Brisbane’s western suburbs may get a new primary school in 2022 if the development application to build a Compass Independent School within the Brookfield Uniting Church grounds receives approval.
Per the DA A005867201, Compass Independent School will refurbish the modern brick church hall at the back of its site to accommodate up to 38 kids between prep and Year 4 levels. The school will also employ about five teachers to guide the children alongside support staff members.
The existing 1886 church, which established the Bible Christian Movement in Brisbane, will remain untouched as services will continue whilst the grounds will not undergo massive development as well save for the installation of sails for shades and public toilets.
The development application also proposes the construction of a carpark for nine vehicles along Rafting Ground Road.
Photo Credit: Developmenti/BB
As the school awaits the application decision from Brisbane City Council, its officials have welcomed expressions of interest from the parents who might want to send their children to the institution.
“Compass intends to open in July 2022 with a limited number of children from Prep to Year 4,” the school announced on its official site.
Aside from the preparation of the multi-level classrooms, the school also plans to build a kitchenette and stage where the children can “cook, bake, experiment, perform, write, create, and investigate.” A gated garden and nature space, where the kids can run or kick a ball and enjoy outdoor play, are also part of the set-up.
“Compass is a unique school, founded on the ‘compass points’ of inquiry, play, creativity, and collaboration. Teachers act as coaches and children learn at their level within a multi-age setting.
The intention is for the school to remain small in size to provide an environment in which the child can be known.”
Since the announcement of its opening in Brookfield, the school has been conducting information sessions with interested parents.
Eden Academy has submitted a proposal for a new childcare centre, Bellbowrie’s fifth, to be built at 117 Kangaroo Gully Road.
The proposed development is for a 736-sqm two-storey childcare centre on a 2,014-sqm land that will have a maximum capacity of 100 children. The site is situated next to Moggill State School with frontage to Kangaroo Gully Road. A residential building currently occupying the site will be demolished to give way to the new development.
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au
There will be six dedicated activity rooms and two outdoor play areas, one on each level. There will be a reception area, amenities, plus service and staff areas as well.
Meanwhile, the proposed development will be complemented by a generous landscaped garden, mostly at the existing ground level, and will cover an area totaling 467 square metres or about 23.2% of the development site.
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.auPhoto credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au
The childcare centre will be just under 9.5 metres in height and will have a total gross floor area of 736 square metres (483 sqm at the ground floor and 253 sqm at the upper floor). Eden Academy proposes to provide 20 car parking spaces, which will include 12 staff and eight visitor spaces (includes one shared visitor / van space and one slot for disability access).
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au
Access to the site will be provided via a new 650-m wide driveway crossover to Kangaroo Gully Road. Pedestrian access is via a pathway along the Kangaroo Gully Road frontage extending to the childcare centre’s entrance.
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au
According to the planners at Property Projects Australia, the On Architecture’s designed proposed childcare centre incorporates “human-scale elements, varying materials and te4xture, residential character design elements and subtropical landscaping.”
The developer proposes the childcare centre’s hours of operation to be from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and to be operated by 17 staff members.
Five other Eden Academy locations in Brisbane are currently being developed including Moorooka, Holland Park, and Riverhills. Whilst Eden Academy Corinda, Middle Park, and Bardon are now open.
117 Kangaroo Gully Rd, Bellbowrie QLD 4070, Australia
The Glenleighden School in Fig Tree Pocket has commenced the construction of a new building and associated site infrastructure, in keeping with its campus master plan.
Speech and Language Development Australia (SALDA), the organisation that runs Glenleighden had a sod-turning ceremony in October 2021 to mark the campus’ much-awaited expansion.
The school has been given a streamlined, considered whole-of-government response on a request for community-supporting infrastructure by the State Government through a Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID-0221-0483) in September 2021.
The Master Plan includes the construction of a three-storey GLA Building and associated site infrastructure at the existing school. Demolition works and tree removal will be undertaken for the new building.
In November 2021, the school received $2.55 million worth of Federal Grant through the Australian Government’s Capital Grants Program (CGP), to part fund the construction of the second building in The Glenleighden School master plan.
“This building will provide new specialist facilities for food and hospitality, design technology and ‘engineering’; particularly important for us to deliver new Year 11 and 12 certificate courses,” The Glenleighden School announced on its website.
“It will also provide three contemporary classrooms, several small group support rooms as well as a rooftop outdoor sports space,” the school added.
The $60 million worth of upgrades will provide up to extra 120 additional spaces over the next two years.
The project is expected to run for approximately 9 months. Hours of construction will take place between 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and on Saturdays if required. Depending on weather and construction conditions, it should be complete by June 2022.
