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AI Drone Mapping Revolutionises Conservation Efforts for Koalas in Albany Creek

Artificial intelligence and drone technology are now being used to identify and protect vital koala corridors, as part of a groundbreaking conservation effort by leading environmental organisations, centred on Albany Creek and surrounding areas in Moreton Bay.

The Koala Corridors, hailed as the solution to these challenges, serve as pathways connecting isolated koala populations. These corridors facilitate movement, feeding, breeding, and genetic diversity, all critical for the long-term survival of the species.

Known for their tree-dwelling nature and reliance on eucalyptus trees for food and shelter, Austalia’s most iconic marsupials have faced increasing challenges as urbanisation and deforestation have encroached upon their habitats. Fragmented populations and a reduction in genetic diversity have put koalas at significant risk.

Koala AI drone mapping Albany Creek — Photo Credit: Photoholgic/Unsplash

According to Bhavik Patel of Greenfrog Sec, the AI and drone project aims to identify and protect vital Koala Corridors to mitigate the threats posed by habitat loss, disease, and other environmental factors.

The innovative approach lies in the integration of artificial intelligence and drone mapping technology. AI-driven drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors capture detailed aerial imagery, which is then processed by advanced algorithms to create highly accurate maps and models of the environment.

The process involves data collection through drones, AI analysis to identify vegetation types suitable for koala habitat, and mapping that highlights areas requiring protection and restoration efforts.

Once identified, these Koala Corridors are prioritised for protection measures, including physical barriers to prevent Koalas from entering dangerous areas like roads. Corridors that have been degraded can be rejuvenated with the help of AI drone mapping.

A key aspect of this project is community involvement. The detailed and accurate maps created by AI drone mapping are shared with the public, increasing awareness and mobilising support. Local communities, government agencies, conservation organisations, and landowners all play a crucial role in the success of this conservation effort.

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Published 17-Oct-2023

Stationery Aid Ltd in Bunya Shines as Finalist in the 2023 WasteSMART People’s Choice Award

Photo Credit: DrChristianRowanMP/Facebook

Stationery Aid, based in Bunya, has secured a place among the top contenders for the esteemed 2023 WasteSMART People’s Choice Award, with residents rallying behind their local environmental champion in the voting process.

The WasteSMART People’s Choice Award is a prestigious recognition that honours individuals, community groups, and businesses for their dedication to waste-smart activities.

The award comes with a $350 prize, celebrating those who tirelessly work towards diverting various waste types from landfills, including food, clothing, textiles, and medical waste.

Stationery Aid has made remarkable strides in diverting used and unused school stationery and office supplies from landfills and giving them new life and use locally and abroad.

With the support of over 80 volunteers, they sort, clean, and renew these items, which are then distributed to vulnerable and disadvantaged school students in Brisbane and across Queensland. Any supplies that cannot be used are donated to other charities that provide educational resources to children overseas.

In addition to these efforts, Stationery Aid also runs a repurposing program, turning old pencils into earrings, paper into wastepaper bins, and reusable supermarket bags into pencil cases. Over the past 2.5 years, the charity has diverted approximately 46,000 litres of school stationery waste from landfills, equivalent to a 7×6 metre pool. Their work has benefited approximately 900 disadvantaged school students, mainly in Brisbane, by providing them with full yearly booklist and stationery packs.

Stationery Aid was founded in 2020 by Alison and Jan Schutt, who recognised the need to collect excess school stationery to prevent it from going to landfills. Their mission expanded to help students and families facing hardship, and they established partnerships with local community groups, schools, and volunteers to make Stationery Aid a reality.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner lauded the WasteSMART Awards as a means to encourage all residents to embrace sustainable practices. He also highlighted the various initiatives undertaken by the city to promote sustainability, including food waste recycling trials, compost and worm farm rebates, and reduced green waste disposal costs.

Public voting for the WasteSMART People’s Choice Award opened on Tuesday, 3 October, and will remain open until Monday, 16 October. Residents are encouraged to visit the WasteSMART Awards website to learn more about the 2023 finalists and cast their votes.

The WasteSMART Awards, managed by the Brisbane Sustainability Agency on behalf of the Brisbane City Council, are proudly sponsored by Containers for Change Queensland, Cleanaway, and The University of Queensland. A ceremony announcing the winners in the 12 WasteSMART Award categories, with a combined prize pool of over $4000, is scheduled to be held at Brisbane City Hall in November.

For more information about the awards and to cast your vote, visit WasteSMART Awards.

