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Australia’s First 100% Electric Small SUV Coming Soon

Are you planning on acquiring a zero-emission vehicle? If you’re looking at some options, visit Keema Hyundai in Mt Gravatt and ask about the 2019 Kona Electric, the country’s first “100 percent electric small SUV” which will be available in Australia starting the end of 2019.

The 2019 Kona Electric comes in three models: Highlander, Elite and the Launch Edition. Its design has some similarities to the Hyundai Kona Highlander 1.6 turbo. However, as an electric vehicle (EV), the Kona Electric comes with a higher price tag ranging from $59,000 to $65,000, depending on the model.

For a small SUV, this electric vehicle does not look as radical as the Nissan Leaf or theTesla. Its interior carries a well-structured and clean design with a digital centre console and a cross-section of control buttons minus the stick shift.

The Kona EV may be comparable to BMW’s i3S in terms of design, performance and price range. However, this car’s battery is more powerful than BMW or Nissan’s electric vehicles.

Queensland Electric Super Highway

Going on a long drive using an electric vehicle is a lot more convenient when there’s the world’s long electric super highway. Since 2017, the Queensland Electric Super Highway has been slowly supporting zero-emission vehicles on the road with its convenient and safe fast-charging locations.

Currently, there are 16 charging sites on this super highway with four areas nearest to Mount Gravatt:

Toowoomba at 10810 Warrego Hwy, Charlton QLD
Gatton at The University of Queensland Main Drive & Outer Ring Road, Gatton QLD
Springfield at 4 David Henry Way, Springfield Central QLD
Brisbane at North Shore Hamilton 281 MacArthur Ave, Hamilton QLD

These locations are also near restaurants, shops and other amenities that should satisfy your time on the road. To check for other charging stations, view the Queensland Electric Super Highway map.

The Queensland Electric Super Highway has two charging options. Be sure that you’re aware of the specs of your EV before plugging it in and set up your Chargefox account online before using the facilities.

To register your interest for the Kona EV, fill up an application online or visit Keema Hyundai Mt Gravatt at 1532 Logan Road. Its trading hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday.

Feed Your Body and Soul at This Profit-for-Purpose Cafe in Mt Gravatt

On top of the gorgeous Mt Gravatt Lookout sits a simple but commendable profit-for-purpose cafe known as The Lovewell Project. Dining here satisfies your hunger pangs as you feed your body and you also get to feed your soul by contributing to a good cause.

Brimming with soft, bright, and cheerful colours, you’ll find this restaurant’s vibe and aesthetic to be an inviting and relaxing place to eat. The atmosphere perfectly matches the beautiful view outside, another reason to grab a chair and order a meal at The Lovewell Project.

*Photo Credit: The Lovewell Project/Facebook*

As a social enterprise, this cafe is a Hope Foundation partner and employs former sex workers to give them a better life. Being gainfully employed to serve a community has changed these women’s lives, improved their skills and rebuilt their self-confidence.

So, each time you have a meal or a cup of coffee at The Lovewell Project, you are supporting women who deserve a second chance.

Food choices at this cafe are pretty decent and the menu changes every six months or so. However, they serve the usuals like waffles, eggs, burgers, chicken, chips and pizza. Reasonably priced, diners also enjoy a good selection of coffee, tea and desserts at this cafe.

Breakfast at The Lovewell Project is quite a big deal as the place is usually packed. Regardless, you’ll get prompt service from a friendly staff that you won’t regret paying a little extra as a donation.

