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Bardon Latrobe Football Club Responds to Issues Raised by Local Petition

Photo credit: Bardon Latrobe Football Club/Facebook

The Bardon Latrobe Football Club (BLFC) has issued a statement about a petition submitted by Bowman Park 4065 Friends, represented by Head Petitioner Simone Cross, raising various concerns and issues from some locals in the neighbourhood about the Club’s activities at Bowman Park.The Bardon Latrobe Football Club (BLFC) has issued a response to a petition submittedby Simone Cross, head petitioner and part of Bowman Park 4065 Friends, a group that has raised various concerns and issues in the neighbourhood about the Club.

Read: Locals Voice Concerns On Bardon Latrobe’s Expanded Hours Of Operation

In a media statement released by the Club to Bardon News, BLFC addressed issues raised by the said petition and reiterated that their commitment to keeping family sporting activities active in the local community has remained unchanged.

The Bardon Latrobe Football Club traces its roots to a powerhouse merger of two of Brisbane’s oldest football clubs, the Latrobe Football Club (established in 1916 at Gregory Park, Milton) and Bardon Soccer Football Club (established circa 1926 at Bowman Park, Bardon).

“Every Sunday and holiday its glades resound with the merry laughter of children and many, cricket & football clubs take advantage of its natural beauties.” Quoted from: *Cobblers flats page 6, Daily Standard, Sat 27th Feb, 1915*
Photo Credit: Taken from the BLFC Website

This potent combination was the nucleus of the present-day Club, formed by the merger in 1970. The Club has carried on with the use of Bowman Park for sporting activities, a venue that parent club Bardon Soccer FC has been using since the early 20th century.

Despite some complaints to the contrary, the Club assured concerned nearby residents and other locals that operating hours have remained unchanged over the last 10 years, with sporting activities ceasing most nights at 9:00 p.m., a little later on Friday and earlier at the weekends.

“Bardon Latrobe Football Club would like to assure the community that it has not changed direction. It remains firmly focused on junior sport (80% of members less than 16 years old) keeping the local community active (85% of members live in Bardon or neighbouring suburbs),” Dr Phil Cowlishaw, former President and current Club Registrar, said.

Bowman Park

Bowman Park is a popular neighbourhood destination because of its picturesque, natural creek ways, kids playgrounds, a basketball court, BMX track, bikeway, and bushwalking areas. The park is an on-leash dog area.

Concerns have been raised in the petition that parts of the parklands are being used as overflow parking, damaging the vegetation in the area and creating a safety issue for park users. BLFC further explained that the Club is authorised to use the leased land behind the clubhouse, something it has done so “…for many years without any injury or mishap.”

The Club also allows free and unrestricted access to the leased playing fields for the general public to enjoy when they are not in use or under maintenance, although reminders are given to visitors to avoid any damage to the playing field and park.

Inclusive Club

“The majority of our seniors who play at the club are mums and dads of the junior members who also volunteer and coach at the club. The club welcomes playing members of all ages, as young as 3 and as old as 61 years old and players of all genders and abilities,” Dr Cowlishaw shared.

Latrobe Ladies Football Club, 1921
Photo Credit: Taken from the BLFC Website

Over 30s Women’s Team (affectionately known as the Mum’s Team), 2021
Photo Credit: Supplied

Despite the ongoing controversy, the Club remains in constant communication with concerned neighbours and residents, to clarify issues arising from the petition. The petition, which will close on 30 October, has received just over 300 signatures from residents of Bardon and other neighbouring suburbs, as of the end of September 2021.

For comments, suggestions or feedback, please contact the club by emailing community.liaison@bardonlatrobe.org.au.

To view the petition on the Brisbane City Council e-Petition site, click here.

Locals Voice Concerns On Bardon Latrobe’s ‘Expanded’ Hours Of Operation

Photo credit: Bardon Latrobe Football Club/Google Maps

Residents living near the Bardon Latrobe Football Club (BLFC) have launched a petition to preserve park access for all residents by limiting the activities of the club at Bowman Park.

