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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.

Create A Vertical Garden & Learn How To Turn Garden Waste Into Rich Nutrients In The Gap

The Brisbane City Council is dedicated to helping residents turn their kitchen scraps into nutrients for soil for more sustainable communities. They have partnered with several community gardens and have been giving free workshops.

In The Gap and elsewhere, sustainable gardening is rapidly gaining a foothold in many home gardens as residents join the community’s efforts to reduce waste, improve one’s carbon footprint, and lead a green lifestyle.

At the Yoorala Street Community Garden on 20 May from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., join like-minded locals use recycled pallets to make vertical gardens as taught by Vertical Garden specialist, Shane Sadkowsky. He will teach simple design techniques and principles so you can easily do it at home.

Event goers are instructed to bring their own PET bottle for use in the workshop.

On 27 May, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., head on over to the Paten Park Native Nursery for the council’s compost and worm farming workshop. Immerse yourself in the beauty of turning your garden waste into rich nutrients for your soil to feed your plants.

Bookings are essential for both events. You can call 3403 8888.

Getting to Know Killarney in Enoggera

In Brisbane, there are many heritage-listed homes, some used by the government, whilst others are sold to ordinary residents. Living in homes like these spark curiosity amongst Brisbanites.

One example is Killarney, a heritage-listed detached house in Enoggera.

The popular Killarney house on Laurel Street was built in the 1860s and was home to several families.The home is one of the earliest surviving residences in the Kedron Brook district. It is also one of the earliest homes in the whole state with a rare early brick construction.

Killarney house was said to be built for Timothy Corbett in the 1860s. The house was passed on to generations of the Corbett family until 1895, when it became a rental property.

Renovation and Restoration

In April 2004, the Rui family bought the home and restored it to its perpetual beauty. Ms Sabina Rui grew up in the suburb but she never knew the home existed back then. When she learned about its history, she and her husband John decided to renovate it. Thus, their shared passion for protecting heritage houses was born.

When the couple moved in, the house was in shambles. There was termite damage, asbestos issues, and the bricks were also falling apart. The couple renovated the home and made the heritage home liveable.

Their renovation involved demolishing the back rooms and building an extension on that. They maintained the original cedar work on the door frames and the floorboards. The couple also created a music room at the front of the five-bedroom home. It also boasts of a well-kept vast lawn.

The neighbours were very happy with their couple’s efforts of restoring and protecting the home’s historical background.

However, last year the couple had to let go of the home after their two children moved to Melbourne to study.

Today, the house stands more beautiful than ever in the hands of its new owners.

The Gap Neighbourhood Plan Update: Community Feedback On Housing, Green Space, Retail & Facilities

The Gap is widely considered as one of the most family-friendly and small business-friendly suburbs of Brisbane. Locals enjoy a laid-back, suburban lifestyle that they would hardly trade for anything else. However, there are always some tweaks that can make things better.

The Brisbane City Council is currently preparing a new neighbourhood plan for the suburb which will become part of the Brisbane City Plan 2014.

Community feedback for the plan was released from October to December 2017. The council received 47 physical submissions from various sources whilst 150 people submitted their feedback online through an interactive online map and feedback form.

The feedback from the locals highlight their preferences for the following:

Maintain the traditional suburban character of The Gap
More green spaces and vegetation in the area that includes the nomination of specific trees and plants that should be protected in the future
The Gap Village Shopping Centre to provide more services and facilities
More housing options such as homes for the elderly, smaller households, etc.

All of the feedback has been incorporated in the report that will is part of the neighbourhood draft plan.

More Housing Options

Most of the residents’ main concern is the housing in the area. 71% of the respondents are keen to preserve their low-density residential area. When it comes to housing diversity, the council received mixed responses.

More Local Businesses

The local community is also very particular about the small businesses in the area. Most feedback prefers to support small existing businesses in the area instead of new developments of large retail franchises. In fact, most of the residents support the redevelopment of Payne Rd Centre to pave the way for more local shops.

Preservation Of Green Spaces

As for the leafy vibe of the suburb, the council will preserve the green and leafy character to give locals more ways to enjoy nature. In light of this, the local community also seeks the reduction of bushfire in the area due to the increasing density in the area.

Locals are also calling for the maintenance of the bank of Enoggera Creek facing Paten Rd, walking tracks around the Enoggera Reservoir and Walkabout Creek facilities. There are also calls for extra bushwalking tracks as well as extensions to existing ones.

