Shopping Plaza should be replaced with a 24/7 health centre or a high school building after ensuring its safety from floods. Some 23 per cent said the plaza must be turned into a library or a community facility with food and drinks options and a garden.

At least 16 per cent said that the shopping centre should be rebuilt with units, cafes and small retailers, whilst nine per cent believe Bunnings could take over the site. Four per cent said it could be used as a transport terminal for a new green bridge, whilst three per cent said it should be renovated with a limited line from a supermarket and small shops.

The suggestions come as Metcash, the parent company of IGA, recently confirmed they have no plans to build a supermarket at Bellbowrie Shopping Plaza, much to the disappointment of both shoppers and the remaining tenants who have been hoping that a supermarket would bring foot traffic.

After Coles moved out of Bellbowrie Shopping Plaza in June 2021, several closures followed suit, such as the Bellbowrie Bakery, Woka Woka Thai restaurant, Star Seafood & Burger, a hair salon and a doctor’s clinic.

Elizabeth Watson-Brown, Greens MP for Ryan, said: “The floods of early 2022 were the last straw for many tenants, but the decision of supermarket giant Coles to move to higher ground had already seen many shops in the centre close.”

The MP has earlier proposed to turn the site into a public facility.

“Moggill-Bellbowrie is in desperate need of more amenities, especially education and health. When people can access essential services near their homes, there’s much less need for them to get in the car and add to the traffic on congested roads!”

Meanwhile, upgrades and floodproofing are underway at Bellbowrie Shopping Plaza, which the owner hopes will entice new business as there are currently no plans to sell the property.

Kenmore Family Appeals for Return of Heirloom Accordion Mistakenly Left at Kerbside

A Kenmore family has publicly appealed for the return of a family heirloom, a 20-year-old accordion that was left on the footpath and might have been picked up by someone who had thought it was for disposal.

Kylie Jayasinghe shared that the missing accordion was supposed to have been loaded in the car by her father-in-law. However, he had unknowingly driven off without it, leaving the instrument remained on the footpath. When he returned an hour later to retrieve it after realising his mistake, the accordion was gone.

The Kenmore mum believes that it may have been picked up by someone who had seen it on the kerb, thinking that it was for disposal and therefore, fair game for scavengers. There was no kerbside collection run scheduled in Kenmore for that week.

The old accordion has great sentimental value for the Kenmore family. The family heirloom originally belonged to Seeya, the 89-year-old grandfather of Kylie’s non-verbal 14-year-old son, Oscar.

“Seeya plays it to my special needs child (his grandson) and Oscar loves the music and the interaction with his grandfather,” Kylie wrote.

“I assume that somebody thought it was on the grass as a giveaway but this is not the case and we would very much like it back.

“Please can you return it as soon as possible. It is really important that it is returned and no questions will be asked. We just want it back. It is a big loss for everyone but especially Seeya and Oscar.”

The family has tried asking neighbours if they had seen anybody pick it up, also posting about the missing accordion on Facebook in hopes of finding someone who may have seen it around.

The instrument is described as a pretty red accordion, about 60 centimetres by 50 centimetres in size, with shiny red enamel trim. Per reports, the brand’s name is “Preddie” and it’s smaller than traditional accordions, although still a heavy instrument.

Kenmore Roundabout Upgrade Project Scrapped in Favour of Moggill Road Bikeway

The delivery of the Kenmore Roundabout Upgrade Project will no longer proceed, following pushback for the planned solution by local residents and a re-routing of proposed funding, that appears to be a win for cyclists and a loss for Kenmore motorists.

Original funding for the Kenmore Roundabout Upgrade Project stood at $25 million, being $12.5m from State Government and $12.5m from Federal Government. However having surveyed local residents, resulting in a 94% disapproval of the planned traffic light intersection to replace the roundabout, State Government decided to re-allocate their $12.5 m into preliminary planning of a new cycleway for the area. It isn’t clear at this stage what will happen to the Federal Government’s $12.5m pledge.

