By the end of 2020, Strathpine locals will be able to enjoy an enhanced dining and entertainment hub as the Strathpine Centre in Gympie Road will undergo a major overhaul at the start of the year.
Moreton Bay Council has given the green light to revitalise the shopping centre after its owner, Swordfish Australian Sub TC, submitted a development application in June 2019. After receiving Council approval, the investment group confirmed that construction work will commence in early 2020.
Strathpine Centre will have several dining areas, a ground floor tavern, an upgraded cinema, a childcare area, and a potential hotel. The design submitted to the Council also includes additional carparks and pedestrian connectivity at the northwest side by Gympie Road and Learmonth Street.
The redevelopment will be undertaken in three stages.
The first stage will cover the ground floor eateries and retail stores. Strathpine Centre’s casual dining area will be stylised as an “Eat Street” section that will connect to the cinema and the future hotel.
The second stage will consist of the car park upgrade, as well as the construction of an indoor recreational and play area for kids and adults.
The last stage will be the childcare centre’s construction.
Swordfish Australian Sub TC aims to turn the facility into a high-end shopping and leisure precinct on par with the retail hubs in Queensland’s southeast.
The news comes as the $75 million Super Retail Group office space with 600 employees across the street to Strathpine Centre is almost complete.
Brisbane City Council has reopened the Bracken Ridge Library after nearly 10 months of improvements. The new public structure now boasts features that enhance the library’s services and aesthetics.
The improved Bracken Ridge Library includes an improved children’s section, a reading lounge and a quiet room.
Photo Credit: Brisbane Libraries/Facebook
The 1000-square-metre space also offers new public meeting rooms with audio/video facilities and a kitchenette for private functions and workshops. The setup is convenient for hosting various events with 100 guests, live entertainment and craft activities, among other possibilities.
Apart from the structure changes, improvements were made to the library’s Wi-Fi connections and eight computer internet stations. Its borrowing and return services have also been automated with the latest RFID technology.
Outside, a terrace area and a deck overlooking Ferguson Park were to the Bracken Ridge Library. Landscaping was also enhanced, along with the addition of this new grassed courtyard.
Its new 50-space car park and new bike racks, which found underground or at the ground level by the Community Hall, are expected to encourage more frequent visitors.
The massive and modern redevelopment of Bracken Ridge Library began in January 2019 for $6 million. The library first opened in 1987.
It was a shocking discovery indeed for a Carseldine couple when they realized that their ceiling is harbouring a colony of more than 60,000 bees.
Prior to discovering the uninvited guests, the homeowners claimed that they could hear the bees humming and even seen them coming from the outside and entering the house.
Thankfully, Brisbane Backyard Bees’ Paul Wood was more than happy to handle the removal of the 30-centimetre deep beehive containing about 60,000 to 70,000 bees and about 15 kilograms of honey.
To remove the honeycomb, he had to cut into the roof, carefully extract the bees using a bee vacuum and cut the comb into pieces. Collected combs were placed in temporary hives in Mr Wood’s backyard.
In August, Mr Wood was also able to rescue a beehive from a Bracken Ridge ceiling, carrying a massive 50 kilograms of honey, and another one was removed from a wall in Tingalpa. Early this November, a beehive was also collected from a ceiling in Brighton.
Swarming is a natural process in the reproductive cycle of honey bee colonies.
He said that bees tend to swarm during springtime and because we don’t have enough trees for them to swarm in, finding bees inside ceilings is becoming quite common.
Mr Wood’s advice for homeowners is to call a beekeeper if they see a swarm in their home.
Sealing off holes and cracks that could allow bee entry is necessary to protect your home from swarming. You also need to keep your yard neat and tidy as honey bees could nest in the cavities of old appliances or furniture, for example.
Ditch the gadgets and the internet one weekend this November and bring your kids to the Canterbury Park Family Pest Fishing Competition for a family day out in Bald Hills. This outdoor event hosted by 2 Bent Rods and the Brisbane City Council is guaranteed to be both fun and educational as participants help get rid of the cane toad of the waterways.
Happening on Sunday, the 10th of November from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Canterbury Park Family Pest Fishing Competition enjoins participants to reduce the number of tilapia and other pest fish.
