Mount Ommaney Special School (MOSS) is getting a new $7.7-million state-of-the-art, multi-storey building. Minister for Education and Industrial Relations Grace Grace facilitated the groundbreaking ceremony on 28th of June 2019 with MP for Mount Ommaney Jess Pugh, Principal Wayne Wilkinson and the architects.
The new building will have four classrooms on the second level, a therapy space, multi-skills rooms, an industrial kitchen and laundry section, an outdoor learning area, staff area, a commercial kitchenette, a store and other amenities. An undercroft area on the ground level will also be allotted for additional classrooms and further expansion.
The outdoor learning area is particularly special as it will have sensory gardens and a food garden, which will cater to the school’s vocational programs. These facilities have been designed to create a better environment for the students to learn and develop their skills, as well as experience new things.
The new school building will also create more engagement between the school, the students and the community. It has a target completion date of March 2020.
“This learning centre will be a game-changer for the school and I can’t wait to see the smiles on the students’ faces when it opens next year,” Mr Pugh said.
Deicke Richards (DR) has been commissioned to develop and build the new MOSS learning centre. Architects of the firm have closely consulted with school officials to integrate facets that will provide for the students’ needs.
“This facility will add significant value to our school, assist with enrolment capacity and greatly assist our ever-growing vocational education programs,” Mr Wilkinson relayed.
The Council will invest $1.7 million for the Middle Park intersection upgrade, among other projects designed to attack congestion and help reduce travel times.
Under the 2019-20 Budget, the Brisbane City Council will spend $818 million, out of the total $3.15 billion, for infrastructure projects that will help ease congestion including major intersection upgrades, projects to combat congestion, and road resurfacing.
Road projects fund allocation for Middle Park
Major Traffic Improvements – Intersections
Suburb
Proposed $000
Eumong Street/Riverhills Road
Middle Park
1,770
Roads Network Resurfacing
Suburb
Proposed $000
Dewsbury Street
Middle Park
234
Wirilda Street
Middle Park
120
Footpath Reconstruction
Suburb
Proposed $000
MacFarlane Street
Middle Park
167
*Source: Annual Plan and Budget Brisbane City Council
On the other hand, more than $870 million of funds spread over the next four years will be allocated to deliver the Brisbane Metro. The project aims to reduce travel time by up to 50 percent with peak services every three minutes and 24 hours during weekends. The Federal Government will also contribute $300 million for the project.
Brisbane Metro | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au
Other key highlights of the Council infrastructure projects budget allocation include key corridor upgrades at Kingsford Smith Drive and intersection upgrade projects which will include the suburbs of Camp Hill, Runcorn, Nundah, Middle Park, and South Brisbane.
Council will also allocate funds for the construction of dedicated river walks and bikeways. This will include a $1.6-million budget allocation to provide safer paths to schools and a $25.5-million investment on bikeway links in Nudgee, Murarrie, Wakerley and Wishart as well as the construction of Botanic Gardens Riverwalk.
Other fund allocations include the $24.6-million for the Wynnum Road corridor upgrade project and $24.8 million to complete the Murphy and Ellison roads roundabout upgrade in Geebung. Lastly, Council have also committed $40 million towards the construction of Lindum Open Level Crossing.
The project is part of the $704-million fund delivered by the State Government towards Queensland Fire and Emergency Services. Key features of the $1.5-million upgrade include a refurbished kitchen, as well as extensions to the exercise and training rooms.
“There have also been extensions to their exercise and training rooms, which will help keep their fitness and skills at peak levels for when they need to respond to emergencies,” Ms Pugh said.
“The upgrades will boost the capacity of our brigade to provide critical emergency services to our community,” she said.
First opened in 1983, the Mount Ommaney Fire and Rescue Station provides primary response to Jindalee, Oxley, Darra, Gailes and all areas in between.
“The Mount Ommaney crew has responded to almost 600 incidents in the past 12 months, of which they were first responders to 350 of them,” Mr Crawford said.
