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Aspley Special School: Promoting Environmental Awareness and Sustainability Through Recycling and Composting

Aside from educating and preparing students with disabilities for post-school life, Aspley Special School also promotes sustainability through community recycling and composting.

Kingfisher Recycling Centre

Aspley Special School’s community recycling and composting hub and garden first started can recycling in 1983 as a work experience option. Since then, it has become one of the largest school-based recycling programs with tonnes of recyclables processed through the years.

Students engage in e-waste processing, can crushing, glass sorting, cardboard packing, lid removal, stamp recovery, tree planting and mulching as part of their recycling skills training. The skills training help students develop and practice employment-related skills including the ability to display good work ethics, follow quality control and work safety practices, and staying on task.

Kingfisher Recycling Centre, located at 31 Dorville Road in Aspley, accepts donations of recyclables: aluminium cans and steel; stamps and envelopes; glass bottles and jars; computers, laptops, TVs; whitegoods, hot water systems; cardboard boxes and packing materials; car batteries; magazines, books, and newspapers.

Kingfisher Community Garden

Aspley Special School also has a community composting hub where locals are encouraged to drop off their food scraps to be turned into compost for the community garden. The Kingfisher Community Garden is located at 751 Zillmere Road and features raised garden beds, shed filled with tools, compost bays, and concrete pathways throughout the garden.

What started as a way to bring families and friends of the school together to enjoy gardening, the Kingfisher Community Garden now welcomes more volunteers, even those without gardening experience, and groups associated with the school to join the activities.

The community garden is open before and after school hours during term times, on weekends, and all day during school holidays with working bees and workshops held every second Saturday from 10am until noon.

Aspley Village Precinct Project Works Underway

(Photo Credit: brisbane.qld.gov.au)

In February 2019, significant works to refurbish and revitalise the shopping district at Gympie Road in Aspley have already commenced.

Now that the Aspley Village Precinct Project is underway, locals are looking forward to see the Brisbane City Council’s $5.9-million streetscape improvement project for Gympie Road.

To make the precinct safer and more accessible for both locals and visitors, the Council will upgrade the footpaths and will install a signalised pedestrian crossing upgrade on the road.

Other proposed improvements include a new streetscape furniture including seats, bins, bike racks and drinking fountains as well as unique seating including coloured urban stools and custom-designed seats.

To make the shopping precinct on Gympie Road more attractive, there will be public artwork and artwork murals, street trees for shade and garden beds as well as an Aspley welcome signage.

Artist impression of proposed works, inbound at 1331 Gympie Road (Photo Credit: brisbane.qld.gov.au)

Construction will primarily take place between 7:00 pm to 5:00 am, Sunday to Thursday. The majority of works will be undertaken at night when traffic volumes are lowest to ensure the safety of motorists and workers, and to minimise disruptions to businesses.

While some daytime constructions will be required, the Council assured they will minimise the impact of works on the community as much as possible.

Depending on weather and construction conditions, works at Aspley are expected to be completed in November 2019.

About the Village Precinct Project

The Council launched the project in September 2018 to improve the precinct’s amenity and attractiveness. It is part of the Brisbane’s Future Blueprint that aims to create vibrant suburban centres for local communities.

Before proceeding with the project, the Council consulted Aspley’s local residents and business owners to find out what they want and the amenities they need for their local area.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk believes the Council’s delivery of Village Precinct Projects will help to rejuvenate and improve the amenity of Brisbane’s local retail villages.

“We have already seen significant improvements to the public realms at Chermside and New Farm and now Council is getting on with creating liveable places and welcoming neighbourhood centres for the local community and visitors to enjoy elsewhere across the city,” Cr Quirk said.

Cr Quirk said the Village Precinct Projects are all about supporting local businesses, driving economic growth in local retail areas and helping enhance the local identity of the areas.

“Delivery of new street furniture such as seating, bins, bike racks and drinking fountains as well as upgrading footpaths can dramatically change the accessibility and feel of a local shopping street,” he said.

To stay up to date on the Aspley Village Precinct Project, follow the Brisbane City Council website.

This Bridgeman Downs Property Is Among Most Sought-After Million-Dollar Homes in 2018

Cashed-up homebuyers across Australia look to Queensland to purchase their dream million-dollar home, such as one luxurious property in Bridgeman Downs.

