Calling all foodies! The upcoming Carseldine Twilight Markets are set to be a feast for the senses, featuring over 40 of South East Queensland’s best food trucks serving up gourmet street food that will leave you spoilt for choice.
Whether you’re in the mood for savoury or sweet, there will be a mouthwatering variety of options to choose from at the Carseldine Twilight Markets on Saturday, 6 May 2023, in celebration of gourmet eats, live music and unique products from artisan creators.
Additionally, this year’s event features a new and exciting addition, the Stone & Wood pop-up bar, where you can indulge in ice-cold beer and cider throughout the night.
Photo credit: Carseldine Markets/Facebook
The Carseldine Twilight Markets are not just about the food – they are also a hub of live entertainment and family fun! In addition to the gourmet street food, the night markets will also feature live music from talented local bands and musicians on both the main stage and the food truck alley stage.
Photo credit: Carseldine Markets/Facebook
With over 200 stalls to browse, there is sure to be something for everyone. From handmade crafts to vintage clothing and accessories, this market is a treasure trove of unique finds.
Plus, there will be plenty of roving entertainment and activities for children, ensuring that the whole family can enjoy a fun-filled evening out. Get ready to feast your senses and make unforgettable memories at this must-attend event!
Photo credit: Carseldine Markets/Facebook
The market will be held at 133 Dorville Road, and will run from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on 6 May. Admission is only $3, and there is ample free parking available on site.
Police are reminding the public to be wary of properties advertised for rent through online sites or through social media and to be on the lookout for rental scams, citing an incident that happened in Aspley in early 2023.
A rental property along Robinson Road West, Aspley was assumed to be vacant but when agents visited the site, they were surprised to find someone there.
S/Con Kim Richter said the person told Police that she had paid bond and rent to another person who had advertised the property as available for rent at an online buy/sell site. This person has since filed a complaint with the Police.
Photo credit: PhotoMIX Company/Pexels
Police attended the address with the agent and gained entry to the residence. Some belongings found at the rental property, and its owner was immediately advised of the situation.
“With the shortage of rental accommodation, there is a criminal element who will take advantage of people looking for somewhere to live,” said S/Con Richter.
The Queensland Police Service gave some tips to avoid rental scams, such as dealing with licensed agents when looking to rent properties and asking for identification and proof such as rates notices when dealing with individuals.
Police suggest reporting any suspected scam by submitting a form to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
Renting in Aspley
Photo credit: Kindel Media/Pexels
According to Realestate.com.au, the median rental price (April 2022-March 2023) in Aspley for a three-bedroom unit is $460 per week, slightly lower than the average Brisbane rental prices in 2022, which costs around $557 per week.
Aspley may not be the cheapest Brisbane suburb to rent in, but it’s one of those with the highest demand, with around 280 houses leased in the past 12 months.
The Indigenous Community and Police Consultative Group (ICPCG) in North Brisbane is looking for volunteers who will continue to foster a stronger and more positive relationship with the Queensland Police Service (QPS).
Established for over 11 years, the ICPCG serves as a forum for community members to raise concerns or provide feedback and contribute to the improvement of the programs of the QPS. The group holds monthly meetings at PCYC Zillmere along 340 Zillmere Rd.
From 2019 to 2020, the ICPCG and the QPS held 25 meetings to talk about their perspectives, experiences and other important information on current events. With more volunteers, the Indigenous community and the elders will be appropriately represented and given a voice on certain issues that will help make North Brisbane a better society.
“We believe that open communication and understanding are the keys to achieve this goal,” the QPS stated.
Interested to volunteer? Phone the Boondall Police Station at 07 3364 337 for enquiries.
Hoffy Cycles, the oldest bike shop in Australia, has been in business since 1928. Now, it is up for sale as Marie Nobbs, who took the helm 12 years ago when her partner Les Bews died, prepares for retirement and prepares to pass the iconic bike shop on to someone new.