Queensland Transport & Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey confirmed that the delivery of an active transport solution will now be the priority as it was very clear Kenmore locals “don’t want lights to replace the Moggill Road roundabout.”

“We’ll work with local residents on how we can deliver something fit for purpose, so keep an eye out for more information as we kick start the planning process,” Mr Bailey said.

Mr Bailey also confirmed that the Moggill Road Bikeway will be divided into three sections comprising Centenary Highway to Chapel Hill Road, Kilkivan Avenue, and the intersection on Moggill Road and Rafting Ground Road.

The minister, who supports active transport as a bike rider himself, is aware that bikers accessing the Centenary Cycleway to the CBD are at great risk as Moggill Road traffic is at 60km/h. However, planning for a separate cycleway on this site has to be carefully considered since Moggill Road is narrow.

The community will be informed and asked for feedback before any plans are finalised.

After campaigning for a Moggill Road Bikeway for years, Brisbane West BUG welcomed Mr Bailey’s announcement to shift their plans.

“We think it’s also important to thank Dr Christian Rowan MP who has for years backed our calls for investment in safe cycling infrastructure on Moggill Road. Just last month Dr Rowan asked a question on notice what cycling infrastructure will be funded and delivered in the Moggill electorate,” the group stated.

“We’re thrilled with the answer!”

“As Minister Bailey said at the Safe Streets for All ride this morning, active transport is not an optional extra, a nice to have or an add on, it’s an essential component of the transport system. It is wonderful to see that essential component getting the investment it needs in the western suburbs.”

Kenmore Business Strip to Get New Restaurants

Did you know that the business strip at 2071 Moggill Rd in Kenmore will be redeveloped into a three-level complex for food and drink tenancies?

The restaurants are expected to trade at night when there is less traffic in the area. This Kenmore shopping strip is near the Kenmore roundabout, Kenmore State School and the Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic primary school.

The planned development on 2071 Moggill Rd, popularly known as the home of Kenmore Cycles, will also have lower-ground car park areas with a new rear access easement. Deep plantation has been envisioned for the site, as well as a pedestrian corridor entrance. Studio Arkitecture is designing the new building.

New food and tenancy site in Kenmore business strip — Photo Credit: DA A006134569/BCC

“The proposal reflects positively on the streetscape by incorporating balconies which address the street, a range of colours and materials, as well as modern, subtropical design elements such as a green wall fronting Moggill Road,” Plan A Town Planning stated in the development code-assessable application. (DA A006134569)

Kenmore business strip — *Photo Credit: DA A006134569/BCC*

“The proposed extensions represent a significant upgrade to the existing built form and will reflect positively on the surrounding streetscape. The proposal will provide three new Food & Drink Outlet tenancies in a highly accessible location and are designed to promote the location as an active frontage”.

“The proposal will also involve the closure of an undesirable access point to Moggill Road, with new access proposed through the Council carpark to Princeton Street. This will greatly improve safety outcomes for pedestrians and vehicle users on Moggill Road.”

Your Budding Artist’s Drawing Could Win the Brookfield Show Society 2022 Christmas Card Competition

Calling all budding artists! Brookfield Show Society is running a Christmas card competition for children 4 to 12 years old, whose artwork could be printed as the official 2022 Christmas card of the community group.

Interested young artists have until Monday, the 28th of November 2022, to submit their artwork for the Christmas card competition. Aside from the holiday theme, their artwork must also reflect the character of Brookfield — think Summer, paddocks, gum trees, horses!

The artists may use any medium for their designs, including computer illustrations, but they have to submit their work on a single A4 sheet of paper only, along with the entry form.

DOWNLOAD THE ENTRY FORM

Artworks may be submitted via the Christmas Card Competition entry box at the bar on Friday nights or outside the Society Office during other days.