Just 11 years old, this Bridgeman Downs million-dollar home at 33 Bridgeman Road was sold in October 2018 for $2.715 million. It was also one of the most viewed listings in the $2.5 million – $5 million price bracket last year, with over 25,000 page views, according to data from realestate.com.au.

The main house features a spacious living area, wide hallways and high ceilings. There is a self-contained guest house that has both an internal and an external private access as well as two bedrooms, 2-way bathroom, kitchen, lounge room, and internal laundry.

The master bedroom features a carpeted flooring, walk-in robe, and ensuite. Bedrooms two, three, and four also have plush carpeted flooring, built-in wardrobes and security mesh. Bedroom five, also the second master bedroom, features a private study.

The living and entertaining area overlooks the inground pool and manicured lawn. The family room is situated next to the kitchen and meals area, whilst the formal dining area is located close to the kitchen. The enclosed Sala, on the other hand, opens to the outdoor entertainment area via floor to ceiling glass stacker doors.

The six months to August 31, 2018 data showed that properties in the $1M – $2.5M range are the most searched in QLD. About 5,009 and 3,494 prospective buyers from NSW and VIC, respectively, look to buy properties in the $5 million and above price bracket. Over 17,000 Queenslanders, on the other hand, searched for the $5M+ properties during the same period.

Houses in the $1M – $2.5M price range are still the most popular among property searchers, with 90,715 coming from QLD, 20,228 from NSW, and 9,171 from VIC. The 10 most sought-after suburbs was led by Surfers Paradise, followed by New Farm, Noosa Heads, West End, Ashgrove, Paddington, Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach Waters, and St Lucia.

Experts say that buyers are finding more value for their money in QLD which is a sign of growing confidence in the state’s economy and interstate migration.

Carseldine is Among Top Brisbane Suburbs for House Price Growth in 2018

Annual house prices across Australia recorded its biggest drop in 15 years and Brisbane showed flat growth in 2018. Carseldine, however, performed better as it posted house price growth, according to the latest figures from Domain.

The recently released Domain House Price Report for December 2018 quarter, showed house prices in Brisbane falling 0.20 percent quarter-on-quarter, with several suburbs emerging resilient and managing to post price growths over the 12 months.

With an 8.9 percent year-on-year house price growth and a median price of $621,000, Carseldine was the ninth best performing suburb in Brisbane. On the other hand, latest suburb data from realestate.com.au shows the median house price for Carseldine at $642,500, higher than the QLD median price of $490,000. A total of 162 houses changed hands from Feb 2018 to Feb 2019.

Sandgate was best performing Brisbane suburb for houses in 2018, in terms of year-on-year price increase, with an 18.8 percent growth and a median price of $750,000. Six other suburbs had price growth above 10 percent: North Ipswich (17.3%), Hammant(12.5%), Kenmore(11.8%), Graceville(11.8%), Paddington(10.7%), and Bardon(10.1%). Burpengary East and Brookfield round out the top 10 with 9.4 percent, and 8.8 percent growth, respectively.

For the December quarter 2018, Brisbane property market posted an almost flat year-on-year growth, wiping out its previous quarters gains. Industry experts point to the tighter credit access that’s crippling housing market in other capital cities, as the reason for the slowdown. Optimism still remains high, though, as Brisbane housing market continues to ride on Queensland’s strong fundamentals.

Queensland remains to be a favourite among interstate migrants and overseas buyers; with QLD’s improving economy, better job prospects, and great schooling. With these factors considered, Brisbane housing market is seen to remain stable, if not growing.

Aspley Memorial Bowls Club Green 1 Cover up by end of May 2019

The Aspley Memorial Bowls Club will be installing a cover for its Green 1 which should be completed by end of May 2019, but Carseldine locals have concerns about the project.

The cover, fitted with lights underneath, will provide an all-weather shelter for its Club members and casual bowlers’ use, to enjoy the facility during daytime and at night, all-year round. The Australian Government, Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities under the Community Development Grant Programme, has made the project possible through a $590,000 grant.

Video walk-through from Lightweight Structures

Video Credit: Trevor Scott / YouTube

At 7.5 metres at its highest point, residents are concerned about the structure’s height which will effectively block the view and sunlight from the houses close to the Club. Locals are also concerned about the rainwater going straight to the creek due to the structure, as well as causing more cars parking close to the shade thus increasing traffic in the area.