Local residents participated in an informal ‘drop-in’ community session held in October 2021 to discuss the Fig Tree Pocket and Kenmore Road intersection upgrades.
Residents suggested alternative designs for the intersection, including the realignment of Fig Tree Pocket Road to the east and a roundabout installed instead of traffic lights.
In response, Council’s project team stated that a roundabout will not be a viable option as this would require considerable land acquisition of private properties to achieve safe turning movements.
“Additionally, due to the challenging topography, extensive earthworks would be needed as well as raising the road height on Fig Tree Pocket Road (southern leg) to achieve a level approach to the intersection in accordance with road safety standards for a roundabout,” the Council’s project team noted.
With regard to the proposed realigning of Fig Tree Pocket Road to the east of the current intersection to form a T-intersection, Council reiterated that the topography would require extensive works within private properties, drainage works and tree removals.
The project team said the preferred four-way intersection will allow safer and more controlled movements compared with two mis-aligned, unsignalised intersections.
Other than suggestions for alternative designs, the local community has also suggested the following:
Pedestrian connectivity
Early warning lights
Street lighting
Restricted street parking
Speed reduction
There were residents who also expressed their concern regarding the environmental impacts of the project as there are a number of trees which have been identified for removal. Tree removal will be required to facilitate the upgrade and more about these details will be confirmed as the design progresses.
Following a drop-in session, Council said they will continue to meet with residents and local businesses to discuss the timeframes associated with the project.
To stay updated about the Fig Tree Pocket and Kenmore Road intersection upgrades, visit the Brisbane City Council website and register for updates.
About the Fig Tree Pocket and Kenmore Road Intersection
Fig Tree Pocket Road and Kenmore Road intersection upgrade concept plan (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)
The intersection, where three crashes have been recorded from April 2015 to April 2021, significantly needed an upgrade.
The intersection accommodates approximately 21,000 vehicles, 20 cyclists and 100 pedestrians daily, making it an important junction in Brisbane’s suburban road network. Current traffic queues are extending for over 100 metres along the south-eastern leg of Fig Tree Pocket Road at peak times.
BCC’s intersection upgrades are part of a plan to improve traffic flow and safety for all road users in the city.
Based on the project timeline, a detailed design will be released in early 2022 whilst the start of construction is expected to begin in mid-2022. Depending on construction and weather conditions, the construction should be complete by early 2023.
Have you ever wondered why red poppies have become the symbol of Remembrance Day? The children of Kenmore West Kindy will find out why, plus learn about the significance of this annual “Poppy Day” celebration, during a Remembrance Day poppy crafts activity at the Brookfield Markets.
Happening on Saturday, 6 November 2021, from 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Brookfield Showgrounds, Kenmore West Kindy‘s children’s spot at the Brookfield Markets is easy to locate. Just look for the corner with the arts and crafts tables, where families enjoy the creative activities with their kids.
Because it will be Remembrance Day on 11 November, this weekend’s theme will be centered around making poppy papercraft.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Remembrance Day, also known as Poppy Day, is a memorial to honour and pay respects to the heroes of the First World War. Whilst it is not a public holiday, Australians are urged to hold two minutes of silence at 11:00 a.m. every year.
Poppies, or Papaver rhoeas, have become the symbol of this important event as history records showed that bright red flowers bloomed in the battle-scarred land in northern France, where Allied Forces, including Australians, died.
Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae wrote about the field of poppies in the short story, “In Flanders Field.” Professor Moina Michael, who volunteered at the Young Women’s Christian Association, read McCrae’s story which inspired her to make red poppy pins using silk fabric to raise money for the veterans, giving birth to a tradition.
Meanwhile, this Saturday’s Brookfield Markets will be the second to the last market for Kenmore West Kindy for 2021. The volunteers of this regular event thank those who have visited their corner every month, despite some cancellations due to the lockdowns.
Kenmore Village Shopping Centre, a local Kenmore landmark for over 50 years, would undergo its biggest upgrade yet for years, if a development application is approved.
Plans (A005856055) lodged by Jen Retail Properties Ltd to the Brisbane City Council revealed that the applicant is seeking to demolish the two-storey north mall to facilitate the construction of a new ground-floor, retail shopping centre entrance and ancillary car parking spaces.
The at-grade ancillary car parking spaces will replace the north mall whilst a new floor area will be created underneath Council’s library. The new floor area will also be occupied by some of the existing north mall tenants.
“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.
Designs rendered by Buchan Architecture showed that the aesthetic elements of the new design complements the look and feel of the older remaining part of the Centre. The owners wish to preserve the familiarity and character of the centre that their loyal customers love.
Also part of the proposal is new driveway access to Spearwood Place, for access to a small portion of traffic.
