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Mango Hill Park ‘N’ Ride Upgrade Scheduled To Commence Soon

Construction tenders are now being accepted for upgrades to the Mango Hill station park n’ ride. Work is expected to commence in mid-2022 and will take about 12 months to complete.

The new park n’ ride facility will provide about 280 new parking spaces which will double the capacity at the Mango Hill station which now has 220 existing car parking spaces.

The project is part of a $160 million park n’ ride upgrade program by the State. The upgrade will also provide a relocated kiss n’ ride, taxi zone, and a bus facility which will allow for safer and more efficient passenger drop-offs. Accessible parking bays near the Mango Hill station will also increase.

Mango Hill train station, upgrade park 'n' ride - Site 1 — Mango Hill train station, upgrade park ‘n’ ride – Site 1 | Photo Credit: Department of Transport and Main Roads / tmr.qld.gov.au

Key features of the upgrade include:

Adding 280 extra parking spaces to the existing 220 parking spaces.
Lighting and CCTV cameras for enhanced visibility and security.
Landscaping to provide visual amenity.
Pedestrian paths to improve connectivity to and from the train station.
6 accessible parking bays near the Mango Hill train station to improve access to public transport for customers with a disability.
Relocated kiss ‘n’ ride/taxi zone and bus facility to make it safer and more efficient for passenger drop-offs.

Construction is slated to commence in mid-2022 and will take about 12 months to complete, weather and construction conditions permitting. The majority of the work will be undertaken between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on weekdays.

The $10-million project is jointly funded by the Australian ($4 million through its Urban Congestion Fund) and Queensland ($6 million) governments.

Mango Hill train station, upgrade park 'n' ride - Site 2 — Mango Hill train station, upgrade park ‘n’ ride – Site 2 | Photo Credit: Department of Transport and Main Roads / tmr.qld.gov.au

Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP confirmed that procurement of a construction contract for the upgrade project has commenced following the completion of the park n’ ride upgrade project design.

“Under the Urban Congestion Fund, we are delivering 185 packages of work nationwide. The total number of projects that are now completed or underway nationwide is 81. By the end of 2022, more than 80 per cent of all packages are expected to be completed or under construction” Minister Fletcher said, who also noted that this is part of a $110-billion infrastructure investment pipeline which is helping to drive Australia’s economic recovery.

Queensland Deputy Premier and Member for Murrumba Steven Miles said that the upgrade will also provide a relocated kiss n’ ride, taxi zone and bus facility which will allow for safer and more efficient passenger drop-offs. He added that the accessible parking bays near the Mango Hill station will also increase.

“This follows the successful opening of park ‘n’ ride spaces across the SEQ rail network at locations like Geebung, Carseldine and Virginia on Brisbane’s northside,” Mr Miles said.

“As more and more people choose to call Queensland home, it’s infrastructure like this that will make a real difference in the everyday lives of commuters on the northside,” he added.

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said that 3,200 new park n’ ride spaces will be built over the next four years under the $160 million Upgrade Program which will add to the existing 32,600 plus spaces.

Mt Maria College Petrie Now All Set to Expand

Photo Credit: Moreton Bay Regional Council / moretonbay.qld.gov.au

It’s all systems go for Mt Maria College Petrie as plans to establish three new classrooms and extend its existing covered sports area receive approval.

The Catholic co-educational high school plans to construct three new classrooms that will allow it to accommodate 39 more students this 2022 from the current 501.

The three new classrooms will have a total new gross floor area of 205 sqm and are expected to ease overcrowding currently being experienced in the existing learning spaces.

The subject site has a total area of 7,188 hectares with multiple frontages including the Anzac Avenue frontage.

Mt Maria College Petrie Expansion Plans artist's impression 1 — Mt Maria College Petrie Expansion Plans artist’s impression 1
Photo Credit: Moreton Bay Regional Council / moretonbay.qld.gov.au

Along with the three new classrooms, a minor extension of the sports hall will also be undertaken which will include a 64sqm storage area and storage space. The existing sports field will be relocated to “capture a more favourable solar aspect in accordance with best practice design.”

Mt Maria College Petrie Expansion Plans artist's impression 2 — *Mt Maria College Petrie Expansion Plans artist’s impression* 2
Photo Credit: Moreton Bay Regional Council / moretonbay.qld.gov.au

To facilitate the reorientation of the sports oval, existing fencing, gardens, sheds, sandpit, grandstand, and shade sails will be removed.

