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Pine Mountain Quarry and Mount Coot-tha Quarry Rehabilitation Proposed

With dimensions exceeding the size of the South Bank parklands, the 30-hectare Pine Mountain Quarry is envisioned to provide extensive green space for residents and visitors, once transformed under a proposed rehabilitation plan.

The proposed rehabilitation plan covers both Pine Mountain Quarry and the Mount Coot-tha Quarry.

Whilst currently operating as a recycling facility, Pine Mountain Quarry had a previous life as a quarry that supplied hard rock for nearly three decades. It was part of Boral’s operations from 1964 to 1991 before being acquired by the BMI group in 2013.

Meanwhile, Mount Coot-tha Quarry has been operational for over a century, supplying approximately 400,000 tonnes of asphalt aggregate each year. It has played a crucial role in Brisbane’s infrastructure, with asphalt aggregates from the quarry used in over 96 per cent of the city’s roads. Council has managed the site since 1926.

Brisbane’s Lord Mayor, Cr Adrian Schrinner, envisions these currently “very barren” sites becoming valuable assets for the city. The vastness of the quarries is notable, with Pine Mountain Quarry spanning approximately 30 hectares and Mount Coot-tha Quarry covering around 26 hectares. These dimensions exceed the size of the South Bank parklands, offering ample space for the development of extensive green areas.

Brisbane City Council aims to open these rehabilitated quarries to the public before the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, providing additional recreational opportunities. Whilst acknowledging the ongoing importance of the quarries, Cr Schrinner emphasises the need for long-term planning and preparation to ensure a seamless transition.

Alongside the quarry rehabilitation plans, the Brisbane City Council unveiled the master plan for the transformation of Victoria Park/Barrambin. The project’s $141 million allocated budget for the following four years is intended to rejuvenate the 64-hectare site.

The master plan outlines various exciting features, including the restoration of central waterholes and the introduction of a “rewilding” canopy covering over 60 per cent of the area. Also included is an adventure playground and nature water play gully. Additionally, a high ropes course, and mountain biking trail are proposed under the master plan.

Cr Schrinner expresses enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its potential to create a beloved destination in Brisbane. The plan’s focus on restoring the natural landscape, wetlands, and watering holes, along with a substantial increase in tree cover, promises an exciting and vibrant outcome.

Published 30-June-2023

Shared Reading with Your Child – A Hack for All Parents

Number Works 'n Words Mt Gravatt English competition

The most common question I am asked by parents of primary school-aged children is, “What can I do at home to help my child with their learning?”

When it comes to a child’s literacy development, the single most powerful tool for parents to understand, is the role they themselves play, in the shared reading experience.

When a child reads out loud to a parent who is listening, interacting and present in the moment, you would be surprised at just how many processes are working at the same time. Reading together is far more valuable than you may have realised and the best part for busy parents is, it takes next to no time to prepare and the only resource you need is a good book.

For younger children, learning to read begins with engaging conversations around pictures, turning pages and making up stories in their own words, identifying characters and recognising settings, taking turns and recalling events, making simple inferences and chatting about their own, perhaps similar, prior experiences.

As a child begins to learn the concepts of letters and sounds and words
and phrases, the text itself begins to offer clues and opportunities for discussion. There develops a conservation of text, whereby the sounds and words are read consistently every time and strategies for decoding and reading accuracy, along with greater word recognition and phrase fluency, become ever more important in the search for meaning.

As a child begins to master the skills of ‘learning to read’, the focus begins to shift to one of ‘reading to learn’. This is where all levels of comprehension develop, from the simplest, literal translation to the deepest analytical interpretation. It is important at every stage, but most critically at this point, that the child is exposed to a wide and rich range of text types.

Reading in itself, is of huge benefit to every child, but it is in the opportunities for lively, fun and contemplative shared reading, that children will develop life-long skills that impact all aspects of their learning. The greatest hack for any parent wanting to help their child at home, is simply to enjoy 10-15 minutes every day, reading together.

The list of benefits is far reaching, but below are just some of the reasons why the shared reading experience is so effective.

