Food waste drop zones and FREE flood-impacted kerbside collection service and resource recovery centres have been introduced in Nundah and selected areas in Brisbane, as floodwaters begin to subside and Brisbane braces for a massive clean-up.
Emergency bins for food waste have been placed across the city starting Wednesday 2 March 2022 whilst resource recovery centres have started accepting flood- and rain-damaged goods.
From Nundah, the nearest recovery centre is the Nudgee Resource Recovery Centre, which is around 6.7-km away via Nudgee Rd. It’s open from 6:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. daily, including public holidays.
Photo credit: Kent Spencer Mendez/Pexels
Nudgee Resource Recovery Centre receives vehicles with a combined gross vehicle mass (CGVM) over 4.5 tonnes. Please note that weight is measured via the weighbridge upon entering the resource recovery centre.
Food Waste Drop Zones
Photo credit: Sarah Chai/Pexels
Residents can leave any spoiled food from households impacted by the flood and loss of power on emergency food waste bins.
Food waste bins will be pods of 360-litre bins and will be signed to indicate ‘food waste only’ drop off. These orange and red top bins will be monitored and collected by Council contractors on a daily basis.
Below are the drop zones in Nundah and other North Brisbane areas, which have been made available for 3 and 4 March 2022:
Nundah – Hedley Avenue, Primrose Lane
Albion – Beaumont Street, Fox Street, Sandgate Road
Bardon – Norman Buchan Park
Chermside – Murphy Road
Chermside West – Maundrell Terrace
Clayfield – Widdop Street
Deagon – Hickson Road
Everton Park – Pullen Road
McDowall – Pleshette Place and Rode Road
Mitchelton – Blackwood Street
Newstead – Ross Street
Nudgee – Earnshaw Road
Nudgee Beach – Fortitude Street
Pinkenba – McBride Road
Wilston – Edmonstone Street
Windsor – Blackmore Street, Grafton Street, Green Terrace, Swan Terrace
After postponing the regular kerbside collection service, BCC launched a special flood-affected kerbside collection. Starting Wednesday 2 March, households can leave material on the footpath for Council contractors to remove. This service is now rolling out in selected areas that experienced creek flooding before moving into areas impacted by the Brisbane River.
Residents who lost their bin due to flooding can send an email via northgate.ward@bcc.qld.gov.au or call 3403 2210 to organise for another one.
The accessibility upgrades will feature a range of improvements, including a new additional pedestrian footbridge with lift access; full-length raised platforms and extended platform shelters; and upgraded hearing loops and tactile platform surfaces.
Locals can also expect upgraded security cameras and lighting throughout the station as well as new wayfinding and platform signage.
Platform view (Photo credit: Queensland Rail)
Aside from Banyo Station, Bundamba Station will also undergo some upgrades. Queensland Rail has released the final designs for both stations, encouraging feedback from the local community via an online survey from Monday 14 February to 5:00 p.m. Friday 25 February 2022.
The works are part of the Queensland Government’s $500 million investment in the Station Accessibility Upgrade program across South East Queensland, which seeks to improve the customer experience and accessibility for all customers on the network.
Aerial view (Photo credit: Queensland Rail)
The Station Accessibility Upgrade Program by Queensland Rail focused on upgrading stations and facilities in the State to provide a service that is accessible, easy to get to, and easy to use.
Queensland Rail said these upgrades will significantly improve access for all customers, particularly people with disability, older people, people traveling with prams or luggage, and people recovering from injury.
“We are progressively upgrading stations across the South East Queensland rail network to make them accessible for all customers,” said Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey.
“These important upgrades make a big difference in the lives of locals who rely on public transport to get around and I’m pleased to see this next stage of the upgrade get underway,” Mr Bailey added.
Member for Nudgee Leanne Linard was pleased to share artist impressions for Banyo station with her community, which for the first time provided a glimpse into how the project will transform the existing station.
“This upgrade is welcomed by my community who have pushed for these improvements for a long time,” Ms Linard said in a media release.
“The benefits this will deliver will reach far and wide for all those who rely on public transport on a regular basis,” Ms Linard said.