Read: Bardon Latrobe to Get $500K Infrastructure Funding

Simone Cross, who started Bowman Park 4065 Friends, submitted a petition to the Brisbane City Council, inviting other members of the community to sign and help save Bowman Park from over-development.

According to the petition submitted, alleging that the football club has grown their facilities, extended their hours to allow operation until 10:00 p.m., and even acquired a liquor license.

BLFC has a Council lease to play Soccer and Cricket on the sports oval, with an agreement with BCC in 2012 to focus on kids’ soccer. However, the petition alleges that the club has changed direction, grown significantly, and altered their name from Bardon Latrobe Junior Soccer Club, removing the focus from kids.

“The Club now has over 700 members with many Senior teams participating in training during weeknights and playing matches at Bowman park throughout the evenings and weekends,” according to Bowman Park 4065 Friends.

“The noise on the weekends is loud and regularly extends into the evenings. To date, there have been many breaches of their liquor license entitlements and behaviours that are not suitable for a quiet suburban neighborhood,” the petition also says.

In addition to noise, locals who signed the petition are concerned about parking, pointing out that parts of the parklands are used as overflow parking damaging the vegetation and creating a safety issue for park users.

These residents regard Bowman Park as a place “… donated to the health of the people of Brisbane…” and “…appreciated for its untouched ‘wildness’, where no single activity dominates. It’s a park for all the community.”

More than 200 residents have signed the petition so far. To sign the petition, those interested may visit the Brisbane City Council’s e-petitions page. The petition closes on Saturday, 30 Oct 2021.

To view the original e-Petition, click here: Brisbane City Council e-Petition by Simone Cross, Head Petitioner. Petitions express the views of the Head Petitioner and may not represent the views of Council or this publication.

Meat At Billy’s Rosalie Butcher Shop Moves to a Bigger Space

Five years since they opened a shop in Rosalie, Meat at Billy’s, one of Brisbane’s most preferred butcher shops, has moved to a bigger space next door to their old site on Baroona Road.

The new fit-out looks similar to its parent shop in Ashgrove and has more room to showcase more products, including the rubs and sauces offered at the main outlet.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the owners of Meat at Billy’s said that they are truly grateful for the patronage of the local customers who wanted to support local businesses. The essential store was kept well-stocked as customers who needed food supplies keep coming, with some even asking for cooking tips and suggestions.

The butchers at Meat at Billy’s are also masters in the kitchen and their instructions and recommendations are just some of the things that customers appreciate about this store.

Billy Gibney opened the first store in Ashgrove in 2009, which has since built a loyal base for its quality meat, diverse products, and informative or helpful workers. Known for their premium chops, housemade gourmet sausages, and hard-to-find meat like the honeycomb tripe, the store also provides a variety of grass-fed and free-range meats for the health-conscious.

More than a butcher shop, this store has a charcuterie and wine selection, deli products, marinades, and other cooking essentials for people who love to cook at home.

“These guys are awesome. My first visit last week to get a few samples. My GOD. The pork medallions are to die for, the pork ribs sensational and the grass fed sirloin simply melted in the mouth. Went back today and loaded up with a week’s worth. Greeted with a new shop, the display is massive full of fresh treats. Do yourself a favour and pay these boys a visit. You will become a devotee. Be back next week.”
Geoff Short

“Had the pleasure of dealing with David and Damien in store today and they were great. Super helpful, very knowledgeable and plenty of advice on how to get the best results with my cooks. The meats unreal as well!!”
Nathan Eyears

“The most amazing customer service I’ve ever received from any shop in Brisbane. The range of products is second to none. You will not be disappointed shopping at Meat at Billy’s Rosalie. Outstanding job guys.”
Melissa Bernard

Auchenflower Train Station Upgrades Hit a Milestone

The accessibility upgrades at the Auchenflower train station have reached a milestone following the installation of a 36-metre pedestrian bridge.

Member for Cooper Jonty Bush said that the added feature will provide a convenient path from the station precinct and to the Wesley Hospital for commuters, especially those with mobility devices.

