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4 Tips for Mitigating Flooding Disasters for Morningside Residents

Since the start of the wet season, Queenslanders have been told to be prepared for flooding as La Niña 2022 is expected to make it harder to predict the intensity of rainfall, especially in areas near the river like Morningside.

Showers, thunderstorms, and rain bombs will cause flooding that will change quickly and likely not provide enough time to warn the locals but here are five tips to mitigate flooding disasters for Morningside residents.

1. Fix your home or property, especially outdoors.

Home and business owners must survey their lawns and outdoor area and then cut down overhanging branches to prevent these from falling and damaging properties. Check and clean the gutters and then get on with fixing broken roof tiles and other minor damages around your house or building.

Come up with an evacuation plan in case of major flooding and consider moving valued possessions from the lower level of your house to the upper floors.

2. Collect your free sandbags.

For the first time ever, Brisbane City Council is giving away 150,000 free sandbags for residents. Morningside homeowners may collect these at either the Balmoral Depot on Redfern Street or the Lota Depot on Herbert Street.

Morningside flooding — Photo Credit: CrKaraCook/Facebook

Staff and volunteers from the State Emergency Service (SES) will train locals on how to use these sandbags.

Per Council, “Sandbags can be used to reduce the impact of flooding on your home or business. Sandbags will not stop flood water entirely but can reduce the amount of water entering your premises.”

3. Don’t forget to pack an emergency bag.

Be sure to pack an emergency bag that has all your essentials in case the family needs to move out. Get Ready Queensland has a comprehensive list of items that should be in the bag, including toiletries, drinking water, and batteries.

4. Sign up for the new Flood Information app.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner is urging all residents to sign up for the new Flood Information service so they can be better prepared during a major weather event.

“During the February flood event, this service distributed about 2.7 million email and SMS alerts to residents who had signed up to receive them,” the mayor said. “These alerts are based on the latest Bureau of Meteorology advice. We need more Brisbane residents signed up for this service.”

Residents who sign up for the alert system before 1 December 2022 may have a chance to win prizes, including an all-expense paid holiday to Tangalooma Island Resort in Moreton Island. Learn more about this incentive.

Remember, hope for the best but prepare for the worst!

Cannon Hill Anglican College Students Stitch up Breast Care Cushions to Support Breast Cancer Patients

Photo credit: Facebook / Zonta Brisbane East

Cannon Hill Anglican College students, in collaboration with Zonta Club of Brisbane East, stitched up a storm to provide breast care cushions to help Mater hospital breast cancer patients recover after surgery.

In conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness month, more than 50 students became part of the college’s social justice committee and worked alongside Zonta Club of Brisbane East’s Ros Kinder, to sew the cushions and provide comfort to women in the post-operative phase of breast surgery.

The Zonta Club of Brisbane East’s secretary said the college was the only school to participate in service projects with the club, with cushions made for patients at two Mater hospitals in South Brisbane, and Mater Private Hospital Redland.

Zonta Club of Brisbane East Ros Kinder, student Bella Cooper and Mater Private Hospital Brisbane Clinical Nurse Consultant Ashleigh Mondolo | Photo Credit: supplied

“Our partnership stemmed from one of our members having students at the college and has continued for the past two years,” Mrs Kinder said.

One of those who participated was 17-year-old Bella Cooper whose own grandmother also battled breast cancer which Bella said made this project “extra special” for her.

“While I was not yet born when she was first diagnosed, I have seen how strong she has become,” Bella said.

“I enjoy making the breast cushions as it allows me to contribute my skills, time and energy to a great cause, and provide support to people who need it.”

Mater Private Hospital Brisbane Clinical Nurse Consultant Ashleigh Mondolo said surgical scars were often tender in the post-operative phase of breast cancer treatment and swelling in the armpit was common.

Cannon Hill Anglican College Students Stitch up Breast Care Cushions to Support Breast Cancer Patients — Photo credit: Facebook / Zonta Brisbane East

Ms Mondolo described the breast care cushions as a gentle addition to recovery. She added that the cushions were a turning point for many breast cancer patients, helping them to feel more positive following mastectomies and protecting surgical incision areas during the healing process.

