the gap Archives - Page 9 of 13

Happy Days Food Co: Fast-Food Fine Dining Eatery to Open in The Gap

“Fastfood” and “fine dining” might seem like two contradictory concepts but the owners of an Ashgrove degustation restaurant plans to open Happy Days Food Co in The Gap, which promises to bring the best of both worlds to the suburb.

Wine & Larder Bistro owners James Alcock and Stephanie Fausz hope to deliver a new approach to enjoying high-end food as a fast-food takeaway with Happy Days Food Co. The couple said that there’s nothing quite like their concept in The Gap and it was something they’ve wanted to do for people who enjoy really good food but do not have the time to cook.

Details to Happy Days Food Co’s big opening day are still under wraps but Wine & Larder Bistro teased the shop’s location on Facebook. The upcoming eatery will be at The Gap Village shopping centre on Waterworks Road. It will take over the site of a former fast-food chain, next to Harcourt Solutions.

The takeaway shop will mostly serve Italian food fares as curated by chef Yngve Muldal. Similar to the bistro, customers can expect to order from a selection of luxe salads, different kinds of pasta and stone-baked pizza, as well as specials like braised beef or smoked duck.

James and Stephanie relaunched Wine & Larder Bistro in Ashgrove in 2020, which was formerly the Local Larder & Wine Bar. The couple also expanded the next-door site into the wine shop, Arcade Wine.

After establishing their Ashgrove businesses, the couple set out to explore another venture and came up with the fast-food fine dining concept.

Happy Days Food Co’s price range will be affordable, ensuring the customers will return for more. The restaurant will partner will delivery services like Uber Eats, Door Dash and Deliveroo but customers may also choose to pick up their orders.

Happy Days Food Co targets an April 2021 opening.

Brisbane’s Lowest Number of Vehicle Thefts Found in The Gap

Photo Credit: glassdoctor.com

Did you know that The Gap is one of the suburbs with the lowest incidence of automobile crime in Brisbane?

A News Corps analysis performed on data gathered by the Queensland police has revealed that automobile crimes have increased in comparison to 2019. Despite the rise of vehicular theft and vehicle break-ins all throughout the city, The Gap has been listed as one of the safest suburbs in all of Brisbane in that department.

However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that The Gap is totally in the clear. Data from the Queensland Police indicate that, from April to May 2020, there were eight reported cases of automobile crime. Vehicles were either stolen entirely, or broken into — and most reported cases of theft occurred because valuables were left lying in plain sight inside the car, all while the car doors were left unlocked.

At The Gap, for instance, there were eight reported cases from April to May 2020, occurring in Eranga Street, where a total of three vehicles were targeted, in Michaela Crescent, Exter Street, Malgoa Street, Granton Place, and Tarlinga Street. Half the vehicles targeted had been left unlocked, which only made committing the crime that much easier for thieves.

These valuables consisted of wallets, money, electronic devices, glasses, sunglasses, and even vehicle registration plates. As a response, the police have increased patrols throughout the area.

Lock it or Lose it

Though cases in The Gap are low, it’s still important to remain vigilant. There’s no harm in taking extra steps to keep it that way. Automobile theft is a serious and recurring issue, and data shows that in 37% of all cases, thieves break into homes to steal car keys — which owners tend to leave lying on a table or a hook close to the entrance.

Also, an estimated 18% of cases happen because drivers inadvertently leave their keys inside their vehicle. With such a tempting invitation, all it takes is a few seconds for a thief to break into the car and drive off.

Photo credit: CC-BY/MIKI Yoshihito/Flickr

In order to dissuade most would-be thieves, police have reminded vehicle owners to keep their car doors locked, their car keys secure. And to never leave valuables inside the car.

Additional measures to ensure security include parking in well-lit areas with your wheels towards the curb when in public. Criminals with tow trucks will have a significantly more difficult time attempting to steal vehicles in more.public areas.

To maximise garage security, car owners must ensure that all windows and doors are closed and locked when in the vehicle or when leaving it. Alarms and other theft prevention devices are also recommended.