 It’s fun!
 Offers regular ‘bonding’ time between parent and child
 Develops letter, sound and word recognition
 Extends vocabulary
 Improves general knowledge
 Lays the foundation for easy communication between child and parent
 Instills a love of reading and learning
 Supports improved sleep patterns
 Stimulates creativity and imagination
 Encourages debate and the development of personal views
 Improves the child’s writing in almost every way! This one is huge!
 Reduces stress
 Develops memory and focus

ENTER THE COMPETITION HERE

Code, Create, and Connect: Free Kids Events at Garden City Library

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au

Prepare yourself for a number of exciting free kids events coming up at the Garden City Library. These exciting events are not to be missed, with a lineup made to spark young imaginations and make lifelong memories.

The Garden City Library offers a variety of activities for all ages, including enchanted storytimes and coding experiences. Whether you’re looking to embark on coding adventures or indulge in enchanting storytime sessions, the kids events at the Garden City Library has something for everyone.

Family fun on the Intelino smart train

First up is the thrilling “Family fun on the Intelino smart train,” an interactive event that will transport kids between the ages of 5-8 and their caregivers on an enthralling coding adventure. What’s best? No prior programming knowledge is necessary! The Intelino train is ideal for novices since it provides an approachable introduction to coding.

Do not forget to reserve your space in advance. Simply dial 07 3403 7745 to contact the Garden City Library. The action-packed event is slated to begin at 2:00 pm on 1 July 2023.

First 5 Forever children’s storytime

Calling all little bookworms and their families! Don’t miss the enchanting “First 5 Forever children’s storytime” on 2 July. This magical session is tailored for children aged 2-5 years and aims to nurture a love for reading while igniting their imaginative spirits.

Join in the fun for some engaging stories, delightful songs, and creative mark-making activities. No booking is required! The event commences at 10:30 am and lasts for half an hour.

It’s made possible by generous funding from the Queensland Government through the First 5 Forever initiative.

Make and create

For those with an artistic flair, “Make and Create” is the perfect event to unleash your creativity. Drop into the Garden City Library during the upcoming school holidays and immerse yourself in free craft sessions starting at 2 pm on 2 July 2023.

Let your imagination run wild as we explore the shortlisted books for the Children’s Book Council Australia’s Book of the Year. This event welcomes children of all ages, and no booking is required.

Garden City Library is located within Garden City Shopping Centre on the corner of Logan and Kessels Road, Upper Mt Gravatt.

Published 24-June-2023

Griffith University Housing Complex Ditched Despite $2-Million Preparatory Construction

In a surprising turn of events, the plan to convert an unused student housing complex at Griffith University in Mt Gravatt into crisis accommodations has been abandoned.

Despite spending $2 million for its preparatory works, concerns have been raised about the area’s fire safety standards because it is close to bushland, hence the decision to discontinue the project.

The abandoned initiative at Griffith University was part of the government’s efforts to address the state’s pressing crisis. However, detailed assessments revealed that significant renovations would be necessary to bring the vacant student accommodation up to current fire safety standards. With this in mind, the decision was made to explore alternative options.

Instead, Deputy Premier and Planning Minister Steven Miles confirmed that the State Government secured a deal to purchase 64 properties across the state, which will be transformed into housing.

“After consulting with Queensland’s leading housing advocacy group, QShelter, we’ve made the decision to purchase homes directly on the private market to get more people into accommodation quicker,” Mr Miles said.

“We haven’t taken this decision lightly. Many Queenslanders who have never experienced housing stress before are struggling, and we are committed to doing as much as we can,” he added.

The Queensland Government plans to invest $25 million to acquire existing houses and units from various locations throughout the state.

By utilising funds originally earmarked for repurposing the disused student accommodation, the government aims to expedite the process of providing housing for vulnerable individuals and families.

“The allocation of funding to purchase housing directly makes more sense given the challenges presented by the Mt Gravatt site,” Fiona Caniglia, the Executive Director of QShelter, expressed support for the shift in strategy.

“We support any action which achieves homes for Queenslanders faster. In the longer term, this funding will go further and achieve sustainable housing outcomes for as long as people need them. QShelter will be working with the government to ensure that not-for-profit community housing providers assist in any way possible to implement this plan.”

The Department of Communities, Housing, and Digital Economy is already in the process of progressing property purchases in several suburbs across Queensland, including Acacia Ridge, Annerley, Atherton, Bucasia, Cloncurry, Cooran, Eagleby, Emerald, Gladstone Central, Gleneagle, Gordonvale, Griffin, Kawungan, Mount Low, Ormeau, Pimpama, Rural View, Smithfield, Tully, and Urangan.