More Local Activities & Facilities

The community also seeks more activities that will give them opportunities to come together. One of the most popular activities are fitness and strength events. The residents have also put up suggestions for new facilities such as a community hall.

The plan is now with the Queensland Government for further review.

Also read: The Gap Neighbourhood Plan – What’s Happened So Far And How To Get Involved
Also read: Why Residents Hardly Leave The Gap & Other Brisbane Suburbs

New Military Vehicles to be Based in Gallipoli Barracks at Enoggera

Rheinmetall Defence Australia has announced their successful tender for the $5 billion LAND 400 Phase 2 contract. Under this contract, Rheinmetall is set to deliver up to 225 combat reconnaissance vehicles to the Australian Army, with over 100 of the new military vehicles to be based in Lavarra Barracks, Townsville and Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera.

Rheinmetall Defence Australia’s BOXER 8×8 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle for the LAND 400 Phase 2 Credit: boxercrv.com.au

Opportunities are expected to grow in Queensland after Rheinmetall Australia’s big win in the hotly-contested LAND 400 Phase 2 program. The first 25 military vehicles will be built in Germany. Australians will be put into teams to learn the necessary skills in Germany before coming back to Australia to build the remaining 200 CRVs. Most of the military vehicles will be built in Queensland.

In a statement, Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said, “The LAND 400 Phase 2 contract to deliver the next generation of combat reconnaissance vehicles to the Australian Army is a catalytic project, and attracting a global defence giant like Rheinmetall to Queensland will create opportunities for local industry for decades to come.”

The project is expected to be an economic game-changer since it will create 450 advanced manufacturing and engineering jobs for Queenslanders. It is expected to contribute $1 billion into the state’s economy in the first 10 years.

Photo credit: www.rheinmetall-defence.com

Three Brisbane businesses that had teamed up with Rheinmetall will particularly benefit from this project. These are NIOA based at Brisbane airport, G & O Kert at Acacia Ridge, and Hilton Manufacturing at Wacol. These companies will hugely benefit from the transfer of technologies and skills, making them even more competitive. This opportunity also opens up more work for locals in Brisbane and nearby suburbs, and provides more highly-skilled jobs in the local community.

Following the successful bid for the LAND 400 Phase 2 program, Rheinmetall will establish its manufacturing hub, the Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) in Brisbane.

ALDI At The Gap Village Shopping Centre Opening Mid-Year, New Store Format Brings More Fresh Produce

It has only been a year since the ALDI store development application at The Gap Village Shopping Centre was fully approved. The DA, which was submitted to the council in 2015, includes extensions for ALDI, mall area, and shops. With the construction currently underway, many are wondering when it will open.

ALDI confirmed that construction work is on schedule and that they will be opening their 1,760- square-metre store in the middle of the year. However, a definite date has yet to be set.

New Stores, New Store Format

The German retailer is also set to open and refurbish a number of stores across the country this year due to the intensifying competition brought about by the entry of Schwarz Group into the country’s grocery sector.

There will be 32 additional stores this year in the country and plans of a new store format will be introduced to 40 stores. This new format will bring more focus to fresh produce, healthy food, organic products, and meat.

With the new strategy, other supermarket giants such as Coles and Woolworths are feeling the challenge to step up their efforts as well. ALDI isn’t known for focusing on fresh food but with this new perspective and with more people demanding organic and fresh food, ALDI has definitely taken their standards up a notch.

They aim to accomplish the roll-out of their new store format in all of their Australian stores by 2020.

STEM Building at The Gap State School to Rise in 2019

The Gap State High School is set to open a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) building that will enhance the skills of its students.

The building is set to open in 2019, a perfect time as the new Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) system will be launched that same year.

Students will be given better resources and materials to investigate on real-world issues and challenges that surround them. With a building dedicated to STEM itself, The Gap SHS will see better-equipped students with the knowledge and skills that will shape a bright future.

The $10-million building will have seven classrooms, four science laboratories, and three learning areas. School principal, Anne McLaughlan is very happy with the news. Ms McLaughlan is thrilled that they will be able to accommodate more students and help with the growing community.

The building will also provide access to world-class science and robotic labs, giving students more chance to dive deeper into the mysteries of the sciences. Senior students will greatly benefit from these new facilities.

STEM lets students make a positive impact in the world through innovation and creativity. Many of the faster growing jobs and industries today need STEM expertise. This field utilises and develops critical thinking and reasoning to solve problems.

The course is offered to Years 9 and 10 students at the school and they can choose the course as a specialist elective.