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Planned Burns in Pullenvale and Other Areas Underway to Prepare for Bushfire Season

Pullenvale residents have been advised to stay away from the walking tracks for at least two weeks as planned burns are being undertaken at Primley Street Park.

Brisbane City Council has started its annual practice of planned burning around local reserves to mitigate the impact of bushfire season. According to the Council, some 12 hectares of forest area formed part of the planned burn at the reserve which has also temporarily affected the conditions at the Hawkesbury Road Nature Refuge. Further planned burns will also take place at the Mt Coot-tha Reserve, as well as 20 other sites across Queensland this August.

Since specific dates of the planned burn are not quickly determined as it is based on weather conditions, the Council said it will notify residents and neighboring suburbs on the day of the burn. To be better prepared, however, you can check the planned burn area map to give you an idea of which neighbourhood could be affected.

Smoke coming from these burns may be bothersome for residents. However, the hazard burns are necessary to protect the local resources, environmental habitats and human lives.

“These burns aim to reduce the amount of fire fuel such as leaves and twigs by 75 percent over the 60 to 80 percent of the land being burned,” Councillor Vicki Howard said.

“All Brisbane residents can prepare their properties by tidying the yard, clearing gutters and overhanging branches and raking up twigs and dried leaves from around the house and garden,” she added.

Residents must also have emergency kits where important documents are kept so that it’s easy to grab in case the unexpected happens.

Precise planned burning techniques will be carried out by trained members of the bushland and fire management. Bushfire season usually runs from late August until November every year.

Winter Sunday Brunches at The Kenmore Tavern are Inspired by Apres-Ski

Warm your winter Sunday brunch with a special bottomless menu from The Kenmore Tavern. The choices of food have been inspired by Apres-Ski and it’s sure to cure your winter blues.

The Apres-Ski is a social activity that traditionally takes place after a fun but tiring day of skiing. However, guests may enjoy the same vibe even in the absence of ski slopes at The Kenmore Tavern.

Happening every Sunday at 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., The Kenmore Tavern’s Apres-Ski Bottomless Brunch will feature a winter wonderland that transforms the restaurant into an alpine village complete with ski lift chairs. Relish the cosy atmosphere as blankets will be provided to guests and the heater will also keep the temperature balanced.

*Photo Credit: The Kenmore Tavern/Facebook*

Drinks like mulled wine and cider, red or white sparkling champagne and tap beer will keep guests warmer as they savour the food.

The Apres-Ski’s menu will include the following dishes:

Zucchini fritters with smoked salmon & chive crème fraiche
Cinnamon French toast brioche fingers with maple syrup & bacon bits
Garlic toasts with prosciutto, mozzarella & chive oil
Peanut butter, Nutella & banana brioche toasties
Fried chicken & waffles with maple syrup
Potato rosti, bacon wedge, house-made tomato relish & fresh chives
Buttermilk petite pancake with rum, apple, banana compote, earl grey & sour cherry ice cream
Garlic toasts with cream cheese, smoked salmon, herb panko crumbed egg

Bookings are required online. The brunch cost $55 per person.

Rates Increase in Kenmore, Among the Highest in Brisbane

Kenmore cops the highest increase in rates amongst the westside suburbs and one of the highest in Brisbane, as Council rates for owner-occupied properties rise by an average of 2.5 percent.

With the exception of nine, Brisbane suburbs will see an overall average rates increase of 2.5 percent, the same as last year and almost twice the current annual inflation rate of 1.5 percent.

“We’ve kept the budget strong and balanced despite the impact of droughts and floods, through the Global Financial Crisis and through multiple property market cycles,” Lord Mayor Schrinner said in his budget speech.

“…today I confirm that in 2019-20 the average increase in rates for owner occupied residential properties will once again be 2.5 per cent.”

Kenmore residents will face a rates increase of 5.4 percent or an additional $80.87 per year. Other Brisbane West suburbs should also expect to see rate increase notice in the mail including Chapel Hill (5.20%); St Lucia (3.6 %); Kenmore Hills (3.3%); Taringa (2.8%); Indooroopilly (2.5%); Bellbowrie, Brookfield, and Fig Tree Pocket (1.9%), and Moggill (1.7%).

Anstead, Pullenvale, and Pinjarra Hills, on the other hand, will cop rates increase lower than the current annual inflation rate at 0.9%, 0.9%, and 0.8% respectively.