Mt Maria College Petrie Expansion Plans artist's impression 3 — *Mt Maria College Petrie Expansion Plans artist’s impression 3*
Photo Credit: Moreton Bay Regional Council / moretonbay.qld.gov.au

Likewise, the existing carpark at the southern boundary will be expanded to include 15 additional parking spaces as well as provision of lockers, landscaping, male and female toilets, and tiered seating next to the new building.

Mt_Maria_College Petrie Expansion Plans artist's impression 4 — *Mt_Maria_College Petrie Expansion Plans artist’s impression 4*
Photo Credit: Moreton Bay Regional Council / moretonbay.qld.gov.au

Mt Maria College Petrie Expansion Plans artist's impression 5 — *Mt_Maria_College Petrie Expansion Plans artist’s impression 5*
Photo Credit: Moreton Bay Regional Council / moretonbay.qld.gov.au

Mt Maria College Petrie is a Catholic Archdiocesan Co-educational Secondary College established in 1987 by Brisbane Catholic Education.

Formerly known as “Kolbe College”, the College sits on a four-hectare of gardens and bush-land at 21 Armstrong Street, Petrie next to Our Lady of the Way school and Our Lady of the Way Church.

X-Golf Opens Hey Caddy, the First Mini Golf Recreational Site in North Lakes

Up for a round of putt and an unforgettable golfing experience? Hey Caddy, a new family-friendly recreational site, has opened its doors at Burke Crescent in North Lakes.

From X-Golf, Hey Caddy is an 18-hole immersive world experience. It’s the first of its kind in Australia, where families and groups of friends can try their hand at a new age in putt, with each hole boasting unique destination-based themes.

Hey Caddy officially launches with a celebration on Friday, 25 March 2022, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Guests will be treated to delicious complimentary food and drinks, plus an impressive host of entertainment and, of course, free rounds of mini golf.

The venue has something for everyone: dive deep into the boroughs of Melbourne’s Hosier Lane, putt over the bumpy surfaces of Mars, test your skills swinging between the Ferris wheels and cacti of Coachella, challenge yourself atop China’s lengthy Great Wall, tee off at the site of Nevada’s Area 51, or get freaky amongst the scenery of Mexico’s Day of the Dead.

“We’re pleased to offer somewhere aligned with the vibrant local demographic that is much more than a place to go out and eat or drink at, but a versatile immersive golfing experience suited to a wide array of guests whether you’re clever with a club not,” X-Golf Head of Marketing Amy Puglisi said, adding that the recreational site was envisioned as a unique indoor mini putt experience, aligning wit X-Golf’s objectives in providing a fun and inclusive entertainment golfing experience.

Franchisee and well-respected Moreton locals, Dr Anthony Mahler and Olga Mahler, are eager and pleased to welcome visitors to their new venue, which has been decked with impressive murals strewn across the walls are created by internationally-acclaimed Brisbane-based artist, Lee ‘LINZ’ Harnden.

Anthony, now retired as a GP, is a golfing enthusiast himself and believes it’s a great pastime for maintaining one’s general wellbeing. Olga migrated from Ukraine nine years ago and has also set up a shelter for Ukrainian refugees with her husband.

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“We’re thrilled to open the doors to North Brisbane and beyond, with delicious fresh food, distinctive drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere whether you’re visiting during the day with the little ones or later at night with a large group of friends,” the Mahler couple said.

To explore Hey Caddy in more detail or to book your experience at North Lakes, visit Hey Caddy.

Deception Bay Included in City-wide Mosquito Blitz

Following a confirmed case of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) in the state, Brisbane authorities have ramped up anti-mosquito measures, such as conducting a spraying blitz across a number of suburbs, including Deception Bay.

Read: New Pine Rivers Healthcare Facility Nears Construction

The spraying blitz was already conducted across 60 suburbs in Brisbane, with Council deploying four all-terrain vehicles, two electric buggies and more than 20 spray trucks for the operation.

“In the aftermath of one of the worst floods in Brisbane’s history, we’re facing our next challenge: keeping mosquitoes under control,” said Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner.