“My patients absolutely love them,” she said.

Mrs Kinder, of Manly West, said male and female students had been participating in the project for the past 12 months. Their efforts have, so far, contributed to the 5,500 cushions donated annually by Zonta Clubs to hospitals across Queensland.

Cannon Hill Anglican College social justice coordinator Marion Rutter said she was proud of the students who gave up their own time to help others in need.

“Many of the students and staff at the school have been impacted by breast cancer with friends and family diagnosed,” Ms Rutter said.

“The students who help make the cushions show compassion for others and work as a team which is really important.”

Expansion Plans For Morningside Central Include ‘Flood-immune’ Car Park

Did you know that the expansion plans for Morningside Central Shopping Centre, will feature not just a new medical centre but also an innovative, suspended, ‘flood-immune’ car park?

Read: Circonomy: World’s Biggest Garage Sale Launches New Store in Morningside

A development application has been lodged for the expansion of Morningside Central, which covers a new tenancy fronting Wynnum Road over two storeys, a new medical centre, and the refurbishment of the existing shopping centre. Said refurbishment will include internalisation of the existing open mall area and facade upgrades.

Proposed site plan (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)

The shopping centre, located at 25 Junction Rd, Morningside is known for being flood-prone and a flood impact assessment report revealed that the site is identified as susceptible to creek/waterway flooding.

Based on the report, during significant storm events and when the drainage system is at capacity, the overland flow would travel through the car park on Morningside Central.

A key component of the planned development of the shopping centre is a new, suspended car park at ground level with upper level car park above it that planners say would be ‘flood-immune.’.

Morningside Central — Perspective image – Wynnum Road (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)

The suspended, ground-level car park, which will be located above the 1% AEP flood level, aims to improve the safety of customers and their vehicles. Morningside Central has previouslt held two meetings with Brisbane City Council, one in 2019 and another one in 2021, to discuss the flooding solution for their planned ‘suspended structure.’

According to Storm Water Consulting, the suspended car park structure will also increase the number of car park slots on-site and improve the functionality of the car park.

“The suspended carpark would eliminate the majority of the current ground level carparking which is subject to high hazard flood water. Three ramps up to a suspended carpark platform are proposed,” planners stated.

Locals could also expect a bigger Woolworths, which is getting a space boost which will increase its footprint from 2,666 sqm to 3,314 sqm.

“The proposed extensions and refurbishments will deliver a contemporary upgrade to the existing Shopping Centre and offer a high level of architectural quality and distinction improving the amenity of the centre and streetscape,” planning documents read.

Read: Locals Seek Installation Of Backflow Devices In Norman Park

To learn more about the plans for this development, look for reference A006093144 at the Brisbane City Council development page.

Queenslanders Move to Save Cairncross Naval Graving Dry Dock in Morningside

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Attempts to stop plans to remove the Cairncross Naval Graving Dry Dock, a World War II facility in Morningside, have been gathering steam as more people say they want the site added to the Heritage Register.

Nikki Archer, an activist based in Gold Coast, and architectural historian Marianne Taylor are working with a group to help save and protect the Cairncross Naval Graving Dry Dock from future redevelopments.

It comes as Lendlease filed a DA A006123190 on 10th October 2022 to carry out operational works to fill the dry docks and prepare the site for the River Gateway Neighbourhood Plan, which includes no provisions to save the retain and protect the facility.

Bulimba East Development Pty Limited currently owns the land where the dry dock exists and has given its consent to the developers.

Absence of Heritage Protection Explained

Ms Archer believes that the government is aware of the site’s cultural and historical significance to Australia but was not proactive in preserving its heritage. Ms Taylor, on the other hand immediately filed a request to Brisbane City Council to add the dry dock to the Queensland Heritage Register.