“For owner occupiers, this average rates increase equates to $10 per quarterly rates notice or $0.77 per week. The average increase to Council fees and charges will also be 2.5 per cent,” Cr Schrinner said.

Seven Hills and Wakerley will have the highest rates increase in Brisbane, both at 5.80 percent or an extra $115.23 and $87.08 to the annual bill, respectively. Kangaroo Point residents, on the other hand will get the biggest drop with a 5.1 percent rate decrease or a savings of $86.38 year.

Ratepayers in these eight other suburbs will also expect to see drop in rates: Ransome and Willawong (-2.0%); Cowan Cowan (-1.7%); Bridgeman Downs, Bulwer, and Candler (-1.0%); Murarrie (-0.7%), and Westlake (-0.4%)

Kenmore Library Lines Up Free Holiday Activities

It’s tough to keep children from getting bored during the school holidays and it’s tougher during the winter break when the weather isn’t ideal for play or outdoor sports. It’s a good thing then that the Kenmore Library has some amusing indoor activities lined up for the children during this school break. Best of all, they’re free!

For a few hours a day, your children can check out the free events at the Kenmore Library at 9 Brookfield Road. Here’s what they can do to keep themselves occupied and amused until the new school term.

WHAT		WHEN
Holiday maker space	A craft activity session for 5 to 12-year-old kids	Daily 1 to13 July 2019 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Storytime scribing	A drawing and storytelling session for 7 to 11-year-old kids with a creative imagination.	Tuesday 9 July 2019 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Tinker table: Cubelets	A BNEtechkids workshop, where kids can create different robotic figures using modular Cubelets.	Thursday 11 July 2019 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Parents, grandparents or carers may join in these workshops as well for a cool bonding time with the kids. These moments should make for lasting memories that they will recall with fondness when they are older.

Although these are free public events, booking is still essential as space is limited. Please phone Kenmore Library at 07 3407 0258 to reserve your spot.

Epic Hair Designs in Kenmore Delivers Luxe Without a Hefty Price Tag

When it comes to haircut and hairstyling, Kenmore locals trust one hair salon that has been around since 2008 to deliver luxe without the need to shell out major bucks.

Epic Hair Designs at 841 Moggill Road began as a small hair and beauty shop with just three hairdressers. Today, the staff in Kenmore is composed of 15 hair and beauty experts and the brand has expanded to 15 other locations across Brisbane.

Patrons who come to this Kenmore hair salon for a beauty makeover are treated to a well-deserved pampering. In between haircuts and other services, the clients are served with their choice of complimentary wine, beer or gourmet drinks.

Beauty treatments involve an extensive and meticulous process to complete because the stylists at Epic Hair Design aim for thoroughness and perfection. So, whilst clients sit and relax during their makeover, they are provided with a Wi-Fi-enabled iPad to pass the time.

The results are consistently fantastic.

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A post shared by E P I C H A I R D E S I G N S (@epichairdesigns) on Jun 7, 2019 at 4:17am PDT

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A post shared by E P I C H A I R D E S I G N S (@epichairdesigns) on May 8, 2019 at 4:07am PDT

Brendon Mann opened Epic Hair Designs to provide patrons with satisfying but affordable salon experience. He has maintained the quality of his business and has sustained the salon’s reputation because he also makes training a priority for his staff.

Epic Hair Designs trades Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. To book an appointment, call 3396 1876 or via its online shop.

“Only people I trust with my blonde! I recently did have an experience where my fringe wasn’t given enough blonde so was a different colour to the rest of my hair. But not to worry, because I messaged them on Facebook, and within an hour I had gotten a call from Customer Care and booked in a complimentary appointment to fix it up. I always know that I will be taken care of. Thanks Epic Hair.”
~ Sami Cuff, Facebook

“Love this local salon. All the staff are lovely and the results are great. I always get comments on how good my colour looks from here. The added extras are fun too, cheese and biscuits, glass of wine and use of iPads etc.”
~ Suey, True Local

Moggill Koala Rehabilitation Centre Upgrade Gets Funding

The State Budget 2019-20 will allocate more than $90 million to protect wildlife and the environment, with part of the funds going to the Moggill Koala Rehabilitation Centre upgrade project.

The State Government has set aside $3.6 million to save koala population in Queensland. The State Government is earmarking $2.1-million to acquire a protected corridor in Noosa, whilst $1.5 million will go to Moggill Koala Rehabilitation Centre and Daisy Hill Koala Centre.