The bike shop, located at Bowser Parade in Sandgate has been trading since 1928 in the same weatherboard building where it was founded by Bill Hoffman. Mr Hoffman likely had no idea that it would turn out to be one of the most enduring and successful businesses in the city.
In 1942, Hoffman hired the young Eric Hendren as his apprentice at the shop. However, when Mr Hoffman passed away years later, Mr Hendren took over and earned a name for himself for supplying and servicing top-quality road bikes to Brisbane.
Founder Bill Hoffman (Photo credit: Hoffy Cycles/Facebook)
In 1979, Mr Hendren hired Darrell Llewellyn McCulloch who became quite known among cyclists for his specialist accessories and cast lug sets.
Almost a decade from when he took over, Mr Hendren sold the shop to Les Bews, who purchased the shop out of his love for biking. Then, Mr Bews also passed away, his partner Marie Nobbs, started managing the bike shop.
Photo credit: Hoffy Cycles/Facebook
Current owner Marie Nobbs, the fourth since the bike shop opened 95 years ago, has been running the bike shop for almost 10 years and struggled with the decision to retire. Although it was a hard decision to make, Ms Nobbs said there’s no mechanic so they can no longer do any servicing for now. She is also looking to pass the torch to someone with the same love for biking who would be willing to continue the Hoffy Cycles legacy.
Many of the bicycles from Hoffy, particularly the custom-built ones, are much-loved in the biking community and were regarded as collectors’ items.
The shop enjoys an excellent reputation among biking aficionados and cyclists as the best in Brisbane, and their custom bicycles are now collectors’ pieces.
Besides selling quality bikes and a wide selection of parts and accessories, Hoffy Cycles has earned the reputation for having a quick turnaround time in terms of servicing and repairs.
The sale of Hoffy Cycles is being handled by Jim McKeering Real Estate. For those who are interested, kindly contact local agent Jacqui McKeering through their website.
Plans have been lodged to subdivide a Boondall chicken farm into a subdivision with 55 lots; however, locals are divided over two issues: the possibility of increased risk of flooding in the area and the housing crisis.
DA A006180454, filed by New Style Developments on the 20th of Dec 2022, details the intention to build a subdivision with 263 to 568 square metre blocks within two stages. New Style also outlined plans to raise the land by one metre and create a drainage reserve as part of its floodproofing procedures.
The applicant, which had pre-lodgement meetings with Council, also submitted a Flood Report from Water Technology Pty Ltd, which cited that:
“There are no adverse flooding impacts from proposed filling of the site to external properties upstream, downstream or adjacent to the site in all design events analysed. Sufficient drainage capacity has been provided for the local and external upstream catchments.
“Minor impacts are noted near the Muller Road access, however, these do not fundamentally affect flooding conditions on the road nor impact trafficability. Nonetheless, it is expected these impacts will be further mitigated and potentially resolved as part of subsequent operational works detailed design.
“Minimum flood planning levels for the site can be readily achieved and far exceeds the minimum design standards applicable in the flood hazard overlay code owing to a 1% AEP design criteria being applied for overland flow path flood sources.”
Photo Credit: CrJaredCassidy/Facebook
It’s not the first time such a proposal has been brought up — and then disapproved — for Nadra Eggs, the family-owned chicken farm business that produces eggs, milk and produce. The family farm was established in 1948 and it’s currently managed by the family’s third generation.
However, Cr Jared Cassidy said the DA is “Impact Assessable” and thus has to be advertised for submissions that “must be taken into account when Council makes its decision.”
“I’ve been contacted by a number of local residents who have concerns about flooding, traffic and loss of local amenity – this will be a significant amount of houses in a small space if approved,” Mr Cassidy said.
“I hate the idea of so many ‘houses’ being built here in a flood zone, an eye sore for the community and a natural disaster waiting to happen in heavy rainfall and storm season,” one local wrote in the DA submission.”
“In flood and rain events, the land on 61, 65 and 69 Muller Road plays a vital role in preventing our house and our neighbours’ from flooding – by capturing the majority of the water in the area,” a neighbour wrote.