“How is this not already on a heritage register? Great question! It seems it used to be on the BCC Heritage Overlay but has since been removed. It is not on the Queensland or any National Registers and as it is now privately owned, there should be no reason it couldn’t be,” Ms Taylor outlined on her Facebook Page, The House Detective, where she also encouraged locals to file their objection to the development application.

“I don’t normally get involved in these 11th hour protests, but this is too big and too important to ignore!”

Ms Taylor and Ms Archer’s campaign has the support of the Friends of the Heritage Movement.

Peter Lawler, a member of the group, believes that there were never any attempts to save the site because no one thought of the property’s potential redevelopment until now. The locals believe that the dry dock could be turned into an educational site for both residents and tourists, especially among the students, who should learn more about the history of Brisbane and its contribution to the world.

Despite the objection, Lendlease said it will be working with stakeholders on the options for the dry dock.

History of the Cairncross Naval Graving Dry Dock

The Cairncross dockyard is one of the country’s largest graving docks and was built in late 1942 after the bombing of the Darwin dockyard during World War II. It was built at a remarkable speed with more than 1,000 workers employed and working 24/7 to complete the facility.

The dockyard was ready for the first ships by June 1944. Until May 1946, 128 ships from Australia and the Allied Forces were serviced at the dockyard, which was capable of receiving vessels “800 feet long, with an 80 foot beam and a draught of 32 feet,” including aircraft carriers, merchant ships, tankers, destroyers, and submarine tenders.

Cairncross Dockyard — Photo Credit: Wikipedia

The government closed the dockyard in 1987 but was re-opened by a private consortium in 1995. It has been private property since then. In 2016, the Forgacs Group sold the 14-hectare property for potential housing redevelopment and rezoning.

Engineering Australia considers the dockyard as an Australian engineering heritage.

Morningside Shooting Possible Case of Mistaken Identity, Leaves Residents Unhurt but Shaken

The Queensland Police Service is investigating a shooting incident in a Morningside townhouse that has left residents unhurt but shaken. Authorities believe the incident may have been a case of mistaken identity.

Residents of a townhouse on Richmond Rd woke up to find the glass balustrade of their balcony shattered by bullet holes and immediately reported the incident. Initial investigations stated that the residents didn’t hear anything but one witness said a stranger was by their area at 10 p.m.

Another resident, whose place was hit, did not have any idea why their townhouse was targeted. He just moved to the property in August and has not heard of similar incidents in the area.

One other neighbour also revealed that the townhouse had some unsavoury individuals as occupants a few months ago but they have moved out of the building.

“Scary as that’s just around the corner from me, little too close to come for my liking. I saw the police tape it all off there when I drove past heading to the vets this morning and knew something serious happened… but a shooting, wow,” a neighbour said.

“Yep happened around 7am on Richmond Road, no one has been reported to be hurt. Not sure what it’s related to but seeing as these guys are practically my neighbors it’s really unnerving.”

“God, are we America now? What is it with firearms these days?!”

The QPS is looking for more information about the Morningside shooting, especially from someone with CCTV/dashcam footage. Reports may be filed online or by calling Crime Stoppers at 1800333000.

Murarrie is Getting an Olympic-Ready International Cycle Park

Plans have been set in motion to deliver a new $16.1-million international cycle park in Murarrie, ahead of the Olympics.

The Murarrie Recreation Reserve International Cycle Park will comprise a world-class cycling track, a 500-metre speed skating track, and a multi-purpose clubhouse where locals may learn to ride a bike, improve on their BMX skills, enjoy picnics and barbecues, and play with their dogs at an off-leash dog park.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said that the budget for the new cycling facility has been secured for 2022-2023.

“In just over a decade’s time, Brisbane’s Olympic and Paralympic destiny will arrive with the Games to be held right here in our home city,” Lord Mayor said. “The investments we make today in sports infrastructure will pay dividends during the Games because local athletes will have world-class facilities, like this cycling track, to learn and train on at home.”

International Cycle Park — Photo Credit: BCC

In mid-2019, Council sought feedback for the development of the Murarrie Recreation Reserve, which was followed by technical investigations and key discussions with sporting groups.

