Homepage Latest News Archives - Page 25 of 35

Taco Bell Keppera Now Open

Stacked nachos, stuffed burritos, quesadilla snack bites and frozen margaritas — these are just some of the food you can order at the newly-opened Taco Bell restaurant in Keppera.

It’s the sixth site in southeast Queensland for this American fast-food franchise, after opening in Annerley, Cleveland, North Lakes, Robina and Southport. Officially trading as of the 21st of December 2019, Taco Bell Keppera is right next to the Great Western Super Centre.

The new restaurant offers its classic favourites across all stores around the world — Grilled Stuft Burrito, Crunchy Taco Supreme, Crunchwrap Supreme and Cheesy Gordita Crunch. Diners with special diets may also order customised vegetarian wraps and gluten-free options to suit their needs and lifestyle.

*Photo Credit: Jason Mitchell/Google Maps*

Taco Bell Keppera’s drive-through service has been popular with the locals since it opened. Expect some waiting time due to the crowd of people getting their fill of the Mexican dishes.

“Been to Taco Bell Keperra three time since it opened it’s literally five-minute drive from my house,” said Jonett Weaver-Purtill in a Facebook group. “I was pretty impressed they had about ten person out the door line up at dinner time I went through the drive-thru and there were three cars ahead of me and I was out of there from start to finish in about ten minutes!”

Franchisee Collins Foods Limited previously announced that it will be establishing 20 Taco Bell stores across Queensland and Victoria for 2020.

Level Up Your Fitness with Indoor Wall Climbing at 9 Degrees Brisbane in Enoggera

Trying to manage one’s weight to keep fit in the face of all the holiday indulgences is no mean feat. A big shoutout to the folks at 9 Degrees Brisbane, located at 72 Pickering Street in Enoggera, where fitness activities are always fun and available, even through the holidays!

9 Degrees Brisbane is a fun, multicoloured playground for both kids and grownups. With over 120 boulder routes, which change designs every so often, newbie climbers can tackle the easy routes to literally get the hang of this activity. Elite climbers, on the other hand, can safely practice their techniques regardless of the weather conditions outside.

The boulders’ levels of difficulty are colour-coded so climbers can easily spot their target. The bouldering wall was designed to give every person a challenging but fun experience with the highest peak at 4.5 metres. It goes from an easy trail to a steep incline, to a higher and steeper degree.

*Photo Credit: 9 Degrees Brisbane/Facebook*

Climbing walls used to be exclusive to experienced rock climbers who scale the heights outdoors against a tough mountain. Today, it has become a social and fitness activity rolled into one, where all kinds of people could challenge themselves and try to reach the wall’s peak in an air-conditioned facility.

Concerned for your safety? 9 Degrees Brisbane has helpful trainers guiding climbers, especially the ones who might be intimated on their initial visits. The floors are padded to cushion accidental falls but it is generally a safe climb with hardly any incident.

9 Degrees Brisbane has no age limit, however, children and teens under 16 years old must climb with an adult. Before tackling the boulders, climbers will need to disclose to the staff if they have pre-existing conditions for their own safety.

In between climbing breaks, guests may take a have coffee, snacks or power drinks at the cafe stationed within the facility.

9 Degrees Brisbane is open for membership for those who’d like to use the facility regularly to boost their fitness routine. The site is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The site will be open for most of the holiday break, including Boxing Day. Refer to their Facebook Page for their Christmas and New Year schedule.

Ferny Grove Is Most Affordable & Liveable Hotspot Suburb in Brisbane

For the second half of 2019, Ferny Grove emerged as the most affordable and liveable Brisbane hotspot suburb for houses, the latest PRDnationwide report says.

Released twice a month, the Affordable & Liveable Property Guide provides an analysis of Greater Brisbane suburbs located within 20kms radius of the CBD by taking into consideration five criteria: property trends, investment, affordability, project development, and liveability.

Ferny Grove joins Boondall and Griffin among the most affordable and liveable hotspot suburbs for houses, the report says, with median house price of $622,000 and 2.6 percent price growth.

