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Inala Among Top Five Brisbane Suburbs With Most Incidents of Illegal Dumping

Belonging to the top of this list is not something that any suburb aspire to, but Inala is one of the top five suburbs for illegal dumping in Brisbane.

According to Brisbane City Council, they have received more than 970 reports of illegal dumping in the past year financial year. Apart from Inala, Council has identified Runcorn, Forest Lake, Coorparoo, and Kuraby with the most incidents of rubbishing.

BCC is now serious in catching and penalising people who are dumping their waste illegally. In fact, Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said that they are keeping a watchful eye on 150 identified illegal dumping hotspots across Brisbane.

“Council is passionate about keeping our city clean, green and sustainable, and provides a range of services to help residents dispose of their waste responsibly, so there is absolutely no excuse for this disgraceful behaviour,” Cr Quirk said.

“Illegal dumping costs ratepayers around $800,000 each year to clean up – money that can’t be invested back into the community through grants, services or facilities,” he added.

Crack Down on Illegal Dumpers

Photo credit: CC0 Public Domain / PxHere

Currently, illegal dumping occurs weekly in more than 40 hotspots across Brisbane. To help put a stop in the act, Council is currently using surveillance cameras to catch offenders. They have installed close to 100 camouflage CCTV cameras across the identified illegal dumping hotspots in Brisbane.

The covert surveillance cameras seemed to be working as the Council was able to catch 36 dumpers just last year.

Take note that illegal dumpers may get a fine of up to $2,600 and even $130,000 for serious offenders.

Reporting Illegal Dumpers

Photo credit: CC0 Public Domain / PublicDomainPictures.net

Apart from the surveillance cameras, BCC is hoping that the community will help fight illegal dumping in the city. Locals who catch illegal dumpers in the act may report them to the Council online or call 07 3403 8888.

Whilst reporting such acts is the right thing to do, it is also important to keep yourself safe by doing the following:

Avoid approaching the vehicle or individuals who are illegally dumping.
Do not let the illegal dumpers know you are there.
Do not touch the illegally dumped material.

Avoid dumping illegally and dispose your rubbish properly with the help of Council’s Brisbane Bin and Recycling app. The free app provides helpful recycling tips and keeps you updated with the collection schedule in your area.

ANPR Technology Trial to Monitor Compliance Restricting Heavy Trucks on BUC

The Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology has been implemented on a three-month trial basis since October 2018 to monitor the compliance of drivers on the restriction of heavy trucks on the Brisbane Urban Corridor without a local destination.

Heavy trucks weighing more than 4.5 tonnes are restricted from using the Brisbane Urban Corridor (BUC) as a shortcut between Rocklea and Wishart unless there is a legitimate purpose.

The BUC is an urban arterial road corridor that links the Gateway Motorway and the Ipswich Motorway via Mt Gravatt-Capalaba, Kessels, Riawena and Granard Roads.

The start of the trial of the ANPR camera technology, aimed at reducing the number of heavy vehicles on busy roads, was welcomed by Member for Mansfield Corrine McMillan. The trial along the BUC will last until the end of the year.

“In the lead up to last year’s election I campaigned heavily on the issue and I have continued to lobby the Minister for measures to reduce the number of unnecessary heavy vehicles on our local roads,” Ms McMillan said.

“Many of the people I speak to in the community raise the issue of traffic along this busy road and I have firsthand experience of this as my office is located on Mt Gravatt Capalaba Road near Garden City Shopping Centre.
“Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera technology was being put in place to allow enforcement,” she said.

Brisbane Urban Corridor

Photo credit: Queensland Government/tmr.qld.gov.au

The new technology, Ms McMillan said, will use cameras that will monitor the travel time of these trucks along the BUC.

Traffic growth, especially with heavy vehicles, had contributed to local congestion in those neighbourhoods, Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said.

The worsening traffic situation have resulted in travel delays, increase in safety concerns, and increased noise for the people working and living in the area. The restrictions will be enforced 24 hours a days, seven days a week to heavy vehicles using the route for through trips.

“Heavy vehicle operators should plan their route along the Logan Motorway and Gateway Motorway, which is the preferred route,” Mr Bailey said.

During the trial period, warning letters will be sent to the operator of the offending vehicle unless there is a legitimate purpose for the vehicle traveling along the UBC, such as a local delivery.

After the trial, infringement notices with fines will be issued to erring heavy vehicle operators who continue to violate the rules. Fines will amount to $652.75 for corporations and $130.55 for individuals and will accumulate three demerit points.

Chelmer & Graceville Median House Price Exceeds $900K

The REIQ recently reported the latest housing market statistics which showed both Chelmer and Graceville nearing the $1 million mark. Chelmer house median price is at $980,000, down -6.8% over the last 12 months but up 3.4% over the last 5 years. In the 2nd quarter of 2018, there were 6 homes sold in the suburb.

