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One-of-a-Kind Bradbury Park Playscape in Kedron Almost Ready

The much-awaited upgrades at Bradbury Park in Kedron, including a unique playscape, are nearly complete and will soon provide local children and families with a diversified space for recreation.

The working team behind the project expects the playscape to open sometime in April 2023, weather permitting, and have been working double time to deliver what may likely be one of Brisbane’s best playgrounds, according to Cr Fionna Hammond.

“Bradbury Park will quickly become a favourite destination of northside families, as well as residents from right across Brisbane,” the councillor said whilst giving locals a glimpse of the project’s progress in a video.

“I can’t wait to see this one-of-a-kind park in action, with kids smiling from ear to ear when they see the gigantic new playscape and take a turn on the winding slide.”

The upgrades are part of Council’s $22 million investment in park improvements across Brisbane. Work commenced in late 2021 after extensive consultation.

Once completed, the massive playscape will feature a “biological city” with tower-like structures (hollows) and bridges (byways) connecting these towers.

As explained in the project’s concept: “It is within these ‘hollows’, that lorikeets live, and that is where inspiration is found for the shape, form, and name of describing the playscape. ‘Byways’, meaning a road or track not following a main route. It is the road less travelled, but it also alludes to a sense of mystery.”

The looping playscape is highly suited for kids between 10 to 15 years old but there are also other sections that offer play opportunities for all kids, such as the Magic Forest for 3 to 10-year-old children, completed in July 2021, and the 200-metre scooter track for both beginners and advanced riders, opened a year before the Magic Forest.

For more information about this project, phone 1800 884 681 during business hours or 07 3403 8888 after hours.

Published 30 March 2023

The Creative Collective Brisbane In Search Of New Owner

After half a decade in business, The Creative Collective Brisbane could change hands following the announcement from the owner that it’s now up for grabs.

Read: Kedron Included In Full Fibre NBN Connection Rollout

Owner Cathy Wilkinson announced that she’s ready to sell the Stafford-based business so she could focus on motherhood and her studies.

Ms Wilkinson founded The Creative Collective in 2018, after getting inspiration from local markets. She would visit local markets and realised there were no spaces for local makers to sell their goods.

Cathy Wilkinson (Photo credit: The Creative Collective Brisbane/Facebook)

She believed opening the shop is one way to support not just local makers but also artists. Also a fan of repurposing and sustainability, Ms Wilkinson featured a space for preloved clothing in her shop.

The shop, located at 31A Hayward Street, is a former spray painting shop given a bit of a makeover to house The Creative Collective’s stocks, from clothing and vintage wares to artisan-designed pots.

The Creative Collective quickly gained a strong following, and one of the reasons behind its popularity is their commitment towards providing a beautiful space where local makers, artists, and creators could showcase their work.

Throughout its almost half a decade of operations, The Creative Collective Brisbane was Stafford’s go-to for lovely second-hand clothes, beauty products, and jewellery.

Over the last five years, they also hosted a few events and public workshops, such as watercolour classes and Dogs’ Day Out Market.

Read: Roses Only Brisbane Blooms at New Kedron Studio

This time around, Ms Wilkinson is hoping to have another creative person to handle the business. The future owner of the shop would be able to secure its trading names, the stocks, displays, and even the social media accounts for a two-year lease for $27,000.

Published 15-March-2023

Opposition to the Planned Redevelopment of Stafford Bowls Club Is Growing

Opposition to the redevelopment plans for Stafford Bowls Club is growing as an online petition calling to have the lease cancelled and the iconic venue returned to the community ended with 907 signatures.

A little more than 900 people have signed the e-petition against the planned redevelopment of the local bowls club which closed in 2016 and is now in a state of disrepair. The lease transfer from Crushers Leagues Club to Brisbane Racing Club was approved last October 2022.

The Crushers Leagues Club decided to abandon plans to redevelop the site after winning the tender process in 2018. And as part of the deal, BRC agreed to the conditions of the lease which was approved in June 2021 and proposes to refurbish the premises, adding 78 pokies and new a sports bar, among other installations, at a cost of $7.5 million.