Published 16-Oct-2023

Albany Creek Swim Club’s 14-Year-Old Prodigy Shines at World Deaf Swimming Championship

Photo Credit: Facebook/ Albany Creek Swim Club

A promising young swimmer from Albany Creek Swim Club has recently made headlines with his exemplary finish at the World Deaf Swimming Championships in Buenos Aires. The 14-year-old athlete took home two Bronze medals, competing in events with no age groups or divisions.

Tobi Ambrose Rinaldi proved himself as a promising young talent in the sport with his recent accomplishments which came in the form of Bronze medals in relay events – the 4 x 100m Medley Relay and the 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay – along with a personal best time for Breaststroke leg.

Albany Creek Swim Club’s 14-Year-Old Prodigy Shines at World Deaf Swimming Championship — Photo Credit: Facebook/ Albany Creek Swim Club

Tobi further showed his swimming prowess by securing a place in the Top 20 in several of the fiercely contested events including the 50m, 100m, and 200m Breaststroke, as well as the 200m Freestyle race.

Tobi’s journey into the world of swimming began when he joined the learn-to-swim program at the tender age of six months. He then gradually advanced through different squads. By the age of 11, Tobi became a member of Albany Creek Swim Club, marking his competitive swimming journey.

For Tobi’s coach and mentor, Brendan Dowling, who has been coaching the rising talent for the past two years, qualifying for the championship is a testament to Tobi’s dedication and commitment to the sport.

4x100m Medley Relay M Championship Finals

Ukraine (Vladyslav Kremliakov, Denys Nakonechnyi, Oleksii Kolomiiets and Illia Sultanov) | 3:51.14
Poland (Igor Stempurski, Konrad Andrzej Powroznik, Kacper Nowicki and Rafal Wojcik) | 4:11.04
Australia (Dylan Campbell Logan, Tobi Ambrose Rinaldi, Nicholas John Layton and Henry Vincent Hughes) | 4:16.10

4x200m Freestyle Relay M Championship Finals

Poland (Kacper Nowicki, Jakub Kramarczyk, Rafal Wojcik, Konrad Andrzej Powroznik) | 8:05.61
Ukraine (Maksym Dudnyk, Danylo Litvin, Yevhen Zaulichnyi, Ivan Zinenko) | 8:10.81
Australia (Dylan Campbell Logan, Henry Vincent Hughes, Tobi Ambrose Rinaldi, Nicholas John Layton) | 8:33.98

This year’s championship took place from 14 to 19 August 2023 and was participated in by 31 countries.

Published 29-September-2023

Tesla Owners Explore Bunya Biogas: A Unique Alternative Energy Initiative in Brisbane

Tesla owners from the Queensland sector of the Tesla Owners Club of Australia recently explored an innovative approach to alternative energy: tip mining. This unique visit took them to the Bunya Biogas to Renewable Power Project, shedding light on a lesser-known form of sustainable energy generation.

Tip mining, or landfill gas capture, aims to harness methane emissions from landfill sites across Australia. These sites, often located in regional areas without emission control systems, are rich sources of harmful methane. The goal is to reduce emissions and generate electricity profitably by capturing and destroying methane.

LGI (Landfill Gas Industries) is at the forefront of this green initiative. As explained by Katrina Nelson, LGI’s Business Development Manager, their mission is to save the planet one landfill at a time.

The Tesla owners learned about LGI’s innovative methods during their visit to Bunya in early September 2023.

Tesla Megapack Integration

LGI’s Bunya Biogas site is set to incorporate a Tesla Megapack, providing rapid response to market needs. The battery responds to price fluctuations in the National Electricity Market, optimizing power generation based on pricing.

Despite landfill sites’ unpleasant odour, the Tesla owners showed keen interest in LGI’s work. LGI’s biogas management systems effectively capture and convert harmful methane into renewable power, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

At the Bunya site, LGI also employs modular equipment housed in shipping containers for scalability. This modular approach allows LGI to easily adjust capacity as needed.

Bunya Biogas — Photo Credit: Laurence Walsh/Google Maps

ASX Listing Boosts Expansion

LGI is now listed on the ASX, the Australian Securities Exchange, providing the capital needed to expand their projects, per Matthew Tap, LGI’s project manager. This listing reflects confidence in LGI’s business plan and its potential to help local government authorities generate income from landfill sites.

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A post shared by LGI (@lgi.com.au)

Mr Tap highlighted several ongoing projects, including the expansion of the Canberra Mugga Lane Facility and a new site in Nowra, New South Wales. LGI is continually assessing gas generation rates, network connections, and investment optimization.

