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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.

Community Launches Campaign to Regain Stafford Bowls Club

Concerned locals are planning to regain community ownership and use of the Stafford Bowls Club after its lease was transferred, allegedly without proper consultation, to the Brisbane Racing Club.

On Facebook, about 70 locals formed the “Stafford Community Hub not Race Club” to work on cancelling the lease granted to the commercial racing club. The group also created an online petition for the same purpose.

Brisbane Racing Club (BRC) apparently plans to refurbish Stafford Bowls Club with a new dining area, a cafe, a sports bar, and a gaming room with 80 pokies. The design and details have yet to be released.

But Anna, one of the more active members of the group, said that the Stafford and Kedron communities do not want the bowls club to become a commercial entity, citing that the locals would greatly benefit from a hub similar to Grange or the revitalised Moorooka Bowls Club.

The Stafford Bowls Club has been closed since 2016 and residents have waited for the site’s redevelopment into a family-friendly hub. Crushers Leagues Club lodged a development application for this redevelopment and even secured a 20-year lease extension in 2019.

However, Crushers Leagues Club could not proceed with the lease due to its licensing issues. Thus, Council apparently decided to turn over the lease to BRC “without debate, and without community support or input,” the petition stated.

“The community was not privy to the decision, nor consulted on what they would like or need for their community.”

As part of their campaign, the Stafford Community Hub not Race Club will gather at Gibson Park on Sunday, the 18th of December 2022 at 10:30 a.m., to discuss their visions for the community. A fundraiser has also been opened to help with the campaign.

Stafford Tavern Lodges Major Redevelopment Plans

Stafford Tavern, located on Webster and Billabong Roads, is gearing up for a major redevelopment that will include a new gaming lounge and modern upgrades to elevate its status as a four-star motel.

Sun Tavern Pty Ltd lodged DA A006052304 in July 2022, outlining plans for a massive makeover that will take place in two stages. The plans include the demolition of the current outdoor dining spot and garden area to create a new outdoor space and the gaming lounge with a bar.

The current gaming lounge will be transformed into function rooms, albeit temporarily until the second stage of construction.

The owners of Stafford want a stylish facade and a bigger landscaped outdoor courtyard for the hotel guests. The old playground for the children will be near the courtyard so parents can conveniently watch over their kids.

During the pre-lodgement meetings with Council, Sun Tavern Pty Ltd enumerated the expected works that will take place at the Stafford Tavern:

Stage 1:

The building is developed to increase operational flexibility on existing services, while making way for future ‘new’ amenity.
New gaming and gaming lounge area (including amenities) are developed on the Webster Road flank of the building.
Ex-gaming area is converted into a temporary function space.
Portions of the East side carpark are redeveloped for increased parking numbers.
The North-side flank of the site is converted into landscaped/covered external breakout
area for Hotel patrons.
Scale of works is commensurate with the scale of the existing building Architecture to emphasise greater relationship of inside/outside participation in
landscape environment

Stage 2:

The Stage 1 ex-gaming space (converted to function) is demolished to create a new motel Lobby
Three levels of accommodation of ‘4-star’ quality is developed over and along the south side of the tavern building complex, including the provision of increased car parking provision, porte-cochere for the motel and a slip lane to maintain bottle shop drive-thru.
Development is maintained within existing property boundaries and with no proposed alteration to site ingress or egress.
The scale of the accommodation building is no greater than 15 meters height above the natural ground line.
Orientation of long axis of the accommodation building in the north/south to minimise heat load on the building.

The hotel plans include adding 43 rooms across three levels, which will be built in the southern side of the property. Stafford Tavern will also have a rooftop space with a bar lounge, a terrace, and an indoor meeting room.

DA A006052304 is on public notification until the 7th of December 2022.

Brisbane Racing Club Leases, Revitalises Former Stafford Bowls Club Site

Photo credit: Google Maps

Brisbane Racing Club is now leasing the former Stafford Bowls Club site which has been disused since 2016 and now plans to revitalise it into a $7.5-million community hub.

Brisbane City Council has approved the transfer of the lease of the facility at 352 Stafford Road from Crushers Leagues Club to Brisbane Racing Club (BRC).

As part of the deal, BRC proposes to refurbish the premises at a cost of $7.5 million. The upgrades are estimated to be completed before April 2023.

BRC also estimates that restarting operations at the facility will create about 60 new employment opportunities and will provide a revitalised community hub for locals, and the social and sporting club members.

Brisbane Racing Club will also honour the community contributions stated in the lease, providing financial and in-kind support for activities initiated by GibsonPark Committee Inc which manages and improves the facilities at Gibson Park. That would mean BRC will contribute a minimum of $200,00 per year to the local community.

In 2019, Council approved plans by Crusher Leagues Club trading as Brothers Grange Sports and Community Club Council to renovate and extend the facilities at the site. Subsequently, a new 20-year lease to Crushers League Club was also approved by the Council.

Crushers, however, submitted a request on 5 August 2022 to assign the lease to BRC due to Crushers’ being unable to resolve the transfer of previously held licenses to the Stafford premises. The Club’s gambling licence application is still awaiting approval whilst the liquor licence was only approved last year.

The deal, however, drew criticisms with some councillors expressing concerns over the lack of transparency, lack of community consultation, and that the expression of interest and tendering process was not followed.

