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Wittonga Park Upgrades in The Gap Now Complete

Residents of The Gap now have a new reason to celebrate as the upgrades to Wittonga Park along Alutha Road have been completed. Councillor Steve Toomey confirmed on social media that these upgrades, which were initiated over two months ago, may now be enjoyed by the locals.

First up, a new parking area with 16 bays and easily accessible parkways has been added to Wittonga Park. It’s close to the new BMX track and perfect for the occasional outdoor movie nights in the area.

Work on the parking space
Photo Credit: Cr Steven Toomey/Facebook

After the completion of the parking space
Photo Credit: Cr Steven Toomey/Facebook

Young and active kids have since been using the challenging BMX tracks at Wittonga Park when it opened in early July. This dirt bike circuit is bigger, slightly higher and better for testing your skills.

“If you like to have air between your wheels and the ground, this is the place to be,” Mr Toomey said.

Work on the BMX Track
Photo Credit: Cr Steven Toomey/Facebook

After the completion of the BMX Track
Photo Credit: Cr Steven Toomey/Facebook

Meanwhile, past the bike tracks near Alutha Road is the Dog Park, which has a new encasement. There are also additional shaded areas with seating for dog owners to hang around whilst they watch their furry pets play.

*Photo Credit: Cr Steven Toomey/Facebook*

Wittonga Park may be accessed by car or on foot. It’s a wonderful place to bring family members outdoors to enjoy the picturesque atmosphere or to do your regular exercises, walks and sports activities with friends.

Art Classes Brisbane in The Gap Opens Term 3 Sessions for 2019

When you’ve got a busy schedule, fitting an art class in your daily routine might be challenging. However, joining an art class has its benefits as it can be a stress-reliever and a way to exercise your brain muscles or unleash your creative side.

Art classes bring an exciting challenge as you re-learn skills you’ve had as a child. And you’re quite in luck because Art Classes Brisbane in The Gap has just opened its Term 3 sessions for 2019.

Set every Tuesday and Saturday, beginning the 16th of July 2019, Art Classes Brisbane’s Term 3 will run for eight weeks, or until the 7th of September 2019. The sessions are held three hours per class and you can choose your time from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Each class has a minimum of four students. A session on Thursday evening from 6:00 to 9:00 may also be arranged if the number of students is enough.

You’ll be taught to draw using pencil, charcoal or pen and ink. You’ll also learn the following painting techniques from Art Classes Brisbane

acrylic
watercolour
gouache
pastel
oil
mixed media/abstract
potassium

*Photo Credit: Art Classes Brisbane/Facebook*

Check the rates and deals for the classes at Art Classes Brisbane’s Facebook page. Prices include art materials and tea. Contact Mrs Debra Pickering at 0402-111-173 for enquiries.

Keperra Tops List of Brisbane’s Most Affordable Suburbs for Houses

The latest Domain report names Keperra as the most affordable suburb for houses under 10 kilometres from the Brisbane CBD.

Just less than 10 kilometres from the CBD, Keperra offers the most affordable houses with a median price of $530,000, the Domain report said. Moorooka, on the other hand is the most affordable suburb for units with a median of $350,000.

Experts say that being close to the city, a lot is going for the suburb of Keperra such as transportation, schools, retail shops, and most of all, a good number of post-war homes, which are popular with young home buyers.

The latest median house price in Keperra, based on realestate.com.au data from 1 May 2018 – 28 May 2019, is $535,000; the median house price within 10 kilometres of Brisbane CBD is $845,000, according to Domain.

Following Keperra in the list of most affordable suburbs for houses less than 10-kilometres from the CBD are Chermside, Chermside West, Everton Park, and Stafford Heights.

As for units, Bowen Hills, Clayfield, Spring Hill, and East Brisbane round out the list of most affordable suburbs.

Most Affordable Suburbs Under 10 Kilometres from Brisbane CBD according to Domain

Suburb for Houses	Median Sale Price
Keperra	$530,000
Chermside	$580,000
Chermside West	$588,168
Everton Park	$591,000
Stafford Heights	$600,000

Suburb for Units	Median Sale Price
Moorooka	$350,000
Bowen Hills	$368,000
Clayfield	$375,000
Spring Hill	$382,000
East Brisbane	$387,000

Whilst there is not one specific reason why a suburb would have relatively low price despite proximity to the CBD, experts say that factors like being placed near industrial parks; having relatively low socioeconomics in the area; being close to an airport or under a flight path; and the nature of the housing stock can have an effect on dwelling prices.

The Gap State High School Celebrates New Cutting-Edge STEM Building

The Gap State High School is celebrating the completion and opening of its new cutting-edge STEM Building, which houses seven classrooms, four science laboratories, two robotics labs, three flexible learning areas, amenities, staff rooms and associated spaces.

On 19 June 2019, Labor MP for Cooper, Kate Jones officially opened the three-storey STEM structure to cater to Years 10 to 12 and junior classes taking STEM subjects.

