West Brisbane Archives - Kenmore News

Ross River Virus: Mosquito Control Efforts Escalated in West Brisbane

Queensland Health has issued an urgent warning about the rising number of cases of Ross River Virus infections in West Brisbane. Mosquito spraying activities will be conducted in at-risk areas like Brookfield, Pullenvale, Anstead, and Pinjarra Hills in the coming weeks.

In the period from 2001 to 2020, the average cumulative incidence in the Greater Brisbane area was approximately 70 cases per 10,000 people. This data highlights the ongoing challenge of Ross River Virus (RRV) infections and the critical need for effective prevention and awareness strategies. Further details on the study are available here.

Residents and visitors, especially in suburbs like Kenmore, Brookfield, Chelmer and Sherwood, are strongly advised to implement protective measures against mosquito bites, the primary means of virus transmission.

Enhanced Mosquito Control Measures Across Brisbane and the Gold Coast

South East Queensland has seen a surge in mosquito populations, with the recent combination of wet weather and high temperatures providing ideal conditions for these pests to thrive. This has led to an unprecedented increase in mosquito activity, compelling the Brisbane City Council to implement extensive control measures, treating up to 2,400 sites weekly. This represents a 140% increase over the usual mosquito management efforts, including seven aerial treatments in just the last nine weeks.

In Brisbane alone, efforts have focused on 136 out of 190 suburbs, with an additional 24 areas on the Gold Coast receiving attention. The Redland City Council has upped their aerial larviciding by 60%, marking the most significant campaign since the 2016-2017 period. Logan City, Sunshine Coast, and the Gold Coast councils have similarly expanded their control activities.

Recent data from Queensland Health has confirmed several cases of mosquito-transmitted diseases, with 29 instances of Ross River virus and three of dengue reported in the first three weeks of January alone.

About the Ross River Virus

Origin and Spread

Ross River Virus (RRV) is a mosquito-borne alphavirus that is endemic to Australia, Papua New Guinea, and the Pacific Islands. The virus primarily spreads through the bite of infected mosquitoes, notably those in the Aedes and Culex genera, which are common in these regions.

Symptoms and Treatment

RRV infection can lead to a range of symptoms, from mild to debilitating. Common symptoms include polyarthritis, rash, fever, fatigue, and muscle pain. These symptoms can significantly affect an individual’s ability to perform daily activities and, in some cases, can persist for months or even years. While there is no specific treatment for RRV, management of symptoms is possible through medication and physical therapy.

Epidemiology

The virus has shown a notable propensity for causing large outbreaks, particularly in coastal regions. The incidence of RRV infection varies seasonally and geographically, with the highest rates typically observed in areas with warmer climates and in proximity to bodies of water where mosquito populations thrive.

Prevention

Preventing RRV infection centres on controlling mosquito populations and minimising individual exposure to mosquito bites. Public health measures include community education on the use of insect repellent, the importance of wearing protective clothing, and the need to eliminate standing water around homes and communities to reduce mosquito breeding sites.

Global Health Perspective

RRV is considered a significant public health issue within its endemic regions. With climate change and increasing global travel, there is a potential for RRV to expand its geographical reach, making it a subject of interest for global health monitoring and research.

Call for Personal Protective Measures

Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard has emphasised the importance of personal protection against mosquitoes and the diseases they carry. With the potential for any mosquito bite to transmit Ross River Virus, increased mosquito activity elevates the risk of infection. Mosquitoes can bite at any time of day, though some species are more active during twilight hours.

To reduce the risk of mosquito bites, it’s recommended to:

Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, especially at dusk and dawn.
Use insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus regularly.
Wear loose, light-coloured clothing that covers arms, legs, and feet to minimize skin exposure

Published 13-Feb-2024

West Brisbane Residents Affected by Aircraft Noise Invited to Community Focus Group in Upper Brookfield

Trax International is conducting a series of Community Focus Groups among Brisbane residents affected by aircraft noise. For West Brisbane locals, the two-hour focus group will take place this weekend in Upper Brookfield, where a dialogue with Airservices Australia for solutions will take place.

Inputs from the focus group will be added to the final report Trax International will submit to Airservices Australia, which launched the Post-Implementation Review (PIR) into the aircraft noise. Residents are enjoined to be at the Upper Brookfield Hall on Sunday, 12 June 2022, at 3:00 p.m. Participants are required to register to attend.

