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Developer Seeks Changes To ‘The Pavilion’ In Upper Mt Gravatt

Developers of ‘The Pavilion,’ a new residential development in Klumpp Road, Upper Mount Gravatt have submitted plans to revise their original proposal.

Read: Residential Development Proposed on Border of Broadwater, Logan and Whitley Roads

Oakridge, the developers of the project, is seeking to eliminate resident parking on ground floor level, to include apartments to the said level with large green terraces connecting to communal recreation amenities.

The revised proposal for The Pavilion, located at 10 Klumpp Road, Upper Mt Gravatt, will increase the number of units from 141 to 144 medium density units. The units will be distributed among two towers of 5 storeys and one tower of 6 storeys.

Artist’s perspective (Photo credit: MAS- Architecture Studio)

Changes to the original proposal also include increased net area of communal amenities by relocation of swimming pool and shortening of visitor parking ramp.

Designed by MAS- Architecture Studio, the revised design seeks the inclusion of natural ventilation to lobbies on typical floors; rationalisation of apartment layouts; and reactivation of street interface via direct access from Klumpp Road to apartment terraces.

Towers 1 and 3 will span the majority of the site whilst the central tower will have a predominant square shape and will be between Towers 1 and 3.

“The resulting central courtyard void created is then used as a common recreation facility. With space for bbq and swimming pool activities, they are threaded together with softened landscaping and carefully articulated meandering footpaths that arrives at each tower lobby,” the planning documents read.

The Pavilion will also feature spaces for bbq and swimming pool, as well as a common recreation facility, which all blends with the surrounding greenery.

The developer is seeking minor adjustment to location of vehicle crossover to Hibiscus Place to facilitate access to the ground level car park fronting Klumpp Road. The developer has also stated that the proposed parking supply of 199 resident and 28 visitor car parking spaces meets the site’s parking requirement.

Read: Mt Gravatt Property Market Enjoying Brisk Sales and 19% Median Growth

For more details about the development application, visit Brisbane City Council’s PD Online and see A006164710.

Disused Student Accommodations at Griffith University to be Used for Homeless Families

Photo credit: Cyron Ray Macey from Brisbane (-27.470963,153.026505), Australia, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

A disused student accommodation block at Griffith University will be converted into crisis accommodation for people in need.

In what was described as a step forward in addressing housing challenges, the State announced in the last quarter of 2022 that the disused student accommodation block at Griffith University will be refurbished and used as crisis accommodation for homeless families.

There are 200 vacant beds at the university’s Mount Gravatt campus that were identified for potential conversion into emergency accommodation, following a housing roundtable discussion.

THe move “will increase crisis accommodation available for people in need and help solve one of the multiple housing issues.” The state government encouraged other organisations to follow the school’s lead.

In November 2022, however, concerns were raised about the facility still yet to see initial refurbishment works done. The state commitment was to deliver it within six months but no word has come out yet as to the timeline of the project and when the homeless families could expect to move in.

The state government did confirm, however, that the project is in the planning stages and that there are major modifications that would need to be made so the facility could be suitable for its intended purpose.

In early December 2022, the Queensland Housing Summit Outcomes report was released following the summit held last October. It identifies the measures that the state government will implement to tackle the housing crisis including a $56 million investment in new housing supply and support initiatives.

The state government will also continue its audit of state-owned land and buildings to identify opportunities for residential use as well as a $1 billion boost to the Housing Investment Fund to $2 billion.

Meanwhile, a total of $48.5 will go towards housing support which includes expansion of tenancy sustainment responses, delivery of more temporary emergency housing with onsite support, additional support for after-hours outreach service, and cost of living relief including emergency and food relief.

Now Open: The Gift Shop Relaunches as Deli Dakota

Photo Credit: Facebook / Deli Dakota

The Gift Shop has just relaunched as Deli Dakota in its new home in Mount Gravatt East and it’s already making a great first impression. It recently landed on the online publication, Broadsheet’s best openings of 2022 list.

