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Brisbane’s New Lord Mayor Announces New Green Bridges for West End

Brisbane’s new Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has promised five new green bridges across the city and two of them will be in West End.

One of the proposed connections would be from West End to St Lucia whilst the other one will be connecting the suburb to Toowong.

There are possibilities that the bridges will be like the Eleanor Schonell Bridge, the first bridge in Australia exclusively designed for buses, cyclists and pedestrians.

Cr Schrinner shared a picture of the Eleanor Schonell bridge on his Twitter account, along with an announcement that his team is committed to building new green bridges in the Brisbane River to “ensure the city is cleaner, greener, and more active.”

As Lord Mayor elect, today I have announced that our team is committed to building 5 new Green Bridges on the Brisbane River. This is all about ensuring our city is cleaner, greener & more active. #buildingandprotectingBNE pic.twitter.com/bI9B45FiCw— Adrian Schrinner (@Schrinner) March 31, 2019

The new green bridges, which could cost more than half a billion dollars, are expected to be delivered within five to 10 years.

Cr Schrinner, who wants to focus on green spaces and liveability, added that the three other proposed connections would be in Kangaroo Point, Breakfast Creek and Bellbowrie.

West End to Toowong

Cr Schrinner said they are looking at options regarding the best location of the bridge and among the considered locations is the former ABC site in Toowong.

He revealed that they are considering purchasing the now privately owned former ABC site for the West End to Toowong bridge.

“There are a number of locations where a bridge can be built between West End and Toowong, we want to get the right location,” he said.

Earlier this month, State Greens MP for Maiwar Michael Berkman and Councillor for The Gabba Jonathan Sri launched a community survey in Toowong and found that majority of the residents surveyed support a new footbridge for pedestrians and cyclists connecting the suburb to West End.

Mr Berkman said the former ABC site could be an idyllic riverfront park and a perfect landing point for a walking and cycling bridge connecting West End and Toowong.

Apart from further discussions with residents, Mr Berkman said they will be consulting engineering, planning and design experts for the exact location and design of the footbridge.

West End to St Lucia

In 2017, the University of Queensland already proposed a master plan for their St Lucia campus, calling for a new pedestrian bridge linking the campus to West End.

The university backed down from their plans after Brisbane City Council said it had no intentions of funding construction of the bridge, which UQ said it would not be offering to build itself.

As of 2017, there were 99,000 commuter trips to the university each day and 63 percent of them made by public transport or bike.

Cr Schrinner said this just shows the demand for a new bridge going to the University of Queensland.

Design for New Dutton Park State High School Unveiled

(Photo Credit: Queensland Government)

The public can finally have a first look at the master plan and designs of the new high school at Dutton Park.

Designed by Brisbane-based architects BVN, the school will feature state-of-the-art learning and innovative teaching hubs that are close to a contemporary college design than a traditional high school.

Deputy Premier and Member for South Brisbane Jackie Trad said a group of principals, education consultants and architects had been working since 2018 on the initial design of the campus.

Inner City South SSC master plan (Photo credit: Queensland Government)

The school will be built on a triangular parcel of land on Gladstone Road near the Harmony Gardens and the Gair Park.

“The learning plaza will become the central gathering space at the school and provides a strong sense of community in this inner-urban context,” Ms Trad said.

Apart from a learning oasis and a creative hub, the master plan shows the school will also have an active park, outdoor court, multi-purpose hall, health and well-being hub, productive garden, and a pocket park.

Artist impression of the entrance atrium (Photo credit: Queensland Government)

Ms Trad encourages the community to provide feedback about the concept master plan.

“I encourage the local community to take the time to look at the concept drawings and images and provide their thoughts and feedback. This will shape the detailed design that the design team will finalise in coming months,” Ms Trad said.

The first community feedback session will be held on 23 April 2018 from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm at the Dutton Park State School library.

It will be followed by two more sessions at the Gair Park on 27 April 2019 from 10:00 am to noon and on 4 May 2019 from noon until 2:00 pm.

Attendees are requested to pre-register at the Building Future Schools website.

Residents who cannot attend the community sessions may also lodge a feedback online until 12 May 2019.

Dutton Park State School Opening

An artist impression of the creative hub on Annerley Road (Photo credit: Queensland Government)

Based on projected timeline, the new high school at Dutton Park should be complete before 2021 to allow Year 7 students to commence in Term 1.

