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Wacol Youth Remand Centre Takes Shape: Construction Progresses to Bolster Community Safety

Photo Credit: Queensland Police Service/ Facebook

The construction of the new Youth Remand Centre in Wacol is advancing rapidly. The facility was fast-tracked in response to the need to alleviate watchhouse overcrowding.

Designed collaboratively by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and the Department of Youth Justice, the centre aims to provide appropriate support to young people in custody and reduce their time spent in watchhouses.

The centre’s main structure is complete, and two detention wings have already received modular cells. Construction remains on schedule, and the facility is expected to be operational by December.

*Photo Credit: Queensland Police Service/ Facebook*

This project represents a significant investment, with over $260 million allocated for construction and nearly $150 million for its operation over the next three years.

The new centre is vital to the $1.3 billion Community Safety Plan for Queensland, which focuses on prevention, intervention, and detention.

Construction of two new youth detention centres in Woodford and Cairns are also underway, increasing capacity and enhancing access to support services for young people. The strategic placement of the Wacol remand centre near two existing youth detention centres aims to ensure that young people can readily access vital education, health care and rehabilitation services.

Until the new youth detention centre in Woodford opens, the facility, will increase the number of youth detention beds. The Wacol centre will provide 76 detention beds and multiple exercise yards, both indoors and outdoors.

Premier Steven Miles emphasised the commitment to community safety, highlighting a multi-faceted approach that includes increased police presence, stricter laws, and detention as a last resort. He stressed the importance of modern construction methods to quickly provide increased remand and detention capacity, enabling police to focus on their core duties.

The investment in targeted intervention and prevention initiatives aims to address the underlying causes of crime.

Treasurer Mr Cameron Dick underscored the need for evidence-based, well-detailed and adequately funded measures to tackle community safety.

Police Minister Mark Ryan highlighted the government’s ongoing investment in programmes that strive to achieve the best outcomes for young people, including those in custody. He stressed the importance of preventing young people who enter the system from becoming entrenched in a life of crime and emphasised the remand centre’s role in breaking the cycle of offending.

Youth Justice Minister, Di Farmer, reiterated that Community Safety is paramount for the Queensland Government and that when a court determines detention is necessary, the government has the services and plans to safeguard the community.

Published Date 25-September-2024

The House That Westlake Can’t Sell: A Local Real Estate Mystery

A grand residence in Westlake, boasting seven bedrooms, five bathrooms, and two kitchens, has earned an unexpected distinction: it’s been named one of PropTrack’s Top 30 Longest Running Sales Campaigns in Australia.

Read: Westlake Leads Pause on Food Waste Recycling Service

A Mansion Frozen in Time

Photo credit: centenaryrealestate.com.au

The property at 67 Carnegie Street, currently listed at a cool $2.8 million, has been on the market for an astonishing 2,349 days – that’s over six years, dating back to 2018. Despite its impressive features and prime location, this “enormous two-level home” on a “huge 2261 sqm riverside block” has struggled to find a buyer willing to commit.

Inside the Westlake property (Photo credit: centenaryrealestate.com.au)

Centenary Real Estate, handling the sale, described it in the listing as a “grand riverside residence.” And grand it certainly is, with features that read like a luxury property wishlist:

Four bedrooms, two with their own ensuite
Spacious formal lounge/dining area with a cosy fireplace
All-electric eat-in kitchen
Huge rumpus room with built-in bar
Wide, cool wrap-around verandah overlooking the pool and Brisbane River
Double lock-up garages plus off-street parking for another 4 cars
Tennis court with lighting

The Westlake Lifestyle

Westlake itself is no slouch when it comes to desirability. Residents paint a picture of an idyllic suburb:

“It’s quite peaceful and a happy place to live,” one homeowner shared. Another praised its “wide tree-lined streets, big beautiful houses.” The only minor gripe? A “lack of places to eat out,” which seems a small price to pay for such tranquillity.

