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Komatsu Unveils Wacol Distribution Centre, Innovation Hub

Did you know that Komatsu has officially opened its Innovation Hub, a part of the new, $48-million Wacol Distribution Centre?

Todd Connolly, General Manager, Business Transformation said that as the company focuses on innovation and technology leadership across all aspects of its business, the Innovation Hub is an addition to the new Wacol Distribution Centre “…that demonstrates Komatsu’s vision to empower a sustainable future where people, businesses and our planet can thrive together.”

“It’s been designed to inspire the next generation of Komatsu employees and management, along with our customers and other stakeholders, to continue our innovation journey along with us,” Mr Connolly said.

A range of interactive exhibits will be showcased at The Innovation Hub demonstrating the company’s latest technologies in mining, quarrying and construction equipment and solutions.

The exhibit covers mining automation, Komatsu Smart Construction, digital services, sustainability, supply chain and a “history lane”.

Mr Connolly added that the exhibit will allow visitors to see the company’s past and vision of the future featuring classic items display of Komatsu equipment as well as prototype all-electric remote control excavators.

Wacol Innovation Hub — Photo Credit: Komatsu/ komatsu.com.au

“We have live displays of our Komatsu machine population throughout Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia – including location, operating status and machine condition – along with a countdown to our 150th anniversary in 2071.

“There are also opportunities to try out a Komatsu excavator simulator, or see how our Smart Construction offerings are having a direct influence today on the management of our infrastructure and resources projects of tomorrow.”

The 17,500-sqm Wacol Distribution Centre is the first largest facility that the company has constructed thus far. It has created more than 50 new jobs and was commissioned in celebration of the company’s 100th anniversary.

The new distribution centre will allow the company to serve and improve the satisfaction of its more than 3,000 customers across Queensland, the Northern Territory, NSW, New Zealand and New Caledonia.

“Customers in these regions – which includes large mining customers – are currently serviced from our various Brisbane facilities, and by consolidating them into a single operation, we anticipate a marked improvement in customer satisfaction,” Komatsu’s General Manager, Supply Chain Russell Hodson, said.

“The new facility will also be much safer for Komatsu employees and service providers, making use of the latest warehousing technology and systems, including anti-collision systems and full worker/machine separation throughout.

Japanese Encephalitis Outbreak Prompts Anti-Mosquito Spraying Blitz in Seventeen Mile Rocks, Other Suburbs

Following confirmed cases of Japanese encephalitis across Queensland, Brisbane authorities have ramped up its anti-mosquito measures, including an anti-mosquito spraying blitz in Seventeen Mile Rocks and other suburbs.

Read: Free Skateboarding Lessons Held Monthly at PCYC Mount Gravatt

Brisbane is the only local government authority to employ two expert entomologists to address mosquito activity and undertake treatment based on their advice.

For the city-wide anti-mosquito spraying, Council has deployed four all-terrain vehicles, two electric buggies, and more than 20 spray trucks.

This comes after there have been a number of cases in the country. As of 7 March 2022, Queensland has recorded four human cases of infection of the Japanese Encephalitis virus (JEV), putting the total number of known or probable cases to 32 across Australia.

Post-flood mosquito surge

Given the recent flooding, mosquito numbers are expected to increase across the State.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner revealed that about 1,400 of Brisbane’s known 2,400 breeding sites were triggered by the recent rainfall.

“There has been a lot of rain and a lot of water is still around, so I ask residents to play their part and please prepare their homes for mosquito season by keeping their yards empty of any water-holding containers in which mosquitoes can breed, such as buckets, pot plants saucers, and bird baths,” he said.

“Make sure windows, and all openings on rainwater tanks, are screened and ensure roof gutters are not blocked with leaves.”

Symptoms and precautions of Japanese Encephalitis

Japanese Encephalitios symptoms — Photo credit: Polina Tankilevitch/Pexels

The Australian Government has announced that it will work closely with states and territories to educate the community about JEV, what precautions people should take, and symptoms to be aware of.

In mild cases, a person with JEV usually suffers from headaches or fever. In some instances, an infected individual may not feel any symptoms at all.

Symptoms of severe JEV include:

High fever and chills
Severe headaches
Sensitivity to light
Neck stiffness
Seizures
Spastic paralysis

The Department of Health urges Queenslanders to take necessary steps to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes, especially given the recent flooding event.

Measures to prevent mosquito bites include regularly applying insect repellent containing Diethyl Toluamide (DEET), Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus; wearing loose, light-coloured clothing to cover up arms, legs and feet; and using other insecticide-based mosquito control devices where possible when outside.