Artist Helen Syron, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford, and Member for Mt Ommaney Jess Pugh | Photo Credit: The State of Queensland (Department of the Premier and Cabinet) 1997-2019 / statements.qld.gov.au
As part of the ceremony, local artist Ms Helen Syron received an Assistant Commissioner’s Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of her work on the mural on the station’s engine bay doors.
QFES Brisbane Region Assistant Commissioner Neil Gallant said that Ms Syron’s effectively communicates important safety messages in a highly visible way.
“It’s a pleasure to acknowledge Ms Syron’s commitment to promoting fire safety initiatives here at Mt Ommaney and at Pullenvale fire station,” Mr Gallant said.
Construction of a new world-class Counter Terrorism and Community Safety Centre located at the 140-hectare Wacol Police Complex has commenced and will be named after former Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson.
Commissioner Stewart with former Commissioner Bob Atkinson Photo credit: State of Queensland (Queensland Police Service) 2019 / https://mypolice.qld.gov.au
The Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk turned the sod to mark the commencement of construction of the $46.7-million Bob Atkinson Operational Capabilities Centre at the former site of the John Oxley Memorial Hospital.
Two heritage-listed buildings—Jacaranda House and Silky Oak House—located at the site have already received refurbishment works for workplace accommodation, parking, and some training facilities.
Minister Ryan, Premier Palaszczuk and Commissioner Stewart Photo credit: State of Queensland (Queensland Police Service) 2019 / https://mypolice.qld.gov.au
“My Government announced in 2017 we would invest $46.7 million over three years to construct a world-class Counter Terrorism and Community Safety Centre for the Queensland Police Service to ensure they’re equipped with the best facilities and resources available,” the Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.
“This will include a multi-function training centre, a scenario village with streetscapes, a service station, private and public transport, a police station and housing, and we’re also constructing a firing range for developing and maintaining weapons-handling skills under a range of conditions.
“It’s a fitting tribute to the long and distinguished career of Bob Atkinson that the centre will be named the Bob Atkinson Operational Capabilities Centre.”
Commissioner Stewart, former Commissioner Bob Atkinson, Premier Palaszczuk and Minister Ryan Photo credit: State of Queensland (Queensland Police Service) 2019 / https://mypolice.qld.gov.au
The Counter Terrorism and Community Safety Centre will have indoor firearms ranges; a scenario village; and specialist training areas to increase capability in managing terrorism and other critical incidents.
The training facility will help enhance Queensland’s frontline and tactical police officers’ communications skills, de-escalation, firearms, batons, handcuffs, tasers, physical skills, responding to an active armed offender, and counter-terrorism.
Police Minister Mark Ryan said that with more than 15,000 daily interactions with the public, often requiring officers to make split-second decisions that may involve the use of force, continual and best practice training, and co-locating of facilities are needed to enable an integrated curriculum to be developed and delivered.
Video Credit: QueenslandPolice / YouTube
“The new facility is aimed at building operational capability around frontline and tactical officers in responding to all incidents, including terrorist related matters,” Commissioner Ian Stewart said.
“After a 44-year policing career, Mr Atkinson will always be remembered for his dedication to the Queensland Police Service and the work that he has done when terrorism was in its earlier iterations.
“I am very pleased that Mr Atkinson has graciously accepted the offer regarding the proposal to name the new facility in his honour.”
Seventeen of the 75 new police officers that were inducted on 15 May 2019 at the QPS Academy, Oxley campus will be deployed to the Brisbane Region, including the Mt Ommaney and Inala stations.
Minister for Police and Minister for Corrective Services, the Honourable Mark Ryan MP, and Commissioner Ian Stewart were in attendance during the induction ceremony that welcomed 75 First Year Constables (FYC) who completed 25 weeks of intensive training.
Photo Credit: State of Queensland (Queensland Police Service) 2019 / mypolice.qld.gov.au
“On behalf of the Queensland Government, I am grateful to the 75 FYCs who have accepted this responsibility today,” Minister Ryan said.
“Each has sworn they will maintain integrity, professionalism and accountability when serving and protecting the people of Queensland. Queenslanders should feel confident these standards will be met.
“They will help to create a safe environment for residents and visitors, working in partnership with their communities and other government agencies around Queensland.