The school will add a year level until 2026 when the school will offer Year 7 to Year 12.

It is part of the $800 million Building Future Schools program of the Queensland government aiming to deliver new state schools in growth area across the state, support the master-planning of inner city state schools, and invest in existing school assets and making strategic land acquisitions for the future.

Dutton Park State School is just one out of the 35 master planned inner Brisbane state schools under the BFS program.

The program will also establish new secondary colleges in the north and south, deliver six new schools, and expand schools like the Kelvin Grove State College Ballet Academy and West End State School.

Brisbane State High School: Among the Best and Most Sought-After State School

Suburbs will benefit from rising demand as parents look for a home to buy in the sought-after state school catchment areas, such as the top performing Brisbane State High School, experts say.

Using the NAPLAN results, Better Education website’s list of top high schools ranked schools according to their State overall scores, from the highest score of 100 to the lowest of 60. Brisbane State High School was top-ranked, which scored a perfect 100. Based on OP/IBD results, on the other hand, Brisbane State High School ranked third among public schools in Qld with 50 percent of students receiving OP 1-5.

As families with school-aged children seek for homes to buy in the catchment, sought-after schools are also pushed to capacity, forcing the government put some state schools, like the Brisbane State High School, under Education Queensland catchment management plans, to control out-of-catchment enrolments.

*Photo Credit: Queensland Government / qgso.qld.gov.au*

The 2018-released new school catchment map coupled with the 2018 NAPLAN and OP outcomes, will work to the advantage of those suburbs that remained in the zone, experts predict.

The median house price in West End as at 31 December 2018, was $1,042,500 or 4.25 percent higher than it was in 2017. Fifty-two houses were sold from 1 Mar 2018 – 1 Mar 2019, according to realestate.com.au, bringing the new median house price in West End at $1,080,000, higher than the state average of $495,000.

Tens of thousands of dollars premium on a house is but a small price to pay, though, to get a home in the prized public school catchment zone, as parents view it as an investment both in their home and their children’s education.

Brisbane Ice Cream Festival at West End Just Got Cooler With Late Night Eats

Photo Credit: Brisbane Ice Cream Festival/Facebook

For the third year in a row, West End is hosting another Brisbane Ice Cream Festival at the Peters Ice Cream Factory. This time, however, the special event is raising the bar since it’s happening for two days, with an Ice Cream Festival Up Late to boot.

On the 23rd and 24th of March, head to Boundary Street by 11:00 a.m. to get dibs on the finest ice creams in Brisbane. There will be plenty of cones, gelati, and popsicles for everyone since the vendors are prepared to serve guests until 5:00 p.m.

*Photo Credit:* *Brisbane Ice Cream Festival/Facebook*

Aside from the daytime weekend romp, there will also be an Up Late event for the cooler big kids. This party is all about enjoying ice cream and booze together, along with cocktails, canapés, and casseroles. Up Late happens on Friday, the 22nd of March, at 7:30 p.m. at The Deck WV.

The following night is reserved for the Chef’s Playground at The Bromley Room on Peters Ice Cream Factory. Renowned chefs like Philip Johnson, Paul McGivern, Ben Williamson, and Dominique Rizzo will be demonstrating how they prepare and create sumptuous and stunning desserts.

Around 17 ice cream brands are joining this year’s festivities, such as:

Vendors of gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan ice creams will also be available for guests with special diet needs.

Brisbane Ice Cream Festival is a ticket-only event. Reservations have been opened since the 1st of March.

Next Episode Bar: A Hidden Speakeasy in Brisbane’s Coolest Laneway

Photo Credit: Next Episode/Facebook

What happens to a barbershop when you throw in a “hidden” bar at the back? Lots of F-U-N and the most popular cuts in town, that’s what! Imagine partying at a hidden speakeasy where you could enjoy cocktails as the DJ spins all the freshest hits.

Tucked away in the back streets of South Brisbane, Next Episode is a barbershop by day and a lounge by night. Steve Pelecas merged two of his favourite things when he came up with Next Episode: fresh jams and fresher cuts. His love for hip-hop is evident on the cocktail menu with cocktails like I Got 99 Problems But A Drink Ain’t One and Cali Love.

