A new three-lane bridge planned between Kenmore and Jindalee is now closer to becoming reality, as works for Centenary Bridge upgrades are scheduled to finally start in early 2023.
Construction was expected to commence in 2022, but works were delayed due to some issues with the contract. The Transport Department explained that an alternate bid for the project, which required thorough due diligence, caused complications in the project’s timeline.
In December 2022, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk released a statement announcing the Queensland government’s agreement with Georgiou Group and BMD Constructions to build the three-lane bridge, along with an upgrade of the existing bridge.
Aside from a new bridge travelling northbound and the remediation of the existing bridges to create three southbound lanes, works will also include upgraded active transport facilities for pedestrians and people who ride bikes.
The project will double capacity across the river and will improve access to Amazon Place Park while preserving Jindalee Skate Park.
“More than 85,000 cars use this bridge daily, and that number will increase,” said the Premier.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads estimates that the number of vehicles passing by Centenary Motorway is expected to reach 152,000 per day by 2036, as the population in west Brisbane grows.
“This is an important step towards busting congestion through our growing region” said Premier Palaszczuk.
Benefits of upgrading the bridge includes improving safety to reduce the frequency and severity of crashes on the Centenary Bridge and increasing capacity to improve travel-time reliability and cater for current and future traffic needs.
A Kenmore family has publicly appealed for the return of a family heirloom, a 20-year-old accordion that was left on the footpath and might have been picked up by someone who had thought it was for disposal.
Kylie Jayasinghe shared that the missing accordion was supposed to have been loaded in the car by her father-in-law. However, he had unknowingly driven off without it, leaving the instrument remained on the footpath. When he returned an hour later to retrieve it after realising his mistake, the accordion was gone.
The Kenmore mum believes that it may have been picked up by someone who had seen it on the kerb, thinking that it was for disposal and therefore, fair game for scavengers. There was no kerbside collection run scheduled in Kenmore for that week.
The old accordion has great sentimental value for the Kenmore family. The family heirloom originally belonged to Seeya, the 89-year-old grandfather of Kylie’s non-verbal 14-year-old son, Oscar.
“Seeya plays it to my special needs child (his grandson) and Oscar loves the music and the interaction with his grandfather,” Kylie wrote.
“I assume that somebody thought it was on the grass as a giveaway but this is not the case and we would very much like it back.
“Please can you return it as soon as possible. It is really important that it is returned and no questions will be asked. We just want it back. It is a big loss for everyone but especially Seeya and Oscar.”
The family has tried asking neighbours if they had seen anybody pick it up, also posting about the missing accordion on Facebook in hopes of finding someone who may have seen it around.
The instrument is described as a pretty red accordion, about 60 centimetres by 50 centimetres in size, with shiny red enamel trim. Per reports, the brand’s name is “Preddie” and it’s smaller than traditional accordions, although still a heavy instrument.
The delivery of the Kenmore Roundabout Upgrade Project will no longer proceed, following pushback for the planned solution by local residentsand a re-routing of proposed funding, that appears to be a win for cyclists and a loss for Kenmore motorists.
Original funding for the Kenmore Roundabout Upgrade Project stood at $25 million, being $12.5m from State Government and $12.5m from Federal Government. However having surveyed local residents, resulting in a 94% disapproval of the planned traffic light intersection to replace the roundabout, State Government decided to re-allocate their $12.5 m into preliminary planning of a new cycleway for the area. It isn’t clear at this stage what will happen to the Federal Government’s $12.5m pledge.
Queensland Transport & Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey confirmed that the delivery of an active transport solution will now be the priority as it was very clear Kenmore locals “don’t want lights to replace the Moggill Road roundabout.”
“We’ll work with local residents on how we can deliver something fit for purpose, so keep an eye out for more information as we kick start the planning process,” Mr Bailey said.
Mr Bailey also confirmed that the Moggill Road Bikeway will be divided into three sections comprising Centenary Highway to Chapel Hill Road, Kilkivan Avenue, and the intersection on Moggill Road and Rafting Ground Road.
