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The Gap Neighborhood Plan Update: Final Draft Now Up for Review

Following a series of amendments, the Brisbane City Council has already submitted the revised The Gap Neighbourhood Plan to the Queensland Government for final review.

BCC developed the plan to coordinate land use and infrastructure and protect the things the community values.

The neighbourhood plan, which was created to help make Brisbane’s Future Blueprint a reality, may result in additional changes after the review.

The Gap Neighbourhood Plan Timeline

The Gap neighbourhood plan boundary (Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council)

The Gap Neighborhood Plan will form a general guideline for future developments in the area.

Mid-2016 to 2017

From mid-2016 onwards, Council formed a Community Planning Team to develop the draft neighbourhood plan strategy. BCC learned about the issues and concerns of the locals thru an online survey.

Based on the community feedback, leading concerns include the need for improvement to bicycle ways and footpaths, appropriate development densities, better public transport services, and improved traffic flow and main road decongestion.

The Gap is not expected to change significantly over the next 10 years. However, there is a need to provide different sizes and types of homes in the suburb so that younger people, older people, and people with different household sizes can all find housing that suits their needs.

October 2017

BCC released the draft strategy document that will guide the creation of a neighbourhood plan for The Gap. The Council finalised and published the strategy after gathering all comments from the community.

Proposed changes

The amendment package consists of the following key components:

The Gap neighbourhood plan code – The village precinct is intended to encourage the revitalisation of The Gap Village shopping centre as a place for the community to shop, recreate and work, and encourage a high-quality pedestrian environment and pleasant urban streetscape. It also covers potential development areas precinct or sites are currently zoned emerging community and are proposed to be rezoned to low-density residential.
Land use zoning – There are several proposed zone changes in the amendment package to ensure that the zoning suitably reflects the desired land use outcomes for the area.
Supporting changes to overlays – The amendment package proposes changes to the significant landscape tree overlay to include an additional 11 established trees and dwelling house character overlay to reflect properties which have been rezoned for residential uses.

Early 2018

The Council prepared to amend City Plan based on community input and further technical reviews of the area. The Queensland Government completed a state interest review and approved the draft plan for public notification and final community submissions.

30 July-10 September 2018

The Council released the draft statutory neighbourhood plan for final community submissions. Anyone who lives, works, or owns a property in the area was encouraged to have their say on the plan.

Late 2018

BCC considered changes to the draft neighbourhood plan following a review of the submissions. The Queensland Government will then complete a second state interest review.

Late 2018 to early 2019

Once approved by the Queensland Government, Council will adopt the neighbourhood plan and add it to Brisbane City Plan 2014.

Council said it will also release further information on other activities and opportunities that the community can get involved with to further progress the vision for The Gap’s future.

For further updates on The Gap Neighbourhood Plan, subscribe to email updates from Brisbane City Council.

Time to Get Creative Again for 2019 Term 2 Art Classes Brisbane at The Gap

Photo Credit: Art Classes Brisbane/Facebook

Are you looking for a productive and creative indulgence in The Gap? Take some time to enrich your artistic creativity in the next 10 weeks by joining the second term of Art Classes Brisbane at 12 Paltarra Street.

Beginning Tuesday, the 23rd of April 2019, enrollees at Art Classes Brisbane will meet once a week for a three-hour session until the 29th of June.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or have had art lessons in the past since creativity has no limits. You can sign up and learn to create art using various mediums like acrylic, gouache, oil, pencil, pen and ink, and watercolour.

Classes are $40 per session, but students get one free session if they sign up for the 10-week term ($360 for April to June). Students are expected to bring their own art materials, but they may also have access to the tutor’s supplies for an additional $15 per session.

*Photo Credit:* *Art Classes Brisbane/Facebook*

Art Class Brisbane has listed the materials to prepare for each medium and you may check these out at their official site.

Each session includes a tea break. The art classes are designed for the students to have fun and to relax while they nurture and develop their creativity. However, Art Classes Brisbane also offers casual art lessons, if you’re not yet ready to commit to a 10-week term for a rate of $60 per class.

