Homepage Latest News Archives - Page 31 of 43 - Over The Walter Taylor Bridge

Inala Is Top Suburb for Most Cat Trapping Requests in 2019

Did you know that in 2019, Inala topped the list of Brisbane suburbs with the most cat trapping requests?

According to the animal complaints data, there were 663 wandering cat reports and 629 requests for cat trapping received by Brisbane City Council in 2019. Inala topped the list of suburbs with the most cat trapping requests with 26, followed by Forest Lake and Wynnum West with 17 each; Acacia Ridge with 16; Bracken Ridge, Clayfield, St Lucia, Wynnum with 14 each; and Bald Hills and Sunnybank with 13 each.

Cats are known to prey on birds, amphibians, fish, and other small mammals, apart from being notorious for their nuisance behaviours. Cats may also carry parasites and spread diseases that affect livestock, wildlife, and humans.

Your responsibility as a cat owner

As a cat owner, it is your responsibility to make sure that your cat does not cause a nuisance to your neighbours. According to the Brisbane City Council, the common cat nuisance issues reported by residents include:

Wandering onto other properties;
Being noisy;
Defecating in other people’s yards;
Attacking their cat or pets;
Damaging property; or
Attacking or killing native wildlife.

If your cat is found wandering, Council could impound it and you may receive a fine. Your cat should also be fully vaccinated and microchipped — when sold, given away, or before reaching the age of 12 weeks.

If you are no longer able to keep your cat, you should never release it to fend for itself as this an offence under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001. You may instead surrender your cat for rehoming. Council currently has two animal rehoming centres where surrendered and lost cats are provided with a safe environment whilst being rehomed.

Photo credit: sandid/ Pixabay

Top 10 suburbs with most cat trapping requests:

Inala – 26
Forest Lake, Wynnum West – 17
Acacia Ridge – 16
Bracken Ridge, Clayfield, St Lucia, Wynnum – 14
Bald Hills, Sunnybank – 13
Moorooka – 11
Darra, Sandgate – 10
Brighton, Chermside, Sunnybank Hills – 9
Algester, Boondall, Carina Heights, Stafford Heights, Zillmere – 8
Calamvale, Camp Hill, Carina, Chapel Hill, Fitzgibbon, Mount Gravatt East, Richlands, Salisbury – 7

Feral animal sightings may be reported using the Council’s online form. For wandering cats, Council encourages residents to contact the cat owner or report it on (07) 3403 8888.

Tennyson is Top Brisbane Suburbs for Apartment Median Value, “Rightsizing” to Lift Demand for Luxury Apartments

Tennyson performed the strongest in terms of apartment median value in Brisbane, as “rightsizing” looms as a new trend towards prime apartment living, a new study says.

The Knight Frank Australian Residential Insight 2020 report looks into the rightsizing trend in Australian dwelling market and why more buyers are looking to downsize from their luxury home to prime luxury apartment. The report stated that the “Active Retired” group, in particular, search for smaller properties with house-like proportions. They also prefer simplicity and often favour the cost to upkeep over the surplus space.

This means that the new property should be just the right size, allows a simpler lifestyle with no maintenance living, and should be close to where the action is — activity hub and amenities. Brisbane is among the first across the major cities in Australia to respond to this growing rightsizing trend, particularly the rising demand for three-bedroom apartments.

So far, Tennyson topped the Brisbane suburbs list by apartment median value with $1,045,000, according to settled sales in Q3 2019, followed by Seven Hills ($679,900), Bulimba ($637,000), Camp Hill ($632,000), and Newstead ($629,688).

These and other prime suburbs that cater to rightsizers are likely to follow the national trend as demand from the active retired group, as well as families and entrepreneurs, continues to grow. Moreover, locals and buyers from Sydney and Melbourne alike find great value in Brisbane luxury apartments, not only for the amenities they offer but primarily for their affordability.

The top Brisbane suburbs by apartment median value:

Suburb	Median value
Tennyson	$1,045,000
Seven Hills	$679,900
Bulimba	$637,000
Camp Hill	$632,000
Newstead	$629,688
New Farm	$604,000
Bardon	$580,000
Teneriffe	$572,500
Kenmore	$567,825
West End	$564,000

Source: Knight Frank Research, APM. Includes medium- and high-density prime suburbs, settled sales, Q3 2019

By the end of 2022, Brisbane is forecast to increase the portion of total three-bedroom apartments being built at 87 percent, the largest share of any city, from 61 percent in 2017.

