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$2.1-B ‘Moreton Connector’ Arterial Road Project Set to Ease North Brisbane Congestion

Plans for a new arterial road, dubbed the “Moreton Connector,” have been revealed by the state government. The project is part of a $2.1-billion package aimed at busting congestion and easing travel for North Brisbane and Moreton Bay commuters.

The project involves redesigning the Gateway Motorway, Bruce Highway and Gympie Road interchange near Bald Hills and other upgrades.

The proposed arterial would link Dohles Rocks Road at Murrumba Downs to Anzac Avenue in Mango Hill. New northbound ramps will be built to service the Bruce Highway and Dohles Rocks Road interchange.

$23-B Over the Next Four Years

The $2.1-billion project is part of a record amount of $23 billion allocated by the Queensland government as part of the infrastructure investment on state roads and transport over the next four years.

“The Federal Government is eager to look at what jobs we can create and what projects we have across Queensland,” a statement from Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads has given assurances that funding has been “locked” for the planned upgrades in Brisbane’s northside.An estimated 80 percent of the funds have been set aside by the federal government and the state government is expected to provide funds for the rest.

“The Gateway Motorway, Bruce Highway and Gympie Road in this part of Brisbane’s outer northern suburbs collectively carry about 310,000 vehicles a day. We have the blueprint to deliver significant improvements to major roads right across the northern reaches of Brisbane,” Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said.

Emphasis is being made in transforming Brisbane’s northern gateway by redesigning the interchange and building the new arterial road because of the heavy vehicular traffic the region experiences every day, easily 100,000 more than the volume of traffic on the busiest section of the M1, according to Mr Bailey.

The project will be a three-way collaboration between the federal government, the state government, and Moreton Bay Regional Council.

“The next step is for us to get all three levels of government together so we can get work started as soon as possible,” Mr Bailey said.

Dakabin Station Upgrade To Improve Access To North Lakes & Surrounds

Work has commenced on the proposed upgrades to Dakabin train station, a significant transport hub that provides access to and from North Lakes and surrounds.

Residents have been saying, for years, that the station needed to be upgraded to make it more accessible to more people. Commuters have also lamented the lack of adequate parking facilities. Access improvements and parking facilities are now part of the improvement plan; but not another item found on the residents’ wish list: a bus station.

Despite its importance to the local community, would you believe that there has never been a proper bus connection at the Dakabin train station? Residents have been requesting it for years. Nevertheless, the train station upgrade includes the provision of space for a bus connection.

Helping the Local Economy

At the recent sod-turning ceremony, Murrumba MP Steven Miles said that aside from fixing the parking and accessibility issues at the station, the Dakabin upgrade helps boost the local economy through the creation of up to 250 additional jobs in the market due to the ongoing construction.

He said that this comes as welcome news during a period of increasing employment insecurity. Likewise, the local economy will be positively impacted. People will be able to have easier mobility, once the station is done. Housing values will also be positively impacted.

QLD Rail Station Accessibility Upgrade Program

The works are part of the Queensland Rail Station Accessibility Upgrade Program . Under this program, the Government is investing $357 million to improve accessibility at South East Queensland train stations.

An additional $57 million has been committed for an additional six stations, from Fairfield to Salisbury (F2S), to be delivered as part of the Cross River Rail project.

Through these updates, customers with disabilities, the elderly, parents with prams, people with injuries or even simply those carrying luggage, will be able to use the station with ease and independence.

What are the improvements?

Features of the upgrade include:

a new pedestrian footbridge with lift access
raised section of platform encompassing the core zone and assisted boarding point
improved accessible parking
upgraded hearing augmentation loops and tactile platform surfaces
upgraded security cameras and lighting around the core zone
new wayfinding and platform signage around the core zone
new multi-storey parking facility to replace the existing carpark on Thompson Road carpark.

Queensland Rail is working with the Department of Transport and Main Roads on the additional parking facility and a new bus interchange.

This is a welcome development because according to Queensland Rail, “patronage statistics show 78 percent of Queensland Rail’s customers travel to and from independently accessible stations in South East Queensland.” Patronage data also shows that more than 84 percent of customers will be traveling to and from independently accessible stations.