Koala rehabilitation and conservation

Part of this year’s $1.5 million continued koala conservation budget will be used for the Moggill Koala Rehabilitation Centre infrastructure improvements project and to support the facility’s ongoing work. Also included in the Budget is the funding to RSPCA for the oversight of the 1300 WILDLIFE Hotline service.

*Photo Credit: Ingrid Schneider / Pixabay*

Formerly known as the Moggill Koala Hospital, the Moggill Koala Rehabilitation Centre opened in 1991 to answer the need for a centre where injured or sick koalas can be admitted for treatment and/or rehabilitation.

Koalas are microchipped for identification and, once treated and rehabilitated, are returned to their natural habitat. All admissions are recorded and entered into the database to help in the identification of koala habitat and monitoring of their population.

National parks revitalisation

Apart from the koala conservation, Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef and Minister for Science Leeanne Enoch announced other environmental initiatives that will be funded in this year’s Budget including national parks revitalisation, crocodile management, koala conservation, fire management and the eradication of yellow crazy ants.

A total of $10 million will go towards the ongoing recovery of national parks affected by weather events and the ongoing improvements and upgrades to other iconic national parks. Included are parks in the Whitsundays and Mackay; parks in the Daintree, Gondwana World Heritage Area; Noosa National Park; and the Great Sandy National Park.

Noosa National Park
Photo Credit: The State of Queensland (Department of Environment and Science) 2012–2019 / findapark.npsr.qld.gov.au

Other Budget highlights for the environment

Minister Enoch also said that this year’s Budget includes funding for the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service’s (QPWS) Enhanced Fire Management program ($16 million) and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area’s yellow crazy ant local eradication program ($9 million over three years), and improved crocodile management ($6 million over two years).

Also, $1 million will be provided over two years waste management data strategy development, as well as $75.4 million to be allocated this financial year — out of the $330 million, five-year allocation — for the continuing work to protect the Great Barrier Reef.

“Improving waste data management is a crucial part of implementing waste management reforms in Queensland.

“This year’s budget will also see expenditure for key programs funded from the waste levy, including programs to support small businesses and the construction industry to improve their waste practices, and further investment in grants for environmental projects,” Ms Enoch said.

CSIRO’s Data61 Opens New Robotics Innovation Centre in Pullenvale

Australia’s world-leading research into robotics and autonomous systems just got a major boost as CSIRO’S Data61 opens a new Robotics Innovation Centre in Pullenvale.

Data61’s new facility advances Australia’s position as a world-leader in a fast-growing industry that will be worth $23 billion globally by 2025.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews recognised the advantages of having the new facility.

“CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, has a long history of robotics research excellence and has established itself as one of the world’s leading robotics research groups,” Minister Andrews said.

“Robots and autonomous systems are unlocking new value and supporting traditional industries like mining, agriculture and manufacturing to grow the economy and create more jobs.”

CSIRO Data61’s New Robotics Innovation Centre

*Photo credit: © Copyright CSIRO Australia, 2019*

The new purpose-built robotic centre is an expansion of Data61’s robotics laboratory infrastructure in Queensland.

Interestingly, the 600-square-metre facility currently houses the biggest motion-capture system in the southern hemisphere. This cutting-edge technology will be used to assess and analyse data collected by its various robotics systems.

The centre also contains the folowing:

a 13×5 metre pool for testing aquatic robots
numerous unmanned aerial and ground vehicles
legged robots
high-accuracy robot manipulators
sensors and telemetry systems

The new robotics centre will be used to continue the Robotics and Autonomous Systems Group’s on-going research. This includes the development of autonomous robotics systems to interact safely and seamlessly with humans in various situations.

The group’s work includes efforts to develop new approaches to rapidly map, navigate, and search underground environments using legged robots and autonomous drone technology. This research is part of a three-year DARPA funded SubT Challenge.

Once completed, the new technology will assist first responders in understanding and exploring hazardous underground environments during emergency rescue efforts. It will also have various commercial applications across a range of industries including mining, transport, construction, and agriculture.

The new Robotics Innovation Centre in Pullenvale, as well as Data61’s extensive robotics laboratory infrastructure, is also open for industry use and collaborative projects. For further information, contact the Robotics and Autonomous Systems group.

