Living in Brisbane - February 2023 West edition

LIVING IN

KEEPING OUR KIDS SAFER: LORD MAYOR

Over the summer, families have been taking advantage of our fantastic climate and enjoying the great parks across Brisbane. But enjoying our outdoor lifestyle comes with the risk of sun exposure. That’s why we’re delivering the Sun Safe Suburban Playgrounds program across Brisbane. Last year, we confirmed the first 41 playgrounds to receive shade covers under the three-year program that ensures every playground in Brisbane has shade. This important investment is just one of the projects we’re delivering this year, including major road and transport upgrades. I look forward to working with you to ensure Brisbane keeps getting better in 2023.

Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner

New Everton Park Library underway

Construction has started on the new Everton Park Library, a purpose-built space to house the latest page-turners, more meeting rooms and breakout areas, plus a vibrant children’s area.

The new facility, which is being built at the existing library site on South Pine Road, will service the growing community of more than 35,000 annual visitors to Everton Park Library.

Construction is due to finish by late 2023, with the new library expected to open in early 2024.

Further north, we’re also refurbishing Zillmere Library to make it more comfortable and welcoming for visitors of all abilities. Works are expected to finish by mid-2023.

Visit our website for upgrade updates and what’s on at Council’s 33 libraries.

BRISBANE TO BECOME A WORLD-CLASS CYCLING DESTINATION

Work on Brisbane’s new world-class cycling facility is set to begin in 2023.

The Brisbane International Cycle Park at Murarrie Recreation Reserve will include international standard cycling tracks, a 500-metre speed skating track, a multipurpose clubhouse and a car park.

The elite training facility is a boon for riders and skaters ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The project is part of the wider Murarrie Recreation Reserve upgrade, with plans to transform the area into a premier sport and recreation destination. Future features include a learn-to-ride facility, BMX track, special track lighting, picnic shelters, barbecues and a dog off-leash area.

The cycling facility is expected to be completed by mid-2024.

Visit CyclingBrisbane.com.au

Artist impression

Artist impression

Artist impression

Feast on cultural delights at BrisAsia Festival

Back for its 11th year, the BrisAsia Festival (until 19 February) showcases the dynamic fusion of Asian art, culture and cuisine.

From Inala to Boondall, and Willawong to the city, the festival program is packed with events across 12 suburbs.

Make a date to celebrate Valentine’s Day at BrisAsia Love Songs on Sunday 12 February at the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha. The free concert will have you singing along in your seat.

Experience a story like never before with Kamishibai at the Boondall Wetlands Environment Centre on Saturday 18 February. See stories brought to life with revered Japanese storytelling accompanied by koto master, Takako Nishibori.

Most of the BrisAsia Festival events are free, so jump on the Brisbane app to find out what’s on.

Culture shines in The QUBE Effect

The QUBE Effect 2023 finalists, Belac James and Ney Ney, will draw on their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and deep love of music as they take part in this year’s music mentoring program.

Belac, a hip-hop artist and singer-songwriter, said music has been with him all his life, calling it the life source of his culture and spirit.

R’n’B singer, Ney Ney, said he’s an old soul trying to share his love of music and his culture with others.

The QUBE Effect gives Brisbane artists the chance to participate in a nine-month music development program, connect with other musicians and share their music with the world. Visit our website to read more about all of this year’s finalists.

Sun-safe play

Playgrounds across the westside are set to welcome more shade as Council’s Sun Safe Suburban Playgrounds program kicks off.

We’re investing $10 million over the next three years to make sure all of Council’s playgrounds are sun safe, with work already underway to install the first of the new shade sails.

Parks in Alderley, Ferny Grove, Gaythorne and Newmarket will be included in this year’s program.

Bringing shade to playgrounds for Brisbane kids is just one of the ways we’re bringing vibrancy to our suburbs so you can do more of what you love closer to home. Visit our website for more information.

Belac James

Brisbane Metro champions accessibility

Did you know accessibility advocates and people with disability have given valuable feedback on key design features for the Brisbane Metro project?

Brisbane Metro’s Accessibility Working Group contributes to discussions on mobility, age-related limitations and sensory impairment. Members also play a critical role in the design of the metro fleet, project infrastructure including walkways and station designs, and the overall customer experience for people with accessibility needs.

Brisbane Metro is just one of the ways Council is investing in safe and accessible transport options for everyone. Services are expected to begin in late 2024.

