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Modernization of Albany Creek Library Is Already Underway

Albany Creek Library will get a revamp to provide the community with contemporary spaces that “connect, inspire, and engage.”

Photo credit: Moreton Bay Region Libraries/Facebook

On 12 November, the Albany Creek Library will be closed to give way to the completion of refurbishment works. Construction works that will include modernising the library interior to “improve access to spaces and create an open, welcoming ambience that improves the customer experience, and to provide modern, compliant and pleasant bathroom facilities”, are scheduled and will be carried out by Chapcon Building Services Pty Ltd.

Moreton Bay Regional Council is investing more than $368,000 to upgrade the Albany Creek Library located at 16 Ferguson Street.

“Public libraries are lifeblood to learning, promoting reading, nurturing and knowledge so it’s important the community has the chance to experience these opportunities in a comfortable and relaxed environment,” Councillor for Division 9 Mike Charlton said on his announcement last June.

“In the past year the Albany Creek Library has welcomed more than 100,000 residents and visitors through its door.

“I know the community along with local groups will be really excited to see this space come to life with a fresh look,” Cr Charlton said.

Photo credit: Moreton Bay Regional Council/www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au

Albany Creek Library is scheduled to reopen on 17 December. Once construction works are completed, the revitalized Albany Creek Library promises its visitors to have:

  • More ways to use the library services and collections, including roving library assistance and RFID Smart Shelving to make returning of items faster and simpler.
  • Cosy benches and booths with power and WiFi throughout the facility.
  • Engaging space that will connect visitors to Albany Creek’s unique environment, complete with a new children’s space, special study zones, and new furniture.
  • New informal lounge areas, comfy chairs and coffee tables.

Items that were loaned will not be due for return whilst the library is closed for renovation. However, loaned items can still be returned via the Albany Creek after-hours returns chute or to any of the other Moreton Bay region library branches.

Albany Creek Library | 16 Ferguson St, Albany Creek, Queensland

Canterbury Park in Bald Hills Is Among Official Drone Parks

Canterbury Park in Bald Hills is now among the 10 official drone parks across Brisbane. This comes after a well-received six-month trial that began in December 2017.

Ten test sites were designated for the first trial of the drone zone parks. The trial was successful and received an “overwhelmingly positive feedback from enthusiasts.“

“As part of Council’s commitment to create more to see and do in Brisbane, we’ve provided launch and landing sites at 10 large parks across the city to accommodate the growing number of drone users,” said Environment, Parks and Sustainability Chairman Cr David McLachlan

“Council has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from its trial of 10 sites and hundreds of people have been taking advantage of these designated areas to take off land their drones that are up to 2kg,”  Cr McLachlan said.

Credit: Mueller Aviation/YouTube

The following are the official drone zone parks:

The following are the criteria to be met before an aircraft could be launched and landed in the designated areas:

  • you are flying for recreational purposes; and
  • your aircraft weighs no more than 2 kg; and
  • your aircraft is electric; and
  • you are flying no earlier than 7am Monday to Saturday, or no earlier than 8am on Sundays and public holidays; and
  • your activities do not endanger, interfere with or cause nuisance to the park, park users or adjoining properties; and
  • you follow Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s (CASA) safety rules for flying drones and other remotely piloted aircraft recreationally at all times.

Eighty per cent of the over 700 residents supported the idea of having dedicated areas in the parks for the launching and landing of drones. The Council thus has declared the designated parks as official recreational drone launching and landing sites. The Council also mentioned that they are also looking for additional drone sites.

 

Albany Creek Village Gets A Multi-million Dollar Worth Makeover

Fortius Funds Management has announced a multi-million-dollar refurbishment program of the Albany Creek Village. The project promises to “deliver exciting new era for the well-established community centre.”

Anchored by a Coles Supermarket, The Centre first opened in 1988 and underwent an initial major refurbishment in 2001. It houses more than 30 specialty retail shops, 500 plus car spaces, and approximately 100 covered by shade sails.

Fortius Funds Management rebranded the Centre to the original name “Albany Creek Village”, reaffirming the community and convenience basis in which the Center was founded.

“This carefully planned refurbishment program is designed to reinvigorate Albany Creek Village and reaffirm its position as the trade area’s number one convenience shopping destination,” Fortius Senior Asset Manager, Renaud Herington said.

Designed by Hames Sharley, a Brisbane-based architectural firm, internal works will include upgrades to the flooring, ceiling, and lighting. Other works include a new seating pods and extensive internal landscaping and ambience works.

External improvements will include a new Centre facade treatment, external tenancy signage package, new lighting, flooring, and landscaping works. There will be a new pylon signage and entry signage as part of the centre’s new branding.

The redevelopment will bring new service, and food and beverage tenants into the existing tenancy mix. The outdoor landscaping promises a respite area for shoppers who wish to relax while completing their shopping at the Centre.

