The REIQ recently reported the latest housing market statistics which showed Chermside median house price reaching $611,000, a 4% increase over the last 12 months and an increase of 34.3% over the last 5 years. In the 2nd quarter of 2018, there were 12 homes sold in the suburb.
Meanwhile, neighbouring suburb Chermside West’s annual median sale rose to $590,000, marking a 5.4% increase over the previous year and 37.2% in 5 years. As of the end of the 2nd quarter of 2018, there were 15 houses sold in Chermside West.
Chermside agent Adrian Graczyk of Graczyk Thompson says: “In our experience over the past 12 months, the majority of properties we have sold in Chermside are being purchased by first home buyers or downsizers, with first home buyers taking advantage of competitive pricing across new apartments, while downsizers are actively making the switch from a home to a large three bedroom apartment close to shops and the hospital. In either case, size and quality of finish are the most important to everyone.”
Recycling will be even more rewarding. A development application for a recycling depot proposed for Geebung has been lodged and is awaiting Council’s approval.
TOMRA Collection Solutions targets to deliver the container refund depot before the State Government’s Container Refund Scheme starts.
Container Refund Scheme
The Government’s Container Refund Scheme (CRS) named as ‘Containers for Change‘ will let Queenslanders get a 10-cent refund when they recycle drink containers.
According to Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch, nearly three billion containers are used by Queenslanders each year. These are the second most commonly littered item in the environment.
Credit: Containers for Change QLD/YouTube
“Containers for Change will give Queenslanders an incentive to collect and return used containers for recycling,” Ms Enoch said.
“This scheme will help improve recycling rates, reduce litter, providing a funding stream for our charities and community groups, and grow new business and employment opportunities across the state,” she added.
The Queensland Government has appointed the management of the scheme to Container Exchange (CoEx). Containers for Change will start on 1 November 2018.
The planned container refund depot also referred to as a modern depot is located at 428 Bilsen Road, Geebung.
As stated in their operational statement submitted to the Council, TOMRA’s proposed modern depot will be different from other container refund depots. These depots are typically located in heavy industrial areas, out of town, with a manual only counting of returns.
Sample of TOMRA’s Reverse Vending Machine Photo credit: TOMRA Collection/Facebook
On the contrary, TOMRA’s modern depot will be accessible and all operations will be happening indoors, in a clean and conditioned space. Their modern depot will also utilise fully automated Reverse Vending Machines (RVM’s), similar in appearance to an ATM.
TOMRA’s recycling depot also proposes a Bag Drop facility. With this, customers can drop off bags of containers for later counting by TOMRA employees. Both the RVM and Bag Drop options provide a refund to the customer.
TOMRA will be sending refunds on a cashless basis either through electronic payment or printed voucher. Customers can also choose to donate the refund to a charity.
TOMRA plans to operate the modern depot from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. seven days a week. The collection of containers will be occurring from Monday to Saturday.
In just a few days, Chermside Kerbside Collection 2018 will be here and you have probably started to put some stuff out by the kerb. To make things so much easier for you before 3 September arrives, you can download the Brisbane bin and recycling app.
The award-winning app is available for Android and iOS users. The application includes a calendar that will notify you with reminders of when the bin will be collected. It will also help residents find more information on how to recycle and dispose items properly.
There are also general information on bin collections, waste facilities, maps and directions on the app.
The app was developed by the Brisbane City Council to provide better recycling solutions and help residents make decisions. It is also part of the council’s plan to work together for a clean and green city.
Great fashion comes with a higher price tag. Well, not always. Not when the Boudoir Bazaar Fashion’s Sizzling Spring Market comes to Chermside Bowls Club.
From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, 26 August 2018, Chermside Bowls Club will be filled to the brim with pre-loved clothing looking for a new owner.
Looking for a dress for that upcoming party? Drop by the Sizzling Spring Market and help yourself with the vast choices of clothing and accessories. Choose among popular brands such as Camilla, Sasha Drake, sass & bide, Ginger and Smart, Alannah Hill, Zimmermann, Leona Edmiston, Monsoon, Escada, Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein, Ted Baker and so much more.
Second-hand markets are one of the best ways to help the environment since you get to recycle or upcycle high-quality clothes thereby saving a fashionable dress from going to the landfill. Who knew being fashionable can be so eco-friendly? As they say, “second hand is not second best.”