A group of residents opposed to the idea launched the “Community Hub, not Racing Club” online petition which calls for the Council to cancel the lease, citing a lack of community consultation and transparency.

“Unbeknownst to the community, Brisbane City Council representatives recently debated the handover of this approved lease agreement between Crushers Leagues Club and council to be handed over to a commercial interest – The Brisbane Racing Club. Without debate, and without community support, transparency or input,” the group stated in their e-petition.

Meanwhile, the Brisbane City Council e-petition initiated by Joe Woolley likewise stated that the “transfer of license was conducted without observing Council’s own processes” and that “the local community was not consulted on the plan before the lease transfer.”

The e-petitioners are therefore requesting that:

Brisbane City Council place on hold the current lease agreement of Stafford Bowls Club, and Open submissions for community organisations and sporting groups to submit alternative proposals within a reasonable timeframe
Engage with the Stafford community and stakeholders to develop a more acceptable solution for the Stafford Bowls Club redevelopment, and
Require Crushers Leagues Club to return the bowls club to the original state, as per Lease agreements required for all lessees.

On the other hand, as the petition has already closed, locals may still object to the gaming license currently under assessment. Follow the Stafford Community Hub not Race Club for more information.

Published 26-February-2023

Kedron Included In Full Fibre NBN Connection Rollout

Kedron and a number of other suburbs in Brisbane are set to receive a more reliable internet experience as NBN rolled out its full fibre connection.

Read: Kedron Brook Lighting Restoration Works Get Underway

The full fibre connection offers customers access to the higher speed tiers, promising faster uploads and downloads for homes and businesses, as well as faster game upgrades and streaming.

A Venture research commissioned by NBN revealed that online health consultations have increased by 147 per cent, online secondary educational engagement has grown by 114 per cent and a third of people who can work from home now expect to continue working from home at least one day a week.

The upgrades are part of the network’s fibre upgrade program, which was boosted by the Federal Government’s recent announcement of $2.4 billion investment.

NBN has selected the locations based on demand, workforce, and cost-effectiveness or the network’s ability to deploy at the location with speed and agility.

Kathrine Dyer, Chief Operating Officer at NBN said they have identified the suburbs and towns across Australia where customers living and working in around 3 million premises currently served by nbn Fibre to the Node will be able to access full fibre upgrades by the end of 2025.

“We are unlocking social and economic benefits across Australia by pushing fibre deeper into communities. Fibre is inherently more capable of delivering faster upload and download speeds, is generally more reliable than copper connections and reduces our ongoing maintenance and operating costs,” Ms Dyer said.

“In just six years data use has tripled on the nbn network – and that exponential growth is expected to continue as customer demands increase to meet new technology.”

Read: Starbucks Submits Plans For 24/7 Drive-thru Coffee Shop In Kedron

To see the full list of suburbs and to get more details about upgrading to their higher speed plan, visit NBN’s website.

Queen Of Apostles Catholic Primary School Welcomes 5 Sets Of Twins To Prep

Did you know that the Prep class at Stafford’s Queen of Apostles Catholic Primary School for this school year has not one, not two, but FIVE sets of twins?

Read: Construction Underway For Miniature Theme Park In Kedron’s Bradbury Park

Some primary school teachers are seeing double after five sets of identical and non-identical twins enrolled in Prep for Term 1 in 2023, which started on 24 January.

There are only two prep classes and a total of 52 prep students at the school, which means one in five of their students in the prep level is a twin.

Photo credit: Queen of Apostles Primary School, Stafford/Facebook

Troy Parsons, principal at Queen Apostles Catholic Primary School said it was a unique experience. One set of twins attending the same school is already special, but five sets is already quite remarkable.

In a social media post, the school said they are excited to welcome the sets of twins for the new school year.

About Queen of Apostles Catholic Primary School

The school is a coeducational catholic school offering placements from Prep to Year Six, with a current enrolment of 400 students.