The Million-Dollar Question

So why hasn’t this property been sold? Is it the price tag? The current $2.8 million asking price certainly puts it in the upper echelons of the market. However, without access to historical pricing data or information about local market trends, it’s challenging to determine if this is the sticking point.

Perhaps it’s a case of being too unique. With seven bedrooms and five bathrooms, this home may simply be more than most families need, even in the luxury market. Or maybe, in a twist of irony, its long-standing presence on the market has become a self-fulfilling prophecy, causing potential buyers to wonder, “What’s wrong with it?”

Whatever the reason, this Westlake wonder continues to wait for its perfect match. As it enters its seventh year on the market, one can’t help but wonder: will 2024 finally be the year this riverside residence finds its new owners? Only time will tell.

Read: Latest Land Valuations Show Centenary Suburbs’ Median Land Value Increased

In the meantime, it stands as a curious anomaly in Brisbane’s real estate landscape – a reminder that even in the most desirable locations, with the most impressive features, the property market can still throw up surprises.

Published 26-September-2024

Koala Rescued from Cattle Attack Put Down at RSPCA Wildlife Hospital

A young female koala, injured after a suspected trampling by cattle, was rescued and brought to the RSPCA Wildlife Hospital in Wacol where it was discovered she had suffered multiple severe fractures and had to be put down.

The incident took place on a rural property in South East Queensland, when a local farmer discovered the koala amidst a group of curious cattle. Initially, the farmer suspected the animal had been trampled and reported the situation to koala rescuer Darren, who leads Care4esk, a conservation awareness group.

Koala Rescued After Cattle Encounter

Darren contacted a fellow rescuer, Charlie Lewis, who arrived at the property to assess the situation. By the time the rescuer arrived, the koala had climbed a tree and stayed there until nightfall. After confirming the animal’s location, Charlie decided to call in a climber to safely retrieve the koala. This method is typically a last resort due to the stress it may cause the animal.

After being safely retrieved, the koala appeared to be in stable condition. However, when she was taken to the RSPCA Wildlife Hospital for examination, veterinarians found that the marsupial had sustained multiple severe fractures. Due to the extent of her injuries, the decision was made to medically end the poor animal’s suffering.

RSPCA Wildlife Hospital Wacol — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Cattle: An Overlooked Threat to Koalas

While well-known threats to koalas include diseases like chlamydia, dog attacks, and vehicle strikes, the risk posed by cattle is less recognised. Darren noted that cattle can be particularly dangerous in rural areas where livestock and koalas share land. Though cattle attacks on koalas are considered rare, this tragic incident reminds property owners to be mindful of the interactions between their livestock and native wildlife.

Darren advised that while koalas and livestock may typically co-exist peacefully, unexpected incidents like this one can still occur.

Raising Awareness During Save the Koala Month

This tragic incident comes during September, which is recognised as Save the Koala Month, a national effort to raise awareness about the threats faced by Australia’s koalas.

The Care4esk group and RSPCA Wildlife Hospital continue their efforts to raise awareness about threats to koalas and encourage rural property owners to be vigilant. The conservation groups urge property owners and the public to be vigilant by reporting injured wildlife and maintaining koala-friendly environments.

Measures such as fencing off key koala habitats from livestock, planting native trees, and reducing the use of pesticides can all help protect these iconic marsupials and ensure their survival for future generations.

Published 25-Sept-2024

Darra-based Company Wins $30M Contract for Queensland Train Manufacturing Program

Darra-based company Knorr-Bremse has secured a $30 million contract as part of the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP).

Read: Wacol-Built Electric, HVO Trucks Spearhead QFES’s Green Transport Push

The global leader in on-board rail manufacturing systems will supply climate control systems for Queensland’s fleet of 65 six-car passenger trains, bolstering local manufacturing and creating new jobs.

Under the terms of the contract, Knorr-Bremse will expand its existing service facility in Darra to produce 520 climate control units. The project encompasses mechanical, refrigeration, and electrical assembly work, and is set to create eight new full-time jobs for Queenslanders.