The market will be in an air-conditioned and licensed venue with free onsite parking. Transactions will be on a cash-only basis and ATM is available inside the club.
Entry to the market costs $2 per person and children may enter for free.
Fees collected at the entrance will be donated to a women’s charity.
Stages Two and Three of the North Brisbane Bikeway, connecting CBD through to Chermside, are already underway.
The Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council are currently working together to deliver these next stages which, according to Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey, are essential for the provision of a dedicated bikeway for Greater Brisbane.
“Separated bike facilities reduce the need for the interaction between motorists and bike riders on roads and with pedestrians on footpaths, improving the safety, comfort, amenity and travel times for everyone,” Mr Bailey said.
Credit: TMRQld/YouTube
According to Mr Bailey, the project is part of the Queensland Government’s plan to get more Queenslanders on their bikes.
“This will allow Queenslanders to enjoy the benefits of an active, healthy lifestyle and experience the simple pleasure of getting around on a bike,” he said.
Photo credit: Department of Transport and Main Roads
Stage One of the North Brisbane Bikeway was already completed in 2016 and had connected Herston to Windsor.
Stage One also included a bikeway extension on Gympie Road, between Webster Road, Aspley and Murphy Road, Chermside, completing an important link around the cricket fields at the Marchant Park and in the North Brisbane Bikeway project
Photo credit: Department of Transport and Main Roads
The Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council have now reached an agreement that allows works to be completed on Stages Two and Three of the North Brisbane Bikeway.
“Tenders for these stages will be released later this year with community consultation to take place in coming months,” Mr Bailey said.
Photo credit: Department of Transport and Main Roads
Stages Two and Three will further connect Somerset Street in Windsor to Rigby Street in Wooloowin. A key feature of these stages is the inclusion of priority pedestrian and cycle crossings at a number of intersections. These crossings will operate like pedestrian ‘zebra’ crossings, providing people walking and cycling with priority over vehicles when crossing the street.
Photo credit: Department of Transport and Main Roads
Significantly improving safety, the crossings will consist of a raised platform and coloured road surface to identify the cycle crossing and give way areas. Ample space will also be provided to allow vehicles to stop safely, clear of the crossing.
Moreover, Mr Bailey said that design works on stage four have also started and will connect Rigby Street to Price Street. Community consultation will be held to gain important feedback for this stage.
The Brisbane City Council will be responsible for delivering further stages of the North Brisbane Bikeway from Wooloowin to Chermside with the Queensland Government partly funding the section of the bikeway from Price Street to Kedron Brook.
Stafford Police will be fighting animal cruelty with sweet treats on Thursday, 9 August 2018.
Grab some deliciously baked cupcakes from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Stafford Police’s Cupcake Day community stall out the front of the foyer at Stafford Police Station, 88 Webster Road, Stafford.
Police puppy JoJo practices patience for Cupcake Day. Photo credit: myPolice Brisbane North
The RSPCA is the state’s oldest, largest, and leading animal welfare charity, dedicated to improving the lives of all domestic, farmed, and native animals throughout Queensland. In 2017, the charity has rescued 135,872 animals who were suffering mistreatment, neglect, or abuse.
The Stafford Police’s fundraising event aims to help deserving animals find happy, loving homes.
If you wish to help their efforts in fighting animal cruelty but can’t make it on the day, you may support the Stafford Police’s baking efforts by sending donations online.
From 2-4 August, witness a spectacular show of lights at Westfield Chermside. It’s another year of the Festival Of Lights and levels 1 and 2 of the dining precincts at the venue will be illuminated.
Consider this event “lit,” because not only will you have a lights festival, but there will also be fireworks shows, live music, roaming entertainers, interactive projections, and activities such as UV face painting.
The schedule for this three-day event is:
7:00 p.m. – Lighting Show with Fireworks
8:00 p.m. – Lighting Show
9:00 p.m. – Lighting Show
Best Spots To Watch
Catch the lights show at the Food Court entrance on Level 1. If you’re on the second level, then wherever you stand, you will be able to witness the laser light projections and the fireworks as well.