The Lovewell Project opens from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. every Tuesday to Friday, and from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

“My first visit won’t be my last. Extremely busy day. (public holiday) Orders were taken quickly but waited for a while to get our meals. This was not a problem, and nor should it be. To be able to sit and take in the view around us was wonderful. Just to be able to sit on the veranda and watch the world go by was wonderful. Couldn’t think of a nicer place to do it. Everyone worked very hard that day. Well done!”
~ Patricia Rooney, Facebook

“A beautiful Cafe to retreat to when you want to treat someone special. The atmosphere, food and scenery are absolutely divine! I hope this Cafe will be well supported to remain open for years.. Especially since their purpose of running this business is for a good cause!”
~ Cleopetra T, Google Reviews

Childcare Centre at Newnham Road Proposed

An application to develop a Child Care Centre on Newnham Road in Mount Gravatt East has been lodged. The proposed development site is located at 54 Morland and 91 Newnham Road, Mount Gravatt East where an existing child care centre is located.

According to the application, the existing Active Kids Early Learning Centre is already operating near full capacity and unable to accommodate current enquiring families. The centre is thus forced to place these families on the waiting list or refer them elsewhere.

The application seeks approval to construct a new Child Care Centre, that can accommodate up to 124 children, and reconfiguration of lot for a boundary alignment in order to create a 475sqm residential lot fronting Morland Street.

*Proposed development site | Perspective 1 | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au*

“The existing child care centre will continue operations whilst works are occurring for the construction of the proposed building. The application is not intended to be staged, as the operation of the centre and construction schedule will be guided by an endorsed Construction Management Plan (CMP),” the URBAN STRATEGIES PTY LTD Assessment report said.

*Perspective 1 | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au*

Designed by Merrin and Cranston, the redevelopment of the existing child care centre will involve the construction of a two-storey building, however, it will be configured over three levels due to its topography.

*Basement Floor Plan | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au*

There will be an undercroft car parking that can accommodate a total of 26 vehicles including one PWD car parking space.

*Upper Ground Floor Plan | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au*

*Lower Ground Floor Plan | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au*

The Lower Ground and Upper Ground floors will house the childminding rooms plus outdoor play areas located on both ground level and on raised terraces.

The provision for a new residential lot, on the other hand, will increase separation of houses to the west as well ensure that the development preserves a residential streetscape to Morland Street.

Replacement Classrooms Built After Fire Gutted UMG School Building

Upper Mount Gravatt State School reopened on 18 June, after a fire broke out and ravaged Block E on the night of June 14th 2019, thanks to the government teams and contractors that worked round-the-clock to build the new replacement classrooms in just two days.

Education Minister Grace Grace and Member for Mansfield Corrine McMillan commended everyone involved for all the hard work they have put in to make the rebuilding possible, which according to Minister Grace was nothing short of herculean.

Photo Credit: The State of Queensland (Department of Education) 2019 / upmtgravss.eq.edu.au

“Work to clear the site and install temporary classrooms commenced as soon as the site was released by the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service and the Queensland Police Service,” Ms Grace said..

“As a result, around 80 hours after the fire started students will be walking into replacement classrooms ready for another school day having missed only one day of school.

“I thank the teams at the Department of Education and the Department of Housing and Public Works’ Building and Asset Services, as well as all the contractors who have worked around the clock to help get this school back on its feet.

*Photo Credit: The State of Queensland (Department of Education) 2019 / https://upmtgravss.eq.edu.au*

Principal Derek Brady said that students from classrooms in E Block will be provided with new book pack and the replacement classrooms will have new furniture as well.

“This incredible support for our school will ensure that we can get back to the business of education in a timeframe I didn’t think was possible just a day ago,” Principal Derek Brady said.

“Amazing” was how Mrs McMillan described the response from the southside community after her office put out a call on social media for donations of learning materials to replace the ones that were lost in the fire.

“These donations will further minimise the impact of the fire on students.”

Authorities are investigating the “suspicious” fire that gutted one of the Upper Mount Gravatt State School buildings and destroyed eight classrooms and supplies.

Anyone with information about the fire may contact Policelink on 131 444 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000, or provide the information through the QPS online form.

Bronze Statue of Queensland Firebirds Netball Legend Moved to Permanent Home at QSNC

The 2.6-metre bronze statue of netball legend and former Queensland Firebirds team captain Laura Geitz has been relocated to its permanent home — the Queensland State Netball Centre (QSNC).

