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Upper Kedron Residents and Minister Exasperated by Delays in Ellendale Bridge Opening

Residents in Upper Kedron are outraged by a prolonged two-year delay in obtaining approval to open a new bridge in the rapidly growing Ellendale estate.

Locals of the burgeoning northside community are currently compelled to take a 5-kilometre detour to visit relatives mere hundreds of meters away, due to the prolonged delay in securing a road reserve permit.

One local shared that she has to take a long detour to visit her son-in-law who lives on the other side of the bridge. Max Crane, a spokesperson for the Ferny Grove & Upper Kedron Residents Association, criticized the project’s applications, which have led to inefficiencies and real-life consequences for residents.

The Brisbane City Council, however, attributes the delay to the developer, Cedar Woods Properties (CWP), for not submitting necessary plans and certifications promptly. CWP has responded by stating it expects the bridge to open within six to eight weeks following a fast-tracked approval process by the Department of Resources.

The company also confirmed the recent opening of Levitt Rd and Minnie St, following upgrades linked to the bridge construction. The company emphasised that the Brockman Rd bridge serves as a secondary, not primary, access point to the estate, underscoring their commitment to safety by installing bollards to restrict access during the approval process.

Agriculture Minister Mark Furner has echoed the frustration among the community members. He has openly criticized the Council for its sluggish response in applying for the necessary approvals. According to him, the delay could have been avoided had the Council acted more promptly. Despite the Council’s claim of persistent reminders to CWP, the essential application for road reserve was only lodged in late April 2024, long after the bridge’s construction was completed.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson from the Department of Resources acknowledged the application’s receipt and emphasised its priority status. As the administrative processes for registering the new roads and bridges near completion, CWP, in collaboration with the Council, is gearing up for the eventual bridge opening.

Published 17-June-2024

Free Family Fun at The Quarry’s Winter School Holiday Program

Looking for something fun to do with the kids these winter school holidays? Mark your calendars for Sunday, June 30th as The Quarry in Keperra is hosting a free Winter School Holiday Program from 9am to 12pm that is open to families across Brisbane.

The event will take place at The Quarry Sales & Display Centre at 1004 Samford Road, Keperra. Frasers Property, the developers behind The Quarry master planned community, are inviting children and their parents to enjoy a morning packed with activities and entertainment.

Kids will have the chance to get their hands dirty with some flower planting, try their skills at being “little builders”, get their faces painted, and burn off some energy with lawn games. Each child will get to take home their very own miniature house creation and flowers they planted.

Children will be given a fun experience learning about woodworking, caring for the environment, and how The Quarry is transforming this former granite quarry site into a fantastic new residential neighbourhood.

The little ones will be treated to sandwiches and juice, while the parents can enjoy complimentary barista-made coffee and gourmet wraps throughout the morning’s festivities.

Spots are limited, so families are encouraged to RSVP by June 21st to secure their attendance for the free Winter School Holiday Program.

click here to rsvp!

With such an exciting lineup of free, family-friendly activities, this promises to be one school holiday event you won’t want to miss out on!

Published 10-June-2024

Ferny Grove Markets Shutter Again, Community Heartbroken

The Ferny Grove Markets have closed their stalls for the second time since their establishment in 1963, leaving residents and stallholders disheartened.

The markets, once a bustling hub held every Sunday at the Ferny Grove train station car park, had recently relocated to the Brisbane Tramway Museum following a hiatus and redevelopment at the original site. The revived markets, held on the first Saturday of each month, offered a diverse range of goods and served as a cherished gathering place for the community.

However, after a brief revival, the markets closed on the 1st of June 2024.

Colin Smith, the president of the market’s organising committee for four decades, cited a combination of factors leading to the closure, including the aging committee’s difficulty with early morning set-up, increased rent at the Tramway Museum, and logistical challenges with accessing the museum grounds early in the morning.

*Photo Credit: Screengrab from Google Map*

The Ferny Grove community is mourning the loss of the markets, with many people expressing their sadness over the loss of a weekly gathering place where friends and neighbors could interact.

Residents like John Goodship emphasised the markets’ role as a social hub, while Rosalie Matthews lamented the loss of the revived market experience.

Despite the setback, Mr Smith remains determined to find a new location for the markets, vowing to continue the search for a suitable home where the Ferny Grove Markets can once again thrive and bring the community together.

Published Date 04-June-2024

Petition Calls for Logan-Style Verge Parking in Brisbane’s Narrow Streets

As Brisbane’s population growth outpaces infrastructure development, a local resident from Upper Kedron has launched a petition seeking to adopt parking regulations similar to those in Logan, which allows verge parking. The aim is to alleviate the mounting parking woes plaguing the city’s narrow residential streets.