There is also a special class for Mosaic for Beginners on Sunday, the 28th of April 2019, from 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. At $230, this class includes free materials. Morning and afternoon tea are provided but students should bring their lunch.

Art Classes Brisbane has been in operation for more than seven years. It is managed by artist and Graphic Designer Debra Pickering and her husband Greg.

The Gap’s Walkabout Creek Sets Its Easter 2019 School Holiday Programs

Photo Credit: Queensland National Parks/Facebook

Would you like your kids to experience the wonders of nature this Easter school holidays at The Gap? Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre has some amazing programs lined up for children of all ages.

WHAT	WHEN	WHO
Wildlife at Night Experience the Wildlife Centre at night. Park rangers will take visitors in the bushlands after dark to hear the sounds and spot the sights. The night ends with some star gazing.	12 April 2019 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.	For ages 6+ Kids require an adult companion $15 per person $50 for a family of four (2 adults, 2 children)
Wildlife Discovery Show Get a chance to be up close and personal with the animals. Park Rangers will guide visitors, as well as share interesting anecdotes about the residents of the Wildlife Centre.	Daily 6 April to 25 April 2019 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.	For the whole family $15 adult $10 child $35 for a family of four (2 adults, 2 children)

Prior booking is required to join these activities.

The Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre holds different school holiday programs every quarter. The reserve on Mount Nebo Road, however, is always open to visitors from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, except on ANZAC Day and Christmas.

*Photo Credit:* *Navigating Adventure/Facebook*

Land Values in The Gap, Ferny Grove and Other Brisbane Northwest Suburbs Increase

The Gap and Ferny Grove have shown an uplift in their land value along with other Brisbane North Western suburbs, as dwelling investment in Queensland enters a “recovery phase,” according to the latest land valuation report.

With a total of 5,648 properties surveyed, the median land value in The Gap rose to $460,000 or a 10.8 percent increase, whilst Ferny Grove’s land valuation rose by 10.3 percent from $340,000 to $375,000. Other suburbs on the northwest side of Brisbane also saw their land values rise: Mitchelton $480,000 (10.3), Gaythorne $480,000 (9.1%), Upper Kedron $370,000 (8.8%), and Keperra $395,000 (5.3%).

The new valuations, representing about 1.03 million properties, will take effect on 30 June 2019 for purposes of local government rating, state land tax, and state land rental (where applicable).

A total of 18 local government areas received new valuations this year: Brisbane, Burdekin, Cairns, Etheridge, Gympie, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Longreach, Moreton Bay, Noosa, North Burnett, Redland, Somerset, South Burnett, Sunshine Coast, Weipa, and Western Downs.

Site value (non-rural land) and unimproved value (rural land) methodologies, were used in undertaking the statutory land valuations, according to the Property Market Movement Report published by the State of Queensland. Both methodologies refer to the expected sale value of the land, at the date of valuation, excluding improvements like houses, buildings, or fences. Unimproved value, however, also excludes improvements to the land such as earthworks or levelling.

“While approvals and construction have declined, the substantial amount of work remaining in the pipeline indicates dwelling investment is headed for a ‘soft landing’ compared with previous housing cycles,” Queensland’s Valuer-General Neil Bray said.

*Photo Credit: J Brew [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)] /Wikimedia Commons*

Of the 18 local government areas that have been valued, 16 recorded an overall increase ranging between 4.9 (South Burnett) and 42.5 percent (Etheridge).

There were nine LGAs with increases of 0-10 percent, five areas with increases of 10-20 percent, and two areas with more than 20 percent increases. Burdekin and Longreach, on the other hand, recorded overall decreases of 2.9 percent and 14.8 percent, respectively.

Majority of suburbs across Brisbane have recorded increase in residential land values, with most showing increases between five and 15 percent. Residential sector is the largest market sector in Brisbane, about 304,000 valuation.

