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Zero Plastic In Queensland: Plastic Sucks Movement Spreads In The Gap & Other Suburbs

A Brisbane mum is taking significant steps to make Queensland plastic-free, including Brisbane suburbs such as The Gap. Her efforts started a year earlier than the implementation of the plastic shopping bag ban in the state which took effect on 1 July 2018.

Sarah Young & Arlian Ecker. Photo credit: Plastic Sucks / Facebook Page

After watching the documentary Plastic Ocean, Sarah Young set up a Facebook page called Plastic Sucks. Since then, she has started gathering support from politicians, ocean pollution campaigners, and Arlian Ecker who is also known as the Plastic Free Boy.

Enlisting Ecker’s support has become a significant part of their campaign. Ecker is a 12-year-old boy who lives in NSW and now has become a social phenomenon. According to Ms Young, with Ecker’s help, they get to target adults through their children.

Ms Young has also been talking to the Brisbane City Council to discuss how the schools in the city can integrate Arlian’s movie into the school programs. They are focusing on cafes, coffee shops, and schools to ban plastic straws and bags. She has also set up The Gap’s very own Plastic Sucks page, the Plastic Sucks 4061.

There will also be a first community clean up of the movement in The Gap on 2 September. The location is still to be announced.

Plastic Sucks is starting to spread across the country, with a spinoff group already established in Sydney. Ms Young is encouraging other suburbs to start their own Plastic Sucks Facebook groups wherein she will supply the social media profile page and they can do the rest.

It was in September 2017 when the Queensland legislation passed the ban for single-use plastic bags from being provided in supermarkets, pharmacies, online goods, takeaway stores, and markets.

Retailers who still use plastic bags after the implementation can face a fine of up to $6,307.50.

Updated Education Department Policy Puts to Rest The Gap State High Uniform Issue

With the Department of Education updating the Student Dress Code procedure, issues around uniforms at The Gap State High School (GSHS) could finally be put to rest.

Earlier this year, GSHS encountered an issue with their uniform policy following parents’ uproar upon learning that over 100 students were sent to detention for not abiding by the proper uniform rules, specifically the shoes’ heel requirement.

Read: The Gap State High School Caught In A Uniform Frenzy, Next P&C Meeting Might Be A Full House
Read: Uniform Working Group To Review The Gap State High School’s Uniform And Dress Code Policy

To resolve such issues, the Department of Education has made changes on the Student Dress Code process. Education Minister Grace Grace announced that all Queensland state schools must provide more uniform choices for girls by 2019.

Ms Grace mentioned that at the beginning of this year, she heard from students, parents, and carers that a change in the policy is needed. She asked the Department to make necessary changes to the policy to ensure that all state schools are offering a full range of uniform options that include pants and shorts for girls.

In fact, when the uniform issue in GSHS happened, Ms Grace already showed support in making changes to the uniforms.

“I support The Gap State High School principal and the school community’s actions in enforcing the uniform policy and urge all parties to take a common sense approach and work together to resolve this issue at the school level,” Ms Grace said.

She also wants to see students, especially girls, comfortable in doing any physical activities at their respective schools.

“All Queensland girls should be able to engage in active play and classroom activities or ride their bikes to and from school without being restricted by what they’re wearing,” she said.

The New Uniform Policy Procedure

The department is leaving the choice to schools to select a design, colour, and style of uniforms but they must consult the community.

In accordance with section 360 of the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006 (QLD), principals may develop a student dress code that will apply when students are attending or representing the school.

In doing so, the dress codes must:

be developed in consultation with the school community
be consistent with health and safety considerations
comply with anti-discrimination legislation
consider affordability, functionality, and durability of uniform items
provide uniform options, such as shorts and pants, in all uniform categories for all students regardless of gender

For their part, parents must support the dress code as part of the enrolment agreement. They are expected to provide support to students to abide by the dress code and request short or long-term modifications of exemptions to the dress code in writing with reasons for the request. Parents should also work with the school to resolve issues when it comes to student compliance with the school’s dress code, and engage in the consultation process.

To know more about the procedure, click here.

The Gap Ward Receives Multi-Million Government Funding from Council’s Annual Plan and Budget 2017-18

The Gap Ward is one of the recipients of multi-million-dollar funding from the Council Annual Plan and Budget 2017-18 across Brisbane’s westside.

According to Councillor for The Gap Ward Steve Toomey, projects that will benefit from the funding include widening of Waterworks Road which has an allocation of more than $3.5 million.

