Enoggera Archives - Page 3 of 3

Platypus Population Has Disappeared in Enoggera, 4 Other Sites

Experts from the University of Queensland have discovered that five creeks and waterways in Brisbane, including Enoggera, no longer have any platypus or platypus DNA.

In the last five years, the researchers sampled 54 waterways in and around Brisbane to determine the presence of the semi-aquatic animal, where 36 areas had previously recorded sightings.

After repeated samplings and tests, the researchers determined that the platypus population has disappeared in Enoggera, Bremer River, Kedron Brook, Scrubby and Slacks Creeks.

Researcher Tamielle Brunt said that these creeks and waterways have become uninhabitable to the platypus. It used to be easy to detect their presence since they swim and defecate in the water, leaving their skin and hair cells in the water samples.

But as Enoggera has been drying up, Ms Brunt said that the platypus will need a more permanent water source for their food, their safety and their procreation.

The expert said that there are many factors that contribute to making the Brisbane waterways uninhabitable for the platypus, aside from the ongoing droughts. Ms Brunt cited that the cutting of native trees, soil erosion and increase in sedimentation, and the damming system have made natural pools of water shallower for these animals.

The researcher said that they are still gathering more data to mitigate the effects of urbanisation on these species. Her team is aiming to understand what else can be done to rehabilitate the waterways and creeks, as well as protect and keep tabs on the species that inhabit these sites.

Level Up Your Fitness with Indoor Wall Climbing at 9 Degrees Brisbane in Enoggera

Trying to manage one’s weight to keep fit in the face of all the holiday indulgences is no mean feat. A big shoutout to the folks at 9 Degrees Brisbane, located at 72 Pickering Street in Enoggera, where fitness activities are always fun and available, even through the holidays!

9 Degrees Brisbane is a fun, multicoloured playground for both kids and grownups. With over 120 boulder routes, which change designs every so often, newbie climbers can tackle the easy routes to literally get the hang of this activity. Elite climbers, on the other hand, can safely practice their techniques regardless of the weather conditions outside.

The boulders’ levels of difficulty are colour-coded so climbers can easily spot their target. The bouldering wall was designed to give every person a challenging but fun experience with the highest peak at 4.5 metres. It goes from an easy trail to a steep incline, to a higher and steeper degree.

*Photo Credit: 9 Degrees Brisbane/Facebook*

Climbing walls used to be exclusive to experienced rock climbers who scale the heights outdoors against a tough mountain. Today, it has become a social and fitness activity rolled into one, where all kinds of people could challenge themselves and try to reach the wall’s peak in an air-conditioned facility.

Concerned for your safety? 9 Degrees Brisbane has helpful trainers guiding climbers, especially the ones who might be intimated on their initial visits. The floors are padded to cushion accidental falls but it is generally a safe climb with hardly any incident.

9 Degrees Brisbane has no age limit, however, children and teens under 16 years old must climb with an adult. Before tackling the boulders, climbers will need to disclose to the staff if they have pre-existing conditions for their own safety.

In between climbing breaks, guests may take a have coffee, snacks or power drinks at the cafe stationed within the facility.

9 Degrees Brisbane is open for membership for those who’d like to use the facility regularly to boost their fitness routine. The site is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The site will be open for most of the holiday break, including Boxing Day. Refer to their Facebook Page for their Christmas and New Year schedule.

Why It’s Best to Shop for Kids’ Christmas Gifts at Enoggera’s K and K Creative Toys

Shopping must be high up on your to-do list in the next few weeks with the holidays fast approaching. But if you’re pressed for time and you need Christmas gifts for kids, you’ll likely find it all in one sweep at the K and K Creative Toys in Enoggera.

K and K Creative Toys is the preferred place for parents looking to buy toys, books and games for their kids. Their inventory boasts items you won’t easily find anywhere else, including toys you’ve played as a child.

This wonderful store, which has been trading since 1964 and is currently under the proprietorship of Lorraine Hayes, specialises in interesting and unique educational toys that allow children to learn whilst having fun.

*Photo Credit: K and K Creative Toys/Facebook*

“Young Australians’ early knowledge of the concepts and actions which are the cornerstones of education and learning, is largely based on experience,” Ms Hayes said.

“Whether that’s through playing with their toes in the crib, tugging on mum’s hair, unpacking the kitchen cupboard, trying to ‘taste’ the garden soil, or their habit of constantly asking ‘why?’– Clearly, play is one of education’s best tools,” she added.

In time for the holidays, K and K Creative Toys has released its Christmas Catalogue in-store and online for your Christmas gift shopping.

Shopping at their website during this season affords customers with free shipping for orders over $125. However, there’s a good reason to also visit their brick-and-mortar store at 196 Wardell Street as K and K Creative Toys has its free gift-wrapping services.

K and K Creative Toys opens Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The store doesn’t have operations on Sunday. If you have any questions or you’re looking for a special item, you may also email Ms Hayes at toys@kandkcreativetoys.com.au.

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.