“It’s imperative to highlight that the flooding occurrences on Muller Road, Zillmere Road and Groth Road are not ‘once off events’. Due to Zillman Water Holes Creek overflowing during major storms, or heavy downpours of rain, these three roads flood significantly. Existing drainage and infrastructure systems are insufficient to handle large amounts of rain, or water making the vacant undeveloped land crucial to flood mitigation. This is evident whenever this area receives an excess of rainfall.”
But some locals also support the subdivision plans as a “critical need” for housing in Boondall.
“Given the housing crisis I’m grateful that this will allow others to have their own home. I love the egg farm and cherish the memories of taking my little ones there for so many years. But I will say… where are the houses? Where can people buy or rent if progress doesn’t go ahead?” Rochelle Courtenay wrote in the comments on Mr Cassidy’s post.
“I appreciate some people will have concerns about flooding, traffic and loss of local amenity. However we need to look at the bigger picture – South East Queensland’s population is booming and there is a housing crisis with people struggling to rent or buy,” Katie Emmert said. “Infill development in existing suburbs is a key way to provide more housing and ensure new residents have access to amenities and services.
“I am a property owner in an established local suburb and I support infill development,” she added. “I want people younger than me to be able to rent/buy in the area. New development also provides housing options for existing residents – perhaps an older person struggling to maintain their existing house and land who wants to move to a smaller property nearby with lower maintenance. The more diverse housing options, the more diverse people that can live and maintain an ongoing connection to an area.”
The Queensland Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) and the Queensland Police Service (QPS) are looking into the incident that took place on Thursday, 16 February 2023.
Just before noontime on that day, a resident along Prince St found the injured bird and tried to nurse it back to safety. However, the ibis succumbed to its injuries as it was shot by an 80-centimetre arrow.
“Cruelty to animals is a punishable offence and along with the RSPCA, we will investigate this matter fully,” said Senior Sergeant Kenneth Rogers of the Carseldine Criminal Investigation. “I’d appeal for the person responsible to come forward, likewise, I’d encourage nearby residents along Prince, Princess, Bayview and Shepherd Streets to come forward with relevant CCTV or dashcam between 9am-12pm yesterday.”
“Via Crimestoppers 1800333000, anonymous reports can be made, and I’d appeal to anyone with information to make that call.
“I want to thank the resident for raising the alarm and providing the bird with comfort and safety after this horrendous and cowardly attack.”
The park will be among the first 41 playgrounds in Brisbane set to receive shade over the next six months or by early 2023.
Brisbane City Council has allocated $10 million to ensure every playground in Brisbane has shade which will help protect parents, carers and children and potentially save lives.
Photo credit: Marco Tanzi/Google Maps
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said under the Sun Safe Suburban Playgrounds Program, Council will identify those playgrounds that need cover and ensure they receive it over the next three years.
“Brisbane has an enviable lifestyle as well as a network of more than 2000 fantastic parks that make for great free fun for families,” said Cr Schrinner.
“However, we also live in a state that’s known as one of the world’s skin cancer capitals,” he added.
Photo credit: Zaid Isaac/Pexels
“While we incorporate shade in all our new playgrounds when required, there are unfortunately some that still need to be retrofitted with some form of cover.
Cancer Council Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mr Andrew Donne supports the Brisbane City Council Sun Safe Suburban Playgrounds program as a great step in reducing skin damage and risk of skin cancer for Brisbane kids.
“It is well known that Australia has the highest rate of melanoma in the world, and without sun protection skin damage can occur in as little as 15 minutes,” Mr Donne said.
“What I must convey however, is that skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.”
About Harry Kirby Park
Photo credit: Andrew Brewer/Google Maps
Harry Kirby Park is a recreational park which features a playground and shared pathway network. It also includes facilities for Aspley Leagues Club and the Aspley Rugby League.
The park was named after Harry Kirby, an advisor from the Northern Suburbs Devils or simply Norths, who oversaw the setting up of the club and decided to stay with the rugby league club Aspley Broncos.
