Homepage Latest News Archives - Page 34 of 42

Kedron: Among Brisbane Suburbs Most Reliant on JobKeeper

The Brisbane suburbs with the most proportion of residents that are reliant on the JobKeeper Payment scheme relative to all postcodes in Australia, including Kedron, have been revealed.

The JobKeeper Payment, introduced on 30 March 2020, is a government subsidy scheme aimed at supporting businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Under the scheme, eligible employers, sole traders, and other business entities can apply to receive a fortnightly wage subsidy of $1,500 per eligible employee.

The Treasury Department expects the Jobkeeper Payment, which is set to be terminated on 27 September 2020, to benefit around 3.5 million employees.

To map out the suburbs/postcodes where residents are particularly reliant on the Jobkeeper handouts, consultancy firm Taylor Fry analysed takeup data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the latest Australian population.

*Photo: Australian Taxation Office / https://nationalmap.gov.au*

Among the top-tier Brisbane suburbs was Kedron, which according to the latest annual Taxation Statistics report from ATO registered an average taxable income (2016-2017 income year) of $67,082.

Based on the findings, two trends have emerged. The first trend points to postcodes with a high concentration of residents belonging in the workforce and are still employed. These locations have a higher likelihood of having a bigger portion of its residents relying on the JobKeeper payment.

The second trend reveals the impact that the eligible industries have on the payment subsidy scheme. Severely affected middle-income earners in sectors like retail, hospitality, and accommodation are more likely to rely on the JobKeeper.

*Photo: Taylor Fry / https://taylorfry.com.au*

As shown in the heat map, the relative reliance of suburbs/postcodes, with a score of 90 – 100 decile, are represented in darkest red. These are the 10 percent of Australian postcodes that are likely to have the highest proportion of residents receiving the JobKeeper payment.

Meanwhile, the neighbourhoods that scored 1 – 10 decile, shown in darkest green color, represent the 10 percent of Australian postcodes that are likely to have the lowest proportion of residents reliant on the $1,500-per-fortnight payment.

According to Taylor Fry’s JobKeeper heat map, the other neighbourhoods that scored a 90 – 100 decile apart from Kedron/Gordon Park include Paddington/Milton, Belmont/Gumdale, Coorparoo, Greenslopes, Murarrie, Morningside/Seven Hills, Rochedale/Burbank, Wakerley, and Wynnum West/Hemmant.

The nation’s unemployment rate rose to 7.1 percent in May, the highest level recorded since October 2001, according to the latest figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The figure is higher compared to 6.4 percent recorded in April. An additional 227,000 people lost their jobs across Australia on top of the 600,000 in April, bringing the total to 835,000 since March 2020.

Victoria recorded the largest drop in employment with 70,800 people losing their jobs, followed by New South Wales with 43,900 lost jobs. Western Australia and Queensland also recorded a decrease in employment, down by 30,200 and 28,100, respectively.

Last week I wrote to the fed govt asking they #KeepJobKeeper going beyond September.

This week the @GrattanInst backed our position that's shared by thousands of QLD workers.

The COVID crisis won't be resolved in weeks or months. We need a long-term jobs solution from Canberra. pic.twitter.com/bF0cnzkYwO
— Cameron Dick (@camerondickqld) July 1, 2020

Treasurer Cameron Dick appealed to the federal government to extend the JobKeeper program stating that the pandemic will not be resolved in a matter of weeks or months and thus long-term jobs solutions need to be in place. In his letter to Josh Frydenberg, Treasurer of Australia, Mr Dick said that the Jobkeeper payments are “playing a critical role in maintaining connections between employers and workers.”

Mr Dick added that the JobKeeper Payment scheme is instrumental in mitigating the impacts of the recession and in helping the economy recover from the downturn. To realize this, however, this scheme needs to be implemented “beyond the original six-month timetable.”

“One of the major risks to ensuring Australia’s effective economic recovery and supporting jobs across the country, including in Queensland, is a premature withdrawal of key Australian Government support measures, including JobKeeper, from the economy,” Mr Dick said.

“I am extremely concerned about the potential economic and social impacts any premature cessation of JobKeeper may have on many thousands of Queensland businesses and hundreds of thousands of Queensland workers that have been accessing JobKeeper to hep survive this crisis,” he said.