Better Roads

Photo credit: cogdogblog/Wikimedia Commons

Also, as part of the Council’s 2017-18 road resurfacing program with $90 million continued investment from the Council, $1.1-million is allocated for the resurfacing of Stewart Road in Ashgrove. Twenty-one more streets in The Gap ward are also set to be resurfaced. The road resurfacing program aims to help in making suburban streets smoother, safer, and more enjoyable to use every day.

Walton Bridge Reserve Restoration

A further $220,000 investment will go to the Walton Bridge Reserve restoration to upgrade the war memorial. Stage Two of the Walton Bridge Reserve upgrade is already underway and is expected to be completed prior to Remembrance Day, 11 November 2018, weather and construction conditions permitting.

Current upgrades to the Walton Bridge Reserve include new pedestrian entrance gate, new concrete seats, new accessible entry from Glen Affric Street, and more.

Dog Off-Leash Area Upgrades

Furthermore, off-leash dog areas in The Gap will undergo refurbishment with the help of more than $130,000 funding from the Council.

To learn more about the Council’s spending in your suburb, you may visit the Brisbane City Council website.

The Gap LOCO Closes Yoorala St Location, Home Deliveries Still A Go

The GAP LOCO (Local Organic Co-Operative) Shop has long been a beloved co-op providing organic food and spreading awareness on personal, community and environmental health.

Located between Yoorala Street Community Garden and the Balaangala Garden Space, at the SOWN Environment Centre Shed, the shop has finally closed its doors.

The shop’s announcement of leaving their building came in April of this year. Their last trading took place on 18 June. Locals expressed their sadness upon hearing the news and extended support in finding potential areas where the shop can relocate.

Despite this sad news, it seems like it’s not for good. The shop is hopeful of finding a new location where they can set up their place again. The Yoorala St location is now being leased by a The Gap/Ashgrove Men’s Shed.

Monday Deliveries

Despite the location closure, the shop continues to be a part of the local community with their home deliveries taking place every Mondays.

The Gap LOCO is a community initiative that consists of seven part-time workers. It was established in 2012 and they aim to create an ethical and environmentally sustainable business that can survive financially and help other cooperatives to develop as well.

If you want to order from them, you can click here.

Winter School Holiday Activities at Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre at The Gap

Keeping the kids busy for the winter school holidays is made simple with the help of several child-friendly activities organised by the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre at The Gap.

Let your kids connect with nature while having fun at these family-friendly winter school holiday activities.

Wildlife Show

If your kid is an animal-lover, bring him or her to the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre for the holidays. The centre hosts wildlife shows where rangers teach children how to care for animals and national parks.

The wildlife show is scheduled twice every day from 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. and 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. starting on Saturday, 30 June 2018 up to Sunday, 15 July 2018.

The event costs $15 for adults, $10 for children, and $35 for a family with two adults and two children. For more information visit the Winter 2018 Program page.

Book Now

Wildlife at Night

Curious about Australia’s nocturnal wildlife? Join the Wildlife at Night event at Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre. Activities for the event include nocturnal wildlife monitoring and park exploration by night. Guests can also enjoy stargazing and a light snack.

The Wildlife at Night is scheduled from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, 6 July 2018 and 13 July 2018.

Tickets cost $15 per person or $50 for a family with two adults and two children.

Book Now

Fossil Finders

This event is perfect for kids fascinated with dinosaurs. Dig for dinosaur fossils under the sand and make your own fossil to take home.

Fossil Finders is scheduled from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, 2 July 2018.

The event is for children aged five to eight years only. Head over to the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre and BYO morning tea.

Costs are $25 per child and includes Junior Ranger Pack.

Book Now

Insect Investigators

An event dedicated for kids six to nine years old, Insect Investigators

will allow your child to search for clues left by native animals and insects as well as go on a ranger-guided walk.

The event is scheduled from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, 10 July 2018.

Costs are $25 per child and include a Junior Ranger Pack.

Don’t forget to BYO snack or morning tea. Includes Junior Ranger Pack.

Book Now

Vacation Care

If you are looking for a vacation centre for the winter school holidays, YMCA The Gap OSHC offers vacation care at The Gap State Primary School.

YMCA The Gap OSHC’s Vacation Care is open from 6:30 am to 6:00 p.m. For more information, you may:

Call 3300 4792 or 0419 171 742
Email agp@ymcabrisbane.org
Visit their website

Travel Back in Time at Ferny Grove’s Brisbane Tramway Museum

Take a journey through history and experience old-school commute at the Brisbane Tramway Museum in Ferny Grove.