*Photo Credit: The State of Queensland (Department of Education) 2019 /education.qld.gov.au*

The construction of the $10.7-million STEM building was made possible through the State Government’s 2020 Ready Program — which targets to deliver additional school infrastructure at 61 schools across the state.

Apart from providing state-of-the-art learning spaces, the new building will also ensure that TGSHS will have enough classrooms to accommodate its growing enrollment, which is expected to grow to about 1,770 in 2020 from this year’s 1,550 students.

In 2002, The Gap State High School’s Leadership Training Centre was opened which features 22 adventure courses such as indoor rock climbing. The school also has a state-of-the-art performance hall which has a seating capacity of 750, an auditorium that can accommodate up to 15 students, rehearsal rooms, practice rooms, and storage areas.

*Photo Credit: The State of Queensland (Department of Education) 2019 / thegapshs.eq.edu.au*

The school’s sporting facilities, on the other hand, boasts of four basketball courts, turf cricket pitch, a concrete cricket pitch, and two full size soccer fields.

The Gap State High School opened its new $5-million sports hall in 2014, which is one of the largest indoor school sporting facilities and features 4 volleyball courts, storerooms, mezzanine level for weights, cardio rooms, and a large spectator area.

Other school facilities include an independent learning centre; film and television editing suites; industrial technology facility; and a trade training centre for electrotechnology, renewable energy and engineering.

Learn to Cook South American Tapas with Nicole Cabezas in The Gap

Would you like to learn how to make South American Tapas? Mark your calendars for this special cooking class with Chilean chef Nicole Cabezas.

Hosted by Come and Cook, the South American Tapas Evening class will happen on Friday, the 28th of June, at 9:30 p.m. at 11 Grenoble Street in The Gap. Open for adults, Ms Cabezas will guide participants in preparing the tapas and learning what best fresh ingredients to use.

In Spanish cuisine, tapas are snacks or appetizers served either cold or hot. You’ll learn how to mix olives, cold cuts and cheese tapas, or make perfect batter-fried appetizers in this workshop.

The South American Tapas Evening will run for two and a half hours. Ticket prices are at $65 to $67.

The Gap Pet Fair 2019 to Officially Open Off-Leash Dog Park on Paten Road

After months of refurbishment, the off-leash dog park on Paten Road in The Gap will officially be opened by the Brisbane City Council’s Steven Toomey and Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner.

On the 8th of June 2019 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Paten Park will be the site of The Gap Pet Fair.

This day’s event will be filled with activities for both humans and dogs. On top of the food and pet merchandise to score at various stalls, there will be discounted health services like vaccinations, deworming, flea and tick protection, as well as microchipping.

A dog registration and animal adoption area will also be established on the park grounds.

The highlights of The Gap Pet Fair 2019 include:

11:00 a.m.	Opening of Pet Fair and dog off-leash area
11:30 a.m.	Dog obedience demonstration
12:00 a.m.	Pet care information
12:15 p.m.	Reptile care and demonstration
1:00 p.m.	Dog agility demonstration

Guests coming to this event with their furry pals are expected to have carriers for the cats and observe areas that aren’t off-leash.

This is a free event which requires no pre-registration. Just come with your pet pals to learn and enjoy the activities.

Koala Habitat Gets Protection as Council Acquires Bushland Across The Gap and Other Areas

The Council is on track in its bid to protect koala habitat as it acquired more than 700 hectares of bushland in the last three years, with the newly acquired lands spanning across 33 sites including The Gap.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said that the Council has so far invested about $75 million of the $120-million that was allocated for the Bushland Acquisition Program which aims to acquire a total of 750 hectares of bushland by the year 2020.

“Continuing to protect Brisbane’s significant bushland is part of my plan to ensure the Brisbane of tomorrow is better than the Brisbane of today,” Cr Schrinner said.

*Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / Flickr*

“Council has invested about $75 million of the $120 million budget acquiring bushland, with an emphasis on protecting koala habitat like the Brisbane Koala Bushlands in Burbank.

“The newly protected land under the program spans across 33 sites including Chandler, Carindale, Kholo, Wakerley, The Gap, Bracken Ridge and Chermside.

“There are 18 sites that were secured through the Bushland Acquisition Program which are part of the current 23 sites undergoing restoration as part of the Environmental Offsets Program.”

The program will allow the Council to not only protect the bushland’s current state but to enhance the habitat through tree planting efforts, maintaining the green spaces, creating more homes for local wildlife.

Since 2016, there have been over 130,000 trees planted under the Environment Offsets Program, including the more than 11,000 trees planted across the 25 hectares of land at Burbank.

There is about 37 percent natural green cover across Brisbane, Cr Schrinner said, and the Council is aiming to increase this to about 40 percent by 2031 by acquiring and turning into conservation reserves those lands that support significant ecosystems, plants, and animals.

“Keeping Brisbane clean and green is all about making our city liveable and sustainable for future generations.

“Most of the at-risk bushland which has been brought into public ownership is accessible to the public so residents and visitors can get outside and enjoy Brisbane’s lifestyle and leisure opportunities,” Lord Mayor Schrinner said.

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

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council

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.

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.