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Fwd: Pullenvale Ward August e-Newsletter

Pullenvale Ward's August E-Newsletter

Margaret's Message

The interim report from the floods Commission of Enquiry has once again highlighted flooding issues in the media. There are more than 100 recommendations, many of which Brisbane City Council was already working on, as a result of our own internal enquiry headed up by former Governor Major-General Peter Arnison (Ret'd). The Commission will once again start hearings focussing on planning issues with the final report due in February 2012.

Whilst floods are in the news we need to be prepared for a potentially bad bushfire season because of the fuel load resulting from the good rains earlier in the year. I have included an article this month to remind everyone of a few simple precautions you can take if you live in the leafy suburbs. We have already had a wildfire in behind Upper Brookfield a few weeks ago in which more than 1000 hectares of bushland was burnt. Access to the site could only be gained through a private property in Upper Brookfield but fortunately there was no property damage.

With election speculation floating around I want to clarify the situation. The State election is due in March next year but the Premier can call the election any time up to June next year. On the other hand Council elections are written into the Local Government Act which states they must be held on the last weekend of March every four years unless that coincides with Easter. School holidays are another reason the date could change.

I hope you find this month's e-news of interest.  

Margaret de Wit Councillor for Pullenvale Ward

Chairman - Infrastructure Committee

Flood Repairs Update

Work has been happening behind the scenes in regard to the damaged parks in the Pullenvale Ward. Reinstatement works for the Moggill Ferry parklands should be completed by late this year.

Kookaburra Park at Karana Downs will take longer because of the size of the park and the extent of the damage. I have previously mentioned that this was the most severely damaged park in Brisbane. Officers have been working on a draft plan to place as many of the facilities as possible above the January 11 flood level. It is also an opportunity to better locate some of the facilities and do some planning for a further upgrade into the future.  I would like to thank those people who came along to provide feedback and suggestions at the Mt Crosby School on Sunday afternoon. A lot of valuable information was collected and some reworking of the plan will now be done.

If you were unable to attend, we would love to hear your views - either to the Ward Office or by emailing riversideparksfloodrecovery@brisbane.qld.gov.au

The approaches to Kholo Bridge are under construction to provide a permanent concrete surface. It is expected this will take until about the end of September with a full road closure for about two weeks. Notice of the closure will be broadcast on signs at the bridge well in advance.

On a city-wide basis Council officers have done an enormous amount of work to get our parks and sporting fields operational again as quickly as possible. The floods left us with 220 sporting fields damaged, all of which have been restored, and 406 parks damaged.  Council originally planned to have 50% of the parks repoened by June.  In fact, Council is  well ahead of schedule, more than 90% of flood damaged parks are now reopened, with only 3 parks fully closed and 20 partially closed.  

You may have noticed that the Lord Mayor has announced the options being considered for the reconstruction of what was the floating riverwalk in New Farm. The Federal Government announced that it was allocating $75million for the reinstatement of this facility - the money cannot be spent on anything else. The options are available on the Council's website and everyone is welcome to provide their opinion. I know there are residents in the outter suburbs who feel the funds could be better spent however it has been a very important part of the pedestrian and cycling facilities in the inner city and a great hit with tourists. Given the funds cannot be spent on anything else we are proceeding as requested. 

Moggill/Bellbowrie Neighbourhood Plan

This draft plan is now with the State Government awaiting approval to go to formal public consultation. I cannot give any indication as to when this might happen but be assured I will provide plenty of notice for residents to lodge formal submissions.

The main changes in the draft plan are the possible rezoning of some land - the Moggill Country Club site in Weekes Road to Low Density Residential instead of Rural, an area of Rural land in the Matfield/Hawkesbury/Witty Roads area possibly changing to Environmental Protection and the lots across the road from the Plaza on both Birkin and Moggill Roads tentatively rezoned to Low-Medium Density Residential which would allow some townhouse developments. I am aware that some residents are concerned about the proposal in Weekes Road but be aware that if this goes ahead there will be many additional conditions which will have to be met in relation to the flood levels in that area. Again I would stress that this is a draft plan which may well be changed as a result of Government directions or community input.

Have you prepared for a bushfire?

The Department of Community Safety will be doing a community presentation on how to prepare, act and survive the summer season.  The presentation will give advice on preparing you and your family for the bushfire season.  