Our Medical Home Soon to Open in North Lakes

Construction of a new medical centre located at 42 North Lakes Drive, opposite Westfield North Lakes, is now underway and is due for completion after mid-2020.

Our Medical Home North Lakes will have a “gross floor area of 1,594 sqm and will be constructed along the North Lakes Drive and Lakefield Drive frontages to activate the road frontages at what is a prominent intersection along North Lakes Drive,” the I.B. Town Planning report said.

Photo Credit: pdonline.moretonbay.qld.gov.au / YSquared Architects

Our Medical Home North Lakes will become part of Cornerstone Health’s network of medical centres spread across outer metro Sydney and Melbourne and South-East Queensland.

Photo credit: pdonline.moretonbay.qld.gov.au / YSquared Architects

The new medical centre will operate 7 days a week and will offer essential health services including bulk billing GPs, dental, pathology, radiology, pharmacy, allied health and specialists, as well as a full dental clinic – a first for Our Medical Home.

Photo credit: pdonline.moretonbay.qld.gov.au / YSquared Architects

Read: Mango Hill State Secondary College is Coming to Life

The development will provide 67 on-site car parking spaces, as well as an ambulance bay and a loading bay for service vehicles to be situated directly adjoining the rear of the building. Entrance to the car parking area contains boom gates to control access to the site.

“We invest in Australian communities by providing healthcare service where and when it’s needed most; with a focus on growth areas with high demand. As one of the fastest-growing areas of Queensland, North Lakes fits this profile perfectly,” Henry Bateman, Cornerstone Health’s CEO and Managing Director said.

“We’re proud to be setting new benchmarks and increasing access to quality primary healthcare for all. We are currently recruiting local doctors and dentists to join our new North Lakes practice in 2020”.

Read: North Lakes Selected for New HEMS Pilot Trial

View Open Homes in North Lakes With VR Technology

In the market for a new house? There’s an added risk to going to open homes these days, amidst the threat of the coronavirus pandemic. A realty group with a shop in Westfield North Lakes, however, has found an innovative solution for its clients by using virtual reality (VR) technology.

Kindred Property Group has a fully equipped VR facility in its North Lakes establishment to cater to customers who want to look at many properties to rent or buy without the potential health risks.

“The virtual real estate stations located in this retail environment allow multiple customers to view countless properties at their own leisure, or supported by one of our Customer Care team member,” said Daniel Lyngcoln, the company’s Chief Marketing Officer.

Even without the threat of COVID-19, VR technology still brings many advantages for customers. Open houses can be a time-consuming process but the VR facility may cut this inconvenience as customers can have actual inspections of the properties they are interested in without leaving Kindred’s office.

The VR experience is fully immersive, allowing potential house buyers to view the property from a real-time 360-degree angle. For realtors, a VR facility is also a great investment that may be more advantageous than traditional advertising and staging.

Since introducing the VR facility at its Westfield North Lakes site, Kindred’s foot traffic has increased. The company has also received more appraisal requests as well as tenancy applications.

“We believe that to remain relevant in a new world, we need to look at real estate differently,” Josh Kindred, the CEO of Kindred Property Group said.

Plans Lodged for New Health Care Hub with Swim School and Shops in Deception Bay

Photo Credit: pdonline.moretonbay.qld.gov.au

Deception Bay will have a new health care hub with an indoor swim school, ancillary shops, a café, and a caretaker’s accommodation dwelling should a development application be approved.

Designed by Christian Zambelli Architect, the proposed built form of ‘Deception Bay Health Centre’ varies between one and two-storey buildings in height and will incorporate a contemporary local centre design. The DA says it will have an easily accessible and simple pedestrian and vehicular connectivity.

Subject site (Photo Credit: pdonline.moretonbay.qld.gov.au)

The centre includes a gross total floor area of 1,990 sqm and would be based at 54-66 Old Bay Road, located on the corner of Old Bay Road and Thompson Street, Deception Bay. If approved, this health care hub will share the same location as the approved 175-child single storey centre that is sited along the southern edge of the subject site.

The development provides a total of 83 car parking spaces and would have access to Old Bay Road and Thompson Street via a driveway at the southwestern border and northern border of the site.