As Queensland welcomed the first unvaccinated occupants at the Wellcamp facility in Toowoomba, some questions remain about the status of the Pinkenba quarantine hub that was supposed to be built for the same purpose.
In August 2021, the Federal Government signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a section of Damascus Barracks in Pinkenba as a purpose-built quarantine facility for travellers arriving in Brisbane. The site was chosen due to its proximity to the Brisbane International Airport and the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, removing the pressure off the hands of quarantine hotels around the city so they could resume normal operations.
But the Wellcamp facility, also known as the Queensland Regional Accommodation Centre, was also built by the State Government earlier than the Pinkenba site and has officially opened in the first week of February 2022. During the press conference to confirm the arrival of its first occupants, Deputy Premier Steven Miles did not have any concrete updates on the Pinkenba quarantine facility.
This site has a one-year lease with an option with its private landlords that could be extended to three years. Currently, some 500 beds have been prepared for the occupants, which are a mix of tourists, workers and students, but another 500 beds are expected to be ready by April.
The projections for the number of beds were based on the number of individuals quarantined at hotels, both vaccinated or unvaccinated. However, as of February 2022, Queensland has lifted the quarantine requirements for vaccinated arrivals, which means there would be fewer beds needed at Wellcamp.
The Pinkenba site, on the other hand, is projected to start construction in mid-2022 and thus not yet ready to take in arrivals to Brisbane.
Since the Pinkenba site’s land is owned by the government, it may remain as a quarantine hub or a disaster management facility for future use. Federal sources also said it may also be repurposed as a temporary housing village for the refugees.
“Whilst it will be used for any ongoing quarantine requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic, it will also be there in the years to come to support responses to natural disasters or other crises,” Federal Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said.
“Unlike state proposals, the Pinkenba site is appropriately close to Brisbane International Airport and all necessary medical facilities, including three major hospitals.
“Multiplex is making strong progress in its work to deliver a similar purpose-built quarantine facility in Victoria, and I am pleased that we will be able to draw on their experience and expertise to deliver this centre in Queensland.”
Gateway Patrol Group police are tapping CCTV systems as a crucial investigative tool in solving serious crime as thieves continue to target cars in Nundah, particularly the areas between Boyd Road, Hamson Terrace, Tufnell Street and Vernon Street.
Residents are reminded to report suspicious activity or vehicles to the police and provide them with CCTV or dash cam footage if they happen to have any. Police use CCTV footage in the investigation and possibly as evidence in order to swiftly resolve cases, especially for serious crimes.
Research findings suggest that CCTV generates “significant crime reductions” particularly in residential areas. CCTV can potentially assist police after the commission of crimes: improve the response of personnel to emergencies, provide visual evidence for use in criminal investigations, and secure early guilty pleas from offenders.
To make utilisation of this tool more efficient, residents across the North Brisbane Gateway Patrol Group, including Boondall, Carseldine, Sandgate, Hendra and Stafford police divisions, who own and operate a CCTV system are encouraged to register with the Community Camera Alliance.
What is the Community Camera Alliance program?
Photo credit: Queensland Police Service / police.qld.gov.au
Community Camera Alliance is a QPS initiative to help prevent crime by encouraging the registration of closed-circuit television systems (CCTV). By voluntarily registering a CCTV system, police would be able to know where one is located within the community, potentially reducing investigation times since locating these security cameras can be time-consuming.
If you have a CCTV system that you would like to register, you need to provide some information.
For CCTV systems at home:
your full name (as it appears on your driver’s licence)
your current residential address
your contact details and some details regarding your CCTV system.
For CCTV systems at your business premises:
full trading name of the business
the physical address of the business
contact details for the owner and operator of the CCTV system
The information provided during registration will be stored in QPRIME – an existing secure database solely utilised and accessed by members of the QPS. These details may then be accessed for purposes of investigating a crime and CCTV footage may be used for court purposes.
You may notify police and request removal of your registration through the Brisbane North Gateway Patrol Group if you change your mind, move to a new location, or need to remove your CCTV system.