Residents Petition for New Road Connecting The Gap and Upper Kedron

Residents are actively pushing for a 900-m long shortcut connecting Canvey Rd and Mt Nebo Rd. This stretch of new road would spell a 14-km difference in the daily commute of residents who regularly travel between The Gap and Upper Kedron.

More than 280 signatures have already been collected by Upper Kedron resident Wade Phillips, the proponent of the petition which calls for Brisbane City Council to provide Canvey Rd access to Mt Nebo Rd, The Gap.

“Currently the only way Ferny Grove and Upper Kedron residents to access Waterworks Road is via Settlement Road. This road connection is earmarked as Active Transport (Emergency Services) and Pedestrians only. I seek to open the road for all road users,” Mr Phillips explained.

“No further traffic will utilise Waterworks Road as everyone who will use the Canvey Road connection to Mt Nebo road already uses Settlement Road. This adds 15 minutes (of) transit every day, plus fuel and pollution, and costs.”

The link has been the subject of an unsuccessful lobby by the Ferny Grove Upper Kedron Residents Association (FGUKRA) during the preparation and deliberations for the Ferny Grove – Upper Kedron Neighbourhood Plan in 2018.

At the time, BCC rejected the call, citing the accident rate on Mt Nebo Rd and Mt Glorious Rd, both popular routes for recreational motorbike riders. Today, residents continue to express support the link as it would save those who head into The Gap for work approximately 14 km of driving each day.

To commuters such as those living in the new Ellendale estate, this would make a massive difference, particularly since it’s only 200 m from the nearest Ellendale house to Mt Nebo Rd.

“Allow all traffic to utilise the road, not just emergency vehicles,” Mr Phillips added.

The Gap Keeps 40-Year Santa Sleigh Tradition Flourishing

Santa Claus is coming to The Gap! The jolly old man from the North Pole is, once again, spreading cheer and goodwill around neighbourhoods this Christmas and locals may catch him on his sleigh at designated scheduled stops.

Beginning Saturday, the 7th of Dec 2019, until Friday, the 13th of Dec 2019, residents of The Gap should listen out when Christmas music fills the air from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This will be the cue that Santa Claus is in town and he’ll be parking his Santa Sleigh in a designated area for 20 minutes.

Here’s your chance to bring your children to meet Santa Claus face-to-face. Expectedly, Father Christmas will not be visiting empty-handed. He’ll have some handouts for everyone!

Santa Claus is cruising by the following streets in The Gap on these said nights:

WHEN	WHERE
Saturday 7 Dec	Rivercity Church, Settlement Road (by request)
Sunday 8 Dec	Creekside at Riaweena St East
Monday 9 Dec	Payne Road service road at Kays Road roundabout
Tuesday 10 Dec	Paltarra Street
Wednesday 11 Dec	Wittonga Park, Hilder Road
Thursday 12 Dec	Donegal Street (Cnr Harward St)
Friday 13 Dec	St Peter Chanel School

*Photo Credit: Rotary Ashgrove The Gap/Facebook*

Let the Santa Sleigh elves know if you’re having a street party so that they can swing by and have your guests mingle with jolly old St. Nick!

Santa Sleigh has been running for 40 years and it’s organised by Rotary Ashgrove/The Gap. It’s a laudable effort that brings the community together, as locals and businesses pour their time and resources for free to help Santa complete his annual visits.

Incidentally, Santa needs more helpers to ensure that this tradition continues to be a success. So if you want to experience the spirit of Christmas by spreading goodwill, you can volunteer to become part of Santa Sleigh (and get some exercise as a bonus!).

Contact the Rotary for details.

Pillars of The Gap Art Installation Redesigned and Relocated in Waterworks Road

Have you seen the Pillars of The Gap art installation by the corner of Waterworks Road and Jevons Street? This artwork, designed by local artist Catriona Holland, is the first thing that visitors to Brisbane’s outer suburbs see. It is a landmark to recognise the contributions made by noteworthy members of the community.

The redesigned Pillars of The Gap replaces the old art installation on the Walton Bridge Reserve.

