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Upgrades Begin for Gympie Arterial Road, Strathpine Road Interchange in Bald Hills

Commuters along Gympie Arterial Road and Strathpine Road interchange in Bald Hills may expect traffic disruptions for the next two years as workers are now on the site to facilitate the $30 million upgrades.

The project will see through the transformation of the interchange, used by 20,000 motorists a day, which will relieve the congestion, improve travel times, and make the roads safer for the public.

Per the Department of Transport and Main Roads, among the key features of this infrastructure project are:

The new innovative interchange system allows free flowing turns when exiting and entering Gympie Arterial Road.
The interchange eliminates the number of conflicts with opposing traffic on Strathpine Road and reducing traffic signal phases, making the interchange safer and more efficient.
A diverging diamond interchange is cost-effective to construct and has lesser impacts on local residents compared to a traditional interchange because it requires a smaller footprint.
The Strathpine Road and Gympie Arterial Road diverging diamond interchange will be the second in Queensland, with the Caloundra Road and Bruce Highway (QLD) diverging diamond interchange being the first.

“Diverging diamond interchanges are an innovative design that have been used with great success internationally, and recently here in Queensland at the Caloundra Road interchange,” Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said. “Diverging diamond interchanges are not only cheaper to construct, but they reduce residential impacts, as they require a smaller footprint compared to a traditional interchange design.”

State Member for Sandgate Stirling Hinchliffe said that these upgrades would benefit Bald Hills residents as it will mean “locals can get home quicker and safer.”

The Gympie Arterial Road and Strathpine Road Interchange upgrades are a joint undertaking funded by the Australian and Queensland governments and are expected to finish in mid-2023.

For concerns and enquiries about the project, email metropolitanregion@tmr.qld.gov.au or phone (07) 3066 4338 during business hours.

New Gel Blaster Stores Planned for Brendale & Other Areas

Sales have boomed in the gel blaster industry, currently taking off all across Queensland. Plans are in the works to open gel ball stores in various suburbs all over the state such as Brendale.

Ever since the hobby became regulated by the state government, gel blasters have been on the rise as one of the country’s most prominent up-and-coming industries with numerous stores launching all over Queensland. A grand total of 15 gel blaster-related businesses have opened throughout the state, with many more on the way.

Brendale in particular is due to receive a regulated gel ball store in the near future, and plans are in the works to construct gel ball skirmish fields due to the sheer success of the industry following regulations, which were introduced in 2020.

Photo credit: CC BY-SA/Dottasriel2000/Wikimedia commons

Queensland regulations have declared that gel blasters are not firearms, making them perfectly legal to own and purchase without a licence, however they must still be kept out of sight when being transported. Due to the sheer popularity of gel blasters, regulations are now being examined in other states across Australia.

Those interested in taking part in the hobby must take the community into consideration as the appearance of gel blasters could cause distress. They are difficult to differentiate from real firearms and can only be identified properly with close inspection. The Queensland Police released an informative video to address this issue.

Adhering to the rules and regulations is paramount, especially for Brendale residents as the suburb is slated to receive a slew of new gel ball businesses, according to Police Minister Mark Ryan.

Eatons Hill Runner Completes UTA 100K for Hannah Clarke

Congratulations are in order for Eatons Hill resident Rob Hopkinson, who successfully completed UTA 100-K, one of the most challenging trail-running events in the country. Rob ran Ultra-Trail Australia’s pinnacle event to raise funds for Small Steps 4 Hannah, a foundation working to stop domestic and family violence in honor of Camp Hill mum Hannah Clarke.

The UTA 100K took place in Katoomba, amidst the stunning nature of the Blue Mountains in New South Wales from 13 to 16 May 2021. In the process of covering the distance, scrambling through the fire roads and bitumen roads, as well as scaling the mountain’s 4,400 metre elevation, Rob was able to meet his goal of raising beyond $10,000 for his chosen charity.

“Massive thank you to everyone that supported me [yesterday]. I was blown away when I turned on my phone and seen the amazing messages but also how much was donated,” Rob said.

Rob is not new to running for charity and raising funds to support a cause. Since his first Ironman race in Busselton many years ago, he has considered this a worthwhile experience because he knows it’s making a difference in someone’s life.

