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Kerbside Collection: What to Do With Green Waste

Residents will have another opportunity to discard their bulky unwanted items as Kerbside Collection rolls into Kedron. But how do we get rid of green waste? Here are some tips.

First of all, here is a rundown of the items that you can and cannot place on the kerb for the November 13 kerbside collection:

Acceptable Items	Unacceptable Items
bath and laundry tubs	commercial builders waste
bicycles and sporting equipment	car parts and tyres, including car batteries
carpet and rugs	dirt and stones
electronic waste (e.g. televisions and computers)	garden waste (e.g. hoses, rakes, potted plants)
furniture and white goods (e.g. fridges and stoves)	gas bottles
small household appliances (e.g. fans and toasters)	general household waste (e.g. food scraps)
wood products less than 1.5 metres	glass and mirrors
	hazardous wastes (e.g. chemicals, oil, asbestos) household waste that normally goes into your waste or recycling bin liquids bricks and concretebatteries of any kind (including car, rechargeable and lithium batteries) bean bags (including the polystyrene bean filling)

Here are some important things to remember:

Large household items for collection should be on the kerbside in front of your home not earlier than one week before your suburb’s schedule. Also, all items should be on the kerb no later than 6:00 a.m. on Kerbside Collection Day.
If you are going to discard an electronic device such as your mobile phone, tablet or laptop, make sure to delete all data to prevent identity theft.
Keep your pile tidy on the kerb.
Piles larger than two cubic metres will not be collected.
Refrigerator and cupboard doors should be removed.
Never leave sharp or any dangerous objects on the footpath
Make sure that the items you discard can be easily lifted by two people
If you expect severe weather conditions, make sure that your items for disposal are well secured.

What is Green Waste?

Green waste generally includes garden waste such as plants, trees, lawn clippings and palm fronds. Illegal dumping of green waste and organic waste including food scraps, or soil in natural areas, waterways and other land can have serious environmental consequences and can cost the government millions of dollars to clean up.

Some of the potential negative effects of illegal dumping include:

introducing pest plants that can outcompete native plant species, smothering them and overtaking natural areas infesting and blocking watercourses, contaminating waterways and smothering surfaces of creeks and lakes

introducing pest animals or diseases into new areas, such as yellow crazy ants, fire ants, and myrtle rust blocking forest tracks and fire trails in natural areas that risk the lives of firefighters and members of the public

creating increased bush fire fuel loads or ignition sources attracting wildlife to roadsides to feed on organic waste, and increasing the likelihood they will be hit by cars.

What to do with green waste

recycling your green waste by composting reduces waste to landfill and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions
composting produces useful materials that can be put back into your garden to improve soil health
using green waste as a mulch around your garden can protect soils from erosion, reduce weeds and plant stress, and can help to prevent water evaporation from the soil.

Alternatively, you can:

take your green waste to your local waste transfer station
some councils provide free green waste disposal, free green waste days or may have vouchers for green waste disposal
request a green waste recycling bin from your local council (where applicable) or local garden waste removal company
rental tenants should approach their rental manager, local councillor or Department of Housing office to request dumping vouchers, or enquire about what services are available

Incidentally, Brisbane City Council invites residents to drop off palm fronds, weeds, tree and shrub prunings, loose bark and grass clippings to any one of our four resource recovery centres as part of its bushfire preparedness plan.

On 11 to 12, November 2023, Nudgee Resource Recovery Centre, located at 1372 Nudgee Road, Nudgee Beach, is open from 6.30 am to 5.45 pm daily to accept your green waste.

Published 23-October-2023

Walk the Plank: Bradbury Park Challenge Goes Viral Despite Safety Concerns

The ‘Walk the Plank challenge’ in Bradbury Park’s new $10 million adventure playground has become a viral sensation on TikTok, attracting families from all over Brisbane.

The new playground at Bradbury Park provides a unique play environment aimed at older children, but with plenty of fun for younger, more adventurous children. It features challenging elements such as the walk the plank installation, a 20cm wide beam with a grippy surface over a soft mat.

According to a local mother’s online post, her child fell 3m from the plank and injured his spine. She complained to the council that the feature was too dangerous. Viral TikTok videos, however, have only encouraged more people to try it.

