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Old Tyres for New Roads: Resurfacing Trial Rolls Out to Keperra, Cannon Hill, Eagle Farm Streets

Photo credit: Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner / Facebook

Brisbane has rolled out a road resurfacing program using bitumen made with recycled old rubber tyres in a trial that includes Muir Street in Cannon Hill; Marble Street in Keperra; and Ferrett Street in Eagle Farm.

Cost-effective, longer-lasting roads

Council has commenced the three trials which involve the repurposing of old tyres to create a new bitumen. The benefits of using the modified bitumen are twofold: it is cost-effective and sustainable.

Council said that the experimental bitumen will help reduce the number of old tyres that end up in landfills by more than 10,000 tyres each year. Moreover, the modified bitumen helps make residential roads last longer compared to using ordinary bitumen.

Currently, Council is using a mixture of crushed recycled glass and recycled asphalt for its road resurfacing projects. That special glass mix alone has already helped the Council recover some 20,000 tonnes of glass from landfills and saved more than $3.6 million each year.

Road resurfacing on Brisbane roads — Photo credit: Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner / Facebook

However, adding ‘crumbed’ tyres in the resurfacing treatment mix can further help the city save more by extending the lifespan of residential pavements, which typically last for up to 30 years, to an additional ten years or more.

This experimental bitumen blend allows the crumbed rubber to act as an agent that retards the aging and oxidation, and improves the quality of the resurfaced pavement.

Similar trials were also launched on several major roads across Brisbane which has been made possible by a special grant from the Tyre Stewardship Australia.

The state of tyre recovery in Australia

In April 2020, Tyre Stewardship Australia reported that 69 per cent of the 466,000 tonnes of end-of-life tyres generated in Australia in 2018-19 have been recovered for further use.

That means that approximately 323,000 tonnes of tyres have been recovered for productive outcomes while the rest are either stockpiled or disposed of to landfill. Also, in 2018-19, there has been a marked decline in the number of used tyres that were stockpiled owing to stricter EPA regulations across Australia.

Look! Famous Brisbane Personalities In Amazing Works Of Food Art

An astonishing likeness of Barry Gibb’s face made out of toast and Vegemite. A rendering of The Veronicas using nachos and sauce. Deliveroo has commissioned international artist Nathan Wyburn to recreate famous Brisbane personalities as food art.

Read: The Gap Sisters, Holly and Charli, Named Young Change Maker of the Year Finalists

Before commissioning Wyburn, Deliveroo conducted a small survey of around 1,000 people. The Bee Gees came out on the top spot of Brisbanites who should be featured on the food art.

Barry Gibb of The Bee Gees, who lived at Scarborough in Redcliffe at a young age, was among the most notable celebrities featured in Wyburn’s deliciously talented work.

Barry Gibb (Photo credit: Nathan Wyburn Art/Facebook)

Other Brisbane celebrities also figure prominently in the food art.

The Veronicas are also featured, in an artwork using nachos and sauce. Twins Lisa and Jessica Origliasso were born and raised in Albany Creek. They attended Ferny Grove State High School and Wavell State High School.

Powderfinger’s Bernard Fanning, also included in the promotional art, was born and raised in Toowong. He attended St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace before studying journalism for a short period of time at the University of Queensland.

The @TheVeronicas in Nachos & Salsa!!! 🌮🌮

AUSTRALIA LISTEN UP! 🇦🇺
To honour some of the all-time faves of the Sunshine State, I’ve teamed up with Deliveroo AU to create foodie portraits of the Top 10 Greatest Brisbanites.

🍞 🥑 🍣 🌮 🍕#Deliveroo @Deliveroo #Australia pic.twitter.com/ng7a8yrQuq
— Nathan Wyburn Artist (@NathanWyburnArt) November 13, 2021

Other notable Brisbanites portrayed on the promotional art include Wally Lewis, Courtney Act, Miranda Otto, Darren Hayes, Darren Lockyer and Sheppard. Wyburn used different types of food to portray the celebrities: from toast and Vegemite for Barry Gibb’s face to nachos and sauce for The Veronicas.