The winner will be named during the Brookfield Show Society’s “Bush Christmas” on Friday, the 2nd of December 2022, at 5:00 p.m. The winner will also receive an art pack worth $100 from Kenmore West Kindy.

Meanwhile, Bush Christmas at the Brookfield Showgrounds is expected to be a fun family event where guests may enjoy some bites to eat along with musical entertainment. Free rides and activities for the kids will be underway, including a special visitor from the North Pole! The adults will get a chance to enjoy shopping at over 20 stalls and complete their Christmas gift list as well.

Brookfield Bush Christmas is proudly supported by Brisbane City Council, Sci-Fleet Motors and BOQ Kenmore.

Have Your Say on the Proposed Small Dog Off-Leash Area at Booker Place Park in Bellbowrie

Photo credit: Facebook / Cr Greg Adermann

A small dog off-leash area is currently being considered to be installed in Booker Place Park in Bellbowrie. A community consultation is now being conducted so make sure that you have your say on this proposal until 25 November 2022.

Councillor for Pullenvale Ward Greg Adermann is asking local residents to let him know what they think about the proposed small dog off-leash area to be installed within the existing Dog Park.

“I have received requests from residents asking for Council to consider installing a small dog off-leash area into Booker Place Park. I am therefore undertaking community consultation to hear the views of local residents before making a decision,” he said.

Photo Credit: Cr Greg Adermann / regadermann.com.au

The Small DOLA will be about 1,000sqm and will feature a new 4 x 4 shelter with concrete slab, 3 x 4 aluminium benches, new aluminium seat and slab, new dog void, tap and fencing and maintenance gate.

Pathways, trees and an activity zone with logs and rocks – deco or takura bark base – are also proposed as part of the small DOLA.

Furthermore, a “Have Your Say” signage has also been installed at the dog park where a QR code is posted that visitors can scan to provide their feedback. Cr Adermann will be onsite at the Booker Place Dog Park on 28 November between 4 pm and 5 pm to discuss the proposal.

To provide your feedback on the proposed Booker Place Park small dog off-leash area by visiting this page. You have until Friday 25 November 2022.

Pizza Hut Kenmore Closes For Good

Pizza Hut Kenmore has shut its doors permanently, after the franchise owners reportedly failed to renew their lease at a popular shopping centre.

Read: Grill’d Kenmore Opens, Launches ‘Local Matters’ Program for Kenmore Community Groups

A section of Kenmore Village Shopping Centre along Moggill Road, is going to be changed, though it wasn’t announced if the site will be leased by another establishment for the mean time or if it will already be closed in preparation for the centre’s major transformation.

Meanwhile, the owners of Pizza Hut Kenmore are looking for a similarly-sized venue to continue trading in Brisbane, and have considered Taringa based on reports.

“The staff are friendly and helpful. Go above and beyond. The pizzas I get are how they should be. Chicken wings with honey mustard are the best. Ordered from this place a few times already, they never disappointed me. Thanks guys,” shared one of the place’s former patrons.

Like most Pizza Hut outlets across the country, Pizza Hut Kenmore was famous for their range of crusts, which include the Original Pan, Traditional, Thin n Crispy, Cheesy Stuffed Crust, and Gluten Free bases.

They have weathered the pandemic, by offering contactless pickup and contactless delivery throughout Kenmore and surrounding suburbs.

Pizza Hut was introduced to Australia in 1970. At present, there are only a couple of hundred outlets remaining across the country. Last June, the only remaining dine-in Pizza Hut in South Australia also closed, after almost four decades of operation.

Kenmore Village Redevelopment

Earlier this year, Jen Retail Properties, the owners of the shopping centre, was granted approval for a development application to revitalise the northern section and Level 1 offices of the mall.

The existing buildings will be replaced with a new ground-floor, retail shopping centre entrance and ancillary car parking spaces.