When:   Saturday, 20 August 

Time:     2pm 

Where:  Brookfield Rural Fire Brigade, Boscombe Road, Brookfield

Local Coming Events

An afternoon with the Brontes

To celebrate the cinema release of Universal Pitcures' Jane Eyre, attend a literary high tea at the library to to review the exquisite works of the Bronte sisters.

When:  Saturday, 13 August

Time: 2 - 3.30pm

Where:  Kenmore Library, Brookfield Road, Kenmore

Bookings are essential, places are limited - ph: 3403 8888 or more information about the movie, visit - www.janeeyremovie.com.au

Moggill Uniting Church Fun Run/Walk Walk or run

9km and 5km

Course is along Priors Pocket Road

When:   Saturday, 20 August

Where:  Meet at the Moggill Uniting Church (cnr Moggill and Kangaroo Gully Rds)

Time:    2pm (registration starts from 12 noon)  

Entry fees: - $25 (adult), $15 (child - over 5), $70 (family pass - max 3 children)

On the day entry fees: - $30 (adult), $17 (child - over 5)

Sausage Sizzle - Cake - Coffee - Refreshments  

For more information please email:  funrun.moggilluc@gmail.com or visit  - www.moggillfunrun.org.au  

Moggill Creek Catchment Group - 2011 Annual Photography Competition

GET SNAPPING!!  

Over $1500 in Cash Prizes  

The group have recognised the impact the floods have had around Brisbane, and have asked for your photos on how the flood affected the natural environment, and how nature fights back!!   There are also categories specially for young children and young adults.  

Entry forms available at - www.moggillcreek.org  

Entries close:  Saturday, 27 August  

Exhibition in Kenmore Village:  Monday 29 August - Saturday 3 September  

Prize presentation:  Saturday, 3 September    

The Great Queensland Bushwalk

All walks are free to the public and promote health, community involvement and building awareness of nature.  Each walk will be lead by atrained leader.

Where:  Mt Mee (Piccabeen Circuit)

When: Saturday, 20 August

Time: 10am until approx 1pmWhere:  Mt Nebo to the Gap

When: Saturday, 21 AugustTime: 8am until approx 12noon

To register to to - www.gqb.org.au

The Ride to Conquer Cancer (benefiting Qld Institute of Medical Research)

A year-long fundraising and fitness training program that culminates with a 2 day , 200 kilometer bike ride from Brisbane through the Somerset region with an overnight camp.  

When:  20-21 August  

For more information visit - www.conquercancer.org.au  or 1300 11 RIDE  

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

I am always happy to help out local community groups who are running events in the area. If you are part of a group that is holding an event or know of one coming up please advise my office. I will place it on my Community Calendar to help promotion. There are a number of regular events held within the Ward too.

The Moggill Markets, first and third Saturday of each month (www.moggillmarkets.org.au)

Kenmore and District Chamber of Commerce Breakfasts, third Thursday of each month (www.kenmorechamber.com)

BCC Active Parks - Tai Chi & Qigong, Cubberla Creek, Thursday mornings 7am - 8am

BCC Active Parks - Tai Chi & Qigong, Bellbowrie, Wednesday mornings 9.30am - 10.30am

Plus don't forget these regular children's events at the Kenmore Library . . .

Children's storytime

Ideal for children aged 3-5 years.

When: Tuesdays

Time: 10am

Babies, books and rhymes

Ideal for babies aged up to one year.

When: Fridays

Time: 9.30am - 10am

Toddler time

Ideal for children aged 1-3 years.

When: Wednesdays

Time: 9.30am  

Please contact the Kenmore Library for more information.

State News Healthy Queensland Awards

$1.6M will be distributed to communites, schools and workplaces through the Healthy Queensland Awards, managed by Keep Australia Beautiful Queensland.

The awards give organisations the opportunity to propose programs and projects that promote improved  health and could include 'healthy' infrastructure such as bicycle and walking paths, sun shades or sporting equipment.

Applications close 31 August

For more information, entry forms and guidelines visit - www.kabq.org.au

This email was sent to moggill@nnub.net from Brisbane City Countil (Pullenvale Ward)

1st Floor, Kenmore Library Building, 9 Brookfield Road, Kenmore, QLD, Australia, 4069

Phone: 3407 0220