Photo Credit: MarkBaileyMP/Facebook
The minister, who supports active transport as a bike rider himself, is aware that bikers accessing the Centenary Cycleway to the CBD are at great risk as Moggill Road traffic is at 60km/h. However, planning for a separate cycleway on this site has to be carefully considered since Moggill Road is narrow.
The community will be informed and asked for feedback before any plans are finalised.
After campaigning for a Moggill Road Bikeway for years, Brisbane West BUG welcomed Mr Bailey’s announcement to shift their plans.
“We think it’s also important to thank Dr Christian Rowan MP who has for years backed our calls for investment in safe cycling infrastructure on Moggill Road. Just last month Dr Rowan asked a question on notice what cycling infrastructure will be funded and delivered in the Moggill electorate,” the group stated.
“As Minister Bailey said at the Safe Streets for All ride this morning, active transport is not an optional extra, a nice to have or an add on, it’s an essential component of the transport system. It is wonderful to see that essential component getting the investment it needs in the western suburbs.”
The restaurants are expected to trade at night when there is less traffic in the area. This Kenmore shopping strip is near the Kenmore roundabout, Kenmore State School and the Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic primary school.
The planned development on 2071 Moggill Rd, popularly known as the home of Kenmore Cycles, will also have lower-ground car park areas with a new rear access easement. Deep plantation has been envisioned for the site, as well as a pedestrian corridor entrance. Studio Arkitecture is designing the new building.
Photo Credit: DA A006134569/BCC
“The proposal reflects positively on the streetscape by incorporating balconies which address the street, a range of colours and materials, as well as modern, subtropical design elements such as a green wall fronting Moggill Road,” Plan A Town Planning stated in the development code-assessable application. (DA A006134569)
Photo Credit: DA A006134569/BCC
“The proposed extensions represent a significant upgrade to the existing built form and will reflect positively on the surrounding streetscape. The proposal will provide three new Food & Drink Outlet tenancies in a highly accessible location and are designed to promote the location as an active frontage”.
“The proposal will also involve the closure of an undesirable access point to Moggill Road, with new access proposed through the Council carpark to Princeton Street. This will greatly improve safety outcomes for pedestrians and vehicle users on Moggill Road.”
Kenmore Hills Early Learning, located along Brookfield Road, will host a spook-tacular Halloween Carnival on Saturday, 29 October 2022. This FREE event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m and everyone is invited!
Kids can expect a number of activities, including face painting, and a jumping castle, whilst parents and companions enjoy catching up over morning tea.
On the same day, at the Kenmore Library, a Halloween crafting activity will take place from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Children between 6 to 12 years old can try their hand at making creepy Halloween decor to bring home to mum and dad. Participants are encouraged to come in their favourite costumes. Book a spot by phoning 07 3407 0258.
Halloween Tour
Get ready for more spooky surprises and learn about flesh-eating plants and palm trees that rouse the zombies. The Botanic Gardens at Mount Coot-tha will be the site of a Halloween Tour on Monday, 31 October 2022, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Photo Credit: BCC
This tour is suitable for all ages but make sure to wear closed-in shoes and a hat. Bring water bottles to stay hydrated. Slot reservations will be open until noon on the 29th. Phone (07) 3403 2535 for more information.
Safety Tips
Meanwhile, here are some reminders from the Office of Fair Trading, who is reminding Brisbane locals to remain safe when celebrating Halloween.
“Light up novelties and flashing objects such as jack-o-lanterns, cauldrons, fake candles, torches and wands are often powered by button batteries. But we know the statistics on button batteries are very concerning,” Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman said.
“In Australia one child a month is seriously injured after swallowing or inserting a button battery, with some of them sustaining lifelong or even fatal injuries.
“That’s why it’s so important when buying button battery-powered Halloween novelties that you check the battery compartment is secured with a screw or similar fastener to prevent children gaining access.
“Also check that any novelties are age appropriate and don’t pose choking hazards.