The median residential value has risen 7.1 percent as the overall median value increased to $455,000 from $425,000.

Thirty-seven residential suburbs remained unchanged, whilst 126 increased by up to 15 percent and 16 suburbs increased by more than 15 percent. Inner-city suburbs Woolloongabba (26.1%), Auchenflower (19.6%), Paddington (19.4%), and Milton (19.2%) have the largest median valuation increases.

The new valuations will become effective 30 June, however, landowners who have additional or new evidence to justify the need to alter the new valuations should provide such information through the online objections process via www.qld.gov.au/landvaluation or at the address shown at the top of their valuation notice, by 7 May 2019.

This Cafe in Walkabout Creek is A Mini Tropical Escape

Photo credit: Walkabout Creek/walkaboutcreek.com.au

The Walkabout Creek in The Gap is the ultimate getaway for adventure-seekers. It gives locals an opportunity to explore the wildlife; go on a mountain bike trail, kayak, and paddle. But more than the fun activities, it also allows everyone to unwind.

Whereas many locals come here for the thrill, a lot of people drop by the Walkabout Creek to simply reconnect with nature. And what’s better than enjoying breakfast or lunch whilst surrounded by the lush greenery? A view of the Mt Nebo landscape awaits you at the Walkabout Creek Cafe.

The Walkabout Creek Cafe is nestled at the Discovery Centre in D’Aguilar National Park, a 36,000-hectare park northwest of Brisbane. It’s just 12-kilometre from the Brisbane CBD, so it’s one of the places to go to when you’re longing for a short escape from the city.

The cafe offers a range of breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea items and a range of drinks including beer and wine. It’s a nice spot to meet up with friends or bring the kids after a beautiful bush walk.

Apart from their All Day Menu and beverages, they also offer a Picnic Hamper which is packed in a hamper box and perfect for a picnic down at the reservoir. They have a kiddie version of this picnic hamper, consisting of ham and cheese sandwich, a bag of popcorn, Chocolate mud cake, and apple or orange juice.

Walkabout Creek Cafe opens 9:00 am to 2:00 pm on weekdays and 8:00 am to 3:00 pm on weekends. For more information about the cafe, check out their website or follow them on Facebook.

Developer Changes Plans for Ferny Grove Transit Oriented Development

Photo credit: fernygrovecentral.com.au

Ferny Grove Central station will likely have reduced parking spaces. To nearby residents, the amendments for DA – A005002931 will come as a relief.

Honeycombes Property Group initially proposed to increase the number of commuter car parks at the station to approximately 1,732. There are currently 973 and they were planning to add 759 more commuter parking spaces.

However, Honeycombes changed their plans and dropped the controversial three-level car park in the “finger car park” at the western end of the Ferny Grove rail station site.

The changes were made after Brisbane City Council expressed concerns about some aspects of the plan, especially the finger car park and the residential building.

Locals living near the development expressed their oppositions, believing that the TOD and its associated apartments do not fit in with the character of Ferny Grove, a low density residential area with parks and tree-lined streets.

Although they will have less parking for the Ferny Grove Transit Oriented Development, Honeycombes is still required by the State Government to provide more than 250 additional commuter car parking spaces. This was based on a $9-million agreement approved in 2016 as part of the development.

Honeycombes’ Proposed Design in 2017 (Photo credit: Honeycombes Property Group/Facebook)

Given the opposition from locals, Honeycombes also revised their application for the residential component. They were proposing to construct a 64-unit, residential apartment building arranged in 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom formats. Based on the amendments, they are hoping to add 16 more units, taking the total to 80 units.

Apart from reducing the commuter car parks and increasing their residential apartment buildings, the TOD include the development of the following:

384 retail car parks and 85 residential car parks which include 10 residential visitor spaces;
a major shopping centre tenant of approximately 3,400 sqm;
a mini-major of approximately 1,100 sqm, and 2,619 sqm of speciality retail;
a gymnasium, cinema complex, and child care centre; and
600 sqm of commercial (medical centre)

For updates about Ferny Grove Central, see the Full Development Application – A005002931.

