brookfield brisbane Archives

Brookfield Tests Virtual Fence To Keep Feral Deer Away From Roads

A virtual fence has been installed on Rafting Ground Road in Brookfield as part of a trial to prevent feral deer from crossing the road, and hopefully to deter accidents.

The Brisbane City Council is exerting all efforts to minimise feral deer in the city. Over the years, a distinct growth of feral deer sightings has been reported to the council, most notably in the western side. Should the trial of the virtual fence be successful, it will then be rolled out to various areas in the city.

Deer crossing roads have caused a number of traffic accidents and other problems such as:

damage to native vegetation
reduction of water quality to several bodies of water
damage to residential properties
attracting illegal hunting
transmitting diseases to humans and animals
aggressive behaviour

Virtual Fence Trial

The virtual fence trial started in March 2018 and is part of the council’s $1-million budget for pest animal management.

Rafting Ground Road was chosen because of the low-light environment, which enhances the effectiveness of the technology. The road is also a known to be a major deer-crossing point.

Cr David McLachlan said that this particular wildlife solution is unique and effective.

“Deer can cause serious traffic hazards and council is now monitoring the ability of a virtual fence along Rafting Ground Road to keep deer off our roads,” Cr McLachlan said.

“Brisbane is home to more than 400 feral deer, which are classed as a pest under both State and Council legislation because of the environmental, economic and social threats they pose.

“Since July 2016, Council has received nearly around 140 reports of feral deer sightings in the city’s western suburbs, and has captured around 180 pest deer in the same period.”

The virtual fence will emit a high-pitched solar signal as vehicles approach, thus keeping the deer from getting on the roads.

The same technology was found to be effective when it was put into trial in Tasmania to protect the Tasmanian devil. The results showed a significant reduction of road-kill.

Help With Feral Deer Management

The council also reminds residents to help reduce the number of feral deer in residential properties and on roads.

Do not feed or befriend feral deer
Put up proper fencing
Deter deer via electronic deterrents, lights, rotary or a motion-activated sprinkler system

Staying Safe On The Road

In order to ensure safety on the road especially in areas where the prevalence of feral deer is known, keep in mind that they travel in groups. If you see one deer crossing it is best to wait for a few minutes as it is most likely that there are more coming.

The council has also released some road guidelines to help you stay safe on the road:

Honk at a deer when you see one near the road
Flash your headlight to signal to other drivers
Practice caution and slow speed during the dawn and dusk
Slow down when you see deer signs

Brookfield’s Mini Country Show is All Set to Delight at Brookfield Showground

All is set for a mini country show at the Brookfield Showground.

Brookfield Show is back at the Brookfield Showground to highlight the best of country life from Friday 18 May to Sunday 20 May 2018.

The famous annual agricultural event will showcase exciting equestrian events, rodeo and live entertainment for kids and grown-ups alike. Packed with all the fun activities, the annual show always turns out somewhat like a smaller version of the huge Brisbane Ekka.

Event Details:

What:	Brookfield Show
When:	Friday, 18 May – Sunday, 20 May 2018
Where:	Brookfield Showground
Tickets:	Single day tickets available at the gate: Adult – $20 Children – $10$80 – Family multi-day pass (2 adults and up to 3 kids) $40 – Adult multi-day pass $20 – Child/ Concession Brookfield Show multi-day pass (5- 17 years old) FREE – children under 5 years

Show Friday

Show Friday is District Day, with equestrian events filling the main arena. The day won’t be complete without the Rodeo and sideshow entertainment. Other attractions to expect include “Poison Anvil” demonstrations, free animal farm, venomous snake show and display, pony rides, face painting, games and hobby horses equitation.

There will also be live music right at the Member’s Bar.

On Thursday night, prior to the formal start of the event, the winners of the art, children’s’ art and craft, photography, sculpture and woodwork contests will be revealed.

Equestrian events start at 8:00 a.m. and the pavilions and carnival will open each day at 9:00 a.m.

Show Saturday and Sunday

Saturday and Sunday events are filled with pavilion exhibits, live performances, displays, ring events and sideshow entertainment.

Come early at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday for the judging of the Brookfield Dog Show competitions and the poultry competition. The weekend will be filled with various attractions such as wood chopping competition, roving entertainment, a mini pig race and silent disco.

Evening events include jousting, light horse demonstrations and FMX bikes.

Expect non-stop live music and performances on the whole day of Saturday and on Sunday until the early evening.

Fireworks will light up the sky on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. and again at 6:15 p.m. on Sunday to close the event.

Find out more about the Brookfield Show.

Address: Brookfield Showground, 550 Brookfield Road, Brookfield

Brookfield Markets To Resume in February

Established in 2016, the Brookfield Markets continues to thrive as it resumes on the 3rd of February this year from 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Brookfield Showgrounds.

The market takes place every first and third Saturday of every month, bringing fresh and quality produce to the locals of the west.

The event is established in support of local farmers and to encourage sustainability and reduce food miles.

What To Expect

It’s not a market without an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. It’s the perfect place to be on a Saturday morning as stalls are laden with colourful produce that embodies “healthy” and “organic.”

Photo credit: Brookfield Markets / Facebook

You will find exotic and unusual produce at the Brookfield Markets. There are specialist mushrooms, tomato, potato and citrus.

There are also dairy and delicatessen stalls, a vendor of cheeses, olives and many more.