Photo credit:Fortius Fund Management/albanycreekvillage.com.au

Founded in 1991, Fortius currently owns and manages Australian real estate totalling $1.4 billion. Fortius’ recent project include the Newcastle’s Junction Fair Shopping Centre restoration. Fortius Funds Management purchased the Albany Creek property for $55.8 million from Charter Hall.

“The co-ordinated capital works and leasing program will allow Albany Creek Village to fully capitalise on its prominent location, ease of access and proximity to local schools and services, and to fully meet all the convenience shopping needs of the fast-growing Albany Creek community.”

“We are looking forward to completion of works and the centre delivering a wide range of convenience and lifestyle benefits for our valued customers and retailers,” concludes Mr Herington.

The Albany Creek Village refurbishment program commenced last August 2018 and is expected to be completed by November 2018.

700-710 Albany Creek Rd, Albany Creek QLD 4035, Australia

Synchronised Swimming Open Day at Albany Creek Leisure Centre

Learn the basics of synchronised swimming at Albany Creek Leisure Centre this Saturday, 1 September 2018.

Neptunes Synchronized Swimming Club‘s Open Day welcomes new members aged seven years and above. The program is open for those who are able to swim unaided for 25 to 50 metres in freestyle and another stroke. If your child is comfortable in the water, you can join the club’s Come and Try Day on Saturday or book for trial sessions.

Photo credit: www.neptunes.qldsynchro.org.au

Neptunes Synchro has been teaching synchronised swimming at Albany Creek Leisure Centre for over 18 years and still swimming strong. The club has an exceptional experience in training young girls to become experienced swimmers. They are also popular for being a close, friendly group consisting mostly of parents who love to watch the kids develop their skills in a supportive team.

Albany Creek Leisure Centre
Photo credit: Neptunes Synchro/Facebook

Synchronised swimming is an excellent way to stay fit, learn motor skills, and develop an artistic flair. Aside from the Open Day, the club will be having a Basic Figures competition on Sunday, 16 September 2018 at Albany Creek Leisure Centre.

Read: Albany Creek’s Paige Schouw Selected in Australian Women’s Indoor Hockey Squad

If you’re interested to join the come and try session, simply email Melissa at president@neptunes.qldsynchro.org.au. Participants are asked to bring/wear togs, sunshirt, towel, cap, goggles, water bottle and wear sunblock.

Albany Creek Leisure Centre
Photo credit: Neptunes Synchro/Facebook

The Neptunes Synchronized Swimming Club also offers synchronised swimming sessions at the Dunlop Park Memorial Pool at Corinda and welcome swimmers from nearby suburbs.

Visit the club’s official website or visit their Facebook page to learn more.

 

Safer Roads Ahead as New Traffic Signals Light Up in Albany Creek

To address the increasing prevalence of right-turn crashes at the intersection, new traffic signals will be switched on at the Old Northern Road/Explorer Drive intersection in Albany Creek.

The project follows the Government’s investment in making the intersection safer and is being delivered as part of the Queensland Government’s Targeted Road Safety Program.

Read: Government Invests $1.1 Million to Make Albany Creek Intersection Safer

According to Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey, the new traffic signals will significantly help in controlling traffic movement at the accident-prone intersection.

“Switching on the new traffic signals will significantly improve right-turns from Explorer Drive to Old Northern Road,” Mr Bailey said.

“The signals will make turning right safer and easier and help control the flow of traffic at this increasingly busy intersection, which I know has been a concern for the local community,” he added.

Other Traffic Signals at Old Northern Rd, Albany Creek Photo credit: Google Street View

Mr Bailey said that the new traffic signals will also be coordinated with other signals on Old Northern Road to further improve priority traffic movements and minimise queuing distances during peak periods.

The intersection would be monitored and the signal synchronisation fine-tuned as traffic patterns settle.

Other safety improvements have also been delivered at the intersection, including:

  • an extended southbound right-turn lane on Old Northern Road to increase capacity for turning vehicles
  • a high-angle entry treatment for motorists turning left from Explorer Drive onto Old Northern Road to improve visibility
  • a dedicated on-road lane for northbound cyclists through the intersection
  • a signalised pedestrian crossing across Explorer Drive

Mr Bailey confirmed that the construction contractor, RoadTek, will return to the site after the signals are operational to finalise the safety improvements.

Road upgrades are continuously done in roads around Albany Creek as part of the program to improve the most dangerous intersections in the Moreton Bay region.

Read: Albany Creek’s One Of The Most Dangerous Intersections In Queensland To See An Upgrade

Old Northern Road Upgrades

More safety improvements will also be provided to Old Northern Road in response to community feedback.

A new footpath for the eastern side of Old Northern Road is already being designed and is anticipated to be complete in September with construction to follow.

Photo credit: CCO Public Domain / PxHere

A signalised pedestrian crossing will also be added at the northern side of the intersection to tie into the new footpath.

