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Darra Park Deemed Safe for Kids, But Off-Limits to Digging Dogs

A local park built on a former rubbish tip has sparked controversy after being declared safe for children but unsuitable for dogs.

The park on Monier Park Road in Darra has raised concerns among residents who question the safety standards.

Once a landfill site, the outdoor space was transformed into a park featuring a BMX facility and opened to the public in 2019. Resident Kerrie Bolte and other community members recently approached the local council with a proposal to designate a park section as an off-leash area for dogs. They argued that the area needed more utilised and located a significant distance from the BMX track. This request came in response to increased enforcement of leash laws and fines for dog owners.

However, Councillor Sarah Hutton of the Jamboree Ward rejected the proposal, citing the park’s designation as a District General Outdoor Sports area according to the City Plan 2014. Crucially, Cr Hutton’s response revealed that the former landfill site has minimal capping over the historic waste – as little as 5cm in some areas. Due to safety concerns, council standards require a minimum depth of 30cm for off-leash dog areas.

Ms Bolte expressed her shock at the councillor’s response, questioning the logic of deeming the park safe for children to play sports on while considering it unsafe for dogs. She highlighted the inconsistency and raised concerns about the potential hazards of the thin covering layer over the former landfill.

Cr Hutton maintained that Monier Road Park is a safe and enjoyable space for children to play in but unsuitable for dogs that may dig deep holes. She emphasised the numerous dog parks within walking distance as alternative options for dog owners.

This situation has raised questions about the adequacy of the site assessment and the potential risks associated with its former use. Residents are now seeking clarification on the safety standards for parks built on reclaimed land.

Published Date 04-December-2024

RSPCA in Wacol Urges Ban on Glue Traps Due to Wildlife Injuries

RSPCA Queensland in Wacol is urgently calling for a national ban on glue traps after a growing number of native animals, including a kookaburra and a blue-tongue lizard, were found suffering on these adhesive traps intended for pests.

RSPCA’s Concerns Over Wildlife Harm

At RSPCA Queensland’s Wacol facility, staff continue to witness cases of local wildlife being injured or killed by glue traps, sparking renewed advocacy for a total ban on their sale and use across Australia.

The RSPCA reported that adhesive traps, often used to catch rodents, also ensnare non-target animals like birds, reptiles, and small mammals. These animals experience extreme stress and pain, unable to escape from the adhesive surface without significant injury.

According to RSPCA Queensland spokesperson Emma Lagoon, animals often suffer from broken bones, skin tears, and severe dehydration or starvation if not removed quickly. The Wacol-based RSPCA Wildlife Hospital regularly treats animals caught in these traps.

Staff reported treating a kookaburra, which was found with multiple small skinks on a glue trap and a blue-tongue lizard, requiring careful adhesive removal and medical care. The traps have become a growing hazard for native species across Queensland as more reports of trapped wildlife occur each year.

Retailer and Legislative Actions

Major Australian retailers, such as Bunnings, have taken partial steps to reduce wildlife harm by phasing out “naked” glue traps—those without protective barriers. Instead, Bunnings now only stocks versions of the product contained within cages designed to limit wildlife access, following guidelines from regulatory authorities.

However, the RSPCA argues that these measures fall short, noting that animals can still become ensnared in modified traps, and glue traps remain widely available online through retailers like Amazon, Kogan, and Dick Smith.

The current legal landscape for glue traps varies significantly across Australia. The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has an outright ban, while Victoria and Tasmania restrict their sale to commercial pest control operators.

There are currently no specific regulations in Queensland and several other states, meaning the traps are readily available to the public. RSPCA Queensland advocates for a nationwide approach, pushing for consistent rules to prevent the continued harm of wildlife.

The Case for a Nationwide Ban

RSPCA Queensland emphasises that glue traps, even those contained within cages, are inhumane and unnecessary, given the availability of more humane pest control options. Glue traps not only harm non-target species but also lead to prolonged suffering. Ms Lagoon noted that animals often get their feet stuck first, then inadvertently stick more body parts as they struggle to free themselves, leading to distress and further injuries. She stated that some animals are so desperate to escape that they chew their limbs.

The RSPCA said there needs to be consistent legislation prohibiting glue traps. They argue that a uniform ban across Australia would prevent accidental wildlife harm, as each state currently has its rules on glue trap use. The organisation believes that with stricter laws, Australia can minimise unnecessary animal suffering and encourage humane pest control practices.

Published 14-Nov-2024

Wacol Animal Rescue Hotline Faces Potential Cuts

Animal welfare advocates have raised concerns about a potential change to the RSPCA Queensland’s 24/7 emergency hotline, 1300 ANIMAL.

The organisation is considering a transition to reduced hours, limiting after-hours availability.