Deliveroo has also expanded its services to cover Ferny Grove, Browns Plains, Redbank, Redcliffe, Strathpine, North Lakes, and Caboolture.

The Gap State High School to Have a GP On-Site in Pilot Program

Beginning May 2022, The Gap State High School will be one of 50 Queensland schools that will have a GP on-site, as part of a pilot program launched in aid of students may who need consultations for their health and wellbeing.

A budget of $100 million has been allocated for this program that will see GP clinics up and running within the 50 school campuses. These clinics are meant to provide timely healthcare that bears no cost to the student’s families.

The Education Department was supposed to have only 20 state secondary schools in the pilot but after asking schools to register their interest to participate, Minister Grace Grace said they were inundated with requests and so they decided to expand coverage to 50 schools.

“[This] will have a positive impact on students’ health, mental health, and their readiness and ability to engage at school, and we want to ensure as many students as possible can benefit,” Ms Grace said.

The 50 schools included in the pilot program are:

Alexandra Hills State High School
Beaudesert State High School
Beenleigh State High School
Benowa State High School
Bracken Ridge State High School
Bremer State High School
Brisbane South State Secondary College
Brisbane State High School
Bundaberg North State High School
Burnside State High School
Charleville State High School
Cunnamulla P-12 State School
Currumbin Community Special School (P-12)
Dakabin State High School
Deception Bay State High School
Everton Park State High School
Gladstone State High School
Goodna Special School (P-12)
Gordonvale State High School
Harristown State High School
Heatley Secondary College
Helensvale State High School
Ipswich State High School
Kilkivan State School (P-10)
Loganlea State High School
Mabel Park State High School
Marsden State High School
Maryborough State High School
Merrimac State High School
Milpera State High School
Morayfield State High School
Murgon State High School
Nambour State College (P-12)
North Rockhampton State High School
Park Ridge State High School
Pine Rivers State High School
Ravenshoe P-12 State School
Redcliffe State High School
Ripley Valley State Secondary College
Sarina State High School
Shailer Park State High School
Spinifex State College
St George State High School
Tara Shire State College (P-12)
The Gap State High School
Trinity Bay State High School
Varsity College (P-12)
Wellington Point State High School
Western Cape College (P-12)
Woodridge State High School

However, Australian Medical Association Queensland president Chris Perry said whilst they welcome more access to primary healthcare, he hopes that this initiative will not impact and further overwhelm the “under-resourced” and exacerbate GP shortage problems across Queensland.

Photo Credit: Julio Ceasar Mejia/Pixabay

The move encompasses an election promise from Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, who said that there must be a wellness program for every student of the state.

“Every Queenslander deserves to be able to book a doctor’s appointment when they need one. But for many young people, getting in to see a GP is often difficult and expensive,” Palaszczuk said.

“We know that one of the greatest barriers for many young people is the difficulty in finding a GP that bulk bills.

“This will make a difference for thousands of students throughout the state.

“The last 18 months have affected us all. Our students, in particular, have had to overcome great challenges throughout the pandemic. This has undoubtedly had an impact on their health and wellbeing.

“This is an important investment. Delivering quality healthcare and education for all Queenslanders is what good Labor governments do best,” she said.

The Gap Sisters, Holly and Charli, Named Young Change Maker of the Year Finalists

Meet Holly (11 y/o) and Charli (13y/o). These young ladies are sisters from The Gap who are starting to make waves as budding eco-activists and have made enough impact to be recognised as finalists for Young Change Maker of the Year by Containers for Change.

In the last three years, Holly and Charli have been raising funds for the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital by collecting bottles and cans to turn over to Containers for Change. The money they’ve raised has saved injured wildlife, giving them a second chance to live.

Since their initiative, the girls have collected over 40,000 and raised $15,000 — a very significant and valuable feat by any standard!

“We have loved wildlife since we were little and after a visit to Australia Zoo a few years ago and seeing the amazing work they do to help save wildlife we just needed to help,” the girls said. “We joined the Visionary Wildlife Warriors program 3 years ago and apart of that we started fundraising and doing things in our community to help the environment.”