Just six months after The Gift Shop closed its doors on its location in Civic Fair Shopping Centre, fans of the beloved cafe have all the reasons to celebrate as it relaunches in its new home in Mount Gravatt East.

With the rebranding, however, comes a shift in offerings as the new Deli Dakota now focuses on handheld eats which customers can order and eat whilst on the go. There’s limited seating here as well for those who prefer to dine in and take their time.

The menu includes all-time favourites Breakfast Burger made with fried free-range egg and bacon, caramelized onion ham, aioli and American cheese served on a milk bun and Avo Toast or smashed avocado with feta, zaatar and pickled onions on 1 or 2 pieces of toasted sourdough.

There is also BBQ Brisket Reuben which is thick-cut malted barley bread packed with slow-cooked brisket, sweet baby rays BBQ sauce, chilli mayo, sauerkraut, pickles and American Cheese; and Dakota Fried Chicken made with spiced buttermilk fried chicken, lettuce, kimchi mayo, kewpie and coriander on a milk bun. These and two other sangas as well as fries are available, made to order from 8.30 am.

Don’t have enough time to wait, though? You may instead choose from their cabinet stacked with premade sandwiches including Ham from the Heavens made with fresh shaved smoked free-range leg ham, cheddar cheese, Swiss and Parmesan Béchamel and then served on Sourdough; and Forest Mushrooms or garlic and thyme Swiss brown and porcini mushrooms with parmesan béchamel and Swiss cheese with white truffle oil on sourdough.

Deli Dakota’s specialty coffee offerings feature beans from Melbourne-based Rosso Roasting Co. along with rotating single-origins plus shakes, cold brew, chai and pressed juices.

Deli Dakota is located at 30 Badminton Street in Mount Gravatt East. Check out their social media for store updates or their website to order online.

DELI DAKOTA | 30 Badminton St, Mount Gravatt East QLD 4122, Australia

Big Congratulations to Wishart State School! 2022 AST School of Excellence Award Recipient

Photo credit: Google Maps

Congratulations to Wishart State School for bagging the 2022 Active School Travel’s School of Excellence award! The school was recognised for making significant improvements to active travel in their community.

The Active School Travel (AST) program is an initiative of Brisbane City Council to encourage students, parents, carers and teachers to leave the car at home and actively travel to school. The program offers schools free resources, tools and incentives.

Each year, AST recognises schools that showed fantastic outcomes and changes through the program.

This 2022, Craigslea State School in Chermside West took home the School of the Year award with Wishart State School being honoured a well with a School of Excellence award for having the highest percentage of active travel in large schools.

Meanwhile, the Greatest increase of active travel in large schools award went to St Anthony’s School, Kedron whilst the Greatest increase of active travel in small schools recognition was awarded to Seven Hills State School. Lastly, the Highest percentage of active travel in small schools award went to Junction Park State School.

Current AST schools that Council is working with for over three years include:

Commencing 2023

Inala State School
Kenmore South State School
Murarrie State School
Salisbury State School
St Joseph’s School, Nundah
Sunnybank Hills State School
Upper Mt Gravatt State School

Commenced 2022

Aspley East State School
Aspley State School
Brisbane Central State School
Craigslea State School, Chermside West
Greenslopes State School
Grovely State School, Keperra
Holy Family School, Indooroopilly
Manly State School
Milton State School
Morningside State School
New Farm State School
Our Lady of the Assumption, Enoggera
Wondall Heights State School, Manly West

Mount Gravatt State High School Wins 2022 WasteSMART Schools Award

Mount Gravatt State High School has been recognised at Brisbane’s 2022 WasteSMART Awards for its long-term commitment to waste prevention.

Read: Mt Gravatt State School Receives Grant For New Greenhouse

The school won this year’s WasteSMART People’s Choice Award, which is voted on by the public, based on all the finalists shortlisted by the judges across all categories; and the WasteSMART Schools Award sponsored by Containers for Change.

WasteSMART Schools Award is given to schools to encourage and recognise implemented environmental initiatives in a school that has a focus on litter reduction, waste management and education.

