kenmore Archives - Page 11 of 12

Kenmore Local Group Fights Against Azure Development In Court, Seeks Crowdfunding Help

A number of Kenmore residents continue to fight against the Azure development along Moggill Road and Wyndarra Street and are counting on crowdfunding to help them with their court battle.

Last year, feedback from residents have been collected, with most of the comments opposing the development. Residents do not think that their suburb will be able to cope with the increased density that this project would bring.

Read: Kenmore Residents Actively Campaigning Against Proposed Azure Townhouse Development

Brisbane City Council sent the developer a list of matters to be resolved after reviewing the application. The council did not support the proposal for the 104-unit project, citing issues that remain unaddressed.

Subsequently, the developer received approval on 25 January 2018 after making significant changes to the project plans, such as:

Reducing the number of dwellings from 104 units to 94 units;
Including plans for deep planting and rehabilitation of the site;
Increasing the number of car parking spaces; and
Widening of Margaret Court

Appeal against Decision

These changes do not sit well with the residents, hence their move to take the battle to court.

Kenmore Living Inc, group lodged an appeal in the Planning and Environment Court in February 2018.

However, the group is struggling to cover the entire cost of the legal battle.

To gain assistance with the legal fees, the group has set up a gofundme page. The group is appealing to the locals to help them save the leafy suburb and prevent additional traffic congestion in the area by supporting their court battle.

The group believes that crowdfunding will make more sense to help them move forward with their case. A member of the group estimated that they will need a minimum of $60,000-$80,000.

It is also noted that four families have already shelled out about $10,000 to help fight the development. Legally, the losers in court will have to pay for the legal costs of the winner.

Pressure is now mounting on both sides as they prepare their respective positions on the matter.

Find out more about the project: DA A004627877.

Call for Additional High School and Infrastructure Investment in Kenmore State High School Renewed

The fight continues for an additional high school and infrastructure investment in Kenmore State High School as the State Government is urged to provide analysis on current enrolments and changes to future enrolments and catchment suburbs.

For the past few years, locals have pleaded for urgent building upgrades to Kenmore SHS as the school nears reaching capacity. The Department of Education previously dismissed the statement that the school will soon hit its maximum student enrolment capacity of 2,231 students.

Read: Kenmore State High School Pleads for Urgent Building Upgrades

Read: New High School Facility in Moggill Still Not Possible, Kenmore State High School To Make Changes to Protect Learning Environment

Demand for Analysis

Dr Christian Rowan, MP for Moggill, insists that the need for infrastructure upgrade at the school is an urgent matter. He posed several questions to the Labor of Education Minister, including a request for information on 2018 enrolments and projected enrolments in the school.

Photo credit: Dr Christian Rowan MP/Facebook

The MP also wanted to know the ministry’s projections in terms of future changes to catchment suburbs in the next 10 years. He also asked what analysis has been done in relation to an additional high school in the Moggill or Ipswich West electorates.

By rule, Kenmore SHS restricts enrolment of students from outside its local catchment area to avoid exceeding enrolment capacity. Some residents from outside the catchment are dismayed that the Education Ministry insists that the school is below capacity when in fact, students are getting turned down during enrolment citing that the school is at capacity.

In the past years, Dr Rowan made similar appeals for the state government to fund an expansion of Kenmore SHS and establishment of a new school in the region. Concerned locals support the move and feel that they have been left in dark as to the master plan for the school.

Locals insist that there are issues with the existing facilities of the school. The library, for instance they say, is already cramped and not able to service some 1,900 students.

Dead & Injured Swallows Found In Underground Carpark In Kenmore, RSPCA to Investigate

Kenmore residents woke up to dead swallows in an underground car park at a medical centre on 3 April.

The Verdict

It was discovered later on that glue was applied to the overhead pipes. There were nearly 60 birds affected.

A Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) officer spent the entire morning rescuing birds. He said that there were some who were still alive and could be seen hopping around the area, unable to fly.

