Survey Seeks to Find Traffic Choke Points and Transport Issues in West End, Inner South

The Government has launched a survey that seeks to identify traffic choke points and transport issues in West End and the rest of Inner South.

In the online survey, participants are asked to describe their travel experiences to help the Department of Transport and Main Roads to better understand the area’s current and future transport challenges and opportunities.

Feedback from the community will be used for the South Brisbane Transport and Mobility Study. This study will help map a way forward to ensure a safe and reliable transport system for the inner south.

The CollabMap

Photo credit: www.collaborativemap.com

A CollabMap is now available for locals to give their inputs online. This is an easy-to-use online mapping tool which can be used to pinpoint specific issues.

According to Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey, the study will consider all transport modes as well as seek community input.

“Public comment will be a major component to ensure a complete picture of key connections to the area via river, road and rail,” Mr Bailey said.

“The study will look at access to education hubs, cultural precincts, and essential services such as hospitals – covering the suburbs of South Brisbane, West End, Highgate Hill, Dutton Park, Woolloongabba, Kangaroo Point, East Brisbane and Annerley,” he added.



Photo credit: www.collaborativemap.com

Residents can use the interactive mapping tool to share where they think there is a transport or mobility issue.

In fact, several transport problems have already been raised for Vulture Street and Montague Road. Issues that were mentioned include the need for a dedicated cycle lane, reduced speed limit, a safe pedestrian and bike crossing as well as the implementation of priority for buses.

When having your say and using the pins in the interactive mapping tool, think about your travel experiences in relation to:

  • Available information explaining the network and how to use it;
  • Connections to destination centres and surrounding neighbourhoods;
  • Safety and personal security on the network; and
  • The range of travel options available.

Community Consultation

The study will also investigate ongoing and emerging traffic and transport pressures on key connections via the river. Photo credit: CC-BY/Brisbane City Council/Flickr

Furthermore, the Government rolled out a community engagement program to give the inner city residents an opportunity to contribute their valuable local knowledge.

Apart from using the CollabMap, locals can also provide inputs by completing the community survey online or visiting community engagement booths. The survey will be open until 31 October 2018.

Schedule of Community Engagement Booths

Corner Boundary Street and Russell Street, West End (Lizard sculpture)Tuesday, 25 September 2018
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Goodwill Bridge (South Bank side)Saturday, 29 September 2018
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Buranda Village shopping centreTuesday, 2 October 2018
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. and
Thursday, 4 October 2018
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
West End markets (Davies Park)Saturday, 6 and 27 October 2018
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park (near Bar Spritz)Tuesday, 9 October 2018
7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Gladstone Road shops (corner Gladstone Road and Blakeney Street)Thursday, 11 October 2018
7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Ecosciences Precinct (near Cafe Eco)Tuesday, 16 October 2018
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
South Brisbane Station (forecourt)Wednesday, 17 October 2018
7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Woolloongabba Fiveways (Logan Road and Stanley Street)Sunday, 21 October 2018
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
South Bank Busway StationWednesday, 24 October 2018
7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Mowbray Park (near Ferry Terminal)Thursday, 25 October 2018
7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Aldi Shopping Centre (Montague Road)Tuesday, 30 October 2018
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Learn more about the South Brisbane Transport and Mobility Study by visiting the official website. You may also contact southbrisbanestudy@tmr.qld.gov.au for more information.

Proposed Site for New Inner South Gets Low Mark from Locals

A group of inner south locals are not happy about the possibility of constructing the new inner city south high school at Dutton Park.

The Ecosciences Precinct in Dutton Park is the State Government’s preferred site for the much awaited secondary school promised for residents of the Brisbane’s inner south. However, some residents are opposing the idea.


Read: New Dutton Park School to Help Address School Overcrowding in Inner City


Petition

A newly formed group, the Inner South Education Coalition (ISEC), is one group that is actively opposing the possible selection of the Dutton Park site. In their Change.org petition, they enumerated several issues should the Dutton Park site be chosen. One is the access and safety of children coming to and from the school. There is also concern about the insufficient access to green space as well as the lack of relief for Brisbane State High School enrolments.

The group believes that should the school be built in Dutton Park, then students would be travelling from West End and South Brisbane along dangerous main transport arteries of Annerley Road, Dornoch Terrace and Gladstone Road.

Proximity is another issue. In 2021 when the new school opens, there would be more than 1,700 students living within 1 km active travel zone of the two other sites being considered, Kurilpa and Davies Park. In contrast, the Dutton Park site would be 1 km away to only about 480 students.

Based on statistical data, the group thinks that five years after the new school opens, there would be some 1,500 students within catchment boundaries who will not have access to a public high school in 2026.

Better Alternative

The Queensland Government is choosing among Dutton Park, Kurilpa Point and Davies Park to build the new school. For the state government, the Dutton Park site provides the best option considering land ownership, cost, site constraints and impacts, access to transport and partnership opportunities.

