Homepage Latest News Archives - Page 26 of 43

118 New Homes For Construction in Ethel Street, Chermside and Sutton Street, Redcliffe

Soon, Ethel Street in Chermside will be part of the largest investment in affordable housing in Queensland, where 118 new, social dwelling options to suit the needs of a typical Brisbane family will be built.

The homes are aimed at downsizing seniors or empty nesters. Chermside is getting around 28 one-bedroom units and six two-bedroom units. Redcliffe will have 84 single-bedroom apartments.

The projects for Chermside and Redcliffe are part of the largest concentrated investment in social housing in Queensland’s history – $2.9 billion in funding, including $1.9 billion over four years for the new Queensland Housing Investment Growth Initiative.

Construction in Ethel Street in Chermside is expected to start at the end of 2022 with tenants ready to move in by September 2023.

“These projects will also generate more construction jobs for our state, with the two builds to support a combined 128 jobs,” Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said.

He confirmed the housing initiatives for Ethel Street in Chermside and Sutton Street in Redcliffe in a recent press release.

“These developments at Redcliffe and Chermside are just the first of many that will be delivered under the Housing Investment Fund and the HIF will keep delivering funding every year through its management by the Queensland Investment Corporation.”

He said that this will deliver social and affordable housing through a range of fit-for-purpose initiatives.

“Locating developments like this in communities such as Chermside will help alleviate the housing supply pressures we’re currently facing,” Member for Stafford Jimmy Sullivan said.

Minister for Communities and Housing Leeanne Enoch confirmed that the leading community housing provider, BHC, will deliver the houses.

“BHC has a proven track record developing secure and affordable homes in Queensland for two decades,” Ms Enoch said.

“Our strong working partnerships like this are vital for providing Queenslanders with more affordable housing options.

BREAKING: We’re building 118 new social & affordable homes on Brisbane’s northside, at Sutton St, Redcliffe & Ethel street, Chermside.

These housing projects are the first of many that will be delivered from my government’s $1 billion Housing Investment Fund. pic.twitter.com/tLL6jMrpxC
— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) May 4, 2022

The Queensland Housing Investment Growth Initiative will deliver accelerated supply of 7,400 social and affordable housing homes, as part of an overall Action Plan.

Westfield Chermside Asked to Remove Boom Gates, Allow Free Parking As Traffic Situation Worsens in Area

Some residents are appealing to the Scentre Group, owner and operator of Westfield Chermside, to temporarily remove their boom gates and allow free parking during weekends. If granted, residents hope the move will help ease the increasing traffic issues in the area exacerbated by the closure of Toombul Shopping Centre in Nundah.

As a result of the closure of the Toombul Shopping Centre in Nundah, traffic has become such a nightmare for those who live in the Chermside, Stafford and Lutwyche areas.

Customers have experienced more snarls than ever before as Toombul regulars flock to the surrounding retail precincts for alternative options.

Toombul had more than 1,700 car parking spaces at its premises but the shopping centre has permanently closed due to significant damages caused by the February floods.

Four-Hour Traffic Snarls in Westfield Chermside Area

Over the past weekends of May 2022, Westfield Chermside shoppers have complained about the nightmare traffic situation in the area, particularly instances of some locals taking up to four hours just to exit the car park.

Some motorists had been forced to ditch their cars for the day because they could no longer get out of the area. Those that managed to get out also ended up stuck in horrific bumper-to-bumper traffic outside.

Some said that this situation will become like the holiday rush traffic every weekend if no solutions are set in place.

“I was caught up in the madness on the weekend of Mother’s Day,” Glenda Macklin said. “I was stuck in the actual centre for two hours. The problem on that day was not that the boom gates were down, they were up, but there was that much traffic trying to get out of the centre and very very few exit points from the actual car park spots to down ramps.”

“I was on the second level and really there was only one exit to try and get down on to Kitty Hawk drive this was also joined by three or four other exits from different levels creating a mess on Kitty Hawk Drive,” she added.

“This is my local shopping centre and I have never seen it like this was the first time I’ve ever been caught in traffic like that at the centre.”