Overall, market share figures for all prime residential sales from Q3 2016 to Q3 2019 show Gold Coast getting 26 percent of apartment sales between $3-5 million, followed by Brisbane with 22 percent, and Sydney with 21 percent.

The shift in dwelling type preferences also appears to reflect in the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data which shows that the average number of houses built in 2018/19 fell by 1.3 percent from the year before, whilst the average new apartment size built during the same period grew by 3.2 percent.

As for distribution of medium- and high-density dwellings, Greater Sydney had the biggest share with 42 percent, according to the 2016 Census. Following Greater Sydney are the Gold Coast LGA (41%), Greater Melbourne (32%), Greater Brisbane and Greater Perth (23%)

Grab Amazing Deals at the Plant Empire Autumn Market

Plant Empire features a variety of plants and gardening stuff for sale any day of the week. For many gardeners and green thumbs in Yeerongpilly and nearby suburbs, this green paradise is a convenient place for plant shopping.

But on Sunday, the 1st of March 2020, Plant Empire will be setting up its Pop-Up Autumn Market, which will not just have plants and potteries on the shelves. From 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. heaps of stalls will open to offer handicrafts, jewellery, ceramics and even food.

Bring the whole family or tag your friends to enjoy the first Sunday of the month at this community market. This is a kid-friendly event — it’s never too early to spark your children’s interest in growing plants!

Thare are four Sunday markets every year. Here’s the rest of the schedule for 2020:

Winter Market	7th of June
Spring Market	6th of September
Summer Market	6th of December

The Sunday market takes place at the back of the store and if you plan on being a stallholder, you may apply for a slot online. Entertainers, artists and other creatives may also apply for any ideas to add to the community market experience.

Sue McKell runs Plant Empire and she has passion for both plants and creative enterprises. Sue has set up a “Garden for Good,” where volunteers help budding gardeners, including the next generation, to learn how to grow healthy plants.

For enquiries about Plant Empire, the seasonal markets or the volunteer program, phone on 0402 292 116 or email team@plantempire.com.au.

4 Great Reasons to Check Out the 2nd Yeronga Beer & Food Festival

Missed the inaugural Yeronga Beer & Food Festival last November? No need to wait too long as it’s coming back this Sunday, the 23rd of February 2020. The good times will roll from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Yeronga Services & Community Club in Fairfield Road.

Here are four great reasons why you shouldn’t miss this event this time around:

1. You’ll get to sample a wide variety of food and beer choices.

Like last year, a variety of food vendors will be featured at the second Yeronga Beer & Food Festival. Craft beer options confirmed, so far, are Ballistic Beer, Helios, Yenda, and Brick Lane. For a list of eateries, follow the community club’s events page for the updates and confirmations.

2. Your family will enjoy the activities and entertainment.

Did you know that this beer festival is a family-friendly event? Bring your children along so that they can have an unforgettable fun experience, too! Service dogs can join as well but unfortunately, you’re not allowed to bring family dogs.

A roving magician and balloon artist will be impressing the guests with their tricks and gimmicks. A jumping castle will be set up so the kids can play whilst the adults relax with their food and drinks. Families may also get colourful face painting.

Ukelele music artist Vic Kena will be performing at the event. In between the fun activities is the raffle draw with exciting prizes for the lucky guests!

3. You could avail of the club membership.

If you’ve been considering a membership (or membership renewal) at the Yeronga Services & Community Club Inc., you can sign up at this event. There are plenty of perks as club members, including regular membership draws where you can instantly win cash. To know more about the perks, visit the club’s official site.

4. You can take part in a worthy cause.

Part of the reason this second Yeronga Beer & Food Festival is returning so soon is to raise some funds. Voluntary gold coin entry donations will be given to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal. Proceeds will also go to the Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation.

Additionally, a dollar will be donated to the RFBAQ – Rural Fire Brigades Association Queensland Inc. for every new or renewal membership for February 2020.