Despite the heat, dehydration, and the physical tolls of running, Rob pursues his goal knowing that the endgame would be rewarding.

Watch the video below to see some of the highlights of the run and to check out how tough is the terrain for the UTA 100K:

Incidentally, Small Steps 4 Hannah, established by Hannah’s parents, Lloyd and Sue Clarke, has been nominated for a Queenslander of the Year award for their work with victims of domestic violence. Lloyd and Sue formed the foundation because they didn’t want their daughter’s death, as well as their grandchildren’s death, to be in vain.

Aside from helping the victims, the charity has also been educating families as well as working with authorities to ensure that coercive control becomes a criminal act in Queensland. The move has resulted in the formation of a taskforce to study laws on coercive control as a result of Hannah’s murder.

Meanwhile, the UTA 100K may be over but donations for Small Steps 4 Hannah under Rob is still ongoing on Rob’s My Cause page. He’s also training for his next run while thinking of the next charity to support.

New Strathpine West State School Program Offers English Lessons

Interested in improving your English-speaking skills? The Galaxy Club at Strathpine West State School is inviting the community to come practise with them at their school. The best part? It’s all FREE.

The Galaxy Club, hosted by the school’s Chaplain and a group of volunteers, is open between 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and is keen on helping Strathpine improve their English while simultaneously learning more about the cultures of one another to foster a sense of community.

Admission is completely free, and childminding services are also offered. Those concerned about transport will have nothing to worry as the school is willing to transport participants to and from the venue.

One of the primary reasons the program came about was due to the fact that there were a grand total of 22 different languages spoken by students and their families at the Strathpine West State School. English was not the first language of many of these children and their parents, and this would get in the way of their education as lessons in school were taught in English.

Photo credit: Facebook/Strathpine West State School

Due to the sheer diversity of students and their cultural origins, the Galaxy Club aims to celebrate the backgrounds and cultures of the students from their school. However, the program is open to all members of the community whether their children study in Strathpine West State School or not.

The school can be found at Garbala Dr, Strathpine. For more information, visit their website here. Follow their Facebook page for the latest updates concerning the sessions hosted by the Galaxy Club.

Snap Print in Brendale Has a New Owner, Same Quality Service

The Snap Print franchise in Brendale has changed hands as new owner Fiona Atkins takes over the business for Ian Briskie, who will now enjoy his retirement years.

Mr Briskie has been the Brendale franchise of the largest print business in the country since 2009 and he’s confident in turning over the store’s future to Ms Atkins, the store’s long-time manager.

Ms Atkins, on the other hand, promised to continue the same quality service that Snap Print is known for. She said that there will be no changes in the business’ structure and the store’s service.

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A post shared by Snap Brendale (@snapbrendale)

The Brendale store is one of more than 130 Snap Print outlets in Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland, and has thrived in the print industry for 120 years even in the advent of digital technology. The Snap Print franchise has been flourishing for the last 40 years as opportunities for business owners continue to grow.

Meanwhile, Snap Print recently secured a deal with the online design platform Canva, which will allow the customers access to better design tools prior to having their materials printed at the Brendale shop.

“Bringing your creative ideas to life is what we do best! Our graphic designers can deliver impact and appeal to your business, through a range of creative services. Whether you need a new brand identity, business stationery suite, marketing campaign, or large banners and posters, we’ve got you covered.”

For more information and enquiries about their service, email brendale@snap.com.au or phone (07) 3881 2339. Visit the store at 118 South Pine Road.

Albany Creek Brumbies Set Up New Girls Rugby Academy

The Albany Creek Brumbies have set up the all-new Girls Rugby Academy, which launched in April 2021, to provide girls with the opportunity to enhance their performance in rugby.

With the rising number of female rugby players in schools throughout the district, the Albany Creek Brumbies is providing new avenues for training and skills development through this program at the South Pine Sporting Complex in Brendale.

Training at the Girls Rugby Academy, which began on the 20th of April 2021, is set to run for a total of 20 weeks, and girls between the ages of 6-16 are free to join at any time all throughout the program for the price of $80 per player, per annum. Training will be carried out by accredited coaches who will visit throughout the year to instruct members of the academy.