Read: New Look For Kenmore Village Shopping Centre If Redevelopment Plans Push Through

“The planned redevelopment will provide a vibrant new look and modern feel for the oldest section of the Centre, the northern mall,” announced Kenmore Village Shopping Centre on its website.

It would be the biggest upgrade yet for Kenmore Village Shopping Centre, since opening their doors in 1969.

Three Ways to Enjoy Halloween in Kenmore

Photo Credit: Mayur Gadge/Pixabay

Not one, not two, but three! Here are three ways to enjoy Halloween in Kenmore, Kenmore Hills, and nearby Mt Coot-tha.

Halloween Carnival

Kenmore Hills Early Learning, located along Brookfield Road, will host a spook-tacular Halloween Carnival on Saturday, 29 October 2022. This FREE event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m and everyone is invited!

Kids can expect a number of activities, including face painting, and a jumping castle, whilst parents and companions enjoy catching up over morning tea.

To sign up for this event, follow this Facebook invite.

Halloween Crafts

On the same day, at the Kenmore Library, a Halloween crafting activity will take place from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Children between 6 to 12 years old can try their hand at making creepy Halloween decor to bring home to mum and dad. Participants are encouraged to come in their favourite costumes. Book a spot by phoning 07 3407 0258.

Halloween Tour

Get ready for more spooky surprises and learn about flesh-eating plants and palm trees that rouse the zombies. The Botanic Gardens at Mount Coot-tha will be the site of a Halloween Tour on Monday, 31 October 2022, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

This tour is suitable for all ages but make sure to wear closed-in shoes and a hat. Bring water bottles to stay hydrated. Slot reservations will be open until noon on the 29th. Phone (07) 3403 2535 for more information.

Safety Tips

Meanwhile, here are some reminders from the Office of Fair Trading, who is reminding Brisbane locals to remain safe when celebrating Halloween.

“Light up novelties and flashing objects such as jack-o-lanterns, cauldrons, fake candles, torches and wands are often powered by button batteries. But we know the statistics on button batteries are very concerning,” Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman said.

“In Australia one child a month is seriously injured after swallowing or inserting a button battery, with some of them sustaining lifelong or even fatal injuries.

“That’s why it’s so important when buying button battery-powered Halloween novelties that you check the battery compartment is secured with a screw or similar fastener to prevent children gaining access.

“Also check that any novelties are age appropriate and don’t pose choking hazards.

“If you or your children will be wearing black or other dark coloured costumes for Halloween, add glow sticks or a reflective strip to your costumes and carry a torch to ensure drivers and other trick-or-treaters can see you,” Minister Fentiman added.

“And while it goes without saying to take care around open heat sources such as jack-o-lanterns and heaters, you should also check costume labels for their fire risk and choose those marked ‘flame resistant’ or ‘fire resistant’.

“If you’re completing your look with fake tattoos, face paint, makeup, or fake blood, ensure they come with ingredients labels and keep them handy throughout the night.

“If someone in your group has an allergic reaction to a product, having a list of ingredients available for doctors can save them vital time when determining how to treat them.

Flood Warning Signs Program Expands to Gap Creek, 11 Other Locations

Flood warning signs will be installed in 12 locations around Brisbane, including Gap Creek Road in Kenmore Hills, to provide motorists with a visible reminder when a road gets flooded.

First announced in mid-September 2022, Brisbane City Council said it will expand its flood warning sign program to include twelve locations, providing solar-powered flood warning signs with a gauge that triggers an alarm once a creek or waterway reaches a certain level.

Once activated, the flood warning sign will display an LED-backed “Road Closed Due to Flooding” message that will be visible even at night. The installation through its remote camera technology will also allow Council to monitor the waterway during a flood event and deploy a coordinated response as needed.

With the new sign technology, Council hopes to reduce the risk of Brisbane motorists entering flood waters that put their lives and of others at risk. The 12 locations were chosen based on experts’ advice.

Currently, there are solar-powered automated flood warning signs already installed at three sites since 2019 with a further seven older-style flashing signs installed between 2006 and 2013.