Photo: Supplied
This event is perfect for children to engage in nature and environment activities so that they can learn valuable life skills and understand the importance of sustaining local biodiversity.
The Canterbury Park event is one of several pest fishing events hosted by 2 Bent Rods across Queensland. During their last event in Harold Keilly Park, 387 tilapia with a total weight of 96.278 kg were caught within 4 hours.
Photo: Supplied
The number of participants depends on the site. For the Canterbury Park event, up to 300 participants can join. Usually, about 60-70% of the participants are kids under 10 years of age.
Cane Toad of the Waterways
The main fish caught at the pest fishing events are Mozambique Tilapia, also known as the cane toad of the waterways.
Originally an aquarium fish that was unfortunately released into local waterways, tilapia are mouth brooders and unlike native fish, their survival rate is quite high. Tilapia can survive in many different water conditions, even those with poor quality. They also compete with native fish for food.
Mozambique Tilapia, aka, cane toad of the waterways. (Photo: Supplied)
Once caught, the tilapia are euthanised humanely. They must also be disposed of immediately either by burying them above the high tide mark or by putting them in the bin.
Any native fish that are caught are released unharmed.
The Canterbury Park Family Pest Fishing Competition is a chance for the kids as well as the adults to:
Educate themselves and raise awareness of pest species in the local waterways to help prevent an infestation
Become involved in the community and meet interesting people who share a common goal
Give back and help the waterways replenish its native fish.
Photo Credit: 2 Bent Rods/Facebook
“These types of events are a lot of fun for the kids while also educating the community as well as the entrants,” said Sam Beckmann of 2 Bent Rods.
“Tilapia is prevalent in many of our waterways and people need to be made aware of the best practices for dealing with them. That’s where events like the Canterbury Park Family Pest Fishing Competition comes in.”
Apart from learning how to spot and remove invasive pest fish in Bald Hills, heaps of prizes will be given away to the participants whether they catch one or not. Prizes are courtesy of Alvey Reels Australia, Jarvis Walker, Daiwa Australia, Fishing Monthly Magazines, Jones Tackle and Hookeze.
“Kids always learn more when they are having fun. There will be plenty of prizes up for grabs with kids being split into two age categories plus an adult category. Councillor Sandy Landers will be there to award the prizes,” Beckmann said.
Cold drinks, tea, coffee and BBQ will be available for purchase at the Bald Hills park.
Did you know that the Kumbartcho Sanctuary at the Bunya Pine Circuit in Eatons Hill has an interesting fairy and gnome garden just waiting to be explored? Discover this enchanting playground with your kids when you visit the reserve by the South Pine River.
Amidst this 6-hectare sanctuary is a special Fairytale Trail filled with whimsical fairy and gnome figurines, tiny houses, and whimsical creatures that may spark your children’s imagination.
Sit, relax or play whilst you enjoy the peaceful surrounding with your family and perhaps convince your kids to write a letter to the fairies and post this in their mailbox. Just don’t forget to add a self-addressed and stamped envelope so that the fairies can write back!
Photo Credit: Kumbartcho Sanctuary & Nursery
After you’re done visiting the fairy village, there’s still plenty to explore at the Kumbartcho Sanctuary. It’s also an animal habitat where the residents freely roam around the vast reserve.
For your own safety, stick to the path and try not to get too close or attempt to feed the furry, feathery and even slithery animals you could spot. You’re free to take pictures and videos though, so go ahead and bring your camera when you explore.
The Kumbartcho Sanctuary has a BBQ area if you’d like to enjoy a picnic with your group. You may also purchase plants at the nursery for as little as $2.
This public park and nature hive is managed and cared for by volunteers. Pet animals, however, are banned from the area to prevent disturbance and distraction.
The Kumbartcho Sanctuary is open for exploration seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The nursery, on the other hand, trades from Tuesday to Friday at 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and weekends at 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
A development application for a resort-style retirement facility on 85 Greensill Road, Albany Creek near the South Pine River gets the green light.
Pesdev Group’s Greensill Resort Retirement Living will soon rise on Albany Creek as part of a master-planned seniors living proposal across 85 Greensill Road (Stages 3 – 7) and 110 Greensill Road (Stages 1 and 2) — its separate DA has been approved on 20 June 2019.
