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Seventeen Mile Rocks to Receive NBN Upgrades

NBN Co has recently announced the list of towns and suburbs with homes that have FTTN (fibre to the node) which shall be eligible for fibre upgrades. Seventeen Mile Rocks is among the suburbs on the list.

In early May 2021, NBN Co, the company building Australia’s broadband network, revealed the first batch of suburbs across the country due for fibre upgrades which will transform FTTN homes to FTTP (fibre to the premises). Seventeen Mile Rocks is among the QLD suburbs that will receive improvements to their internet speeds.

These upgrades are a part of the company’s $3.5-billion network investments program which strives towards connecting up to two million houses to higher internet speeds, potentially even reaching 1Gbps once fully implemented.

The demand for higher internet speeds has increased among homeowners and businesses, and nbn aspires to connect 75 per cent of the Australian homes to high speed tiers by 2023. The company is currently collaborating with internet retail providers to determine which homes are in need of internet upgrades.

Homes being served by FTTC (fibre to the curb) might also receive these upgrades as the company has a similar expansion in the works, however the only ones eligible to receive these full fibre upgrades will be those who have ordered a 250Mbps or a 25MBps plan.

The nbn website will also receive an update later within the year, improving the functionality of their “Check Your Address” tool which can be used to help customers check their eligibility to transition from FTTN to FTTP. It is estimated that this update will be launched in November 2021.

For more information, visit the nbn website here. Follow their social media pages on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates and announcements concerning these new internet upgrades.

Ipswich Motorway: $400-Million Widening Upgrade Completed

Thousands of commuters in the southwest corridor should now have an easier travel experience along the Ipswich Motorway (M7) after the completion of the $400-million upgrades.

Driving the three-kilometre stretch between Granard Road and Oxley Road, from Rocklea to Darra, has become a breeze with the addition of two more lanes on what used to be a four-lane motorway. The upgrades also included a network of additional roads and bike paths on both sides of the major thoroughfare.

Work on the Ipswich Motorway was four years in the making, with over 500 tradies employed by a combined effort between the State and the Federal Government to deliver the following key features:

A four to six-lane upgrade between Granard Road and Oxley Road
Seven new and higher bridges over the Oxley Creek floodplain to improve flood immunity and local connectivity
A new 1.5km Boundary Road Connection missing link across the Oxley Creek floodplain through to Blunder Road intersection, including a new signalised intersection at Factory and Boundary Roads, Oxley
A new northern service road connection over Oxley Creek floodplain
New traffic signals at an upgraded intersection of Suscatand Street and the existing service road.
New one-way left-turn only connection from Granard Road to Ipswich Road service road, Rocklea
Over 6.5kms of active transport paths

Photo credit: Department of Transport and Main Roads

“Today’s opening of the upgraded Ipswich Motorway is great news for the more than 85,000 vehicles using this stretch of road every day,” Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP said.

“This has been a significant project that has required an exceptional amount of planning and logistics carried out over the last four years, all while keeping the traffic flowing.

“Importantly, these upgrades will provide a range of benefits for the local community for years to come, including improved safety, travel times and traffic flow, and flood immunity.”

New Sumners Road Interchange Renamed and Completed Months Ahead of Projection

Did you know that $80-million worth of upgrades to the Sumners Road Interchange, have now been completed, six months ahead of schedule? Considered one of Brisbane’s busiest interchanges, it’s now getting a new name as well.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk showed in a video post that the Sumners Road Interchange now delivers a smooth ride for the over 35,000 commuters who come from Jamboree Heights, Middle Park, Sinnamon Park, Darra, and the nearby suburbs.

The interchange has been renamed the Len Waters Overpass, after the first Indigenous elite Kittyhawk fighter pilot of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) during World War II. The premier said that Mr Waters’s family members are residents of Middle Park. He raised six children in Inala before he passed away in 1993.