The academy aims to create an environment that maximises the development of the girls’ foundation skills as well as give them confidence in the sport in the 7’s, 10’s, or 15’s comps. They take great pride in their ability to provide and intend to support the influx of newer female rugby players.

Photo credit: Facebook/Albany Creek Brumbies GPS Junior Rugby Club

Numbers have been increasing ever since 2018, where the number of girls at the Brumbies steadily rose. In fact, new entries have tripled in 2021 in comparison to the previous year, and the sport is quickly becoming more popular with the younger generations. Currently, girls make up 10 per cent of registered players at the rugby club.

Each session runs from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. every Tuesday for 20 weeks, with the exception of school holidays. Those interested in registering can learn more about the process here.

The Albany Creek Brumbies can be found at the South Pine Sports Complex in 620 South Pine Road, Brendale. For more information, visit their website here. Follow their Facebook page for the latest updates and special announcements concerning the club and other related activities.

Le Bon Choix Moving Its Bakery and Warehouse to Brendale

Le Bon Choix, a French-renaissance-style boulangerie and patisserie, has closed a 10-year lease to establish a bakery and warehouse in Brendale.

Ben Jeffries, a representative of the property developer JLL, confirmed that Le Bon Choix will move into a new 1,379-square-metre building on Leitchs Road, within Brendale’s industrial precinct, from their Geebung warehouse. Mr Jeffries said that the location appealed to the owners of the boulangerie as it “provided more efficiencies within the bakery.”

Apart from the warehouse kitchen to service all of the bakery’s shop across Brisbane, the Brendale will site will also include a small cafe to service the precinct’s industrial workers.

JLL’s Nick Bandiera also said that this deal compounds on Brendale as the new favoured site for industries considering establishing operations in north Brisbane instead of going to traditional industrial suburbs. Since the start of 2021, Brendale has seen a spike in demand for lease opportunities.

Meanwhile, Savico Basset-Rouge, the owner of Le Bon Choix, trained under the legendary Laurent Boillon, one of the best pastry chefs in Australia and the world. After more than 10 years of training, Mr Basset-Rouge opened his bakery in 2004 with the goal of taking French pastry, cake, and bread creation to new heights.

Le Bon Choix has retail outlets in Edward and Queen Streets in Brisbane CBD, Ascot, Carindale, Chermside, North Lakes, Upper Mt Gravatt, and Broadbeach. Follow the bakery on Instagram.

Eatons Hill Hotel Celebrates 10 Years as an International Entertainment Hub

Eatons Hill Hotel on South Pins Road is 10 years old this April but the entertainment and leisure site, developed and managed by the Comiskey Group, has plenty more to celebrate this month.

The hotel hosted a fabulous party for its 10th year anniversary last 16 April 2021 at its nightclub. The event was a huge success with the young crowd, especially with guest DJs like Brooklyn & Tenzin.

The party also served as the launch of the newly renovated nightclub, with its new dancing lights and dance floor for guests who enjoy romping and tapping to the beat.

Eatons Hill Hotel‘s 10th birthday also coincides with the establishment’s nomination as the Metro Venue of the Year at the QMusic People’s Choice Award.

According to the Comiskey Group’s Rob Comiskey, no one could have predicted that the Eatons Hill Hotel would become a premier entertainment venue within a decade as it was first planned as an unassuming Australian hotel and pub. But the establishment’s success was driven by bringing international acts like Rita Ora, Jessy J, Post Malone, even the late Prince.

From a mega-pub, the Comiskey Group expanded the hotel with an outdoor entertainment area spanning three hectares where many unique activities have been hosted, such as the annual rodeo and the packed concerts.

Mr Comiskey said that it still feels surreal to have thrived in 10 years.

“When you see how much we have achieved and how much we have grown over that time, it becomes a great legacy over 10 years.”

From 2017 to 2018, the Comiskey Group further expanded the Eatons Hill Hotel with a shopping complex with 25 retail stores and a Woolworths just below the hotel.

The group also acknowledged its strong ties to the surrounding communities of Brendale, Albany Creek, Samford, Dayboro, Warner, Cashmere, Boondall, Chermside and Enogger, as the hotel has been a favoured venue for hosting events or by sponsoring sports activities and fundraisers.

Follow the hotel’s Facebook or Instagram page for updates and events.