While the Council states that Bradbury Park upgrade meets Australian Playground Safety Standards, it recognizes that the playscape has some very challenging aspects that some children may not feel ready to navigate.

Local parents found in the park said the playscape was safe with supervision. Older children crossed the plank while younger ones watched nervously. All parents agreed that it provided a unique, challenging play experience not found in many other Brisbane parks.

Should you let your kids test their bravery at the plank walk? Visit Bradbury Park and decide for yourself, but be sure to provide close supervision.

Published 7 October 2023

Developer Submits Plans for 265-Unit Retirement Village in Lutwyche

Developers have submitted plans for a major retirement village development along Laura Street and Lowerson Street in Lutwyche.

Read: New Bridge From Leyton St to Wolverhampton St Takes Center Stage Over Kedron Brook in Stafford

Designed by Marchese Partners, the proposed village at 32, 33, 34-36, 35-37, 36A & 39 Laura Street and 39 Lowerson St, Lutwyche would consist of 265 high-density retirement living units across three 10-storey residential buildings.

The project aims to provide quality senior housing options to meet growing demand in the area. With Lutwyche’s ageing population, the developers believe the village addresses a need for more accessible and community-focused retirement facilities.

“The proposal delivering 265 retirement living dwellings will support the availability of additional housing options in response to community and economic need in the catchment as well as supporting Brisbane City Council’s target to increase the retirement and aged care housing options in Brisbane by 50 percent by 2027 under the Retirement and Aged Care Initiative,” planners stated.

“Even with the current proposal of 265 dwellings, there will be a shortfall of retirement living housing options in the catchment. Thus, demonstrating both a community and economic need for the proposed development.”

The residential towers would be separated by landscaped spaces, with private balconies and terraces for the individual units. Communal recreation areas, including a rooftop space, are also planned. The 28,240 sqm development would be constructed over three stages.

Marchese Partners’ design incorporates features to integrate the village into the surrounding neighbourhood. Around 17 percent of the site would be dedicated to deep planting and greenery. Vehicle access points and pedestrian pathways are designed to connect residents to nearby streets and footpaths.

“The proposal will deliver a high quality architectural design that incorporates the use of a range of innovative design techniques to reduce the appearance of bulk and scale and ensure a visually balanced facade,” the planning documents read.

Read: Proposal for New Multi-Dwelling Residential Development on Norman Avenue Lodged

To learn more about the plans, visit Brisbane City Council’s PD Online with the reference A006320813.

Published 7-September-2023

Rode Meats Under New Management As Owners Retire After 43 Years

After 43 years in the business, the couple behind Rode Meats, a beloved neighbourhood butcher shop in Stafford Heights, has retired and handed over the reins to new management.

Rode Meats isn’t closing, however. Brad and Julie will be passing on the business to a new owner, Will. With Will’s determination and commitment, customers will enjoy a reassuring continuity in the same legacy of quality and services that Rode Meats provides.

The enduring loyalty of the staff further bolsters this assurance, as familiar faces will remain to ensure the business retains its warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Rode Meats has been a mainstay at the Rode Road Shopping Centre since 1980, supplying premium meats and fostering community connections with generations of customers.

Rode Meats Brad and Julie — Photo Credit: Rode Meats/Facebook

With heartfelt messages pouring in from customers, Brad and Julie conveyed their mixed emotions regarding their retirement.

Brad’s journey started as a 13-year-old clean-up boy and he expressed profound gratitude for the unwavering support of the community that propelled his and Julie’s dream to fruition. Julie, who handled the business operations behind the scenes, also bid a sentimental farewell to her role in the enterprise.

Brad’s promise to continue aiding during peak periods serves as a comforting reassurance that the transition is not a complete departure, but rather a seamless evolution.

“This isn’t a goodbye, I’ll still be around to help out around the busy periods. But for now, a massive thank you and a see you soon!” he said.

Kay Meredith, a long-time customer, expressed her appreciation for the enriching experiences shared around the dinner table, while Tris Rowland commended the seamless transition the couple achieved after taking over from the previous owner.

Anne-Maree Houghton underscored the diverse array of products that had adorned countless dining tables throughout the years.