Did you know that the North Brisbane Vegan Markets, a monthly foodie event that started in late 2021, is back at the Toombul Shopping Centre in Nundah?
If you missed the relaunch in January 2022, you can still mark your calendars for the upcoming North Brisbane Vegan Markets schedules for two Sundays — 20 February and 20 March!
Organised by Brisbane Vegan Markets, this monthly Sunday event will feature some 30 stalls for vegan eats, drinkies, shopping, and charities. Seize the chance to sample a variety of healthy choices, guaranteed without animal products, and score some cruelty-free merchandise as well.
During the relaunch, regular favourites like Vegan Yumm, an all-vegan, dairy-free and egg-free bakehouse based in Everton Park, and Grass Fed Vegan, a vegan burger and ice cream house from South Brisbane welcomed patrons in long lines.
The North Brisbane Vegan Markets opens from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with no entry free. Families may bring their pets as this obviously an animal-friendly event. To spice up the mood, live music will be playing as patrons do their vegan shopping.
Photo Credit: BrisbaneVeganMarkets/Facebook
According to research from Roy Morgan, the number of vegan adults in Australia has increased to almost 11.2 per cent of the general population in 2016. Choices of plant-based food sources and meals have been rising as well as more people adopt a healthier lifestyle.
“The food industry has responded with an increase in the range of products that are available and the labelling of vegan-friendly products as well,” said Queensland Public Health Nutritionist Mathew Dick.
The Chocolate Factory experience that has been making waves in Paris and Barcelona has finally reached Brisbane! Happening from 17 February 2022 at the Toombul Shopping Centre, here are five reasons why you must not miss this sweet sensation that’s coming to town.
Ever wondered what it feels like to get inside one of the most surreal chocolate factories in the world? Make it a day to remember by taking chocolatey photo experiences with all kinds of chocolate and candies, from the giant biscuits and marshmallows to lollipops and cupcakes. Take the best picture and upload it on social media for a chance to win special prizes.
The Cupcake Room, where you can find a giant trampoline, will have you jumping up and down for joy. Check out Cloudland, The Ball Pit, and the Gingerbread Town too.
Kids (or kids at heart!) can play at the ball pit and simply have fun. The experience will last for 45 minutes to an hour so there’s enough time to play and take all the selfies you want.
Guests will not only be able to admire the magical sweets because they will be able to eat some, too! If the treats are not enough, there will be vending machines to allow for purchase of food and drinks.
For everyone’s safety, government health guidelines will be strictly implemented, including wearing a mask in indoor spaces and placing hand sanitising stations throughout the venue.
Happening Thursdays to Sundays from February 2022 at the Toombul Shopping Centre. For more information, including where to buy your tickets, visit their website.
Brisbane Airport Corporation is seeking Expressions of Interest from reputable businesses and groups to become the track and event operator of BNE Auto Mall, its largest non-aviation project.
Video Still: Brisbane Airport / YouTube
Situated on a 51.3-ha site next to the International Terminal, the BNE Auto Mall is a $1-billion mixed-use project that is envisioned to become a vibrant, new research, retail, and events hub, as well as a business precinct. The development has the potential for 24/7 operations.
The centrepiece of the project is a 2.4-km performance track co-designed by motor racing legend Mark Skaife and motorsport circuit designers iEDM. There will be a dedicated slalom area, skid pan, kickplate, handling and off-road circuits, as well as an off-road 4WD demonstration course.
Video credit: Brisbane Airport / YouTube
BNE is asking for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from potential partners who would like to be considered as Track and Event Operator. The role will include managing and maintaining the performance track.
The Track and Event Operator will also enjoy these commercial opportunities:
Hosting driver experiences, leveraging a range of features and facilities within the precinct
Facilitating vehicle test drives on the performance track
Providing automotive branded and themed events, launches and media events
Facilitating corporate events and functions on and off-track
Facilitating automotive research, innovation and development in a controlled environment
Providing unrivalled advertising and marketing within the track area
Partnering with education providers and tertiary institutions
Fostering advancements in sustainable automotive technologies
Leveraging retailing and branding possibilities to enhance reputation and awareness
Photo credit: BNE Property / bneproperty.com.au
“Opening in 2024, BNE Auto Mall is the largest, most visionary, and eagerly anticipated mixed-use development of its kind in Australia, and it will be a game-changer when it comes to the way in which people buy and experience motor vehicles,” Gert-Jan de Graaff, BAC CEO said.
