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The Gap Households Embrace Green Waste Recycling with Record Orders of Green Bins

Photo Credit: Brisbane CityCounil / brisbane.qld.gov.a

With the annual green waste recycling fee now slashed to less than $1 a week causing a surge in the uptake of green bins, The Gap and Bracken Ridge are leading the charge in terms of acquisition and usage of green bins last month, with 39 and 40 bins respectively.

Brighton and Forest Lake have also shown significant uptake, with 25 bins each for July.

The decision to cut the annual green waste recycling bin fee from $93 to $45 was a part of Brisbane City Council’s $80 million cost of living package announced in the 2023/24 budget.

This substantial saving seems to have incentivised more households to adopt green bins for their waste recycling needs. The number of orders for green bins in July alone is three times more than the orders for the same month last year.

Residents are expected to save over $6.7 million in total over the next twelve months due to the reduced fees.

The positive response from residents comes as no surprise, given that the Council had previously eliminated the $30 establishment fee in 2019. Since then, an impressive 45,000 green waste recycling bins have been adopted by Brisbane households, diverting an additional 7,000 tonnes of green waste from landfills annually.

The response from locals has been encouraging, according to Council, particularly since the initiative was meant to urge locals to recycle amid rising living costs. Brisbane also takes pride in being Australia’s cleanest and greenest capital city.

Over 10,200 new green bins were ordered in 2022 which diverted more than 36,600 tonnes of green waste from ending up in landfills.

To order a green waste recycling bin for their homes, residents can use their rate account number or address. Alternatively, they can contact the Council by phone at 07 3403 8888 or visit their offices.

order here

Unit owners living in multi-unit dwellings can also take advantage of the green waste recycling service, with eligibility assessed on a case-by-case basis. If the property has a building manager or body corporate, then they must provide approval before the unit owners order the green waste recycling bin.

Which items can you place in your green waste bin?

Grass clippings
Small garden prunings from shrubs and trees
Palm fronds, twigs, small branches, leaves, and loose bark
Flowers and foliage
Weeds, ivy, creepers, and vines.

Any other items are not allowed and should not be placed in your green waste recycling bin. Please make sure that all materials are no larger than 10 centimetres in diameter and 75 centimetres in length and ensure that the bin lid can close properly.

Published 4-August-2023

The Gap Locals Petition To Move Bat Colony; Conservationists Advise Against It

Hundreds of residents in The Gap have signed a now-closed petition calling for the relocation of a large bat colony that recently took up residence in the area. The sudden influx of bats has raised concerns among locals about potential impacts on health and safety.

Read: The Gap Tops List of Worst Rat-Infested Suburbs

The petition gained significant support, with many residents believing the bats should be moved to a location where they won’t affect humans.

Whilst the Bat Conservation and Rescue Queensland (BCRQ) understands the concerns, they said the bats will likely move on naturally soon as breeding season ends.

Bat Colony — Photo credit: Miriam Fischer/Pexels

“Eucalypts and melaleucas are in blossom all over the place right now. Due to these particularly good food sources this winter, the size of the local colony is much larger than it has been in recent years. The eco forum was perfect timing for our volunteers to explain to local residents that the majority of these bats will likely move on when the flowering finishes,” BCRQ stated.

Photo credit: Bat Conservation & Rescue QLD/Facebook

The volunteer organisation, which strives to help people understand the importance of all bat species, expressed disappointment that some want to forcibly relocate the bats.

“Moving bats on is cruel, inhumane, expensive and most importantly, doesn’t work,” the organisation stated on Facebook.

According to BCRQ, the bats arrived this year from NSW during winter, attracted by good flowering of melaleuca and eucalyptus trees in the Brisbane area. The bat colony is composed mostly of grey-headed flying foxes, a species listed as vulnerable and protected by federal law.

BCRQ offered advice for any residents who spot a lone bat needing help. “Don’t touch the bat and give us a call immediately on ‭0488 228 134‬ for Brisbane and surrounds or your local wildlife rescue in other regions.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬,” they said.

Read: Three-Year Yellow Crazy Ants Eradication Treatment Trial Rolls Out in the Gap

The organisation expects the bats to move on naturally by September, as they did in 2021 after overwintering in the area. BCRQ said relocation attempts often fail and stressed bats should be allowed to leave when ready to continue their seasonal migration.

Published 31-July-2023

The Gap Netball Club Among ‘Woolworths Eat Fresh Play Fresh’ Grant Recipients

Did you know that The Gap Netball Club is one of 11 recipients of the Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh Netball Grants for 2023? Netball is the most popular team sport in Australia and The Gap Netball Club is the biggest in the state.