Photo credit: Mount Gravatt State High School/Facebook

Mount Gravatt shared in more than $4,000 in prizes awarded by the program.

About the WasteSMART Brisbane Awards

WasteSMART Brisbane Awards was developed by Brisbane City Council as a way of recognising individuals and groups going above and beyond to help make Brisbane a clean, green and sustainable city.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner congratulated everyone who won this year’s award across all nine categories.

“We received a record 397 nominations this year, which shows our community’s incredible efforts in minimising waste and reducing items going to landfill,” said Cr Schrinner.

Mount Gravatt State High School’s ‘green culture’

The school has an Eco club which meets every Thursday to undertake a range of projects to improve student environmental outcomes.

Members of the Eco club tend to the vegetable gardens, remove weeds, and clean up environmental green zones. They also help in establishing chill out zones and improving students’ mental health through developing environmental skills and appreciation of their environmental areas.

In addition to this they also recycle throughout the school and seek to educate and improve environmental outcomes both in and out of the classroom.

Read: Upper Mount Gravatt State School: New Building Nears Completion

Every year, the school holds a National Tree Day. In July 2022, students helped plant over 200 native seedlings, donated by Mount Gravatt Environment Group and Bunnings Warehouse.

David Jones in Mt Gravatt to Close; Westfield Garden City Restructures Retail Tenancy

David Jones is set to close shop in Mt Gravatt after SCentre Group, which owns Westfield Garden City, lodged a development application to restructure its retail tenancy.

Under DA A006144550, lodged on the 8th of November 2022, the Scentre Group proposes to demolish and reconfigure two levels of David Jones and turn these sections into seven “mini-major tenancies” and four specialty stores.

The restructure will also entail the removal of the travelators on levels 1 and 2 whilst the facade by the mall entrance will be refurbished and refreshed with a terraced area to take advantage of the natural light.

David Jones Mt Gravatt restructure — Photo Credit: DA A006144550/BCC

David Jones Mt Gravatt Changes — *Photo Credit: DA A006144550/BCC*

The parking area will also be reconfigured “to accommodate a new plant room and a connection to a fire corridor egress.”

The plans come years after the operators of the popular department store said they need to restructure and keep pace with its online shopping competition. During the pandemic, David Jones also decided to close its Toowong outlet after 36 years. It shifted its Fortitude Valley site to a smaller store as well.

Despite this, David Jones apparently continues to enjoy strong sales growth post lockdowns, per Woolworths Holdings, which bought the brand in 2014. Shoppers have slowly returned to the stores when the restrictions were eased off.

Woolworths Holdings, however, is said to be reassessing David Jones’ future after paying off the retailer’s debts and turning the company into a self-funding business.

Mt Gravatt Tesla Store Opens as 3rd Queensland Location

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Elon Musk’s popular electric vehicle brand has opened its third location in Queensland! Mt Gravatt Tesla on Logan Road is a one-stop shop with everything that owners need — a showroom, a service shop, and a delivery centre all in one location.

Mt Gravatt Tesla took over the former site of Southside Toyota and had its grand opening on the 5th of November 2022 with over 150 guests. The site is still accepting applications for staff members to join its team.

The third Queensland location is accessible and offers more to many local electric car enthusiasts who do not have to go to Fortitude Valley to purchase or have their vehicles serviced, per Arran Blomfield of the Tesla Owners’ Club of Australia in Queensland.

Mr Blomfiled already owns two Tesla vehicles and plans to purchase a third unit. He is also the owner of ReGen EV, an electric vehicle charger installer.

It comes as Tesla Australia has released a recall order for 1,012 vehicles due to a steering wheel defect that may put the driver at a risk for accidents. Tesla Model S and Model X bought between 2017 to 2020 are covered in the recall, per the Australian Department of Transport.

Tesla owners are advised to visit the dealer or download software that will fix the problem.

“Owners of affected vehicles may also contact their authorised Tesla dealer to make an appointment to have the firmware updated, free of charge. No further action is necessary from owners whose vehicles are equipped with firmware release 2022.36.5 or a later firmware release,” the recall order stated.