They have a range of specialist activities for students, including sports and fitness program, swimming, dance, instrumental/string music program, and the Japanese program, offered tyo Years 3, 4, 5, and 6, which is a combination of Japanese language and culture.

They have a dedicated Early Years Campus, for Prep to Year 2, which offers all the opportunities of a larger school yet provide personalised and developmentally targeted learning for each student in these foundation years.

The school is already accepting enrollees for Term 2024. For more details about enrolment at the school, visit their website at https://www.qofa.qld.edu.au/.

Read: Kedron State High School Debating Team Asserts Supremacy, ‘Strives and Shines’

Queen of Apostles is located at 10 Thuruna St, Stafford whilst the Early Years campus is at 46 Chuter St, Stafford Heights.

Kedron Brook Lighting Restoration Works Get Underway

Residents are being advised that the Kedron Brook lighting restoration works, which will take place between Gympie Road, Kedron and Shaw Road, Wavell Heights have already commenced in February 2023.

Read: After the Floods: Kedron Brook Restoration Updates

Due to the works currently underway, those who live or travel through the area may experience low level noise, truck movements, vibration, and dust. Whilst the bike path will remain open with minimal disruptions expected, residents are being reminded to follow any signage on site.

The works are part of the restoration program for Kedron Brook, given that it was one of the hardest hit locations in the February 2022 severe weather event.

kedron brook lighting restoration works — Photo credit: www.brisbane.qld.gov.au

According to Brisbane City Council, lighting along 20km of Kedron Brook Bikeway was significantly impacted by the flood event, with electrical footings and services damaged or destroyed by flood waters.

“Through an extensive audit of the lighting along the Kedron Brook, we have determined that more than 330 lighting sites were damaged or destroyed and require restoration. This will include replacing more than 120 lighting poles,” Council stated.

Besides the key sections of the bikeway, creek and surrounding green spaces were also critically impacted.

Restoration and reconnection works

The works, which include the installation of luminaires and poles, electrical cabling works, and topsoil and turf, are part of the second stage approach to recover and restore Kedron Brook.

The first stage involved cleaning and assessing the area after the flood. The final stage involves investigating longer-term improvements at key locations to improve flood resilience and active transport outcomes in the area.

Depending on weather and site conditions, the lighting restoration works between Gympie Road, Kedron and Shaw Road, Wavell Heights will be complete in late March 2023.

Read: Pet Owners Warned After Suspected Poisoning At Kedron Brook Off Leash Area

For further updates about the Kedron Brook lighting restoration works, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au.

Fox Sightings In Kedron, Other North Brisbane Suburbs Leave Citizens Concerned

People in North Brisbane, including Kedron and Stafford Heights said foxes are showing up in their neighbourhood, causing much concern in the wake of reported deaths of some livestock.

Read: Pet Owners Warned After Suspected Poisoning At Kedron Brook Off Leash Area

Residents took to social media to talk about their sightings of foxes, with some crossing roads along Everton Hills and Kedron.

In a Reddit thread, many locals said they have seen some real stone-cold foxes in the city.

“I have to lock my ducks and chickens up at night to stop the foxes tearing the heads off tonight’s lucky winner to keep them quiet as they carry them away, giving one or two of the others a nip on the way out so they know where to find them in a couple of night’s time.” one commenter said.

A couple from Mitchelton also recalled waking up to a traumatic scene after seeing six of their chickens dead inside their locked and fenced coop. They checked everywhere but found no obvious point of entry or holes dug.

That’s when they decided to install security cameras at the pen, and discovered that a fox was lurking around the coop.

In areas where invasive species are abundant, Brisbane City Council advised containing small animals or livestock in a secure area.

A fox-proof poultry pen, according to the Council, must have a fully-enclosed chicken house with a fox-proof door, roof and floor netting roof and should have no gaps, especially around the base, door and roof.

Council has also published the recommended measurements and dimensions for building a fox-proof poultry fence which can be downloaded from their website.