“If you or your children will be wearing black or other dark coloured costumes for Halloween, add glow sticks or a reflective strip to your costumes and carry a torch to ensure drivers and other trick-or-treaters can see you,” Minister Fentiman added.
“And while it goes without saying to take care around open heat sources such as jack-o-lanterns and heaters, you should also check costume labels for their fire risk and choose those marked ‘flame resistant’ or ‘fire resistant’.
“If you’re completing your look with fake tattoos, face paint, makeup, or fake blood, ensure they come with ingredients labels and keep them handy throughout the night.
“If someone in your group has an allergic reaction to a product, having a list of ingredients available for doctors can save them vital time when determining how to treat them.
The end of Australia’s fuel excise relief may trigger higher prices at the bowser, with Brisbane, particularly in areas like Kenmore that are already experiencing higher than average prices, bracing themselves for the possibility of further hikes.
For the last six months, the national fuel excise tax has afforded service stations a 22-cents discount on unleaded petrol to cushion motorists with the rising cost of living.
Experts say the average price for unleaded petrol may reach $2.13 once the full fuel excise is reinstated to 44.2 cents after September 2022.
Revenue from the excise tax is used for vital road safety upgrades and infrastructure.
Brisbane and some suburbs, as of 28-Sept. Data from Fuel Radar
Brisbane and some suburbs, as of 28-Sept. Data from Fuel Radar
Analyst Geoff Trotter of Fueltrac said that petrol companies will theoretically raise prices by 30 cents per litre in a week or two, with the average price at $1.88 per litre. Some experts believe that prices could soar to $2 per litre in the next few weeks.
Mr Trotter also said that prices will rise because there will be no supplies coming from Russia, a major supplier of diesel and heating oil. The market has remained volatile following the war in Ukraine thus prices are harder to forecast as well.
On Why the Price Hike May Not Happen
Treasurer Jim Chalmers, however, said that motorists would not be saddled with the price hike as the Federal Government has purchased and stockpiled litres of petrol at lower prices in anticipation of the end of the fuel excise relief.
In a press briefing, Mr Chalmers said, “You would have seen industry estimates that there would be more than 700 million litres of lower excise fuel in the system. This is 700 million reasons why the price should not shoot up by the full 23 cents on the night the excise ends.”
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has been tasked to monitor the price increase and ensure that motorists are not on the losing end. Below is an ACCC chart tracking the price of unleaded petrol in the last 45 days.
It took two days for an extremely lucky man in Kenmore to get a good night’s sleep after receiving confirmation of a life-changing $450,000 windfall. The unnamed fellow said he simply could not stop thinking about his unexpected stroke of luck.
Once the Saturday draw results came out, he knew that a $451,772.22 bolt of lightning had struck his life, but he nervously waited by the phone for confirmation just the same.
When the man finally got the confirmatory call, he was both relieved and elated, excitedly planning what he was going to do with the money.
The Kenmore man said he purchased his winning ticket at the official site.
“I found out after the draw on Saturday night. I was absolutely blown away when I checked my online account,” the local said, admitting that his family had never been well-to-do.
“I can’t believe it! It’s insane. I haven’t slept in two nights. I keep thinking about how much money it is.”
The winning numbers in the Saturday Gold draw were 4, 25, 23, 7, 21, and 9, while the supplementary numbers were 6 and 11.
“When I told my family, many cried, and others cheered. It was awesome!
“I will use the prize to buy myself a small house or a unit and help my family. It’ll be my first house, so it’s a big deal. I’m excited!
“Thank you so much. This is a dream come true!”
There were 11 other Division One winners alongside the Kenmore resident, five in Victoria, four in Queensland, two in New South Wales, and one in Tasmania.
Photo Credit: Elastic Compute Farm/Pixabay
As of 2022, 324 lucky Australians have been Division One winners, collectively getting $461.69 million in total and 133.5 million winners have taken home more than $3.93 billion in prize money across the other games from The Lott. Taxes from this initiative are helping fund hospitals, disaster relief operations, education, and health research.