Toowoomba’s LGI project stands out as it powers the Wetalla Water Reclamation Facility. LGI’s innovation involved drilling under a railway line to connect the landfill gas pipeline to the water treatment plant, significantly reducing grid dependence.

Whilst there are currently no plans for EV chargers at the Bunya site, LGI is open to the idea as more councils electrify their vehicle fleets. These initiatives aim to increase the availability of renewable energy in the grid.

LGI’s pipeline of projects in collaboration with local governments promises emissions reduction, cost savings, and income streams for communities. The Tesla owners’ visit underscores the potential of alternative energy sources beyond the conventional solar and wind options. Alternative energy is truly beneficial for all.

Published 27-Sept-2023

RACQ and Suncorp Highlight Storm Hotspots as Queensland Braces for Early Deluge

Supercell thunderstorm | Photo Credit: Bureau of Meteorology / www.bom.gov.au

With the storm season arriving sooner than expected, RACQ and Suncorp have issued their list of suburbs that could be impacted by the extreme weather conditions, including Albany Creek, Ashgrove, and The Gap.

The Bureau of Meteorology has attributed this unexpected commencement to above-average temperatures and the looming El Nino weather pattern. Queenslanders are now being urged to prepare for an active storm season ahead.

The Bureau added that the state recorded its warmest winter in more than a century, prompting a warning that Queensland could experience more storms across the Southeastern region.

RACQ and Suncorp insurance groups have taken proactive steps to inform residents about potential storm hotspots in the state. RACQ Insurance analysed three years’ worth of data, reporting nearly 57,000 home and motor claims related to severe weather conditions, including storms, floods, and hail damage during the La Nina period.

Notable areas with high claim frequencies according to RACQ include postcodes 4340 (includes Ashwell and Calvert), and 4300 (includes Augustine Heights, Bellbird Park, Brookwater, Springfield, Springfield Central and Springfield Lakes).

On the other hand, Suncorp Insurance collated data from the past 2021-22 financial years. Their list of suburbs that could potentially be impacted by severe weather includes postcodes 4061 (The Gap, Brisbane North), 4017 (Brighton, Brisbane North), 4035 (Albany Creek, Brisbane North), 4556 (Buderim, Sunshine Coast), 4017 (Bracken Ridge, Brisbane North) and 4060 (Ashgrove, Brisbane North).

Melissa McGrath, spokesperson for RACQ Insurance advised homeowners to undertake property maintenance, including checking for loose tiles, clearing gutters, trimming trees and removing debris from yards. Queensland, she added, typically experiences storm season from September to March. And even though a drier season is predicted, there is still that risk of severe storms, hail, and cyclones.

Senior forecaster Felim Hanniffy, meanwhile, stated the warmer temperatures have set the stage for these early storms. These weather events can intensify very quickly, he added, so it’s important to undertake important home maintenance as early as possible.

Published 19-September-2023

Hoppy Tunes and Tasty Brews: Inside Brendale’s Hip Hops Brewers

Amidst the warehouses and industrial buildings of Brendale, an oasis of craft beer and culture has emerged at Hip Hops Brewers, which opened its doors earlier this year.

Read: TJM Brendale Celebrates 50 Years Of Empowering Off-road Enthusiasts With Cutting-edge Gear

Housed in a converted warehouse space, the brewery boasts 21 taps of fresh brews, seltzers, and sodas. Step inside and you will be greeted by the cavernous, vaulted-ceiling taproom anchored by the long bar.

Colourful street art in graffiti style adorns the walls, giving nods to old school hip hop artists. There’s plenty of seating options – intimate corners for small gatherings, mid-sized tables, and long picnic-style tables for big groups. Additional outdoor seating lets you soak up the Queensland sun whilst sipping a cold brew.

The beer lineup covers all the bases with XPA-Lidocious Extra Pale Ale, Samford Sessions American Pale Ale, Craic & Crainn Dry Irish Stout, and more. Non-beer options include three fruit seltzers like Ginger Zing and Hard Sarsaparilla, along with sodas from LongRays and fermented fruit sodas from Ibis Brewing. There’s even wine from the nearby Moreton Bay winery Ocean View Estates.

The brewery is the brainchild of owner Shaun Reeves, who worked as a business advisor and accountant in the area for over three decades before opening his own brewery.

He’s joined by an experienced team of local brewers, including Adam Gibb from the now shuttered White Brick Brewing in North Lakes and Barrett Bravo, former senior brewer at Newstead Brewing and more recently head brewer at Happy Valley.

Photo credit: Mark Blackwood/Google Maps

Meanwhile, the onsite kitchen dishes out bar bites like wings, nachos and fries plus gourmet burgers to satisfy your hunger. Options range from the Queen Bee burger with bacon, cheese and honey glazed onions to the fried chicken, slaw and chipotle mayo.