Cr Schrinner revealed that about 1,400 of the city’s 2,400 breeding sites were triggered by the recent rainfall and the action Council is taking now will put a stop to a severe post-flood mosquito problem.

Whilst there’s already a spraying blitz going on across the city, residents are being reminded to be more cautious as there’s a noticeable increase in freshwater mosquitoes.

Cr Schrinner reminded residents of the vital part they played in mosquito protection and urged people to scour their properties for empty bodies of water.

This includes removing containers of water that may be laying around and sweeping back yards every week as it takes just half a cup of water to attract mosquitoes to breed.

JEV Vaccines

The Australian Government announced that it would spend $70 million to combat Japanese encephalitis, which includes purchasing 130,000 doses of vaccine to protect people from the deadly virus.

The additional JEV vaccines, which will be available from late March to April 2022, will be distributed equitably to states and territories.

At present, there are two human JEV vaccines available on the Australian market, Imojev (Sanofi-Aventis Australia) and JEspect (Seqirus).

Read: New Development Will Allow Public Access to Proposed North Lakes Aquatic Precinct

Imojev is a single dose vaccine which supports broad use and rapid vaccination, however it is not suitable for pregnant women or people who are immunocompromised. JEspect, is given in two dose course and is suitable for most people who can’t receive the Imojev vaccine.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said there were currently 15 confirmed human cases of JEV in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria.

New Pine Rivers Healthcare Facility Nears Construction

The construction of a new Pine Rivers healthcare facility will soon be underway following a public consultation on the design of the hospital. The new public facility will cover 1.5 hectares of the Mill Priority Development area on Dohles Rocks Road in Kallangur.

In September 2021, the Queensland Government confirmed that the Pine Rivers healthcare facility will be built on an ideal location on Dohles Rocks Road. The site will form part of the $265 million Satellite Hospitals Program that comprises seven new hospitals to support public healthcare delivery as the region’s population grows.

“Satellite hospitals will take pressure off our health system by easing the demand on major hospitals and also support hundreds of jobs for Queenslanders,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

“Caboolture, Redlands, Pine Rivers and the Gold Coast are among seven areas where satellite hospitals are being built to under our $265 million election commitment.

“This is the first time this has been done in Australia, and it will bring new and improved health services to the heart of growing local communities.”

Following the announcement, a public consultation for the design of the Pine Rivers healthcare facility was undertaken between September to November 2021. In January 2022, MID-1021-0539 Pine Rivers Health Care Facility was given the go signal to take effect with construction earmarked for early 2022.

Hutchinson Builders will construct the facility. Job openings on the worksite are currently advertised.

“This will make such a big difference to people in Pine Rivers – it will mean less stress on our main hospital and easier access to services – it’s a win, win,” Member for Pine Rivers Nikki Boyd said.

“The rapid population increase has seen heightened demand on our health services – and this satellite hospital will help meet that need, and ease the pressure on hospitals,” Deputy Premier and Member for Murrumba Steven Miles said. “Now is the right time to invest in additional infrastructure to make sure the residents in this area continue to get quality health care.”

The new satellite hospital is expected to open in 2023.

Major Development! North Lakes Eco-Lifestyle Precinct Proposed in Mango Hill

The corner of Diamond Jubilee Way and Anzac Avenue in Mango Hill is set to become the North Lakes Eco-Lifestyle Precinct if a proposal to build a new hotel, healthcare facility, and garden centre with a market comes to fruition.

As detailed in DA/2021/5089 filed with Moreton Bay Regional Council in December 2021, the North Lakes Eco-Lifestyle Precinct will consist of two building with five and three storeys each to serve as a 112-room short-term stay hotel, naturopathy centre, and day spa. These buildings will also have plenty of retail spaces on the ground floor for shopping and dining establishments.

Some of the restaurants will offer “garden to table” dining options, healthy organic food, and a coffee garden where visitors may relax and enjoy their weekend afternoons surrounded by plenty of greenery.

Designs for the development also include spaces for a farmer’s market with a community garden, as well as a range of functional recreational areas for events and other activities, such as a band stand and a food truck area. Plans for a wildlife rehabilitation shelter facility could also be accommodated within the precinct.