Bankwest has announced that it will close 29 branches across the east coast of Australia, including its branch in Chermside on 20 August. This move is due to the company’s shift in focus to digital and brokerage services.
Most of the branch closures are in New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria. The closure will begin on 17 August, affecting 200 jobs.
According to Managing Director Rowan Munchenberg, they made an important decision in terms of their investments based on the quick changes happening in the digital industry.
“Many people still value face-to-face interactions, but customers increasingly expect seamless self-service options that allow them to do their banking when and where they choose,” he said.
“We’re seeing a consistent trend of customers choosing mobile banking over in-branch options for their transaction needs, with an 88 per cent rise in app logins over the past three years.”
Mr Munchenberg said that the changes will help them adapt to the rapid changes in technology and allow them to provide better customer service to their clients.
Despite the closures in Queensland, the bank made it clear that no branches will be closing in Western Australia. They have started sending letters to affected customers.
Other branches in Queensland that are set to close are:
Escape from the busy city life and take a walk down Chermside Hills and Milne Hill circuit. This 7.1 km two-hour return track will not only refresh your mind, body, and soul, but it will show you wallabies, beautiful wildflowers, and other indigenous flora and fauna.
The Chermside Hills Reserve area is home to the popular Raven Street Reserve, Milne Hill Reserve, & the Chermside Hills Reserve.
Chermside Hills – The Giwadha Track
Photo credit: Aussie Bushwalking
You can access this track via the Chermside Hills Reserve from 420 Trouts Road McDowall. Start at the park entrance and car park.
Explore the open forest with an abundance of wildflowers, grasses, and shrubs. This circuit passes through the thick vegetation use beside the Little Cabbage Tree Creek. If you have a love for birds, you might want to stop by here and do some birdwatching.
Continue on and climb to highest point, which is the Spyder Hill, that will give you sweeping views of Moreton Bay, the city, and the beautiful mountains that surround it.
Milne Hill – Pomax Track
Photo credit: Weekend Notes
An open forest the Milne Hill Reserve goes around the hill. Walk through it and be enclosed in a beauty of wildflowers and shrubberies. During the winter and autumn seasons, you get to see honeyeaters feeding on golden candlestick banksias in flower here.
Before exploring the nature reserves, make sure to prepare and keep safe. Brisbane City Council has put together these important reminders for anyone interested in bushwalking activities::
Don’t go alone
Always wear a hat, sunscreen, and have water with you at all times
Let someone know where you’re going and the time you plan to return
Be cautious when on tracks
Always take a track map with you
Always carry a mobile phone
You can download the track map on the council’s website or you can view it here.
In the last month, a frequent visitor to Rode Road Dog Park in Stafford Heights discovered blue/green pellets in Grey Gum Park. He asked for help from the others to pick them up before it got too dark to see them.
It turns out that those pellets were snail pellets, which are very harmful to animals. What concerned park goers & dog owners most is that the pellets are scattered all over the dog park. Paul Rice, the person who discovered the pellets, immediately called the Brisbane City Councilabout this. BCC responded right away. Mr Rice also took to Facebook to warn residents about these pellets.
According to a council spokesman, upon receiving the report from Mr Rice, they immediately sent people out there to remove all the pellets. So far, the council hasn’t received any reports of animals getting sick following a visit to the park.
Last year, there were some reported cases of animals that died from snail pellets in the city. Two of the animals, a cat and a dog, lived in the same neighbourhood in Victoria Point. Also in Victoria Point, in July of last year, two dogs were reported to have died due to ingesting snail bait, which was confirmed after they vomited out some of the bright blue granules.
Your Animals & Snail Pellets
According to the Animal Emergency Service (AES), Metaldehyde (green) and Methiocarb (blue) in pellet form are used to kill snails. Unfortunately, they are effective in killing dogs and cats as well. Apparently, animals like the taste of these pellets and so they ingest these freely when they find them.
The symptoms of snail bait poisoning are:
Excitement
Panting
Trembling (which can develop into major convulsions leading to death)
Excess salivation
Diarrhoea
Heat stress
Treating this may include inducing vomiting or proceeding to wash out the stomach under anaesthesia.
The AES is reminding everyone not to use these pellets to kill snails. There are other methods to prevent snails and slugs from damaging plants especially if you have other pets in your home.