“In just 48 hours, crews worked over the weekend to assemble the bridge, started installing the station’s new lift shafts and stairs and lifted in the 36-metre steel footbridge,” Mr Bush said.

Further work on the Auchenflower train station will continue in the next six months, which will cover the installation of lifts and stairs connecting the bridge to specific platform zones. The platforms had been raised in early 2021 to allow “easier and safer access to trains.”

“Once the accessibility upgrade is complete, everyone in the community will be able to travel safely and more easily through Auchenflower station and the neighbouring Wesley Hospital medical precinct, including people who use mobility aids, seniors, and people travelling with prams and luggage,” Mr Bush said.

Commuters may expect the following features when the upgrades are complete:

a new pedestrian footbridge with lift access
raised section of platform encompassing the core zone and assisted boarding point
upgraded hearing augmentation loop and tactile platform surfaces
upgraded security cameras and lighting around the core zone
new wayfinding and platform signage around the core zone

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said that, as a safety measure, commuters have to expect closures while the upgrades are underway.

“Queensland Rail is committed to communicating any travel impacts in advance to allow customers to plan their journey and allow any extra travel time required.”

The Auchenflower train station upgrade is part of the $27.5 billion roads and transport investment of the State Government in the next four years.

Petition Created Urging Preservation of Sisters of Mercy Property in Bardon

A petition to protect and preserve the Sisters of Mercy site in Bardon has been set up, following an announcement that the sprawling property will be put up for sale. Local residents are concerned that a new residential development could destroy the surrounding areas of Mt Coot-tha.

Greens MP Michael Berkman said that Brisbane City Council could acquire the Sisters of Mercy property before it’s snapped up by developers. He said that Council may use the Bushland Acquisition Fund to save the site, where a potential new community hub can be established.

The Greens MP created the petition urging the Council to acquire the property. So far, the petition has gathered 2,000 signatures.

Because of its high ecological value, the Sisters of Mercy site is protected from tree clearing. However, residents want assurances that the protection will be strictly adhered to if a private developer buys the site.

Highlights

A petition has been set up to save the Sisters of Mercy site at the Mt Coot-tha hilltop in Bardon, which is up for sale.
Residents want Brisbane City Council to acquire the property instead of developers to preserve the bushlands.
City Planning Chair Krista Adams said that potential development for the site will be strictly assessed because of its high ecological value.

“After consulting broadly with the community, it’s clear to me that residents want the Sisters of Mercy site to be protected for generations to come,” Mr Berkman said.

“Unfortunately, the real estate agents are still claiming that buyers could build ‘multi-residential, retirement, gated community, health and wellness precincts or a major home site for a high-net-worth private investor.'”

Mr Berkman also wrote Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner to ask for his public confirmation “that developers will not be allowed to circumvent the constraints imposed and the ecological significance recognised in the relevant planning instruments.”

Council City Planning Chair Krista Adams said that it cannot commit to the property’s purchase but stated that any proposed development on the site would be strictly assessed during the planning stages.

Cushman & Wakefield Middle Markets is handling the sale of the Bardon property and the Expressions of Interest closed on 22 July. The outcome of the sale has not yet been revealed.

Appeal Filed for Rejected Coles Local Development in Bardon

A developer has submitted an appeal to the Planning and Environment Court for approval of plans to build a Coles Local supermarket and bottleshop on Macgregor Terrace in Bardon. The proposal was initially rejected due to safety and traffic issues.

In May 2021, Brisbane City Council turned down DA A005505645 based on the recommendations by State Assessment Referral Agency (SARA).

SARA cited that a new supermarket in the area will increase the traffic congestion along the Latrobe and Macgregor Terrace roundabout by 100 to 154 more trips during peak hours. The roundabout already accommodates 23,000 vehicles a day.

Highlights

Council rejected the plan to build a Coles Local outlet in Bardon due to safety and traffic issues.
The developer filed an appeal with the Planning and Environment Court and it’s still under assessment.
Coles Local is a new concept store that will feature more local and high-end providers.
If the appeal is won, the Bardon site will be the third Coles Local in Queensland.