Follow Rode Meats on Facebook for updates from the new management.

Stark Reminder of Road Safety: Police Arrest Man for Reckless Riding & Drug Influence in Stafford

Photo Credit QPS/Facebook

A recent incident in Stafford served as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by reckless behaviour on the roads as Queensland Road Safety Week concluded.

On the evening of Thursday, 24 Aug 2023, at approximately 4:40 pm, the police were alarmed by the sight of an unregistered motorbike being ridden at high speeds along Webster Road in Stafford. The rider was conspicuously not wearing a helmet, raising immediate concerns about his safety and the potential danger posed to others on the road.

Responding swiftly, the police initiated patrols to locate the individual. Ultimately, the man was spotted standing alongside the motorbike on Heilbromm Street in Stafford Heights. Subsequent investigations conducted by the authorities unveiled a series of alarming revelations about the rider’s behaviour.

In a disturbing turn of events, it was discovered that the motorbike operator was not only unlicensed but also allegedly under the influence of drugs. These findings led to the apprehension and arrest of a 19-year-old Chermside man, who now faces a litany of charges.

The man was booked for driving under the influence of liquor or a drug, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, driving without a license, failing to wear a motorbike helmet, and possessing tainted property. The accused is slated to appear before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on 27 Sept 2023.

Authorities emphasize that the ramifications of the rider’s thoughtless decisions could have been far graver. Motorcycle riders represent one of the most vulnerable groups of road users, and statistics from Queensland highlight a concerning trend of increasing motorcycle fatalities.

Due to the inherent lack of protection offered by motorcycles compared to other vehicles, riders are at an elevated risk of severe injury or worse in the event of a collision.

Law enforcement agencies and safety advocates stress the importance of motorists remaining acutely cautious and vigilant regarding motorcycle riders. This involves actively scanning for riders, checking blind spots, using indicators when changing lanes or making turns, adhering to road rules, and exercising additional prudence during adverse weather conditions.

For those who might have pertinent information related to this incident or any other criminal activities, authorities urge them to reach out to Policelink. Information can be submitted through the online suspicious activity form available 24 hours a day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or by calling 131 444. They can also contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or submit information online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Published 30-Aug-2023

Stafford Heights Baby Defies Odds After Being Born With Stomach Outside His Body

Harrison McLaren was born with his stomach and bowels protruding outside his body. Now eight months old, he is thriving and well. Find out how the McLaren family from Stafford Heights faced this formidable challenge, with the help of the medical team at Mater Mothers’ Hospital in South Brisbane.

Harrison was born with gastroschisis, a rare and challenging birth defect that left his abdominal wall compromised, resulting in his stomach and bowels protruding outside his body.

Mum Jessica McLaren shared that her pregnancy scan at 20 weeks was a turning point for her and her husband, Christopher.

Despite initial reassurances and already visualising a healthy future for their child, they received devastating news over the phone that their child had gastroschisis. With the news, the McLarens entered a world of uncertainty and concern.

The expectant couple was advised that surgery was the only viable option and that it needed to take place shortly after Harrison’s birth in November 2022.

“After the phone call, I started researching the birth defect and this is when the panic and fear truly set in,” Jessica said.

“The images online of gastroschisis are very confronting. I immediately called my husband and we both took the next couple of days off work to process the news.

“All you want and wish for is a healthy baby and to be delivered such news was devastating.”

Stafford Heights Miracle Baby Harrison McLaren — Photo Credit: Supplied

Of the 10,000 babies born at Mater Mother’s Hospital every year, about 15 babies are admitted for management of gastroschisis.

However, their journey took a positive turn as Harrison’s arrival was meticulously planned by Mater Mothers’ NICU team, helping to alleviate some of the anxiety of his parents surrounding his birth.

His surgery was postponed until his organs could be maneuvered inside his body, a feat accomplished three days after his birth with remarkable success.

Mater Director of Neonatology, Dr. Pita Birch, credited Mater’s standardised gastroschisis feeding guidelines for aiding in the improved outcomes for babies with this condition. The guidelines facilitated the progression of milk feeds, minimizing infections and hastening patient discharge. The approach, including its application to Harrison, contributed to his relatively short hospital stay.