A total of $100,000 being awarded to 11 local netball clubs and associations across Australia. The grants aim to support these clubs in providing improved facilities and promoting healthy habits among young netballers.

Woolworths has been supporting grassroots netball since 2019 in partnership with Netball Australia. Their contributions have surpassed $1.3 million, benefiting over 311 clubs across the country.

The grants will be utilised in various ways by the recipient clubs. Some of the intended uses include reducing participation fees, enhancing equipment, uniforms, and facilities, as well as promoting healthier eating options for players by offering fresh food choices.

The Gap Netball Club plans to use the grant for a diversity and inclusion initiative, focusing on gender-inclusive uniforms to encourage diversity in the game.

The Gap Netball Club will also receive an $8,000 grant in addition to the People’s Choice grant. Other recipients of the additional $8,000 grant are:

Ulladulla District Netball Association – Regional NSW
North Turramurra Netball Club – Metro NSW
Mackay Netball Association – Regional QLD
Ballarat Bulldogs All Abilities Football Netball Club – Regional VIC
Marong Football Netball Club – Regional VIC
Mother Teresa School Netball Club – Metro ACT
Leschenault Netball Association – Regional WA
Tango Netball Club – Metro SA
South East Suns Netball Association – Metro TAS

The inaugural People’s Choice grant of $20,000 was awarded to the Berwick Netball Club in Victoria.

The grants come at a crucial time when community sporting clubs are facing financial challenges, with rising costs impacting participation rates.

Data from the Australian Sports Foundation reveals that 52 per cent of surveyed clubs reported the increasing cost of living as a barrier to member registrations.

Additionally, nearly one in four community sporting clubs (24 per cent) are contemplating closure. The Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh Netball Grants aim to address these challenges and support local clubs.

Catherine Cox, a former Australian Diamonds player and Woolworths NetSetGO ambassador, expressed her excitement about the grants, highlighting the positive impact they will have on clubs and children’s active lifestyles.

Woolworths Group Chief Marketing Officer, Andrew Hicks, emphasised the importance of supporting grassroots sports and nurturing the next generation of netball stars through partnerships with Netball Australia.

“The impact of Woolworths support of grassroots netball does not go unnoticed. Giving clubs the opportunity to grow, whilst also removing barriers for young players to eat healthier and keep more active is so important. We are really excited to see how the Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh Netball Grant winners use their funds over the next year to help more Aussies enjoy the sport we all love.” CEO of Netball Australia, Kelly Ryan, said.

Published 16-July-2023

Expect New Footpaths, Pedestrian Bridges, Road Resurfacing, and Other Enhancements at The Gap Ward This Year

New footpaths, road resurfacing projects, and enhancements to the local parks and amenities are just some of the things to expect this financial year in The Gap Ward. Here’s a breakdown of what the 2023-24 budget includes for the area.

Read: Keperra’s Newest Masterplanned Community ‘The Quarry’ to Opens its Doors in 2024

Road Realignment

One significant project involves the road realignment of Minnie Street in Upper Kedron, stretching from Cedar Creek Road to Rosella Street. This realignment aims to enhance traffic flow and facilitate improved accessibility to public transportation throughout the wider local community.

Park Upgrades

Following community consultation, the Alfred and Lucina Best Park, Paten Park Dog Off-Leash Area, and the Walton Bridge Reserve are about to receive improvements.

The Gap Ward — Alfred and Lucina Best Park (Photo credit: Rachid Ghariss/Google Maps)

Aside from these parks in The Gap, other parks in the ward including Honeyeater Street Park in Upper Kedron, Movilla Street Park in Ferny Grove, and Selkirk Crescent Park in Upper Kedron are also set to receive upgrades.

Road Resurfacing

This budget features a record spend of $103m on road resurfacing. In The Gap, this includes Settlement Road, which will be from Kilbowie to Yarrabee Road. There will also be road resurfacing on Bryant Street in Ashgrove, Julatten Place in Upper Kedron, and Tozer Street in Keperra.

Footpaths, Bikeways and Pedestrian Bridges

Councillor for The Gap ward Steven Toomey announced that this year’s budget will see over $1.1m spent on footpaths, bikeways and pedestrian bridges in The Gap Ward. It includes:

Corbie Street, Ashgrove
Payne Road, The Gap
Weemala Street, The Gap
Nathan Avenue Pedestrian Bridge, Ashgrove
Payne Road from Blucher Ave to Kernal Street, The Gap

Creek Vegetation Management

Cr Toomey said creek vegetation management has been budgeted for Ithaca Creek near Jubilee Terrace, Ashgrove and Kedron Brook near Kirralee Crescent, Upper Kedron for this financial year.