“When the Containers for Change recycling program started it was perfect. We were able to collect containers, stop them from entering landfill and recycle them whilst also raising money for Australia Zoo at the same time.”

Carol Fairchild, who is also a community collector, is proud of the sisters.

“The girls are inspiring with the work they do for wildlife and it’s great to be able to support them in their fundraising,” she said.

Mum Jodie Garrity cannot believe how far her daughters have come, after starting out with just a plan to raise $1,000 when they were eight and 10 years old.

“Their dedication at such a young age blows us away.”

Neighbourhood Watch The Gap is Hosting a FREE Cooking Event

Wanting to whip up something new in the kitchen? Neighbourhood Watch The Gap will be hosting “Cook With our Community.” It’s FREE, safe, and accessible to everyone!

Set for 23 October 2021 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., this cooking event will be hosted in-person and online for a limited number of participants who will learn how to make iced sugar cookies they can prepare for selling or giving away as gifts in time for the holidays for friends or family.

Residents who sign up will receive:

the recipe (standard, gluten gree, vegan/non-dairy option)
12 food grade cookie packaging
sticker sheet for the labels
NHW The Gap Mailbox Sticker, key ring, and lanyard

Neighbourhood Watch The Gap organised “Cook With our Community” to connect with each other in this time of restrictions and lockdowns. Children may sign up for the event, provided they are guided and accompanied by an adult.

“By connecting with our Neighbours we create a safer place to live and work within our suburb,” the organisers said.

“We are utilising our Get Online Week grant provided by The Good Things Foundation, as well as funding from our great supporters to run this event.

“We wanted to create a simple, Covid resistant and accessible event, to spread kindness and to create connection within our 4061 community. Our supporters are Brisbane Inner West Realty, State Member for Cooper Jonty Bush as well as our local Boomerang Bags, The Gap and Surrounds.”

“Cook With our Community” will be streamed live on the NHW Facebook Page.

The Gap Property Market Shows Steady Growth, Consistent Demand

Buyers looking for more spacious houses in family-friendly surrounds in the wake of a Covid-induced rise in home-based activities are looking at suburbs like The Gap, where properties are on bigger blocks, surrounded by nature, yet still accessible to lifestyle amenities, transport, and good schools.

The Gap is doing consistently well in the property market, posting an 11.23 percent rise in median house price from July 2020 to June 2021. At $812,500, The Gap is still more affordable than suburbs like nearby Ashgrove where the median house price for the same period is currently $1.2 million, per data from Property Market Updates.

Despite the lockdowns in the region, sales activity was busy with 293 houses sold during the 12-month period. Inventory turnover was brisk, with houses spending an average of 29 days on market, suggesting strong and consistent buyer demand.

A 6.48-hectare estate on Dillon Road delivered the best deal for this period, selling at $2,700,000 million. The six-bedroom house, surrounded by orchards of mangoes, avocado, and macadamia trees, was on a hilltop that offered a stunning view of The Gap. The property is next to an active creek that flows like a waterfall during rainy weather.

Unit Price Growth

Whilst the housing sector has typically done better in Brisbane, the unit sector in The Gap also saw a presentable 5.39 percent rise during the same period, with the median price settling just shy of $700,000 at $699,500.

A total of 60 apartments were sold as of the end of June 2020, mostly to downsizers, young buyers, and owner-occupiers.

About The Gap

The Gap might not be the cafe mecca or retail hub that some nearby suburbs are but buyers seem to be drawn to its family-oriented location, and its proximity to national parks and nature reserves, whilst still remaining accessible to the city.

Situated in the middle of Mount Glorious, Mount Nebo, Mount Coot-tha, and Taylor’s Range, The Gap offers a fantastic outdoor lifestyle with lots of stunning green spaces for the family to explore.

Generations tend to remain and expand their families in The Gap, given its abundance of options for school, such as The Gap State School or the St Peter Chanel Catholic School. Residents prefer its simple and laidback vibe. The Gap Village also offers a decent suburban shopping experience.

Majority of residents in The Gap are owner-occupiers whilst the demographic is nearly equal between families with kids and fully-employed single people.