A wide selection of fresh breads, chutneys and jams also await.

Bring the whole family and enjoy a great shopping experience!

Brookfield & Other Suburbs Under Mortgage Stress

Digital Finance Analytics has seen a spike in mortgage stress in September that involves suburbs in west Brisbane, Brookfield and Fig Tree Pocket.

Their new analysis shows that there are now more than 905,000 households in mortgage stress, with 18,000 in severe stress. Even affluent neighbourhoods are also feeling the pressure. Brookfield, like Fig Tree Pocket, is known to house higher income homes. The mortgage stress that they are experiencing is being driven by the rising mortgage rates and living costs, whilst real incomes continue to remain stagnant or worse, fall.

There are also plenty of households that are spending bigger money on mortgage repayments, higher power prices, childcare costs and other expenses. All of these are considered to be a deadly combination.

According to Martin North, the Principal of Digital Finance Analytics, “continued pressure from low wage and rising costs means those with bigger mortgages are especially under the gun. These stressed households are less likely to spend at the shops, which will act as a further drag anchor on future growth.”

“The number of households impacted are economically significant, especially as household debt continues to climb to new record levels,” he added.

GET DFA DATA

Escaping Debt

The good news is, there are still ways to escape this vicious cycle of debt:

Have a clear budget – make a list of everything that you spend on, down to the tiniest detail. This may seem time-consuming but you will thank yourself in the end. Keeping a record of everything that you spend on will help you manage your finances.
Prioritise what you spend on – once you have written down all the things that you spend on, you can now prioritise how and where you spend your money. You will be surprised at how effective this is to your budget.
Consider going to the bank – the bank can provide you with loans to help you pay off your mortgage. Going to the bank to know what your options are will be a huge help.

With this growing trend, it is always best to remember that change begins in oneself. So, if you want to get out of your mortgage stress, start by knowing all the expenses you make on a monthly basis and don’t be afraid to ask for help in considering your options.

Brookfield Holds the 2017 Kokoda Challenge Brisbane

The Kokoda Challenge Brisbane will be held at the Brookfield Showgrounds on the 3rd and 4th of June 2017. The event will start at 7:00 a.m. and there will be three course options available.

Two of the course options are 30km and 15km. Also, for the first time, a 48km course will be open for adults and school teams due to popular demand. There will be one checkpoint for the 15km course, three checkpoints for 30km, and six checkpoints with one support crew checkpoint for the 48km course.

The Foundation

The Kokoda Youth Foundation is a charity by Doug Henderson OAM, a Vietnam veteran. It was established in 2004 inspired by the battle of the Kokoda Track and the Pacific Campaign. Their main initiative is the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program (KCYP), a 14-month program that includes 6 months of community service, physical training and mentoring, participation in two Kokoda Challenge events, and much more.

Their event series are held to fund participants for their youth programs.

Before You Run…

Participants of the upcoming Kokoda Challenge Brisbane event must be in teams consisting of 3 to 4 people. Each team must be able to raise funds according to the number of persons in the team and their choice of course. Each team member also needs to pay a registration fee. Each team will need to form their own support crew. To find out more about the rates and the minimum fundraising per team, click here.

The Kokoda Challenge events encourage kids and adults to engage with the community through fundraising events.

The 48km and 30km courses require kids to be at least 13 years old to join, while 10-year-olds can join the 15km event. Participants under the age of 18 should be accompanied by an adult.

Brookfield General Store Still Going Strong

Originally a teacher’s residence, the Brookfield General Store has definitely come a long way. Established as a cafe and store in 1871, it serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Some residents affectionately refer to it as “The Shed.”

This neighbourhood corner store is where residents go to pick up their daily staples, such as bread, milk, and vegetables. Overlooking Brookfield Hall, the country-style cafe-slash-store has become the go-to place for residents on a quick grocery or pizza run. Tourists also make sure to swing by the popular store to complete their Brookfield experience.

What’s Inside

Step inside Brookfield General Store and you will immediately see what the store is all about. Shelves and shelves full of surprises line up the walls. There is literally something for everyone. Known for its eclectic mix of merchandise, the store has the requisite grocery items, fresh flowers from Madame Les Fleurs, and even a line of the store’s “Wanted” house-brand sauces.

For those who are looking to stock up on their meat supply at home, the store also offers organic meats from Sherwood Organic Meats. They also have free-range turkey on sale from GreenAg. A selection of Golden Grove wines is on display, while a rack of Jamwork jams will definitely spread good cheer among shoppers.

For rumbling tummies, the cafe at the front of the store is your best bet. You can also enjoy the bucolic view from the back verandah. If you’re coming down for breakfast, don’t miss out on their Brooky brekky roll that consists of aioli, spinach, fried egg, crispy bacon and the cafe’s popular BBQ sauce, served on a toasted roll.

During lunchtime, the Barnyard Grilled Chicken Burger is a popular choice amongst diners. There are also a number of gourmet sandwiches and salads for diners who want something lighter.

Photo credit: http://brookfieldgeneralstore.com.au/

At dinnertime, the kitchen shifts gears and offers a different set of dishes. Check out their selection of wood-fired pizzas and you’ll find out what everybody has been raving about!

Kids have their own menu featuring tasty, pint-sized selections which will keep their tummy’s happy and their mummies pleased. Pets are welcome to tag along. Water bowls are supplied outside to keep those beloved pooches hydrated and happy.