Everton Park, Bracken Ridge, and Springwood are the top Affordable and Liveable hotspots for units. Everton Park recorded a 25.8% price growth for a median price of $512,500.

Affordable and Liveable Hotspot Suburbs – Houses

Suburb	Median Price	Price Growth	Rental Yield	Projects 2019	Radial Distance from CBD
Ferny Grove	$622,000	2.6%	4.3%	$91.8M	15.3km
Boondall	$521,250	0.2%	4.2%	$17.0M	18.0km
Griffin	$471,000	2.4%	4.4%	$45.8M	20.0km

Data based on PRDnationwide Affordable & Liveable Property Guide 2nd Half 2019 – Brisbane report

Affordable and Liveable Hotspot Suburbs – Units

Suburb	Median Price	Price Growth	Rental Yield	Projects 2019	Radial Distance from CBD
Everton Park	$512,500	25.8%	5.3%	$38.0M	10.0km
Bracken Ridge	$321,000	0.3%	5.6%	$8.1M	20.0km
Springwood	$276,500	1.7%	6.3%	$49.1M	20.0km

Data based on PRDnationwide Affordable & Liveable Property Guide 2nd Half 2019 – Brisbane report

Five out of six of the affordable and liveable suburbs in Brisbane are situated on the northern side of the River, as opposed to the results of first half of 2019 which saw the distribution spread throughout Brisbane.

Whilst this indicates that there were limited choices for first home buyers during the period, Brisbane property market, however, continues to be a prime market, as 44 percent of available suburbs now fall under $500,000 price bracket — a new record high. In 2018, this price range represents only 12.4 percent of the market.

The accessible suburbs by price range

Price Range	1st Half 2018	2nd Half 2018	1st Half 2019	2nd Half 2019
$0-$500,000	10.6%	12.4%	42.4%	44.0%
$500,000 – $800,000	52.9%	51.4%	37.7%	37.2%
$800,000 – $1M	21.2%	20.5%	9.3%	11.3%
$1M – $2M	11.1%	12.4%	6.7%	6.7%
$2M+	1.1%	0.0%	0.6%	0.8%

Data based on PRDnationwide Affordable & Liveable Property Guide 2nd Half 2019 – Brisbane report

The number of houses sold in the Brisbane LGA, however, dropped by 35.7 percent, causing a decline in the median price by 1.5 percent to $670,000. The same goes for units, with the median price falling 3.7 percent to $440,000.

The Gap Keeps 40-Year Santa Sleigh Tradition Flourishing

Santa Claus is coming to The Gap! The jolly old man from the North Pole is, once again, spreading cheer and goodwill around neighbourhoods this Christmas and locals may catch him on his sleigh at designated scheduled stops.

Beginning Saturday, the 7th of Dec 2019, until Friday, the 13th of Dec 2019, residents of The Gap should listen out when Christmas music fills the air from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This will be the cue that Santa Claus is in town and he’ll be parking his Santa Sleigh in a designated area for 20 minutes.

Here’s your chance to bring your children to meet Santa Claus face-to-face. Expectedly, Father Christmas will not be visiting empty-handed. He’ll have some handouts for everyone!

Santa Claus is cruising by the following streets in The Gap on these said nights:

WHEN	WHERE
Saturday 7 Dec	Rivercity Church, Settlement Road (by request)
Sunday 8 Dec	Creekside at Riaweena St East
Monday 9 Dec	Payne Road service road at Kays Road roundabout
Tuesday 10 Dec	Paltarra Street
Wednesday 11 Dec	Wittonga Park, Hilder Road
Thursday 12 Dec	Donegal Street (Cnr Harward St)
Friday 13 Dec	St Peter Chanel School

*Photo Credit: Rotary Ashgrove The Gap/Facebook*

Let the Santa Sleigh elves know if you’re having a street party so that they can swing by and have your guests mingle with jolly old St. Nick!