Through a multidisciplinary neonatal intensive care team, Harrison was provided with round-the-clock care during his nearly one-month hospitalisation, with seamless collaboration between Mater Mothers’ and Queensland Children’s Hospital.

Today, baby Harrison, at eight months old, is healthy and thriving. Mrs McLaren credits every individual involved in his medical journey for her son’s remarkable recovery, describing him as a true miracle.

“Having to leave the hospital without Harrison was extremely taxing on my mental health – walking out of those hospital doors without Harry in my arms was an emptiness I have never experienced,” she said.

“I get extremely emotional thinking about the care I received at the Mater especially the NICU team. The love and care they provide for not only your child but yourself and family is phenomenal,” she said.

“The medical specialists are simply world-class I couldn’t be more thankful for each person that played a role in Harrison’s recovery.

“He is most definitely our miracle. He made the most incredible recovery. To say that Harrison is strong and resilient would be an understatement.”

Published 22-Aug-2023

Padua College Looks to Extend Facilities at Assisi Campus

Padua College in Kedron has submitted development plans to the Brisbane City Council to build an extension of its current building at its Assisi campus.

Read: Teacher Recruitment a Growing Concern for Brisbane Schools

The proposal, designed by the award-winning firm M3 Architecture, calls for the partial demolition of the existing La Cordelle building. It also includes earthworks to facilitate the rear extension of the current structure.

The La Cordelle hall, constructed back 2004, houses a covered recreation and sports hall/court as well as accompanying amenities.

Artist’s visualisation for the building (Photo credit: M3 Architecture)

The multi-purpose hall will be expanded and air conditioned whilst the new layout will feature additional technical and design classrooms. Details of the planned development include:

Level 1: 1 construction workshop and associated outdoor covered area
Level 2: 2 design labs, 1 engineering lab, 1 clean tech workshop, and an outdoor breakout space
Level 3: Hall extension and storage
Level 4: Roof extension and plant deck

Proposed site plan (Photo credit: M3 Architecture)

According to planning documents submitted by the college, the extension will improve facilities for current students by expanding the campus within the existing education precinct. The proposal results in no loss of residential land in the area.

The planners stated that the proposal would give Padua College a chance to develop extra teaching areas and amenities for its present students in a coordinated way. They said this integrated approach would help increase and enhance the school’s existing educational facilities.

“The proposal is considered to provide a maintain the existing residential amenity of the locale on the basis that the proposed education facilities primarily consists of non-residential sensitive uses, which has limited potential to adversely impact the surrounding residential Neighbourhoods,” said planners from Planning Initiatives.

Read: Kedron Football Club Aims to Reduce Energy Usage Through Community Grant

To learn more about Padua College’s proposal, visit Council’s PD Online with the reference A006335398.

Published 18-August-2023

New Bridge From Leyton St to Wolverhampton St Takes Center Stage Over Kedron Brook in Stafford

Did you know that there will soon be a new, state-of-the-art bridge from Leyton St to Wolverhampton St over Kedron Brook in Stafford?

Strategically situated in the heart of Stafford, the bridge is set to redefine connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists while providing a robust, flood-resistant crossing over Kedron Brook.

The project is part of the massive Kedron Brook restoration works after the creek crossing near Wolverhampton St succumbed to the destructive force of a devastating flood event in 2022, leading to its complete obliteration.

It’s also part of over $26 million worth of sustainable transportation infrastructure projects being rolled out in Brisbane.

Wolverhampton St Kedron Brook restoration — Photo Credit: BCC

Responding with diligence, the Council undertook the task of reconnecting the bikeway and initiated comprehensive improvement works to restore the area to its former glory.

The work has been a meticulous endeavour that tackled severe erosion along the eastern embankment of Kedron Brook.

Key elements of the culvert crossing and adjacent concrete pathways washed away during the flood, were painstakingly reconstructed whilst a commitment to preserving the habitats of protected native species, such as the Tusked Frogs, was also set in place.

Restoration efforts culminated in the early months of 2023, with the re-establishment of the destroyed Wolverhampton St creek crossing occurring in February of the same year. Whilst the focus initially rested on immediate restoration, the Council concurrently embarked on an ambitious endeavour: the design and realization of an upgraded bridge that not only guarantees long-term flood resilience but also amplifies connectivity, promoting active travel.