Mr Bailey hopes that the project, which is expected to be finished by the end of the year, will provide a safe passage across Old Northern Road.

Majority of the works for the Road Safety Program needs to be completed at night when traffic volumes are lower to ensure the safety of motorists and road workers.

Mr Bailey advised motorists to take extra precaution while travelling through the work zone and thanked the local community for their patience.

Albany Creek Intersection Among Most Dangerous in the Region

As part of the Queensland Government’s Safer Roads Sooner program, more than 42 projects across the state will receive over $30 million of funding next financial year. Albany Creek will benefit from this following the recent announcement on the upgrades of the most dangerous intersections in the Moreton Bay region.

The Albany Creek Road, Ferguson St and Wruck Crescent will be upgraded and it is expected to cost $595,000. The project involves extending both right-turn lanes on Albany Creek Rd and modify traffic signals to control right-turn movements.

Other intersection upgrades in the region include Eatons Crossing Rd and Eden Drive in Strathpine and Oxley Ave and Irene St in Redcliffe.

The upgrades will begin in the 2019-20 financial year.

The government program continues to provide road safety upgrades for the residents. Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said, “Any death on our roads is one too many, so initiatives like this are vital to ensure we have a safe road network for road users.”

The program is funded through the Targeted Road Safety Program. Other projects in the program include:

  • Three road safety projects on the Warrego Highway near Ipswich
  • Intersection upgrades on Toowoomba-Cecil Plains Road and Oakey-Pittsworth Road
  • Shoulder widening, line marking and guardrail installation at a section of the New England Highway near Cooyar
  • Traffic signal installation at the intersection of Brighton-Redcliffe Road (Oxley Avenue) and Irene Street
  • Lane and shoulder widening on curves on the Tamborine-Oxenford Road near Wongawallan
  • Intersection improvements at Proserpine-Shute Harbour Road and Gregory Cannon Valley Road

Albany Creek State School Winter Carnival Returns

The family-friendly Albany Creek State School Winter Carnival is on again, this time with a bigger surprise!

Festivities will start from 1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, 28 July 2018. Winter Carnival 2018 is made even mor exciting this year with afternoon celebration leading up to evening events, complete with a much-anticipated display of fireworks.

Kids of all ages are sure to be entertained as the Winter Festival includes several carnival rides, petting zoo, pig races, face painting, live band, fireworks, student performances, art displays, a wide selection of food and drinks, and more.

Photo credit: Albany Creek SS P&C/Facebook

Winter Festival is a biennial event from Albany Creek State School. The festival is open to everyone and entry to the event is free. Ride passes will be available for $30.

For more information visit the official event page or check Albany Creek SS P&C’s Facebook page for updates.

 

 

Albany Creek State High to Build New Single Storey Secondary Learning Centre for 2020 Ready Program

Albany Creek State High is one of the Moreton Bay schools that will benefit from the 2020 Ready program that will help build additional classrooms to support a new era in Queensland’s education from 2020.

The government will commit $250 million over two years in the State Budget for the 2020 Ready funding boost that will support more than 60 Queensland high schools.

Police Minister and Member for Morayfield Mark Ryan said the government funding would support four Moreton Bay schools to accommodate the first full complement of secondary students in Year 7 to 12.

Photo credit: Facebook/Albany Creek State High School

“Albany Creek State High will also see a new single storey secondary learning centre built at a cost of $4.2 million while Bribie Island High will receive a new $10.3 million two storey building housing additional classrooms,” Mr Ryan said.

“In 2020, for the very first time in Queensland’s history, our high schools will have a full complement of students across all six year levels.”

According to Education Minister Grace Grace, the government’s $250 million infrastructure investment is set to support an anticipated 17,000 additional students across the state.

Other schools in the Moreton Bay Region that will benefit from the 2020 Ready program include Caboolture State High, Bribie Island High, and North Lakes State College.

Experience Australia’s First Modern French High Tea at Albany Creek’s French and Mor

Concealed amidst the backstreets of Albany Creek, French and Mor cafe offers an exquisite experience as they serve Australia’s first Modern French High Tea.

Offering a vast selection of tea sandwiches, pastries, and gateaux & mor on the menu, the French and Mor High Tea is a delight to high tea enthusiasts.

Photo credit: Facebook/French and Mor Cafe

Their French High Tea is a collaboration between the local Le Bon Choix Patisserie and T2 teas and comes with a choice of 20 exclusive T2 loose teas from around the world.

It is served on a classic three-tiered cake stand, with specially curated offers for children and teenagers. Non-tea drinkers can pair their Modern French High Tea with brewed coffee or juices.

Photo credit: Facebook/French and Mor Cafe

For $38 per person, you can enjoy French and Mor’s High Tea every Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. with discounted rates for young guests for $25 per person. Bookings are required so make sure to call in advance.

For more information, visit French and Mor’s official website or check out their Facebook page.