Photo Credit: Google Earth

Overall, they fear its negative impact will cause the values of neighbouring properties to fall. They suggest moving the structure close to the clubhouse instead and far from Nemira Street.

The Club said that the planned cover over Green 1 was voted upon with the elderly members in mind. Once the shade structure is in place, the covered green will provide a way for the members, especially the elderly, to stay active and socialise, rain or shine. In the future, its two other greens will also have their own covers installed.

Active Collision Technology on Trial at Busy Aspley Intersection

Robinson Road West on intersection with Gympie Road in Aspley is currently testing the Hold the Red technology as part of efforts to reduce collisions caused by motorists running red lights.

The Ministry for Transport and Main Roads selected the Aspley intersection after it was identified as a potentially dangerous intersection. It is one of the busiest intersections in Queensland, with more than 68,000 vehicles passing through the intersection every day. In the past five years, there were 24 crashes and 11 serious injuries due to crashes at the intersection.

The technology uses radar to see if vehicles are about to run a red light. When this happens, the opposing traffic lights are forced to stay on red to prevent a possible collision.

Preventing Collisions

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey revealed that the technology is already being used in Florida where it has been instrumental in the significant decline of collisions at intersections.

Mr Bailey said that around 11 percent of critical road casualties in the state happened at intersections with traffic lights.

“During the past five years, 42 people have been killed and more than 3,000 hospitalised in crashes at signalised intersections in Queensland,” said Mr Bailey.

“Red light running is a complex problem. There is no single reason why drivers do it but what we do know is that resulting accidents are likely to be T-bone crashes, which have a higher potential of causing death or serious injury.

“Hold the Red lowers the risk of a crash at sites where it is installed while still allowing for offenders to be penalised.

“This will keep other drivers safe, while still acting as a deterrence to offenders.”

Queensland’s peak monitoring body RACQ lauded the introduction of the Hold the Red technology at crash prone intersections.

RACQ’s Head of Technical and Safety Policy Steve Spalding believes that the system could help prevent T-bone crashes.

“We look forward to the results of the trial and are always interested in new technologies that can reduce crashes,” Mr Spalding said.

Carseldine Markets: Fresh Produce, Live Music, and Lots of Delight to Grab Interest

Photo credit: Carseldine Markets/Facebook

The Carseldine Farmers and Artisan Markets brings together a few of life’s simple pleasures: listening to music, eating, and appreciating art. Every Saturday, locals from Carseldine and neighbouring suburbs like Aspley, Fitzgibbon, and Bridgeman Downs get to unwind at the market located at the old Queensland University of Technology.

Carseldine Markets, which opens 6:00 a.m. and closes at noon, is a five-minute ride from the Aspley Hypermarket. It houses more than 180 stalls for products of every kind. There is a stall for deli lines; Artisan baked breads and pastries, and traditional foods as well as fresh local seafood. There are stalls dedicated for arts and crafts, where visitors could find handmade accessories, soy candles, and wooden toys.

Carseldine’s addition to the list of the best Queensland’s markets does not come as a surprise. Aside from livening up the locals’ weekends, it supports local farmers. One of the most frequented stalls is The Organic Stall, where visitors can delight in farm fresh organics. The owner drives down to the Byron farms every week to hand select his produce.

“There are some delicious food stalls serving great food. Then after breakfast walk through all different types of stalls ranging from fresh foods to flowers, nick nacks, doggie stuff,” suggests Louise, a Brisbane local.

The market offers interesting things to do for people of all ages. Children could have fun in the rides. Dogs will enjoy their day out with the doggy treats available at the market stalls. Free yoga classes are available from time to time, for visitors who want to de-stress from the hustle and bustle of city life.

For more information, visit the Carseldine Markets website and Facebook page.

Aspley Village Precinct Project Soon to Commence this Year

The Aspley Village Precinct Project of the Brisbane City Council is all set for a 2019 launch after the project team’s presentation of their improved proposal.

In September 2018, the Council introduced this $5.9-million streetscape improvement project which aims to refurbish and revitalise the shopping district at Gympie Road in Aspley. Its main objective is to boost local economic growth within the neighbourhood.

The project is part of Brisbane’s Future Blueprint, which aims to create a city of neighbourhoods with vibrant, connected, and safe centres for both locals and visitors.