Mount Gravatt Locals Urged To Take Action Against Diabetes-related Vision Loss

In the lead up to World Diabetes Day on 14 November 2022, residents of Mount Gravatt are being encouraged to take action to prevent diabetes-related vision loss.

Read: Anti-Mosquito Measures to Protect Yourself from Japanese Encephalitis Exposure in Mount Gravatt

Based on the Australian Diabetes Map, there are around 2,400 Mt Gravatt residents diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. It’s estimated that around half are at risk of diabetes-related vision loss or blindness.

World Diabetes Day was created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization, in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat posed by diabetes.

It’s being observed every year on 14 November, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922.

Preventing Diabetes-Related Vision Loss

Experts recommend getting regular eye exams to help prevent vision problems. Bupa Optical, which has a location in Mt Gravatt, said regular eye tests can help detect early signs of diabetes or help detect emerging issues for those already living with the disease.

Bupa Optical Optometrist Karen Makin said symptoms often don’t emerge until the later stages of the condition when people suffer vision loss, experience giddiness or unexpected changes to their weight.

Ms Makin said conditions like diabetic retinopathy – a condition affecting the tiny blood vessels at the back of the eye inside the retina, often give no visual symptoms and can be undetected under normal conditions as changes to eyesight happen slowly over time.

They developed a technology called EyeInspect, an Artificial Intelligence enabled testing, which compares a patients eyes with a database of more than 10 million retinal images, with many different health conditions.

Read: Dental Health Week: ‘Gums the Word’ for Better Health Outcomes for Mt Gravatt Locals

“Technology such as EyeInspect was developed with the knowledge that the eye is a window into the heart and enables our team to provide people with more information about their general health which they can discuss with their doctor if and when recommended,” said Ms Makin.

Bupa Optical Mt Gravatt is located at Shop 1368 Westfield Garden City Cnr Logan & Kessels Rd, Upper Mt Gravatt.

Have Your Say on Brisbane’s New Bus Network

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

A major revamp of Brisbane’s bus network is happening soon and Mount Gravatt residents are being asked to weigh in on the plans for the new bus network.

A community information session will be held for Mount Gravatt residents on Saturday, 19 November 2022 at the Mount Gravatt Showgrounds, Upper Community Hall.

Civic Cabinet Chair for Transport Ryan Murphy said Brisbane’s New Bus Network will ensure Brisbane, which population is expected to grow by almost 25 per cent by 2041, will have the services in place to meet future demand. The decision to invest in the fully electric, high-capacity Brisbane Metro will give Council greater flexibility to deliver more services, more often during peak periods.

Some of the key changes to Brisbane’s bus network include the addition of three new routes:

Route 26 – Griffith University station to RBWH station
Route P109 – Acacia Ridge to City
Route 182 – Upper Mt Gravatt station (Garden City) to Holland Park West

Visit the interactive map here

The redesign will also make the network more efficient by combining 27 routes and removing two due to duplication and low patronage, particularly Routes 145 and P151.

“We’re backing this up with record investment in public transport to support services throughout Brisbane’s suburbs,” Cr Murphy said.

“Brisbane’s New Bus Network redesigns services to connect customers to the two high-frequency Metro lines between Eight Mile Plains and Roma Street and the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and the University of Queensland.

“There is also significant scope to expand the Metro further into Brisbane’s north and east through investment into the dedicated bus network.

Councillor Murphy added that Council will increase its public transport subsidy for bus services by 84 per cent to 183 million over the next few years to ensure that Brisbane can invest in additional services where they needed most.

Council is inviting Brisbane residents to have their say on the new bus services by attending one of the Council’s 22 community information sessions or going online to use the interactive map or play the Brisbane Metro Game.

“We want residents to join the conversation and provide their feedback to help us create the best possible transport network.”