Japanese Encephalitis Virus vaccines

The Government will also work closely with the states and territories to support the distribution of vaccine doses to at-risk population groups. They would allocate $70 million to combat Japanese encephalitis, which includes purchasing 130,000 doses of vaccine to protect people from the deadly virus.

The additional JEV vaccines, which will be available from late March to April 2022, will be distributed equitably to states and territories.

At present, there are two human JEV vaccines available on the Australian market, Imojev (Sanofi-Aventis Australia) and JEspect (Seqirus).

Warning on Online Transactions Raised Following Darra Local’s Assault During Meet-Up

Brisbane locals are reminded to take extra care when arranging meet-ups for buying and selling transactions online, following the assault of a Darra local who met with an online buyer in Mansburg Terrace.

The perpetrator not only grabbed the watch sold by the Darra man but also managed to assault the victim before running away. The b uyer allegedly said he can only pay part of the arrangement they agreed online and will transfer the rest of the money electronically.

Investigations by the Queensland Police Services are ongoing. According to the QPS, incidents of robbery offences among locals who arrange their buying and selling activities on various online platforms have risen.

The QPS has offered the following suggestions for Queenslanders who are into online transactions:

Check the profiles of the buyer or seller before agreeing to a meet-up. If their profiles appear to have been created recently, then it may be an indication of a fake user or scammer.
Check the seller’s public profile and reconsider completing the deal if the conversations appear to be one-way with little engagement from the community.
Ensure your personal safety when meeting up. Never do this at night in secluded or private areas. If possible, meet during daylight hours in a place where there are CCTV cameras and plenty of people.
Have a friend or family member with you. According to the QPS, “This increases your safety and provides a potential witness if needed.”
Record details of the person you are meeting including name, email address, phone number and registration numbers.
Cancel the meeting if you feel uncomfortable. Trust your gut insticts.
Never accept a screenshot as payment proof.
If payments are done online, ensure the security of the payment method. Never pay by money order, pre-loaded money cards or wire transfer.

Additionally, locals are encouraged to follow online safety advice from sources such as the Australian Cyber Security Centre regarding how to safely purchase/sell online.

The QPS encourages reporting robberies online or by calling 1800 333 000.

REPORT ROBBERY TO QPS

Get Your Coffee Fix and ‘All Things Tasmanian’ at Riverhills Plaza

Photo Credit: All Things Tasmanian / Facebook

If you want a taste of “The Apple Isle” paired with a serving of warm coffee, ‘All Things Tasmanian’ at Riverhills Plaza is where you need to be.

All Things Tasmanian serves up roasted coffee courtesy of Gioconda Coffee Roasters as well as The Art of Tea loose leaf teas and cold beverages.

Range of Tasmanian honey | Photo Credit: All_Things_Tasmanian / Facebook

And of course, authentic Tasmanian products are aplenty including pies, sugar-free jams, manuka honey, homemade brandy fruit cake, Federation chocolate, and cheese selections

There are critter treats for your pets as well and truffle salt, balsamic and oil. And even personal care products are also available here including soaps, hand and body wash and beard balms.

Photo Credit: All_Things_Tasmanian / Facebook

The store is located at 20 Bogong St, Riverhills and they are open from 5.30 am to 12 pm, Monday to Friday; and from 6.30 am to 12 pm, Saturday to Sunday.

Can’t get enough of things Tassie? Here are some online shops dedicated to Tasmanian products that you may want to check out.

Gift Shop Tasmania

Gift_Shop_Tasmania is a marketplace offering gift ideas from tote bags to personal care products; all proudly made in Tasmania. This one-stop shop also offers free shipping in Australia for orders over $100.

Tasmanian Gourmet Online

Huon Valley-based Tasmanian_Gourmet Online offers a range of more than a thousand curated Tasmanian products. On offer are Gourmet Food Hampers, cheeses and wines and spirits.

Range Tasmania

Range_Tasmania offers handmade Tasmanian products – cooked in a kitchen and not in a factory — using ingredients that are either grown from their Cackleberry Farm in Southern Tasmania or sourced from select suppliers. Products on offer include biscuits and baked items, condiments and sauces, chutneys, jams, jellies, and marmalades.

Jindalee Welcomes 14th ‘Hello Harry’ Burger Franchise Store in Australia

Did you know that DFO Jindalee is now home to the 14th Australian franchise of Hello Harry, a growing chain of burger joints that started in the coastal town of Maroochydore nearly eight years ago?

In late November 2021, Hello Harry opened its doors to Jindalee locals and the rest of Brisbane’s south-western residents at the recently renovated shopping centre.