Initial Proposal

Aspley Village Precinct Project Draft — Photo credit: Brisbane City Council

The initial improvements planned by the Council’s project team for the Aspley Village Precinct Project include:

Upgraded signalised pedestrian crossing on Gympie Road to secure safety in the area. This is still subject for final approval from the Queensland Government.
Upgraded footpaths for improved accessibility, maintenance, and visual amenity.
Realignment of existing pedestrian crossings and placing of additional cautionary tactile pavings on kerb ramps for improved safety.
Additional planting of trees and groundcover plants for improved visual and physical amenities.
Additional street furnitures and public artworks for people to use and enjoy.

Community Consultation

The community consultation period was completed in September 2018. All the feedback and ideas given by the concerned members of the community were collected through an online survey and three community consultation sessions.

At present, the council is still developing its updated proposal as a response to the feedback given by the community. The new and improved proposal is expected to be released soon.

Aspley Gympie Road — Satellite View of Aspley Village Precinct Project. Photo credit: Google Maps

What’s Next

Onsite construction will follow after the presentation of the project team’s improvement proposal. With both time and weather permitting, it will be ideal for construction to begin early of 2019 and be completed by the end of the year.

To ensure minimal disturbances occurring during the construction phase of the Aspley Precinct Project, the Council will conduct a consultation meeting amongst the businesses located in the shopping centre. By doing so, the Council also safeguards the shops’ access during their business hours.

Call for High-quality Development EOIs at Carseldine Urban Village Released

Two expressions of interest (EOIs) invitations have been opened to find developers who will deliver high-quality and well-designed homes and retirement and aged care accommodation at Carseldine Urban Village.

“We’re conducting a two-stage competitive process to make sure we have the skills and experience on site to deliver the diverse living options needed to achieve our vision,” Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said in his statement.

“One EOI is calling for builders to join a panel to be able to build terrace homes at Carseldine Urban Village, while the second EOI is seeking interest from developers and retirement operators for land available to purchase and develop,” Mr Dick said.

The 9,000+-sqm retirement site could contain around 150 mixed dwellings for all levels of mobility.

“It’s also great to see there’s an emphasis on affordability, and the adoption of sustainable features such as rooftop solar and battery storage systems,” Member of Aspley Bart Mellish said.

“Planning for the urban village has focused on creating a well-connected community where residents can walk between residential and recreational areas, with ample transport options available.

“By ensuring the streetscape is attractive and inviting, with wide footpaths and shady trees, the resulting development will be an area that every local can enjoy.”

EOI under Builder Panel Carseldine Urban Village will be closing on 5 February 2019 whilst the EOI under Sale of Retirement Site, Carseldine Urban Village will close on 5 March 2019.

Shortlisted EOI proponents will be invited to submit a request for proposal (RFP). By May 2019, the final builder panel of successful proponents is expected to be announced. The announcement of the successful developer(s) for the retirement site, on the other hand, will be by mid-2019.

Flythrough animation of Carseldine Urban Village

Video Credit: Brisbane Development / YouTube

About Carseldine Urban Village

The Carseldine Urban Village proposal will transform the former Queensland University of Technology grounds into a sport and recreation, residential, commercial and retail precinct. Over a span of four years, the redevelopment will be undertaken in four stages, with the $35-million Stage 1 scheduled to commence late 2019. The Stage S, which is already underway, will deliver sport and recreation precinct and is expected to be completed by mid-2019.

The approved master plan development application and Stage 1 will feature terrace homes and a proposed retirement site, public spaces, and three intersection upgrades—Zillmere Rd and Dorville Rd, Beams Rd and Dorville Rd roundabout.

Forty-one submissions were received by Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) during the public notification with traffic congestion being one of the key issues identified during consultation.

“We’ve heard the community, we’re acting on their feedback, and these intersection upgrades will be beneficial for local residents,” Bart Mellish-Member for Aspley said.
“We’re also committed to the ongoing protection of native flora and fauna, and the rehabilitation of Cabbage Tree Creek.

“Thirty new termite and rot proof nesting boxes will be installed in existing bushland, providing shelter for gliders, parrots and bats, while further conservation measures are to be introduced as works progress,” Mr Mellish said.

Aspley: One of the Most Affordable and Liveable Suburbs in Brisbane

Aspley ranks among the most liveable and most affordable suburbs in Brisbane, the latest property report revealed. The report released for Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Hobart uncovered a few other surprises as well.