Neighbouring suburb Graceville saw average home value increasing to $932,500, up by 13% over the last 12 months and 29.1% in 5 years. During the 2nd quarter of 2018, there were 17 houses sold in the suburb.

Further down south, houses are relatively more affordable, with Oxley median sale at $580,000, an increase of 8% from last year and 32.1% over the last 5 years. Twenty-one sales were made during the 2nd quarter of 2018.

Oxley Road at Corinda Among the First to Have Reduced Speed Limit

A 40 km/hr speed limit around popular suburban shopping and dining precincts, including Oxley Road at Corinda, will be implemented and the state’s peak motoring group is not happy with the move.

The Brisbane City Council is pushing forward with its program to install 40 km/hr safety zones at a number of suburban areas with shops and cafes. The Council is rolling out the measure as part of its plans to protect pedestrians and cyclists.

The first series of slow zones will include shopping precincts on Old Cleveland Road in Stones Corner and Oxley Road at Corinda. Lord Mayor Graham said that zones would be prioritized “where traffic-light crossings are not viable or where pedestrians are crossing the road dangerously, without pedestrian crossing.”

Cr Quirk said that there is evidence suggesting that just as in the city, incidents in the suburbs involving pedestrians were also due to distraction and impatience. He said safety issues occur on a number of locations in the suburbs where a large volume of people walk across street outside the pedestrian crossings.

Several new crossings in the CBD will also be introduced to encourage pedestrians to use the crossings instead of walking into the traffic.

RACQ spokesman Paul Turner was not thrilled, however. He said that it seems to be just a quick, cheap, and inappropriate solution to a complex problem. RACQ have supported the lowering of speed limit to 40 km/hr on Ann Street in the CBD. However, they need to see a “hard evidence” that will support the idea behind the slashed speed limit around shopping and dining precincts before they can support the move.

Mr Turner criticized the lack of consultation on the Council’s part before implementing the changes. They have issues with 40 km/hr zones, he said, especially the heavily congested roads like Old Cleveland Road. He said that the council needs to do more than just putting up a few signs if its serious about pedestrian and cyclist safety.

*Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/brisbane.qld.gov.au*

In their effort to improve safety for those walking and cycling in Brisbane, the Council conducted the Move Safe Brisbane consultation last August. The consultation involved feedback maps on which road users identify locations in Brisbane which they think could be improved for pedestrian and cyclist safety.

The survey closed last 28 August and is now being reviewed and evaluated by the Council. A final report is due by late 2018.

Same Same But Different in Corinda Closes as Owners Plan for New Venture

Same Same But Different, the popular Corinda cafe, is now permanently closed — but it’s not because they haven’t been successful.

On the contrary, owners Kym and Jade Machin decided to close their Corinda cafe despite a successful run which lasted nearly two years, following their decision to open another cafe close to their other successful venture, Bare Bones Society in Jindalee.

Photo credit:Bare Bones Society/Facebook

The couple chose to let go of Same Same But Different in Corinda since running three cafes all at once would take up too much of their time.

In addition, Kym Machin will be the executive chef of Stanley at the Howard Smith Wharves. Therefore, to say that they will have a lot on their plate would be an understatement. The Hong Kong-inspired eatery is the new project of husband and wife Andrew and Jaimee Baturo that will boost the dining experience in Brisbane’s new lifestyle precinct.

Same Same fans can still enjoy delicious food at Bare Bones Society as well as in the soon-to-open grab-and-go cafe.

Interested in dropping by Bare Bones Society? You may check out their All-day Dining Menu plus their new Spring Dinner Menu which is available from 6:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Jade Machyn will be overseeing the two foodie places whilst Kym will be joining Stanley as it opens in Howard Smith Wharves in December 2018.

BCC Pushes to Save Significant Trees in Sherwood

Under the New Vegetation Protection Orders (VPOs), Brisbane City Council is pushing to save 14 significant trees in Sherwood alone.

The New Vegetation Protection Orders will protect 180 significant trees across Brisbane.

Natural Assets Local Law 2003 (NALL)

Brisbane City Council’s Natural Assets Local Law 2003 (NALL) protects the city’s natural assets. With this law, Council has a means to protect the city’s biodiversity. Also, there is better management of the impact of weeds and hazardous vegetation. Consequently, this encourages the preservation of native flora and fauna.

Significant trees in Sherwood — Forest Red Gum tree in Sherwood. Photo credit: Geekstreet/Wikimedia Commons

Also, natural landforms can be preserved. These include bushland, wetlands, and waterway corridors. These also include ridgelines and steep slopes.