Help is on the way! School Makes 3D Printed Face Shields for Frontliners

Ferny Grove State High School stepped up in a major way to help two major hospitals and a Brisbane clinic, by using the school’s 3D printers to help produce face shields for medical frontliners in the battle against COVID-19.

Photo Credit: Ferny Grove State High School

3D-Printed Face Shields

The morning of April 2nd would have been just another day at work for Industrial Design and Agriculture Technology Head Corey Gieskens, had it not been for a call from Nick Aroney, a local medical practitioner, Nick Aroney. Mr Aroney asked if Ferny Grove State High School can help them by 3D printing face shields, in partnership with Metro North Hospital Service & The Common Good Au.

After an exchange of files and designs, Mr Gieskens and his team went to work, using four 3D printers from the school’s STEM labs and three 3D printers of their Design labs to print parts for the face shields.

The team of 30 people, manning the seven 3D printers in the school to produce half the requested quantity, and tapped members of the school community with access to 3D printers to produce the rest, under Mr Gieskens’ supervision.

Heeding another call from The Prince Charles Hospital, this time for 150 face shields, Mr Giesken also proudly shared that their team, working with other members of the school community, was able to produce the requisite quantity in less than four days.

The school has also successfully assembled full shields, for a coronavirus testing clinic in Brisbane. Using 3D-printed strips, rubber bands and clear acetate sheets used by the school for their overhead projectors, the team was able to assemble full face shields.

Tanya Pilbersek, Shadow Minister for Education, recognised the school’s efforts through social media.

Sustainable and Comfortable

Medical personnel at the Intensive Care Units of hospitals typically have to wear their face shields for at least eight hours on shift, so comfort and protection are important to them. Face shields protect the wearers against droplet infection, more so when used to supplement face masks.

The school printed the plastic strips that are used at the top of the face shields. 3D-printed strips from FGSHS feature a wider strip at the top, each taking almost 4 hours to print.

Shields with a wider band at the top are more comfortable to wear and can be re-used, two important details that frontliners consider very helpful and that Mr Gieskens and his team are particularly proud of.

“In our design department we talk a lot about sustainability and recycling. It meets that ethos really nicely,” he said.

A few days before they started making face shields, school personnel led by Miss Cleary and Miss Durkin, along with Mr Gieskens, had also assembled a team to sew face masks for a local medical surgery.

If you have a 3D printer at home, some PLA material, and want to help, you may email Mr Gieskens at cgies5@eq.edu.au and he will send you the print files.

Likewise, if you are a keen sewer and want to assist in making face masks, please email Mr Gieskens for a pattern and their how-to guide.

What You Need to Know About Gympie Road Bus Stops and On-Street Parking Proposal Changes

After a consultation with the community, including Kedron residents, the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has made changes to the Northern Transitway bus stops and on-street parking proposal on Gympie Road.

With the construction of the transitway set for late 2020, officials say that the bus networks will continually undergo refinement in consideration of the feedback from the community.

“We held a series of community information sessions last year and received 185 pieces of individual feedback on the proposed Northern Transitway plan,” TMR Minister Mark Bailey said.

“The main issues raised by the community were the removal of the bus stops and on-street parking.”

In its bid to manage the congestion on this busy arterial road — which links Gympie Road, Sadlier Street, Hamilton Road, Kedron and Chermside — TMR has implemented the following changes to the proposed design:

1. Bus Lane Operating Hours

Bus lanes on Gympie Road, between Sadlier Street and Hamilton Road, will be operational during weekday peak periods only, from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. This means that outside of these hours, on-street parking on Gympie Road will be open to local businesses and their customers. Emergency vehicles may still be allowed to use the bus lanes during bus operating hours.

2. Bus Stop Near Coles

Two bus stops near Coles, at the Strathmore Street and Castle Street intersection in Kedron, will NOT be removed. Commuters and customers of the supermarket chain may still benefit from the bus service without interruption.

3. Gympie Road No Parking Areas

Motorists are expected to strictly observe “no parking” near bus stops and intersections of up to 100 metres at all times.

4. Additional Access Changes

New traffic signals will be installed at the Gympie Road and Boothby Street intersection. This site will also have right-turn lane and u-turn lane access to improve traffic safety.

“The changes mean commuters will still enjoy quicker travel during the high demand peak periods, while Gympie Road businesses will keep on-street parking for their customers for large parts of the day and all day on weekends,” Mr Bailey said.

