It comes as Woolworths will be celebrating its 20th year at Great Western Super Centre. The chain store is one of the remaining principal tenants since the shopping site’s debut in 2000.
Woolworths has recently renewed its lease with the Consolidated Properties Group, the manager of the shopping centre, for another 10 years thus requiring the much-needed refurbishments to meet the demands of the growing population in this part of Brisbane’s north western suburbs.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
According to Craig O’Donnell, the group’s executive director of retail, Woolworths’ facelift is a welcome development as new retailers are expected to move into the shopping centre in 2021, along with the renewed leases of stores like EG Fuel, Hungry Jacks, Noodle Box and Subway.
Next year, shoppers should see more retailers at the Great Western Super Centre, including a salon and barbershop. Currently, the site has 44 specialty stores and at least six major retailers.
Parts of West Brisbane are a blend of bushland, residential and rural areas so the area is particularly of risk of catching fire. As summer approaches, the Rural Fire Brigades Association of Queensland, together with the Brisbane City Council, hopes to raise public awareness on bushfire mitigation and prevention by hosting free information nights at various community hubs this October and November.
“If you want to learn how to prepare your property, how to update your bushfire survival plan and get answers to any questions you have about the bushfire season,” a spokesperson for the Queensland Fire Emergency Services said.
The popular Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre at the Enoggera Reservoir has completed a mini-upgrade during COVID-19 and is now ready to welcome guests under its COVID-Safe Plan.
The makeover involved the $1.3-million redevelopment of the deck that is expected to be a social hub with a capacity of 300 guests, ideal for sit-down events. The deck is fully covered and offers a good mix of indoor and outdoor so that events will have a unique feel of being surrounded by the trees.
The deck upgrade is part of the Queensland Government’s $3-million investment over three years to upgrade facilities at Walkabout Creek, according to Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch.
“Our Government is investing $45 million in revitalising infrastructure in National Parks and State Forests to provide new opportunities for Queensland’s nature-based ecotourism industry, and boost employment in regional areas,” the Minister said.
“This is on top of the additional $8.9 million National Parks Works and Jobs Boost program, to improve existing facilities, and help support tourism and local jobs, of which $250,000 has been earmarked for Walkabout Creek for further visitor upgrades.
“I also acknowledge the ongoing contribution of the Queensland Parks and Wildlife (QPWS) rangers across the state and for their involvement in opening this popular destination at The Gap.
“Every day these rangers go above and beyond to protect the community, our national parks and the forests, native animals and endangered species and for that, I say thank you,” Minister Enoch added.
COVID-Safe Plan for Guests
Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre is welcoming guests seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Photo credit: www.walkaboutcreek.com.au
There were changes made to ensure that guests are safe during their visit.
All guests must pre-book online to guarantee entry to the Wildlife Centre or the Wildlife Discovery Shows.
Residents are actively pushing for a 900-m long shortcut connecting Canvey Rd and Mt Nebo Rd. This stretch of new road would spell a 14-km difference in the daily commute of residents who regularly travel between The Gap and Upper Kedron.
More than 280 signatures have already been collected by Upper Kedron resident Wade Phillips, the proponent of the petition which calls for Brisbane City Council to provide Canvey Rd access to Mt Nebo Rd, The Gap.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
“Currently the only way Ferny Grove and Upper Kedron residents to access Waterworks Road is via Settlement Road. This road connection is earmarked as Active Transport (Emergency Services) and Pedestrians only. I seek to open the road for all road users,” Mr Phillips explained.
“No further traffic will utilise Waterworks Road as everyone who will use the Canvey Road connection to Mt Nebo road already uses Settlement Road. This adds 15 minutes (of) transit every day, plus fuel and pollution, and costs.”
The link has been the subject of an unsuccessful lobby by the Ferny Grove Upper Kedron Residents Association (FGUKRA) during the preparation and deliberations for the Ferny Grove – Upper Kedron Neighbourhood Plan in 2018.