Published 22-June-2023

Sephora to Open Newest Beauty Haven at Westfield Mt Gravatt

Photo Credit: Sephora /inside-sephora.com

A beauty countdown of sorts is happening in Mount Gravatt as Sephora fans eagerly await the beauty giant’s newest outlet in Queensland, slated to open at Westfield Mount Gravatt later this year.

The global beauty authority made its debut in Brisbane in April 2017 with the opening of its first store at Westfield Chermside. Since then, other locations in Queensland have opened at Pacific Fair and Robina Town Centre on the Gold Coast, Sunshine Plaza on the Sunshine Coast, and Indooroopilly Shopping Centre in Brisbane, before its planned Westfield opening.

Since its establishment in 1969, Sephora has become a French beauty giant that has captivated a loyal following worldwide. Sephora boasts an extensive collection of internationally acclaimed high-end beauty brands.

From coveted names like FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna and Huda Beauty to beloved favourites such as tarte and Fresh, Sephora offers an exclusive home for sought-after labels and fan favourite brands.

Sephora promises to provide a wide range of products for makeup, skincare, hair, and overall well-being. The store has gained a reputation for carefully curating a collection that includes beloved classics as well as the latest trends.

The forthcoming addition of the Mt Gravatt Westfield store promises to bring Sephora’s unparalleled beauty offerings even closer to makeup enthusiasts in the area.

Positioned on Level 1, near Zara, the new Sephora store at Mt Gravatt Westfield is set to become a mecca for beauty enthusiasts seeking both established favourites and exciting new products. This development is part of a series of exciting additions at the shopping centre, which also includes upcoming stores like Lukfook Jewellery, O Chicken, Asian Delight, and Pop Mart.

The buzz surrounding the upcoming Sephora store is undeniable, as the news has sparked excitement not only online but also within the shopping center itself.

Published 16-June-2023

Residential Towers to Tackle Population Growth in Brisbane Suburbs

In response to the projected population growth in Brisbane, the city has revealed plans to construct residential towers in several suburbs, including Mt Gravatt, Carindale, Indooroopilly, Chermside, Toowong, and Toombul.

Read: Residents Fear Development Will Bring More Traffic To Klumpp Road

It comes following the recent announcement to raise the building height limit for the Kurilpa precinct, where the heights may reach up to 274 metres, surpassing that of the tallest building in the city, the Brisbane Skytower.

The aim is to accommodate an estimated increase from 1.26 million to 1.5 million residents by 2041. Under Brisbane City Council’s 2023 housing strategy, over 115,000 homes, units, or apartments will be built, focusing on higher density developments.

Mt Gravatt (Photo credit: David K/Google Maps)

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has emphasised the importance of building upward rather than outward, advocating for taller towers in established suburbs that already boast good public transport connections.

Cr Schrinner believes that 90 percent of future growth in Brisbane will come from “brownfield development,” converting underused commercial and industrial land into residential areas. Schrinner argues that setting higher height limits in exchange for sustainable development will yield benefits for the community.

However, the announcement has sparked mixed opinions among locals, as seen in a Reddit thread discussing the matter. One commenter expressed scepticism about the claim of good public transport connections in suburbs like Chermside and Carindale.

They questioned the suitability of these areas for high-density developments, suggesting that transport infrastructure might need improvement to support such projects effectively.

Chermside (Photo credit: Google Street View)

Another Reddit user offered an alternative perspective, suggesting that allowing smaller-scale developments such as duplexes, triplexes, or quadruplexes on existing lots would be a more attainable and inclusive approach.

“Big apartment buildings can only be built by major developers. But turning 1 house into 2? That’s a lot more achievable. Plus it spreads out the population growth to the whole city, which means the overall rate of change in any one area is minimised so it’s easier for people to adjust,” the Reddit user wrote.

Read: Construction Ongoing to Convert Vacant Student Rooms at Griffith University into a Housing Complex

Cr Schrinner pointed out that the proposal would permit a variety of building heights without necessarily contributing to traffic congestion in the area.

Ultimately, the success of Brisbane’s housing strategy in response to the population growth in Brisbane will depend on effective implementation and ongoing evaluation of its impact on the city and its residents.

Published 7-June-2023

Lumley Street Shops in Upper Mt Gravatt Receive Exciting Upgrades

The Lumley Street Shops precinct has undergone an exciting transformation, aimed at enhancing the overall ambiance and appeal of the neighbourhood retail centre in Upper Mt Gravatt.