Read: New Parking Garage Opening at Ferny Grove Station, But Traffic Flow Will Be Altered

With more residents per household due to the housing crisis, the competition for on-street parking has intensified, creating safety hazards and equity concerns. The resident who started the e-petition stated that the prevalent zigzag parking pattern obstructs traffic flow and poses severe risks for emergency vehicles attempting to navigate these tight corridors.

“The current parking restrictions on streets narrower than 6 metres severely limit access for emergency vehicles, potentially delaying critical responses,” the resident explained. “Additionally, with vehicles parked along curbs, the remaining road space becomes insufficient for safe two-way traffic flow, creating a hazard for all road users.”

Photo credit: Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner/Facebook

Beyond the safety implications, the resident highlights how the existing parking constraints disproportionately impact women, forcing them to park further from their homes and increasing their exposure to potential risks, particularly during late hours.

To address these challenges, the petition proposes amendments akin to Logan City Council’s approach: allowing partial or full parking on residential verges, provided that specific conditions are met.

These include maintaining a clear 1.2-meter footpath for pedestrians and mobility access, ensuring access to mailboxes, utility covers, and fire hydrants, and requiring parallel parking in the direction of traffic flow adjacent to the kerb.

Canvey Rd, Upper Kedron (Photo credit: Google Street View)

The resident further notes that Brisbane has been fining residents for verge parking, a practice permitted in Logan, exacerbating the financial strain during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

In Brisbane, it is prohibited to park your vehicle on footpaths, footways, or verges (the strip of grass between the footpath and the road). This restriction extends to residential driveways where they cross over footpaths, footways, and verges.

Some drivers resort to parking on the footpath in an attempt to create space for other vehicles to pass by on the road. However, this practice is illegal, and offending motorists may receive a warning or be issued a fine by authorities.

In Logan, a motorist can park their vehicle partially or fully on verge or a nature strip if there is no other safe option, provided certain conditions are met. They can do so if the road is narrow, less than 6 metres wide and they do not block the footpath and leave a minimum gap of 1.2 metres to allow pedestrian or mobility access.

Other conditions include not blocking access to a mailbox or park over utility covers or fire hydrants and that vehicles must be parallel parked when on the nature strip, facing the same direction as traffic flow, directly adjacent to the vehicle.

Read: The Gap Property Market Shows Steady Growth, Consistent Demand

So far, the e-petition has garnered 149 signatures from concerned residents, with the deadline for signing set for 10 August 2024. As the debate over parking solutions intensifies, the call for change underscores the need for a balanced approach that prioritises safety, accessibility, and equity for all residents.

Published 23-May-2024

The Quarry in Keperra Unveils ClubQ: A $5 Million Oasis for Residents

Photo Credit: Youtube/ The Quarry

Guess what’s making waves in Keperra? It’s not just another pool party – it’s a $5 million oasis called ClubQ, exclusively for residents of The Quarry.

The innovative hub boasts multiple pools, a private wellness centre, shared green areas, and a sunset deck with panoramic views. Keperra’s appeal to homebuyers is on the rise, and ClubQ’s design, by Rothelowman, takes inspiration from the existing environment and materials.

ClubQ The Quarry in Keperra — *Photo Credit: Youtube/ TheQuarry*

The entertainment space at ClubQ overlooks a large LED screen and an art gallery that will eventually become a communal dining area.

Scott Ullman, General Manager Queensland Development at Frasers Property Australia, highlighted the unique amenity and design aesthetic that ClubQ brings to the area.

The Quarry will ultimately comprise a mix of 500 home and land sites, Rothelowman-designed terrace homes, and extensive placemaking initiatives.

The existing Keperra Quarry, which mines granite, will gradually scale back its operations as the residential development progresses.

Published Date 20-May-2024

The Gap Gets First Downsizer Housing Project with Nature’s Edge

A young Brisbane developer has unveiled the only downsizer housing project currently underway in The Gap. The boutique collection, called Nature’s Edge, comprises nine architecturally designed terrace homes intended to appeal to empty nesters seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle.

Read: Urban Transformation: A New Chapter for Keperra Quarry

A project of developer Adpen, the homes are priced from $1.15 million and offer three or four bedrooms and high-end finishes.

Designed by architect Nigel Fitton, the residential estate is located near shops and other amenities in The Gap, with the goal of providing low-maintenance living for residents.

The terrace-style housing has floor plans ranging up to around 220 square metres of combined indoor and outdoor living areas. Each home includes two bathrooms, walk-in wardrobes, ducted air conditioning systems, and ceilings reaching 2.7 metres in height.

Located just 8 km from Brisbane’s CBD, this downsizer housing project is surrounded by bushland yet still close to The Gap’s amenities.

With this development, Adpen aims to provide a rightsizing opportunity in an area dominated by large family homes on bigger blocks. The project also helps introduce more housing diversity to free up existing properties for younger families previously locked out of the premium Gap market due to limited stock.