After these discussions, Council finalised the plan for the new facility that will include the following construction for Stage 1:

Replace the local cycling track with criterium tracks designed to Union Cycliste Internationale standards, incorporating a new 500 metre rollerblading/speed skating track
Remediation works
New multi-purpose clubhouse catering for events
New safety fencing
car park upgrade
New walkways, ramps and tree planting

Future plans for the cycle park will include the following, subject to funding:

Learn-to-ride facility
Pump/BMX track
Picnic shelters and barbecues
Track lighting
Intersection upgrade
Dog off-leash area
Beginner mountain bike skills course

Council intends to establish Murrarie Recreation Reserve as a “metropolitan and international-level criterium track, wheeled sport and recreation park” with a range of opportunities for sports and recreation. It will be a safe, and well-designed green space that will be a destination for many locals and visitors.

Construction work for Stage 1 is scheduled to start in late 2022.

Murarrie Yard Sale: Brisbane’s Old Wooden-Hull Ferries For Sale

The last of Brisbane’s wooden-hull ferries, which had been berthed at Murarrie for years whilst awaiting permanent decommissioning, are now up for sale.

Read: $200-M Rivergate Superyacht Facility, Marina, And Shipyard Expansion In Murarrie Approved

In 2020, eight wooden ferries were pulled from river duty due to safety concerns, after issues were raised regarding their deteriorating condition. Expressions of Interest have been accepted from interested parties for the these vessels which can be viewed at The Yard in Hemmant.

Auction house Manheim is taking charge of the sale of the eight Monohull ferries in behalf of Brisbane City Council.

The removal of the wooden monohull ferries from service was announced by Council in 2020, after inspection revealed a few concerns such as rotten wood.

“The risk assessment reports found the structural integrity of all wooden-hulled vessels was compromised, with some having extensive deterioration and no longer considered safe,” Cr Adrian Schrinner said.

Brisbane's ferries: CityHopper — CityHopper ferry Otter, launched in 1989 (Photo credit: CC BY-SA 4.0/Kgbo/Wikimedia Commons)

No More Wooden Hulls

Although the original pledge by Council covered the restoration of the wooden-hull ferries, Brisbane $350-million flood damage bill has changed the course of things significantly.

The ongoing sale of the eight decommissioned wooden ferries means there will be no more ferries of that type for river use.

Only one ferry from the original cross-river fleet has been restored. This is the single steel-hulled ferry Kalparrin. Kalparrin is already back on river service, after clearing its safety inspection. It is currently plying the Bulimba-Teneriffe cross-river route.

Brisbane’s Ferries

Brisbane’s CityHoppers were introduced back in 1987, with the first unit built by renowned shipbuilding company Norman R Wright & Sons. These are powered by 134 kW (180 hp) Scania engines, have a maximum speed of 12 knots (22 km/h; 14 mph), and are operated by a crew of one.

Some of the CityFerries, which were launched in the ‘80s, were built by Norman Park Boat Builders and had a capacity of 47 passengers.

Brisbane's ferries — A CityFerry ferry boat at Eagle Street Pier (Photo credit: CC BY-SA 4.0/Nick-D/Wikimedia Commons)

When Transdev ceased operations in November 2020, the next contract was awarded to RiverCity Ferries, who replaced the wooden vessels with five KittyCat units leased from Sydney.

Three monohull ferries are set to re-enter service and will rejoin the five new KittyCats in the ferry fleet following restoration. This comes after Council pledged $4 million to restore the ferries and return them to the river.

“These ferries are part of modern Brisbane’s history and we want to see them continue to play a role in our city’s future,” Cr Schrinner said in an announcement.

Circonomy: World’s Biggest Garage Sale Launches New Store in Morningside

Photo Credit: Circonomy / Facebook

The World’s Biggest Garage Sale has launched Circonomy, its new shop in Morningside, as part of its mission to promote “a world where nothing good goes to waste, including human potential.”