Read: Upper Mount Gravatt Mum Gives Back and Supports Breast Cancer Research

The recent upgrades, completed by Brisbane City Council in April 2023 as part of the Village Precinct Projects program (VPP), have injected new life into the neighbourhood shopping hub.

The most notable changes include the addition of new street trees and garden beds, offering a fresh burst of greenery to the streetscape. These natural elements not only beautify the area but also contribute to a more pleasant and welcoming environment for shoppers.

In addition, a recently built walkway has been established to enhance accessibility across the entire area. This improvement guarantees smooth navigation and an enjoyable shopping experience for all visitors, including those with mobility difficulties.

As part of the upgrade, the Lumley Street Shops area also now boasts new and stylish street furniture. These additions provide comfortable seating options for shoppers who wish to take a break, relax, or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the precinct. The new furniture adds a touch of modernity to the streetscape, further enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.

Another exciting feature of the revitalisation project is the introduction of nature-themed paintings for visitors to discover and enjoy. These artistic creations add a splash of colour and creativity to the surroundings, inviting passersby to appreciate and engage with the local art scene.

Established in 1959, the Lumley Street Shops precinct has long been a popular destination for both residents and visitors. The precinct offers free parking, making it convenient for shoppers to explore the area.

Read: Developer Seeks To Build Residential Building In Upper Mount Gravatt

Surrounded by mature Hapulian Trees, the shops provide a serene atmosphere, allowing visitors to enjoy a range of amenities, including barista-made coffees, cold beers, fresh food, and delectable desserts.

Within the precinct, there are 13 vibrantly operated businesses, catering to a variety of needs and preferences. From a chiropractic clinic and massage therapies to a tattoo parlour and beauty salon, there is something for everyone in the neighbouring streets of Upper Mount Gravatt.

Published 29-May-2023

IncellDx Introduces Breakthrough Long COVID Diagnostic Test in Mount Gravatt, Other Locations Across Australia

Photo Credit: Felipe Esquivel Reed, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Australia’s first Long COVID Diagnostic Test has been launched, with patient sampling to be conducted at a Mount Gravatt collection centre and 21 other locations across the country.

IncellDx, a leading precision medicine company, has revolutionised the medical landscape with its groundbreaking advancements in diagnostic testing. Through their cutting-edge incellKINE Long Hauler Index (LHI) technology, they have developed the world’s first diagnostic test for long COVID.

This breakthrough test not only aids in the accurate diagnosis of long COVID, but also differentiates it from other diseases with similar symptoms, providing physicians with invaluable insights for personalised treatment approaches.

With its global availability, this test marks a significant milestone in the battle against the persisting effects of COVID-19.

Healius Pathology, a leading provider of private medical laboratory and pathology services, has been chosen to oversee patient sample collections at 22 designated centres across Australia.

In Queensland, four centres have been selected as official collection centres:

Carina (018) Shop 2, 876 Old Cleveland Rd, Carina, QLD, 4152
Cleveland House, Suites 8 & 9, 120 Bloomfield Street, Cleveland, QLD, 4163
Arana Hills (015) Shop 6, 4 Patricks Road, (Via Nepean Avenue), Arana Hills, QLD, 4054
Mt Gravatt (050) The Piazza, Shop 6, 1428 Logan Rd, Mount Gravatt, QLD, 4122

Long COVID is a persistent illness that typically affects people who have already experienced acute COVID-19. It presents a variety of symptoms including fatigue, difficulty of breathing, and sleep disturbances, among others. These symptoms can manifest for weeks to even years.

The US Centers for Disease Control estimates that about 20 to 30 per cent of COVID-19 patients may develop Long COVID.

IncellDx’s diagnostic test was developed in collaboration with IGeneX, a renowned diagnostic testing company, leveraging the incellKINE assay. This state-of-the-art machine learning-based technology assesses the presence of a distinctive immunologic profile unique to long COVID patients.

By analysing patterns of cytokine and chemokine biomarkers, the test provides a remarkable 97 per cent sensitivity. Published in Frontiers in Immunology, these findings validate the effectiveness of incellKINE in accurately diagnosing long COVID. Furthermore, the test received the prestigious CE-IVD marking in Europe, ensuring compliance with European product directives and safety standards.

