Corinda Archives - Over The Walter Taylor Bridge

Corinda State High School Hosts Launch of Get Ready Queensland Week 2024

Corinda State High School has been selected as the launch site for the 2024 Get Ready Queensland Week. Former rugby league star and Get Ready Queensland Ambassador Johnathan Thurston will join local students and emergency services to encourage the community to prepare for the upcoming severe weather season.

The event, taking place on Tuesday, 8 October 2024, will feature an important announcement from the Bureau of Meteorology about Queensland’s severe weather outlook. The school community, including representatives from Queensland emergency services, will come together to highlight the importance of disaster preparedness.

Johnathan Thurston’s Call to Action

Johnathan Thurston will headline a new ad campaign titled “Weather doesn’t plan but you can,” urging all Queenslanders to take action before extreme weather hits. Mr Thurston’s message focuses on the three critical steps to prepare: understanding personal risk, making a plan, and packing an emergency kit. The campaign also introduces an online tool to help residents create a disaster plan, accessed at getready.qld.gov.au.

Mr Thurston likened the importance of planning to his experience in professional sports, saying, “Just as every member of a footy team trains hard to achieve success on game day, every Queenslander can take steps now to Get Ready for extreme weather.”

Corinda State High School — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Statewide Engagement

The launch event in Brisbane is just one of several activities planned across Queensland. Along with events in Cairns, regional roadshows will reach communities in the southeast, Far North, and western parts of the state. These roadshows will involve councils and local emergency services, offering residents access to disaster preparedness resources and information.

Additional activities at Corinda State High School will benefit students, including an emergency services expo and a Resilient Homes Workshop, which will provide practical advice on preparing homes for severe weather.

Preparing Queensland for the Future

Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) CEO Major General Jake Ellwood (Retd) reinforced the importance of Get Ready Queensland Week as a timely reminder for residents to get organised before the summer months.

“Over the past year, 66 of Queensland’s 77 local government areas have been impacted by a bushfire, cyclone, flood, or storm,” Mr Ellwood said. He emphasised that those who prepare recover faster from disasters than those who wait for external help.

The QRA, which manages the Get Ready Queensland program, partners with major sponsor Suncorp to promote resilience-building activities. Lisa Harrison, Suncorp’s Chief Executive of Consumer Insurance, highlighted the importance of good disaster preparation practices, which can reduce the devastating impacts of natural disasters on homes and communities.

Corinda’s Experience

For Corinda State High School, the message of disaster resilience hits close to home. The school has experienced severe flooding in both 2011 and 2022, making it a fitting location to launch Get Ready Queensland Week.

“The lessons being shared during Get Ready Queensland Week reinforce for all of us, especially our young people, why it’s so vital we prepare for the unexpected turns of Mother Nature,” Deputy Principal Rebecca Gilroy said.

With Queensland’s unpredictable weather patterns, this year’s campaign hopes to instil a sense of preparedness in every household, encouraging everyone to take the three essential steps to get ready before it’s too late.

Residents are encouraged to visit getready.qld.gov.au to start their preparations and take action today.

Published 7-Oct-2024

Oxley Road Bridge Among Queensland’s Frequent Strike Locations

In a concerning trend that has caught the attention of Queensland’s transport authorities, the Oxley Road bridge in Corinda has emerged as one of the most frequently struck bridges in the 2023/24 financial year.

Read: Bridge Strike Causes Major Delays for Corinda Rail and Bus Commuters

This revelation comes as part of a broader issue plaguing the state’s road and rail infrastructure, prompting the Department of Transport and Main Roads to launch a new campaign aimed at curbing the alarming frequency of bridge strikes.

Bridge strike at Oxley Rd, Corinda (Photo credit: Queensland Rail/Facebook)

The “Truckload of Trouble” campaign, unveiled recently, seeks to address a problem that has been consistently troubling Queensland’s transport network. With an average of one bridge or protection beam strike occurring daily over the past two years, the campaign aims to increase driver awareness about the severe consequences of these incidents.

Most frequently struck bridges in the 2023/24 financial year:

Logan Road, Buranda
North Street, Willowburn
Bergin Street, Booval
Oxley Road, Corinda
William Berry Drive / Visentin Road connection, Morayfield

Joanna Robinson, General Manager of Land Transport Safety and Regulation at the Department of Transport and Main Roads, emphasises the gravity of the situation.

“Bridge strikes are dangerous,” she states, highlighting the risks not only to the drivers of over-height vehicles but also to train drivers, passengers, and other road users. The potential for falling debris to damage other vehicles or cause serious injury adds another layer of concern to this ongoing issue.