However, Connor O’Meara, the solicitor who represents CB (Qld) Pty Ltd, wrote in the appeal that the development will bring “measurable improvements” to Macgregor Terrace as the project will entail road widening, a “no right out” change to the traffic movement, and signs all over the strip.

The proposal also includes relocating the bus stop adjacent to the eastern access point about 40-metres west, which will remove seven on-street parking spaces.

The developer filed the proposal in July 2020 and divided the opinion of the community. Whilst some locals said they don’t need another Coles, others welcomed the proposal as this will only be the third Coles Local in Queensland. Some residents also said that stores on the strip of Macgregor Terrace are partially tenanted and in need of more foot traffic.

Coles Local, a concept launched in 2018, features a tailored in-store experience with more high-quality products from local producers. The first outlet with this concept opened in Ascot in June 2021. The second store in Taringa/Indooroopilly area has started the groundwork for the construction. A fourth site is also eyed for the CBD but the developers have yet to file an application for it.

If the appeal is approved, Coles Local in Bardon will be a single storey structure with two levels of basement parking that can accommodate more than 100 cars.

Fun Activities For Kids Ages 0-5 At Bardon State School

Photo credit: Bardon State School/Facebook

Bardon State School will be holding Bardon Buddies sessions, a weekly community event for kids ages 0-5, from July 2021 onwards.

Read: Bardon Ranks in Top 3 for Most Renovation Projects in Brisbane

Bardon Buddies, to be held starting 23 July 2021 from 9:00 am to 10:30 am, was created to support all ages with their transition to school. Activities include painting, playdough, games, and storytime.

Believing in the motto, “Learning and Growing,” Bardon State School seeks to maximise each child’s potential in a supportive, challenging and community focussed environment. Their curriculum is not only building the literacy and numeracy skills of our future citizens but embeds inquiry learning to develop curious thinkers and innovative problem solvers.

“We want to foster the artists, academics, musicians, sportspeople, digital whizzes and scientists of the future,” Bardon State School said about their curriculum.

Photo credit: Bardon State School/Facebook

Just last month, Bardon State School held its three-day Athletics Carnival, where kids had a blast participating in sports activities. The upcoming Bardon Buddies is just one of the many activities lined up for this school year.

For further information about this upcoming event, visit https://bardonss.eq.edu.au/ or follow them on Facebook.

Sisters of Mercy Selling 15-Hectare Bardon Hilltop Property

The 15-hectare hilltop property of the Sisters of Mercy in Bardon is for sale. However, residents have expressed their concerns about any potential development at the massive bushland site and its effect on the area.

Read: Bardon Ranks in Top 3 for Most Renovation Projects in Brisbane

The landmark estate in one of Brisbane’s most affluent suburbs spans 14.8 hectares and bears the valuable green backdrop of Mt Coot-tha. Found some five kilometres away from Brisbane CBD’s northwest, the property on 371 Simpsons Road offers an unrivalled view of the city and Moreton Bay.

Cushman & Wakefield is handling the sale of the Sisters of Mercy property, which is expected to fetch multimillion-dollar bids. The site is going up the market for the first time since the congregation had the property in the 1950s.

Following the sale, Sisters of Mercy will be moving to Nudgee, where the renovation of St Vincent’s Convent has been underway. The congregation planned the move due to the reduction of the number of its members.

The Bardon building has been used as the congregation’s administration offices and the dormitory for the novices. Until 2020, the quiet location was also a conference facility and temporary accommodation.

According to the realtors, the Bardon property could be developed into a “multi-residential, retirement, gated community, health and wellness precincts or a major home site for a high-net-worth private investor.” About 13,090 square metres of the property is not covered by the Vegetation Protection Order.

The realtor’s statement has prompted residents to reach out to Greens MP for Maiwar Michael Berkman to express their worries that a new owner could potentially ruin “the high ecological significance of the land.”