At the time, BCC rejected the call, citing the accident rate on Mt Nebo Rd and Mt Glorious Rd, both popular routes for recreational motorbike riders. Today, residents continue to express support the link as it would save those who head into The Gap for work approximately 14 km of driving each day.
To commuters such as those living in the new Ellendale estate, this would make a massive difference, particularly since it’s only 200 m from the nearest Ellendale house to Mt Nebo Rd.
“Allow all traffic to utilise the road, not just emergency vehicles,” Mr Phillips added.
The 2020 Elections for local councils in Queensland will be on Saturday, the 28th of March. Amidst the coronavirus pandemic, however, the Electoral Commission Queensland (ECQ) launched an early voting arrangement to protect the most vulnerable sectors against COVID-19.
As voting during the local government 2020 elections is compulsory, the early voting will allow those above 60 years old and the immunocompromised to avoid a crowded precinct where they may risk catching the virus. Thus, some polling stations will open before the 28th to assist early voters.
The voting centre in Keperra is at 8 Dallas Parade and will open during these schedules:
Monday, 23 March
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, 24 March
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 25 March
9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, 26 March
9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Friday, 27 March
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
<p class=”related”><strong><em>Read: <a href=”https://thegaptoday.com.au/fernys-cafe-espresso-bar/”>New Family-Friendly Ferny’s Cafe Ticks All the Boxes</a></em></strong></p>
The ECQ will have staff disinfecting the polling stations regularly as part of its COVID-19 protection measures for the 2020 elections. Social distancing of at least 1.5 metres will also be strictly observed in the queues.
The voters are encouraged to bring their own pen or pencils and use hand sanitisers. For those in the vulnerable sector, the ECQ advises going in the morning as the number of people is usually higher during lunch time until the end of the day.
Photo Credit: ECQ
Only 100 people may be present at the polling venue with the ECQ setting up additional control measures among those who need to wait. Please have your Voter Information Card with you.
The same coronavirus prevention protocols will be observed during the actual voting day on the 28th. But if you suspect that you’ve been exposed to the virus, it’s best to stay home and self-quarantine. According to the ECQ, voters who are unwell can do telephone voting.
Take note of these numbers to call for your enquiries:
1300 912 782 – to check eligibility for telephone voting
1300 881 665 – if you cannot vote for medical reasons
Follow the ECQ’s media releases for daily updates about the election process.
It’s a bright and colourful future ahead for Ferny Grove State High School students as the $21.1-million Centre of Excellence officially opens, whilst construction of a new $12-million multi-purpose hall is set to start soon.
Built under the 2020 Ready Program, the new three-storey centre comprises 22 new learning spaces, three flexible learning areas, a STEM specialist studio, four science labs, five collaborative spaces, staff rooms, offices and amenities.
Photo credit: Ferny Grove State High School / Facebook
“Nothing short of world-class,” is how Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk described the new STEM centre which she said will give students a chance to discover their passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths.
She furthered that since STEM jobs are in high demand, the Government is investing $81.4 million in engaging primary school students in STEM education across the state.
“By providing facilities like these at Ferny Grove, we’re giving students the skills they need for the jobs of the future.”
Photo credit: Ferny Grove State High School / fernygroveshs.eq.edu.au
Photo credit: Ferny Grove State High School / Facebook
Photo credit: Ferny Grove State High School / Facebook
Photo credit: Ferny Grove State High School / Facebook
Minister Grace also announced that the $12.1 million sport and performing arts centre comprising two multi-purpose courts, performance stage, box office and foyer, along with a wide range of support spaces and offices, is also ready for construction. The project, along with the refurbishment and extension of the school’s administration building will be ready for the start of the 2021 school year.
“As a community we have embraced this wonderful new learning centre at our school that is providing our students with access to world-class facilities,” Principal John Schuh said.