Additionally, restricting indiscriminate clearing of vegetation keeps the city’s landscape intact. This will preserve the city’s historical and cultural values.

Interestingly, NALL is not a land-use control. However, it does require landowners to adopt a responsible approach in vegetation management. Along with the Brisbane City Plan 2014, NALL is an important consideration in any proposal to build on, subdivide, or develop land. If you are buying a new property, you can contact Council or undertake a property search to find out if it is affected by a NALL.

With a promise to keep Brisbane green, Council has been protecting vegetation with local laws since 1991. Local laws provide a balance between lifestyle and the need to protect the city’s environment, people, and property.

Vegetation Protection Orders (VPOs)

Under the NALL, BCC is authorised to protect significant trees and vegetation. Additionally, Council provides support to owners who have protected vegetation on their property. With this, owners can still use the land or manage the protected vegetation in it.

Under the law, making a VPO involves three things. Initially, vegetation must be nominated for protection. Then, Council assesses their suitability. Lastly, the community makes their submissions for Council consideration.

Significant Trees in Sherwood

Here is a list of the significant trees in Sherwood that are in the new VPOs.

Tree	Properties
1 Forest Red Gum	81 and 83 Berry Street
1 Forest Red Gum	80 Hamilton Street 135a and 137 Hilda Street
1 Hoop Pine	107 and 111 Borden Street
1 Hoop Pine	11 Junction Street
1 Hoop Pine	18 and 20 Magazine Street 69 and 71 Berry Street
1 Hoop Pine	373 and 377 Oxley Road
1 Hoop Pine	58 and 58A Robertson Street 103 and 107 Dewar Terrace
2 Hoop Pines	351 Oxley Road
2 Weeping Figs	22, 24, 26, and 30 Douglas Street 1/28 and 2/28 Douglas Street Douglas Park
1 Weeping Fig	3 Jolimont Street
1 Weeping Fig	35, 37, and 39 Linda Street 56 Lilly Street
1 Bunya Pine and 1 Crows Ash	533 Sherwood Road 20 Egmont Street

To see the full list, click here.

Our World Art Fest 2018 Event in Graceville

On 7-9 September, Graceville Uniting Church and Milpera State High School will present Our World Art Fest 2018. The second annual major art exhibition by Milpera students is a three-day community event and programme of art and cultural activities.

One of Our World Art Fest 2018 highlights will be a showcase of local music talents through the “Calling Local Musos for Sounds of Our World” competition. Performers with 1-5 musicians will perform acoustic music acts or performance with just basic sound requirements (bringing their own instrument).

Visitors will get to vote for their favourite act. The artist or band with the most votes will win $100 and one voter will win $50. There will be seven time-slots, with 10-15 minutes each, available for hourly performances.

*Photo credit: Graceville Uniting Church/Facebook*

Our World Art Fest Featured Activities

Own the art, a silent auction with art bid starting at $25 per item.
“Sounds of Our World” opening concert on 7 September. This will be a public concert featuring local and indigenous talents. Key community representatives will be gracing the event as well.
“Sounds of Our World” Music Fest featuring local and indigenous talents performing in the church hourly. The winner stands to receive a $100 prize.
First Nation’s Indigenous Cultural activities. Fun activities of learning and experiencing for all ages, around the big tree on the corner of Oxley Rd and Verney Rd East. Activities include storytelling, music, dance, ochre painting.
Help Asylum Seekers Resource Centre with a gold coin donation on entry.

Graceville Uniting Church is a heritage listed Cathedral located on Oxley Rd, Graceville. Milpera State High School, on the hand, offers education to newly arrived migrants and refugees who need to develop their English language skills.

Our World Art Fest is a cultural experience celebrating diversity and fostering unity among members of the community through art and music.

For information about this event, check out Graceville Uniting Church website, Facebook page, or call (07) 3379-6372.

215 Oxley Rd Graceville

Graceville State School Fete Is Almost Here!

Graceville State School’s Fete is almost here. Their biggest fundraiser event is happening on 25 August from 6:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Each year, the school aims to maximise fun for the kids whilst minimising the efforts of the parents. This fun-filled event will feature fun performances, delicious food, interesting activities, and many more!

Students will perform at the event along with other local performers. You can view the program schedule here.

Photo credit: Graceville State School Fete / Facebook

Kids will have fun at the petting zoo or riding the ponies in the adventure playground. There will also be a Geckos Wildlife demonstration in the afternoon.

Entertaining rides will also be present at the event such as the Giant Slide, Ferris Wheel, Speed Racer and many more. You can purchase your tickets here.

Don’t miss out on the grand bazaar! This is the perfect place to be if you want to some shopping. There is a wide range of products here from books, toys, and many more.