The Walkabout Creek, The Gap Presents 2019 Wedding Showcase

Registrations for Walkabout Creek’s 2019 Wedding Showcase are now open. This Saturday, 16th of February, industry experts will be on-hand to help attendees plan their perfect wedding.

Grab this once-in-lifetime chance to meet photographers, stylists, and other experts such as Beautiful Weddings and Events, Invitation Designs by Eliza, Event Letters, Bella Brides – Hair & Makeup, G+M Event Group, When Freddie Met Lily, Cake My Day By Jo, Leaann Baylis, Natasha Lewis – Celebrant, and In The Booth.

*Photo Credit: Walkabout Creek / walkaboutcreek.com.au*

Couples will be given chance to take a look at what goes on behind-the-scenes at Walkabout Creek’s stunning wedding reception rooms and ceremony areas.

Take the opportunity to stroll and discover the serene beauty of the grounds overlooking the Enoggera Reservoir. Complimentary beverages are available on arrival and you can also sample a range of great tasting canapes.

Also, inspection of Lakeside Lawn are available on request. This multi-purpose outdoor space is ideal for open-air events, up to 400 guests, such as corporate functions, private celebrations, and weddings.

About Walkabout Creek

Originally opened in 1988 as a wildlife Expo and tea house, The Walkabout Creek facility expanded with function rooms added in the mid-90s. Today, Cuisine on Cue, one of the popular caterers in Brisbane, manages and operates Walkabout Creek Cafe, and the Walkabout Creek Weddings, Conference and Functions centre.

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet the experts. Register now for free.

The Wedding Showcase happens 16 February from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Walkabout Creek, Mt Nebo Road.

Ferny Grove High School’s Emile Nel to Join Disney Salute to Baseball US Tour

After his impressive home run that helped the Queensland Dolphins win the 2019 Gold Coast Summer Classic Junior League final, Ferny Grove High School student Emile Nel will be joining the Dolphins in Florida, USA, for the Disney International Salute to Baseball.

The 13-year-old student and Junior League Baseball player will join the Dolphins in July 2019 for the US tour where they will play six games at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Florida. Before heading back to Australia, the team will play another four games.

The US tour brings Emile closer to his aspiration of playing US College Baseball and potentially playing in the Major League.

Home Run

Emile was instrumental in the 11/8 victory of the Dolphins against the New Zealand Super City Spartans in the recently concluded GC Summer Classic held at Sir Bruce Small Park in Surfers Paradise.

The GC Summer Classic is an international and open invitation junior baseball tournament hosted by the Gold Coast Baseball Association. Matches are held at various venues across the Gold Coast. Teams in the Little League, Junior League and Senior League divisions hail from Brisbane, Sydney, New Zealand and the Gold Coast.

The Dolphins won the Junior League final despite an early 6-run inning by the Spartans.

Emile scored a home run during the first round of the six-match series. Overall, he made ten runs during the series, giving him a batting average of .750.

The high school student is part of the Windsor Royals Baseball Club and plays for the Junior League Bandits.

Take on the Challenging The Gap to Mount Glorious Bike Ride

Preparing for a race or simply looking for a challenging ride around Brisbane? Check out this popular The Gap to Mount Glorious bike ride.

This 31.7-kilometre bike trail is one of Brisbane City Council’s recommended training rides and includes 1,167-metre climb. Traversing mainly through the Mount Nebo Road, this bike ride includes picturesque views, several long and challenging climbs, and sweeping descents.

The Gap to Mount Glorious Bike Ride

One of the most common routes for The Gap to Mount Glorious bike ride is outbound from The Gap via Mount Nebo Road.

Photo credit: Cycling Brisbane bike route/Google Maps

Following Cycling Brisbane’s bike route, riders can start from the Waterworks Road, turn right to the Hilder Road, then take a left at the Alutha Road. The end of this road leads to the beginning of the long stretch through the Mount Nebo Road.

