upper kedron Archives - The Gap Today

Upper Kedron Groups Score Big with Ellendale Grants

Upper Kedron is celebrating a wave of positive change thanks to the generosity of Cedar Woods’ Ellendale Community Grants. The grants, totalling $10,000, have been distributed to four local groups, empowering them to enhance their programmes and services.

Ferny Grove State School P&C is among the beneficiaries, which received $5,000 to purchase robotics kits. This exciting initiative will expand the school’s digital curriculum, introducing younger students to coding and making learning more engaging. The kits will benefit 300 junior school students, providing valuable hands-on experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Another recipient, Westside Grovely Football Club, received $2,000 to purchase portable aluminium goals. These goals will enhance training sessions for the club’s 250 junior players, aged from under 6 to under 15. By providing smaller, age-appropriate goals, the club aims to make training more realistic and enjoyable for young players.

Ellandale — *Ellendale Development Manager John Kibble and FGSS Principal Matthew*
*Meharg with junior school students.*
*Photo Credit: Supplied*

Samford Netball Club was also awarded a $1,000 grant to replace worn-out field lightbulbs. This investment will improve the quality of lighting for night games, ensuring a safe and enjoyable playing environment for all.

Finally, St John Wood/The Gap Conference of the St Vincent De Paul Society received $2,000 to support its vital work in the community. The funds will cover education costs, living expenses, and purchasing essential items such as sanitary products, nappies, and baby formula.

As Ellendale continues to grow, Cedar Woods remains committed to fostering a sense of belonging and supporting the initiatives that make the community a special place to live.

Published Date 05-September-2024

Major Ed Orszulak from Upper Kedron Continues Epic Trek for Camp Quality Fundraiser

Photo Credit: Australian Government Defence

Major Ed Orszulak from Upper Kedron and ACT Fire Rescue senior firefighter Sebastian Boehm are making significant strides in their 2,740-km walking journey from Brisbane to Melbourne, all in support of Camp Quality, a charity dedicated to helping children battling cancer.

As of August 2024, Major Orszulak and Boehm have reached Coffs Harbour, choosing it as a key rest stop on their epic 2,740-kilometer walk for a cause. The pair took the opportunity to meet with local families involved with Camp Quality and invited community members to join them for a portion of their walk.

Reflecting on their progress, Major Orszulak shared, “The legs are feeling good; they get a bit sore at the end of the day, especially during the first three days when we got blisters and could only walk one hour at a time before taking a break.” He added that their feet have toughened up significantly, allowing them to now average about 45 kilometers a day, walking for up to three hours before needing a break.

Walk for a Cause

On 23 July 2024, Major Orszulak, alongside ACT Fire Rescue senior firefighter Sebastian Boehm, started walking in Brisbane and will aim to complete 2,720 kilometres over 70 days to reach Melbourne’s Federation Square. This ambitious expedition is part of Camp Quality’s annual Big Walk for Little Kids fundraising campaign.

Major Orszulak, a dedicated volunteer for Camp Quality for 11 years, views this challenge as minor compared to the struggles of children dealing with cancer. His inspiration came from a friend who spoke highly of Camp Quality’s positive impact on young lives. In 2016, he was part of a group that climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, raising $35,000 for the cause. This time, the goal is significantly higher at $250,000.

Logistical Planning and Support

Upper Kedron’s Major Ed Orszulak — *Photo Credit: Camp Quality*

The journey is meticulously planned. Major Orszulak and Boehm aim to cover 48 to 50 kilometres daily, including 13 rest days. Their route will rely on Army Reserve depots and accommodations offered by volunteers. A support crew, potentially including an Army Reserve cook and a medic from the 2nd Brigade, will accompany them to ensure their needs are met.

Physical Challenges and Preparation

Major Orszulak is determined to complete the trek despite recent surgical procedures, including a hip replacement and knee surgery. His surgeon is confident in his recovery, assuring him that his hip is stronger than ever.

Major Orszulak acknowledges that his biggest personal challenge will be managing his physical condition, especially his feet. With the support of Injinji Performance Products, which provides high-quality toe socks, he hopes to mitigate potential foot problems.