Photo Credit: Moreton Bay Regional Council / pdonline.moretonbay.qld.gov.au
Situated between Sandy Creek and South Pine River, this development (Stage 3 -7 of the masterplan) will be constructed over five stages and will offer seniors housing plus recreational opportunities.
Photo Credit: Moreton Bay Regional Council / pdonline.moretonbay.qld.gov.au
All existing structures on the proposed 62,580sqm site will be demolished to give way to the construction of six buildings, which will contain the 287 independent living units.
Access will be provided via Greensill Road, two-vehicle access points in the southwestern and southeastern corners of the development. A total of 353 resident parking bays and 8 visitor parking bays over three levels — with each level having two lifts, fire stairs, and refuse area — will be provided at the basement.
Designed by Red Door Architecture, all proposed buildings will be a mix of three-bedroom, two-bedroom plus study, and two-bedroom units plus ground floor lobby, four sets of fire stairs, two lifts, services rooms, mailboxes, and refuse.
Each unit will have a kitchen, dining, living room, laundry area, private terraces (ground floor units) and balcony (upper-level units).
Building D front elevation Photo Credit: Moreton Bay Regional Council / pdonline.moretonbay.qld.gov.au Building E1 front elevation Photo Credit: Moreton Bay Regional Council / pdonline.moretonbay.qld.gov.au Building E2 front elevation Photo Credit: Moreton Bay Regional Council / pdonline.moretonbay.qld.gov.au
Buildings D1 to D4 will be four storeys high and will contain 55 units. Building E1 will also be four storeys high and will contain 38 units. Building E2 will be three storeys high and will contain 29.
The communal facilities and basement car parking area for the overall development will be delivered under Stage 1.
“The proposal demonstrates there is a need for this type of development within the area and the proposal is well aligned with demand conditions anticipated over the next 15 years and will generate a range of positive and economic impacts through the construction and operational phases of the project, together with ensuring that the community have the opportunity to age in place,” the Land Surveying Dynamics town planning report said.
The intersection upgrade on Barbour and Norris Roads in Bracken Ridge is among 11 identified congestion-busting and safety improvement projects to be jointly funded by BCC and the Federal Government.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner recently announced that the Council and the Federal Government are committing to a joint $500-million to Building Better Roads for Brisbane Fund to get these 11 congestion-busting projects underway over the next three years.
“I have a clear vision for the future of our city and we are committed to managing growth, building better transport networks while protecting our fantastic quality of life.”
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said that these projects will bust congestion, deliver life-saving safety road improvements, and bolster freight connections that underpin the state and national economies.
Beams Road upgrade, Carseldine – upgrade to Beams Road between Lacey Road and Handford Road. Council committed $40 million towards the State’s open level crossing removal
Indooroopilly roundabout intersection upgrade, Indooroopilly – replace roundabout to improve traffic flow and safety
Newnham Road and Wecker Road intersection upgrade, Mount Gravatt – intersection upgrade to improve safety and traffic flow and safety
Commercial Road and Doggett Street upgrade, Newstead – intersection upgrade to improve safety and reduce congestion
Chelsea Road and Rickertt Road upgrade, Ransome – intersection upgrade to improve safety and traffic flow
Rochedale Road and Priestdale Road intersection upgrade, Rochedale – intersection upgrade to improve safety
Boundary Road rail crossing upgrade (State Government project) – Council committed $40 million towards the State’s open level crossing removal. Federal Government committed $73 million towards the State’s open level crossing removal
Lindum rail crossing upgrade (State Government project) – Council committed $40 million towards the State’s open level crossing removal. Federal Government committed $85 million towards the State’s open level crossing removal
The Barbour Road/Norris Road, Bracken Ridge Upgrade Project Details
The project involves upgrading the intersection at Barbour Road and Norris Road in Bracken Ridge, which experiences significant traffic congestion during peak morning and afternoon hours.
The Barbour Road/Norris Road upgrade project aims to improve accessibility, connectivity and productivity, as well safety and travel times. The Australian Government will contribute $1.5 million towards the upgrade project.
Project timing will be determined after consultation with Brisbane CIty Council.