“I’ve lived in The Gap since 1983 in two locations, it is a lovely green and leafy suburb situated against state forest land. This is the ideal place for people with a bit more disposable income who like the traditional quiet suburbia setting. If you like that sort of thing you’ll never leave.”
Ollygt, Homely

“So I moved to The Gap at the start of the year after looking at everywhere north to north west of the city. The gap offers extra space whilst also having a rural and village feel to it. It’s surrounded by walking trails and wildlife. I’m planning to have a family and could not think of anywhere better to raise my kids.”
HenryL14, Homely

“This is the second time I have lived here, in a rental. We are at the Mt Nebo end of The Gap with the leafy reserve across the road. Bush tracks galore, bike path, Mt Coot-tha, Yoorala St Community Garden, the dog off-leash park, heaps of dog walkers who pick up after their dogs and committed conservationists who volunteer their time to keep the bush surrounds shipshape.”
Jacquelinec3

It’s Free Drop Off Weekend at the Ferny Grove Resource Recovery Centre!

Do you have any grass clippings, branches, prunings from shrubs and trees, and weeds for disposal after cleaning your yard? Make the most of the FREE green waste drop-off days at the Ferny Grove Resource Recovery Centre on Upper Kedron Road.

Open from 6:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. on Saturday, 25 Sept, the initiative ensures that garden wastes from households can be properly disposed of. On regular dates, residents will have to use their waste vouchers to pay the disposal fee or register for Council’s green waste recycling service.

To dispose of your garden waste, go to the free recycling area first then drive to a second weighbridge that leads to the other disposal areas.

Please ensure that you’re dressed for safety with fully enclosed shoes, long pants, as well protective glasses and gloves when you go to the recovery centre. The facility is a non-smoking site and if you have children under 12 years old or pets coming along, they should remain in the vehicle at all times.

Garden waste may be recycled as a nutrient-rich soil conditioner for land reclamation sites and agriculture areas. If you are not composting at home, it would be best to take these at the Ferny Grove Resource Recovery Centre. Please take note not to include garden wastes that have contaminants, such as grass cuttings with herbicides.

The Ferny Grove Resource Recovery Centre, which opens daily, is a part of the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme for households to dispose of their old TVs or computers. However, the site also accepts garden and landscape waste, paper and cardboard materials, other electrical appliances and white goods, paint and paint solvents, and motor and grease oil.

The Gap Coles, Top Queensland Store, to Recognise School Waste Warriors

Did you know that The Gap Coles is one of the top five Coles stores in Queensland with diligent and persevering young waste warriors, along with Aspley Hypermarket, Toowong, Fairfield and Greenslopes? As a leading outlet, The Gap Coles will reward a school in the suburb with young eco-activists in celebration of Coles’ 10-year partnership with REDcycle.

During this decade-long campaign, Coles shoppers across the country, especially in The Gap, have helped collect more than 1.6 billion pieces of plastic wastes. From this collection, 565 million pieces were from last financial year.

In recognition of these efforts, 80 primary schools all over Australia will receive a buddy bench made from 98% recycled plastic as a reward for their innovative and proactive ways to protect the environment. The schools’ initiatives were showcased in Coles’ Sustainability4Schools competition, which ranged from making their own REDcycle bins in the classroom to building sustainable kitchen gardens and planting trees.

“As part of Coles’ “Together to Zero” strategy, we want to work with organisations like REDcycle and local schools to reduce waste and drive generational sustainability,” Kirsty Davis, Coles General Manager Sustainability and Property Services said.

“School kids across Australia have inspired us with their innovative and proactive ways to protect the environment and we want to reward and recognize their efforts by providing them with a bench made from recycled plastic.”

The buddy benches also support Coles new national sustainability awareness campaign that sets out Coles Group’s “Together to Zero” ambitions towards zero waste, zero emissions and zero hunger and encourages all Australians to work “Better Together” to help ensure Australia is a better place for future generations.

Where to Find UK’s Best-Selling Silent Pool Gin in The Gap

Silent Pool Gin, which launched in 2014 at the Albury Estate in Surrey Hills U.K., has launched in Australia and will be available in The Gap. These handcrafted artisan spirits are made with 24 natural botanicals, multi-layered and bursting with complex flavours.