Kenmore West Kindergarten is 50 years old! To celebrate this half-century milestone, the kindy is hosting a Family Fun Day at the school grounds on Fallbrook St.
There are heaps to look forward to for the celebration on Saturday, 3 Sept 2022, between 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. as Kenmore West Kindergarten (KWK) has invited some honourable guests to join the celebration.
Kicking off the events is the award-winning songwoman and law-woman of the Turrbal Tribe, Maroochy Barambah, who will perform “Welcome to Country” in recognition of Kenmore West Kindergarten’s roots steeped in indigenous history. Later in the day, the founder of Indigenous Insights and singer-songwriter Sharron “Mirii” Bell will also perform traditional dances and songs for the kids and the guests.
Photo Credit: Supplied
The Family Fun Day will be a chance for future families to look into the kindy’s operation.
Past, present and potential students, as well as the wider community, are invited to partake in the mini fete-style event. Kids are guaranteed to have fun at the inflatable rides/mazes, reptile encounters, craft activities, crazy hair and face painting.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Parents will enjoy the various local market stalls, including a plant market stall and a special exhibit setup to display some of the kindy’s most precious memorabilia and stories from the past 50 years.
Food and drinks are courtesy of the fundraiser BBQ or pizza vendor, Pizza Gals. A coffee van and bar will be available on the day, while sweet treats including fairy floss, snow cones and homemade baked goods will be available for purchase.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Event Coordinator and past parent of Kenmore West Kindergarten, Tash Westmore said she was so proud to be involved with organising this special milestone for the not-for-profit community kindergarten in 4069.
“I’m so thrilled to be a part of planning this historic event for Kenmore West Kindergarten. We have plenty of wonderful activities and entertainment planned to celebrate this key milestone and pay tribute to the kindy’s history,” Ms Westmore said.
“When the kindergarten began in 1972, a number of indigenous children were enrolled and travelled by bus from the other side of Brisbane to attend. So First Nations Peoples history is particularly important to the kindy, as is the acceptance and respect of all cultures.
“The kindy also strives to be as sustainable as possible in its operations and gives love back to the land. It’s truly a wonderful early learning environment for the children.” She added.
Cr Greg Adermann will be in attendance to help with the cake-cutting and birthday festivities. Other notable guests on the day will include Head Office C&K Directors and owners of Brisbane Real Estate who are the major event sponsor.
During the activities, varied and exciting items will be up for silent auction and fete-goers can bid their highest up to the lead-up at 4:00 p.m. when the announcement of winning bidders will be made by the honourable Dr Christian Rowan MP.
Kenmore West Kindergarten Directors, Natasha Moore and Robert Pratt added further, saying the kindy has a strong emphasis on its natural surroundings and this is a core thread throughout their entire learning curriculum.
“Education for sustainability is an integral component of the kindy’s culture and curriculum. Children’s intrinsic love and appreciation for the natural environment is fostered,” Ms Moore said.
“There are ample opportunities for children to engage and interact in nature. There are opportunities for children to engage in learning experiences that empower them as active citizens for a sustainable future.” Mr Pratt added.
As a not-for-profit community kindy, KWK is largely reliant on the support of volunteering families and local business sponsors and donors. All proceeds from the day will go straight back into the not-for-profit C&K-affiliated kindergarten and will help KWK to continue to provide an “exceeding” and a high-quality educational program to its children, improve facilities and replenish resources.
Meanwhile, KWK is also seeking assistance from both volunteers and local sponsors/donors. If you may be interested, email projects@kenmorewestkindy.asn.au
Heads up, Kenmore! Following a five-year hiatus, the Fete is back at Kenmore South State School and it’s bigger than ever. If you’re planning to go, here are some activities/events to look forward to.
Photo credit: Kenmore South State School Fete/Facebook
Lots of fun awaits guests at the Fete, because there will be carnival rides, side show alley, a Lego competition, and the student-run Roots and Shoots group for the environment.