With space for intimate gatherings in cosy corners or big groups at long tables, this hip hop themed brewery offers a unique industrial chic vibe. The graffiti art, booming hip hop soundtrack, and tantalising beers and eats make this urban oasis a must-visit in Brendale.

Read: Support Flows for Brendale Golf Course Lightning Strike Victim

Kids and dogs are welcome to join in the laidback fun. So leave your inhibitions at the door, and come enjoy the blend of craft brews. Learn more by visiting their website.

Published 18-September-2023

New Neighbourhood Plan Adopted for Bridgeman Downs

Residents have welcomed the finalisation of the new Bridgeman Downs Neighbourhood Plan after years of consultation.

Read: Old Northern Road Skate Park Set for Complete Overhaul

The new neighbourhood plan, which will guide future development in the suburb, was adopted on 13 June 2023 and became part of the Brisbane City Plan on 1 September 2023.

The Bridgeman Downs Neighbourhood Plan establishes a framework to coordinate infrastructure planning and guide growth and development in the suburb. Key elements of the plan include:

Protecting the environment and greenspace

The Bridgeman Downs community has advocated for conserving natural habitats, enhancing waterway health, and growing the suburb’s urban forest.

The new neighbourhood plan aims to address these goals. It requires development to protect and enhance native flora and fauna corridors along Albany Creek, Cabbage Tree Creek, South Pine River and other waterways. The plan also calls for identifying and preserving significant landscape trees and providing a mix of lot sizes to retain backyard habitats.

Specifically, the plan mandates protecting ecological corridors between Cabbage Tree Creek and Albany Creek south of Albany Creek Road. New developments must safeguard and connect the area’s diverse habitats and tree canopy. With the community’s environmental priorities in mind, the Bridgeman Downs Neighbourhood Plan establishes policies to maintain the suburb’s green spaces and natural assets.

Residential neighbourhoods

The Bridgeman Downs Neighbourhood Plan aligns with residents’ wishes to maintain the suburb’s acreage areas and limit higher density housing.

The plan states that dwelling houses should be established on acreage and suburban lots in keeping with the area’s low density character. It prohibits multiple dwellings in low density residential zones, restricting townhouses and apartments.

Infrastructure and services

The neighbourhood plan outlines new open spaces, parks and community facilities to meet the needs of Bridgeman Downs residents. This aligns with feedback from the community calling for improved open space and park networks in the area.

The plan proposes establishing new parks and open spaces in accessible, safe locations that connect to walking and cycling paths. Residents have advocated for multi-functional open space corridors to link parks and community hubs.

The planned facilities aim to provide more recreational options whilst fostering greater connectivity through the suburb.

Read: Developer Seeks to Bring Diverse Housing Options to Albany Creek With ‘Riverfront Terraces’

Visit Brisbane City Council’s website to learn more about the new Bridgeman Downs Neighbourhood Plan.

Published 8-September-2023

Albany Creek Lions Club Announce that the Lions Hearing Dog Program Now Includes Support Dogs for Diabetes Sufferers

The Lions Hearing Dog Program, one of the programs of the Lions Club of Albany Creek and other Lions Clubs across the country, is now also training medical dogs to assist people with diabetes. This is in addition to training dogs that assist the hearing impaired.

The Lions Hearing Dog Program trains and sends dogs to hearing impaired recipients across different cities and towns in Australia, including right here in Albany Creek.

With the expansion of the program scope to cover support dogs for diabetes sufferers, these life-changing dogs are now making a greater difference to those who need them nationwide.

The Albany Creek Lions Club meets twice monthly for club events and initiatives: the first Wednesday of the month at the Albany Creek Library, and the third Wednesday at the Hornets Football Club.

If you or someone you know could benefit from receiving an assistance dog, please contact the Albany Creek Lions Club. They will see what can be done to help.

About Lions Australia

The Albany Creek Lions Club is part of the larger network of Lions Clubs in Australia. Lions Australia supports communities nationwide through diverse service projects and initiatives. Their main areas of focus include youth empowerment, health, humanitarian efforts, the environment, and fostering innovation.

Assistance dogs represent just one way the Albany Creek Lions Club aims to help people in the local community and make a positive difference in their lives. Access their Facebook page to learn more.

For Lions Australia, insight leads to action. Their mission is bringing service to life through practical and informed projects that create visible, measurable change.

For more information about Lions Australia, visit their website here.