Community and Family Support

The journey would not have been possible without the robust support of the chain of command at Headquarters 1st (Australian) Division and his family. Karen, the partner of Major Ed Orszulak, and his family will actively support him, increasing awareness through social media and joining him for parts of the trek. His son is also expected to participate during the final week of the journey.

Published Date 18-July-2024

Bureaucratic Delays Stifle Suburban Growth in Upper Kedron: The Unopened Bridge

Photo Credit: Ferny Grove & Upper Kedron Residents Association/Facebook

Residents in a fast-growing housing estate in Upper Kedron are facing significant disruptions due to bureaucratic delays that have kept a brand-new bridge closed to the public for over six months.

Daily Inconveniences

The bridge, built by developer Cedar Woods Properties and dubbed by locals as the “Never Never Open Bridge,” was intended to provide a second entry and exit point for the estate, easing commutes and reducing travel time for local residents. The prolonged closure of the bridge, currently barricaded, has forced residents to take longer routes, increasing travel times and causing daily inconveniences.

Local businesses are also feeling the pinch. The delayed bridge opening has meant less foot traffic and fewer customers for shops and services within the estate. Business owners are concerned that prolonged delays could lead to a decline in revenue and ultimately affect the viability of their operations.

The community feels the absence of this critical infrastructure in their daily lives, and the economic repercussions are becoming more apparent.

Safety concerns are another issue arising from the delay. With only one entry and exit point, emergency response times could be affected, posing a risk to residents in emergencies. The blocked bridge also forces more traffic onto the existing routes, increasing the likelihood of accidents and congestion.

Timeline of Administrative Delays

October 2022

The Queensland Department of Resources provided pre-lodgement advice to relevant stakeholders, highlighting the requirement to submit an application to dedicate state land as a road.

November 2023

Cedar Woods Properties lodged an application with the Brisbane City Council to create a road reserve for the newly constructed bridge.

April 2024

The Department of Resources received the application from Brisbane City Council, despite regulations being highlighted two years prior.
Brisbane City Council completed the application to the Queensland Government for consent.

June 2024

Approval for the land transfer was received from the State Government.
Brisbane City Council insisted that all required documentation to open the bridge was supplied to the developer two years ago, but the developer only finalised it this year.
The Department of Resources expedited the application process and is now working with the Brisbane City Council to finalise it.

Expected Timeline

Registration and opening of the bridge are anticipated to take 4-6 weeks from June 2024, once the administrative processes are completed.

Upper Kedron Bridge — Photo Credit: Taylor Johnson/Facebook

Proposed Solutions and Reforms

Comparing Upper Kedron’s situation to other suburbs facing similar issues provides insight into how such problems can be addressed. In other regions, streamlined processes and better communication between developers and government agencies have helped expedite approvals and reduce delays.

Experts suggest several solutions to mitigate such delays in the future. These include:

Improved Coordination: Enhancing coordination between developers, local councils, and state governments to ensure all parties are aligned.

Streamlined Approval Processes: Simplifying and speeding up approval processes to prevent prolonged delays.

Transparent Communication: Keeping the community informed about the status of projects and any issues that arise to maintain trust and cooperation.

Accountability Measures: Implementing accountability measures to ensure that delays are promptly addressed and resolved.

The residents of Upper Kedron remain hopeful that the bureaucratic hurdles will soon be overcome, allowing them to fully enjoy the benefits of the new bridge and the improved connectivity it promises.

Published 8-July-2024

Upper Kedron Residents and Minister Exasperated by Delays in Ellendale Bridge Opening

Residents in Upper Kedron are outraged by a prolonged two-year delay in obtaining approval to open a new bridge in the rapidly growing Ellendale estate.

Locals of the burgeoning northside community are currently compelled to take a 5-kilometre detour to visit relatives mere hundreds of meters away, due to the prolonged delay in securing a road reserve permit.

One local shared that she has to take a long detour to visit her son-in-law who lives on the other side of the bridge. Max Crane, a spokesperson for the Ferny Grove & Upper Kedron Residents Association, criticized the project’s applications, which have led to inefficiencies and real-life consequences for residents.

The Brisbane City Council, however, attributes the delay to the developer, Cedar Woods Properties (CWP), for not submitting necessary plans and certifications promptly. CWP has responded by stating it expects the bridge to open within six to eight weeks following a fast-tracked approval process by the Department of Resources.