In 2010, Councillor Geraldine Knapp, now retired, sought to put up a memorial for significant locals who have shaped the fabric of The Gap. These first pillars, which were also designed by Ms Holland, were thinner in comparison to the new structure.

First design of Pillars of The Gap from 2010
Photo Credit: Catriona Holland/Facebook

Ms Holland of Access Arts Eight Mile Plains is also credited for her other public artworks at Oriel Park in Ascot, South Bank Parklands and Samford Cemetery.

Councillor Steven Toomey re-commissioned Ms Holland for this project in 2018 to deliver seven colourful and thicker concrete pillars reflecting different themes to define The Gap and its community. The pillars have been relocated to complement The Gap Memorial Place.

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A new art installation in my home suburb has been revealed. Got some nice backlight tonight. #colinbushellphotography #art #artist #artwork #sculpture #artinstallation #thegap #brisbane #streetart #photooftheday #photography #instagood #ppaq_official

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“The tradition has continued of acknowledging pillars of the community who have significantly contributed to the fabric of the community by installation of commemorative plaque on the pillars,” Mr Toomey said.

Mr Toomey also said that The Gap locals may continue to nominate key persons deserving of a spot in one of these these pillars by phoning his office at 3407 1900.

The Gap Kerbside Collection: Other Options For Getting Rid of Your Stuff

On Monday, the 7th of Oct 2019, the Council will once again proceed with its regular kerbside collection in The Gap. Whilst this is a good time to do your spring cleaning, especially with the holidays coming up, it might be better to find other options for getting rid of your stuff if you’ve still got heaps of reusables.

Kerbside collection is a great initiative, but did you know that the acceptable items you put out for disposal will be dumped in the landfills? To be clear, these acceptable items include:

bath and laundry tubs
bicycles and sporting equipment
carpet and rugs
electronic waste (e.g. televisions and computers)
furniture and white goods (e.g. fridges and stoves)
small household appliances (e.g. fans and toasters)
wood products less than 1.5 metres

So, instead of piling these items on kerbside collection day, here are other suggestions for disposal, provided these are still useful.

Bath, Laundry Tubs and Bedding

Got old towels, bedding, sheets, tubs, crates and bowls you no longer use? Give them away at a local animal shelter of your choice rather than putting these out for kerbside collection.

Shelter animals, especially puppies and kittens, will still have a lot of use for these to keep them comfortable and warm inside really cold and hard cages. Shelter workers may also reuse your tubs and bowls for feeding the animals or cleaning the premises.

Furniture, Appliances and White Goods

Old but still working or repairable fridges, stoves, toasters and other furniture, appliances and white goods can be donated to a local charity if you’ve got no family members or friends who might want it.

The Council recommends a few non-profit organisations that accept old household items and you may also bring your second-hand stuff to Council-recommended tip shops in Acacia Ridge or Geebung.

Some organisations have specific needs (e.g. children’s items for a children’s charity, sporting equipment for a disability charity) so be sure to do your diligent research before bringing pre-loved items to their establishment.

For your convenience, these organisations may also arrange for a pick up so you won’t need to transport your things.

*RecyPhoto Credit: Andy Arthur/Flickrcling*

Wood Scraps

Wood scraps and pieces of lumber can be turned into planters, toys and other useful home items. If you’re not a crafty builder then consider donating your wood scraps to a local arts and crafts maker or better yet, commission an artist to turn your trash into a lovely decorative piece, which you may use at your home or give as a gift to your friends.

Electronic Wastes

Keyboards or mouse you hardly touch anymore or dusty joysticks from an old computer gaming equipment may be dropped off at recycling facilities. Find out more details about this at the Department of the Environment and Energy website.

DA Lodged for 95-Place Childcare Centre in The Gap

Pammay Street frontage (Photo Credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

A corner lot located in a low-density residential zone in The Gap will be transformed into a 95-place childcare centre, should a development proposal from Nadi Lane Projects 1 Pty Ltd be approved.

The proposed centre, at 1019-1023 Waterworks Road, is a two-storey building measuring 745 square metres, which includes a staff room, office, pantry, kitchen, reception area, two outdoor play areas and baby play area, as well as undercroft car park for 19 spaces.