According to the RSPCA officer, an animal cruelty investigation is being heavily considered following the discovery of the glue application on the pipes.

The swallows were brought to the RSPCA’s animal hospital and about 20 birds have been euthanised, whilst other birds are still receiving treatments.

Why Are They In A Carpark

Swallows are known to be attracted to open-fronted buildings. In Australia, the most widespread swallow is called the Welcome Swallow and can be seen swooping and fluttering between city buildings, grasslands, and forests.

In the last year alone, RSPCA has received 18,322 animal cruelty complaints and neglect calls whilst their Animal Ambulance received 27,517 Animal Rescue calls.

Local Mum Submits Petition To Improve Road Safety at Pullenvale State School

A Pullenvale mum has submitted a petition to the Brisbane City Council calling for pedestrian crossing and school zone signages to be installed at their local school.

Lack Of School Road Safety Signs

Nicole Heath feels that they are being discriminated as evidenced by the lack of road safety measures in their local school, Pullenvale State School.

In her petition, she highlighted how other schools have road security features in their vicinity. Moggill State School has lit-up signs, a lolly-pop lady, and two pedestrian crossing. Kenmore State School and Our Lady of the Rosary School also implemented the same features.

The petitioner is requesting installation of 40 km/hr lit up signs and a pedestrian crossing where the school grounds begin. Another request for a pedestrian crossing is being proposed along with school zone hours sign near the school car park.

So far, the petition has garnered 79 signatures and it will close on 26 April. Read the e-petition.

The council said that they take into consideration every petition that is submitted to them. Their council engineers will make recommendations to the council’s infrastructure committee.

However, the council said that they have offered to work with the school to come up with a traffic management plan but the school is yet to respond.

Flashing Road Signs in Brisbane

Last year, safety concerns about Brisbane school zones were highlighted.

One of the council’s solutions was to install flashing road signs that will catch the attention of motorists. They started distributing these signs to schools last year.

However, not all schools are eligible. Schools are selected based on a detailed risk analysis as well as nominations by schools and communities.

The schools are assessed but priority is given to school zones with a significant crash history, high level of pedestrian traffic, or visibility problems.

12-year-old Kenmore Girl Shaving Her Head for the World’s Greatest Shave

Issy O’Keef, a shy girl from Kenmore State High School, is taking a big step to raise money to help children struggling with blood cancer. On Saturday, 24 March, the young girl will cut off all her beautiful long hair for cancer, as she takes part in the World’s Greatest Shave for the Leukaemia Foundation.

When Issy decided to participate in the World’s Greatest Shave, her initial goal was to raise $500; but now, thanks to the help and support she got from her family, friends, and her school, she has been able to raise $1,342 to date.

“The reason I want to take part in this is because I was sad to learn that 26.7 percent of children worldwide struggle through leukaemia, causing heartache, pain, and major hair loss. I wanted to be able to help one or more of these children by donating my hair to WigsForKids and raising some money to help with specialist care and research,” said Issy.

At first, Issy’s mother, Anna Leatham, was surprised to hear that her daughter was joining the World’s Greatest Shave.

“When Issy came home from school and announced with total conviction that she was going to raise money for kids with cancer by doing the World’s Greatest Shave, I must admit to being a bit taken aback, to say the least,” said Anna.

Anna admitted that, at first, she was doubtful that the idea would stay appealing to her daughter, since shaving all her hair off is quite extreme for her. She said, “I got her all wrong! She is determined to do this, and in fact is pretty excited!”

“I am extremely proud of this girl, who is very empathetic, courageous, and thoughtful. She cannot wait to be able to donate the money she has raised and also her hair to WigsForKids,” she added.

Although a bit nervous, Issy’s family is very proud and supportive of her. Her big sister is very proud and protective of her. Her brother instantly posted her sponsor page on social media, with a shoutout to all of his friends. He was blown away upon hearing that his sister is taking such a bold move to help those in need.