Per Trax International:

“The main goal of the focus groups is to share information and listen and learn from people affected by aircraft noise; with this in mind, the focus groups intend to:

Discuss the potential improvement opportunities identified in the Interim Report;
Gather feedback from communities about their experiences of aircraft noise in different areas;
Start a dialogue with communities about options to manage and mitigate noise impacts.”

Those who cannot attend may personally approach Trax for an informal discussion as they will open a drop-in session at Aviation Australia on 20 Boronia Rd, Brisbane Airport on 14 June 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

BAC Issues Apology to Brisbane Residents

The Brisbane Airport Corporation, on the other hand, issued an apology to the residents.

“BAC acknowledges that aircraft noise is a genuine issue for some residents living under flight paths. We are sorry that aircraft noise can cause some people distress.

“BAC is working with the Federal authority responsible for flight paths and air traffic control, Airservices Australia, to explore options that would allow more planes to depart and land over the Bay.

“We fully support Airservices Australia’s decision to engage airspace design experts Trax International to identify opportunities to increase over the Bay departures and arrivals, among other improvements.

“Similarly, BAC supports Airservices Australia’s submission to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to allow 7 knot tailwind operations at Brisbane Airport (BNE).”

Tailwind Increase from 5 to 7 Knots Opposed

Meanwhile, a proposal to increase the tailwind limits from five to seven knots has been opposed by the Australian Airline Pilots’ Association. Whilst this may mean that the aircraft can take-off and land over Moreton Bay, thus moving away from the city and reducing the noise, the pilots said it will affect the safety levels.

AusALPA president Captain Tony Lucas said that they understand the residents’ mental and physical anguish over the aircraft noise, he explained that there should be a better way to fix this issue “rather than increasing the risk for both pilots and the travelling public.”

Road Closures, Alternatives, and Safe Spaces in Kenmore, Nearby Areas

Thousands of residents have been stranded or isolated as heavy rain and floods inundate South East Queensland, cutting off major arterial roads in West Brisbane. Here’s an update on road closures and safe spaces in Kenmore, Upper Brookfield, Pullenvale, and nearby areas.

As of 6:00 a.m. Monday, 28 Feb 2022, roads in Bellbowrie and Moggill have been unpassable to motorists. Some areas are also isolated as large blocks of rock, as well as mud and water flow, have filled the streets.

Most stores, including essentials like the Pullenvalle Marketplace IGA or Coles in Moggill, are either closed or running with limited staff as workers can’t get through or risk being stranded on the roads.

“Seqwater began releases from Wivenhoe Dam from yesterday morning,” Cr Greg Adermann said. “The first releases downstream of Moggill will reach the city by the time of this morning’s high tide.”

Safe Space for the Stranded

Those stranded on the road but can get to Kenmore District Rugby Club on Hepworth Street are welcome to use the facilities, take a warm shower, recharge their devices, and warm up with food and drinks.

“Kenmore Bears is open for anyone in need of food, drink, shower facilities, somewhere to charge your devices or a safe warm space,” the club stated.

“Donations of towels and food are welcomed, as is anyone able to volunteer their time to assist in cooking/serving. Please feel free to come down to the Club and connect, to find help or to offer it. Please stay safe.”

Checking for Safe Roads

Whilst residents are advised to stay safe and dry at home, some may need to go out for food and other essentials or emergency supplies. They can track which roads are unpassable or safe as updated by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

As of 28 Feb 2022 09:02 a.m., Mashall Lane in Kenmore is passable without delays. However, residents are advised to take precautions as the roads remain slippery.

Power Down in West Brisbane

Meanwhile, more than 800 residents in Kenmore and 150 homes in Upper Brookfield have been without power due to the weather event. Energex said they are working to restore the power back as soon as possible but delays could be expected as the rising waters threaten power substations and homes across the city.

Residents may check for outage and restoration updates on the Energex site.

“Remember; while your property or street may be high and dry, the electrical infrastructure that supplies you could be flooded,” Energex said. “While we try to localise de-energisations as much as possible to minimise the impact on everyone; however, safety must come first.”

For electrical safety concerns, especially damaged electrical infrastructure, residents may phone 13 19 62.