Since it began operation nine years ago, the profit-for-purpose enterprise has diverted more than 4 million kilograms of goods from landfill, saved 1.29 billion litres of water by limiting the production of new goods and raised over $300,000 for charities.

World’s Biggest Garage Sales: raising funds for charities whilst reducing household waste | Photo Credit: Circonomy / Facebook

After almost ten years, World’s Biggest Garage Sale has evolved to tackle the bigger challenges as the world prepares to usher into a circular economy. In partnership with Officeworks, the for-profit and purpose social enterprise has launched Circonomy to further the cause of reducing the amount of household waste.

“As the brand evolved into being more than just a garage sale, we considered the possibilities of how to educate, encourage and partner with organisations turning to a circular economy,” Circonomy Founder and Director, Yas Grigaliunas said.

“We are proud of our new brand, and incredibly special and unique team. Thank you to all who have been on our journey, past and present employees, clients, and friends, who have all helped us achieve what we have to date.”

In a nutshell, Circonomy will identify items for discarding at the landfill and prepare them for a second, or third if possible, a lease on life. Circonomy will work with retailers, designers, craftspeople and resource recovery organisations in breathing new life into these items.

Launched in 1 September 2022 at their new store on Lytton Road, Morningside, Circonomy will offer sustainable services including:

Commercial and Office Fit-Outs
Waste Solutions
Product Quality Correction Services
Corporate and Product Partnerships
Insurance and Salvage Solutions
Wholesale Partnerships

“Our model is profitable and replicable,” Yas continues. “This means we can accelerate the circular economy, not just here in Australia, but across the globe.”

Circonomy plans to execute an interstate expansion before 2022 ends.

The store is located at 3/500 Lytton Road, Morningside.

Hours of operation are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays and from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays. For updates, check here.

Circonomy | 3/500 Lytton Rd, Morningside QLD 4170

Spooktakular Saturday Returns to Murarrie For Family-friendly Festivities

Looking for family-friendly parties this Halloween? Have a Spooktakular Saturday at the Murarrie Recreation Reserve and enjoy an afternoon filled with fun and surprises, suitable for all ages.

Read: Brisbane Cemeteries, Including Morningside, Overloaded With Hundreds of Applications

Organised by the Lions Club of Brisbane Camp Hill Carindale with support from Brisbane City Council, Spooktakular Saturday is the ultimate Halloween event for kids, taking place at the Murarrie Recreation Reserve on 29 October from 2:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Similar to the 2021 celebration, there will be market stalls throughout the recreation reserve but this time around, you can expect more of them, along with lots of rides, live entertainment, and food for everyone!

For the rides, there will be a giant slide, a train ride, rock walls, cup and saucer ride, obstacle course, and jumping castles!

Joining the fun also lets you help a cause. Funds that will be raised for the 2022 event will help children with cancer. Tickets are available via EventBrite.

The Lions Club of Brisbane Camp Hill Carindale launched the event in 2021. The 2021 event was a massive success, thanks to the support of local businesses and community groups.

Read: Murarrie is Getting an Olympic-Ready International Cycle Park

About the Lions Club of Brisbane Camp Hill Carindale

Photo credit: Lions Club of Brisbane Camp Hill Carindale/Facebook

The Lions Club of Brisbane Camp Hill Carindale is a non-profit organisation established in 1966 and has been helping the community since, through their projects. They assist with local community fundraising for special causes and help with development and building of local parks, community venues and sporting centres.

The club has supported a number of projects and groups throughout the years, including the Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation, Australian Lions Children’s Mobility Foundation, and the Lions Medical Research Foundation.

Luc Longley is Coming to Wynnum!

Chris Ansley met Luc Longley in 1997. Chris is a basketball legend. who was also once #2 in the Australian U15s tennis rankings, playing doubles with Mark Philippoussis before he started playing basketball in his late teens. Read about how Luc Longley, who went on to collect three NBA rings, mentored Chris Ansley on his arrival into the NBA, playing for the Mavericks.

Now, Brisbane fans can look forward to seeing Luc, who is coming to Wynnum to tell the story of his NBA journey. Happening soon!