The PRDnationwide Affordable and Liveable Property Guides 2nd Half 2018 report took a holistic approach in determining the final list using five factors: property trends, investment, affordability, project development, and liveability.

For liveability, the several aspects were considered such as low crime rate; proximity (within a 5-km radius) to amenities such as schools, green space, public transport, shopping centres, and health care facilities; and an unemployment rate on par or lower in comparison to the State’s average.

Three suburbs, within a 20-km radius of the CBD, stood out as the most liveable and affordable hotspots in Brisbane for homes: Aspley, Everton Park, and Geebung — all north of Brisbane; a stark contrast to previous reports, where hotspots were distributed in all regions of Brisbane.

Affordable and Liveable Hotspots Suburbs in Brisbane for Houses

Suburb	Median Price*	Rental Yield	Future Projects**
Aspley	$600,000	3.9 %	2.0 million
Everton Park	$605,000	3.8 %	6.9 million
Geebung	$545,000	3.9 %	7.6 million

Source: PRDNationwide / prd.com.au

*Median price captures sales transactions from 1 January 2018 to 30 September 2018

**Project Development (Future Projects) is based on an aggregate of estimated construction value for residential, commercial, industrial, mixed-use, and infrastructure projects scheduled to commence in the 2nd half of 2018.

National Overview – Affordable and Liveable Guides – Second Half 2018

Considering the facts: median price growth of 1.3% since 2017, rental yield of 3.9% ( above Brisbane average of 3.8%), low vacancy rate of 1.9%, and project developments worth $2.0 million, Aspley is a highly-desirable suburb to invest in now.

Among the most liveable cities, Brisbane and Sydney are tied at the top spot with an average liveability cost of 3 percent. Melbourne and Hobart follow with 10 percent and 12 percent respectively.

Affordability wise, Brisbane houses, with a price tag of $500,000 or less, have become more accessible, increasing from 10.6 percent in the 2nd half 2017 to 12.4 percent in the 2nd half of 2018. For the same period, premium houses ($2 million and above) have dropped from 1.1 percent to 0.0 percent.

Affordability vs. Liveability

Capital City	1st Half of 2018 Premium		2nd Half of 2018 Premium		Liveability Cost
	House	Units	House	Units	House	Units	Average
Brisbane	60 %	30%	75%	20%	15%	-10%	3%
Melbourne	60 %	40%	95%	25%	35%	-15%	10%
Hobart	72%	40%	100%	35%	28%	-5%	12%
Sydney	135%	80%	160%	60%	25%	-20%	3%

Source: PRDNationwide / prd.com.au

Accessible Suburbs by Price Range

Price Range	2nd Half 2017 report			1st Half 2018 report			2nd Half 2018 report
	BNE	SYD	MELB	BNE	SYD	MELB	BNE	SYD	MELB
$0 – $500K	10.6%	0.0%	11.2%	10.6%	0.0%	1.9%	12.4%	1.4%	1.4%
$500K-$800K	52.9%	1.4%	37.5%	52.9%	0.9%	21.4%	51.4%	3.7%	21.7%
$800K-1M	18.0%	7.4%	16.2%	21.2%	6.9%	14.6%	20.5%	9.3%	18.9%
$1M – $2M	13.8%	51.6%	27.2%	11.1%	52.6%	52.4%	12.4%	56.3%	50.5%
$2M+	1.1%	33.6%	4.2%	1.1%	35.8%	9.7%	0.0%	25.6%	5.2%

Price Range – Hobart	2nd Half 2017 report	1st Half 2018 report	2nd Half 2018 report
$0 – $350K	28.6%	26.1%	8.2%
$350K- $500K	28.6%	26.1%	24.5%
$500K – $650K	28.6%	21.7%	32.7%
$650K – $800K	10.7%	19.6%	24.5%
$800K+	3.6%	6.5%	10.2%

Source: PRDNationwide / prd.com.au

Other surprises in the Affordable & Liveable Property Guide 2nd Half 2018 report include:

All the affordable and liveable suburbs in Sydney had negative annual median price growth, a first since 2015; a sign that the Sydney property market is already cooling down.
All affordable suburbs in Hobart failed to meet the liveability criteria; an indicator that there is already a strong need to address the liveability aspects in these affordable spots.
Melbourne, among all capital cities, has turned out to be the most resilient in terms of price growth and ease of satisfying the affordable areas’ liveability aspects.