Tennyson Kerbside Collection: How to Promote Responsible Rummaging

Tennyson, Yeronga, Yeerongpilly are up for another round of kerbside collection on Monday, the 3rd of February 2020 and every time this comes around, rummaging and scavenging concerns crop up. It’s not illegal to go through the stuff of your neighbours if it’s for disposal, but some scavengers can really make a mess.

For years, the policy of the Brisbane City Council on scavengers has been simple: “Residents are welcome to recycle kerbside collection goods, however, they should ensure that leftover items are stacked tidily and not creating any obstructions to the footpath or roadway.”

Salvaging and taking items you can re-use and recycle from other people’s unwanted pile is encouraged to limit landfill buildup. However, if you’re bothered about the mess some scavengers make, below are some tips to encourage them to rummage responsibly:

1. Label your items.

If you have an old but working toaster, electric fan, or any small but still useful appliances on your kerbside collection pile, tape a note on it. For example, a sign that says, “Not Worth Selling But Still Works” makes scavenging easier. Your neighbours won’t need to dig through your stuff — and then leave a mess! — if they can read the note right away.

Some scavengers break items for disposal to get the parts they want. But TV sets with broken screens, for example, won’t likely be picked up by the collectors anymore as there are shards of glass around it. To discourage scavengers from breaking your old stuff, put a sign that says, “Don’t Break For Parts, Just Take The Whole TV.”

2. Take the wires or cables out.

Scavengers like to cut the power cords off small appliances as this is apparently the fastest way to collect copper for reselling or reusing. But the wreckage they leave on your kerb can be annoying.

Whilst you can put a sign to encourage them to take the whole item, it might help to cut or take out the wires yourself to set it neatly on your kerbside pile. This way, the scavengers won’t have to destroy anything else as they can easily take what they want and leave.

*Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council/Facebook*

3. Put your items out hours before pick up.

Kerbside collection is at 6:00 a.m. but scavengers may already be rummaging at midnight or dawn because some folks put their items earlier. Understandably, people prepare their kerbside pile at their most convenient time, which could be days ahead of collection day.

However, this raises the chances for scavengers to make a mess on your corner. Cleaning up after their mess is a lot more inconvenient and puts you at risk for illegal dumping fines.

Given that kerbside collection happens periodically, it will take less effort to wake up before 6:00 a.m. to set your pile and wait for the collectors to pick it up. If you can watch over your items before the collection, you can actually engage the scavengers personally and tell them, in a nice way, to leave the pile neat and orderly when they are done.

McDonald’s and Another Fast Food Restaurant Proposed for Sherwood

A development application seeking approval to establish two fast-food restaurants at 9 Lahey Close, Sherwood has been lodged.

The subject site is comprised of one land parcel covering a total area of 10,570 sqm and has a primary frontage along Sherwood Road and a secondary frontage along Lahey Close.

McDonald’s and Another Fast Food Restaurant Proposed for Sherwood — *Photo credit: Brisbane City Council – Nearmap / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au/*

The proposed development, designed by DM2 Architecture, is for two food and drink outlets comprising drive-through fast-food restaurants which will operate on a 24/7 basis over two stages. Under the proposed development, the lot component will undergo reconfiguring which will split the development site into two lots associated with each restaurant.

Stage 1 involves construction of a McDonald’s restaurant, with a total GFA of 428 sqm, to be located on the corner Sherwood Road and Lahey Close. Stage 2 involves the development of a second drive through-fast food restaurant with a GFA of 260sqm. Tenant of the Stage 2 development is yet to be determined.

Stage 1 will provide 22 car parking spaces including 1 PWD space. It will have a dual lane drive through with a capacity to queue 17 vehicles plus two waiting bays

Stage 2 will have 41 car parking spaces including 1 PWD space. It will have a single lane drive through with a capacity to queue 8 vehicles.

“Development seeks to support surrounding industry and workers, which complies with the overall intent of neighbourhood plan precinct, the Urbis Assessment report said.

“The proposal has been tailored to its location and is of a built form and scale that is expected within the zone and neighbourhood plan precinct. The built form is clearly compatible with industrial uses, due to proposed bulk and scale.