Major Drainage Works at The Gap Ward

In the ward, there are two notable drainage projects underway. The first is Stage 2 of Keperra Picnic Ground Park whilst the second project is focused on Naroo and Devonhill Street in The Gap.

“Drainage projects play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, sustainability, and functionality of communities like ours by managing water effectively and protecting both the built and natural environment,” Cr Toomey said.

Read: Remembering Dr Ian Marshall and his Extraordinary Contributions to The Gap

Cr Toomey has assured that additional information will be provided as each project progresses.

Published 7-July-2023

Crime Wave Prompts Keperra Sports Club to Divert Funds From Essential Services to Security

The West Arana Hills Rugby League Football Club in Keperra has made the difficult decision to divert a portion of its funding towards bolstering security measures in response to a surge in criminal activities in their area.

The Club, which relies on grants from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund, has decided that diverting funds away from essential services is necessary at this point time to protect their facilities from theft and vandalism.

Anne-Maree Davis, the secretary of the West Arana Hills Rugby League Football Club, explained that the Club had recently installed four security cameras using the grant money. The decision was prompted by a series of break-ins and incidents of stolen vehicles in the local area.

Ms. Davis lamented that the funds allocated to security could have been used for other beneficial purposes, but the club’s limited resources necessitated a balancing act between security and other critical needs, such as the development of a multimedia room.

According to reports, more than 20 not-for-profit groups, including Men’s Sheds and sports clubs, have also utilised some of their funds to cover security-related expenses. These funds are supposed to help promote health, well-being, and leisure activities for Queensland communities but the organisations are grappling with the pressing issue of escalating crime rates.

Similarly, the Atherton Men’s Shed, an organization supporting retired individuals and those struggling with mental health issues, had experienced multiple break-ins before applying for the grant.

Glyn Mitchell, the president of the Men’s Shed, expressed sadness that the funds intended for power tools and equipment had to be redirected to enhance security measures. The safety of their valuable community assets compelled them to prioritise security despite the urgent need for other resources. The not-for-profit groups also acknowledged the need for security enhancements to protect their facilities from burglaries and vandalism.

As community groups struggle to navigate the rising tide of crime, Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll assured the public of the Queensland Police Service’s commitment to safety. She emphasised the proactive efforts of police officers in conducting intelligence-driven patrols and maintaining a strong presence in communities.

The Gambling Community Benefit Fund, established in 1994, has provided over $1.1 billion in grants to support more than 66,000 organizations. The next round of funding applications will open next month, offering an opportunity for community and sporting groups to seek financial assistance for various projects.

Published 4-July-2023

Builder of Tallowwood Townhouse in The Gap Goes Under Administration

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Shafston Avenue Construction Group, the troubled Brisbane construction group responsible for high-profile projects such as The Gap’s Tallowwood townhouse development, has accumulated debts totalling over $70 million, including a substantial amount owed to the Australian Taxation Office, which is now seeking payment.

The construction company, founded almost a decade ago by developer Murray Thornton, has recently been placed under administration due to its mounting financial obligations to the ATO and other creditors.

Duncan Clubb and Jeffrey Marsden from the accounting firm BDO were appointed as administrators earlier this year to oversee the affairs of the troubled construction group. No work has been performed by the company since it entered administration.

Creditors of the construction group will gather in early July 2023 to vote on a proposed rescue plan for the company. The plan, called a deed of company arrangement, aims to either recapitalise or restructure the group. If approved, it could provide a path forward for the troubled company.

According to a report filed with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) by Mr Clubb, the group’s outstanding debt to the ATO amounts to approximately $15 million. This debt was accumulated after financial support that was expected from related companies was not provided.

The report highlights the company’s unsustainable business model, where construction work was undertaken on behalf of related unit trust companies and then invoiced to them. However, the lack of additional margin for the provided services made this model financially unsustainable.

Mr Clubb’s report also sheds light on the company’s misleading financial situation. While the group appeared solvent on its balance sheet due to the large amounts of work in progress, it failed to convert this into liquid cash at any stage. The group relied heavily on arrangements with related parties for funding or invoicing, which ultimately proved insufficient to address the significant tax debts.