Asking for Help

In a statement, MP Anika Wells said that she has written to the Scentre Group concerning the boom gates and the free parking. The MP also said that she will ask the Federal Government to “commission a Gympie Road/Hamilton Road planning study to investigate the best solution to this notorious intersection.”

The Scentre Group has not made any comments about the traffic issues. Westfield Chermside has around 7,200 car parking spaces. In 2020, shoppers were upset when the Scentre Group cut the hours for free parking and the traffic issues did not improve.

Chermside Skydiving Centre One Of The Locations Of 2022 STEM Girl Power Camp

The iFly Brisbane Indoor Skydiving in Chermside has been selected as one of the locations for the camp activities of the 2022 STEM Girl Power Camp.

Read: New Playground At Downfall Creek Bushland Centre In Chermside Now Open

The STEM Girl Power program encourages Year 10 girls from across Queensland to participate in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Camp activities will take place at several locations. Aside from iFly Brisbane Indoor Skydiving, other locations are the Griffith University, Queensland University of Technology, University of Queensland, and Cross River Rail.

qld stem camp — iFly Brisbane Indoor Skydiving in Chermside (Photo credit: iFly Brisbane Indoor Skydiving/Google Maps)

Participants of this year’s camp are 60 outstanding Year 10 students and 10 teachers who were selected from across Queensland.

During the camp, students travel to Brisbane where they participate in activities at Southbank and world-class laboratories of universities and research institutions.

Students hear from leading experts and role models about STEM careers. They also develop their leadership skills as ambassadors for STEM.

Upon their return to school, ambassadors participate and organise STEM initiatives to promote National Science Week, with the support of the regional STEM Champions.

One of the key outcomes of the STEM Girl Power Camp is to enlist all participants as Regional STEM Girl Power Ambassadors, who will share their experiences to spark excitement and engagement back home in their local school communities.

stem camp — Photo credit: Queensland Government

“For so long, STEM fields have been largely dominated by men – so it’s important that STEM represents the diversity in our society,” said Education Minister Grace Grace.

“That’s why since 2016, the Palaszczuk Government has invested around $766,000 to run the camp and support girls in STEM to make sure we continue to uplift underrepresented groups.”

Ms Grace believes students will walk away from the camp with an even greater passion for STEM which we hope will inspire them to pursue a career in STEM after school.

Expect Great Burgers With a Side of Snide As Karen’s Diner Opens at Westfield Chermside

Photo Credit: Karen’s Diner / Facebook

Get mouth-watering burgers with a side of snide, plus rudeness all around, as Karen’s Diner opens at its new pop-up location in Westfield Chermside.

The 18th of May 2022 will see Westfield Chermside’s Woolworths Food Court become one joint larger with the entry of Karen’s Diner.

Originally planned to open in South Bank, Karen’s Diner has made a name for itself through its satirical take on its name. Featuring 100% “rude staff,” Karen’s Diner is a place where customers can let loose and be a “Karen,” all in the spirit of fun, of course. (And no offense to polite Karens everywhere!)

As an added warning, the most Karen of all Karen, aka “The Manager”, might make a special appearance, so be prepared for extreme “rudeness” ever to come your way.

Apart from rude service and singing waiters, this one-of-a-kind restaurant also boasts a palate-pleasing burger menu along with fries, sweet treats, shakes, tap beers, wines and cocktails.

Karen’s Diner burgers and fries — Photo Credit: Karen’s Diner / Facebook

If it is your first time experiencing Karen’s Diner, you might want to try The Basic Karen made with wagyu beef, American cheese, tomato, oak lettuce, beetroot and garlic mayo.

Or level up with “I Want to See the Manager” Karen with double patties and double slices of Manager cheese plus bacon, lettuce, pickles and Manager BBW mustard sauce.

Check out the full menu here.

Karen’s Diner opens shop in Brisbane — *Photo Credit: Karen’s Diner / Facebook*

The Westfield Chermside venue joins other Karen’s Diner locations in Sydney, Gold Coast, Melbourne and the UK. The one-of-a-kind restaurant may not stay for long in Chermside, though, so be sure to check out their store located at Level 1 near Woolworths Food Court.

Go ahead, book here and live out your Karen dreams.