Minister for Manufacturing, Glenn Butcher, emphasised the advanced nature of the technology, stating, “This world-leading air filtration technology will provide sterilised air inside the trains and eliminate both airborne and surface bacteria.”

Mr Butcher added, “Under Labor, train manufacturing in Queensland has a proud history and a bright future. Our $9.5 billion Queensland Train Manufacturing is delivering opportunities for local businesses and jobs for Queenslanders.”

The climate control systems offer significant environmental benefits, including the use of long-life air filters that could reduce landfill waste by up to 50 percent. Equipped with cutting-edge fan, compressor, and heat exchanger technology, the systems are designed for reduced maintenance, ensuring increased service time for the new trains.

Knorr-Bremse, which employs 450 people across Australia and nearly 30,000 globally, is renowned for its expertise in air conditioning, doors, and electronic management systems for trains.

This contract is part of the larger Queensland Train Manufacturing Program, which is expected to support 1,300 jobs throughout the project’s lifespan.

Downer, the QTMP project director, expressed enthusiasm about the project’s local focus. Kamal Habibullah, Executive General Manager at Downer, said, “Downer is proud to be delivering the QTMP project, providing multiple opportunities to Queensland-based businesses.”

Read: The Hooper Legacy in Darra: From Wartime Correspondence to Community Cornerstone

The awarding of this contract to Knorr-Bremse underscores Queensland’s commitment to strengthening local manufacturing and creating jobs within the state’s expanding rail industry. It represents a significant step forward in the state’s efforts to revitalise its train manufacturing sector and support local businesses.

Published 20-September-2024

Jindalee Python Puts on a Breakfast Show

Photo Credit: RSCPA

A Jindalee resident received a startling wake-up call this morning when she stumbled upon a carpet python enjoying a possum breakfast on a busy Brisbane street.

Karen Dutra was out for a run when she witnessed the python devouring its prey near a childcare centre on the corner of Warandoo and Kangaloo Streets. Seeing the snake’s jaws clamped around the possum’s head and body left Ms Dutra in shock.

She recounted watching as the snake coiled around the possum and started to eat it. The possum was still moving at first. She then ran home and called her husband to come and see it, too.

Ms Dutra’s photos, shared on social media, sparked a flurry of comments. Some expressed awe at the python’s ambitious meal, while others shared their close encounters with snakes.

With snakes becoming more active in Queensland between September and April, a spokeswoman from Harrison’s Gold Coast and Brisbane Snake Catcher offered a timely reminder. Carpet pythons, she explained, are constrictors that feed on furred or feathered animals. She cautioned against approaching these snakes, as they can still bite.

She advised that even if you recognise the snake, don’t try to handle it. If someone picks it up, it will defend itself and could bite.

The spokeswoman also noted that snakes emerge from their winter dormancy as the weather becomes more active. The warmer they are, the more active they are, and their metabolic rate increases, so they’ll want to eat more, she said

Important Reminder

If a snake enters your home, it is crucial not to attempt to kill it. Killing native animals is illegal and increases the risk of being bitten if the snake feels threatened.

Call RSPCA Queensland on 1300 264 625 for snake removal or contact your nearest snake specialist.

Published Date 16-September-2024

Centenary Motorway to Mark 100 Years with Tunnel Proposal Amidst Congestion Woes

Photo Credit: Queensland Government

The Centenary Motorway, a vital artery nearing its centennial anniversary, faces the prospect of a major transformation to address its chronic congestion problems.

A $10-million feasibility study into a tunnel linking Toowong to Darra has been unveiled, a move aimed at bypassing the notorious motorway. It highlighted the urgent need to alleviate the gridlock that has plagued the Centenary Motorway for years.

However, the RACQ has emphasised that any such tunnel must connect to the northside, bypassing the city entirely, to avoid shifting bottlenecks further north. RACQ pointed out that the motorway experiences severe congestion in both directions during peak hours, with speeds often crawling to around 37km/h.

While welcoming the initiative, RACQ stressed the importance of considering the broader picture.