Absence of Bike Lanes Between Pullenvale & Bellbowrie Plus Cyclists Plight Prompts Plea for Improvements

Chris Cox of Space4Cycling Brisbane and Brisbane West Bicycle Users Group has long been actively campaigning for additional bike lanes for various parts here in the west. Just recently, he again pointed out the absence of bike lanes and paths between Bellbowrie and Pullenvale following an incident that happened to a cyclist in Anstead.

The cyclist had a close call with a prime mover due to the lack of a shared path for bike riders and pedestrians in Anstead. Mr Cox, on the other hand, said he had a similar experience as he frequents Jindalee and Moggill as part of his commutes. He said that the road is very dangerous for cyclists because it’s a steep climb, plus there is no road shoulder. It’s just all about hearing vehicles behind you and praying that they notice you.

In light of this, Mr Cox asks for a shared path for cyclists and pedestrians along Mt Crosby Road between Kangaroo Gully Rd and Boyle Rd as he thinks that this is the easiest and quickest solution for now.

Around 1m / 1.5m is the required distance between a cyclist and a vehicle on the road. In April 2016, the Department of Transport and Main Roads revealed that there have been 140 infringements issued in Queensland for failing to meet this distance.

For narrow roads and bridges, they advise all motorists to always use common sense and be obedient on road rules.

Spooky Nights in Kenmore & Other Nearby Suburbs

Halloween is just around the corner and we know that a lot of you are looking for great activities to do. The good news is, there is quite a lot of activities to do here in the west that you have to check out.

The Biggest Trick or Treat Course

Happening at Indooroopilly Shopping Centre from 26-29 October, enjoy FREE Halloween pumpkin head putt-putt course and centre wide trick or treat course. Make sure that you book this right now.

No Tricks, Just Treats

Special story times are coming. So, if you don’t want any tricks this year, you’re in for great treats. Dress up in your spookiest costume and enjoy scary tales and games at the Kenmore Library on 31 October to 3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This event is ideal for children 3 to 12 years old. Bookings are essential.

Make Your Own Monster

Not to be outdone, the Kenmore Library will have an early Halloween event on 21 October, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. with some arts and crafts that freak you out! The event is ideal for boys aged 5 to 12 years old. Bookings are essential.

Epic Cemetery Ghost Tour

Craving for the fear factor? If you really want to feel the Halloween spirit and are not afraid to get spooked, then spend the evening at the Toowong Cemetery. From 28 October to 31 October, join the 1-hour ghost tours and the 2-hour ghost tours. You can book your tickets here.

Make the most out of your October and get spooked!

2017 Brookfield Show : Scary Weather Forecasts, Equine Flu Scare But The Show Was As Good As Ever

Congratulations to the Brookfield Show Committee

Another great rendition of the Brookfield Show is now behind us, the Show Committee once again organizing three days of action packed fun supported by great sponsors, stall holders, and with the assistance of Kenmore Rotary.

As far as major events go in the western suburbs of Brisbane, there is no bigger than the Brookfield Show.

This year’s event was as good as ever despite a terrible weather forecast, thank goodness proven incorrect!

Friday morning kicked the event off with a mixture of drizzle and heavy rain that left the Boscombe road vendor car park greasy but under management by Kenmore Rotary. The hiatus of school drop offs, coinciding with the arrival of show vendors, happened seamlessly. One Friday casualty due to the weather were the pony events, but the Rodeo went ahead in the evening and locals arrived en masse for a fun evening.

Saturday and Sunday brought glorious weather. The main car park was full by 11:00 a.m. though Boscombe Road had space for most of the day. The equestrian events displayed some great equine talent and riding over the weekend, whilst the gravity of the competition there contrasted with the hilarious pig racing in an adjoining ring.

The rides stayed busy during both days, many kids stretching their $45 all-day pass to the limits, with continual lines at the dodgems.

One concern which the Courier Mail has headlined today was the suspected Hendra virus case, though this was cleared up by a statement from the vet:

The Children’s art show was a great success, judged this year by Catherine Mactaggart of Sotheby’s Queensland.

Best in Show was won by Sophie Evans:

Here are some of the other highly talented entrants:

See more entries here

The dog show results can be found here

Councillor Kate Richards reported watching the woodchopping:

A great event that families get wonderful value from every year, West Brisbane is lucky to have the Brookfield Show.

Photo Credit: Brookfield Show from Facebook.com/CrKateRichards