Foxes in Brisbane

The population of foxes is widespread throughout Queensland, including Brisbane. Back in the 1860s, they were introduced to Australia from England as a sport animal.

However, foxes became an invasive pest species within 30 years. They are also ‘surplus feeders’ which means that despite an abundance of food, they are known for preying on small or young animals, lambs, poultry and livestock.

A 2022 study revealed foxes kill about 300 million native mammals, birds and reptiles each year, and can be found across 80 per cent of mainland Australia.

Read: Here’s The Story Behind Stafford’s Unique Fig Tree

Meanwhile, Council encourages residents to report a fox, including the presence of dens, by submitting a feral animal sightings report or calling Council on 07 3403 8888.

Residents may also take proactive steps to lessen the chances of encounters and give fewer access to foxes by constructing a fox-proof enclosure for poultry, taking away uneaten pet food and excess fallen fruit from trees, and covering and securing compost piles and bins.

New $19-Million Housing Complex Opens in Lutwyche

Did you know that a new, 38-unit housing complex has been unveiled in Lutwyche?

Accomplished as part of the QLD Housing Strategy for 2017-2027, the site is the first of two new such complexes in North Brisbane, with a similar facility also opening in Windsor in early 2023. Both facilities have large-scale modern apartments with private balconies. The Lutwyche site, located on Chapel Street, has 10 one-bedroom and 28 two-bedroom dwellings.

“These are the first two projects for BlueCHP in Queensland, although they have a considerable social and affordable housing portfolio in New South Wales.

“More than 50 per cent of the new homes will be built to Gold or Platinum standard under the Livable Housing Design Guidelines, meaning they are accessible for people with reduced mobility and assist people to age in place.

“Additional funding will come from NHFIC through a construction loan,” The Hon Leeanne Enoch, Minister for Communities, Housing and the Digital Economy, said. She was present at the opening of the Lutwyche social housing complex alongside the project partner, BlueCHP CEO Charles Northcote.

BlueCHP CEO Charles Northcote said he was excited to work with the Queensland Government for the Queensland Housing Strategy 2017-2027 that will deliver safe, secure and affordable homes.

“Housing is a crucial support. It is the gateway to achieving individual dignity and at the core of an individual’s capacity to sustain themselves and their families.”

BlueCHP Executive Manager – Queensland and Northern Territory Darren Mew said these projects make an important contribution to the availability of social homes in Brisbane’s inner north.

“Strategically located close to major transport routes, employment, education and health services, these architecturally designed projects provide much needed homes for people in need,” he said.

“The two projects are the culmination of work from a dedicated team across Government and the not-for-profit sector who share BlueCHP’s mission to make a difference to people’s lives – to create a future where every Australian has access to a home they can afford.”

Lutwyche Housing — Photo Credit: BlueCHP

Ms Enoch said the projects highlight the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to partner with the sector to increase housing for Queenslanders in need.

“Community housing providers have an important role to play in delivering social and affordable homes at reduced rent rates for low to moderate income earners,” she said.

“We are delivering individualised housing options, increasing the supply of social and affordable housing and providing the sector with a streamlined operating framework.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s continued investment in affordable housing construction provides people with a stable place to live as well as an income for thousands of workers.”

Ms Enoch said, through the Queensland Housing and Homelessness Action Plan 2021-2025, the Palaszczuk Government is investing $2.9 billion to boost housing supply and increase housing and homelessness supports across Queensland.

“This investment will see 466 new social homes commenced in the Brisbane region by 30 June 2025, through a planned investment of $125.2 million, supporting more than 397 full-time equivalent jobs.

“This is in addition to the 604 new social homes that are already commenced under the Queensland Housing Strategy.”

Kedron’s Top Taste Bakery Site For Rezoning to Allow Residential Developments

Did you know that the former site of Top Taste Bakery in Kedron has been included in Brisbane’s Suburban Renewal Precincts initiative that aims to rezone former industrial or commercial sites for residential development?