“And I know the students are really looking forward to the development of the new sports and performing arts centre.”
The Centre of Learning Excellence was officially opened by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Education Minister Grace Grace, and Mark Furner MP for Ferny Grove last 4 March 2020.
About 2020 Ready Program
The 2020 Ready Program aims to deliver additional schools to support the growing population in state secondary schools following the introduction of Prep in 2007.
The Department of Education is investing a total of $250 million over two years to deliver new classrooms and educational infrastructure to accommodate the six full cohorts of students who will occupy state high schools across Queensland in 2020.
The project is set to benefit a total 61 schools across the state, ensuring that they will be able to meet the demand for additional educational facilities and structures to accommodate the 17,000 students entering high school beginning 2020.
A community-focused development which includes a health care facility, childcare centre, and pharmacy, separated into two buildings, on the corner of Wardell Street and Samford Road, Enoggera has been proposed.
The proposed site is located at 347 Wardell Street and 185-197 Samford Road, adjacent to the existing Enoggera neighbourhood centre and within walking distance of the Enoggera train station.
The proposed development is for a mixed-use, community-focused development separated into two buildings across the site with a maximum height of three storeys.
Site Plan – Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au
The medical-oriented focused development (Building A), with a gross floor area of 1,738 sqm, is proposed to be located at the corner of Wardell Street and Samford Road, and will contain a mix of health care services and health-oriented office (1,371 sqm), food and drink outlet (73 sqm), and pharmacy (294 sqm).
Plan Wardell Street – Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.auPlan Samford Road – Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au
Building B, with a gross floor area of 811 sqm, is proposed to be located in the eastern portion of the site and proposed to be a childcare-oriented focus development. The childcare centre will accommodate up to 113 children and will feature covered terrace areas and two outdoor play areas.
Plan Level 1 – Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au
The proposal provides two vehicles accesses: one at the north-west corner on Wardell Street and the second one in the middle of the Samford Road frontage. There will be 59 car spaces including 24 childcare centre use (10 user spaces and 14 staff spaces) and 35 for other uses.
“The proposed development is for a mixed-use, community-focussed development that responds to the site’s inclusion in the Neighbourhood Centre Zone, without competing with the function of the existing Enoggera centre; provides a transition to the adjacent residential area; responds in design and land use to the adjacent heritage listed community hall; and overall contributes to the establishment of a community precinct,” the Mewing Planning Consultants Assessment report said.
Whilst there are fewer cafes to the west of Ferny Grove, there is, fortunately, the newly-opened Ferny’s Cafe & Espresso Bar which ticks all the boxes. This eatery on McGinn Road, which opened its doors in late December 2019, has superb food, excellent coffee and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Ferny’s Cafe & Espresso Bar fills what this suburb needs — a great neighbourhood cafe and local hangout where the adults can have relaxing meals and the kids can enjoy every visit.
This place, which was once PoshaMocha, has a dedicated play corner for the kids but it is not unusual to see the adults also enjoying themselves as they play board games or guide their children in the pretend kitchen set-up. There’s a spacious outdoor area as well for families to bring their dogs and order some affordable doggie treats.
The food choices at Ferny’s Cafe is a mix of healthy and delectable treats to entice even diners with the most discerning taste or limited diet requirements. They offer Keto, Paleo, Vegetarian and Vegan options.
The Ferny Fritters is the yummy favourite from the all-day breakfast and lunch options. Coffee served at this cafe is from Elixir.
This eatery has a friendly service staff that attends to the diners’ needs promptly even when this restaurant gets pretty busy.
Ferny’s Cafe is owned by the same group running Blackwood Cafe in Mitchelton. The restaurant trades daily and you can refer to its Facebook Page for the opening hours, especially during the school terms.
“WOW!!! Just demolished their Ferny Fritters as they were amazing! Wanted to kiss the talented Chef/s. It was super busy but the food still came out really quickly & was full of flavour & presented beautifully. Well done!! Coffee superb too!”