Steve, who co-owns the bar with Johnny Garrison, is the scissor smith behind Barber Girl and The Men’s Lounge Barber.

The fun starts right from the point of entry to this 35-seater venue. To get in, you have to find the barbershop and unlock the secret door behind one of the mirrors by punching in the code of the week. The code, which you will punch in on a telephone, can be seen in Next Episode Bar’s social media pages. Way to go to generate traffic!

From the cosy nook outside, guests will be greeted with a neon-jungle aesthetic and murals of rap giants inside the hidden bar. The industrial decor is a reminiscent of intimate house party.

Cocktails such as the Hendricks Lamar and the Gin & Juice are the crowd favorites, but they got a few more drinks to offer. They have a concise collection of spirits, wine and champagne as well as taps dedicated for craft beers.

Located at 5 Cordelia St at the end of Fish Lane, the bar is a great place to hide on a Saturday night, though they are open on weekdays too. The barbershop operates Tuesday to Saturday until 5:30 pm while the bar takes over until midnight from Wednesday to Saturday.

Want to get the code or check out the new additions to their cocktail menu? Follow New Episode on Facebook or visit their website.

West End, Highgate Hill Motorists to Follow New Parking Scheme

Photo Credit: StockSnap/Pixabay

Brisbane City Council has approved a new parking scheme in West End and Highgate Hill.

The new parking rule will take effect beginning Monday, 18 March 2019, where a two-hour parking limit covering south of Brighton Road and west of Gladstone Road will be imposed from Mondays through Fridays from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Some car owners with valid permits, however, may be excused from this two-hour limit in areas where there’s a sign showing “RESIDENTS PERMIT EXCEPTED.”

The new parking scheme is the Council’s solution to easing the traffic congestion in the inner-city streets. Some 60 per cent of the residents and business owners in the West End and Highgate Hill areas reportedly supported the initiative.

“Areas marked in blue will remain unlimited parking for everyone,” Councillor Jonathan Sri (The Gabba) wrote on his Facebook page. “In areas marked red, it will only be possible to park for two hours during the day on weekdays, unless you have a resident permit (in which case you can park as long as you want). No rules will change for weekends or nights.”

Mr Sri also said that more changes to the parking scheme might be in place before the implementation in March.

“The officers have tried to balance the competing needs of neighbouring residents. Some people wanted more of their street signed as resident permit parking, while others didn’t want any changes to their street,” the councillor said.

Residents who would like to get parking permits may start filing their application online by email, phone, or in person. They have to prepare supporting documents, such as a tenancy agreement and vehicle registration, to confirm their residency and car.

Tenants with a six-month lease, however, won’t be eligible for parking permits. Meanwhile, those who apply for parking permits online may get a hard copy. Residents are encouraged to call 3403 8888 for inquiries.

West End To Host a Body Positive Pool Party Fundraiser

Photo Credit: Pixabay/Tama66

For the third year in a row, West End is hosting a Body Positive Pool Party and everyone is invited regardless of size, shape, age, and gender.

Aimed at shunning beauty standards and racialised gender norms, this event, which runs on Thursday, 24 Feb, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Musgrave Park Swimming Pool, is organized by Councillor Jonathan Sri (The Gabba).

It’s going to be a special night for folks who normally feel they can’t celebrate and enjoy pool parties in public because of society’s unfair norms. But the event will also be a chance to embrace a healthy lifestyle.

Vegan meals and vegetarian condiment or sides will be served to guests at the swimming party. Live music will also be presented and among those who have confirmed to perform so far are DJ JAZIC, Huda Fadlelmawla and Massah Sherri from Voices of Colour, and DJ Kundu.

Photo Credit: Facebook/Musgrave Park Swimming Pool

There will also be a special raffle with cool prizes. The venue will have thematically-lined art displays and vendor stalls for guests who might want to do some shopping.

Ticket prices are at $5.00 (unwaged guests), $15.00 (waged guests), $15.00 (unwaged guests with meals and tote bag), and $25.00 (waged guests with meals and tote bags).

This event is a fundraiser to benefit The Gar’ban’djee’lum Network, comprising of LGBTIQ+ members from Aboriginal groups, and the Sovereign Families, which support kids at risk of criminalisation. As such, the honesty police will be observed for the ticket sales.

