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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.

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.