Top Taste Bakery was one of Australia’s major food manufacturers for 50 years. In 2019, Newly Weds Foods acquired the company but then moved its main operations to Sydney.

By May 2020, the Kedron factory was officially shut down and the property was put up for lease until it was identified as one of over 70 hectares of land across 14 suburbs in Brisbane that could become new residential precincts.

Brisbane’s Suburban Renewal Precincts initiative was created to help address increasing demands for more housing. Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said in a statement that this initiative is a win-win for both the suburbs and the city as a whole.

“They will help remove tired old commercial sites that no longer stack up and replace them with vibrant developments that deliver new housing, as well as employment and retail opportunities.

“By utilising land within our existing urban footprint like this we will also deliver an environmental dividend by helping keep existing low-density areas, bushland and greenspace preserved.

“In the same way we are helping to transform Teneriffe, Howard Smith Wharves and West Village in West End, Suburban Renewal Precincts will ensure suburbs throughout Brisbane get even better.”

After the identified sites have been rezoned, developers and investors will have to go the usual routes for development applications. Mr Schrinner also said that the initiative is still in its early stages but the idea is to offer more affordable housing.

Here’s the first wave of Suburban Renewal Precincts:

Suburban Renewal Precincts	Land Area
Hyde Rd, Yeronga	12ha
Glenora St, Wynnum	0.15ha
Bonemill Rd, Runcorn	16.3ha
Mina Pde, Alderley	6.4ha
35 Hamilton Rd, Moorooka	1.15ha
123 Muriel Ave, Moorooka	3.2ha
Gladys St, Stones Corner	0.32ha
McIlwraith Ave, Norman Park	0.09ha
Kedron (either side of Gympie Rd including the Top Taste factory)	11.7ha
Fairlawn St, Nathan	6.9ha
Sandgate Rd, Nundah	1.3ha
Burke St, Dutton Park	1.6ha
Newmarket Rd, Wilston	8.2ha
Newnham Rd, Wishart	2.6ha

“This is just the beginning,” Mr Schrinner said. “This is stage one of identifying potential precincts across the city. There will be more that will come online, no doubt.”

Construction Underway For Miniature Theme Park In Kedron’s Bradbury Park

Works are progressing well for a one-of-a-kind miniature theme park in Kedron’s Bradbury Park as it prepares to open in early 2023.

Read: State Of The Art Playscape Coming To Bradbury Park

The new attraction, which will be located at the central section of Bradbury Park, will include a large playscape to provide challenging play for older children, new picnic shelters and seating, electric barbecues, amenity block, connecting pathways, and a new car park.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said parents can have a peace of mind with the new playgrounds coming to Brisbane, including the new theme park at Bradbury Park as they are safer, sturdier and designed with features like puzzles and nature play to help kids develop skills away from the iPad or computer screen.

Kedron's Bradbury Park — Plans (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)

“The days of run of the mill parks and playgrounds are gone, as we embark on world-class improvements in parks right across the city, including new scooter tracks, ninja warrior courses and nature play areas,” said Cr Schrinner.

Prior to these upgrades, the latest improvements to Bradbury Park included the construction of a basketball half-court adjacent to the scooter track, which was completed in July 2021.

The park also features a nature playspace, called “Magical Forest” which was constructed within an existing grove of mature trees and offers an infinite source of adventure especially designed for children ages 2 to 8.

Magical Forest received both the 2021 QLD AILA Landscape Architecture Award for Small Projects and the 2021 National AILA Award of Excellence for Play Spaces.

The award-winning space, which is a collaboration between Naturform landscape contractors and Form Landscape Architects, was composed of simple elements that do not overpower the natural qualities of the site.

Read: Scooter Track, Magical Forest at Bradbury Park in Kedron Win Awards

Aside from the one in Kedron’s Bradbury Park, Brisbane City Council will also deliver more nature-themed parks throughout the city, such as the Hanlon Park, Stones Corner and at Warrill Parkland, Larapinta.