While the RSPCA acknowledges that most calls are received during daylight hours, critics argue that the proposed change could compromise timely assistance for distressed animals, particularly during night-time emergencies. The organisation maintains that it will continue to offer an out-of-hours service, albeit with potential referral to third-party providers.

The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation has highlighted the importance of the 24/7 hotline, noting that it receives approximately 27,500 calls annually for sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife. Experts emphasise the critical nature of immediate intervention, especially for wildlife with potential internal injuries.

The proposed changes come amidst a transition period for RSPCA Queensland, with outgoing CEO Darren Maier stepping down in December. The organisation has faced recent financial constraints and internal staff concerns. However, the RSPCA insists that the proposed hotline changes are unrelated to staffing reductions or financial difficulties.

Animal welfare advocates closely monitor the situation, urging the RSPCA to reconsider the potential impact of reduced after-hours services on animal welfare.

Published Date 08-November-2024

Your Walking Guide to Rocks Riverside Park in Seventeen Mile Rocks

Are you looking to achieve 10,000 steps per day? Rocks Riverside Park in Seventeen Mile Rocks offers a peaceful way to add approximately 1,000 steps to your daily count through its scenic 800-metre riverside path.

Read: Free or Budget-friendly Activities at the Rocks Riverside Park in Seventeen Mile Rocks

While this gentle walk contributes just a portion of your daily goal, its tranquil setting and excellent facilities make it an ideal location for multiple laps or as part of your daily walking routine.

Quick Facts

Photo credit: Srdjan Serge Komadina/Google Maps

Distance: 800 metres (one way)
Steps: Approximately 1,000
Difficulty: Easy
Surface: Paved shared walkway
Best For: Families, casual walkers, step-goal achievers
Facilities: Water play area, BBQs, toilets, picnic areas, playgrounds

The promenade follows the peaceful Brisbane River shoreline at Rocks Riverside Park. Those looking to extend their walk can continue along the riverside path until they reach Amazons Place Park in Jindalee. This flat, paved pathway offers a peaceful riverside experience with plenty of opportunities to observe local riverine flora and fauna.

Amazons Place Park (Photo credit: Ross Cronin/Google Maps)

For those seeking extra steps, the Zig Zag trail offers an additional challenge. This unpaved but well-formed track through eucalypt forest winds through the bushland ridge to the south-east of the park, adding approximately 30 minutes to your walk.

The trail rewards your effort with excellent views of the surrounding area and, while suitable for wheels, provides a more challenging option for step-counters.

Making It Part of Your 10,000 Steps Journey

While the basic promenade walk contributes 1,000 steps, you can easily extend this by combining multiple laps, including the Zig Zag trail, or exploring all park pathways. This location works perfectly as part of your active breaks throughout the day, especially if you’re gradually building up to a 10,000-step goal.

Health Benefits and Tips

This gentle riverside walk contributes to your daily fitness goals by improving cardiovascular health, strengthening muscles, and enhancing mood through nature exposure.

Remember to bring water, wear sun protection, and consider walking shoes if taking on the Zig Zag trail. The park’s facilities make it perfect for all ages, so consider bringing the family along for a morning or late afternoon visit.

Read: Seventeen Mile Rocks House Undergoes Transformation After Nearly Five Decades

Whether you’re starting your 10,000-step journey or looking for a peaceful addition to your existing routine, Rocks Riverside Park Promenade provides a serene setting for walking goals. Its combination of natural beauty, excellent facilities, and easy terrain makes it a valuable destination in Brisbane’s network of walking locations.

Published 31-October-2024

New Mobile Cameras Target Heavy Vehicles on Centenary Motorway

Photo Credit: Google Maps

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has identified the Centenary Motorway as one of the main southeast Queensland targets for enforcement of new mobile cameras.

The regulator has invested in 40 mobile cameras equipped with automatic number plate recognition technology, with eight units currently allocated to Queensland. The number is expected to increase to 10 cameras operating on Queensland roads by mid-2025.

**Mobile ANPR Drone Camera**
Photo Credit: NHVR

The cameras have been positioned on major trucking routes from the Gold Coast to Cairns, and west to Chinchilla and Emerald. Key enforcement locations include the Centenary Motorway, Logan Motorway, Pacific Motorway, Bruce Highway, and Mount Lindesay Highway.

**Mobile ANPR Camera on a vehicle**
Photo Credit: NHVR

Breaches detected through the camera system can result in fines ranging from several hundred dollars to over $700 for serious offences under the Heavy Vehicle National Law. Regulator officers monitor the cameras and can intercept vehicles for safety checks and issue on-spot fines.

**Mobile ANPR Trailer Camera**
Photo Credit: NHVR

The technology allows officers to identify potentially unregistered or defective vehicles, as well as monitor driver fatigue compliance. The system will also collect data about heavy vehicle movements to help authorities allocate safety resources effectively.