Mr Berkman is hosting a community meeting on 30 June 2021 at 9:00 a.m. outside the Simpsons Road location to discuss these concerns. Meanwhile, interested investors have until 22 July 2021 to submit their Expression of Interest.

Flood Resilient Program: Rosalie Resident Benefits from Free Home Renovation

Across Rosalie and Bardon, homeowners are rebuilding and elevating their houses off the ground to become flood-resilient and one resident has been a lucky benefactor of a free renovation, thanks to the pilot launch of the Flood Resilient Program.

An initiative of the Brisbane City Council in partnership with CitySmart, the Flood Resilient Program aims to help residents prepare, bounce back and thrive after a flooding disaster with minimal disruption. For now, the program is by strict invitation only and selected among residents who are “regularly and severely impacted by overland flow flooding.”

Margherita Gellel from Rosalie has been chosen to benefit from the program, giving her and her family some peace of mind. Ms Gellel has been a Rosalie resident for nearly 50 years and has experienced frequent flooding that she’s always apprehensive whenever it rains in Brisbane. However, she and her neighbours have never considered moving away as an option.

Photo Credit: QLD & Brisbane – Flood & Storm Images/Facebook

Now, she’s feeling a lot more relieved because of the program that launched in mid-2019. It would have been such a costly expense for Ms Gellel to rebuild her house from underneath but the renovation costs are shouldered by the Council, CitySmart and the firm of James Davidson Architect (JDA).

JDA has been designing flood-resilient homes for Queenslanders ever since the great flood of 2011. The firm has a different approach in building flood-resilient homes as it makes use of wet proofing or materials that are easy to clean and could withstand water. The company’s innovation has earned the recognition of the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience.

Meanwhile, CitySmart has conducted a forum on flood resiliency with the participation of various builders and architects specialising in flooding disasters, per Councillor Vicki Howard. This was a free event covering the following:

How to identify properties at risk from flooding
Flood-resilient building techniques, materials, and the benefit for your clients
How to provide advice to clients and understand your business risks, including planning scheme flood overlays and site water management issues
Comparative costs in flood resilience building and staying competitive when quoting

The forum took place on 24 June 2021 at the East Leagues Club in Langlands Park, 40 Main Avenue, Coorparoo. Keep tabs on the results of this forum via the councillor’s official site or Facebook page.

You may also visit the Council’s website to learn more about the Flood Resilient Program.

Bardon Ranks in Top 3 for Most Renovation Projects in Brisbane

Renovation projects are at an all-time high in Brisbane, with Paddington, Camp Hill, and Bardon taking the top three spots for having the most renovations done in the last nine months, following the reduction of development fees.

Across the city, some 2,000 renovation projects have reportedly been undertaken, driving more demands for tradies and boosting the building and construction industry during an economically challenging period as a result of the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said that various residents across 150 suburbs, especially from Paddington, Camp Hill and Bardon, as well as Pallara and Bulimba, have enjoyed the renovation discounts launched by Brisbane City Council in July 2020.

“It’s all part of my Council’s plan to support Brisbane residents and boost local business when they need it most,” the mayor said.

Mike Roberts of the Housing Industry Australia Queensland said the Council’s initiative was a big win for the economy, the tradies who still have jobs, and for the homeowners. As residents are spending more time at home due to their new work-at-home set-ups, they’re also taking on home improvement projects.

Among the most common renovation projects were adding more rooms to the house, modifications in the carport, installing a pool or deck (shared living areas), and adding a shed in the backyard.

Here’s how the suburbs have stacked up with renovation projects from mid-2020 to mid-2021:

SUBURB	# OF RENOVATION PROJECTS
Paddington	56
Camp Hill	51
Bardon	50
Bulimba	42
New Farm	42
Wynnum	41
Pallara	41
Ashgrove	39
Kedron	37
Hawthrone	37

Realestate.com.au reports that the renovation boom is also happening across the country with a national average cost of $63,188 per project. In Queensland, the average renovation project cost is $60,560.