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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.

*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.