“The home, garden and health care centre building have also been designed close to the alignment of Kinsellas Road and Anzac Avenue to establish a corner landmark,” according to the planners, Urbis. “Height in this location is less than the eco-hotel, which provides a sensitive transition to the open space and lower-density uses along Kinsellas Road and south of Diamond Jubilee Way”.

“Sufficient setbacks are proposed between the home, garden and health care centre and eco-hotel buildings to ensure a high level of amenity and mitigate direct overlooking into habitable spaces. Views through the carpark and arrival forecourt, along with the on-site landscaping, break up the overall building mass and provide visual interest when viewed from properties across Anzac Avenue.”

Some 233 car park spaces at the basement and ground floor have also been planned in the design, with vehicle access in five driveways along Kinsella Road and Anzac Avenue.

New Development Will Allow Public Access to Proposed North Lakes Aquatic Precinct

Photo credit: Moreton Bay Regional Council / moretonbay.qld.gov.au

A development application that will allow the public to access the planned North Lakes aquatic precinct at The Lakes College has been lodged.

On 28 June 2021, the Moreton Bay Regional Council approved the development of a new aquatic precinct at The Lakes College at 2 College Street in North Lakes.

The aquatic facility will contain a 25-metre lap pool, learn to swim and associated facilities. The development is planned to be constructed in two stages.

The Lakes College has decided to allow public access to the facilities as well. A new proposal was lodged to allow outdoor recreation land use with no changes to the development’s built form and proposed vehicle access.

Photo credit: Moreton Bay Regional Council / moretonbay.qld.gov.au

The proposed site spans approximately 15.35 hectares with frontages at Diamond Jubilee Way on its northern side, College Street on the north-west side, Memorial Drive on the south-eastern side, and Discovery Drive on the western side.

Stage 1 of the development will involve the construction of a 25-metre lap swimming pool, a single-storey building fronting the west side of the swimming pool; a pump house accommodating pool filtration; heating and pump equipment; and associated new footpaths around the school for access to the aquatic precinct.

Aquatic precinct plan — Photo credit: Moreton Bay Regional Council / moretonbay.qld.gov.au

Stage 2 will include the construction of a learn-to-swim pool, an elevated grandstand that can accommodate a maximum of 500 people at a time, and associated new footpaths including a ramp from the northern car park.

The Lakes College’s proposal will give the public access to the aquatic precinct who wish to participate in swim classes, squad and individual training, and quarterly and yearly swim competitions. The proposed hours of operation are from 6 am to 10 pm, seven days a week. Public use, however, is not allowed during school hours.

North Lakes Property Market Remains Strong with 15% Median Growth

Riding on Brisbane’s extraordinary growth, the North Lakes property market has shown strength, with a 14.29% median house price growth for the 12-month period ending September 2021, with no significant signs of cooling just yet.

Highlights

The North Lakes property market showed strong performance with a 14.29 per cent growth from October 2020 to September 2021.
The median house price for this suburb is past the half a million mark at $560,000 with sales closing at an average of 25 days on the market.
North Lakes’ unit market has also increased by 8.78 per cent despite apartment listings lasting for 61 days on the market.

House Price Growth

From October 2020 to September 2021, North Lakes’ home values grew by 14.29 per cent with the median house price settling at $560,000, per figures from Property Market Updates. Prices, however, remain fairly affordable and appealing, especially for first home buyers who want to live in a place where the CBD is still reasonably accessible.

Despite the increase, North Lakes’ performance in the market continues to demonstrate to investors that their money could go further in this liveable community. As a result, 595 houses were sold during this period in an average of 25 days on the market. Some 386 of these sales were for four-bedroom homes, ideal for couples with kids.

Since its master-planned development for the last 15 years, North Lakes has been ever-expanding as a family-focused location with some emerging draw cards like business parks and lifestyle hubs that give residents the option to never leave.

Unit Price Growth

The unit market in North Lakes takes up less than five per cent of the property market since most dwelling structures in this suburb consist of detached houses. However, apartments also performed well during this period as they grew by 8.78 per cent from last year with 111 units sold at a median price of $378,000.

Three-bedroom units were highly coveted but sales have been slower compared to houses, as listings took an average of 61 days on market. Most townhouses or apartments in North Lakes are built around the golf course, a location that instantly delivers a lifestyle home for the residents.