The statistics paint a sobering picture. In the 2023/24 financial year alone, Queensland recorded 369 rail bridge or protection beam strikes, barely down from 360 the previous year. These incidents not only pose immediate safety risks but also result in significant disruptions to rail services and potential financial penalties for offending motorists.

Oxley Road Bridge — Low rail bridge at Allan Terrace (Photo credit: Google Street View)

Rob Hill, Acting Head of South East Queensland at Queensland Rail, shared a stark example of the disruption caused by these strikes. A recent incident at Allan Terrace, Corinda, resulted in 103 train delays and 35 cancellations, underscoring the far-reaching impacts of these seemingly isolated events.

The consequences for drivers responsible for bridge strikes are severe. Fines range from $1,290 and four demerit points to a hefty $12,904 penalty if the matter goes to court. Moreover, Queensland Rail actively pursues motorists to recover repair costs, which would otherwise be borne by taxpayers.

Gary Mahon, CEO of the Queensland Trucking Association, stresses the importance of education and awareness within the trucking industry.

“Trucking companies, truck rental companies, and businesses using trucks for deliveries in and around the city have a responsibility to educate drivers,” Mahon asserts. He advocates for including awareness about truck and bridge heights in pre-start checklists, toolbox talks, and trip planning.

The “Truckload of Trouble” campaign focuses on practical solutions, encouraging drivers to know their load and vehicle height, plan their routes carefully, and avoid low clearance bridges. It’s a multi-faceted approach to a problem that authorities insist is entirely preventable with proper attention and planning.

Read: Oxley Motorist Fined for Stopping ‘Too Far Back’ from Stop Sign

As Queensland grapples with this ongoing challenge, the spotlight on Oxley Road bridge in Corinda serves as a stark reminder of the work that lies ahead. With continued efforts to raise awareness and educate drivers, authorities hope to see a significant reduction in bridge strikes, ensuring safer roads and more reliable rail services for all Queenslanders.

Published 11-September-2024

Paralympic Preview: Taylor Gosens Breaks Barriers in Para-Judo

Taylor Gosens, an alumna of St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’School in Corinda, is set to break new ground when she enters the mat in Paris 2024. The 26-year-old judoka is poised to become just the second woman ever to represent the green and gold in Paralympic judo.

Read: Taylor Gosens: From Sound Engineering to Paralympic Judo

Taylor Gosens takes the mat in Paris

Despite the challenge, Gosens is prepared and confident in her ability to perform at her best against the sport’s elite.

Gosens will face a tough field of competitors, including reigning Tokyo Paralympics champion Dursadaf Karimova of Azerbaijan and the current world number one Rebeca de Souza Silva of Brazil.

She is scheduled to compete on 7 September, starting at 6:00 p.m., in the women’s +70 kg J2 classification for judo at the Champ-de-Mars Arena.

Read: Family Home of Olympic Champion Ariarne Titmus Makes a Golden Sale in Chelmer

Gosens is also looking ahead to the LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games, with a long-term ambition to establish herself as a consistent force in para-judo.

With the Paralympics in full swing, schedule changes remain possible. For the latest updates and information, check out the official Paralympics website.

Published 07-September-2024

Taylor Gosens: From Sound Engineering to Paralympic Judo

Photo Credit: Paralympics Australia

Taylor Gosens, a former student of St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School in Corinda, is set to make history as only the second woman to represent Australia in Para-judo at the upcoming 2024 Paris Paralympics.

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Gosens, who was born with a congenital eyesight condition leaving her with just four percent vision, initially pursued her passion for music while at St Aidan’s. Her time at the school saw her delve into sound engineering studies and take up drumming, showcasing her diverse talents and determination to overcome challenges.

The 26-year-old’s journey from music enthusiast to elite athlete is nothing short of inspirational. After leaving Brisbane to study Entertainment Management at the Australian Institute of Music in Sydney, Gosens discovered judo as a stress management tool during her studies. What began as a coping mechanism soon blossomed into a competitive career.

Gosens’ rapid rise in the sport is evident from her recent achievements. In September, she secured her first international victory against Great Britain at the IBSA Judo Grand Prix in Baku, Azerbaijan, finishing in the top 8. This success followed her impressive performance at the 2022 Australian Nationals, where she clinched gold in the VI (visually impaired) competition and silver in the able-bodied 78 kg class.