Known for its “no fluff or fuss” menu and “funky & fun” dining environment, the burger joint offers carefully hand-rolled patties with locally-sourced ingredients for its fillings and side dishes.

Jay and Inga Robinson manage the Jindalee franchise and they hope to grow the market of burger lovers who enjoy freshly-made burgers in-house with local produce. However, Tony Kelly is the mastermind behind Hello Harry’s first store in the Sunshine Coast. He and his partners have a simple idea for their eatery — good burgers with good ingredients but made promptly upon order.

All Hello Harry outlets across Australia carry a standard menu with the Dirty Harry burgers as the crowd favourite. This meal is made of double beef patties, grilled chicken, double cheese, crispy bacon, pickles, American mustard, house tomato jam, and mayo.

Vegan and vegetarians are not left out since the burger joint also offers four kinds of plant-based burgers.

Hello Harry Jindalee — Photo Credit: HelloHarry/Facebook

Hello Harry also runs a loyalty program, with a free sign-up, that allows members to earn points for discounts, freebies, and other privileges each time they dine at any of the outlets.

Follow the restaurant on Facebook for updates.

Had a great meal here after the gym. Tried the naked chicken burger, and it did not disappoint. A generous serving of salad with avocado as the base made for a wholesome meal that was not heavy.
Julieann Ramsey

Can’t get a better burger than from here. Meat is super tasty and perfectly cooked, egg runny and bun just right. Service was also top-notch.
Nik Gresshoff

Great burger place. Offers a good variety of burgers. Their chips are amazing. Already a family favourite. There’s quite a bit of seating if you want to dine in. Staff are lovely.
Huong Nguyen

Proposal Submitted for Oxley Retirement Facility & Community Centre

Photo credit: Economic Development Queensland

Did you know that a new retirement facility and community centre may soon rise at Seventeen Mile Rocks Road and Cliveden Avenue in Oxley?

Read: Centenary Bridge Upgrade Project Happening Soon!

A proposal has been submitted for a 77-unit retirement facility and community centre on a vacant site located at 53 Seventeen Mile Rocks Road and 113 Cliveden Avenue in Oxley.

Designed by Conrad Gargett, the proposed development has been designed as a model for innovative retirement living which comprises a range of living options that respond to the occupant’s accommodation needs.

The development will be done in multiple stages. Stage 1 involves the reconfiguring of the two lots into 39 residential lots for future dwelling houses. This has been given the green light by Council whilst Stage 2 is still awaiting approval.

Photo credit: Economic Development Queensland

For the Stage 3 of the project, the developer is seeking to build three stand-alone buildings which will have a total of 77 units spread across a range of two and three-bedroom dwelling types.

A single-storey community centre will also be constructed as the focal point for the overall facility. The centre will support various social and community events and gatherings. It will remain under the control of the management of the retirement facility but will be made available for public hire.

Artist’s impression of proposed retirement facility (Photo credit: Economic Development Queensland)

Around 158 car park spaces, wherein 127 for residents and 31 for visitors, are also part of the proposal. Access to the site will be via a 2-way driveway crossover from Moorhen Terrace.

Read: Momentum Remains High for Seventeen Mile Rocks Property Market

A report prepared by Peakurban on behalf of the applicant states that sustainable design initiatives and measures are being considered to reduce the environmental footprint of proposed development. Such measures may include the use of solar panels.

Site aerial view (Photo credit: Economic Development Queensland)

“Ultimately, development of the subject site for the purposes of a retirement facility supported by an integrated Community Centre represents the highest and best use of one of the key sites within the Oxley PDA,” Peakurban stated.

“The proposed retirement facility provides a unique, architecturally designed retirement (over 55s) community within an attractive, bushland setting. The accommodation, amenity and recreation offerings proposed by the Retirement Facility will ensure the provision of an innovative, integrated model for retirement living,” the report reads.

For more details about the proposed retirement facility and community centre in Oxley, see DEV2021/1234

Jindalee Home Centre to Have New Children’s Playground

Did you know that Jindalee Home Centre may soon be getting a new children’s playground?

In December 2021, Jindalee Home Centre unveiled plans for an enclosed, state-of-the-art playground next to the car parking area. The announcement comes after a minor change application that will facilitate the construction of the play area has been lodged for Council approval.

The new kids play area will be situated at Jindalee Home Centre located at 34 Goggs Road, between the Bare Bones Society cafe and Oz Design Furniture.

Photo credit: Brisbane CIty Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au/

The outdoor children’s play area is expected to improve the offerings and recreational facilities within the Home Centre.