Following its successful launch in Brisbane during a long January 2019 weekend, Holy Green Music & Arts Festival will return for another day of music and fun. For 2020, the party will take place on Saturday, the 25th of Jan 2020, at 12:30 p.m. at the music festival’s new home at the outdoor grounds of Eatons Hill Hotel.
Celebrated during Australia Day, the Holy Green Music & Arts Festival showcases the diversity of Australian music. Last year, thousands of fans were treated to unforgettable performances from alternative, indie pop and rock bands and artists. This year, the line-up has expanded to feature other equally interesting acts.
Featuring Sam Hales on vocals/guitar, Cesira Aitken on lead guitar, Andrew Dooris on bass guitar/backing vocals, and Keelan Bijker on drums/trombone, this band released their first EP in 2011.
A Sydney-based band who started in the underground scene in 2014 with their blend of soul and hip-hop music. Sir Elton John is a big fan of their music.
Keep tabs of the additional line-up on the event page as more acts are still expected to join.
Apart from the music, Holy Green Music & Arts Festival will feature heaps of international food and drinks because what party doesn’t have a great selection of booze and snacks? This is an 18+ and a drug-free event so keep in mind that IDs will be scanned at the venue.
Festival-goers may bring camp chairs, sunscreen and their one water bottle to hydrate in between the performances as free refill stations will be on site.
Score your tickets for general patronage or VIP online.
Get the chance to experience ice cream flavours inspired by Netflix series ‘Stranger Things’ at Baskin Robbins in Albany Creek Village.
If you’re a fan of the popular ‘80s-inspired Netflix series Stranger Things, you are in for a treat as unique flavours from the show’s very own Scoops Ahoy Parlour with an exclusive limited edition Stranger Things menu are now available at Baskin Robbins.
Get to customise your own ice cream cone or cup with both classic flavours from Baskin Robbins as well as new flavours straight from the show. Flavours include Love Potion 31, Hokey Pokey, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chocolate Mousse Royale, and Cookies and Cream.
Here are some of the limited edition items being offered:
Eleven’s Waffle Sandwich – Two freshly baked waffle cone chips that are dipped in chocolate with a generous amount of ice cream inside.
Upside Down Sundae – As the name suggests, this ice cream is served upside down with your choice of chocolate or caramel topping hidden underneath layers of the belgian waffle, chocolate brownie or cookie dough chunks. It is also topped off with your favourite ice cream scoop and an upside down sugar cone.
The Shadow Cone – A freshly baked charcoal cone dipped in chocolate and cloaked in blood-red sprinkles to top off your favourite scoop.
The Mind Flayer Macaron – A Love Potion 31 Ice cream sandwiched between two crisp charcoal macarons, rolled in blood-red and black sprinkles and red chocolate crispies.
The Demogorgon Sundae – Your favourite limited edition scoop in a Stranger Things themed cup, topped with a delectable chocolate monster head.
Interested to know more? Visit Baskin Robbins for more details and updates about their latest offerings.
Stranger Things at Baskin Robbins is available for a limited time only. So you better head over to Baskin Robbins located inside Albany Creek Village to get your favourite limited edition Stranger Things scoop.
Thinking of ways to amuse the kids whilst keeping them occupied during the school holiday? Skateway Albany Creek has got a special deal for you and your family!
You’ve got until Sunday, the 6th of Oct 2019, to plan a fun school holiday and score free family passes at this skating rink at 700 Albany Creek Road. And since school is out, you could even let the kids stay up late for an enjoyable night session at Skateway.
To win a family pass, fill out an entry form when you visit Skateway during the school holiday sessions at these schedules below.
Meanwhile, Saturdays are for “Learn to Skate Classes” in the morning, so if you’ve got children eager to master skating, you can sign them up for a full-hour class with an accredited coach. This offer includes a bonus free class so the kids have more hours to practice on the rink.
Photo Credit: Skateway Albany Creek/Facebook
Skateway is inside a fully air-conditioned and fully supervised facility at the Albany Creek Square. The children can take a break from skating by enjoying the arcade games or snack on food and drinks with the parents at the onsite cafe.
Ready to get rolling? Phone 3325 1711 for bookings and enquiries. Skateway also hosts birthday parties and other events for all ages.