As Gosens prepares for the Paris Paralympics under the guidance of coach Ivica Pavlinic, she carries with her the support of her hometown and the legacy of her father, Gerrard Gosens, a three-time Paralympian. Taylor’s participation in the Games marks not just a personal achievement, but a continuation of a family tradition of excellence in Paralympic sport.

The Corinda community eagerly awaits Gosens’ performance in Paris, where she will not only represent Australia but also serve as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes with visual impairments everywhere.

Published 12-August-2024

Bridge Strike Causes Major Delays for Corinda Rail and Bus Commuters

A truck collision with a rail bridge in Corinda has resulted in significant disruptions and delays for South East Queensland rail and bus commuters during peak hours.

The incident occurred just before 7 a.m. on Monday, the 3rd of June 2024, when a truck struck the rail bridge at Allan Terrace in Corinda. The collision caused substantial damage to the rail infrastructure, leading to the partial closure of the bridge until repairs are completed.

Services on the Ipswich and Springfield lines were severely affected, with delays of up to 60 minutes in both directions and multiple service cancellations. Residual delays of 30 minutes continue to impact commuters.

Rail replacement buses have been deployed between Darra and Corinda in both directions, while a train shuttle operates between Darra and Springfield Central to assist passengers.

Queensland Rail Executive Officer Nev Conway emphasised that such incidents cause significant damage to rail infrastructure and inconvenience customers. He urged drivers to know their vehicle heights, plan routes carefully, and adhere to road signs and signals.

Conway also warned that motorists who damage rail infrastructure could face fines of $1,238 and four demerit points, or up to $12,384 in damages if the matter goes to court.

Published 6-June-2024

Leadership Controversy Engulfs Prestigious St Aidan’s Anglican Girls School Amidst Staff Exodus

St Aidan’s Anglican Girls School in Corinda faces a crisis as allegations of a toxic workplace culture prompt a staff exodus and a vote of no confidence, significantly impacting student wellbeing.

The issue came into the spotlight when an email, allegedly representing 49 current employees, articulated a deep-seated disillusionment with the school’s leadership under Principal Toni Riordan.

This correspondence, addressed to the school council, catalogued a disturbing trend of 39 departures over the past year, encompassing senior leaders, educators, and support personnel. The email accused Principal Riordan of neglecting serious issues like bullying, thereby exacerbating the toxic environment.

In defense, the school’s spokesperson outlined that the turnover rate paralleled that of other independent schools, attributing departures to common reasons such as retirement and career progression. Despite this, the severity of the allegations has prompted a thorough review following the Complaints Management in Anglican Schools procedures, emphasizing the school’s commitment to the welfare of its community.

St Aidans Anglican Girls School — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Beyond the faculty, the instability has taken a significant toll on students, with reports of heightened anxiety, panic attacks, and therapy necessitation. Parents, having invested heavily in their children’s education at St Aidan’s, express profound disappointment and concern over the constant flux of teaching staff.

In March, a mother reported that one of her daughters experienced a panic attack, breaking down in tears due to the departure of yet another teacher, while her other daughter developed severe anxiety and is now on medication, attributed to the stressful environment caused by frequent teacher resignations.

She expressed frustration over the loss of advanced maths, science, and English teachers, deeming it unacceptable given the school’s annual tuition of up to $28,000 per student. Additionally, the family has incurred an extra $30,000 in expenses for private tutoring to compensate for the educational gaps, despite their children previously being high achievers.

The discontent extends to the school’s recent appointments, with the selection of Kim Cohen as interim deputy principal raising eyebrows. Cohen’s arrival from Saint Stephen’s College in Upper Coomera, where she departed amidst controversy, has done little to quell the unrest among the faculty.

As the school council grapples with these complex challenges, the wider community watches closely, hopeful for a resolution that reaffirms the school’s commitment to excellence in education and the well-being of all its members.

Published 1-April-2024

St Aidan’s Anglican Girls School Corinda Cleared on Possible Asbestos-Contaminated Compost

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Concerns about possible asbestos-contaminated compost at the site of the Sport Performance Centre of St Aidan’s Anglican Girls School in Corinda have been laid to rest, as test samples from Ambiwerra have tested negative for asbestos. The school, in accordance with Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, has resumed all activity at the site.

Prior to this development, Queensland’s environmental authority had unveiled a worrying find: a small amount of asbestos was detected in a compost stockpile at NuGrow’s Ipswich site, one of the state’s leading disposal and recycling companies.