“Any study needs to look at what’s happening at the northern end of the route because there’s no point feeding traffic into (the CBD) or the Inner City Bypass,” said RACQ General Manager of Advocacy Joshua Cooney.

The RACQ advocates for an “orbital solution” that provides an alternative route around the city rather than one run through it. Once completed, they have called for a north west bypass corridor to link up with the Gympie Road Bypass. Additionally, the RACQ emphasises the need to view these solutions as part of a network that includes improved public transport options for the western suburbs.

However, the tunnel proposal has yet to be met with universal enthusiasm. Cycling groups have expressed anger at the announcement, particularly after being invited to participate in the Centenary Motorway Corridor Masterplan process.

They fear that prioritising the tunnel could lead to a lack of funding for much-needed improvements to the Centenary Cycleway and other local walking and cycling connections.

The debate underscores the complex challenges of addressing Brisbane’s growing traffic congestion. As the Centenary Motorway approaches its 100th year, the feasibility study represents a critical step in determining its future.

The ultimate solution will need to balance the needs of motorists, cyclists, and public transport users while also considering the long-term sustainability of the city’s transportation network.

Published Date 13-September-2024

Worker Impaled at Centenary Bridge Construction Site

Photo Credit: Department of Transport and Main Roads

On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at approximately 3 PM, a male worker in his 30s suffered serious injuries after becoming impaled on a sheet of mesh at the Centenary Bridge construction site. According to the CFMEU Queensland, the worker fell over a trip hazard before the impalement.

The injured worker was transported to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in stable condition. Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has initiated an investigation into the circumstances of the incident.

On Wednesday, CFMEU Queensland officials were granted access to the site to conduct their own inquiry. This access comes in the context of recent changes to union powers following a government-led takeover.

Kurt Pauls, CFMEU Queensland’s workplace health and safety coordinator, stated that the union had previously raised concerns about various safety issues at the site. These included fall hazards, contaminated drinking water, dangerous temporary fencing, and the use of unsafe imported building materials.

The union alleges that BMD, the principal contractor, has historically restricted CFMEU officials’ access to the site, including hiring security guards and seeking a Federal Court injunction to limit union presence.

The Centenary Bridge Upgrade is a project jointly funded by state and federal Labour governments. The CFMEU has called on these governments to reconsider awarding major projects to BMD, citing safety concerns.

As of Tuesday, Queensland Police reported that the incident was not a police matter at this stage, with Workplace Health and Safety continuing to investigate the circumstances of the injuries.

Published 11-September-2024

Wacol Wildlife Hospital Overwhelmed, New Capalaba Facility to Ease Burden

Photo Credit: RSPCA Queensland

The RSPCA’s Wacol Wildlife Hospital, currently operating at a staggering 400 per cent overcapacity, is set to receive some much-needed relief through a $20-million wildlife hospital to be built in Capalaba.

This development is expected to alleviate pressure on the existing Wacol facility and serve as a stepping stone towards constructing a brand-new hospital.

The Redland City Council has designated a 1-hectare site adjacent to its IndigiScapes centre for the project. The council will contribute $6.3 million to the venture, with the federal government pledging $5 million. The RSPCA and private donors, including generous philanthropic gifts from RSPCA Queensland supporters amounting to $3 million, will cover the remaining costs.

Wacol Wildlife Hospital — *Photo Credit:* *RSPCA Queensland*

The Capalaba facility will boast state-of-the-art veterinary wards, surgical suites, and outdoor enclosures. It will also include educational spaces such as an auditorium and training rooms designed to foster public awareness and engagement with wildlife conservation.

This development aligns seamlessly with the broader vision for the Redlands Coast Eco Precinct, encompassing the land at Redland Bay Road and the neighbouring IndigiScapes Centre. The integration of these facilities is set to create a multifunctional precinct that champions environmental conservation, community education, and recreational opportunities.

The council has allocated an additional $4.4 million for pedestrian walkways, cycleways, and extra car parking, with a further $1.9 million earmarked for upgrading outdoor spaces, including playgrounds.

