Tag: Mansfield

Daly’s Native Plants in Mansfield Flourishes with New Low-Cost Water Initiative

Daly’s Native Plants in Mansfield is among the recipients who received a collective total of 100 megalitres of low-cost water, as part of a statewide initiative to support small businesses and community groups.

Read: Olympians and Paralympians Challenge Venue Decision on QSAC in Mt Gravatt

The recent release of low-cost water has been tremendously helpful to the nursery in sustaining its operations amidst the challenges of drought and the economic downturn caused by the pandemic.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to support local businesses by providing affordable resources for their survival and growth.

 “The allocation of low-cost water was an emotional moment for us. It’s not just about business survival; it’s about keeping our community green and supporting the local ecosystem with our native plants,” Owner Robin Daly shared. “This support helps us continue our mission of environmental stewardship and community service.”

Support and Benefits

“Supporting Daly’s Native Plants is a key example of our commitment to easing cost pressures on Queensland’s small businesses,” Water Minister Glenn Butcher expressed enthusiasm about the support extended to Daly’s Native Plants. “This initiative is about more than just financial relief; it’s about fostering a sustainable local economy and promoting environmental well-being.”

Corrine McMillan, Member for Mansfield, emphasised the initiative’s importance for local businesses, noting that access to low-cost water is alleviating the substantial financial and operational challenges faced by small enterprises like Daly’s Native Nursery. This assistance is crucial for the survival of such businesses and benefits the broader community by enhancing environmental health.

Photo Credit: Supplied

Encouraging Future Participation

With 67 megalitres of water still available for allocation, the government is encouraging other local businesses and community groups to apply. This ongoing initiative supports eligible entities until May 2025, aiming to distribute the remaining water to aid local development and sustainability further.

Read: Community Unites to Preserve Undeveloped Bushland Corridor Next to Toohey Forest

Daly’s Native Plants promotes sustainable practices by cultivating native plants, contributing to local greenery, biodiversity, and fighting climate change.

APPLY FOR UNALLOCATED WATER RELEASE

Published 22-April-2024

Mansfield Intersection Upgrade Now Underway

Photo credit: Google Street View / google.com/maps

Upgrade works on the Newnham and Wecker Rd intersection in Mansfield are already underway, with expected completion by mid-2022. 

Construction on the $13.3-million upgrade project commenced in late November 2021, with the establishment of the site compound in Graham Lord Park and relocation of public utilities. 

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

Part of the initial construction works will also involve the removal of some trees along Newnham Road. Upon completion of the upgrade project, however, some 300 trees, plants, and ground cover vegetation will be planted within the area to replace those that have been removed. 

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

To be constructed is a new northbound right turn lane on Newnham Road (northbound) complete with a right turn arrow for a full traffic flow control. Also, an additional lane will be installed for vehicles coming from Wecker Road and making a right turn into Newnham Road (northbound). 

There will also be a signalised pedestrian crossing on a left turn slip lane situated on Newnham Road (southbound). Lastly, the two bus stops at Newnham Road will undergo an upgrade as well.

Congestion and Safety Issues

On a daily basis, the Newnham Road and Wecker Road intersection accommodate around 35,000 vehicles, 474 buses, 55 cyclists, and 186 pedestrians, making it one of the busiest in southern Brisbane. 

Apart from congestion, safety is another concern in this intersection where a total of 18 crashes were reported between 2014 and 2019. Of these total reported crashes, 13 occurred due to motorists coming from Newnham Road, where there’s a high volume of traffic, were not able to make a right turn into Wecker Road safely.

Once completed, the upgrade project will allow the intersection to accommodate future traffic demands with improved safety and reduced traffic congestion. Meanwhile, footpaths, shared paths, and pedestrian crossing facilities located at traffic lights will improve the intersection’s connectivity. 

Read: Upper Mount Gravatt State School Opens New Learning Centre to Replace Fire-Damaged Building

The project is jointly funded by the Australian Government through its Urban Congestion Fund and the Brisbane City Council through its Better Roads for Brisbane program with each contributing $12 million and $1.3 million, respectively.

Construction hours are between Monday and Saturday beginning 7am until 5 pm. However, some work will occur at night, Sunday to Thursday from 7 pm to 5 am, to reduce the impact on traffic and ensure the safety of both motorists and workers at the construction site. 

Moreover, around 12 on-street parking spaces at the intersection will be removed and a full-time “No parking” policy will take effect to replace the peak period clearway.