About North Lakes

While situated in a fairly new housing development, North Lakes’ population has rapidly grown to over 21,000, composed predominantly of families with children under 10 years old. Many professionals have chosen to build their lives in this fast-growing community because North Lakes provides long-term potential and a harmonious lifestyle where the children have plenty of green spaces to play.

A continuous stream of investments, from both businesses and the government, is expected to drive more growth for North Lakes.

Residents here not only have dozens of parks for their recreation but a number of shopping centres, like Westfield and IKEA, for their essentials. Parents also have heaps of options for private or public schools to send their children.

“Wonderful place to raise kids, family-friendly. Particularly love the prestigious Club North area with Kangaroos often found roaming in the many parks and gardens.”
Linda

“Mostly positive and the area has a lot of potential. Just needs more community events and employment opportunities. Too much reliance on the shopping centre as a community hub and it’s very hard to find professional work within the area (I have to commute to the city for my job).”
TP

“Everything you could possibly need. Costco, bunnings, Westfield, Myers , IKEA, Kmart , big w, target, rail at mango hill, major bus station. The Xmas fair that is held each year with fireworks is outstanding for families. Many trendy coffee shops and restaurants. Modern cinema complex and not far from Redcliffe. It’s also a bit cooler than Brisbane as it experiences the coastal breeZes.”
Mh6

Student-Led Business from Murrumba State Bags Youth Innovation Award Again

IntelVest, a student-led STEM business from Murrumba State Secondary College has received the 2021 Youth Innovation Excellence Award for the second year in a row.

Devised by teenagers Tiarna McElligott and Owen Ventre, IntelVest is a system that monitors firefighters whilst on the job. McElligott said that she became curious about the impact of stress and physical exertion among firefighters after learning that these account for nearly half of the fatalities so she and her partner developed the product.

IntelVest comes with sensors that collect clinical data, such as pulse rate, body temperature, respiration rate, and blood pressure, to indicate whether a firefighter is suffering from overexertion to greatly reduce the risk of death.

A representative from the Murrumba State Secondary College, who guides the students on IntelVest, attended the awards ceremony to receive the honour on behalf of students who were celebrating their graduation on the same day.

“It’s far superior to anything I could come up with,” said Rianne, adding that the students behind InteVest are “incredible people with truly challenging minds.”

It comes as McElligott also won the top award at an international STEM competition, the Global Link China Pasteur Cup International in July 2021. She was one of only three students representing Queensland and the only student competing at the high school level.

In September, McElligott was also named one of the 28 recipients of the prestigious Peter Doherty STEM Award that celebrates the life and work of the Nobel Prize winner.

“If ever there was a moment to be acknowledging our young scientists and encouraging them to continue on their path towards a STEM career, this must be it,” Education Minister Grace Grace said.

“I hope this award will encourage our budding young scientists to maintain their passion for STEM.”

Air Transport Hub To Be Built in Petrie By 2023

Photo credit: Skyportz / Facebook

Flying electric taxis could be travelling over Brisbane’s skies and transporting athletes at the 2032 Olympics site, plans for an air transport hub in Petrie, Moreton Bay reveal.

A 3-hectare property within The Mill in Petrie will be transformed into an electric air taxi hub at the Australian Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence (AAMCE), which is slated to be completed by 2023.

Skyportz chief executive Clem Newton-Brown made the announcement at the Air Taxi World Congress held in London.

AAMCE director Ty Hermans said that it makes perfect sense for the company to include in its design the most advanced transport system possible and that the project could be delivered just in time for the 2032 Olympics. He added that the Brisbane Olympics will provide a great opportunity for the city to embrace this new form of transportation.

Meanwhile, Mr Newton-Brown said that the facility will be the first of the up to over 400 bases planned to be built as part of the Skyportz network. No announcement yet was made on which other sites the company is planning to expand its network but he said that the project will test the level of community and political support for a wider network.

He further said that whilst there is strong political support to develop a clean, green electric aviation in the country, federal standards and new state regulations are needed to be in place before the company could proceed any further in their plans to build a network.

He added that Skyportz is already working with the Australian Federal and State governments so that standards, regulations and zones will be developed to allow the company to operate “miniports” in the planned locations across the country.

Mr Newton-Brown predicts that a handful of air taxis could be legally transporting people within the next five years which is why he underscores the importance of building a landing site network for electric air taxis to realise their full potential.