Immediate Action and Precautionary Measures

This led to immediate action, with affected areas such as a construction site at St. Aidan’s Anglican Girls School and a dog park in Greenbank being cordoned off for testing. These were the first public spaces to confront the potential danger of asbestos-contaminated soil.

Upon discovery, authorities took swift action to mitigate the risk. Workplace Health and Safety Queensland advised St Aidan’s that the soil used for landscaping its Sport Performance Centre might contain asbestos from NuGrow. In response, the school and other impacted businesses were directed to halt all material movement, initiating a rigorous testing process to assess the contamination level.

Queensland’s environmental authority is taking a precautionary measure due to a crisis of contaminated mulch affecting New South Wales.

Since then, the school has released the results of the investigation, giving its Ambiwerra site the “All Clear.”

Community and Environmental Impact

The potential presence of asbestos in public spaces has understandably alarmed the community.

The spokeswoman for St Aidan’s reassured that the risk was very low, emphasising the school’s commitment to safety by notifying its community and taking immediate steps to isolate the affected area.

Queensland’s environment authority and Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding have emphasized the low risk of harm and the extensive testing underway to ensure public safety.

Ongoing Investigations and Collaborative Efforts

As the investigation unfolds, the focus has broadened beyond the immediate sites to include a more comprehensive inspection of waste facilities and compost suppliers across South East Queensland.

The Department of Environment & Workplace Health and Safety QLD are working to prevent further distribution of contaminated materials, addressing environmental health crises.

Published 3-March-2024. Updated 13-March-2024.

Push to Combat Red Imported Fire Ant Threat in Oxley, Other Suburbs

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Efforts are intensifying towards a half-billion-dollar program addressing a persistent fire ant infestation impacting lives and the beloved Australian outdoor way of life in suburbs like Oxley, Seventeen Mile Rocks and Corinda.

Nearly 23 years following the initial infestation of the red imported fire ant at the Port of Brisbane, these ants have now infiltrated various areas, extending their reach from Brisbane to other locations. Councils have raised concerns over the disruptions that have been happening due to infestations.

Per the Fire Ant Eradication map, here are just some of the reported fire ant infestations in the last 12 months:

Oxley 52

Seventeen Mile Rocks 49

Darra 35

Fig Tree Pocket 22

Corinda 18

Aside from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, isolated outbreaks have been detected in northern New South Wales, specifically in Murwillumbah and Wardell, which were likely propagated through the movement of infested topsoil from southeast Queensland.

Billions in Investment for Eradication

An additional half-billion-dollar investment is slated for the Queensland eradication effort by 2032, with a significant portion of federal funding allocated to nearly $300 million.

Ashley Bacon, the program director of the National Fire Ant Eradication Program, remains optimistic about containment efforts, noting Australia’s comparatively slower spread rate of approximately four kilometres per year, in contrast to the United States and China.

However, scepticism persists among experts like Georgia Tech professor Michael Goodisman, who highlights the challenges posed by the ants’ rapid reproduction and resilience. Despite ongoing efforts, concerns linger regarding the efficacy of containment strategies.

While the eradication program primarily employs baiting methods to render fire ants infertile, the process is arduous and resource-intensive, with meticulous treatment spanning extensive areas surrounding infested sites.

Without intervention, the potential spread of fire ants could extend as far north as Bowen in Queensland, west to Longreach, and south to Canberra, posing substantial agricultural and environmental threats.

The National Allergy Centre of Excellence warns of staggering health impacts should fire ants become endemic in Australia, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to mitigate risks.

Why Worry About Fire Ants?

Fire ants, originally from South America, first appeared in Brisbane in 2001, likely transported via ships docking at the Port of Brisbane. These tiny but aggressive insects, ranging from 2-6 mm, are known to swarm when disturbed and can hitch rides on various objects, including mulch and trucks. They’ve even been observed creating rafts from their bodies to navigate waterways.

Their copper-brown colouration with a darker abdomen makes them easily identifiable, with nests resembling mounds of dirt. Fire ants pose a significant threat to both humans and livestock, with encounters often resulting in painful stings. These stings can be particularly dangerous when multiple ants attack simultaneously, causing severe reactions and, in some cases, fatalities.

Fire ants can form super colonies with multiple queens and millions of ants. If you encounter a nest, it’s important not to spray it. Instead, photograph it from a safe distance and promptly alert the relevant authorities. For guidance on identifying nests and appropriate actions, visit https://www.fireants.org.au.