“While Aviation is our primary purpose, we have always strongly believed that Brisbane Airport is a destination within itself and so much more than just an airport.
“This landmark automotive precinct is proof of that, as it will provide exponential benefits for Brisbane and for Queensland well into the future.
“I have no doubts that the expansive scope of this Expression of Interest will generate excitement and encourage innovative thinking that will help shape this unique, world-class automotive destination.”
If you are equipped with the experience and capability in managing entertainment, hospitality, events and track facilities you may contact David Oatley through email: david.oatley@bne.com.au. The EOI officially opened on 1 December 2021 and will close on 28 January 2022.
A development application has been submitted for a new service station next to a single-storey retail showroom at the site of a large warehouse and vacant lot on Sandgate Road in Virginia.
The development proposal, DA A005871526, also includes the creation of a shared driveway along Radley Street, which will open the space up for the existing buildings on the site.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Possible occupants for the retail area include a home store or an outdoor and camping brand. Meanwhile, the existing showrooms found on the southern section of the precinct, such as Drummond Gold Virginia, Big Swing Gold Virginia, National Tiles Showroom, and Christmas Shack will remain.
Photo Credit: Developmenti/BCC
Some structures will be demolished to make way for the service station, two retail tenancies (spanning 2,400 square metres and 900 square metres), and a forecourt fuel canopy.
Photo Credit: Developmenti/BCC
The showroom area will have 110 car parking spaces, four motorcycle bays, and three parking spaces for persons with disabilities. The proposal also includes landscaping and other improvements.
Photo Credit: Developmenti/BCC
Local Opposition
Even though public notification isn’t applicable for this development, neighbouring businesses on Sandgate Road have collectively made a submission to oppose the plans for the service station and showroom.
“We feel this will have a catastrophic impact to the 7/11 Fuel and Convenience on 2009 Sandgate Road,” landowner Jim Petrocitto said on behalf of other fuel providers in the area, such as bp Truckstop, Shell Coles Express Virginia, Freedom Fuels Geebung, Puma Zillmere, Caltex Zillmere Diesel Stop, and Caltex Woolworths.
“There is sufficient/oversupply of fuel retailers and we feel that this proposed addition would greatly impact our tenancy and location.”
The development application was filed on 1 November 2021 and is currently under assessment.
The book launch will be held on Saturday, 18 December 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at the Banyo Library. The author will be joined by twelve families from Queensland who are proud descendants of the “first ashore.”
Australia’s National Day of Remembrance for the fallen heroes of the war is deeply rooted in the Gallipoli campaign. The book is a tribute to Mr Burgess’ grandfather, Private Syd Davies, who served in Queensland’s 9th Battalion and the memory of the first men ashore.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Mr Burgess said that his grandfather had many tales about the war, particularly about the first men to land at Gallipolli.
“Despite being unable to prove his claims, my research progressed, and I soon realized that, despite our World War 1 Diggers bestowing much esteem on this small but unique group of soldiers, in official and popular history they had been largely overlooked.”
“Yet, for many Queensland families and Queensland communities, they represent a proud and strong connection to the Anzac Legend.”
The author believes that recognition for these men has been long overdue. That thought motivated him to write and publish their stories.
“These men were ordinary Queenslanders whose lives inspire and provide us with an intimate understanding of the tragic war experience of ordinary citizens.
“They were no more courageous than the 16,000 other Anzacs that landed that day but, in almost every aspect of human endeavour, the universal custom is to bestow some level of recognition for the first achiever.”
Photo Credit: Supplied
“The First Ashore” is the culmination of years of hardwork for Mr Burgess, who used to work as a school teacher. The author hopes that this book will fill the gaps for other Australians interested in the history of the Gallipoli campaign.