“It’s a fitting tribute and a mark of pride in the local community, especially in the lead up to Anzac Day,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

The Sumners Road Interchange consists of six lanes that remove the traffic congestions in the surrounding suburbs. The upgrades also include a cycling underpass and U-turn facilities that will allow faster and safer travels, especially for the industrial and business workforce.

“We replaced the two roundabouts with signalised intersections, demolished the old two-lane bridge and built two new bridges, providing six traffic lanes in total to accommodate the high volume of traffic,” according to Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey.

This project is part of the $26.9 billion infrastructure investment of the State Government in the next four years, and a much-needed response in the time of COVID and the looming population growth of Queensland.

During the course of the upgrades, 105 jobs were fulfilled and several businesses were tapped to supply the concrete and asphalt needed to complete the roads.

Banjo’s: Darra Baker Giving Away a Year’s Supply of Pies

Can’t get enough flaky, tasty pies? Banjo’s Bakery Cafe, which has an outlet in Darra, is running a contest that promises a delicious reward for the lucky pie-lover who can guess the cafe’s new limited-edition pie flavour and become its very first Pie Master!

The contest is online and doesn’t take a lot to win as long as you love pies and you’re ready to take the title of Banjo’s Bakery Cafe‘s first Pie Master. You simply have to guess the cafe’s upcoming pie flavour and submit your entry online.

Entries will be accepted until 3 May 2021, whilst the winner will be confirmed on 10 May 2021. Read the Terms and Conditions carefully to win a year’s supply of pies.

Not too confident to make a guess just yet? Maybe a quick trip to the Darra outlet of Banjo’s Bakery Cafe might give you some hints on the kinds of pie they make.

Banjo’s Bakery Cafe is a well-known, longtime bakery chain from Tasmania, which opened its newest Brisbane outlet at the corner of Ipswich Road and Acanthus Street in early 2020. It’s popular and highly-patronised for its wide choices of pastry-filled goodness with inventive flavours that are both savoury and sweet.

The Darra outlet has a full-service cafe and a drive-thru area, which has been much-needed in this contactless economy post-pandemic. The drive-thru facility is also very convenient for families or individuals with busy schedules. Need a quick breakfast or dinner option? Just drive and line up Acanthus Street to buy pies, sausage rolls, sandwiches or pita.

“Our full menu is available via the drive-thru, so you’ll never need to leave the comfort of your vehicle!”

What’s even better is Banjo’s Darra opens seven days a week for as early as 4:00 a.m. The shop also has a convenient app for advanced orders, which can be picked up at the Darra outlet.

For more about this bakery cafe, its menu and opening hours, follow the store’s Facebook page.

Newly Relocated IVECO Brisbane in Wacol Now Open for Business

IVECO Brisbane has found a new home in Wacol following its relocation, complete with a 20-bay workshop and two drive-through B-double service pits.

The Italian-owned IVECO, or Industrial Vehicles Corporation, has relocated their Brisbane branch to Wacol, seeking a long-term investment in Queensland’s commercial vehicle market.

Spanning 22,000 square metres, with 7,000 square metres taking up warehousing, office space and service space, the new IVECO Brisbane is equipped with state-of-the-art servicing equipment and diagnostic tools to help their technicians repair and maintain company vehicles.

The facility is also home to a drivers’ lounge with sleeping quarters and bathrooms, as well as a customers lounge for visitors to relax. The warehouse and service area, on the other hand, contains a drive-through, an undercover concierge-style drop-off zone, and spaces for large on-site stockholdings.

Earlier in 2020, IVECO Australia announced that local production would continue amidst the pandemic and remain fully operational across the country, primarily in Melbourne. Following the transference of their Brisbane branch to Wacol, complete with new upgrades and facilities, IVECO intends to offer improved services to their customers.

Customer response following the relocation of IVECO Brisbane has generally been well-received, with the company seeing positive feedback from clients and IVECO owners.