Brisbane Tramway Museum offers guests a chance to ride restored trams that once dominated the streets of Brisbane. Open on Sundays from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., visitors can fully enjoy riding the historic trams and learn about their history.

Photo credit: Facebook/Brisbane Tramway Museum

Located near the Ferny Grove Station, the outdoor museum is set in a country-like surrounding where six working trams dating from 1901 to 1961 can be found running every Sunday. However, there will be times where not all six of them are guaranteed to run due to maintenance services or needs for further restoration.

The museum is run by knowledgeable and passionate volunteers who are happy to don caps and uniforms to play the role of driver and conductor taking you on a ride in the iconic trams.

History of Brisbane Tramway Museum

The tramways seized operation in June 1968 when the Brisbane City Council decided to switch from the tramways to an all bus transport system.

Photo credit: www.brisbanetramwaymuseum.org

A public meeting was soon arranged with the intention of preserving a representative collection of the city’s tramcars. The meeting resulted in the birth of the Brisbane Tramway Museum Society which is a voluntary organisation that is currently the custodian of some 24 tramcars and two trolleybuses.

The newly formed society then prioritised to secure a suitable site for the Museum and in 1972, they have chosen to establish the museum in Ferny Grove.

The Brisbane Tramway Museum officially opened to the public in June 1980 and had continued to expand and develop ever since.

Major improvements to the museum were made possible through the funding it received from the Queensland Government in 2001. Upgrades to the museum included the construction of a new engineering workshop; the renovation of an existing workshop; the construction of another new building for maintaining and restoring trams; and the repositioning of tram tracks.

The society currently operates six tramcars with two more under restoration. Planning is underway for the construction of an extension to the tramway which will allow visitors to experience a longer ride on the historic trams.

For those who are planning to visit the museum, it is recommended that you allow at least an hour and a half to two hours for you to fully enjoy all that the museum has to offer.

Take note that the museum remains closed in wet conditions for operational reasons. You may call the museum on 07 3351 1776 after 12 noon on Sundays to make sure that they are open prior to your visit. For more information, you may visit the Brisbane Tramway Museum’s official website or check out their Facebook page for updates.

Second Stage Upgrade To Walton Bridge Reserve In The Gap To Bring New Lifestyle and Leisure Opportunities

As part of the $2.5 million Brisbane City Council project to extend the life of Walton Bridge, the second stage of the Walton Bridge Reserve upgrade in The Gap has broken ground. The first stage of the project was completed in December 2017.

The second stage of the upgrade started mid-May 2018 and will be finished before Remembrance Day, 11 November, depending on weather and construction conditions. This particular stage aims to focus on making improvements to the usability and accessibility of the reserve to the local community.

Stage 2 Work Coverage

Stage 2 of the Walton Bridge Reserve improvements involves the following works:

Relocation of the memorial at the corner of Jevons Street and Waterworks Road to the remembrance precinct
Creating footpaths from Glen Affric Street to the precinct
New Waterworks Road pedestrian entrance
Relocation of community artwork pillars to the corner of Jevon Street and Waterworks Road
Installation of informal amphitheatre seating
Additional greeneries at the remembrance precinct

Councillor Steve Toomey (The Gap) recognises the importance of the Walton Bridge Reserve in providing a vibrant space for the community.

“It’s also an important natural area in The Gap, and Council is ensuring it continues to be an idyllic piece of paradise by providing new picnic facilities, an all-abilities playground, a new barbeque as well as upgrades to the car park, Cr Toomey said.

He said that the council has been working closely with The Gap RSL on the second and final stage of the project, which will include enhancing access for people of all ages and abilities.

“Works will also include the installation of amphitheatre seating and defining the Remembrance Precinct by planting trees and garden beds to add to ensure the Reserve remains a special place of remembrance for many years to come.”

“The Gap Residents’ Association and local residents had a huge input into the final design of the upgrade, and I thank everyone for working with me to achieve an outcome that will be loved by the whole community,” he said.

The first stage of the project has brought on an extender play area with a new all-abilities playground, improved picnic areas, new toilet facility, and new greeneries.

Also read: All-Abilities Playground, Added Amenities Coming To The Gap’s Walton Bridge Reserve

These upgrades by the council are intended to meet the needs of the local community, whilst retaining the existing look and feel of the Reserve.

Address: 25 Glen Affric St, The Gap QLD 4061 AU

Large Trees Taken Down for the Nova Gardens Nursery Development

Developer of the Nova Nursery Development project had confirmed that 74 trees will be removed from the former Nova Gardens nursery at 80 Settlement Rd, The Gap.