Survey Launched to Decide Which Uniform Policy to Adopt at Kenmore State High School

A survey has been launched by a small group of parents to determine which uniform option Kenmore State High School students and parents prefer to be adopted as the current policy at KSHS, despite the P&C’s expression of support to the Principal and the current uniform policies.

Under the controversial survey, the students and parents will choose whether to support the current policy or change the policy to “uniform choice”, which will allow all families to choose from either the formal or sports uniform, to be worn everyday.

Education Queensland requires that all changes to uniform should have prior approval by a majority of parents and students. To help in the uniform policy review, a survey has been launched to have those against and those that are for the new policy to have their say about the uniform policy.

The current uniform policy at Kenmore State High School requires Years 7 to 12 students to wear the formal or day uniform daily. Sports uniform should be worn only on days when they have curriculum based sport, PE, or dance.

Beginning 2020, however, this policy shall apply to all students, which have divided the school community. Some raised complaints citing lack of consultation from last years forums and approval process.

Some issues the families have with the uniforms are that they are of low quality and do not conform with Education Queensland Sun Safety guidelines.

Dine in Traditional Greek Meze At This Restaurant in Kenmore

Photo Credit: Stavros the Greek - Kenmore/Facebook

Serving food on a meze table is a hallmark of Greek-style entertaining. If you want to know what it’s like dining this way, tuck into a meal at Stavros the Greek Restaurant in Kenmore.

Eating in this restaurant will make you feel like you are instantly transported to the European country itself, with a distinctive cycladic blue and white interior, high ceilings, sleek decor, and of course, delicious home-style Mediterranean dishes.

*Photo Credit:* *Stavros the Greek – Kenmore/Facebook*

Favourite dishes include charred pita bread with Stavros house dips, slow cooked lamb shoulder and Mooloolaba split king prawns. There are also fresh fish, kebab skewers, salads, and slides.

There’s also a kids menu featuring whiting fillets, chicken kebab, and lamb kebab, all paired with chips.

Greeks love eating their grilled octopus with ouzo, a dry anise-flavoured aperitif. At Stavros, ouzo is mixed with lemon juice, simple syrup, and sparkling wine to come up with a refreshing cocktail.

They offer the ‘Pick Your Own Love Potion,’ a three-step DIY gin menu providing 11 Australian and overseas gin options, plus six premium tonic choices, both flavoured and traditional.

Stavros the Greek Restaurant is located at 4 Wongabel Street, Kenmore. They are open for dinner from 5:00 pm until late daily and for lunch from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on Sundays.

For more details about this Greek restaurant in Kenmore, check out their website or follow them on Facebook.

Locals Concerned Over Proposed Mixed Use Development in Kenmore

Photo Credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

A proposed mixed-use residential development in Kenmore raised concerns from some nearby residents due to its potential traffic impact on the surrounding area.

Based on the development application lodged in March 2019, the proposal seeks to build 34 serviced apartments plus an on-site manager’s apartment and a 3,044-sqm commercial space at 22 Brookfield Road and 17-21 Princeton Street.

The centre activity uses may be a restaurant or café, boutique cinema complex with associated uses, community facilities, serviced offices, strata-titled offices, education facilities, medical facilities, or car parking for tenants, owners and visitors.

Plans provided by Holgar Architects showed the apartments include terrace and balcony areas as well as a pool and outdoor entertainment space on the rooftop.

Photo Credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

The plan also includes creating 150 car park spaces, with 129 dedicated for centre activities. If approved, the service apartments will be accessible via Bingham Street and the Centre Activities will be accessible via Princeton Street.

“I own a business in Kenmore accessed off Princeton Street. This is a very narrow street and cannot take the increase in traffic this will cause. The Kenmore roundabout is already unable to handle current traffic volumes from Brookfield Road. This will add to that congestion,” one resident wrote.

Another resident said that there are already a number of cafes, gyms and townhouses in the area.

Princeton Street looking west (Photo Credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

Brisbane City Council has carried out an initial review of the application and said the land use, height and scale of the proposal is not considered compatible with the surrounding development and the existing pattern of development in the area.

BCC said the proposal reaches a maximum height of 6 storeys, inconsistent with the two-storey maximum height in Princeton Street and Bingham Street’s low-density residential area.

The applicant needs to amend a number of matters relating to building design, engineering, bushfire, noise and air quality if the application were to be pursued further.

For further information about the proposed mixed-use development in Kenmore, see Full DA- A005160079.