The company also confirmed the recent opening of Levitt Rd and Minnie St, following upgrades linked to the bridge construction. The company emphasised that the Brockman Rd bridge serves as a secondary, not primary, access point to the estate, underscoring their commitment to safety by installing bollards to restrict access during the approval process.

Agriculture Minister Mark Furner has echoed the frustration among the community members. He has openly criticized the Council for its sluggish response in applying for the necessary approvals. According to him, the delay could have been avoided had the Council acted more promptly. Despite the Council’s claim of persistent reminders to CWP, the essential application for road reserve was only lodged in late April 2024, long after the bridge’s construction was completed.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson from the Department of Resources acknowledged the application’s receipt and emphasised its priority status. As the administrative processes for registering the new roads and bridges near completion, CWP, in collaboration with the Council, is gearing up for the eventual bridge opening.

Published 17-June-2024

Cyclist Collides with Kangaroo in Upper Kedron

Photo does not depict the actual kangaroo in the story. Photo Credit: Graham Holtshausen/Unsplash

A cyclist in his 40s had a heart-stopping encounter with a kangaroo early one morning in Upper Kedron and ended up in the hospital.

The incident occurred on Friday, 29 Sept 2023, at approximately 5:30 a.m. on Lochinvar Rd. The cyclist, whose identity has not been disclosed, was cruising along the road when he hit a kangaroo that darted out onto the road unexpectedly.

The force of the impact sent the cyclist tumbling, leaving him with injuries that required immediate medical attention. Emergency services were promptly dispatched to the scene, and paramedics provided vital first aid before transporting the injured cyclist to a nearby hospital. Fortunately, the victim is reported to be in stable condition and is expected to recover from his injuries.

In an unrelated incident in the early hours of the same morning, another man had a similar brush with a kangaroo, highlighting the unusual dangers faced by motorists and cyclists in some parts of Queensland.

This second incident occurred at 3:42 a.m. on Innes Park Rd in Bundaberg, located in the southern region of Queensland. The victim, riding a motorbike, collided with a kangaroo that suddenly appeared on the road. He was transported to the hospital for medical evaluation and treatment.

Authorities in Queensland have long cautioned residents and visitors about the potential risks associated with wildlife encounters on the state’s roads, particularly in areas where kangaroos and other native animals are known to be active during the night and early morning hours.

Drivers and cyclists are advised to exercise caution, particularly in areas prone to wildlife crossings.

Published 2-Oct-2023

Ellendale Stage 5 Development in Upper Kedron Rejected

Council has denied the development application for Stage 5 of the Ellendale housing project in Upper Kedron, citing concerns about the earthworks and their impact on vegetation, ecology, and biodiversity.

In the decision report filed for DA A005255683, Council delegate John Neville underscored that the proposed plans were deemed unacceptable because the earthworks will alter the topography along the waterway corridors and take out a significant portion of the Eucalyptus trees on the site.

“Stage 5A, 5B, 5C, earthworks filling of the mapped waterway corridors conflict with the Stormwater code as the development does not maximise the use of natural waterway corridors on the site, “ the report stated. “Due to the proposed filling, there is no protection of environmental values of receiving waters, no use of the natural waterway corridors and drainage path for fauna movement, and the basins will require extensive earthworks in cut and the use of tiered retaining walls.”

Photo Credit: Developmenti Brisbane City Council

Huntsman Property, the developer, also failed to submit proper documentation of its compliance to the Bushfire overlay code. Neville cited that the developer had outstanding issues with its Bushfire reporting and still has not demonstrated acceptable measures to curb the risk of bushfires.

The advocacy group PlanRight Upper Kedron hailed the rejection as a win but also reminded the residents that the “fight is not yet over.”

“Ellendale do have an opportunity to appeal the decision or resubmit a new Development Application,” the group said. “In that regard, we continue to extend our support for dialogue with Ellendale so that any next steps they attempt are done in a collaborative fashion and to avoid the problems, stress and cost endured by all to this point.”

The Ellendale housing project has had a number of controversies since it received preliminary approval from former Planning Minister Jackie Trad. Residents have opposed the development early on because of its outcome on the environment.

Photo Credit: Ellendale Estate/Google Maps

Stage 5 was supposed to expand the development to connect sections of Halifax Street to the south section of the project, which had been Stage 1.

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.