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator Chief Operations Officer Michelle Tayler confirmed that detection by a camera does not automatically result in fines. “These high-tech monitoring cameras help the regulator obtain information on Australia’s heavy vehicle fleet, and encourage safer driving practices on heavy vehicle routes and freight networks,” she said.

According to Tayler, the cameras are mobile and can be relocated to different sites along busy freight routes. All footage is stored securely in accordance with the regulator’s privacy policy.

Published 23-October-2024

Amazons Fresh Market Opens Full-Line Butchery in Jindalee

Amazons Family Fresh Market has opened a full-line butchery at DFO Jindalee, offering a wide range of fresh meat products to local shoppers.

New Addition to Jindalee’s Shopping Hub

Located near the northern entrance of DFO Jindalee, the new butchery is set to provide customers with fresh beef, pork, lamb, chicken, and smallgoods, expanding the selection at Amazons Family Fresh Market.

The Pham Family, owners of Amazons Family Fresh Market, have brought their expertise from running Mallans Meats at Fairfield to their new butchery.

“We love helping our customers save time with our unique mix of fresh products,” they said, emphasising the convenience of combining meat, fresh produce, and grocery items all in one place.

The butchery offers meats served directly from the counter or carved on-site according to customer preferences. The market’s new addition is expected to meet the growing demand for fresh food in the rapidly developing Jindalee area.

Amazon's Family Fresh Markets Jindalee — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Support from DFO Jindalee

DFO Jindalee’s Marketing Director, Donna O’Neill, is pleased with the centre’s expanding services.

“Amazons Family Fresh Markets is extremely popular with our customers. The addition of their new butchery and its location so close to free parking makes shopping at DFO Jindalee even more convenient for customers,” she stated.

This development adds to the shopping centre’s mix of retail stores, cinemas, and alfresco dining, making it a comprehensive destination for the community.

Opening Specials and Holiday Orders

Several special offers will be available for the first five days, beginning 21 Oct 2024, to celebrate the butchery’s grand opening, including whole long eye fillet for $24.99/kg and chicken breast fillet for $8.99/kg. The butchery is also taking orders for wood-smoked hams ahead of Christmas, giving local families the opportunity to prepare for the holiday season early.

The new butchery will operate from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, while the Amazons Family Fresh Market remains open until 6:00 p.m.

Published 21-Oct-2024

‘Disco Chips’ to Transform Jindalee Golf Club into Dancefloor

Photo Credit: Disco Chips/ Facebook

Jindalee Golf Club is set for a unique transformation this October. It will trade its usual tranquil atmosphere for a vibrant dancefloor as it hosts “Disco Chips.”

This event is scheduled for Saturday, 26 October, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and promises an afternoon of sunshine, feel-good vibes, and top-tier house music.

“Disco Chips” is more than a one-time occurrence; it’s a brand dedicated to turning everyday locations into lively party spaces. Their approach involves a mix of funky, deep, and jazz house music, catering to a wide range of musical tastes and creating an inclusive atmosphere where everyone can enjoy themselves.

Highlights of the “Disco Chips” Experience

Expert DJs: “Disco Chips” features a lineup of skilled DJs passionate about house music. Guests can enjoy a blend of classic house anthems and the latest sounds.

Interactive Entertainment: In addition to the music, “Disco Chips” will offer lawn games and other activities to keep attendees engaged and entertained throughout the afternoon. These activities will be customised to suit the venue and its audience.

State-of-the-Art Setup: A professional audio-visual setup, complete with high-quality DJ decks, sound systems, and lighting, will enhance the ambience and ensure a first-rate experience for everyone.

Immersive Decor: Branded decorations will transform the Jindalee Golf Club, creating a cohesive and welcoming environment that reflects the event’s theme.

This event at Jindalee Golf Club offers a unique chance to experience the new venue. With its emphasis on community enjoyment and quality music, “Disco Chips” guarantees a memorable day for all who attend.

Published Date 16-October-2024

Mount Ommaney Special School Teacher Wins Prestigious TEACHX Award

A senior teacher from Mount Ommaney Special School has been honoured with a prestigious TEACHX Award, recognising her transformative contributions to inclusive education and cultural awareness at the school.

Emma Reid’s Impact at Mount Ommaney Special School

Emma Reid, a dedicated educator at Mount Ommaney Special School, was recognised for her outstanding efforts in bringing specialised non-verbal drama practices to the school, a unique approach designed for students with intellectual and multiple disabilities.

In 2022, she organised a collaboration with the UK-based Open Theatre Company, leading to a two-week residency that introduced the technique to students. Ms Reid secured funding from Brisbane to make this initiative possible, and the program has since become a key part of the school’s curriculum.