Adpen Managing Director Adam Pennisi stated that Nature’s Edge is intended to motivate empty nesters to downsize their housing whilst continuing to reside in the tight-knit neighbourhood of The Gap, where they are already well-established and wish to stay.

“The Gap has been long underserviced in terms of downsizer-friendly homes, meaning older residents were either forced to stay in their current houses or move away from the place they love to find a more suitable home,” Mr Pennisi said.

“I am a young developer but have parents reaching the downsizer stage of life and understand what they’re looking for – the chance to enjoy all the benefits of a brand-new home without the burden of high maintenance,” he said.

Lee Dwyer, a real estate expert in The Gap, commented that as downsizing becomes more popular, there is an urgent requirement for more diverse housing alternatives to meet the needs of Australia’s expanding senior population, which is forecasted to reach 6.66 million by 2041.

“The Gap is a highly sought after location for buyers and we have noticed many seniors want to stay in the community they have planted roots with their children and grandchildren. Previously, having minimal downsizer stock, this demographic has had to move away,” said Mr Dwyer.

“In order to future-proof Brisbane’s property market, developers need to meet this vital housing need, which in turn, provides an entry point for other buyers to get into the property Market.”

Read: Developers Look to Transform Eyesore on Waterworks Road Into New Community Asset

Adpen has a pipeline of projects valued at $200 million, aimed at addressing the housing shortage in southeast Queensland through various development projects, including custom-built commercial and childcare facilities in addition to residential offerings.

Published 25-March-2024

Urban Transformation: A New Chapter for Keperra Quarry

Did you know that the once-bustling Keperra Quarry is being transformed into a vibrant residential community? Set approximately 9.5km from the CBD, this ambitious $500-million project is changing the landscape and setting a precedent for urban redevelopment.

With the second phase of land release now in progress, this project combines historical significance with a futuristic vision for community living.

Phase Two: A Leap Towards Modern Living

The project’s second phase marks a significant step in the transformation of the 60-year-old gravel quarry.

Scott Ullman, General Manager of Queensland Development at Frasers Property Australia, highlighted the uniqueness of the upcoming homesites. Nestled on the hillside, these sites offer expansive views of the D’Aguilar Range and beyond, presenting a rare opportunity for homeowners to immerse themselves in both the natural beauty and the historical essence of the area.

Community and Amenities at Heart

At the core of the Keperra Quarry project is a commitment to creating a community-centric environment. Upon completion, the development will feature approximately 500 homes surrounded by over 40% dedicated green spaces, including existing bushland and newly curated areas. More than 100,000 new plants and trees are set to be planted, emphasizing the project’s dedication to regeneration and sustainability.

Future residents can look forward to a life where nature meets modern convenience. The Quarry will introduce a range of communal amenities, including the already popular cliffside staircase lookout and the resort-style ClubQ. This hub will include a 25m lap pool, sunset lounges, and a variety of spaces designed for entertainment, work, and relaxation. Further enhancements will include additional pools, a wellness centre, and a meditation room, ensuring a lifestyle of comfort and well-being.

A Legacy of Transformation

The development’s innovative approach extends beyond residential spaces. With 20 lots in the second land release, including 15 ridgeline view homesites, the project is carefully designed to integrate the natural landscape with the built environment. Homes will line tree-filled streets and beautifully landscaped areas, promising a future where the quarry’s industrial past becomes a distant memory.

Scheduled for home construction to commence in mid-2024, the Keperra Quarry transformation is a testament to the power of vision and commitment to community and environmental regeneration. As this project moves into its next phase, it stands as a shining example of how urban redevelopment can harmonize with nature, offering a blueprint for future transformations around the globe.

Published 20-March-2024

Take Your Coffee Break Among the Trees With Brisbane’s ‘Coffee Carts in Parks’

Local residents may soon be able to grab their morning java among the trees and footpaths of local parks, as Brisbane unveiled the new “Coffee Carts in Parks” initiative, which aims to bring mobile cafes to public green spaces across the city.

Read: Bluey’s Hammerbarn Comes to Life at Bunnings Keperra

The Gap parks identified as potential coffee cart locations are the Alfred & Lucina Best Park and Wittonga Park. Other parks nearby include Grinstead Park in Enoggera, Keperra Picnic Ground Park in Ferny Grove, and the Upper Kedron Recreation Reserve.

The expansion would allow residents to more conveniently pick up a hot cup of coffee whilst strolling through or resting in some of the district’s most beloved community hubs.

Wittonga Park (Photo credit: Camilla Browning/Google Maps)

The push comes as Brisbane City Council works to streamline licensing and costs for vendors seeking to operate in Council-owned locales. The current roster of 15 approved coffee carts and 44 food trucks would grow under regulations making it faster and cheaper to set up shop in places like parks, playgrounds, and dog parks.