Photo Credit: pdonline.moretonbay.qld.gov.au

The surrounding area predominantly includes established residential uses, open space, and rural areas. The subject site is also located approximately a kilometre away from the waterfront of Moreton Bay.

“The corner site, which adjoins a future (approved) Child Care Centre, will create a local facility which combined would service the healthcare and childcare needs of the established Deception Bay community,” DTS Group reported on behalf of the applicant.

DTS added, “The application seeks approval for a localised health care centre development and indoor swim school that is consistent with the anticipated character for the Suburban Neighbourhood Precinct.”

Tenancies are expected to operate from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm Monday to Sunday, with actual business hours to be set by each tenant. For more information about this proposed health care hub, see Council Reference 2020 / 40376 / V2K.

Here’s Where to Go for the Best Loved Food Trucks Under One Roof

Did you know that Deception Bay has a newly opened foodie hive featuring Brisbane’s best loved food trucks? If you’re wondering where to go to sample a variety of food in one sitting, head to StrEAT Easy Diner on Deception Bay Road for a delightful food experience.

StrEAT Easy Diner offers international cuisines from familiar eateries that join markets and catered events around Brisbane. Each variety has a shipping container kitchen that whips up flavours and street food fares to whet your appetite. The eateries also offer exclusives just for this diner.

Kings of the Wings

Kings of the Wings‘ specialty needs no elaboration. This award-winning food truck brand has been in the business since 2013. Satisfy your American-style chicken wings cravings with a range of flavours and a side of fries. The team behind Kings of Wings is also behind Streat Easy Diner & Bar’s concept.

Flavours of “Eataly”

Flavours of Eataly serves Italian gourmet food at affordable prices. If you’d like to try gnocchi fried lasagna arancini and classic Italian desserts, they are at the centre station at StrEAT Easy Diner.

That Greek Truck

Here’s another award-winning and established food truck with gourmet Greek and Mediterranean food in its menu. That Greek Truck caters to both meat-eaters and vegetarians.

Yo-Get-It

After you’ve had those wings, Italian comfort food, and tasty Mediterranean picks, cap off your dining experience with a helping of yoghurt ice cream from Yo-Get-It. Create your own or order off the menu and enjoy its creamy goodness.

The last corner at the StrEAT Easy Diner is the bar that servers drinks from local microbreweries like Green Beacon, Stone & Wood and Brendale Brewing Co.

The diner has plenty of long tables for group feasts. The place has air-conditioned areas so you can hang around with your family or friends.

New Mango Hill State Secondary College Now Officially Open

The new Mango Hill State Secondary College has officially opened, welcoming 220 Year 7 and 8 students on 28 January.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, along with Education Minister Grace Grace, Murrumba MP Steven Miles and Bancroft MP Chris Whiting, inspected the new $64-million school a few days before its opening and describing the school as “world-class.”

The school opened to students Years 7 and 8 and will grow by one year level each year, offering Years 7 to 12 by 2024. Mango Hill State Secondary College was one of the eight new schools that opened on 28 January, built under the $1.3-billion Building Future Schools program.

New Mango Hill State Secondary College — *Photo credit: Mango Hill State Secondary College / Facebook*

“The growing Mango Hill community has been calling for a new school to cater for growth, and I’m pleased to be able to stand here today and say we’ve delivered,” the Premier said.

“Not only are we catering for growth, but construction of this project supported 192 jobs including 65 apprentices and trainees.”

Other schools that were recently opened include Fortitude Valley State Secondary College, Foxwell State Secondary College, Calliope State High School, Yarrabilba State Secondary College, Ripley Valley State Secondary College, Ripley Valley State School, and Lee Street State Special School in Caboolture.

Stage 1 of the school, Ms Grace said, features junior general learning rooms, an admin centre, an oval and sports centre, covered lunch area and canteen. Also to be ready in early Term 1 is a science centre with applied technology and hospitality facilities.

Future stage will include a junior applied technology centre, food and hospitality centre, art and design centre, senior learning centre and performing arts, and a music and multimedia centre.