About IncellDx

IncellDx, is a precision medicine company that pushes the boundaries of diagnostics and prognostics in infectious diseases and cancer. Their innovative technology platform enables simultaneous analysis of proteomic and genomic biomarkers, providing invaluable insights into disease mechanisms and treatment strategies.

With their Chronic COVID Treatment Center, IncellDx exemplifies their commitment to leveraging precision medicine approaches to comprehensively evaluate, characterise, and more effectively address chronic COVID.

Published 28-May-2023

Backlash Over Self-Serve Checkouts in Mount Gravatt Supermarket

Photo Credit: Darren.notley, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

In a surprising development, a Coles store located in Mount Gravatt received unexpected backlash from shoppers for replacing traditional checkouts with self-serve registers.

This development came to light when a customer, known as @IreneMayPearce1 on Twitter, shared a photo of a Coles supermarket in Mount Gravatt, Brisbane, on the social media platform. The image revealed the newly renovated store, featuring self-serve registers equipped with conveyor belts and no staff present.

Backlash Over Self-Serve Checkouts in Mount Gravatt Supermarket — Photo credit: @IreneMayPearce1 / Twitter

As a result, customers would be responsible for scanning their purchases, with the option for employees to provide assistance when necessary. Concerned about the implications, a Brisbane shopper named Lara, who posted the photo on Twitter, expressed worries that the store had transitioned to a “completely self-service only” model, raising concerns that this might become a precedent for other Coles supermarkets.

“I was told that Coles have done research. Apparently, we all asked for this,” she tweeted. “It is the 1st store in Qld and in the future all stores will be same. The staff found my disgust amusing.”

This is Coles Mt. Gravatt in Brissy.
It is now completely self service only.
I was told that Coles have done research.
Apparently, we all asked for this 🤷‍♀️
It is the 1st store in Qld and in the future all stores will be same.
The staff found my disgust amusing.
What say you? pic.twitter.com/gcCZJdLuXx

— 𓂀 𝕃𝕒𝕣𝕒 𓂀 (@IreneMayPearce1) April 21, 2023

This change follows a similar implementation in a Coles supermarket in Melbourne last year, which left some locals unimpressed.

“Great, not! and you have to call for assistance every 3rd item because there is something unexpected in the bagging area,” one person wrote.

“Most people I’ve met and spoken to at self checkout don’t know how to use it, don’t like it and prefer being served for what they’re paying for,” said another.

“It’s ridiculous. My uncle in his 60s has cerebral palsy and the use of only one arm. He hasn’t got good balance either. There is no way he can shop at places like this now. He relies on check out assistant. You could call this discrimination,” explains another.

Another called the change as “discriminatory and unkind”.

This trend of store renovations emphasising self-serve options is not unique to this particular establishment. Many people have instead suggested supporting smaller, community-based grocery stores as an alternative.

Published 13-May-2023

Mt Gravatt Street Food to Host a Sizzling Brazilian Night

Photo Credit: Mt Gravatt Street Food/Facebook

Get ready for a night of sizzling excitement and cultural diversity as Mt Gravatt Street Food mounts an electrifying Brazilian Night!

On Saturday, the 6th of May 2023, the festival will transport you straight to the streets of Rio with its tantalizing mix of Brazilian cuisine, live music, and dance performances.

The doors of the Mt Gravatt Showground will open to the public starting at 4:00 p.m. for an evening filled with tasty food, delicious drinks, and amazing entertainment. Brazilian Night promises a thrilling mix of samba rhythms and Brazilian beats that are sure to get your body moving.

With a wide range of foods and beverages to satisfy every taste, Mt Gravatt Street Food has something for everyone. The event will include a fantastic bar with wines, spirits, beers, and cocktails so you can relax and take in the performance while enjoying your own beverage.

Mt Gravatt Street Food Brazilian Nights — Photo Credit: Mt Gravatt Street Food/Facebook

The entertainment lineup includes an incredible array of performers, such as Lucia Band, who will grace the stage three times during the night with their electrifying sound. In addition, Dance Class Gianne Abbott will showcase their moves along with Batucada Samba Vibes, adding to the high-energy atmosphere.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Throughout the night, Batucada Lights Samba Vibes and Dancers will rove around the venue, bringing the carnival to life right before your eyes.

So round up your loved ones and make plans to attend the food festival for a night of delectable cuisine, tempting drinks, and nonstop entertainment. Mark your calendars and get ready to party like a Brazilian. The event is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Published 3-May-2023