IVECO Brisbane can be found at 20 Westgate St, Wacol. Those interested in learning more about the company can visit their website here. For the latest updates and announcements concerning the Brisbane branch, follow their social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter.

Darra Waste Management Worker $100K Richer After Winning Holey Moley

Photo credit: Holey Moley on 7/Facebook

Holey Moley Australia named its first winner and it’s none other than Mark Duncan, a waste management worker for Australia Post in Darra.

Duncan made it to the final hole, “The Tomb of Nefer-Tee-Tee,” designed by retired pro golfer Greg Norman after winning against Jesse Earnshaw on “Clowning Around” and Teresa Thoi on “Polcano.”

Considered an underdog that night, Duncan needed to defeat pro golfer Montana Strauss and drone pilot Jayden Lawson during the final rounds to take home the $100,0000 prize and the show’s golden putter.

Duncan, 48, lives in Redlands City where the golf reality TV series was filmed. As a waste management worker, he cleans and recycles waste at Australia Post.

Read: 2021 Update: More Time to Swim at Bellbowrie Public Pool

The prize would be a big help for the dad of two and his wife Karen, who has worked in administration at TAFE Queensland for more than two decades. When asked how he intended to enjoy the prize, the passionate golfer said he will spend it on his family, a new car, and new golf clubs.

Holey Moley features 96 contestants competing for a $100,000 prize on a supersized miniature golf course, with obstacles and twists along the way. It’s presented by Rob Riggle, Greg Norman, Matt Shirvington, and Sonia Kruger. Following the success of the 11-episode series, Holey Moley will present two specials, one featuring celebrities and another one, for kids.

2021 Update: More Time to Swim at Bellbowrie Public Pool

Photo credit: brisbane.qld.gov.au

Summer’s over but as everyone knows, autumn can still be hot during the start of the season. Users of the public pool at Bellbowrie would be delighted to know that the pool facilities will extend operations beyond the summer season.

The Bellbowrie public pool normally closes by April when the weather becomes colder and fewer people come in.

Cr Greg Adermann said: “As far as I’m aware, the pool has never traded beyond the end of the summer swimming season in April due to low attendance and the 50m pool not being heated.”

“But this year, the team at Just Sports N Fitness are changing that. This has been their strongest season yet. Overall attendances have increased, children’s learn to swim and squad programmes have grown significantly and last October, a gym with brand new equipment was installed, which has contributed to a steadily growing and loyal membership,” Cr Adermann added.

Cr Adermann also announced that the 50m pool, heated 25m pool, splash play pad and round wading pool will all stay open, but the mushroom pebble-crete wading pool will be closed for removal and redesign. By end of May, the pool operator will re-evaluate and determine what is best for the community and customers.

Starting 2021, the pool will operate until 18 April then move to reduced hours until 28 May 2021.

Pool hours will be reduced from 19 April to 28 May 2021. Hours will be 5:30 am to 10:30 am and 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm on weekdays. On Saturdays, hours will be from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. They will be closed on Sundays.

Further information, including fees and booking, can be found on Just Sports n Fitness website.

Redflow: Seventeen Mile Rocks Battery Maker Secures Biggest Sale in California

Redflow, a zinc-bromine battery maker based in Seventeen Mile Rocks, has secured its biggest sale yet and will supply energy storage to the leader in waste conversion, California’s Anaergia.

The deal will bring US$1.2 million to Redflow as it delivers the batteries that will help Anaergia reduce its energy use at its Rialto Bioenergy Facility in Los Angeles.

Once the batteries become operational, Anaergia’s facility will become the largest landfill-diverted organic waste digester facility in North America, where it will convert 700 tonnes of organic waste and 300 tonnes of biosolids as renewable gas and fertiliser every day.

According to Redflow CEO, Tim Harris, the zinc-bromine batteries have been designed to meet the demands required at Rialto Bioenergy Facility. Mr Harris said that these energy storage could thrive in heat and are primed for a heavy workload.