“The ‘if it’s flooded, forget it’ message is one that we are all aware of,” Cr Schrinner said.

“Unfortunately, some motorists continue trying to drive on flooded roads, and sadly this has resulted in deadly consequences.

“We are determined to help motorists heed the warning not to drive on flooded roads by installing these signs at key locations.”

Unlike in 2011, Cr Schrinner said that the February flood set record-breaking rainfall causing a combination of river, creek and overland flow flooding right across Brisbane. This extreme weather event made it unsafe and impossible for Council officers to get to some flooded areas to erect temporary road-closed signs. With the new automated signs, however, Council will be able to close and actively monitor these flooded roads safely and in real-time.

Here are the 12 locations:

Formosa Road, Belmont
Bowhill Road, Durack
Kholo Bridge, Kholo
Sherwood Road, Rocklea
Lancing Street, Pullenvale
Wynnum Road, Tingalpa
Grandview Road, Pullenvale
Gap Creek Road, Kenmore Hills
Rafting Ground Road, Brookfield
Victoria Street, Newmarket
Paradise Road, Willawong / Larapinta
Bracken Ridge Road, Bracken Ridge

The project will be partly funded by an allocation of $99,000 fromt he Federal Government, with Council spending an additional $500,000 for the 12 additional signs. Council expects its completion by the end of 2022 with further investments to follow.

Council is also undertaking round-the-clock inspections and cleaning of flood-impacted drainage systems as part of its ongoing response to the February flood.

Grill’d Kenmore Opens, Launches ‘Local Matters’ Program for Kenmore Community Groups

Kenmore and Chapel Hill residents will now have the pleasure of a world-class burger joint with a feel-good factor built in, as Grill’d opens it’s doors in the expanded corner location previously occupied by local favourite, Plum Cafe, at Kenmore Plaza.

Read: What’s New at Booker Place Park?

Grill’d Kenmore — Photo credit: Grill’d/Facebook

Fresh, healthy burgers are the star of the show at the new Grill’d location at the Kenmore Shopping Plaza. Still on a Grand Opening high, the place has seen excited patrons queuing up for their signature burgers, burgers, which are free from artificial colours, flavours, preservatives, antibiotics, and hormones.

The new Kenmore location will have all the signature Grill’d burger items on the menu, including the grass-fed beef pattie, lamb, and their gluten-free and dairy-free fried chicken variants.

At Grill’d, Local Matters

To further celebrate its Grand Opening, Grill’d is highlighting its support for great local causes by working with local community groups through its Local Matters program.

Local Matters is a program launched by Grill’d in 2011 as a way of giving back to local communities. Every burger equals one vote and diners will be able to get a token to vote in-restaurant or when ordering online.

Similar to other locations across the country, Grill’d Kenmore will set up jars where customers can place their tokens.

The featured community groups for Grill’d Kenmore include McIntyre Centre, Kenmore Cricket Club, and Cubberla-Witton Catchments Network. Votes for the groups will be carried until the end of November 2022.

At the end of the month, the community group whose jar has the most tokens will receive $300, whilst the 2nd and 3rd will be given $100 each.

Since introducing this program, Grill’d has supported over 30,000 community groups, organisations, and projects and has given back over $6 million to local communities.

Local community groups close to Grill’d Kenmore may apply for a jar by visitng the Grill’d website.

Cr Greg Adermann with young owners Georgia and Kirrah.
Photo Credit: Facebook/Cr Greg Adermann

Meanwhile, Councillor for Pullenvale Ward Greg Adermann graced the October 13th opening, wishing the owners, young entrepreneurs Georgia and Kirrah, success for their new venture.

Read: Pizzeria Violetta Reopens in Kenmore with a New Chef

Grill’d Kenmore is located at Kenmore Plaza Shopping Centre, just off Moggill Rd. They operate daily, from 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.