RSPCA Queensland has already made significant progress with the concept designs for the new hospital, focusing on creating an immersive educational experience for visitors. The facility will showcase wildlife care’s triage, treatment, rehabilitation, and release stages, allowing the public to understand the process better.

While the project has secured funding from both the federal and local governments, RSPCA Queensland is actively seeking additional support from the State Government to ensure total funding from all three levels.

The current RSPCA Wildlife Hospital at Wacol was originally built to accommodate 5,000 wildlife patients annually. However, in its first year of operation in 2012, it treated 8,359 patients. Over a decade later, the facility provides medical treatment and rehabilitation to more than 25,000 native animals yearly, highlighting the critical need for expansion.

Published Date 26-August-2024

Riverhills House Fire Leaves Family in Temporary Housing

Photo Credit: Pixabay

A devastating fire in Riverhills has left a single mother and her family facing up to six months in temporary housing. The blaze on the afternoon of August 25 partially destroyed their home of over two decades, gutting three of the four bedrooms on the upper level.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) reported that five crews responded to the incident at Cottage Crescent at 1:50 PM. Upon arrival, they found the top floor of the home engulfed in flames. Firefighters managed to bring the fire under control within 10 minutes, but significant damage had already occurred.

The family, including a 60-year-old grandmother, escaped the fire without injury. However, the emotional toll is evident. Selena, the 16-year-old eldest daughter, expressed the family’s state of shock: “Our family is definitely still quite shaken and just still letting everything sink in since it’s so surreal as our family home that my mother was raised in and that we as a family have created so many memories in has been terribly damaged.”

According to Selena, the fire is believed to have started in her sister’s room due to an electrical issue. Fortunately, her sister was at a birthday party at the time, and her younger brother’s late bus meant he was not home when the fire broke out.

The family managed to evacuate with their pets, including a dog and fish. Selena praised the immediate response from neighbors, saying, “I can’t even express how abundantly compassionate and helpful our community has been from the moment I dashed out the door while dialling triple-0.”

The local community has rallied around the family, offering financial support and donations of essential items such as clothes and school uniforms. Local schools have also stepped in to provide new uniforms and supplies for the children.

As the family comes to terms with their loss, Selena reflected on the experience: “Life is so precious and we shouldn’t put our faith in what we own, any materialistic things in homes can burn to ashes in a matter of seconds, we can’t rely on such things.”

The Fire Investigation Unit has been notified and may conduct a thorough examination of the scene today to determine the exact cause of the fire.

Published 26-August-2024

Man Faces Multiple Charges in Mt Ommaney Covert Filming Case

Photo Credit: myPolice Queensland Police News

A 56-year-old man is facing more than 100 charges related to the alleged covert filming of women and children at Mount Ommaney Shopping Centre. The incidents reportedly occurred between November 2023 and January 2024.

The case came to light on January 6 when a 12-year-old girl noticed she was being filmed on an escalator by a man using a camera attached to a walking stick. Her family promptly reported the incident to the police.

Following an investigation, the suspect was apprehended on January 11. A search of his camera allegedly revealed numerous indecent videos and photographs of women taken without consent in public areas of the shopping centre. A subsequent warrant executed at a Jamboree Heights residence uncovered additional electronic storage devices containing similar content.

Initially charged with five offences, including indecent treatment of a child under 16, the man appeared in court in February and was remanded in custody. However, after a thorough forensic examination of seized devices and CCTV footage, detectives from Inala’s Child Protection and Investigation Unit (CPIU) have now laid 94 additional charges.

The suspect now faces a total of 106 counts of observations or recording in breach of privacy, one count of indecent treatment of a child under 16 (take photograph), one count of attempted recordings in breach of privacy, and two counts of stalking.

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on August 23. Police are urging anyone with information or who may have witnessed suspicious activity at Mount Ommaney Shopping Centre between November 2023 and January 2024 to come forward.

Published 20-August-2024