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

Kedron State High School’s Year 12 debating team lived up to the school motto, ‘to strive is to shine,’ as they rose to the top at the Queensland Debating Union – QDU 2022 Finals Series.

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

In a first for Kedron State High School, its Year 12 debating team has won the Seniors Champion title, wresting the title from the State’s most prestigious school for girls, Brisbane Girls Grammar School.

The team, consisting of Calvin Liu, Jack Turner, Bede House, and Hugo Hall, came out on top at the championship rounds at Somerville House on 24 August 2022.

“The entire 2022 QDU Debating season, Hugo Hall, Bede House, Calvin Liu and Jack Turner lived the school motto ‘to strive is to shine,’ working hard and acquitting themselves as gentlemen and scholars, but on Wednesday evening, they also proved themselves champions,” Kedron State High School stated.

“Brisbane Girls’ Grammar were (sic) a formidable opponent, our students having to do their absolute best to meet the challenge,” the school said in a Facebook post, commending the students for a job well done.

Photo credit: Kedron State High School/Facebook

According to Lui, the team’s vice-captain, the community’s support “lit a flame” that pushed them to be confident about beating the powerhouses.

Kedron State High’s former students Jacob Morgan, James Shoring, Reily Chapman, Rowan Gray, and Wilson Heslop, who were also part of the debating team when they attended the school years ago, helped as the consultants of the team.

The talented students of Kedron State High qualified for the Finals Series after winning against Queensland Academy of Science Maths and Technology (QASMT) and Mary MacKillop College, Nundah earlier this year.

Read: Lutwyche: Get to Know One of Brisbane’s Oldest Suburbs

To cap off the night, Kedron Debating Co-ordinator Ryan Taylor-Davis also won QDU Debating Co-ordinator of the Year.

Bring Your Pups to Celebrate Howl-O-Ween at Petbarn Kedron

Photo Credit: Nancy Sticke/Pixabay

Dress your precious pups in the craziest costumes and bring them to Howl-O-Ween at Petbarn in Kedron, where you can have a professional photographer take really cool souvenir snaps of your fur-babies and help raise money for Precious Paws Animal Rescue too.

Debbie from DK Imagery will donate her time on Saturday, the 30th of October 2022, for the exciting photoshoot that will allow pet lovers to have a very beautiful memento of their dogs for Halloween. Each photo session will cost $15 and the money raised will go to heaps of rescue dogs in desperate need.

Dogs in their fanciest costumes could win the Best Dressed Competition. Their humans do not necessarily have to be in costumes as well but wouldn’t it be extra fun if they came in matching attires?

Get your furry pals ready for the trick-or-treat competition. Pets who do not fancy dressing up will have a chance to also participate in this game.

Howl-O-Ween Fundraiser — Photo Credit: Precious Paws Animal Rescue/Facebook

Dog owners may also treat their four-legged family members to mouthwatering pupcakes from In My Belly. The money collected from the pupcake sales will also go to the fundraiser. London Spuds will also have a setup for their delicious baked potatoes for famished visitors.

Children will not be left out because there will be a colouring competition. In fact, the colouring pages may already be picked up from Petbarn Kedron or downloaded online, and then submitted to the store before the 30th. Pls fill out the name, age and contact number on the back of their entries.

All guests will have a chance to win in the raffle. The event will be from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Petbarn Kedron is located at Gympie Road.

Established in 2016, Precious Paws Animal Rescue is committed to helping at-risk dogs with injuries, life threatening illnesses, or those that try to thrive in communities with no animal rescue operations.

“Our rescue dogs aren’t broken or damaged, they have just experienced more in life than others.”

For more details about the Howl-O-Ween fundraiser, visit the Facebook event page.

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

A concerned Brisbane resident has warned pet owners to be more careful when bringing their dogs to the Kedron Brook off leash area due to a case of suspected poisoning which has seen three dogs pass away and left one in critical condition.

Read: After the Floods: Kedron Brook Restoration Updates

The concerned local has taken to social media to tell other pet parents to be cautious around Kedron Brook off-leash area, which is one of the most popular dog parks in Brisbane.

“For those who visit Kedron Brook dog park, please be cautious with taking your pooches there!” the post reads.

“A friend’s dog, along with four other dogs ingested something poisonous there on Sunday (a fungal poison) which can come from mushrooms or possible baiting. Three of those dogs have passed away already while my friend’s dog has been in critical care since!” the concerned resident shared.

A similar case happened in Budina beach in Sunshine Coast just this August, where five dogs died because of poisoning. Authorities believe poisonings are either intentional or accidental. However, despite working hard on this case, investigators admitted that there may not be an easy answer.

Under the State’s Animal Care and Protection Act 2001, it is an offence to administer, feed or lay a bait, or a harmful or poisonous substance, with the intention of injuring or killing an animal.

The maximum penalty for an individual convicted of these offences is $41,355 or 1 year imprisonment.

Pet owners in Queensland whose dogs ingested poison may report the incident to the RSPCA on 1300 ANIMAL or QPS. You may also receive free poisoning advice from the Australian Animal Poisons Helpline.

How to Tell if A Dog Has Been Poisoned

Photo credit: Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels

The common signs and symptoms of poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and convulsions. Immediately seek vet treatment if you see these signs or suspect that your dog may have ingested something toxic.

Read: Puppy Carers from North Brisbane in Demand for Vision Australia

When walking with pets, owners can protect their fur babies by making sure the dogs are not eating or drinking anything from the area.