“A new driveway access is proposed to Spearwood Place, located at the north-west corner of the site, to improve emergency access and to provide a “relief valve” to divert a small portion of traffic away from the driveways at Moggill Road (a State-controlled Road) and Brookfield Road during periods of road congestion,” Sinclair Planning stated in an assessment report for the applicant.
Locals’ Concerns
Artist’s impression of the north carpark view (Photo credit: https://kenmorevillage.com.au/)
Most locals support the centre’s redevelopment. However, there are a few who were concerned about certain aspects of the proposal, including the additional driveway access via Spearwood Place.
“Through-traffic to the shopping centre creates a new rat-run by-passing the roundabout is a concern to many of us in the neighbourhood. The character of our traffic-calmed area with significant wildlife and many families with young children will be significantly impacted. The residential character of our streets will be lost,” a resident has written in a submission to Council.
Regarding the matter, the assessment report for the proposed development states that “the Spearwood Place access is warranted as it will provide a broader community benefit as a result of improvements to the traffic network and safe and direct emergency vehicle access, without introducing unacceptable amenity impacts for residents of the street.”
For more details about the proposed Kenmore Village redevelopment, see DA-A005856055.
Did you know that the Pullenvale Reserve is home to a beautiful array of birds, such as Sugar Gliders, rare Great Gliders, Feathertail Gliders, Brush-tailed Phascogale, Yellow-footed Antechinus, Fawn-footed Melomys, Microbats, Lorikeets, Eastern Rosella, Wood Ducks, Boobook Owl, Owlet Nightjar, and Galahs?
To ensure that their habitats won’t be threatened by urbanisation or any other development, the local community came together to install bird boxes to encourage more species to live in the natural richness of the reserve.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Photo Credit: Supplied
The locals also sought help from Cr Greg Adermann and Habitat Brisbane in identifying the species and their locations so that more bird boxes will be installed.
“I agreed to commit some funds from my 2021/22 Suburban Enhancement Fund for a number of nest boxes that can cater for a wide range of these mammals and birds,” Mr Adermann said.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Photo Credit: Supplied
The first six bird boxes were distributed and installed along Pullenvale Road and more will be added in the coming months.
Deborah Tabart OAM of the Australian Koala Foundation commended the initiative.
“Delighted that the Pullenvale Reserve is now even more environmentally friendly with the addition of artificial hollows. Our wildlife needs our help and this is a great way of protecting our precious mammals and birds,” Ms Tabart said.
“What a wonderful initiative! The bird boxes blend in with the trees, provide safe refuge for our wildlife and allow for monitoring and observation. We would love to see more including larger boxes for the powerful owl species,” said Dr. T Khoo, a resident.
Highly sought-after suburbs like Kenmore that show strong, steady growth over time remain among the top choices of buyers, as Brisbane property values are expected to perform consistently well over the next few years.
From July 2020 to June 2021, the median house price in Kenmore is at $820,000, a 13.57% rise from the previous period. Data from Property Market Updates showed that over 195 houses sold within the 12-month period. House listings stayed on the market for an average of 39 days, reflecting the competitiveness of buyers who show a distinct preference for the large detached houses on spacious blocks found in the suburb.
The biggest sale during this period was a resort-style six-bedroom house for $3,400,000. Located on Annabel Street, the property has 1,391 square metres of living space with more than 800 square metres of garden space, including a poolside pavilion. It’s perfectly positioned close to parklands, primary and secondary schools, the popular Kenmore Village Shopping Centre, and the Legacy Way tunnel.
In the last five years, the median house price has increased by 28.13%, from $640,000 in mid-2016 to $820,000 today. Over the last 10 years, house prices have increased by a solid 54.43%, from the 2011 median house price of $531,000.
Unit Price Growth
From July 2020 to June 2021, Kenmore’s unit properties still performed better than most apartment markets in Brisbane. Unit median price growth has been modest but still showing steady growth at 3.88%, listing at an average of $670,000. Some 26 apartment properties in Kenmore spent 50 days on market.
Most of the buyers are downsizers and retirees who likely have houses in the suburb but now prefer a smaller dwelling to maintain. Approximately 15% of the population in Kenmore rent their homes, much lower than the average rental population in Brisbane.
Mid- and long-term unit price growth has been consistent, though modest. In the last five years, the median unit price has increased by 5.68%, with the 2016 median pegged at $634,000. Over the last 10 years, unit prices have increased by 19.64% from $560,000 in 2011 to $670,000 in June 2021.
Why Kenmore?
The great weather, laid-back lifestyle, and dynamic housing market in the Brisbane area (and QLD as a whole) are major attractions to move interstate. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, one person in four people who move interstate in the country is someone relocating from NSW to QLD.