Data Reveals Ramping Times At The Prince Charles Hospital

Instances of ramping at the Prince Charles Hospital in Chermside have increased from 45 to 47 per cent, meaning nearly half of all patients waited more than 30 minutes on board an ambulance before being admitted to the hospital in December 2021, based on data by the Queensland Ambulance Service.

Read: New Data Reveals Worsening Ramping Times In Hospitals Across Qld, Including Chermside

In medical terms, ramping refers to the time when a patient is left in the backs of ambulances or corridors because the emergency department is full.

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath released the data, which was recorded between November and December 2021, in response to a parliamentary question and said the pandemic had placed immense pressure on health systems across Australia.

Describing the situation as ‘heartbreaking,’ Minister D’Ath said no government wants to see these delays, but no one has a quick fix to this.

Following the reopening of domestic borders in the State in December 2021, Queensland experienced a major Covid-19 wave, but ramping was still above 44 per cent in South East Queensland by October.

The Prince Charles Hospital, which has the second biggest emergency department in the State, has also recorded a median waiting time of 39 minutes for Category 3 or potentially life-threatening cases, where a patient should be seen by a treating doctor or nurse within 30 minutes.

Photo credit: Mohammed Khairy Abdelaty/Google Maps

At the largest hospital in Queensland, the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in Herston, half of all ambulance patients experienced ramping, a slight increase from its 48 per cent prior to the last quarter of 2021.

Other hospitals in the State also recorded increased ramping, such as West Moreton Ipswich Hospital (from 45 per cent to 66 per cent); Queen Elizabeth II (from 47 to 52 per cent); and Logan Hospital (from 64 to 66 per cent).

In a media statement, Minister D’Ath said the Commonwealth needs to invest in better primary health care and improved access to GPs to reduce pressure on Queensland’s busy public hospitals.

New Playground At Downfall Creek Bushland Centre In Chermside Now Open

The new playground at the Downfall Creek Bushland Centre in Chermside West is now open for kids in the area to enjoy.

Read: BYD Atto 3: The New EV You Can Order Like Takeaway

Some of the little ones have already tested out the new equipment at the ‘Brush Turkey Place,’ a great new spot for families which is right next door to the existing barbeque and picnic area and the Raven Street Reserve walking trails.

“My kids loved the new playground and little nature walk – a 200m easy track where even the littlest people can enjoy. Really well done, with toilets and BBQ facilities and a basketball hoop for the older kids,” shared local guide Danielle Morton.

Aside from the playground, other facilities at Downfall Creek Bushland Centre include bike tracks, educational trail, native plants program nursery, half-court basketball court, car park, and sheltered picnic tables.

chermside west parks — Photo credit: Cr Tracy Davis/Facebook

After playing at the new playground, kids can view environmental and cultural displays, learn about the reserve’s flora and fauna, and discover the importance of preserving the natural areas of the environment at Downfall Creek Bushland Centre.

Situated within the Raven Street Reserve, Downfall Creek Bushland Centre is open to the public to allow individuals to learn and explore the natural environment.

Downfall Creek Bushland Centre makes up three of the natural areas in Chermside West and McDowall, along with Milne Hill Reserve and Chermside Hills Reserve. It’s an important part of the Mountains to Mangroves Corridor which is a wildlife corridor that extends from the D’Aguilar Ranges to Boondall Wetlands and Moreton Bay.

The centre is open from Tuesday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

New Data Reveals Worsening Ramping Times In Hospitals Across Qld, Including Chermside

The 2022 public health report by the Australian Medical Association revealed Queensland’s public hospitals are performing well overall, but more than a third of Category 3 emergency department patients are not seen within the recommended 30 minutes.

Read: Woman with Confirmed Case of Japanese Encephalitis Virus Now Being Treated in Chermside

In Chermside, The Prince Charles Hospital has recorded a median waiting time of 39 minutes for Category 3 or potentially life-threatening cases, where a patient should be seen by a treating doctor or nurse within half an hour of arriving.