There will also be food stalls and a coffee shop. Adults can also enjoy the art show showcasing the works of Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 students. Their artworks will be put on sale at the event.

A live auction and a Cent sale will definitely keep the adults preoccupied at the event. While you’re at it, you also might want to get a booze or two from the bar.

And then end the night with a magnificent display of fireworks.

Entrance to the event is FREE.

Address: 23 Acacia Avenue, Graceville

Former Oxley Secondary College Site Declared as Priority Development Area

Development work at the former Oxley Secondary College site will be accelerated following its declaration as a Priority Development Area (PDA) on 10 August 2018.

As part of the state government’s Advancing our cities and regions strategy, the Oxley site was identified as an exemplary urban renewal precinct.

Aerial View of Former Oxley Secondary College Site Photo credit: haveyoursay.dsdmip.qld.gov.au

Plans for the development of the old Oxley Secondary College site include the construction of a new residential community within a bushland setting, aged care facility, integrated community facilities, and the relocation of the existing C&K Yuingi child care centre.

What is a Priority Development Area (PDA)?

A Priority Development Area (PDA) is a parcel of land identified for specific development that facilitates economic development and development for community purposes.

The declaration of the Oxley PDA provides an opportunity for the speedy delivery of innovative and best practice urban design on the site.

Currently, an Interim Land Use Plan (ILUP) is in effect and will remain in place for up to 12 months while the development scheme is being prepared by the Economic Development Queensland (EDQ). The Oxley ILUP provides the planning framework to allow early works to begin including the demolition of existing buildings.

Transformation of the Former Oxley Secondary College Site

Following the community consultation on the plans for the derelict site, a total of 146 responses were received and considered by the EDQ in the preparation of the ILUP.

Feedback from the community included key areas of support focusing on the overall development outcome, the principles to encourage visual amenity, and the provision of community uses including the relocation of the Yuingi C&K child care centre out of the location that flooded in 2011.

Areas of concern that were raised by the community in relation to the initial concept included the impact the proposed development on traffic conditions, the height and density of the buildings to be constructed, community purposes of the development, and the extent of the development footprint.

ILUP Precinct Plan Photo credit: www.dsdmip.qld.gov.au

With the careful consideration of these issues, EDQ promises to preserve high-value vegetation on the site, remediate and protect the landslip prone area, build detached houses only on average 800-sqm lots, and provide a flood free child care centre and aged care/retirement precinct.

Moreover, 80% of the site will be dedicated to total open space incorporating endangered vegetation, roads, revegetated zones, public open space, and private vegetation. The development will have a 20% building footprint that will include new buildings, houses, child care centre, and aged care/retirement.

Next Steps for the Development

Community feedback will still be reflected in the development scheme that is being prepared by the EDQ. Once the development scheme is ready, it will be made publicly available for community consultation.

Community engagement events will be undertaken as part of this process which is expected to occur in early 2019.

After the public notification period, any necessary amendments will be made before the final development scheme is approved.

Project Timeline

August 2018 – PDA declaration
Late 2018 – Demolition of existing school buildings
Early 2019 – Public notification of development scheme
Mid 2019 – Development scheme approval and construction commences

For more information, you may visit the official page of the Oxley Priority Development Area.

Darrell Lea Soon to Serve Ice Cream, Muffins and Rocklea Road Flavours

Darrell Lea is expanding and will be adding ice cream and muffins into its line up of popular sweet treats along with chocolate, liquorice and other confectioneries. Darrell Lea today has multiple branches across Australia, including Sherwood, Chelmer, and Oxley.

Big Come Back

It was back in 2012 when the financially struggling company was acquired by Tony and Christina Quinn who resuscitated Darrell Lea back in business from its voluntary administration. That meant cutting the product line, closing down stores, and expanding the list of retailers carrying the Darrell Lea products.

The changes seemed to have worked their magic as the company saw its revenue growing since 2013. In 2017 alone, Darrell Lea’s revenue totalled $81.2 million.

From the Quinn family, Quadrant Private Equity purchased Darrell Lea in January 2018 for about $200 million. Tony and Christina Quinn, however, retains a significant number of shares in the company.

Partnerships with Famous Food Brands

In 2018, Darrell Lea is getting bigger and better, offering a wider range of sweet treats Australians will go crazy about. First off is their partnership with Everest Ice Cream to sell Darrell Lea variants such as Rocklea Road, peppermint nougat, and peanut brittle.

Darrell Lea has also acquired from Nestle its Lifesavers brand bringing the manufacturing of our best-loved lolly back to Australian shores. The Rocklea Road flavours will also be launched based on Adriano Zumbo’s macaron range as well as a partnership with Muffin Break for new muffin products.

It looks like more things are coming our way from our beloved and one of the oldest original Australian brands.