The new Leyton-Wolverhampton Bridge signals a renewed focus on fostering mobility, environmental stewardship, and community well-being, establishing the foundation for a more connected and resilient future.

Published 17-Aug-2023

Teacher Recruitment a Growing Concern for Brisbane Schools

Earlier this year, Mount Alvernia College in Kedron lost a specialist teacher and had to temporarily run classes after school, simply because of lack of teacher availability to deliver the course content.

Read: Locals at Odds Over Kedron State High School’s New Security Fence

The Catholic school for girls joins many other Brisbane schools that are now dealing with teacher shortages, adding extra strain to already stretched resources.

Recruitment is taking up huge amounts of time according to principal Samantha Jensen. She believes there is a real possibility for the teacher workforce crisis to worsen.

Photo credit: Mount Alvernia College/Google Maps

According to a 2023 report by school workforce improvement company People Bench, “supply” has emerged as one of the factors that could have the greatest negative impact on the school workforce over the next three years.

Photo credit: Polina Tankilevitch/Pexels

One principal surveyed in March-May 2023 said the increased competition for qualified teachers will make it harder to attract and retain staff.

“The most striking of these findings was that the most commonly cited supply issues (21% of responses) related to the availability of teachers on a casual, relief and short-term contract basis,” People Bench stated.

“An interesting counterpoint to this, however, is that around 6% of responses referenced candidates’ increasing expectations for more part-time and flexible work options, which schools were unable to meet, further constraining potential supply.”

In an issues paper, the Education Department highlighted that this is a global problem, with the competitive teaching market and COVID-19 ongoing impacts affecting teacher supply worldwide.

Read: Community Outcry Over Brisbane Racing Club’s Plans for Former Stafford Bowls Club Site

The paper outlined that addressing shortages cannot be solved by one jurisdiction or sector alone, but requires collaboration across governments, systems and schools.

Published 15-August-2023

Kedron Football Club Aims to Reduce Energy Usage Through Community Grant

The Kedron Football Club, one of the oldest in Queensland, has secured funding support from the Community Sustainability Action grant, a program designed to support sustainable practices and reduce energy consumption among its recipients.

The historic football club, founded in 1937, will utilise the grant of $30,000 to upgrade and install high-efficiency LED lighting at its fields, contributing to a significant reduction in energy usage and associated costs.

Kedron Football Club is among 68 community groups and not-for-profit organizations selected to receive funding under the Community Sustainability Action grant program.

These groups will share more than $3.4 million in funding for projects aimed at reducing emissions, cutting energy costs, and enhancing local resilience.

With this grant, the club will be able to implement the latest technologies, including renewable energy systems and energy-efficient lighting, as well as foster sustainability.

“Our community groups do such incredible work on the ground and it’s great to see funding go towards projects that can help them reduce their costs as well as their emissions,” Leanne Linard, Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef said.

Kedron AFC 1965 — Photo Credit: Kedron Lions/Facebook

With its rich history dating back over eight decades, the Kedron Football Club stands as one of the oldest clubs in the league. The club’s formation was the result of the amalgamation between Kedron and Wooloowin Past Pupil’s Associations, and its founding members.

From its early years, Kedron AFC members have exhibited their prowess on the field, clinching their first premiership success in its second 18’s in the inaugural season. The club’s dedication to excellence continued through the decades, securing multiple premierships and fostering an intense rivalry with Windsor Football Club.

In a strategic merger, Kedron Football Club joined forces with Wilston Grange in 1989 to form the Kedron Grange Football Club, known as the “Demons.” However, the merged entity faced challenges, leading to its eventual dissolution.

By 2006, Kedron Football Club had made a triumphant return to senior football and remained resilient in its pursuit of excellence.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to taking action on climate change and increasing renewable energy use in our state to 80 per cent by 2035,” Leanne Linard, Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, expressed enthusiasm for the community’s commitment to climate change action.

“The overwhelming interest shown by community groups in this grant round points to the priority Queenslanders now place on taking climate change action,” she added.

Supporters view the Club’s dedication to both its sporting legacy and the environment as a commendable example for the community.

Published 8-Aug-2023