Credit: Facebook/GAPRA – The Gap Residents’ Association
Residents were outraged as one of the trees considered to be amongst the most beautiful ones in The Gap at the old Nova Gardens site has been taken down last 14 May 2018. The beautiful tree is just one of the many trees set to be taken down to make way for the construction of multi-unit dwellings on the site.

Mapping of some of the trees that will be retained and removed from the site. Photo credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Concerned locals have been vocal about the planned removals in the said development. In the approved Vegetation Management Plan of the project, a total of 94 trees were identified to be removed from the site.

However, according to DevCorp, the developer of the Multi-Unit dwelling project at the old Nova Gardens nursery, they have reduced the number of trees to be cut down to 74 after adding a bike path along the development.

Photo credit: Facebook/GAPRA – The Gap Residents’ Association

A document provided by Steven Toomey,Councillor for The Gap Ward, to The Gap Residents’ Association, shows that the Council had initially rejected the development application but the final conditions have been approved following an appeal by the developer to the Planning & Environment Court.

Photo credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Since it was lodged in November 2008, the development application has received 33 submissions from concerned residents stating that the development will have a negative community and environmental impact.

The former Nova Gardens nursery is soon to become Tallowwood, The Gap once the development was completed. A total of 51 apartments were set to be constructed in the 1.82-hectare land.

The Gap Among Top Suburbs With Highest Number Of Animal Complaints During First Quarter Of 2018

The Brisbane City Council’s recent data on animal complaints shows The Gap as among the suburbs with the most number of complaints received.

Between January to March this year, The Gap received 27 complaints, slightly up from the 24 complaints received last year during the same quarter.

Overall, the council received a total of 1,621 complaints from January to March 2018. The number is higher than the 1,447 total complaints received during the same quarter in 2017.

The Top 5 suburbs with the most number of animal complaints are:

Suburb	Number of Complaints (Jan-Mar 2018)
Inala	41
Forest Lake	38
Bracken Ridge	29
ZIllmere	28
The Gap	27

The most common complaint was fencing issues for dogs whilst the second most reported is animal attacking another animal; the third is an animal attacking a person.

The council continues to advocate for Brisbane as a dog-friendly city thus they collect registration fees for dogs to create and maintain fenced off-leash areas and bins and support animal shelters.

The construction of adequate fencing in properties is part of the responsibilities of residents who owns dogs and is required by the council. Failure to comply to this results to a fine.

For aggressive house animals, the council also recommends obedience training to ensure proper behaviour of house pets towards other animals and other people.

On the other hand, the increase in foxes and cats are also believed to be one of the reasons of the sudden spike in animal complaints in the city. Feral cats are commonly found in natural areas, industrial estates, streets, and parks. In order to prevent destruction caused by feral cats, the council has listed what actions they’re taking in accordance to the Biosecurity Plan for the Brisbane Local Government Area.

The council also reminds the community not to feed non-domestic cats as well as foxes.

You can call the council on 07 3403 888 for more information.

Art Classes Brisbane Hosts Mosaics for Beginners Workshop at The Gap

Art Classes Brisbane is hosting a Mosaic Workshop for beginners in their art school located at The Gap.

The mosaic workshop is intended for artists who wish to learn the basics of mosaic making. Artists of all ages are welcome to join the beginners class which is held one Sunday a month at the art school in 12 Paltarra Street, The Gap.

Photo credit: Facebook/Art Classes Brisbane

Debra Pickering teaches art classes in a fun and supportive atmosphere. By teaching a limited number of students per class, she can focus on guiding her students to effectively learn a range of traditional mosaic techniques in the workshop.

The Mosaic Workshop costs $230 and includes all tiles, embellishments, glue, grout, sealer, tools, protective glasses, gloves and necessary materials, plus students can choose any base of their choice. A completed piece of artwork no larger than 30 cm x 30 cm is also included in the costs.

Available bases include a plaque (where you can mosaic your house number, a decorative flower, or a butterfly), a wooden food serving tray, a round terracotta serving tray, a rectangular terracotta plant pot, a larger square clay pot, a complete birdbath, and a fruit bowl.

Students are free to use the designs provided or they can bring one of their own.

Classes are either held “en plein air,” if the weather permits, or “in the funky art studio,” which features a beautiful tropical setting with relaxing music.

Classes include an hour of lunch break and free healthy morning and afternoon tea. Just don’t forget to bring your own food and make sure to wear a pair of closed in shoes.

To learn more about the schedules of the Art Classes Brisbane, you may contact Debra on 0402 111 173 or use the online contact form.