Site location (Photo Credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

Vehicle access to the site will be from Pammay Road, a minor road to avoid introducing additional access points to Waterworks Road.

The site is located amongst other community facilities and nearby centres, notably The Gap High School (within 25 metres) and The Gap Village Shopping Centre (within 200 metres).

Lower level floor plan (Photo Credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

A report prepared by Aspect Town Planning on behalf of the applicant states that the proposed childcare centre is identified as being consistent with the overall outcomes of the low-density residential zone. The proposed development has been designed to be respectful of the surrounding built form, being no more than 2 storey’s and 9.5m in height, according to the report.

Upper level floor plan (Photo Credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

Corner of Waterworks Road and Pammay Street (Photo Credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

“Market research and feedback has indicated the need for an additional childcare centre within The Gap area, although to be appropriately sized and located,” the application said.

The majority of existing long daycare places (179 of 275 total places) within The Gap are positioned along Payne Road which is south of the subject. Two other centres, with both 48 places, service the Waterworks Road at present.

Two dwelling houses on the subject site will have to be demolished to accommodate the development. If approved, the childcare centre will take in children ages 0-5 years and will operate from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm, Monday to Friday.

For more information about the development application, see Full DA – A005271157.

The Gap to Spring Hill 380 Bus Route Ranked Worst in Brisbane

Did you know that the 380 bus route between The Gap and Spring Hill has had the highest number of blow outs and delays in the last financial year? As a result, commuters have ranked this bus service as the worst route in Brisbane and there’s a strong clamor for its improvements.

On average, the 380 bus route is 12 minutes behind its 35-minute schedule. While its delay is only second to the 100 bus service on Forest Lake, which runs 13 minutes behind schedule, the 380 bus route has had 34 percent of blow outs compared to 24 percent for the 100 bus route.

According to Public Transport Chair Krista Adams, these delays will be solved with the planned construction and improvement of the Brisbane Metro. The $944 million infrastructure project is expected to begin construction in 2019 with a targeted 2023 completion date.

Despite this massive road project, bus routes will still struggle if the service itself will not be improved and reformed.

“The patronage is really struggling on Brisbane’s buses because it’s taking too long for people to be able to get where they need to go,” Jared Cassidy from the Labor said. “But also as important is reliability — not just in terms of turning up on time, but also in terms of getting you to the end destination on time.”

Rebecca Michael of RACQ identified some of the problems plaguing Brisbane’s bus services, such as multiple transfers and inefficient timetabling and relayed complaints from the public towards any efforts made to fix these problems.

Wittonga Park Upgrades in The Gap Now Complete

Residents of The Gap now have a new reason to celebrate as the upgrades to Wittonga Park along Alutha Road have been completed. Councillor Steve Toomey confirmed on social media that these upgrades, which were initiated over two months ago, may now be enjoyed by the locals.

First up, a new parking area with 16 bays and easily accessible parkways has been added to Wittonga Park. It’s close to the new BMX track and perfect for the occasional outdoor movie nights in the area.

Work on the parking space
Photo Credit: Cr Steven Toomey/Facebook

After the completion of the parking space
Photo Credit: Cr Steven Toomey/Facebook

Young and active kids have since been using the challenging BMX tracks at Wittonga Park when it opened in early July. This dirt bike circuit is bigger, slightly higher and better for testing your skills.

“If you like to have air between your wheels and the ground, this is the place to be,” Mr Toomey said.

Work on the BMX Track
Photo Credit: Cr Steven Toomey/Facebook

After the completion of the BMX Track
Photo Credit: Cr Steven Toomey/Facebook

Meanwhile, past the bike tracks near Alutha Road is the Dog Park, which has a new encasement. There are also additional shaded areas with seating for dog owners to hang around whilst they watch their furry pets play.

*Photo Credit: Cr Steven Toomey/Facebook*

Wittonga Park may be accessed by car or on foot. It’s a wonderful place to bring family members outdoors to enjoy the picturesque atmosphere or to do your regular exercises, walks and sports activities with friends.

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.