“First Year Constables breathe new life into the Service with their unique experiences and enthusiasm. I would like to acknowledge the education and support services provided by the QPS People Capability Command and wish the 75 FYCs good luck as they embark on their new careers,” he said.
Photo Credit: State of Queensland (Queensland Police Service) 2019 / mypolice.qld.gov.au
Commissioner Stewart announced that the new officers will be allocated to the Brisbane Region (17), South Eastern Region (16 ), Central Region (21), Northern Region (1), and to the Southern Region (20). This is Commissioner Stewart’s last induction with the QPS.
“I remember my induction well and I hope this afternoon’s ceremony is a memory each FYC carries with them throughout a successful career in the QPS,” Commissioner Stewart said.
Photo Credit: State of Queensland (Queensland Police Service) 2019 / mypolice.qld.gov.au
“The role of a police officer is like no other – responsible for the safety and security of Queensland. There is no doubt each of these new officers will experience some challenging situations, however, there will also be many rewarding and humbling times.
“I wish luck to every officer in their career and feel confident they will uphold the values expected of a police officer in Queensland.”
Photo Credit: State of Queensland (Queensland Police Service) 2019 / mypolice.qld.gov.au
Another class of recruits from the Townsville Police Academy will be graduating soon to help reinforce QPS resources in the state’s north and northwest side.
Apart from the Northern, Central, Southern, and South Eastern regions, the new FYCs will be initially deployed to the following stations in the Brisbane region:
The Monier Road Park BMX Track in Darra, Brisbane’s second of such kind of facility, has been opened to the public.
The Monier Road Park BMX Track officially opened to the public on 4 May 2019 with activities that included two hours of free BMX coaching for new riders. The modern competition-grade facility, one of Australia’s largest BMX tracks, is free to use. It also caters to riders of all skill level, from the young and beginners to the more advanced riders, allowing them to practice their tricks or just enjoy recreational riding.
The BMX facility features an asphalted track with entry level, intermediate, and advanced runs. There are two shade shelters, pathways as well as landscaping including trees, groundcovers and turf. Riders also have access to toilet facilities, drinking fountains, and rubbish bins.
Throughout the design phase, Council has consulted with residents and local community to ensure that the project meets the needs of the users and the broader community. Construction of Monier Road Park BMX Track commenced around September 2018 after the final detail concept design was made public.
The entire development involved site remediation works, installation of new drainage, BMX track, shade shelters, pathway connections, and installation of signage and drinking fountain.
The Darra BMX facility is located in the north-eastern section, close to the Monier Road Park’s existing playground, and can be accessed via Monier Road.
Mexican fast food retailer Guzman Y Gomez is planning to roll out 11 new drive-throughs in southeast Queensland this year and one of these will be in Jindalee.
The other stores will be in Rothwell, Victoria Point, Maroochydore, Arana Hills, Cannon Hill, Helensvale, Southport, Springwood, Pimpama, and Richlands.
In addition to 11 new stores about to open this year, they are targeting to launch 24 more stores in the next two years.
Guzman Y Gomez has found massive success in their drive-throughs. From their first one in Nerang that opened in 2015, they now have 40 drive-throughs and 11 of them is in Queensland. They now have a total of 112 outlets across the country.
The restaurant chain’s development director Humberto Maradiegue said they found tradies love their burritos because of its convenience, since it’s easy to eat in the car or during travel.
Mr Maradiegue added that there is definitely a demand for Californian Mexican fast food in the city.
The restaurant chain gained popularity for their classic burrito, an amalgam of flour tortilla, white or brown rice, meat or veggies of choice, Australian Jack cheese, vegetarian black beans, Pico de Gallo and house-blend salsa.
For more information about Guzman Y Gomez, check out their website or follow them on Facebook.
Want to do something fun yet worthwhile for the community? Call your family and friends and gather for the 4074 the Farmers Colour Explosion in Seventeen Mile Rocks this month.
Hosted by 4074 Community and Beyond in conjunction with Australian Fundraising, the colourful event will take place on the Rocks Riverside Park at 5 Counihan Road, Seventeen Mile Rocks on 28 April 2019 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The Colour Explosion is a traditional run with a fun and colourful twist. Participants will be drenched in non-toxic colour powder across seven colour powder stations.