“Proposed development provides an improved interface with Sherwood Road and Lahey Close frontages due to screening of Brisbane City Council Bus Depot and Tennyson freight line.”

9 LAHEY CL SHERWOOD QLD 4075

Ashleigh Barty Pledges Brisbane International Prize Money To Bushfire Victims

Donations have been overflowing for the victims of the devastating bushfire in Australia. As the emergencies continue to impact various communities, tennis superstar and World No. 1 Ashleigh Barty has pledged all of her prize money from Brisbane International to help the affected families through the Australian Red Cross.

Ms Barty announced her donation during the WTA All-Access Hour press conference.

“We have been kind of sitting down and thinking and with my team, with my family and everything and trying to think of ways that we can help,” Ms Barty said.

“We have come to the decision that any of my prize money here in Brisbane will be donated to the Red Cross to go towards the families and homes that have been affected.”

The tennis champion said that she has been thinking about the bushfire victims since the devastation happened a few months ago

“The first I saw of it was actually flying home from the Fed Cup final from Perth back to the east coast of Australia and we could see some of the smoke and some of the fires from the plane. So that really hit home with me,” Ms Barty shared.

She went to a local RSPCA and donated $30,000 in November. However, with so much wildlife and people losing their homes, Ms Barty decided to do more.

Brisbane International began on Monday, the 6th of January and Ms Barty has also qualified for the Premier tournament the following week.

Other tennis players at the international tournament also pledged support for the victims. Samantha Stosur, Ellen Perez, Karolina Pliskova, Maria Sharapova, Novak Djokovic, Nick Kyrgios, John Millman and Alex de Minaur have promised specific amounts for every aces hit, whilst others matched each other’s donations.

More funds for the bushfire victims are expected to be raised as the summer of tennis rolls, Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said. Part of the ticket sales of this tennis event will also go to relief efforts.

Darra-Based PFi, Northrop Grumman to Launch Science of Rockets STEM Program in Queensland

Darra-based engineering design and manufacturing company PFi will partner with Northrop Grumman, one of the world’s largest space companies, to deliver the Science of Rockets STEM program in Queensland.

The Science of Rockets STEM program will be rolled out to 10 Queensland secondary schools in Term One 2020, with more than 50 state secondary schools joining the program at the start of the school year in 2021, according to the announcement by the Minister for State Development and Manufacturing Cameron Dick.

The schools getting ready for the program in Term One, 2020 include Ferny Grove State High School, Ormeau Woods State High School; Sheldon College, Toowoomba Grammar School, Warwick State High School, Whitsunday Anglican School, West Moreton Anglican College, Centenary State High School, Ipswich State High School, and Kelvin Grove State College.

The program features “Rocket in a Suitcase,” a rocket motor the size of a carryon suitcase which will be the first commercially developed rocket motor in Australia to be exported.

The STEM program, which is also the first-ever in the world, was piloted by PFI at Ormeau Woods State High School in 2019. The course involves designing, manufacturing, and testing of hybrid rocket motors.

“Forming a course around the design, manufacture and testing of a rocket motor was a practical, hands-on yet interesting way to bring the space industry into schools and universities,” PFi General Manager Nick Green said.

“Many of the jobs of the future will require science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), and the kinds of ‘hands on’ experience provided by this program helps to bring these subjects alive by turning theory into practice,” Mr Dick said.

“We want students to know that if you study science, you can build a rocket and build a career in the space industry.”

Darra-Based PFi, Northrop Grumman to Launch Science of Rockets STEM Program in Queensland — *Photo credit: Northrop Grumman Corporation / Facebook*

Queensland’s space industry already contributes 2,000 full-time positions, generating $760 million to the state’s economy each year, with the capacity to employ three times as many people and generate $6 billion by 2036.

The State Government, Mr Dick said, is now finalising the Queensland Space Strategy to make Queensland the home of the Australian space sector through a partnership with the Australian Space Agency.

“We have advanced manufacturing capabilities, a healthy R&D and innovation start-up ecosystem that is becoming recognised world-wide, as evidenced by Northrop Grumman’s investment in PFi here in Darra,” he said.