Using a unique and innovative four-stage distillation process under strict quality control, Silent Pool Gin’s core botanicals consist of juniper, coriander and cardamom, which are steeped and macerated in alcohol for maximum flavour extraction, drawing a deep and rich flavour profile that lingers on the palate.

After the distillation, the bespoke Gin Tea infusion process follows. More delicate floral ingredients, such as chamomile, rose and elderflower, are added and steeped separately in high proof spirits in a giant teabag. Twenty-four hours later, the teabag is strained and separated from the unwanted plant materials and then added to the still. This additional mixture lends a combination of bright floral notes and mid-palate complexity.

To draw out the brighter top notes of citrus and the Macedonian juniper, the distillation undergoes a basket infusion and is then completed and refined using a rectifying column that balances the aroma and taste of the final product.

Founded by Ian McCulloch and James Shelbourne, Silent Pool Gin was inspired by an atmospheric location shrouded in myth and folklore. Legend has it that in the early 1200s, a Woodcutter’s daughter was discovered floating in the Silent Pool, alongside the crest of Prince John – the future King of England. If you look closely at the pattern on your Silent Pool Gin bottle, you will spot the Woodcutter’s Daughter, Prince John and a crown representing his royal crest.

In creating the gin, McCulloch and Shelbourne wanted to perfectly encapsulate the romantic essence of Silent Pool and experimented with different flavour combinations over the years.

The result is an award-winning gin that is beautifully complex and refreshingly distinctive. Silent Pool Gin is best served as a G&T over ice, with premium Indian tonic water and a garnish of orange peel.

“We are excited about the potential for Silent Pool within the Australian market, with consumers already looking to add new and interesting brands to their repertoire, we are confident that we can provide a unique offering when people choose to trade up,” Adam Dobson, Global Sales Director of Silent Pool Gin, said.

In The Gap, Silent Pool Gin will be available at Dan Murphy’s on 21 Glenquarie Place and BWS Gap Market at Shop 2/974 on Waterworks Road.

“Our exclusive off-trade launch with Dan Murphy’s and BWS will allow shoppers to get their hands on the brand wherever they live in the country which will give us a fast start in the market, coupled with having a brilliant distribution partner in Proof Drinks Australia who will be driving on-trade distribution and delivering engaging liquid initiatives for consumers.”

Purchase in-store or order online for deliveries at BWS Gap Market or Dan Murphy’s.

Variety Dash for Kids Launches in The Gap

Variety’s Children Charity recently had a launch party in The Gap for a new activity that will surely excite many families. Held at the Ashgrove Golf Club, the launch saw a successful turnout of supporters who have been eager to learn about the new event.

The simple launch party last 21 July 2021 featured supporters from Little Gnome Mobile, Variety Bash Car 666 – Girls of Gotham, Aussie Rock, Tonka 2008 Bash Car and Changing One Kids Life at a Time. Families also spoke and shared how much their lives have been enriched by participating in Variety events.

Soon, Variety families will have more to talk about when they join the inaugural Variety Dash for Kids. The new event will be an opportunity for the children to create unforgettable experiences in the Australian outback with their family and friends.

Variety Dash for Kids combines elements of the legendary Variety Bash and Variety 4WD Adventure. Set for 8 to 13 November 2021, the event will kick off in Gladstone — with stops at Blackwater, Alpha, Carnarvon Gorge, and the Rockybar Station — and end in Hervey Bay.

Much like the popular Variety Bash, which has been running for more than three decades, the Variety Dash for Kids is open to all vehicles and models, especially off-road camper trailers.

“Whether you’ve got a combi, an off-road camper trailer, or family car (and as long as you’re happy to take the vehicle on dirt and the roads less travelled), we’d love to have you on board! “

“Radio communications, mechanical assistance, on-event medics and a scout to check the tracks are all there to ensure that you’re safe.”

Registration for Variety Dash for Kids is now open. Visit the official site to learn more about how you can join or donate to the event.