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Residents Petition for New Road Connecting The Gap and Upper Kedron

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.

“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.

How to Vote Early in the 2020 Elections Amidst the Coronavirus Pandemic

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.

Read: <a href=”https://thegaptoday.com.au/fernys-cafe-espresso-bar/”>New Family-Friendly Ferny’s Cafe Ticks All the Boxes</a>

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.

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.

Ferny Grove State High School Opens New World-Class STEM Centre

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.

Application Lodged for Community-Focused Development in Enoggera

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.au*

Application Lodged for Community-Focused Development in Enoggera — *Plan 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.

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.

New Family-Friendly Ferny’s Cafe Ticks All the Boxes

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!”
~ Spencer Jill, Facebook

“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.”
~ Charmaine Spencer, Google Reviews

Keperra Bushland Reserve to Get New Resting Area Soon

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.

Other sites identified for future park and reserve enhancement projects include:

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.

Phoenix Netball in Ferny Grove Opens New Player Registration

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.

This registration is divided into three levels:

AGE	CATEGORY
7.5 to 10 years old	Junior Non-Competition or the NetSetGo program
11 to 17 years old	Junior Competition
18+ years old	Senior Competition

*Photo Credit: Phoenix Netball Club/Facebook*

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.

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.