Refurbishments have started at Zillmere Library as of February 2023 and will entail a new dedicated site for children and young adults. New seating will be brought in to make the library more conducive to reading and studying.
The toilet amenities will be upgraded with modern fixtures, alongside the addition of new lighting, furniture and carpet. Visitors to the library will see landscape improvements on the site’s external appearance.
Zillmere Library will get a bush tucker garden as a cultural and learning focal point for the library and the local community. Local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander horticulturalists/specialists and groups will be developing and growing this garden.
In line with the construction, some access and restrictions will be enforced in stages that may disrupt work and visits to the library. Jenning Street will be temporarily closed off for staging works and machinery access.
The last refurbishments done on Zillmere Library were from 2007 to 2008. Thus, the current construction and improvement works are much warranted.
Council estimates that this project will be completed in mid-2023. For questions or feedback, phone 1800 884 681 during business hours or 07 3403 8888 after hours.
New speed awareness monitors (SAM) have been installed across Brisbane, including one at St Dympna’s Primary School in Aspley just in time for the start of the 2023 school year.
St Dympna’s Primary School has been chosen as one of the 22 locations for the SAM signs as part of the SAM for Schools program, to help create safer environments for students to travel to and from school.
Like how it works in other locations across the city, the monitors will display a smiley face when vehicles are travelling at or below the speed limit. However, if vehicles are travelling above the posted speed limit, it will display the vehicle’s speed followed by a reminder to “slow down.”
Photo credit: St Dympna’s Primary School/Google Maps
Council considers some factors when assessing if a certain location will be suitable for the speed awareness monitors. Factors include:
visual impact on adjacent residents
obstructions such as trees and other traffic signs
clearance from driveways and infrastructure such as power poles, service pits and pipelines
clearance from power lines and lower-hanging communication cables
adequate sunlight for the monitor solar panels
separation between other traffic signs to ensure drivers have sufficient time to read messagesst
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/Facebook
All monitors are individually solar-powered and fitted with a Doppler radar. They are limited to measuring only a single approaching vehicle at a time within its radar range of 3 km/h to 255 km/h.
At present, there are already 200 monitors in place across Brisbane and around 31 have been installed near schools. Council is planning to install 69 more over the next three years.
“Nothing is more important than kids’ safety and this is just one of the projects we’re investing in as part of our school safety initiatives,” said Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner.
One of the two new rail tracks could be built in Everton Park, which would be adjacent to Everton Park State School at Deakin Street.
This comes after Brisbane City Council finalised the program business case for the North west transport network and has submitted it to Infrastructure Australia, the Australian Government’s independent infrastructure advisor, who will consider the business case recommendations.
Councillor Andrew Wines, Chair of the Infrastructure Committee, said the business case speaks about a 160km/hr train at 24 trains per hour.
According to the business case, there is a potential for eight to 12 extra trains in the peak hour, along with 24 trains per hour service pattern by 2041.
Photo credit: Video still credit from Brisbane City Council/YouTube
Because the trains would be faster, it will not be possible to build stops at McDowall and Stafford, although there would be a park-and-ride at Bridgeman Downs that can accommodate 750 vehicles and another one at Everton Park with 175 spaces.
If approved, works for the underground rail station at Bridgeman Downs are anticipated to be complete by 2041.
Strathpine to Albion station upgrade
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council
The 14-kilometre underground line between Albion and Strathpine, has been proposed to increase capacity for more express service and connections to public transport network and employment, services and facilities.
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council
Because of the increase of trips in Brisbane’s north west, Council believes there’s a need to change how we move around the network, whether it’s for commuting, freight, tourism or leisure.
“Transforming the network requires a range of solutions that cater to the growing demand for these different trip types while making it easier to choose sustainable transport options,” said Council.
The program business case, which sets out a suite of projects for the NWTN, has been submitted to Infrastructure Australia for consideration. This may result in some or all elements being included in their Infrastructure Priority List.