Santa Sleigh has been running for 40 years and it’s organised by Rotary Ashgrove/The Gap. It’s a laudable effort that brings the community together, as locals and businesses pour their time and resources for free to help Santa complete his annual visits.

Incidentally, Santa needs more helpers to ensure that this tradition continues to be a success. So if you want to experience the spirit of Christmas by spreading goodwill, you can volunteer to become part of Santa Sleigh (and get some exercise as a bonus!).

Contact the Rotary for details.

Ferny Grove State School and Officers Walk for “Daniel”

Ferny Grove State School students and Adopt-a-Cop Senior Constable Wanda Beckett participated in the annual “Walk For Daniel.”

For 10 years now, Ferny Grove State School has been taking part in the annual march in honour of Daniel Morcombe. Daniel was a 13-year-old boy whose life tragically ended after he was abducted on 7 December 2003 whilst on his way to buy Christmas presents for his family.

His parents Bruce and Denise established the Daniel Morcombe Foundation as their way of thanking the community for their support. Today, the Daniel Morcombe Foundation is one of the most well-known not-for-profit organisations advocating child safety in Australia.

Every year on the last Friday in October, thousands of people gather and walk donning their red shirts to symbolise child safety awareness — Daniel was wearing a red T-shirt when he went missing.

Australia’s Biggest Child Safety Lesson 2019
Video Credit: Daniel Morcombe Foundation Inc / YouTube

*Photo credit: The State of Queensland (Queensland Police Service) 2019 / mypolice.qld.gov.au*

“After a walk around the school in a sea of red, student councillors shared messages of child safety and Detective Sergeant Frank Jefferies of the Ferny Grove CPIU spoke to the students to reinforce the three R’s of safety – Recognise, React and Report,” Senior Constable Ricky Blanckensee said.

“This event is so important in supporting the spread of child safety messages in the community, with positive safety conversations as well as honouring the memory of Daniel Morcombe.”

Also present in the event was Inner West Road Policing Unit (RPU), Ferny Grove Child Protection and Investigation Unit (CPIU), and Officer in Charge of Ferny Grove Police Station Senior Sergeant Jeannie Murray

Why It’s Best to Shop for Kids’ Christmas Gifts at Enoggera’s K and K Creative Toys

Shopping must be high up on your to-do list in the next few weeks with the holidays fast approaching. But if you’re pressed for time and you need Christmas gifts for kids, you’ll likely find it all in one sweep at the K and K Creative Toys in Enoggera.

K and K Creative Toys is the preferred place for parents looking to buy toys, books and games for their kids. Their inventory boasts items you won’t easily find anywhere else, including toys you’ve played as a child.

This wonderful store, which has been trading since 1964 and is currently under the proprietorship of Lorraine Hayes, specialises in interesting and unique educational toys that allow children to learn whilst having fun.

*Photo Credit: K and K Creative Toys/Facebook*

“Young Australians’ early knowledge of the concepts and actions which are the cornerstones of education and learning, is largely based on experience,” Ms Hayes said.

“Whether that’s through playing with their toes in the crib, tugging on mum’s hair, unpacking the kitchen cupboard, trying to ‘taste’ the garden soil, or their habit of constantly asking ‘why?’– Clearly, play is one of education’s best tools,” she added.

In time for the holidays, K and K Creative Toys has released its Christmas Catalogue in-store and online for your Christmas gift shopping.

Shopping at their website during this season affords customers with free shipping for orders over $125. However, there’s a good reason to also visit their brick-and-mortar store at 196 Wardell Street as K and K Creative Toys has its free gift-wrapping services.

K and K Creative Toys opens Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The store doesn’t have operations on Sunday. If you have any questions or you’re looking for a special item, you may also email Ms Hayes at toys@kandkcreativetoys.com.au.

Pillars of The Gap Art Installation Redesigned and Relocated in Waterworks Road

Have you seen the Pillars of The Gap art installation by the corner of Waterworks Road and Jevons Street? This artwork, designed by local artist Catriona Holland, is the first thing that visitors to Brisbane’s outer suburbs see. It is a landmark to recognise the contributions made by noteworthy members of the community.