Even her grandparents shared how proud they are of Issy for doing such a great thing.

One of the things that has inspired Issy the most in this endeavour is the experience of her Auntie Sue who had cancer. Because of her, Issy is doubly determined to help in supporting this charity.

Issy, with her dear Aunt Sue (Photo Supplied)

“My Auntie Sue did not have Leukaemia but she did lose all of her beautiful hair after twice fighting a different cancer. That motivated me to want to help support a charity like this,” said Issy.

Auntie Sue is her mother’s older sister in the UK that went through two separate bouts of breast cancer.

Her mother said, “She, of course, lost all her hair and this seems to have stuck in Issy’s mind, particularly thinking of how hard it would be for kids to lose their hair.”

Issy is set to show her bravery and have her hair shaved this Saturday, 9:00 a.m. at Etticut Hair, Marshall Lane, Kenmore.

You can still show your support for this courageous young girl and help her in her quest to help children afflicted with blood cancer.

SPONSOR ISSY

Great Treasures at Vintage Etcetera in Kenmore

Vintage Etcetera in Kenmore will have you walking away with a smile on your face, laden with a shopping bag full of great finds.

Photo credit: Vintage Etcetera / Facebook

The shop delivers promising items, which means that you can always buy something here that you will find nice and useful. Owners Arthur and Robyn Rowland have always been passionate about antiques.

The assortment of items in this shop changes all the time. There is always something new to see. From antique rocking horses, globes to jewellery, there really is something for everyone here.

One of the great things about the shop is that you don’t walk in a shop that smells of old furniture filled with dusty items. You will be surprised of how fresh and welcoming it is inside.

Go check the counter for some of the most amazing homemade cards as well.

The staff also has plenty of unique stories to tell behind some items on-sale. Make sure that you ask about the pieces you like. Sometimes, knowing a little bit of background about an item makes all the difference.

Driver Spotted Using Snapchat While Driving in Kenmore

Social media is a huge part of our lives and although sharing your life on various social media platforms can be fun — there are times when it can be downright dangerous, posing a risk to one’s life and that of others’. Recently, an unknown motorist driving at 60km/h in Kenmore posted on Snapchat whilst driving.

The said video has gone viral after a netizen saw the video on Snapchat and commented about it, catching the attention of the Brisbane police. The police reminds the public to concentrate on driving and to put their mobile phones and cameras away while behind the wheel.

Just recently, RACQ has revealed that around 7% of drivers, particularly in southeast Queensland, have been caught using their phones whilst driving. The study ran between February and May of this year. It showed that plenty of drivers were on their phones while driving. Chermside takes the top spot from among the suburbs with the greatest number of offenders.

The Queensland University of Technology also conducted a study for Accident Research and Road Safety-Queensland, which revealed that eight in 10 drivers aged 17-25 have admitted to be using their phones whilst they’re driving. Interestingly enough, 40% of them admitted to using Snapchat.

As of press time, the Kenmore driver’s identity remains unknown.

Kenmore Sees Bridge and Pedestrian Upgrades

Work has begun on two bridge and pedestrian upgrades in Kenmore. The upgrades will be seen at Katunga and Akuna streets.

The upgrades have been a fund of $1.75 million that will help existing bridges bordering Cubberla Creek Reserve, Moggill Rd, the sports fields at the reserve and the Centenary Bikeway. Wider and stronger bridges along with bike-friendly handrails will be placed. There will also be new footpaths to connect the said bridges.

The Katunga Street bridge upgrade will see the stabilisation of the creek bank, the removal of the existing bridge structure, new bridge foundation, the installation of a concrete pedestrian and cycle bridge, modification of the existing guardrail and the reconstruction of the footpath and road sections to tie in with the new bridge.

Once this is done, the bridge will be three meters wide, following the standard width for a pedestrian and cycle bridge.

While the Akuna Street bridge upgrade will follow the same procedures, it will be 3.6 meters wide when it is finished due to its role in the existing bikeway network.