Kenmore is considered to be a highly appealing option to interstate buyers, with buyers from out of state pleased at how much bang for their buck they are able to get, particularly those used to more cramped dwelling spaces elsewhere.
Overall, Kenmore is attractive because of its relative proximity to Brisbane airport, its comfortable median house price, and the spacious blocks with large, detached houses that the area is known for.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Many of those who have moved into Kenmore are keen on transitioning to long-term suburban living whilst maintaining other properties closer to the city.
Although the suburb measures just approximately 5.8 square kilometres, there are 18 parks covering nearly 6.7% of the total area, presenting a refreshing contrast to the busy bustle of the CBD which is also not that far away.
Far from being disconnected to the downtown area, it has incredible access to transportation along Moggill Road, and its tree-lined streets, quiet neighbourhood, and walkable surroundings have everything buyers look for.
Kenmore Hills
Serious buyers looking to move to quiet, well-off surrounds also consider neighbouring Kenmore Hills, where properties spend an average of 49 days on market with a median house price that sits just above $1 million. The median house price in Kenmore Hills grew by 10% this 12-month period ending June 2021, quite a good showing for this tightly held suburb.
Kenmore West Kindy held an art show to raise awareness for World Sepsis Day, which was observed on 13 September. It was also an opportunity to gather funds for Mia Wilkinson, a former student, who has ongoing medical needs after losing her limbs due to the illness.
An art gallery was set up a the kindy’s front deck where families nominated a price for the work of their kids. The school also conducted a paint ‘n sip class for the adults. All profits of the sales will go to the Mia Wilkinson Trust and the not-for-profit C&K community kindergarten.
Mia, who now attends an Indooroopilly primary school, lost her arms and legs to sepsis in 2017. Since her challenging journey of recovery, she and her family have been raising awareness about this critical illness.
As a fearless sepsis survivor, Mia hasn’t let her experience stop her from enjoying life to the fullest despite becoming a quadruple amputee. Nearly five years after her critical hospitalisation, Mia is growing up as a healthy and active child who enjoys sports activities and has started learning how to play the trombone.
Largest Sepsis Study in Aus
Between 2019 and 2020, over 2,000 individuals in Queensland have been maimed or died due to sepsis, a life-threatening infection. This is one of the most common reasons for emergency visits, especially among children, and the Queensland Children’s Hospital has been conducting the country’s largest paediatric sepsis study to find better ways to help the victims.
The research, led by Associate Professor Luregn Schlapbach, hopes to find a faster way to diagnose the condition to deliver the best treatments and prevent the body’s organs from shutting down as the infection can spread in a matter of hours.
Mr Schlapbach is looking into the genetics of the body that activates the development of sepsis. A gene expression will help the experts understand the infection better, which could aid in the development of better blood tests.
Unknown to most people, sepsis might start off as typical flu or gastro issue, as in Mia’s case, but it could quickly descend into a deadly condition. If caught early, sepsis is a completely treatable condition thus the results of the sepsis study at the Queensland Children’s Hospital will be very important to the world.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary located in Fig Tree Pocket, is undergoing a $1.4 million expansion which will include new attractions to offer fresh experiences to visitors.
The upgrades, which would cover 15,000-sqm of space, include a Wild Walk exhibit that involves new animal enclosures through a new wildlife zone and is contained within the existing established eucalyptus plantation.
The Wild Walk Exhibit Space will feature new exhibits for echidnas and koalas and breeding space for wombats and Tasmanian devils.
“And for the first time, night tours will fit-out visitors with thermal imaging scanners to show nocturnal animals in their habitat without the intrusion of flashlights,” said Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe, who led the groundbreaking ceremony in August 2021.
Mr Hinchliffe said Lone Pine has a load of quokkas going through biosecurity clearances to join the family, which already includes the world-famous koalas, tree kangaroos, wombats, echidnas, Tasmanian devils, bettongs and potoroos.
Site plan (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)
“The thermal imaging scanners will automatically upload images for tourists to take home as a lasting reminder of their night-time visit,” the Minister added.
The upgrades are part of the government’s Queensland tourism Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan, which aims to keep the economy moving even at the time of the pandemic.
“Since opening in 1927, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary has been a favourite with domestic and international visitors, as well as generations of Southeast Queensland families,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“This project will not only allow us to provide local, interstate and international guests with new and engaging wildlife experiences, but also help us secure ongoing employment opportunities for both new and existing staff, and significantly contribute to Brisbane’s recovering tourism industry,” he said.
“We’ve invested $1.2 million in Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary through our Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund to help deliver new tourism experiences and up to 25 construction and ongoing jobs,” he added.
Lone Pine’s expansion is expected to be completed in mid-2022, weather permitting.