The redesigned Pillars of The Gap replaces the old art installation on the Walton Bridge Reserve.

In 2010, Councillor Geraldine Knapp, now retired, sought to put up a memorial for significant locals who have shaped the fabric of The Gap. These first pillars, which were also designed by Ms Holland, were thinner in comparison to the new structure.

First design of Pillars of The Gap from 2010
Photo Credit: Catriona Holland/Facebook

Ms Holland of Access Arts Eight Mile Plains is also credited for her other public artworks at Oriel Park in Ascot, South Bank Parklands and Samford Cemetery.

Councillor Steven Toomey re-commissioned Ms Holland for this project in 2018 to deliver seven colourful and thicker concrete pillars reflecting different themes to define The Gap and its community. The pillars have been relocated to complement The Gap Memorial Place.

View this post on Instagram

A new art installation in my home suburb has been revealed. Got some nice backlight tonight. #colinbushellphotography #art #artist #artwork #sculpture #artinstallation #thegap #brisbane #streetart #photooftheday #photography #instagood #ppaq_official

A post shared by Colin Bushell (@colbushell) on Jan 14, 2019 at 2:49am PST

“The tradition has continued of acknowledging pillars of the community who have significantly contributed to the fabric of the community by installation of commemorative plaque on the pillars,” Mr Toomey said.

Mr Toomey also said that The Gap locals may continue to nominate key persons deserving of a spot in one of these these pillars by phoning his office at 3407 1900.

The Gap Kerbside Collection: Other Options For Getting Rid of Your Stuff

On Monday, the 7th of Oct 2019, the Council will once again proceed with its regular kerbside collection in The Gap. Whilst this is a good time to do your spring cleaning, especially with the holidays coming up, it might be better to find other options for getting rid of your stuff if you’ve still got heaps of reusables.

Kerbside collection is a great initiative, but did you know that the acceptable items you put out for disposal will be dumped in the landfills? To be clear, these acceptable items include:

bath and laundry tubs
bicycles and sporting equipment
carpet and rugs
electronic waste (e.g. televisions and computers)
furniture and white goods (e.g. fridges and stoves)
small household appliances (e.g. fans and toasters)
wood products less than 1.5 metres

So, instead of piling these items on kerbside collection day, here are other suggestions for disposal, provided these are still useful.

Bath, Laundry Tubs and Bedding

Got old towels, bedding, sheets, tubs, crates and bowls you no longer use? Give them away at a local animal shelter of your choice rather than putting these out for kerbside collection.

Shelter animals, especially puppies and kittens, will still have a lot of use for these to keep them comfortable and warm inside really cold and hard cages. Shelter workers may also reuse your tubs and bowls for feeding the animals or cleaning the premises.

Furniture, Appliances and White Goods

Old but still working or repairable fridges, stoves, toasters and other furniture, appliances and white goods can be donated to a local charity if you’ve got no family members or friends who might want it.

The Council recommends a few non-profit organisations that accept old household items and you may also bring your second-hand stuff to Council-recommended tip shops in Acacia Ridge or Geebung.

Some organisations have specific needs (e.g. children’s items for a children’s charity, sporting equipment for a disability charity) so be sure to do your diligent research before bringing pre-loved items to their establishment.

For your convenience, these organisations may also arrange for a pick up so you won’t need to transport your things.

*RecyPhoto Credit: Andy Arthur/Flickrcling*

Wood Scraps

Wood scraps and pieces of lumber can be turned into planters, toys and other useful home items. If you’re not a crafty builder then consider donating your wood scraps to a local arts and crafts maker or better yet, commission an artist to turn your trash into a lovely decorative piece, which you may use at your home or give as a gift to your friends.

Electronic Wastes

Keyboards or mouse you hardly touch anymore or dusty joysticks from an old computer gaming equipment may be dropped off at recycling facilities. Find out more details about this at the Department of the Environment and Energy website.