Unveiled at the Boondall Entertainment Centre (BEC) in May 2017, the bronze statue of former Queensland Firebirds team captain and netball champion Laura Geitz is the first statue to be built in recognition of QLD women in sport.

“Laura Geitz is a legend of Queensland netball, a Commonwealth Games medallist, world championship winner and a truly inspirational leader who captained the Firebirds to three premiership titles,” Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni said.

“The statue was initially unveiled at BEC, the site of the Firebirds’ sensational 2015 grand final win, however it’s wonderful to see that the state’s first netball statue now takes pride of place at the home of netball, to inspire athletes and fans every time they visit.

“This statue recognises the outstanding achievements of Queensland’s female athletes, and I hope that our young netballers will see the statue as a symbol of inspiration to follow the footsteps of people like Laura,” he said.

Video Credit: Lorna Jane Queensland Firebirds / YouTube

Jointly funded by the Queensland Government through Stadiums Queensland and AEG Ogden, the statue was created by sculptor Liam Hardy. Netball Queensland CEO Catherine Clark said that it will serve as a reminder of the successes of the Firebirds.

“The QSNC is a symbolic home for the 300,000 strong netball community across Queensland, supporting not only our champion team, but also the next generation of junior netballers,” Ms Clark said

“Laura is an absolute inspiration, and it’s wonderful to have her likeness on display as a reminder of what we can all strive to achieve,” she said.

Laura Geitz led the Firebirds to three national championships as well as the Australian team to gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. She announced her retirement in 2018, ending her successful career with two Player of the Year awards and a total of 169 national league games played.

Climate Week QLD 2019: 11-Year-Old Eco-Warrior Ned Heaton to Speak at Nathan Event

Climate Week QLD 2019, the annual climate change summit organized by CitySmart and the Queensland Government, is kicking off its series of talks around the state this June. Featuring a panel of experts, the discussion in Nathan is particularly special because it features an 11-year-old who is doing his best to make a big difference for the planet.

Ned Heaton, the kid behind The Turtle Tribe, will be at the Climate Week QLD 2019 panel on Saturday, the 8th of June 2019, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Queensland State Netball Centre on Mains Road. Learn and listen to Mr Heaton as he talks about why people need to ditch their plastic toothbrushes now.

Experts say that three billion plastic toothbrushes end up in the ocean every year. Because these aren’t biodegradable, there’s a good chance that the toothbrush you’ve used as a child is on the ocean floor somewhere and likely killing marine life.

Mr Heaton was disheartened to find plastic toothbrushes during his yearly beach camp visit at the Pacific Ocean so he decided to do something about this. The young boy has pledged to distribute at least one million bamboo toothbrushes around the world for FREE. Interested individuals can order these from his website and just pay for the shipping fee.

“Here’s my goal: let’s ban plastic toothbrushes,” the boy said in his video appeal. “Dentist recommends we replace them every three months and there’s no need to make toothbrushes out of plastic. Bamboo ones work just the same then biodegrade when you’re finished with them.”

Also joining Mr Heaton at the Nathan Climate Week QLD 2019 are Brett Robinson from Bradford Energy and Penny Limbach from Tangalooma EcoMarines. For a full list of the panelist and the venues, check the Climate Week official site.

New Senior Playground on the Way for Wishart State School

Photo Credit: Wishart State School

Wishart State School will soon have its own all-inclusive playground for years 4, 5, and 6 after the re-elected Morrison Government announced earlier this month that it will provide $350,000 for the project.

The playground will feature bushfood, trees, climbing and balancing equipment and it will incorporate the natural landscape and build on the already established playground.

This all-abilities playground, which will also be the first senior playground in the school, will come up with specialty equipments for the students with special needs.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said the rapidly growing school is in need of another playground on site and this funding will enable them to build its very first senior playground.