“Leading edge technologies such as this will drive new jobs in advanced manufacturing, so we need to ensure we have a highly skilled and capable workforce at the ready.”

Top Tips from Sherwood Police to Stay Safe on Christmas Holiday

The Sherwood Police, together with the Queensland Police Service, is promoting both home and vehicle security, as well as road safety to all, particularly during the holiday season.

The holiday season is fast approaching, and beyond the get-together trips and Christmas shopping rush, safety and security is still utmost important and must be observed at all times. This is why the Sherwood Police and the Queensland Police Service have been continuously reminding the public about their ongoing holiday safety campaign launched as early as the last week of November 2019.

The Sherwood Police was joined by a number of local residents and a few friends from the Taringa Station of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services on its promotional campaign launch at Sherwood Road outside of Woolworths Supermarket.

*Photo credit: https://mypolice.qld.gov.au/*

Here is a rundown of the reminders given by the Sherwood Police regarding their holiday safety campaign.

Lock Up: Always lock up your homes if you intend to go away over Christmas.

Secure Valuables: Before leaving your home or your vehicle, make sure all valuable items are properly stored, locked away, and out of sight.

Engage the Neighbour: Let your close neighbours know you are going away over the holidays. You may also contact the Sherwood Police to advise the same.

Stay Safe on the Road: Always consider road safety when driving. This means following all road regulations, such as obeying the speed limit, not using your mobile phone whilst driving, etc.

Operation Romeo Sleigh

Due to a higher number of vehicles on the road as the year ends, the Queensland Police Service is increasing police presence on the Queensland road network through the “Operation Romeo Sleigh.”

Operation Romeo Sleigh is not only about officers taking a more visible policing approach, but it also involves conducting events and continuously engaging with community members about the importance of driving safely for all Queenslanders and their visitors.

*Photo credit: Queensland Police Service/ Facebook*

According to Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Mike Keating, Operation Romeo Sleigh will take effect on Friday, December 13th, until Friday, January 31st.

“This will allow police to focus on road users during Christmas and the busy back to school period,” Assistant Commissioner Keating said.

“As always, officers will be focused on the Fatal Five, ensuring that road users are not negatively affected by not wearing seatbelts, drugs or alcohol, speeding, distraction or fatigue or any other unsafe behaviour.”

Dine With a Breathtaking View by the River at This Tennyson Hidden Gem

Experts say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but when you find this hidden gem in Tennyson, every meal is going to be pretty much significant.

River La Vie at 197 King Arthur Terrace is an all-day brunch restaurant serving Australian fare and it has an unbeatable fantastic view of the Brisbane River.

Every spot to sit on at River La Vie is the best corner as it has an al fresco dining area surrounded by airy and beautiful greenery and flowers. It’s no surprise then for guests to linger while eating here because the place is so conducive for a wonderful dining experience.

Equally pleasant is the food’s flavour and presentation. River La Vie serves Australian fusion in its menu. The list is simple and short but the food servings are generous. Among its popular meals are the Kimchi Buchimgae (Korean Pancakes), Twice Cooked Pork Belly, gluten-free Tandoori Lamb Cutlet and Zuchini and Halloumi Fritters.

River La Vie was formerly Alfreds Tennyson. Its new owner, who fell in love at first sight with the place, transformed the restaurant into this homely, eco-conscious establishment.

This restaurant is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. On weekends, trading hours extend to 9:00 p.m.

“Been twice for lunch recently. Great quiet location with a beautiful outlook. Food and service were outstanding. I will be back.”
~ Brian McMillian, Facebook

“Across from Pat Rafter Arena, this cafe is amazing. Love how it’s so close to nature. Costs about $40-$50 for meal and coffee for two. The food presentation is gorgeous and the decor is lovely too. The service was amazing, and child-friendly. Will definitely be back!”
~ Natalie Murray, Google Reviews

“Tucked away near the tennis centre in Tennyson, River la vie has a lovely outlook onto the Brisbane river. We visited for brunch, and found pleasant and quick service. My favourite dish was definitely the three-cheese Benny. Think of eggs Benedict but with hash browns instead of bread! Excellent idea! Haven’t had such a nice brekky in some time.”
~ Spice Dad, Zomato