Mr Thornton is still a shareholder but ceased being a director of the group companies in June 2021. A spokesperson stated that he had no direct involvement in the companies despite remaining a shareholder. The current director, William Rhodes, declined to comment on the matter.

Published 30-June-2023

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

Photo Credit: Google Maps

In a devastating turn of events, after serving the community and supporting various charities for over ten years, Ritual HQ, a beloved gym chain in Brisbane, has closed its doors at The Gap outlet.

This closure follows the voluntary liquidation application of Ritual HQ Pty Ltd, trading as Ritual HQ, with Sydney firm Mackay Goodwin appointed as liquidators on 9 June 2023.

Following the closure of the Everton Hills location two years ago, the Paddington location is currently being used as a teaching studio, with a for-lease sign clearly visible outside.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the business is cited as the main reason for the closure. Chantal O’Brien, the former owner and founder, revealed that the gym never managed to recover from the devastating effects of the pandemic, which ultimately led to the demise of their business. The closure of the Ritual HQ outlet at The Gap marks a significant loss for the Brisbane community.

Ritual HQ was not only renowned for its impressive fitness facilities and cutting-edge equipment but also for its exceptional community engagement. In 2017, the gym took proactive steps to volunteer and support various causes in the westside and Hills District communities.

The Ritual HQ Army, composed of dedicated gym members and staff, tirelessly offered their assistance to worthy groups in need, participating in sausage sizzles, and car washes, and even serving as bar staff at weddings.These charitable efforts not only made Ritual HQ well known but also deeply loved by the community.

Last year, when Ms O’Brien handed over the business to Tyler, she expressed her immense pride in his relentless efforts to rebuild and continue the work and community that she had helped shape over the years.

From its humble beginnings with only ten people, Ritual HQ quickly expanded, employing a dozen coaches and staff members at its peak. It had gained a reputation as one of Brisbane’s premier gyms, thanks to its sleek fit-out and innovative equipment.

The gym offered state-of-the-art training technology, such as the Wellness Key USB, which came pre-loaded with training plans and workouts. Additionally, the gym’s 24-hour operation and attractive membership packages further cemented its popularity among fitness enthusiasts in Brisbane.

Published 21-June-2023

Upper Kedron Road Multiple-Dwelling Project Sees Updated Plans

The developers of a multiple-dwelling project at Upper Kedron Road in Ferny Grove have recently made amendments to the previously approved plans for the site.

Read: Construction of Bridge Over Cedar Creek in Upper Kedron Well Underway

The changes, rendered by architects at ReziCAD, would primarily focus on improving the construction and functionality of the townhouses, located at 181 Upper Kedron Rd.

The original split-level design, which featured garages and living areas on the same floor level, will be modified. This alteration simplifies the construction process and offers a more affordable housing option.

181 Upper Kedron Road (Photo credit:Google Street View)

Currently, four residential townhouses have been completed as part of the project, which will be carried out in stages. Stage 1 involves units 1-4, Stage 2 includes units 11-16 and 23-25, and Stage 3 encompasses units 5-10 and 17-22.

Upper Kedron Road — Photo credit: ReziCAD

The requested changes in this application specifically apply to Stages 2 and 3 of the approved development. Stage 1, which is situated on the northern boundary of the site, has been successfully constructed, completed, and is currently operational.

The amendments to the project include seeking modified interior and exterior materials, the removal of the split-level design in Units 17-22, the implementation of permeable vehicle and active transport networks, the creation of shared access ways through laneways, the establishment of pathway connectivity and picnic places, and the addition of 11 visitor car park spaces.

According to planners at Wolter Consulting Group, the proposed changes to the building’s facade will enhance its aesthetic appeal by updating it to align with current preferences.

Read: Ellendale Stage 5 Development in Upper Kedron Rejected

“The proposed changes result primarily from a change in ownership of the land. The new developers wish to incorporate their own townhouse product and make more efficient use of the land,” Wolter Consulting Group noted.

To learn more about the revised plans, visit Brisbane City Council’s website with the reference A006244569.

Published 21-June-2023

Remembering Dr Ian Marshall and his Extraordinary Contributions to The Gap

Photo Credit: Order of Malta-Australia/Facebook

In the tight-knit community of The Gap, the late Dr Ian Marshall was known as a dedicated servant whose selfless actions left an indelible impact on the lives of many.

Recently laid to rest at St Paschal’s Church in Wavell Heights, Dr Marshall’s funeral brought together a multitude of mourners who spoke of his unwavering commitment and support for various causes.