“In the past few years the enrolment numbers have increased by more than 200 students and this playground is desperately needed to cope with the additional intake and the growing senior years,” Mr Vasta said.

Mr Vasta said delivering this playground for the school and its community is a key priority for the LNP because of the significant benefits that it will provide to the school community and local community and sporting groups.

In their 2017 annual report, Wishart State School noted that their nature-based playground for the Junior School is a combined effort of the Parents and Citizens Association and the school. Wishart OSHC also helped in refurbishing the Junior Playground.

5 Popular Cafes In and Around Mt Gravatt Where Dogs Are Always Welcome

Don’t want to leave your dog when you’re stepping out for a latte and a hearty breakfast? You can actually bring them to dine with you at these five popular dog-friendly cafes in and around Mt Gravatt. At these food establishments, furry four-legged customers are always welcome!

1. Badminton Brew

30 Badminton Street, Mount Gravatt East
Open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., some days from 1:00 p.m.

Badminton Brew opened in 2014 to serve Australian, Italian and French breakfast fares, bread and pastries. They also offer handmade dog treats and puppychinos. The cafe has both indoor and outdoor seating and an ample parking area.

“Great casual local cafe. One of the hidden gems in Mt Gravatt East. Ample curbside parking, dog friendly, mix of indoor and outdoor seating. No air con. Coffee is traditional creamy style blend, low acid and good with milk. Good food options available also including savoury and sweet.”
~ John James, via Google Reviews

2. Kith ‘n’ Chow

96 Gaynesford St, Mount Gravatt
Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Kith ‘n’ Chow serves homemade peanut butter dog biscuits every day. The humans, on the other hand, can choose from an extensive menu that includes generous servings of breakfast choices — such fruits, yoghurts, eggs, bread and cold cuts — on a platter.

“In short, amazing food and great service! Although busy at around 10 am on a Sunday, we were able to find good seats if we waited a little. Ordered the platter for 2 which would satisfy 2 people quite well. Coffee is served from the store next door but was able to be brought into Kith ‘n’ Chow. Overall very happy with the place. PS. Dog-friendly, seen some very good dogs.”
~ Tommoivire, via Google Reviews

3. Little Black Pug Cafe

6/1297 Logan Road Mount Gravatt
Open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The owners of Little Black Pug Cafe are foodies who enjoy coffee and love their two black pugs. They offer Puppycino, peanut butter liver biscuits, doggie doughnuts made of carrots, bananas or coconuts, and dog ice cream. Look up their substantial food choices at their online menu.

“Have been to this place twice now and I love it! Definitely will be my new local cafe for weekend breaky. The staff is so friendly and attentive. Love that it’s dog-friendly and very accommodating. Food is also delicious.”
~ Tyler Keown, via Google Reviews

4. Woofissimo Cafe

Shop 9B, 567 Kessels Road, MacGregor
Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; 9:00 p.m. on weekends

Serving an array of dog treats like muffins and biscuits, this charming dog-friendly restaurant is filled with dog photos, figures and sculptures indoors. Woofissimo could easily be your furry pet’s favourite place for brunch, and yours, too!

“Friendly staffs and customer service. It will amaze you when the waiter brings the meal to you. The foods are so delicious and very large portion. Very suitable for friends gathering and dog lover. They also provide dog menu.”
~ Hsin-Hua Chen, via Google Reviews

*Photo Credit: Woofissimo Cafe & Restaurant/Facebook*

5. Esher St Cafe & Deli

46 Esher Street, Tarragindi
Open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; earlier closing hours on weekdays

This is a family-friendly cafe with a spacious front seat area, a play area for the kids indoors, and a courtyard seating at the back. Bring along your furry pals for breakfast or brunch, too, as they are quite welcome to play and enjoy some treats at the Esher St Cafe.