The hospital has a total median wait time of 27 minutes for all categories as of the last quarter of 2021. The numbers are considered out of range of the latest national performance, but not in the poorest performing group of hospitals.

prince charles hospital emergency department — Photo credit: Mohammed Khairy Abdelaty/Google Maps

The Prince Charles Hospital, whose emergency department is the second biggest in the state, also recorded a total of 2418 minutes or 40.3 hours of patient off-stretcher time based on records from August 2021 to January 2022.

The target is to get most patients off stretchers and into EDs within 30 minutes but Queensland Audit Office noted that it has not been met across the state for the past seven years.

Patient off stretcher time (POST) is the amount of time it takes to transfer patients off ambulance stretchers, with a completed clinical handover, to EDs. For POST, Queensland’s target is to transfer 90 per cent of patients within 30 minutes.

Based on data from Queensland Health Emergency Department Information System, TPCH transfers 55 per cent of its patients off stretchers within 30 minutes.

Recommendations to Improve Services

Prof Chris Perry, President of AMA Queensland recommended short, medium and long-term actions to address the hospital bed block that is leading to emergency department ramping.

“We need 1,500 more beds, extended hours for non-ED hospital functions like pharmacy, and different ways for patients to access hospital care other than through the ED,” said Prof Perry.

queensland health — Photo credit: RODNAE Productions/Pexels

He said hospitals in Queensland must run at less than 90 per cent occupancy so there is surge capacity, and Hospital and Health Services must conduct a detailed analysis of patient flow within the hospital and report against that analysis.

“This can work if it is underpinned by strong effective leadership, innovation, and appropriate investment by the State and Federal Governments,” he added.

Budget Issues

Despite efforts to improve the quality of public health care, this year’s budget papers, which was delivered on 29 March 2022, revealed there will be a $21 million cut from Queensland public hospitals next financial year.

The State Government wanted the federal government to meet it halfway with 50:50 funding for healthcare for Queenslanders in the federal budget but the LNP’s Federal Budget failed to deliver Queensland its fair share of funding.

The 2021–22 Budget provides a record $20.885 billion in operating funding, as well as a $1.35 billion capital program to continue to deliver first-class health services to Queenslanders.

A key focus of the record funding will be to continue the state’s response to the ongoing health impacts from COVID-19 and the vaccination roll-out.

Less Stress, Exciting Future For New Chermside Millionaire

A Chermside man in his early 20s has found himself on the receiving end of some unexpected good fortune. He was in the middle of work when he received the welcome news, particularly since he had been feeling particularly stressed over the rising cost of living.

“Everything is getting so much more expensive, and wages aren’t matching the changes, so I’ve been stressed lately,” the young man said.

At first, he didn’t believe the call informing him that he will pocket $1,146,608.15.

“I’m taken aback by this! I’m a millionaire. What the hell? I think it’s starting to hit me now. I’m starting to shake! This is amazing!”

The Chermside man holds one of the five division one winning entries in Saturday Gold Lotto draw 4225, drawn Saturday 26 March 2022. He purchased the ticket online at The Lott.

“I’m at work right now, and I haven’t checked my Gold Lotto ticket yet. I rarely check my tickets after buying them,” he said.

“I’ll keep working for the rest of the day. I can’t leave now and let my boss and my team down, but I’ll do some celebrating this evening.

“I’ll pop a few beers. I’m not sure if I’ll tell anyone just yet. It still doesn’t feel 100% real.

“I’m only in my early 20s, so this prize will set me up for the rest of my life.”

Meanwhile, Across Australia, there were five division one winning entries during the draw — two each from Queensland and Victoria and one from Western Australia.

The Saturday Gold Lotto has made 210 Australians millionaires in 2021.

BYD Atto 3: The New EV You Can Order Like Takeaway

Photo Credit: EV Direct / evdirect.com.au/atto-3

Chinese automaker ‘Build Your Dreams’ or BYD has just launched a new competitor in the Australian electric vehicle market: the Atto 3. Did you know that you can order online and then collect it like takeaway?

Read: Police Gather At Chermside To Remind The Public Of Personal Safety

Yes, it’s true. Brisbane customers can order the car online and collect it from the Mycar workshop in Stafford.