Corinda Mums Band Together for Layla Nolan and Childhood Cancer Warriors

Photo Credit: Lina Trochez/Unsplash

A determined group of mothers from Corinda are coming together to embark on a journey of compassion and support. Their mission: to walk hundreds of kilometres to raise funds for children battling cancer, like nine-year-old Layla Nolan, who endured a year-long battle with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL).

Layla’s journey began with a seemingly innocuous sore elbow, leading to a diagnosis that has touched the hearts of her community. The diagnosis came as a shock, as what appeared to be a minor ailment escalated into a life-changing ordeal.

“At first, we thought it was a bit of bursitis,” said Kaylah Nolan, Layla’s mother. “She got antibiotics, and to me, it seemed to get better, but it came back so we presented to the hospital.”

After some blood tests, doctors told the family that Layla has ALL. Despite the heart-wrenching diagnosis, Layla faced her treatment with admirable courage. She underwent weekly blood tests and endured gruelling chemotherapy, resulting in losing her hair. Layla had to put her education on hold for an entire year and has only recently been able to return to school about 70% of the time.

To show their support, mums from Layla’s Prep class, now affectionately known as “Layla’s Legends,” have volunteered to participate in this year’s Camp Quality Big Walk for Little Kids fundraiser. Now in its fourth year, the event has already raised more than $5.5 million, providing assistance to approximately 10,000 Australian families dealing with childhood cancer.

Each member of Layla’s Legends has committed to walking 100 kilometres this September 2023, with pairs or groups tackling the challenge together whenever possible. The early morning walks and weekend efforts are a testament to their determination and unwavering support for the cause.

Meanwhile, Camp Quality has named six-time Paralympic gold medallist and childhood cancer survivor, Ellie Cole, as this year’s Big Walk for Little Kids champion. This virtual event invites participants to walk, run, or roll 50km, 100km, or 150km throughout the month, raising funds for Camp Quality’s vital programs and services that benefit children and families facing the challenges of cancer.

Participants can easily register online and seek sponsorship from friends, family members, schoolmates, or colleagues to support their efforts. Virtual teams can be formed, and participants can track their kilometres online using Fitbit or Strava.

“Everyone knows someone impacted by cancer. For children, this is a particularly terrifying experience,” said Deborah Thomas, CEO of Camp Quality. “Big Walk for Little Kids raises money to give those kids and their families a break from cancer on our Kids’ Camps and Family Camps.”

To contribute to this noble cause or to sign up for the Big Walk for Little Kids, visit www.bigwalk.org.au.. Together, the Corinda mums and Layla’s Legends are making a difference in the lives of children and families battling cancer, offering hope, strength, and a brighter future.

Published 20-Sept-2023

Developer Seeks Amendment of Approved Retirement Facility in Corinda

A development application has been submitted for modifications to an already approved retirement facility in Corinda.

Read: Walter Taylor Bridge: Revisiting the History of Southern Hemisphere’s Only Habitable Bridge

The submitted proposal entails making slight revisions to the design of Buildings 2 and 4 within the approved Retirement Facility. Additionally, it involves reducing the number of dwelling units and adjusting the setbacks for a proposed car park exhaust.

The proposal aims to decrease the total Gross Floor Area for the ancillary uses of Building 2 from approximately 293 sqm to around 34 sqm. The tenancies are planned to be situated more internally within the building, accessible exclusively through the lounge and communal areas, with no direct access to the outdoor communal space.

Plans (Photo credit: O’Neill Architecture)

In 2017, the site, located at 260 Cliveden Avenue and 20 Menin Road, Corinda received an original approval for a retirement facility consisting of 264 units across five stages.

Proposed building, Level 2 plan (Photo credit: O’Neill Architecture)

The proposed amendments, designed by O’Neill Architecture, carefully maintain the visual aesthetics of the building, ensuring that there is no discernible increase in the overall size and scale of the structures.

According to planners at RPS, the proposal aims to enhance the building facade of Building 2 by introducing additional architectural features to the north and south elevations. Furthermore, the proposal seeks to incorporate balconies on all elevations, aiming to improve the overall livability and enjoyment for future residents.

The proposal also includes a redesign of the basement carpark in Building 2 to match the new building footprint. There is a plan to alter the carpark entrance by utilising a driveway that connects through the existing car park of Building 7.

Read: Get To Know The Lahey Family Who Built A Successful Sawmill In Corinda

Another amendment is being proposed for Building 4 (Stage 4) to enable optional screening for westward-facing balconies. This modification aims to enhance climate comfort for residents by providing additional protection from the sun.

Further information about the development can be viewed via Brisbane City Council’s PD Online, using the reference A006230954.

Published 12-May-2023