Jindalee Home Centre Children’s Playground — Photo credit: Brisbane CIty Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au/

Apart from the construction of a children’s playground on a small section of the hardstand and car park area, the plans also include the removal of eight ((8) car parking spaces (including the removal and reinstatement of one (1) accessible space.

An internal access driveway will be closed to facilitate the cul-de-sac arrangement whilst the pedestrian ramp along the northern kerb boundary will also be removed and reinstated afterwards.

Three (3) existing car spaces will be modified to comply with current Australian Standards.

A new footpath, kerbing and bollards will be installed along the perimeter of the play area, as well as pedestrian ramp and crossing to and from the Freedom Store.

There will also be associated landscaping, fencing, playground equipment, seating and shade sail structure.

An assessment report made by Willowtree Planning says that the changes to the approved development sought are considered minor.

They further assured that the proposal also seeks to ensure that Jindalee Home Centre “…will continue to function as a high-quality homemaker centre in accordance with the original and subsequent development approval(s).”

Centenary Bridge Upgrade Project Happening Soon!

Centenary Bridge in 2020 (Photo credit: CC BY-SA 4.0/Kgbo/Wikimedia Commons)

Preparations are underway to commence construction on the Centenary Bridge Upgrade project, the first new car bridge to be built over the Brisbane River since 2010.

Read: Strong Fundamentals Drive Double-Digit Growth in Jindalee Property Market

Following a community consultation held in September 2021 for the proposed design of the bridge, an application has now been lodged for the clearing mangroves and trees at the proposed site.

The clearing will involve around 800 sqm of Queensland bluegums and scattered mangroves. Acquisition of homes in identified areas in Jindalee has also commenced.

A previous study has noted the poor condition of the existing Centenary Bridge and recommendations were made to replace it with a three-lane bridge handling southbound traffic.

Opened in 1964, the last upgrades to the bridge were almost three decades ago when it was duplicated with new southbound lanes.

The planning study for the Centenary Motorway Upgrade identified possible staged upgrades along the Centenary Motorway from Sumners Road, Darra, to Frederick Street, Toowong.

Three temporary floating construction jetties will be used to build the bridges.

To accommodate future increases in traffic loads, the design has allowed space for future expansions. This means future lane widths can be optimised to accommodate more lanes when required.

Centenary Bridge Upgrade project — Photo credit: Department of Transport and Main Road

The main features of the bridge include a new three-lane northbound bridge and changes to the existing north and southbound carriageways to create one southbound bridge. The new southbound bridge will have three lanes and separated active transport facilities.

The Centenary Bridge Upgrade is expected to reduce the frequency and severity of crashes, whilst increasing efficiency and travel time reliability between Brisbane’s western suburbs, local destinations and the CBD.

Momentum Remains High for Seventeen Mile Rocks Property Market

Seventeen Mile Rocks maintains its momentum in the Brisbane property market with a steadily rising median house price that rose almost 12% in the last 12 months, amidst growing demand for properties on large blocks of land.

Highlights

Seventeen Mile Rocks experienced an 11.87 per cent growth in house values for the period of October 2020 to September 2021, whilst its unit market had a 7.59 per cent growth.
This outer ring suburb currently has a median house price of $749,500 and a median unit price of $432,500.
Seventeen Mile Rocks mostly offer investors detached houses that are less than 20 years old, in a community where less than 10 per cent of the properties are townhouses or apartments.

House Price Growth

Data for the period of October 2020 to September 2021 from Property Market Updates shows that the Seventeen Mile Rocks property market has performed quite well with a median house price increase of 11.87 per cent. This outer ring suburb is among those with the fastest appreciating property values in the state, with the median house price now at $749,500, up from $670,000 for the same time period last year.

Houses in Seventeen Mile Rocks are selling briskly, at an average of 22 days on market. There were 50 properties sold for this period with most investors competing for three-bedroom dwellings.

At least 91 per cent of properties in this suburb are detached low-set brick homes which are not more than 20 years old, whilst the rest are contemporary semi-detached, townhouses, or apartments. Nearly 46 per cent of the residents own their mortgaged homes, while almost 35 per cent are outright owners and 12 per cent are renters.

Unit Price Growth

During the same period, Seventeen Mile Rocks’ unit market also went up by 7.59 per cent, putting the unit median price at $432,5000 from $402,000 last year. There were, however, only 10 apartments sold during this period within an average of 59 days on the market. Apartment stocks for this suburb have not changed, producing almost no yield for investors.