Published 5 September 2023

Old Northern Road Skate Park Set for Complete Overhaul

Major changes are on the way for the skate park at Albany Creek’s Old Northern Road. The existing skate park will be demolished and completely rebuilt with a fresh design by mid-2024, based on feedback and ideas collected from the local community.

Read: Coles Gets a Makeover as Part of Albany Creek Village Updates

Once complete, skaters, scooters, BMX riders and rollerbladers will be able to drop in at the revamped park.

Besides the skate park at Old Northern Road, the one at Sheep Station Creek Park in Morayfield is also set for an upgrade. Works at Morayfield are set to begin in October 2023, with Albany Creek to follow in January 2024. Both projects are expected to be completed by mid-2024.

Deception Bay Skate Park (Photo credit: Leisha Bumgart)

Division 3 Councillor Adam Hain said they are taking inspiration from the Deception Bay Skate Park, where Council invested $1.5 million into upgrades, and other leading skate parks in Queensland to bring Morayfield back into the top ranked parks in the state.

Mayor Peter Flannery noted that similar to roads and pavements, it was important for Moreton Bay to ensure its skate parks and other active infrastructure stay up-to-date and meet the needs of the community.

“We know locals love the outdoors, and we want to encourage even more people in our region to get out and enjoy their skateboards, scooters, BMX and rollerblades,” he said.

About the Skate Park Upgrades Program

These upgrades are part of Moreton Bay Regional Council’s ongoing Skate Park Upgrades Program. In 2019, Council conducted a comprehensive audit of all 23 skate parks in the region. The audit evaluated each park’s functionality, condition, and location to identify opportunities for improvement.

From the audit, Council developed a phased plan to invest in maintenance, repairs, and complete redesigns of select skate parks. The first phase of the renewal program focuses on upgrading facilities in Dayboro, Deception Bay, Albany Creek, Morayfield, and North Lakes.

Redevelopment of the Albany Creek and Morayfield parks represents the next stage in implementing the region-wide skate park enhancements.

Read: Albany Creek Gymnastics Club Shines at the Australian Gymnastics Championships

The program upgrades will give local skaters and riders access to premier parks close to home as excitement builds for Brisbane 2032. Stay tuned for updates on construction timelines and designs in the coming months.

Published 27-July-2023

Proposal for Gympie Road Wildlife Hospital Gains Momentum After Devastating Koala Incident

Last month, a koala named India was struck by a car on Gympie Rd, the tenth koala fatality in just two years along that particular stretch of road. The incident has prompted calls to establish a wildlife hospital in the area.

Read: Substantial Acreage on Bunya Now Preserved as a Koala Habitat

Moreton Bay Regional Council has appealed to the government for assistance in constructing a wildlife hospital on Gympie Rd in Lawnton, a facility estimated to cost approximately $10 million, with an additional annual operational expense of up to $5 million.

The leading cause of animal admissions to the SEQ wildlife hospital network is car accidents, with koalas accounting for 11.4 percent of admissions.

Photo credit: Moreton Bay Koala Rescue/Facebook

Currently, wildlife needing urgent care have to be transported for up to two hours to the RSPCA facility at Wacol and Australia Zoo at Beerwah, prompting Mayor Peter Flannery to highlight the urgent need for a dedicated wildlife hospital in Moreton Bay.

A local wildlife hospital would reduce travel times for injured animals and alleviate the burden on carers, who are already strained by rising fuel and food costs.

The loss of India highlights the repercussions of the delayed implementation of crucial safety measures, including a fauna rope bridge, koala fencing, and an underpass at Four Mile Creek on Gympie Rd in Lawnton.

Originally slated to commence construction in April 2023, the project has been plagued by delays that have severely impacted the contractor’s timeline.

In response to these unfortunate events, Moreton Bay Koala Rescue took to their Facebook page, expressing their disappointment regarding the delays in the installation of wildlife fencing in the area.

“We have been promised for MONTHS there will be wildlife fencing put up in this area to try and protect India and his friends who frequently cross Gympie Road but as usual these are all empty promises…”

The rescue group also reminded local officials that they are not asking for a wildlife hospital but for wildlife fencing.

Cr Mick Gillam explained that the delay in procurement and tender awarding has impacted the delivery schedule which caused ‘unavoidable’ setbacks.

Read: Wildlife Corridor Under Threat: Development Applications on Beckett Road Have Local Concerned

Meanwhile, discussions are already underway with key stakeholders, including the federal and state governments, RSPCA, Australia Zoo, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, wildlife rescue groups in the region, the Moreton Bay Wildlife Hospital Foundation, and private entrepreneurs willing to support wildlife and koala rehabilitation on their properties.

Published 6-July-2023