The Katunga Street Bridge is expected to be complete in mid-2017, whilst the Akuna Street Bridge completion will be completed towards the end of 2017.

Kenmore Residents Actively Campaigning Against Proposed Azure Townhouse Development

Kenmore residents don’t seem too happy with the current developments in their suburb as well as potential ones. The new Churches of Christ being built in the area has recently gotten negative feedback from the local community. On the other hand, the Azure townhouse development plan that was proposed along Moggill Road and Wyndarra St. is still gaining a lot of feedback whilst the community continues to campaign against it.

The collection of feedback from residents against the residential development has been completed. Based on the feedback gathered, residents are very much against this development because they believe that the suburb will not be able to cope with the increased density that the project will bring.

Also Read: Kenmore Residents Displeased Over New Townhouse Proposal
Also Read: Churches of Christ Community Centre in Kenmore Continues to Get Backlash From Residents

Another touchy issue is the concern that it will cause further traffic congestion on Moggill Rd., which is already one of the busiest roads in the western suburbs.

The Brisbane City Council has acted on the pleas of the residents and sent a request for further information to the developer, Azure. It states that the proposal was not supported in its current form, outlining flooding concerns and adherence to the multiple dwelling code, stormwater code and filling and excavation code. This also includes traffic issues, waste collection, and many more.

Azure, eager to build in the area, submitted an updated proposal reiterating that they are adhering to the council’s requirements. You can view the plans here.

Kenmore Living Inc, is a local community organisation that has been actively campaigning against the proposed development plan. They have also submitted their former objection to the council. You can view their full objection here.

The local group also campaigns at various locations in the suburb to gain support and to spread awareness as to why such development cannot be given the go-signal.

Woolworths Phases Out Plastic Bags Nationwide, Ban at Kenmore and Other Queensland Stores Starts 2018

This is a major step for the supermarket chain, which currently gives out over 3.2 billion plastic bags a year.

Woolworths Group will be phasing out single-use plastic shopping bags at all its stores in the country in the next 12 months. Kenmore and other Queensland Woolworths stores will start the ban next year.

This means that plastic bags will be phased out at Woolworths stores in NSW, Victoria and WA. Woolworths is already implementing the ban at stores in South Australia, Tasmania and ACT, which have laws banning plastic bags statewide.

The state government of Queensland has legislated a ban on plastic bags and this will take effect on 1 July 2018. NSW, Victoria and WA are yet to legislate a similar ban.

The ban will cover all Woolworths supermarkets, Big W and BWS. The plastic bag ban is already in place for Cellarmasters and Dan Murphy’s.

Customers can either bring their own bag or pay 15 cents for a reusable bag.

Woolworths Kenmore, along with other Queensland Woolworths stores will enforce the ban starting July 2018 (Photo credit: Google Streetview)

In a statement, the supermarket giant’s CEO Brad Banducci expressed the company’s commitment to listing to its customers and doing the right thing for the environment. “We feel this is an issue we need to take a stand on,” Mr Banducci said.

“We currently give out more than 3.2 billion lightweight plastic bags a year and hence can play a significant role in reducing overall plastic bag usage.

“Whilst we know this is a major decision, we will work very closely with all of our store teams to ensure the transition for our customers is as simple as possible.”

Queensland Government Welcomes Move

The Queensland government has welcomed the move by the supermarket chain and praised the company for showing national leadership.

Environment Minister Steven Miles described the move as a major step forward in the war against waste.

“As the biggest retailer in the sector, this shows they are listening to customers and demonstrates that they take their environmental and community responsibilities seriously,” Mr Miles said.

The minister believes that this is the perfect time for consumers to start thinking about how they can change their behaviour and lessen reliance on plastic bags.

“We need Queenslanders to get ready for the ban, which comes into effect from 1 July 2018.

“We will continue education and awareness in lead up to 1 July 2018 including in partnership with the National Retail Association who are running workshops for retailers.”