There will be live performances from the school’s talented musical groups, plus showcases from local sporting and dancing clubs. Think cheerleaders, Irish dancers, Rhee Tae Kwon-Do and some tiny tots for that extra hit of cuteness.
The headline act of the day will be the Octofunk band, playing at 2:00 p.m. and rocking those the Funk/Groove/Blues covers that have earned them a loyal local following. The bar will also be open at 2:00 p.m. — great news for those who need liquid courage to hit the (grassy) dance floor!
Fete Stalls
Photo credit: Kenmore South State School Fete/Facebook
All the classic, well-loved fete stalls will also return this year. There will be a cake stall, a Secondhand Book Stall, Pre-loved Goods stalls and more, courtesy of volunteer families.
Raffle
Photo credit: Kenmore South State School Fete/Facebook
Get a chance to win a family holiday, which will be the main prize, in addition to over $10,000 worth of raffle prizes up for grabs.
About The KSSS Fete
For this year’s event, the P&C wanted Fete to become a great day for the local community, whilst also raising funds for the School’s Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics resources.
Peter Brady, the school’s P&C President, said they want to continue to equip their students with the best possible tools to ensure their success.
“Our school community is working very hard preparing for our Fete, which is the first one held in five years. After a tumultuous past couple of years, we hope our school celebration is really more of a community celebration where we can create a place for all locals to feel a sense of fun and connection with neighbours”, said Georgina Allardice, Acting Principal.
Photo supplied
Tilly Cole, Fete Coordinator is also upbeat and excited, “It promises to be a very fun day out for everyone in the family and we can’t wait to welcome the Western Suburbs community to our School”.
“A huge shout-out to our key sponsors who have already jumped on board to support us including 4069 Real Estate who is putting a huge effort into getting us prepared for the day” said Tilly.
There are still sponsorship opportunities available for local businesses as well as the chance to attend the Fete to promote your business. For all sponsorship enquiries or more details about the upcoming Fete, please contact Tilly Cole, Fete Coordinator, at fete@ksss-pnc.org.au
Save the Date!
What
Kenmore South State School Fete 2022
Where
KSSS oval
When
Saturday, 20 August 2022, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Follow the Fete on Facebook @KSSSFETE for all the updates.
Two new childcare centres in Kenmore are due to open in 2023 and a third is on appeal, amidst a growing concern that there is an oversupply of childcare centres in various areas across Queensland.
According to the Australian Childcare Alliance Vice President Jae Fraser, there have been more than 230 childcare centres in the construction and planning stages across Queensland in the last couple of years.
The ACA is concerned that an oversupply will put the popularity of an important industry at risk.
In Kenmore, two facilities are due to open in early to mid-2023 along Brookfield and Moggill roads, whilst another plan for a childcare centre on Kelsey Rd is on appeal. These are on top of the existing childcare centres in the area, including a new childcare centre along Kenmore Rd that just opened in early 2022.
Mr Fraser said childcare centres are only profitable and good for business if it serves an undersupplied area with good and quality service.
The ACA boss added that childcare centre occupancy has dropped to 70 per cent on average due to the oversupply.
New operators are coming in but are not as well-versed as previous operators. They sign 30-year leases despite not knowing how to increase their centre’s capacity by 20 or 30 per cent more to sustain its operations.
Areas with oversupply problems will hurt the industry by maintaining unprofitable businesses.
There is also an undersupply of educators by 20 to 30 staff members, which means that not all the centres may be giving children the care they need and deserve.
Under Construction or in Planning Childcare Centres in Kenmore
The ACA is hoping that local and state governments establish a measurement for the supply and demand for childcare centres before the development applications are approved in a certain area. The ACA said approvals must be prioritised in communities with a pressing need for facilities.
Property expert Darren Collins of CBRE said that childcare centres in strategic locations are bringing in billions to the economy. Investors also study the location, including its saturation point, before submitting a plan to build a centre.
Collins said that the population of the suburb and the percentage of double-income parents often factor into the decision as these are indicators of high growth areas, thus the high demand for childcare centres.