“There used to be two problems in my life… one was my coffee addiction and the other was that I moved to a suburb with no great coffee options. But then all was solved when Ferny’s came along. Oh…my…word! This little cafe is amazeballs- bright, good vibes, friendly staff ANNNNND it’s doggo friendly!! I took my pupper, Frankie out for his first visit today and we are unanimously decided- this cafe is the bestest, not just because its the only one in the suburb.”
Brisbane City Council has announced that construction works to build a new rest area within the Keperra Bushland Reserve will commence in late January 2020.
The upgrade project will enhance the recreation opportunities at the150-hectare Keperra Bushland Reserve located at Levitt Road, Keperra. Specifically, the project will involve extending the asphalt surface on the current track to the rest area and installing a rest area within the outlook.
Construction will take place between 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Saturday and is expected to take two weeks to complete.
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au
Keperra Bushland Reserve upgrade is one of the 11 sites around Brisbane that were identified for park improvements as part of Brisbane City Council’s commitment to enhancing and maintaining the more than 2,100 parks across the city.
Colmslie Beach Reserve – An upgrade opportunities plan has already been developed which includes passive recreation opportunities at the beach, installation of sculptures to extend play opportunities, and additional picnic shelters and seating, among others.
Chalk Street Park, Lutwyche – Chalk Street Park is a future park to be located on Wellington Street. Concept plan has been finalised which include new picnic shelters and an accessible drinking fountain; new playground equipment; fitness equipment; bike repair station; and off-street parking on Marita Street.
Eildon Hill Reservoir, Windsor – Proposed improvements under the draft concept plan include providing a viewing platform and upgrading of the walking tracks.
Mount Gravatt Outlook Reserve – Construction works to upgrade Acacia Track and Federation Track will commence in mid-January 2020.
Grinstead Park/Shand Street Park (no. 100)/Shand Street Park (no. 131) – Project involves upgrading three parks covering a total area of approximately 20 hectares. Recently announced opportunities plan include proposed pedestrian access with new concrete pathway and shade trees; enhancement of Corbett Street playground with picnic shelter, barbecue and drinking fountain; and upgrade of the existing scout gathering area with new seating and under surfacing.
Stephens Mountain Reserve, Greenslopes – Proposed improvements under the draft concept plan include construction of informal walking and multi-use tracks, improvements to the entry and exit points, as well as a lookout and rest area.
Wembley Park, Coorparoo – Council is currently reviewing ways to enhance and diversify recreation opportunities in the park.
Wishart Community Park, Wishart – An opportunities plan has already been developed which proposes upgrade works including new netball hard courts; new play area and path; formalised car park area; and a new scooter loop at the existing play area.
Young sports enthusiasts with a keen interest in netball may soon join Phoenix Netball in Tramway Street. The club, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, will open its registrations online beginning the 15th of Jan 2020 in preparation for a new gaming season.
Open for interested players born after the 20th of June 2013 (or Year 7.5), registrants will have its information, tryouts and uniform distribution on Saturday, the 1st of Feb, from 9 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Games will officially start by late March until late August.
The NetSetGo program under Phoenix Netball ends earlier than the other two competitions since there are no finals. Training takes place at the Ferny Grove park at times and dates to be set by the appointed coaches. Weekly games, however, happen every Saturday at the Downey Park in Windsor.
Like most sports, playing netball is a great form of physical exercise. It also teaches children to be team players, a valuable skill they can use in other aspects of their life.
Over time, netball players also develop leadership skills, especially for those who show the potential to be captains.
Aside from the players’ registration, Phoenix Netball is also open for signing up umpires from 13 years old and above. For further inquiries email registrar@phoenixnetball.org.au
Phoenix Netball was established in 2011. Started by a group of enthusiastic parents in the North West side of Brisbane, the rosters of players have also represented this region in the QC Netball Associations.