Anaergia’s Chief Operating Officer, Yaniv Scherson, said that Redflow’s batteries are “uniquely suited” to their site in Los Angeles.

Because of the deal, the Seventeen Mile Rocks manufacturer could establish its presence in the U.S., where it could expand and offer battery solutions to other energy markets. Renewable energy is expected to accelerate under the administration of President Joe Biden.

The timing of Redflow’s launch in America coincides with the decarbonisation target in California.

Animal Referral Hospital in Sinnamon Park Joins Canine Anti-Cancer Drug Trial

The Animal Referral Hospital in Sinnamon Park joins four other vet clinics in a trial for a canine anti-cancer drug that could be given orally to pet dogs diagnosed with B cell lymphoma that have yet to undergo any cancer treatment.

PharmaAust, a Perth biotech company, has developed an anti-cancer drug monepantel (MPL) and the trial is now on Phase IIb. The aim of this trial is to determine the optimal prescribed doses that would guarantee a successful treatment.

It comes after Phase IIa showed tumor regression and disease stabilisation among the participating pets. According to chief scientific officer Dr Richard Mollard, six of the seven dogs in Phase IIa had favourable outcomes with a smaller tumor after taking the drug for 14 days.

PharmaAust said that several pet owners have signed up for the trial happening across veterinary clinics like Animal Referral Hospital in Homebush (Sydney), Western Australian Veterinary Emergency and Speciality in Success (Perth), Perth Veterinary Specialists in Osborne Park (Perth) and the Veterinary Specialist Services in Underwood (Brisbane), aside from the Sinnamon Park facility.

The company is also opening two more sites in Melbourne and Sydney.

There is no cure for B cell lymphoma and half of the dogs diagnosed with this disease may survive without treatment for 30 days. The other half, however, could experience their disease progressing particularly fast. Right now, chemotherapy is the only best treatment management but it could result in adverse effects and won’t guarantee a relapse.

If Phase IIb succeeds, PharmaAust plans to conduct Phase III with a larger number of participants that will have to be screened before joining the trials.

PharmAust is currently recruiting dogs with B cell lymphoma for a Phase IIb clinical trial with a non-toxic anti cancer drug

Click below to watch $PAA Executive Chairman Dr Roger Aston interviewed by @alanamclean_ on @tickerNEWSau

https://t.co/RZoiPdlhMS
— PharmAust (@PharmAust) February 25, 2021

Eventually, PharmaAust hopes that their medication may be a treatment option for pet owners with dogs with cancer.

Intellidesign Generates New Jobs for Seventeen Mile Rocks

With funding worth over $300,000 from the Queensland Government, Seventeen Mile Rocks company Intellidesign is set to provide new local jobs in the electronics and manufacturing industry.

A grant of $306,280 was given to Intellidesign as part of the local government’s Made in Queensland (MiQ) program to help purchase advanced robotics assembly equipment. The program aims to assist small to medium manufacturers by supplying them with funding that can be used for research or for the acquisition of high-end technology.

Glenn Butcher, Minister of Manufacturing, states that programs such as MiQ encourage manufacturers to be more internationally competitive by adopting new methods and utilising new technology to create high-skilled jobs for the future.

The recent pandemic has put the Queensland manufacturing sector in the spotlight due to the important role it plays in helping the local economy recover.

Jess Pugh, Mt. Ommaney Labor Member, says that the introduction of new equipment brought about by MiQ is expected to bring in 10 new local jobs over five years, as well as the creation of new electronic devices fit for various markets.

Intellidesign’s CEO, Matt Bromwich, agrees by stating that the adoption of the latest robotics manufacturing equipment will play a vital role in improving the capacity, productivity, and the overall quality of their products. “It is essential we minimise outsourcing and continue to augment our manufacturing capability to attract new local and export opportunities.”