Coffee carts in parks — Photo credit: Michael Norris/Google Maps

The annual registration fee to receive a permit would drop to $450 from the current semi-annual charge of $321.48. Locations would be vetted to prevent competition with existing cafes and restaurants nearby.

In addition to the Gap sites, nearly 60 locations citywide have been flagged as high potential areas during the Council’s early survey work. Comprehensive assessments remain underway to pinpoint both the best places and ideal operating hours catering to the community’s needs.

For many Brisbane families, a trip to a local park goes hand-in-hand with grabbing a quick bite or caffeine fix. The proposed “Coffee Carts in Parks” program would seamlessly blend these routines, offering residents a perfect place to refresh whilst staying connected to the outdoors.

Read: Brisbane Fee Cut Sparks Surge in Green Waste Recycling Bin Orders

If approved, the streamside tracks and playgrounds of the Gap may soon double as perfect places to grab a flat white or cold brew.

Published 23-February-2024

Bluey’s Hammerbarn Comes to Life at Bunnings Keperra

Did you know that the Bunnings store in Keperra was the inspiration for Bluey’s imaginary Hammerbarn hardware store? Now Bluey is teaming up with Bunnings to recreate the Hammerbarn experience.

Read: How Repair Cafe The Gap Champions Sustainability

For the entire month of February, seven Bunnings stores across Australia and New Zealand, including Bunnings Keperra will be completely transformed into the fictional hardware store from the show.

The stores will be decked out with Hammerbarn signs and theming, letting families experience the joy of Bluey’s imagination. Bunnings will also be offering free Bluey-themed DIY kids workshops every weekend, along with exclusive Bluey products and limited edition Hammerbarn merchandise that fans won’t want to miss.

For an added dose of Bluey fun, stores will host scavenger hunts and coloring activities all month long. Special meet and greet events with the characters Bluey and Bingo themselves will also happen on certain days at flagship stores.

In the classic Bluey episode “Hammerbarn,” the Heeler family heads out on a weekend trip to their local hardware store.

They set out to pick up a pizza oven but their shopping spree takes an imaginative turn when Bluey and Bingo start tossing all kinds of other stuff into the cart too. The kids end up building miniature houses out of the random hardware store items, topping them with garden gnome ‘husbands.’

Other participating locations include Munno Para (SA), Cannington (WA), Glenorchy (TAS), Blacktown (NSW), Carrum Downs (VIC) and Glenfield (New Zealand).

Read: Former Quarry in Keperra to Become Site of 500 Resort-Style Homes

So if your little ones can’t get enough of Bluey and Bingo’s hardware store adventures, head to your nearest transformed Bunnings to explore the real-life Hammerbarn whilst you can! Check out bluey.tv to book free spots in the exclusive kids workshops all February long.

Published 16-February-2024

After Decades in Business, The Gap’s Loot Homewares to Cease Operations

Loot Homewares, the beloved home goods and gift shop located in a shopping centre in The Gap, has announced it will be having a closing sale with all merchandise marked down by up to half price.

Read: Brisbane’s Cafe Tara: Building Community Over Breakfast for 18 Years

This news comes after the shop revealed it will be permanently shutting its doors after more than two decades of business at The Gap location. Loot Homewares first opened in the shopping centre around 25 years ago and has been run by the same owner for the last 15 years.

The store has become a beloved destination for Gap residents to purchase high-quality home decor, furniture, trinkets, and gift items over the decades. However, the current economic climate and decline in business has forced the owners to make the difficult decision to close up shop.

Photo credit: James Cridland/Google Maps

As longtime Gap residents themselves, the owners are known for their charitable contributions and support of local causes. The closure is said to be especially hard on them after dedicating so much time and service to the community.

With an Instagram account now set to private and Facebook page to be deleted next month, Loot is encouraging past customers to stop by its brick and mortar shop one last time for major deals on its remaining inventory.

Photo credit: Loot Homewares – The Gap/Facebook

The owners expressed gratitude to the many loyal customers over the years who supported the small business and helped it thrive for as long as it did.

Shoppers looking to take advantage of storewide savings can visit Loot Homewares inside The Gap Village Shopping Centre before it shuts down permanently.

Read: Ritual HQ: End of an Era as Brisbane Gym Chain Closes The Gap Outlet

Hard Times for Local Shops

The challenging economic climate has led to increasing operating costs for many small businesses in 2023, and projections show the situation worsening in 2024. CreditorWatch forecasted that the business failure rate could rise from 4.4 percent to nearly 6 percent by the end of next year.

With small businesses facing these increasing pressures, many will be forced to close their doors for good. However, there are still opportunities for businesses willing to adapt to the changing conditions and find creative solutions to ride out the storm.

Published 3-February-2024