For more information about the Northern Transitway project, visit the official site.

Proposed Redevelopment To Deliver New Aged Care Facility In Kedron

An existing residential aged care facility on Kitchener Road in Kedron will be redeveloped into a larger, more modern facility.

The subject site is situated at 171-175 Kitchener Road, 80 Araluen Street, and 78 Araluen Street. Current developments at the subject side includes a 41-bed Kedron Aged Care, a two-storey building located at 171 – 175 Kitchener Road, which has reached the end of its lifespan. The subject site is also occupied by SmashCare Chermside, a smash repair business situated at 80 Araluen Street, and a detached dwelling at 78 Araluen Street.

The proposal thus involves the redevelopment of the existing residential care facility extending onto a neighbouring site and replacing the industrial use with a new residential aged care facility that will accommodate 122 residents.

“This facility redevelopment will deliver a reimagined and modern aged care facility that is complementary to the local area and current industry expectations. It is believed that the facility will provide a high level of amenity for residents as all rooms have an outlook to open space and are designed in accordance with industry standards for aged care,” the Latitude Town Planning Services Pty Ltd assessment report said.

*Lounge / Dining Forecourt Perspective*
*Photo credit: POWE Architects / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au*

“The facility will provide the highest standard of support and care for residents, who can no longer live unassisted, and enable them to remain within and connected to their local community and support network, supporting the growing recognition of persons wanting to age in place.”

The proposed building will be four levels and designed to integrate with the existing ground levels and complement the surrounding low density neighbourhood.

*Lower ground floor*
*Photo credit: POWE Architects / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au*

The lower ground floor, with a floor area of 351.7 sqm, includes the primary building entry and controlled access point for visitors whilst located at the front of the building is the main administration section. The lower ground floor also includes beauty salon, education room, conference room, management offices, public amenities, and staff amenities

*Ground floor plan*
*Photo credit: POWE Architects / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au*

The ground floor, covering 1,886 sqm of floor area, will include servicing and staff areas and facilities: commercial kitchen with freezer, cold room and a dry goods pantry, laundry facilities including a laundry supply room, maintenance area, staff amenities, bin storage area, and service bay area/goods in.

The ground floor will also contain the secure residential wing comprising 20 single-bed units with ensuite facilities. Also located on the ground floor is a nurse station, lounge/dining room, meal servery area, sunroom, and secured open terrace and courtyard.

*Level 1 floor plan*
*Photo credit: POWE Architects / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au*

The first floor (2,429.9sqm) will contain 42 single-bed units with ensuite facilities designed around a large, secure courtyard. There will be a large terrace with a barbecue area, adjacent to the lounge, dining and lifestyle area. The first floor will also include two nurses’ stations, meal servery area, offices, treatment room, communal lounge areas, storage rooms, utility rooms, visitor bathroom, and clinic.

*Level 2 floor plan*
*Photo credit: POWE Architects / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au*

The second floor (3,476.2sqm) will have 60 single-bed units with ensuite facilities, as well as a dining area and lounge room, meal servery area, lifestyle space, terrace deck, library, three nurse stations, offices, clinic, communal lounge areas, storage rooms, utility rooms, abd visitor bathroom.

The proposal provides 38 car parking bays (including 1 PWD space) for staff and servicing vehicles, accessed from the 80 Araluen Street entry; 19 visitor cars (including 1 PWD space) accessed from the 80 Araluen Street entry; and 60 residents car parking spaces, at the ground and lower ground car parking levels.

Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this article inadvertently omitted attribution of the images to POWE Architects. Corrections have been made to reflect the proper attribution.

Kedron-Based Start-Up Company to Export New Cutting-Edge Target Products

A Kedron-based start-up company is set to go global with its cutting-edge target products to be exported soon.

The State Government announced that it would support GaardTech to commercialise its unique advanced military targets for defence training purposes. GaardTech’s new TARGET (tank and reconnaissance ground enemy target systems) product can replicate any three-dimensional target with the highest level of thermal, EW and visual detail.

“This is about creating new jobs in Queensland. Defence is a rapidly growing global industry. That’s why we’re supporting a local business to tap into this industry and export from Queensland,” Innovation Minister Kate Jones explained.

“The company has already proven the demand for their technology with Army and Airforce contracts with the Australian Defence Force and there’s strong interest from other allied military forces.”

