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Last Call For Drinks! White Brick Brewing Closes In North Lakes

North Lake’s White Brick Brewing will tighten its taps and make its last call for drinks on Sunday, July 12, as its owner confirmed in a social media post that the business will be shutting down for good.

In a post on Facebook, White Brick Brewing’s owner, Adam Gibb, said that COVID-19 hit the business hard.

“We have been unable to find a workable solution to go forward,” Mr Gibb’s message stated. “It has been an amazing almost 3 years, and I am so very humbled by all the support and friendships we have made from so many of you. We have achieved some great things due to your support and encouragement.”

Mr Gibb said that they availed of the government’s support for community businesses and also did JobKeeper. Ultimately, however, the stimulus package wasn’t enough to pay for the costs of rent, staff wages and other needs for maintaining a brewery.

Though White Brick craft products were also sold in 22 bottle shops across Brisbane, the retail sales were also down as customers preferred buying budget bulk beer during this crisis. Other bars and restaurants who served White Brick also ceased trading.

*Photo Credit: White Brick Brewing/Facebook*

In May, Mr Gibb was one of the most vocal Brisbane business owners who said that clubs, pubs and restaurants will not survive the stringent reopening restrictions, such as limiting customers to 10 patrons.

Mr Gibb is putting his business up for sale and he’s hoping that a new brewer will step up to the challenge.

White Brick Brewing opened in November 2017 and won commendations from the Australian International Beer Awards.

North Lakes Peacocks: Community Torn Over Moving Muster Of Peafowls

Should Moreton Bay Council start moving its most splendid but sometimes noisy prowlers, the North Lakes peacocks, away to a different place? It’s a question that has been raised by the community in recent weeks amidst a muster of peafowls roaming, sneaking and scavenging the streets.

Paul Martin of the Coochie Hydrogreen Lawn Care caught sight of the party one early morning as he was working in a client’s home. About 10 peacocks were running towards him and he braced for an attack.

But the peacocks only strolled past Mr Martin, who described the muster he encountered as “very tame.” It was the first time Mr Martin witnessed the strange but beautiful sight, one that he said felt like a dream.

His client told him that some residents love seeing the peacocks in the neighbourhood and would happily feed the fowls.

On Facebook, residents have been sharing their peacock sightings.

“We have about 15 living in our neighbourhood. They just roam from house to house marching down the road and get fed by many. We love them!”

“They come round almost every arvo and keep the yard bug free for us.”

But not everyone is impressed by these birds. The peacocks have apparently been ruffling feathers by causing traffic to stall or damaging cars, gardens and rooftops.

“When the buggers dig the yard up, tear out anything you plant and carry on on the roof they are not fun. Have over 50 running around.”

The council has been receiving increasing complaints from the residents thus it might be time to consider relocating these colorful pheasants in the nearby bushland. According to reports, the council is assessing a potential new home with the help of the RSPCA.

Though the North Lakes peacocks have endeared themselves to the residents, it could raise more problems in the future as either pheasant or humans might end up getting injured in the next accidental encounter. Feeding the birds human food may also have long-term health effects.

The North Lakes peacocks were formerly residents of the Alma Park Zoo in Dakabin. The zoo closed down in 2014 and while most of the animals have been relocated, the peacocks remained.

Concept Plans Released, Upgrade to Double the Parking Capacity at Mango Hill Train Station

Two years after a federal election promise was made to upgrade the parking capacity of one of Greater Brisbane’s busiest train stations, some measure of progress can now be seen, as concept plans for two new parking areas in Mango Hill station have now been released for community feedback.

The new plans propose two new parking lots with an additional 200 slots, which will bring the total capacity of the station parking up to 400, double the current number.

The location of the new parking lots had previously been the subject of much controversy, when locals expressed concern in 2018 that the land chosen for the new parking lots would be sold and become the site of a residential-commercial development called the “Transit-Oriented Development.”

Previous announcements have been made, assuring the public that the Federal Government has locked in a budget of $4 million for the new car parking at Mango Hill station.

The federal funding is part of Urban Congestion Fund’s $244.25 million investment in South East Queensland.

One of the Busiest Stations in the Network

Mango Hill train station is one of the busiest in the network. Every day, regular commuters leave their cars at a dirt parking lot beside the station whose 200-car capacity is unfortunately not enough. The lot quickly fills up early in the morning and stays that way until commuters return later in the day.

“If you catch the train regularly, you’ll know how hard it is to get a park at the Mango Hill Train Station during peak commuter hours,” Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth MP said.

“Mango Hill is at capacity during normal peak periods and there is minimal on-street parking around the station. This upgrade will not only boost parking but strip hundreds of cars off the road,” Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge also said.

According to Mr Tudge, estimates put the cost of congestion in Australia’s capital cities at $25 billion per year, projected to reach $40 billion by 2030.

“The Urban Congestion Fund is helping to deliver a more reliable road network for commuters and freight, and support critical access to employment centres and freight hubs,” he explained.

“This is as much about hitting those local traffic headaches as it is about the major highways,” he added.

The concept plans are up for public comment until the 5th of June, 2020.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said that detailed plans will soon follow, along with an overall cost summary and construction schedule.

The project is slated for completion in 2021.

$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.