4 Top Vegan Spots in West End

Photo Credit: Facebook/Sol Natural Foods

Eschewing animal meat and by-products has been a slow but progressing trend in Australian’s lifestyle. A Roy Morgan Research estimated that between 2012 to 2016, the number of Australian adults eating meat-free has risen from 1.7 million to 2.1 million.

While there are more vegans and vegetarians in New South Wales and Tasmania, Queensland is slowly playing catch up and many shops and restaurants have been opening to support the lifestyle switch.

Here are four of the top vegan spots currently found in West End.

1. Sol Natural Foods
27 Vulture Street
Opens 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Sol Natural Foods is the brainchild of the people who are also behind Sol Breads, the well-loved bakery located at Vulture Street. The site has expanded their vegan selections with a new menu offering Sol Natural Foods.

The choices are ethical produce which are sourced from local suppliers. Aside from its famous freshly-baked pieces of artisanal bread, Sol Natural Foods serves wholesome cafe meals, freshly-squeezed juices, house-made milk sourced from almonds, and organic coffee. On weekends, the restaurant serves vegan pizza and raw cakes.

“I had the most amazing vegan brekky this morning. Tofu scramble benny on a vegan croissant, vegan sausage, avo, sautéed shrooms, kale and tomato and heaps of leafy greens. Fast service and nice aircon. Totally recommend… And the almond milk chai latte is the best in West End…”

~ Rhiannon Magick via Facebook.

2. Miss Bliss Wholefoods Kitchen
85 Vulture Street
Opens WEEKDAYS : 6:30 am to 3:30 pm | WEEKENDS : 7:00 am to 3:00 pm

Photo Credit: Instagram/Miss Bliss Whole Foods Kitchen

Miss Bliss is also a familiar sight on Vulture Street. It’s famous for food choices such as the pulled Korean jackfruit burger, Szechuan waffle sandwich, coconut gingerbread berry ice cream, and the soy roasted mushroom Miss Bliss feast.

People come to this place for its unique coffee blends like the Sri Lankan spiced chai latte.

“Such a cute cafe!! Bit of a wait time on food and coffee but it’s super busy and the staff are doing their best. Yummy coffee and food! Will be back!”
~ Nicole Byrne via Facebook

3. Grown
21 Buchanan Street
Opens Tuesday- Sunday
Brunch 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Dinner 5:30 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.

Grown, found in Buchanan Street, is known for its house-roasted coffee, vegan wine and beer, and special cheese-less but flavourful toasties. The restaurant also offers a full course of vegan degustation dinners if you’d like to sample the best in their menu.

Grown has partnered with the Jane Street Community Garden, which makes use of the restaurant’s food wastes and scraps as compost. The garden is a community based and its run by volunteers who want to promote sustainable living.

“It looks like I’m the 100th review of Grown. Ninety-seven of those reviews are five stars. That tells you almost all you need to know. This is one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had, vegan or otherwise. The amazingly accomplished chefs have crafted a menu of dishes that are perfectly balanced in terms of flavour, texture and presentation. If you’re vegan (or not) and living in Brisbane, you need to try Grown. We’ll be back to try their brunch menu within the week.”
~ Carl Newby, via Facebook

4. Flora
239 Boundary Street
Opens Tue-Sun 7:00am-3:00pm

Flora is from The Greenhouse Canteen of South Brisbane. The West End restaurant on Boundary Street, is a fairly new site and has yet to create a wider presence on social media. The venue is smaller than its parent restaurant but, nonetheless, offers similar tasty and healthy food selections.

Flora, however, is more casual The Greenhouse Canteen. Here, diners are served express meals like waffles, tofu scramble, sandwiches, salads, and burritos.

“I had the mushroom bennie and it was amazing! So tasty and filling and well presented. Partner had the burrito which he liked but said the hash brown was a bit sad. Will be back!”

~ backtoback via Happy Cow

Vegan or not, if you want to add “healthy eating” to your list of New Year’s resolutions, West End certainly seems like a good place to be.

Kerbside Collection Time for West End and South Bank: How to Get the Kids Into Upcycling

Brisbane City Council’s Kerbside Collection is coming up on West End and South Bank on Monday, 28 January 2019. As you prepare your items for collection, have you thought of ways on how to get the kids interested in upcycling?

Teaching children how to repurpose and recycle is a good start to build the habit of reducing waste. Because of this, Reverse Garbage Queensland continuously holds Sustainability Education workshops for kids.