Ms Reid has continued to spread this non-verbal drama practice across Queensland, earning a Creative Fellowship from the city in 2024 to further her studies in England with the Open Theatre Company. Her innovative work in the creative arts field has gained attention beyond the school, with Mount Ommaney Special School becoming a finalist in the Sydney Opera House Play Awards.

Emma Reid Mount Ommaney Special School — *Photo Credit: QCT.Edu.Au*

Advancing Cultural Awareness

In addition to her contributions to the performing arts, Ms Reid has been instrumental in promoting cultural awareness at Mount Ommaney Special School. She was a founding member of the school’s Reconciliation Action Committee and chaired it for several years.

Under her leadership, the school developed a visually and linguistically accessible Acknowledgement of Country, which has been integrated into the daily practices of the school’s classrooms.

Ms Reid also played a key role in enhancing the school library by facilitating the acquisition of Indigenous resources and coordinating the creation of two murals with a local Indigenous family. One of the murals, titled “Learning on Country,” now holds a prominent place in the school’s library, reflecting her commitment to embedding Indigenous culture into the school environment.

Recognition at the TEACHX Awards

The Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) TEACHX Awards, held annually, celebrate educators across the state for their innovation and dedication.

Ms Reid’s contributions at Mount Ommaney Special School will be acknowledged as part of the Excellence in Teaching category during a ceremony in Brisbane on 24 October 2024.

The awards, which highlight teachers from various sectors and regions of Queensland, aim to inspire and recognise educators who go above and beyond for their students.

Published 10-Oct-2024

Fire Destroys House in Darra, Police Investigate

Photo Credit: gofundme

On October 3, 2024, a house fire in Darra prompted a police investigation. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning on Pannard St.

Emergency services received a call just before 3:30 AM reporting a structure fire. Upon arrival, fire crews found the house engulfed in flames. The Queensland Fire Department dispatched six crews to combat the blaze.

According to a Queensland Fire Department spokesman, the fire was contained to its area of origin by 3:50 AM. However, it took until 5:30 AM for the fire to be fully extinguished. Despite the firefighters’ efforts, the house was gutted by the fire.

Photo Credit: Facebook / Cristina Bowers

A Queensland Ambulance Service spokeswoman reported that no patients were found at the scene, indicating no injuries resulted from the incident.

The circumstances of the fire have led police to declare a crime scene at the Pannard St address. Fire investigators are scheduled to examine the site to determine the cause of the blaze.

As the investigation is ongoing, authorities have not released any further details about potential causes or suspects. The incident has left the house severely damaged.

Published 3-October-2024

Sinnamon Park Vet Sees Increase in Tick Poisoning Cases as Warmer Weather Hits

Pet owners in Brisbane are being urged to stay vigilant as Dr Sureiyan Hardjo, a vet at the Animal Referral Hospital in Sinnamon Park, reports an increase in cases of tick paralysis, with several dogs requiring intensive care treatment.

The vet noted that the clinic has been busier in recent weeks due to an uptick in paralysis tick cases. Dr Hardjo highlighted that seven pets were admitted to the Sinnamon Park facility’s intensive care unit in one week, with three requiring intubation and one placed on a ventilator.

The previous week, two animals were also on ventilators due to severe symptoms from tick bites.

Predicting Tick Season

According to Professor Stephen Barker, a parasitologist from the University of Queensland, the severity of each tick season is closely tied to the weather. Mr Barker, who has studied paralysis ticks for over 25 years, explained that while this year is expected to have an “average” risk of tick poisoning, this still translates to thousands of vet visits. He emphasised that even an average season could be dangerous for pets, and pet owners should remain cautious.

Female paralysis ticks, known scientifically as Ixodes holocyclus, lay eggs around January depending on the weather. Mr Barker pointed out that while hot and dry conditions can reduce the number of ticks, mild and wet weather helps them survive and reach maturity, making them more likely to seek out hosts in spring and summer.

Animal Referral Hospital in Sinnamon Park, — *Photo Credit: Google Maps/ARH Brisbane*

Symptoms and Treatment

Paralysis ticks release toxins when they feed on their hosts, which can cause severe physiological complications, especially in dogs and cats.

According to Dr Hardjo, common symptoms include weakness in the legs, laboured breathing, and changes in behaviour, such as lethargy or difficulty swallowing. He warned that these symptoms can quickly become life-threatening if left untreated, with some animals experiencing paralysis of vital muscles, including those used for breathing.

Mr Barker recommended checking pets regularly for ticks, especially after being outdoors. Treatment typically involves administering tick anti-serum and manually checking the animal for additional ticks. Recovery times vary, depending on the severity of the case, but pets with mild symptoms can often return home within a couple of days.

With the tick season upon them, both experts call on the community to proactively protect their pets. Dr Hardjo stressed that keeping dogs on a leash and using preventative treatments are key to avoiding serious illness.

Published 29-Sept-2024