“The new facilities will provide rich learning environments for students across all learning areas, with specialist facilities for the Arts, STEM, Applied Technology, Business and ICT, and Health & Physical Education incorporated into the 5-year Master Plan,” New principal Michael Rogers said.

New Medical Centre Coming to North Lakes

Construction of a new medical centre located at 42 North Lakes Drive, opposite Westfield North Lakes, is now underway and is due for completion in mid-2020.

Our Medical Home North Lakes will become part of Cornerstone Health’s network of medical centres spread across outer metro Sydney and Melbourne and South-East Queensland.

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

“We invest in Australian communities by providing healthcare service where and when it’s needed most; with a focus on growth areas with high demand. As one of the fastest growing areas of Queensland, North Lakes fits this profile perfectly,” Henry Bateman, Cornerstone Health’s CEO and Managing Director said.

45 North Lakes Drive, North Lakes QLD 4509

North Lakes Selected for New HEMS Pilot Trial

Five hundred households in North Lakes, Wakerley, Chapel Hill, and Springfield get to participate in the Energex home energy management systems (HEMS) trial that will run until April 2021.

HEMS devices allow consumers to monitor and manage their home energy use without having to be there. The seven-month HEMS trial pilot program is designed to help Energex learn how HEMS influence householders’ energy consumption and how this technology can be integrated in the electricity distribution network.

“Home energy management systems make it easy for households to monitor their electricity use and to change their behaviours to save money,” Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said.

“This pilot will test just how much impact HEMS has on householders’ energy behaviour and if they save money on their power bills.

“Energex is also trialling HEMS systems to see how they can help Energex deal with peak demand, with managing solar energy coming into the network and also provide important data to help develop new pricing options for the future.”

Funding for the pilot program will come from an Australian Energy Regulator scheme to encourage electricity distributors to research and investigate innovative techniques for managing peak demand.

Video Credit: Combined Energy / YouTube

A HEMS is capable of tracking and recording the electricity flow, and allows customers to optimise their energy consumption by manually controlling and /or automating the use of high consumption appliances utilising cutting edge devices installed in the property and software connected via the internet.

Using an app or through the portal, customers can remotely turn on and off major appliances like hot water systems, pool pumps, and air conditioners or monitor how effectively solar panels are working.

A tender process for potential service providers for the HEMS trial is underway with a range of benefits for householders to be considered including free or discounted HEMS systems, cashback offers, or discounted solar and battery storage systems.

Smart Parking Soon to Launch in North Lakes

Whilst no definite date has been announced yet, residents are now looking forward to the North Lakes Smart Parking project, which may launch early this year, following a recently concluded system trial.

Aided by a $450,000 grant from the Australian Government through its Smart Cities and Suburbs Program, Moreton Bay Regional Council’s $900,000 Smart Parking project aims to increase short-term parking opportunities within the North Lakes area.

The project involves installation of digital street signs indicating how many free parking spaces are available on a given street, as well as cameras which will be linked to a smartphone app specially developed for the project tol show real-time updates of available and occupied parking spaces.

Following a tender process which closed in December 2017, Moreton Bay Regional Council has awarded the project contract to Telstra.

Smart Parking Limited, Telstra’s project partner, has installed 358 in-ground sensors, along The Corso, Linkfield Drive, and Little Bourke Street, which are capable of monitoring and relaying current parking bay status.

This real-time information will be processed and data will be made available to operators at Moreton Bay City Council for parking analysis and planning.

Apart from helping ease congestion brought about by the introduction of paid parking at the Westfield Shopping Centre, the Smart Parking system is also expected to increase commercial activity in the North Lakes CBD and help Council reduce capital expenditure for additional parking spaces.

About Smart Cities and Suburbs

The Smart Cities and Suburbs Program is a $50-million initiative of the Australian Government aimed at supporting innovative smart city projects which are geared towards improving the livability, sustainability, and productivity of Australian cities and towns.

Round One of the Program saw 49 projects from across all states and territories benefiting from a total of $27.7 million in funding. These projects will be co-funded by partners including local governments, research organisations, and the private sector.

Round two outcome had 32 projects getting over $21 million in total match funding, with grants ranging from $250,000 to $5 million.