On 19 February, the first SUV built on BYD’s e-platform 3.0 was launched. ATTO 3, or Yuan Plus as it is called in China, is set to become one of the cheapest options in the Australian passenger vehicle market and will come with a seven-year battery and vehicle warranty.

Measuring 4,455 mm in length and 1,875 mm in width, the midsize SUV will be offered in two configurations:

Standard Range with a 52.5-kWh battery pack, front-mounted 201-hp (150 kW), 229 lb-ft (310-Nm) electric motor, acceleration from 0 to 100 kmph in 7.3 seconds and 400-km range

Extended Range with a 63-kWh battery pack and a 480-km range.

Atto 3 comes with BYD’s patented Blade Battery technology | Photo Credit: EV Direct / evdirect.com.au/atto-3

At the heart of Atto 3 is BYD’s revolutionary Blade Battery technology offering industry-leading safety levels and an extended single-charge range capability. Blade Battery boasts of being the only battery in the market that has successfully passed the rigorous nail penetration test. The Atto 3 offers an 80-kW DC fast-charging enabling it to be charged in about 45 minutes.

Apart from a range of safety features, it also comes with 12.8-inch infotainment, 8-speaker audio system, wireless phone charger, keyless entry and start, portable card key, Bluetooth connectivity and 60/40 split-fold rear seats.

Read: Woman with Confirmed Case of Japanese Encephalitis Virus Now Being Treated in Chermside

“2022 will see the accelerated evolution of new energy vehicles and a new start for BYD’s development in the Australian market. This year, BYD will introduce several new energy passenger vehicles to the Australian market,” Wang Chuanfu, Chairman and President of BYD Company Limited, said.

Photo Credit: EV Direct / evdirect.com.au/atto-3

BYD’s local distributor, EV Direct, has partnered with Mycar for the handing over and servicing of these electric cars. Customers can order online and then pick up their new vehicle from Mycar in South Melbourne, Chatswood in Sydney or in Stafford in Brisbane. Deliveries to regional areas carry an additional $495.

New orders are estimated to be delivered in August 2022.

Police Gather At Chermside To Remind The Public Of Personal Safety

Police officers are handing out leaflets at the Chermside shopping and public transport precinct to remind the public to take some preventative measures to increase their personal safety when out in public spaces.

Read: Woman with Confirmed Case of Japanese Encephalitis Virus Now Being Treated in Chermside

Queensland Police Service (QPS) has partnered with Westfield Security and BCC security to create a safe environment for members of the public, by handing out more than 3,000 Safer Living for Queenslanders booklets.

The booklets cover core personal safety strategies; dealing with confrontation; and situational strategies for in the home, online, out and about, public transport, in the car, for children, for seniors, in the workplace, and in the social scene.

personal safety booklets — Photo credit: https://mypolice.qld.gov.au/

Whilst we all have the right to be safe and it is important for people to be aware of it and exercise this right, QPS reminds the public that they also have responsibility for their own safety.

“Adopting practical safety strategies can help reduce the risk of victimisation and assist you to respond effectively if your safety is threatened,” QPS stated.

When out and about, these are some things people can do to appear confident in their surroundings:

Always exhibit strong and positive body language to appear self-assured.
Be aware of your surroundings and alert to what is going on around you.
Listen to, trust, and act on your instincts and if you sense danger from someone, something or a place, immediately remove yourself from the situation
Remove headphones or use of your mobile phone while out walking or crossing the road – distraction reduces your awareness of what is happening around you and can make you more vulnerable to a potential offender.
Wherever possible, walk in well-lit areas and face oncoming traffic.
Ensure you inform someone where you are going and an ETA for your return.

qld police — Photo credit: https://mypolice.qld.gov.au/

According to QPS’ Online Crime Map from 16 September 2021 to 15 March 2022, Chermside has recorded 62 cases of assault, 10 cases of robbery, and 9 cases categorised as ‘other offences against the person.’

Read: FOGO Food Waste Recycling Service Pilot Coming to Chermside

If you observe suspicious or threatening behaviour, contact police immediately and if it is safe to do so, respond to any calls for assistance.

You can report via Policelink or via 131 444 for non-urgent concerns and 000 for emergency.