Alternatively, riders may continue to the end of Waterworks Road which is already connected to the Mount Nebo Road. This path passes by the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre which also offers plenty of activities for families to enjoy.

Bike riders may also try mountain-bike riding around the reservoir through different bike trails around the D’Aguilar National Park. Just make sure to get the South D’Aguilar section topographic map since there are hundreds of kilometres of trails in the park. The map can be purchased from the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre.

Mount Nebo Road

Also part of the D’Aguilar National Park, Mount Nebo Road involves a scenic drive winding through eucalypt forest. The road runs through the park past Mount Nebo township leading to Mount Glorious.

The path passes by several lookouts along the way. These include the McAfee’s Lookout, Jolly’s Lookout, and the Westridge Outlook.

Mount Glorious

Continuing with the long bike ride, the end of Mount Nebo Road connects to the Park View Road which is also connected to the Mount Glorious Road. From here, it will take less than a kilometre before you reach your destination.

You’ll know that you’ve already reached your destination once you see the Maiala park. This park is also a great and peaceful place to visit. Interestingly, the Maiala was the first national park declared on the D’Aguilar Range.

You can choose to explore the park or you can celebrate finishing the journey by grabbing a bite to eat at the nearby Mount Glorious Café. The cafe, formerly Maiala Rainforest Teahouse and Restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch, and great coffee along with a good selection of teas and house-made cakes.

Riders coming from Samford Valley or those who want an even more challenging route can ride up to Mount Glorious via Samford and Mount Glorious Road.

Friendly reminder: Make sure to bring lots of water to keep you hydrated during the entire trip. Also, as much as possible, ride with a fellow cyclist. It’s always better (and safer) to have a long bike ride with a family or a friend to keep you company.

Access the map for The Gap to Mount Glorious bike route here. For more bike rides around Brisbane, visit Cycling Brisbane’s official website.

Petition to Increase Parking at Ferny Grove Aqua Park Launched

Photo credit: Playscape Creations

Following its much-awaited opening just in time for summer, locals are now urging the Council to increase parking at Ferny Grove Aqua Park.

Ferny Grove Aqua Park is North-West’s first free and fully accessible aquatic playground. Located at Keperra Picnic Grounds, the new $1.5million aqua park has been a hit to the locals. It features new facilities that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy.

The newly opened aqua park includes tipping buckets, water cannons, stream jets, water table, and level splash pad. Family time can also be more enjoyable as picnic facilities and electric barbecues are also available.

Petition for Increased Parking

Ferny Grove Aqua Park has been attracting a lot of visitors, so much that its parking space has been found to be woefully inadequate. In fact, Pamela Rose-Holt, a resident from Upper Kedron has launched an online petition asking for the construction of additional parking with special attention to additional disability parking.

The petition emphasizes that Ferny Grove Aqua Park does not have sufficient parking. Currently, the aqua park has 21 car spaces, two mini-bus parks, and one disability parking bay.

As stated in the petition, “this issue was raised with Council by many in the local area during planning with no modifications to the original plan. Besides accessibility safety issues are of great concern.”

Mrs Rose-Holt’s petition also cited that people are parking along Upper Kedron Road. They then walk or cross the road to gain access. “This puts patrons at risk of motor vehicle collisions and injury.”

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A post shared by Steven Toomey (@thegapward) on Dec 3, 2018 at 12:25am PST

With the active promotion of the aqua park plus the increase in temperature, Ferny Grove Aqua Park will certainly be more popular amongst families. Because of this, the current parking condition might still get worse in the facility.

Local residents seem to agree with Mrs Rose-Holt’s concern as the petition has now gathered more than 240 signatures. The online petition will be closing on Saturday, 19 January 2019.

“We would like to thank BCC for this wonderful facility and with better parking see more people safely access the Aqua Park,” Mrs Rose-Holt’s petition says.