GaardTech 3D robotic tank target – Video Credit: GaardTech Targets / YouTube

GaardTech is one of the recipients of Ignite Ideas Fund round 5. The $100,000 grant, Innovation Minister Kate Jones added, is provided to enable the company to employ more staff and commercialise their technology.

Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Minister and Member for Stafford Dr Anthony Lynham described the State Government’s initiative as a win for a great local business and amazing achievement for an Australian-owned Kedron-based business “recognised across the world as a leader in defence technology,”

“This Ignite Ideas funding will allow us to present the high fidelity training systems to allied forces the world over and expand our market with exports to the United States and EU countries,” GaardTech founding director Steen Bisgaard said.

He added that he sees rapid growth for the company’s Brisbane office as sales and contracts emerge whilst export activities will also result in an increase in locally fabricated products from the company’s Brisbane based steel supply chain.

GaardTech was the first company in the world to introduce a full-size, steel, robotic military training system, which was flat packed, cost-effective, and able to replicate any emerging threat to a high visual and thermal accuracy.

Locals Not Keen About New 12-storey Towers Pitched For Lutwyche

Photo Credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Developers are looking to build two 12-storey mixed-use towers on a 7,332 sqm site at 612 Lutwyche Road and 53 and 57 Lamington Avenue, Lutwyche.

Designed by Conrad Gargett, the application seeks to build residential towers with a retail complex, cinemas, and healthcare centre. Architectural plans show it will have a public laneway with footbridges that will connect the towers.

Photo Credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

A key feature of the development will be a market hall similar to the Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne and Borough Market in Southwark, London. It will also include an urban farm restaurant which can be accessed by the public and the residents alike. The developer notes the towers will “create an impression of a cohesive neighbourhood within the skyline.”

The applicant originally proposed a building height of 14 storeys for the southern tower and 21 storeys for the northern tower. However, the height has been reduced to a maximum of 12 storeys for both towers because a building height in excess of 12 storeys is not supported in the area.

All of the existing lots have residential dwellings on them with the exception of 612 Lutwyche Road, which is currently vacant. The properties on 53 and 57 Lamington Avenue will have to be removed as part of this proposal.

Whilst some locals welcome the development, some residents fear it will further overcrowd traffic and road usage in the small precinct of Lutwyche and Lamington Road.

“Residents in the area on Lamington Avenue and surrounding roads will have additional traffic to deal with when accessing/departing their properties. Parking in the neighbourhood is already overloaded with commuters, adding this facility will further restrict residential parking and access.”

The resident added that the plan seems to conflict with the planned changes for the Brisbane north bikeway connecting to the Kedron Brook Bikeway. “The anticipated increase in traffic will inherently make the proposed bike route dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians.”

Meanwhile, the application states The BCC Local Area Plan identifies the site as a retail hub and encourages mixed use developments up to 12 levels. It emphasizes that the mixture of retail spaces, small office tenancies, boutique cinema, restaurant tenancies, residential units and generous public spaces facilitate a new destination for Lutwyche and beyond.

For more information about the proposed towers, see Full DA-A005365420.

Taoist Tai Chi Society Celebrates 50 Years with Free Session

In this increasingly stressful times, a physical routine like Tai Chi may help improve your stress management. But if you’re unsure if this is the right form of wellness program for your lifestyle, you can give one class a try for FREE this Saturday at the Taoist Tai Chi Society of Australia at 566 Lutwyche Road.

Happening on the 1st of February 2020, the event is part of the Lutwyche centre’s open house to mark its 50th anniversary. The free class will start at 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., followed by a tea session with the students and instructor.

In 1970, Master Moy Lin Shin, founded the Taoist Tai Chi Society in Canada with a goal of teaching the ancient defence training as a healthy physical routine. The art of Tai Chi combines martial arts techniques with meditation, balancing the body and mind’s energies.

*Photo Credit: Taoist Tai Chi Society of Australia/Facebook*

The popularity of Tai Chi escalated around the world as it became a powerful tool for stress management among athletes and businessmen. Tai Chi classes are also being conducted at hospitals and schools for its health programs.

Today, over 40,000 members across the globe benefit from the techniques imparted by its accredited volunteer instructors. In Brisbane, the group has been growing for over 20 years.

Now, if you enjoyed the free session on Saturday, you may begin attending the regular classes held every week.

For more details, phone +61 7 3357 5600.

