the gap Archives - Page 11 of 13

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.

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

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.

Payne Road State School & Nearby Schools Show Support For Active Travel School Program

Payne Road State School in The Gap is encouraging their students to lead a healthier lifestyle as they join Brisbane City Council’s Active Travel School (ATS) program.

As part of the ATS program, PRSS held an assembly at the school on 28 February to give the children an overview of the program. The school also launched a “Golden Boot” event, which will happen on 9 March, to make the ATS a fun activity for everyone.

On the day, students will be wearing their coloured house shirts and meet at their designated House Park at 7:45 a.m. From there, they will walk, ride or scoot to school with their designated House groups or even with their family and friends.

Upon reaching the school, they will get their Passport stamped. After all these, students can enjoy free pancakes, toasted sandwiches, and orange quarters for breakfast before the first bell.

The ATS provides Brisbane primary schools with free resources, tools, and incentives to let students, parents, and teachers leave their vehicles at home and actively travel to school.

The program’s aim is to create healthier and more active students and parents. This also promotes better road safety awareness among students and families. In the process, it helps create safer streets and reduce traffic congestion at the school gate.

Schools Need Active Travel

The ATS program is in line with the recommendations by The Australian Health Policy Collaboration (AHPC), which released a report titled “Active School Travel: Pathways to a Healthy Future.”

The report showed how kids and young people are not getting the proper amount of physical activity. The research also recommended forming active environments that will prioritise pedestrians and cyclists.

There have been many cases of speeding in school zones around Brisbane, causing parents to worry about the safety of their children. Through the ATS program, the council and participating schools would come up with initiatives to promote safety on the roads, particularly in school areas.

Also earlier this month, the Ferny Grove State School took the crazy sock approach to launch their attempt at the golden boot this year. The students wore “crazy” and colourful socks to school to show their support for the ATS program.

Childcare Centre Development Applications on Payne Road in The Gap Stirs Tension Between Residents & Developers

Goldie St. in The Gap is facing challenging times as residents come together to rally against a childcare centre development in the area.

Specifically located at 81-85 Payne Rd, a proposed childcare facility called the C&K centre aims to cater to 114 children in a 2-storey building.

Residents are apprehensive as the development could create congestion on the busy road and a safety hazard in their neighbourhood. The road is home to pensioners, young families and people with disability and mobility issues.

The residents said that they are not totally against childcare facilities in their suburb. However, they hope that the developers as well as the Brisbane City Council will find spaces that are more apt for such developments, and not locations that will disrupt residential living.

They also want the development to be aligned with the new The Gap Neighbourhood Plan.

The new neighbourhood plan states that the population only expects to see 700-900 new residents over the next ten years. This contradicts the current approvals for five other childcare centre applications in the suburb.

Same Issue On the Same Road

One childcare centre application at 10-14 Payne Road has been lodged last year, with plans to develop what once was a three-storey brick office building into a childcare centre with an established commercial district centre. The centre can accommodate 117 children.

The site where the old office lies hasn’t been used for over 20 years. Some residents are very eager to finally see some development in the area. Others don’t think that a childcare centre is appropriate for the area due to the lack of green space. Others are getting concerned over the traffic that it may cause.

The Council Speaks Up

Cr Steve Toomey has already met with the residents to listen to their concerns and the council has responded urging the developer to respond to the council’s concerns and to seek community feedback. The residents, on the other hand, are encouraged to voice out their concerns when the opportunity arises.

The Gap & Other Brisbane Suburbs Tackling Hoarding & Squalor Problems

The Gap is one of the suburbs in Brisbane recorded with multiple cases of hoarding and squalor. In the past financial year, the Brisbane City Council has gotten 6,227 complaints, which is 364 more than the complaints received last financial year.

The other eight suburbs with multiple cases are:

Brighton
Calamvale
Coorparoo
Fairfield
Graceville
Tarragindi
Tingalpa
Windsor

The council tackles this problem through their response program specifically targeted towards hoarding and squalor. The program was established in 2015 and so far has gotten over 19,000 complaints.

Compulsive hoarding

– difficulty discarding items of limited value & discarding those items causes them distress
– cluttered living environments restricting a normal life

Domestic squalor

– high volume of waste, dirt and grime
– presence of pests
– presence of rotting food
– hoarded materials

In Australia, an estimated 2.6% of people are affected by compulsive hoarding whilst a 2016 Census data, up to 30,000 people may be affected by compulsive hoarding within the Brisbane local government area.

Compulsive hoarding and severe domestic squalor are two distinct mental health issues. The council sees cases of hoarding and squalor as the most complex and challenging as there is no quick fix. Resolving issues cooperatively is what the council aims for but they also have an obligation to protect the health and safety of neighbouring residents and the community.

The Initiative

This has led the council to develop the Initiative, a two-year pilot project that ran through July 2014 to June 2017 where a Resident Liaison Officer (RLO) worked closely with affected residents and support agencies and helped address complex mental health and other personal issues. The RLO was funded for specialist decluttering and cleaning support. It was a success thus the council extended it by providing funding in the 2016-17 and 2017-18 budgets.

The Initiative provides intensive case management and collaborative support to residents who live with hoarding and squalor conditions as well as those who are affected by them. The council is now recognised as a local government leader in tackling hoarding and squalor and continues to work with the Local Government Association of Queensland to develop best practices for other local governments.

There is also a public health order under the Public Health Act 2005 issued to require the recipient of the order to take action from removing, reducing or controlling the risk to public health from a public health risk. This applies to hoarding and squalor. Failure to comply a fine up to $15,000 must be paid.

According to Cr Matthew Bourke, the council’s lifestyle chairman, the council is doing everything in their power to control hoarding and squalor in Brisbane but the owner of the property must also be responsible in keeping his or her property safe and clean at all times.

Enjoy Good Music & Local Produce at The Gap Sunlit Sounds Festival

On the 23rd December, enjoy the Sunlit Sounds Festival again at the Hilder Road State School in The Gap starting at 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This is the perfect way for you to just have fun before Christmas day!

Presented by The Gap Farmers Markets, there will be five bands to play indie music:

Major Leagues
Julia R Anderson
The Double Happiness
Candybomber
Weekend Hysteria

Enjoy some fresh produce whilst you enjoy good music at the festival. The produce includes fresh season fruit and vegetables, hand cured meats, free-range eggs, fresh Italian pasta and many more.

There will also be food trucks present and activities for the kids to enjoy.

Entrance for adults is $5, kids are free of charge.