One of his enduring commitments in life was to the RSL sub-branch at The Gap, the very place he called home for the majority of his life. Remarkably, he was actively seeking a piper for the Anzac Day ceremonies just days before his passing, a testament to his unwavering dedication to the community.

However, Dr Marshall’s contributions extended beyond his local community. In recognition of his exceptional service, Pope Benedict XVI honoured him in 2011 by naming him a Knight Commander with Star in the Pontifical Equestrian Order of St Gregory the Great. At his funeral, Archbishop Mark Coleridge acknowledged that few members in Australia had shown as much extraordinary service to the Order of Malta as Dr Marshall.

Danny Higgins, the Order of Malta’s hospitaller for the North Eastern Region (Queensland), fondly remembered Dr Marshall as a dear friend and an exceptional example of a Knight of Magistral Grace. He highlighted Dr Marshall’s leadership roles within the Order of Malta, including the former national president, former national hospitaller, and former Queensland chairman. Moreover, Dr Marshall played a pivotal role in expanding the Order’s presence in various Asia-Pacific nations.

His impact was not limited to the Order of Malta. As a family doctor for 46 years, he cared for thousands of families in Western Brisbane, forging deep connections with those in his care. His dedication extended to the Walton Bridge Medical Centre, where he was an early partner, and the University of Queensland, where he taught and trained future General Reserve officers for the Royal Australian Air Force.

Beyond medicine, Dr Marshall’s diverse interests showcased his passion for life. A lover of horses, he rode throughout his life and engaged in the world of thoroughbred racing as a member of the Bernborough Club.

He was an avid sailor, pilot, and collector of wine. Driven by a belief in service, his conservative political views centred around using institutions to better society rather than accruing power for a few.

Dr Marshall’s charitable work left a lasting legacy. His involvement with charity race meetings and Mt Olivet hospice led him to the Sisters of Charity, with whom he worked for over 20 years. This connection eventually led him to the Order of Malta, where his faith in Christ found expression through giving and service. The charity work also took him and his wife, Judith, to East Timor, where they helped build hospital and ambulance services.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Dr Marshall received numerous accolades throughout his lifetime, including being named a Member of the Order of Australia in 2013 for his services to rural education, medical care, and the beef industry.

Beyond his numerous accomplishments, those who knew Dr. Marshall remember him as a man of humour, ready to share a laugh with those around him. He possessed a keen interest in the lives of others, deeply caring for his family, his Scottish heritage, and the wider community.

Published 13-June-2023

Keperra Childcare Centre Overcomes Mystery Substance Incident

In a turn of events that initially caused concern, more than 10 children at a Keperra childcare centre experienced skin rashes and swelling after being exposed to an “unknown substance” at lunch.

The incident prompted immediate action from the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS), arriving at Milestones Early Learning in Keperra around 12:30 p.m. Thursday, 25 May 2023.

Upon assessing the kids, paramedics discovered various reactions, including redness on the face and body. In response to the situation, Milestones Early Learning promptly issued a letter to parents, assuring them that all necessary measures were undertaken to address the issue. The letter described the reactions as minor and assured parents that medical advice was being strictly followed.

In a text message sent shortly before 2 p.m., the Keperra childcare centre asked the parents to pick up their children. Whilst some were tight-lipped about the incident, one mother confirmed that the minor rashes but was unaware of the cause. A father, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed confidence in the safety of the centre, noting that his child had not eaten lunch and remained unaffected.

The swift response from emergency services and adherence to safety protocols ensured that no child required transportation to the hospital by ambulance. All children were reported as stable and their symptoms subsided within a short period of time.

Throughout the ordeal, three ambulance vehicles and several Queensland Health vehicles arrived in Keperra to provide assistance. By 4:30 p.m., after the last children were collected and the staff began to leave, all emergency vehicles had departed.

A Milestones Early Learning Keperra spokesperson confirmed that they diligently followed safety policies and medical advice. The cause of the rash was being thoroughly investigated.

Photo Credit: Susan Swallow/Milestones Early Learning Keperra/Facebook

Parents who observe any symptoms in their children were advised to follow the current advice of medical authorities and seek appropriate medical attention. Milestones Early Learning Keperra remained in close contact with families to address any concerns and offered guidance on further actions if necessary.

Reassuringly, the Department of Health approved the reopening of the facility. The spokesperson emphasised their commitment to the safety and well-being of all children under their care and assured parents that updates would be provided as new information became available.

Published 30-May-2023