Sustainability Education

Photo credit: Reverse Garbage Queensland/Facebook

Reverse Garbage Queensland aims to get people diverting items from landfill creatively. They are doing this by having workshops that inspire, educate, and empower both children and adults.

The goal of each workshop is to let the participants exercise their creativity whilst having fun. Moreover, participants can learn how to make the things they need from the things that are available around them.

As part of the initiative, they also run professional development workshops for educators and those who want to incorporate sustainability and re-use into their curriculum.

RGQ’s workshops help in encouraging everyone to think outside the box in transforming ordinary objects into works of art.

Reverse Garbage Queensland Upcoming Workshops

Macrame Eco-Art Workshop – Make a Wall Hanging

Saturday, 16 February 2019 (2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

Open to participants 13 years old and above, this workshop will be teaching the art of macrame by making plant hangers from ropes.

This session will explore basic macrame techniques and use salvaged materials such as ropes, computer cable, and fabric strips from the warehouse.

The workshop is suitable for beginners to intermediate knotters and is limited to 15 participants only. Make sure to book early to reserve your place.

Buy tickets for $41.97

RGQ Master Class for Early Childhood Educators

Thursday, 14 March 2019 (3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
Saturday, 16 March 2019 (10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)

This Master Class is part of RGQ’s Educators’ Series. The Master Class consists of three stages to better understand sustainability education. It will explore current practices in schools and RGQ ‘s methods in helping centres schools become more environmentally responsible.

You may visit the RGQ Master Class page for further information. Tickets cost $43.40.

Buy tickets for 14 March 2019

Buy tickets for 16 March 2019

Reverse Garbage Queensland conducts eco-art workshops at their warehouse in Woolloongabba, in schools, OSHC and childcare centres, libraries, shopping centres, festivals, and events. You may visit their website to learn about their workshop structures.

Suggestions to Ease Parking Congestion on Boundary Street, West End Submitted

In a bid to help ease parking congestion on Boundary Street, West End Traders Association (WETA) submitted a proposal to the Brisbane City Council last December.

Included in WETA’s suggestions are long-term parking on minor streets for Boundary Street establishment owners and their staff, additional disabled parking bays, and a 15-minute parking period in loading zones after 4:00 p.m.

However, since Boundary Street is accessible by public transport and on foot, some business owners believe that parking on the street should be removed altogether. They are suggesting that the area be reinvented instead as a destination for arts and entertainment.

Councillor Jonathan Sri expressed support for the proposals and also suggested for the moving of the taxi rank to Russell St, to further decongest Boundary Street and improve safety of motorists.

Parking in Brisbane

In 2014, the Brisbane Parking Taskforce was established to advise the Council how address parking issues and manage on-street parking in the future which resulted in the updating of Parking Guide to Brisbane. All 55 recommendations in the final report of the Parking Taskforce which included representatives from RACQ and Taxi Council Queensland — after considering over 1,100 submission— have been implemented.

Some of the recommendations were:

free 15 minute parking in 7715 metered parking spaces outside of the CBD, and 1100 spaces in Council’s King George Square and Wickham Terrace car parks (CBD), to improve access to local shops and promote economic growth
a fast online parking permit system to simplify and streamline the parking permit application process
a freeze on residential parking permit fees
investment in integrated parking technology, such as parking sensors and mobile phone applications, to help motorists pre-plan their parking
improved parking signage for traffic areas and loading zones, and a trial of parking schedule signage to make it easier for motorists to identify on street parking spaces
enhanced parking management around schools and in residential areas to improve safety and access to parking.

The Brisbane Central Traffic Area, which covers CBD and nearby suburbs and localities, enforces a maximum of two-hour parking for vehicles without a valid resident’s parking permit from 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Monday to Friday and from 7:00 a.m. until noon on Saturdays.

On the other hand, 15-minute free parking is available in:

Auchenflower
Bowen Hills
Buranda
Fortitude Valley
Kangaroo Point
Kelvin Grove
Milton
Newstead
South Brisbane
Spring Hill
Teneriffe
West End
Woolloongabba

The 15-minute free parking is also available at King George Square Car Park and Wickham Terrace Car Park. Customers staying longer than 15 minutes will need to pay at the meter or via the CellOPark Australia app.