November Community Information Sessions:

Tuesday, 1 November 4-6 pm: Brisbane Metro Information Centre, 63 Adelaide Street, Brisbane City
Friday, 4 November 12-2 pm: The Community Place, Stafford, 33 Teevan St, Stafford
Saturday, 5 November 10 am-12 pm: Inala Library, Inala Shopping Centre, Corsair Ave, Inala – A Vietnamese interpreter will be available at this event.
Tuesday, 8 November 11 am-1 pm: Brisbane Metro Information Centre, 63 Adelaide Street, Brisbane City
Wednesday, 9 November 1:30 – 3:30 pm: Chermside Library, 375 Hamilton Rd, Chermside
Thursday, 10 November 11 am-1 pm: St Lucia Community Hall, 27 Guilfoyle Street, St Lucia
Saturday, 12 November 10 am-12 pm: Pamphlett-Tennyson Sea Scout, Sea Scout Den, 284 Graceville Ave, Graceville
Tuesday, 15 November 4-6 pm: Brisbane Metro Information Centre, 63 Adelaide Street, Brisbane City
Saturday, 19 November 10 am-12 pm: Mount Gravatt Showgrounds, Upper Community Hall, 1644 Logan Rd, Mount Gravatt
Tuesday, 22 November 11 am-1 pm: Brisbane Metro Information Centre, 63 Adelaide Street, Brisbane City
Thursday, 24 November 11 am-1 pm: Indooroopilly Library, Indooroopilly Shopping Centre, Level 4, 322 Moggill Rd, Indooroopilly
Saturday, 26 November 10 am-12 pm: Coopers Plains Library, 107 Orange Grove Rd, Coopers Plains QLD 4108
Tuesday, 29 November 4-6 pm: Brisbane Metro Information Centre, 63 Adelaide Street, Brisbane City
Saturday, 3 December 10 am-12 pm: Warrigal Square Shopping Centre, 261 Warrigal Rd, Eight Mile Plains – a Mandarin interpreter will be available
Tuesday, 6 December 11 am-1 pm: Brisbane Metro Information Centre, 63 Adelaide Street, Brisbane City
Saturday, 10 December 10 am-12 pm: Wellers Hills Bowls Club, 34 Esher St, Tarragindi

Council will finalise the network following public consultation and will seek Translink’s approval on the changes. The new network plan ahead of bus network changes and metro services will be released starting in late 2024.

Visit the Council website here for more information on how to have your say on Brisbane’s New Bus Network.

Mount Gravatt Mazda Boobmobile To Hit Brisbane Streets

Photo credit: Facebook / Mount Gravatt Mazda

Coinciding with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Mount Gravatt Mazda’s pink Mazda CX-5 Boobmobile will be hitting the streets of Brisbane to help raise awareness of the need for early detection.

As part of its Wellness Program, Mount Gravatt Mazda will soon be rolling out its eye-catching pink SUV to spark conversations around the importance of early detection and screening.

“As a local family-owned business in Brisbane, we feel very close to this campaign. Our owner and Dealer Principal, Julian Mason has been on his own personal journey with his family,” MGM said.

MGM Dealer Principal Julian Mason's mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018 but won the battle due to early detection — MGM Dealer Principal *Julian Mason’s* mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018 but won the battle due to early detection | Photo credit: Mount Gravatt Mazda / mountgravattmazda.com.au

Julian’s mother, Carole, was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer in 2018. As part of her treatment, she underwent two lumpectomies along with four rounds of chemotherapy and daily radiation. Carole was able to win the battle against the disease owing to early detection.

However, his Aunty Jill who was also diagnosed in 2019 wasn’t as lucky. She had a mastectomy followed by chemotherapy. She lost her three-year battle at the age of 43.

“We all know someone whose life has been affected by breast cancer, and it is our turn to stand up and join the fight. Our goal is to promote awareness and early detection of the disease in our community.” – Julian Mason | Dealer Principal

And in celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness this month of October, MGM will also be supporting Brisbane-based breast cancer charity, Be Uplifted. All funds raised will go towards the charity’s efforts to extend support services and financial assistance to local women and men who are seriously ill with breast cancer and their family.