“Dog-friendly front dining where I was able to sit and enjoy my weekend breaky with my puppy; fantastic coffee, friendly staff and generously sized meals that won’t leave you hungry that’s for sure! I had the Pas’s pie and my fiancé had the Italian eggs, both meals were hearty and perfect for this colder weather! I will definitely be back for more!”
~ Angelique Kotz, via Google Reviews

*Photo Credit: Esher St Cafe & Deli/Facebook*

Design Unveiled for Player Street Connection at Upper Mt Gravatt

Player Street Upper Mount Gravatt (Photo Credit: Google Street View)

Brisbane City Council released the detailed design for the Player Street connection at Upper Mount Gravatt.

The detailed design showed there will be a new road link from the existing Kessels Road and MacGregor Street intersection through to Player Street.

The existing traffic signals at the Kessels Road and Cremin Street intersection will also be removed. The Council will be providing left-in access only, into Cremin Street.

To facilitate the construction of the new road link, BCC needs to remove three street trees and a number of trees within the project area. For every tree that is removed, Council assured they will plant four trees within the vicinity of the project area.

In addition to these, the detailed design will also involve:

Installing a traffic median along Kessels Road, between MacGregor Street and Logan Road to remove right-turn movements to and from Cremin Street
Lengthening the right-turn lane from Kessels Road eastbound into Logan Road
Providing a dedicated right-turn lane from Kessels Road westbound, into the new Player Street connection
Constructing a new roundabout at the Player Street and Pickworth Street intersection
Constructing new pedestrian footpaths and landscaping along the Player Street connection

Depending on construction and weather conditions, the project is anticipated to start in mid-2019 and be completed in late 2019.

About the Player Street Connection

The project is part of Council’s $1.3-billion commitment for more than 90 road improvement projects, to take real action on congestion. It focuses on a range of solutions to improve the existing road network, getting residents home quicker and safer.

In order to give the community an opportunity to find out more about the project, the Council will hold information sessions at Westfield Garden City Level 2 on the following dates:

23 May 2019 (6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
25 May 2019 (9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.)

Community members will get to view the detailed design for the project and will be given an opportunity to speak in-person with the project team.

For the latest updates on the new road link project, visit the Brisbane City Council website or call the project team on 1800 010 705 during business hours.

New Look for Mt Gravatt’s Scurr Bros’ Site Unveiled

Photo Credit: Pigozzo Group

The plan to breathe new life into the iconic Scurr Bros’ site at 1437 Logan Rd in Mount Gravatt will soon become a reality.

Owner Pigozzo Group recently unveiled the new designs of ‘Scurrs,’ a health and wellness hub featuring the same building and its bricks, with a grey and black exterior.

As a way of honouring the family behind the site, the group opted to keep the structure and its carpark rather than have them demolished. The Scurr Bros’ site has already become one of the landmarks in Mt Gravatt, so Pigozzo also decided to retain its name.

In addition to a health and wellness hub, the centre will be home to new retail outlets, a gym, childcare centre and medical-focused businesses.

Pigozzo’s development application was approved by the Brisbane City Council in 2011. Whilst they already have all the permits for operational works, they still do not have the approval for the 30-metre telecommunications tower.

David Seeney, project manager of the Pigozzo Group, said the height of the tower was not something they had control over since it was only dictated by current and future development in the area.

Pigozzo Group said the construction would likely start in September this year.

Scurr Bros’ Site Through the Years

Photo credit: Friends of Scurr Bros Hardware Mt Gravatt/Facebook

The site was originally a Queenslander home built by William Scurr in 1913. Fifteen years later, his brother Edward built a blacksmith shop on the site.

The business later became a family affair, with their two other brothers Thomas and Jack joining in. They made horseshoes, ploughs, harrows, and scarifiers.

When cars took over in 1934, the family turned the blacksmith shop into a motor body building shop. It became a hardware store in 1954, like what many people today can remember.

Over three generations of the family worked in the business, until the Scurr Bros decided to sell it in 1995 to Woodmans Hardware.