For the ISEC, the Davies Park site provides a better opportunity for a larger new high school that can keep up with population growth. The site also provides safe active travel options and better access to mass transport.

The group believes that the site would be a better investment as it would be in an area where it is most needed, based on population projections.


Read: West End State School to be Expanded, Two New Schools Opening in Inner City

Read:  West End Apartment Boom Causing Public School Overcrowding


Community Consultation

The state government is still in the process of consulting the community about the site for the new school. Some consultation sessions have been completed. But those who wish to send their feedback can do so by completing the feedback form or by sending an email to BuildingFutureSchools@qed.qld.gov.au.

Residents have until Monday 30 April 2018 to send their feedback.

New Dutton Park School to Help Address School Overcrowding in Inner City

The Dutton Park Ecosciences Precinct has been selected as the site for a new high school, which has been planned to address the growing demand in Brisbane’s inner-south.

Back in 2017, the Queensland Government promised to build two new secondary schools for the inner city as well as expand West End State School. One of the two new schools will be built on Brookes Street in Fortitude Valley to service the inner-north communities. The project is currently in the planning stages and the school is expected to open in 2020.


Read: West End State School to be Expanded, Two New Schools Opening in Inner City


Inner-South School

It took some months for the government to determine the site for the new inner-south school. Initially, they explored the possibilities of Davies Park, Kurilpa Point and Dutton Park for the planned high school.

In the end, Dutton Park proved to be the ideal area for the new school.

The Ecosciences Precinct’s access to existing and future transport networks is one of the reasons why it was seen as the ideal location. It also helped that the government’s partner in the school project, The University of Queensland is also easily accessible via the Eleanor Schonell Bridge. Proximity to UQ will help maximise opportunities for the students to access the university’s resources.

The site, which sits on state-owned land, was also chosen because of its close connection to health sciences precincts and hospital and its capacity to support urban growth and development.

Population Growth Response

The building of the new schools is a response of the government to the growing population in the inner-city.

“As a local parent, I have witnessed first-hand the significant population growth in the inner-south and the corresponding impact on local school populations, like Brisbane State High, which is the largest secondary school across the nation,” said Deputy Premier and Member for South Brisbane Jackie Trad.

“That’s why I have fought hard, on behalf of my local community, to secure a new school for the inner-south because I know it is the number one issue for our community, Ms Trad said.

Locals within inner-city Brisbane have expressed dismay at the lack of foresight in planning for schools in the area. Recent reports have indicated overcrowding in schools as a result of more families moving to apartments near Brisbane CBD.


Read:  West End Apartment Boom Causing Public School Overcrowding

Read:  How the Apartment Industry in West End is Causing Problems for Schools


Future of Inner-City Schools

The new Dutton Park school is expected to open for Year 7 students from the start of 2021. UQ will be actively participating in developing innovative education for the Years 7-12 in the secondary school.

The Queensland Government will seek community feedback on the project. There will be school and community information sessions in February and March 2018.

The construction of the new high schools is part of the government’s $800-million Building Future Schools program.

Get updates on the Building Future Schools program.

Step Back in Time to 19th Century Prison at Dutton Park’s Heritage-Listed Boggo Road Gaol

With kids taking a breather from school, it’s an opportune time to visit jail and learn about the history of what was once the main prison in Queensland.

Boggo Road Gaol on Annerley Road in Dutton Park offers tours that will give visitors a glimpse of the history of Australia’s most notorious prison, which was closed in July 1992.

After its closure, the Number 2 Division remnant of the Number 1 Division of Boggo Road Gaol was added to the Queensland Heritage Register for its significance in Queensland history and cultural heritage.

Photo credit: Queensland Heritage Register

The state prison is deemed important in showing 19th-century penological principles and changes to prisoner accommodation. Boggo Road Gaol is also exemplary of Queensland institutional architecture that needs to be preserved for appreciation of future generations.

History Tour

The History of Boggo Road Gaol Tour is kid friendly and provides a peek into the daily life of inmates, officer’s duties, riots and roof-top protests. Visitors will hear of the dramatic escapes of “Slim” Halliday, dubbed the “Houdini of Boggo Road.”

Photo credit: Boggo Road Gaol/Facebook

The history tour happens daily at 11:00 a.m. and can be booked exclusively by any group of more than 10 people.

The 1-hour-and-15-minute long guided tour includes entry to Number 2 Division, visits to the gatehouse, yards and exploration of the F Wing cell block where the rooftop protest happened in 1988. Visitors will also see the original cells and graffiti.

Boggo Road Gaol also provides ghost tours every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday night at 7:30 p.m. There is also a Prisoner Tour guided by a former prisoner, an Escapes Tour focusing on some of the dramatic escapes from Number 2 Division and an Officer Tour guided by a former officer of the prison.

Book any of the tours by contacting 0411 111 903 or by emailing grouptours@boggoroadgaol.com.

Find out more about the Boggo Road Gaol tours.

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