Brendale Hyundai Wins a Platinum Award

Brendale Hyundai has been named one of 2020’s top-performing car dealers at the annual Platinum Dealer Program Awards of theHyundai Motor Company Australia (HMCA) in April.

HMCA announced the winners of numerous Hyundai awards during the event. Brendale Hyundai was Queensland’s winner of the regional Hyundai Platinum Award, and according to a Facebook post made following the announcement of the winners, receiving such an award is considered a great honor as it shows that the business is revered by the Hyundai network.

Hyundai, the world-famous South Korean multinational automobile manufacturer, has been a part of Australia’s automotive landscape for 25 years. It is currently the 5th largest automotive group in the world, as well as the fastest growing automotive brand in Australia.

Raw materials such as ore and coal gathered within the country are transported to South Korea, where they are then refined and used to create vehicles. An estimated 60% of Hyundai’s raw materials come from Australian soil, making it the businesses’ largest supplier of materials.

Brendale Hyundai can be found at 66 Southpine Road, Brendale, open Monday to Saturday from 8:30 a.m. onwards with the exception of Saturday, in which the business opens at 9:00 a.m. For more information, visit their website. Follow their Facebook page for the latest updates concerning cars, deals, and other special announcements.

Suburbs Near Albany Creek Where Buying A Home Is Better Than Renting

Photo credit: nattanan23/Pixabay

In Brisbane, there are suburbs where it would be more cost-effective to buy a home rather than rent. If you’re looking for places near or around Albany Creek where the median house price (currently at $645,000) is slightly higher than Queensland’s current median house price, you’ll be glad to know that five suburbs located north and east of the suburb are on the list.

The latest data provided by PRD Research shows Lawnton is the most affordable suburb near Albany Creek, with a median price of $250,000. Located around eight kilometres north of the suburb, Lawnton is great for public transport, childcare, schools, park and recreation.

Suburb near Albany Creek	Median Price	20% deposit	Monthly repayment	Weekly repayment	Median weekly rent 2020	Mortgage vs rent difference
Bald Hills	$485,000	$97,000	$1,690	$423	$420	0.6%
Bracken Ridge	$329,000	$65,800	$1,132	$283	$380	-25.5%
Brendale	$275,000	$55,000	$946	$237	$350	-32.4%
Lawnton	$250,000	$50,000	$860	$215	$300	-28.3%
Strathpine	$465,000	$93,000	$1,614	$404	$400	0.9%

Whilst Bald Hills came with a $485,000 median price, slightly more expensive than the other suburbs on the list, it’s still less than the current median value for houses which is at $593,232 as of 2021.

Strathpine, which is a 14-minute drive from Albany Creek, is a great option for public transport and eating out, and for people who prefer suburbs with many shopping options and proximity to medical facilities.

Five minutes from Strathpine will lead you to Brendale, which is by far the most affordable suburb near Albany Creek. Brendale may be the perfect option for families with kids because of the many childcare services, clean and green areas, and low-cost living.

For many, renting a house is way more convenient than buying one. Renting a home is the best choice for people who aren’t prepared yet for the large financial responsibility of owning one.

But that doesn’t mean renting does not come with disadvantages. The Bank of Queensland says that due to the regular changes in the property market, property managers and landlords are within their rights to change the rent amount once a lease ends.

“In some cases, this might force renters to move out and find a cheaper place, which can be a highly stressful time, especially if you weren’t ready to go yet. Additionally, rent never stops – home owners can pay off a mortgage, but renting means you will need to make those rental payments forever,” BOQ added.

Renting or buying a unit or an apartment in Brisbane is a different story. The latest data reveals the median value for units is at $396,183. The lower rate does not come as a surprise, since the Brisbane Unit market has been experiencing oversupply since the construction of units boomed in 2016.

Oversupply of units in the city, particularly in the CBD, can affect capital growth that there have been moderate declines in prices of units over recent years. Because of this, there are lenders who decline applications for loaning money for unit purchases in some areas of Brisbane. Other lenders require higher deposits.

Despite the oversupply, buying a unit in Brisbane can still be a good choice if the fund is limited. They are mostly located near major employment centres and other amenities, not to mention that they often achieve higher rental returns compared to houses and townhouses.