Australian Defence Force Takes Delivery of the First of the New Fleet of Boxer Armoured Vehicles

The first of the 211 new Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles (CRV) for the Australian Defence Force has been handed over during a ceremony held at Enoggera (Gallipoli) Barracks in Enoggera on 24 September 2019.

The new fleet of Boxer 8×8 CRVs will be acquired under the $5-billion LAND 400 Phase 2 Mounted Combat Reconnaissance Capability program and will be delivered by Rheinmetall Defence Australia.

Whilst formally accepting the new CRV, Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said that the new armoured vehicles will provide world-class capability for the Australian Army with their high levels of protection, firepower, and mobility.

“These new vehicles are part of the Liberal National Government’s $200 billion investment in our defence capability to ensure the Australian Defence Force is equipped to succeed in our challenging strategic environment,” Minister Reynolds said.

“They will be able to undertake a range of missions from regional stability and peacekeeping through to high-threat operations, and will provide improved safety to Australian soldiers on deployment and on exercises around the world.”

*Minister for Defence Industry the Honourable Melissa Price, and Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Rick Burr AO, DSC, MVO*
*Photo credit: Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence/minister.defence.gov.au*

“This project presents an exciting opportunity for Australian industry to play a vital role in delivering leading-edge capability and technology to Australia’s Army,” Minister for Defence Industry the Hon Melissa Price said.

“Our Government’s investment decisions in defence capability are complemented by a comprehensive defence industry policy agenda to support a robust, resilient and internationally competitive defence industry, which will support jobs and investment across the country.”

*A Rheinmetall Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicle on display during Land Forces 2018 at the Adelaide Convention Centre, South Australia.*
*Photo credit: Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence/minister.defence.gov.au*

The LAND 400 program aims to provide the Australian Army with a fleet of modern armoured fighting vehicles that will remain a potent weapon system over the next 30 years. The new vehicles will be equipped with modern and highly capable sensors and communications suites.

The 211 Boxer 8×8 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles Drive Modules and 223 Mission Modules will be acquired under the LAND 400 Phase 2 to replace the Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV) fleet.

The first 25 vehicles are to be manufactured in Germany whilst the remaining vehicles will be assembled at Rheinmetall’s Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence facility in Redbank.

DA Lodged for 95-Place Childcare Centre in The Gap

Pammay Street frontage (Photo Credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

A corner lot located in a low-density residential zone in The Gap will be transformed into a 95-place childcare centre, should a development proposal from Nadi Lane Projects 1 Pty Ltd be approved.

The proposed centre, at 1019-1023 Waterworks Road, is a two-storey building measuring 745 square metres, which includes a staff room, office, pantry, kitchen, reception area, two outdoor play areas and baby play area, as well as undercroft car park for 19 spaces.

Site location (Photo Credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

Vehicle access to the site will be from Pammay Road, a minor road to avoid introducing additional access points to Waterworks Road.

The site is located amongst other community facilities and nearby centres, notably The Gap High School (within 25 metres) and The Gap Village Shopping Centre (within 200 metres).

Lower level floor plan (Photo Credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

A report prepared by Aspect Town Planning on behalf of the applicant states that the proposed childcare centre is identified as being consistent with the overall outcomes of the low-density residential zone. The proposed development has been designed to be respectful of the surrounding built form, being no more than 2 storey’s and 9.5m in height, according to the report.

Upper level floor plan (Photo Credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

Corner of Waterworks Road and Pammay Street (Photo Credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

“Market research and feedback has indicated the need for an additional childcare centre within The Gap area, although to be appropriately sized and located,” the application said.

The majority of existing long daycare places (179 of 275 total places) within The Gap are positioned along Payne Road which is south of the subject. Two other centres, with both 48 places, service the Waterworks Road at present.

Two dwelling houses on the subject site will have to be demolished to accommodate the development. If approved, the childcare centre will take in children ages 0-5 years and will operate from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm, Monday to Friday.

For more information about the development application, see Full DA – A005271157.