About Seventeen Mile Rocks

Seventeen Mile Rocks is a picturesque, family-friendly suburb sitting next to the Brisbane River. Some 16 kilometres south of the CBD, this community with close to 3,000 residents used to be part of Sinnamon Park until its segregation and renaming in the late 1980s.

This area was predominantly an industrial district until its redevelopment in the mid-1970s. Now, it’s a thriving suburb with a lot of family appeal, because it’s accessible to upmarket schools, dining precincts, and retail stores at the Indooroopilly Shopping Centre, DFO Jindalee, and the Mt Ommaney Centre. Its most attractive drawcard is the Rocks Riverside Park, a beautiful recreational outdoor space where families and their dogs play, have BBQ parties, go biking or walking, or tend to the community garden.

Residents of Seventeen Mile Rocks, however, need a car to get around and more than half to drive to get to essential places or neighbouring suburbs.

“Edenbrooke – Seventeen Mile Rocks is, without doubt, one of the greatest estates in the Centenary area. Been living here since 2005 and wouldn’t change it for the world. Great Parks, walkways and great neighbours.”
Steven Peto

“Grew up around Oxley and recently moved back to 17 Mile Rocks in 2007 after building a house… It is close to the City and is a fantastic place to live…..”
Big Jenko

“17 Mile Rocks is one of the last few suburbs where you can forget to lock the car at night. It has a family feel to it, with quiet cul de sacs and streets where children play with one another. Neighbours are friendly and are often seen talking across fences or across roads with each other. This is an area that is set to boom in the near future. Bordering Windermere, Edenbrook, The Verandahs and Oxley this pocket of real estate has remained a hidden gem but is gaining more popularity. If you seek a home that is safe to raise your children, has good aesthetic qualities and will enjoy strong growth I suggest you look into the pockets of 17 Mile Rocks.”
Winmalee

Strong Fundamentals Drive Double-Digit Growth in Jindalee Property Market

Jindalee house prices continue to climb, with the median increasing by double-digit percentages for the period covering October 2020 to September 2021, as strong fundamentals and interstate migration continue to drive the property market boom in suburbs all across the River City.

Highlights

Jindalee’s property market climbed by 13.27 per cent from October 2020 to September 2021 compared to the same period in the previous year.
The median house price has risen to $700,000 from $618,000 with most market listings racking up sales after 28 days in the market.
105 houses sold for this period with most buyers opting for three-bedroom homes in a tightly-held market.

House Price Growth

For the 12-month period ending September 2021, Jindalee experienced a 13.27 per cent growth compared to last year, with the median house price pegged at $700,000, per figures from Property Market Updates. Interest in the market has been brisk with house listings staying at an average of 28 days on market.

More buyers are discovering that they’re getting their money’s worth by investing in properties on Brisbane’s western corridor, where the houses stand on bigger blocks of land for a more affordable price compared to other locations, including the inner cities.

There were 105 properties sold from October 2020 to September 2021 with most buyers picking out three-bedroom properties (56), while eight five-bedroom houses with a median house price of $895,500 found new owners, who are mostly upsizers on to their second or third home.

About Jindalee

The riverside suburb 15 kilometres southwest of Brisbane City is part of six new suburbs developed for the Centenary estates. Jindalee came from the aboriginal word that means “bare hills.”

Due to its proximity to the Brisbane River, Jindalee has been through some of the worst floodings in Brisbane. Yet the suburb is still one of the most desirable residential locations for families who want their children to grow in a peaceful environment with the earth’s natural beauty as their main playground.

Because Jindalee is close to good and reputable schools, parents with school-aged kids prefer to live in this suburb as it’s nicely tucked within the catchment areas. Most families who buy a property here tend to stay longer thus competition among investors is tight. However, due to its uneven high and flat grounds, the houses in the low-lying areas are more at risk for flood damage.

For recreation, dining and shopping, Jindalee has the revitalised DFO (Direct Factory Outlet) and the nine-hole Jindalee Golf Club where many community events take place.

“Very accessible to both schools for my kids, has very good shops and has many sports clubs for all the different sports my kids have wanted to try out.”
jimb23

“You’ve got a very nice set of shops on the west, endless shopping on the east, and a very long bikeway/path for those inclined to exercise. It’s very safe as is evidenced by dry neighbourhood watch report that comes out quarterly and rarely reports anything apart from some low level break-ins with little stolen. There’s a police station, plenty of parkland, good cafes, restaurants, doctors, pharmacies, swimming pools, fuel stations, and of course the highway going north and south. Superb spot.”
Benpower

“This is without doubt the best suburb in Brisbane, considering I have rented and lived in ten + over the years. Just brilliant in so many ways.”
Mazta