There will be markets, food trucks and the sausage sizzle by the Rotary Jindalee, so come along, have fun, and raise funds for the community.
Ticket costs $15 for adults or participants who are 16 years old and above and only $10 for children, or participants ages 1-15.
Australian Fundraising has been helping groups raise funds since 1995 and has hosted big fun run events like the School Run 4 Fun and the Run 4 Fun Colour Explosion.
All of the proceeds will go to Rotary Charleville to help the Charleville farming community.
New South Wales and Queensland farmers are dealing with drought conditions and cannot produce enough food to feed the animals. Fundraising campaigns like this can help pay for the cost of keeping animals alive.
Since 2014, Rotary has helped rural western Queensland communities hit hard by the drought through the Rotary Drought Relief Program. Over $1M has been raised to date, in partnership with a variety of private, non-profit, and corporate sponsors.
Rotary’s program uses a ‘whole of community’ approach and is completely run by volunteers and does not incur any overhead or administrative expenses.
Traffic congestion is a major concern in western Brisbane and one of the suggested solutions is a bridge that will connect Wacol to Bellbowrie.
The bridge is not far from being a reality after new Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner announced it will be one of the five new green bridges planned for Brisbane.
The Bellbowrie green bridge is a potential pedestrian, cycle, or public transport bridge with emergency access to help alleviate the risk of flooding in the area.
“These bridges will accommodate in some cases public transport but they will also accommodate walking and cycling to get people out of their cars, reduce traffic congestion and create a cleaner and greener Brisbane,” Cr Schrinner said.
The new green bridges are estimated to cost at least $550 million, with the council contributing at least two-thirds of the cost. They are scheduled for completion after five to 10 years.
Need for a Wacol to Bellbowrie Bridge
Councillor for the Jamboree Ward Matthew Bourke said the new green bridge will provide the people in Moggill Rd and Bellbowrie access to public transport via the bridge to Wacol train station.
This, in turn, will help remove traffic from Moggill Rd and the western freeway. Moggill Rd, which passes through nine suburbs in the city, is identified as one of the traffic choke points in Brisbane.
At present, locals who travel by bike have their separate path, The Moggill Road Cycle Bridge, which is constructed over Moggill Road where it meets the Western Freeway at Indooroopilly.
It was not the first time that a bridge in Bellbowrie was proposed. In 1999, a study by the Brisbane CIty Council referred to a bridge in the suburb as part of their original suburban development.
In 2015, residents suggested a Bellbowrie to Riverhills connection to encourage more people to leave their car at home and eventually help eliminate traffic congestion in the suburb.
“We are rejoicing that we have finally succeeded in getting all of our levels of government, now federal (as well as state and local) calling for investigation into a river crossing at Bellbowrie,” the Bellbowrie Bridge Advocacy Group shared on Facebook.
Tenders for the detailed design for the second Centenary Bridge at Jindalee are now being sought, the Queensland Government announced.
The design should aim to improve traffic flow and ease congestion on the Centenary Motorway. The project, once underway, will also provide jobs through building the needed infrastructure, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said. More than 85,000 cars use the Centenary Bridge daily and numbers are projected to move up to 152,000 by 2036.
Expected to be awarded in the coming weeks, the design tender will include details for a new three-lane northbound bridge, as well as the geotechnical and environmental investigations, and service relocations.
The detailed design is part of the $20 million government allocation meant to fast track a business case and technical investigations for a new river crossing on the Centenary Motorway.
Key upgrades for the area are also making progress, such as the design of the Sumners Road interchange which is expected to have the tender for its construction awarded soon, according to Member for Mt Ommaney – Jess Pugh.
“Residents who travel on the Centenary Motorway know how congested it can get near the bridge and further south at the Sumners Road interchange,” Ms Pugh said.
“These projects will make a real difference for people who travel through western Brisbane because it will ultimately mean less time spent in the car, and more time spent doing what they enjoy.”
Later this year, the community will be given the opportunity to provide feedback on the design for a new Centenary Bridge.