Top Taste Bakery to Close Kedron Factory After 50 Years

A major transition is taking place at Top Taste Bakery. After 50 years of operation, its factory on Gympie Road in Kedron will cease operation by May 2020.

Former Top Taste Bakery owner George Weston Foods (GWF) sold the business to the global company Newly Weds Foods in the first week of December 2019. The new owners, headed by CEO Calvin Boyle, plan to focus operations at the Newly Weds facility in Wetherill Park, Sydney.

Whilst 120 workers at the Kedron factory will lose their jobs, some staff will be absorbed by its Sydney site. According to reports, the company has hundreds of employees across its business sites in Queensland but transitioning will be prioritised for workers in Kedron.

In acquiring Top Taste Bakery, Mr Boyle said that there are plans to expand its bakery line with foods developed and created by the Kedron factory all these years.

Mr Boyle hopes that the transition will be fully completed by July or early August.

It’s still unclear what will become of the Kedron factory’s 3.63-hectare site. Per GWF, its parent company, Associated British Foods, has the say over the property.

Concept Plan for Chalk Street Park Project Has Been Finalised

Brisbane City Council has announced that the concept plan for Chalk Street Park has been finalised and will now move into the detailed design and construction phases.

The proposed Chalk Street Park, a 6,900-sqm urban recreation park, is bounded by Chalk, Marita, and Wellington Streets in Lutwyche and comprises 10 lots. The finalised concept plan follows a community consultation which showed that respondents are supportive of the project with preferences for picnicking and socialising facilities, a children’s playground, quiet reflective areas and walking and sporting activities.

The final concept plan include: new picnic shelters and an accessible drinking fountain; new playground equipment; an open space for informal sports and activities; a new pathway through the park; and a new planting area with shade trees to separate the playground from the street.

There will also be a new park entry; bollards along the park boundary; new shade tree planting to open space; pathway and streetscape planting; a safety fence to the playground; shade for the playground; fitness equipment; bike repair station; and an off-street parking on Marita Street.

*Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au*

Chalk Street Park is one of the list of 11 identified future park and reserve enhancements which also includes Colmslie Beach Reserve, Murarrie; Eildon Hill Reservoir, Windsor; Grinstead Park/Shand Street Park, Enoggera; Keperra Bushland, Keperra; Mount Gravatt Outlook Reserve, Mount Gravatt; Stephens Mountain Reserve, Greenslopes; Wembley Park, Coorparoo; and Wishart Community Park, Wishart.

Council expects the Chalk Street Park’s construction to commence in late 2020.

Padua College and Mount Alvernia College Announce Expansion Plans in Kedron

Photo credit: Padua College Kedron (Official)/Facebook

Padua College and Mount Alvernia College in Kedron are planning to expand by acquiring a Council-owned depot, with plans to transform it into a sport and cultural precinct.

Mr Mark McSweeney, Chairperson of Padua College, and Mr Michael O’Brien, Chairperson of Mount Alvernia College sent a letter to their alumni, announcing the possible acquisition of the Stafford depot. Also, BCC has already accepted their letter of offer to buy the land.

The board of directors from the two Catholic Franciscan schools will come up with a master plan over the next year for the long-term use of the precinct. The master planning will involve a consultation period to ensure that the schools consider all input for the best use of the land.

They want the site to offer some community use as part of the long-term plan. But for the meantime, they are considering to build playing fields and a base for their combined Franciscan Colleges instrumental program.

“This opportunity has been made possible by more than 120 years of combined prudent financial management of Mount Alvernia and Padua Colleges. This has enabled us to be in a position to responsibly acquire this land,” Mr McSweeney and Mr O’Brien said in the joint statement.

All proceeds of the sale would go to the Brisbane Green Future Fund, which was established by the Council to expand the city’s greenspace and is part of the Council’s 2019-20 Budget.

About the Depot

The Stafford depot measures 44,476 sqm and is bordered by several streets including Broughton Rd, Wayland St, Lennon St, Hutchins St, Bradley Ave and Wood St. This parcel of land is located south of the two Cathoic schools and used to be a quarry.

Lennon St, Kedron (Photo Credit: Google Street View)

The site currently houses State Emergency Services facility. It will remain there until the council’s relocation strategy is complete. With its huge size, the land can still be used to build a residential space, but Finance Chair Cr Adam Allan said he is pleased it will be used for both education facilities and sporting fields for future generations.