Scan the QR code to learn more about the pilot metro’s collaborative co-design process with accessibility advocates.

Road safety projects in 2023

We’re making Brisbane’s roads safer and improving travel times across the city with several road upgrades in 2023.

Work started in January to install new traffic lights and a pedestrian crossing at the Forest Lake Boulevard and Rudyard Street intersection in Forest Lake as part of the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program.

Major works will ramp up soon to tackle congestion on sections of Beams Road in Carseldine, Fitzgibbon, Taigum and Zillmere. The upgrade, jointly funded by the Australian Government’s Urban Congestion Fund, will improve safety for all road users by creating a consistent four-lane corridor.

Meanwhile, construction will continue on other major road projects, including the Moggill Road Corridor upgrade in Indooroopilly.

BE PREPARED THIS SUMMER

It’s been one year since the 2022 flood event showed how unpredictable the summer storm season can be. Council is making sure it is prepared for severe weather events, and urging residents to do the same. Let’s get in first before the weather does.

Sign up for the free Brisbane Severe Weather Alert service now.

SCHOOL ZONE SAFETY

It’s back to school and school zones have been reactivated. Children don’t have the same judgement and awareness as adults, so always stick to speed limits and keep your eyes peeled. Traffic signs, lines on the road and Council’s speed awareness monitor signs near schools are also in place to ensure school zones are safe for everyone.

GREEN HEART VISITS TOOWONG

The Green Heart Pop-Up is coming to Toowong Village for the first time from 20-21 February. Stop by for free native plant giveaways, kids’ activity bags and tips on how to live an eco-friendlier life. Visit the pop-up from 9am-5pm on the ground floor.

A VISION FOR NEW FARM PARK

Open spaces for relaxation and recreation, promoting local history and exploring opportunities to enhance the park’s features and safety at night are some of the elements proposed in Council’s New Farm Park Vision. Developed with community consultation, the vision will help guide the future of the much-loved park. Visit our website to find out more.

Step up to clean up

Start the New Year with a pledge to make a difference.

Join the local community to help keep Brisbane’s parks, streets and suburbs clean and green on Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday 5 March.

Hundreds of clean-ups are being planned across the city. Visit cleanup.org.au to find an event near you.

You can also take the lead and organise your own clean-up with your workplace on Tuesday 28 February or your school on Friday 3 March. All you have to do is register at cleanup.org.au and you’ll receive a free Clean Up Kit including bags, gloves, information and promotional materials.

Stay clean and green in 2023

Tackling Brisbane’s waste challenges goes beyond Clean Up Australia Day. Tap into these Council initiatives that help to keep your home and neighbourhood clean and green all year round.

Š Boost your recycling capacity by upsizing to a larger recycling bin for free.

Š Reuse and repurpose preloved furniture, homewares, collectables, books and more from Council’s Treasure Troves.

Š Look out for free waste drop-off weekend events at Council’s resource recovery centres or use your free waste vouchers.

Building a sustainable legacy

Did you know Brisbane is the first Australian city to receive Silver Certification in the UN-Habitat’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Cities Global Initiative?

This international certification reflects decades of work towards creating a cleaner, greener, more inclusive city, and will drive Council’s commitment to social, economic and environmental sustainability.

As Australia’s largest carbon-neutral government organisation, we’ve worked hard to improve the performance of our operations, while supporting the community to live more sustainably.

In 2023, we’ll continue to invest in clean energy and transport like Brisbane Metro and building green bridges, and work with local communities to protect natural habitat.

Meanwhile, our waste services and resources will help reduce household waste and divert waste from landfill. Together, we can protect and improve our enviable quality of life for generations to come.

DID YOU KNOW?

Council repaired 25,000 damaged wheelie bins last year and we reuse parts from retired bins. New bins are made from at least 40% recycled materials. Contact Council to request bin repairs or a replacement bin.

Š Minimise food waste by registering to drop food scraps to your local community composting hub or make the most of Council’s $70 compost rebate.

Search ‘Reducing waste’ on our website for more information.

STAY UP TO DATE WITH BIN COLLECTION DAYS

Download the Brisbane bin and recycling app.

CITYWIDE EVENTS

BRISASIA LOVE SONGS, 12 FEBRUARY

Bandstand Lawn, Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha

Go on a musical journey with love songs and passionate musical improvisations by renowned Mongolian horse-hair fiddle virtuoso, Bukhu, and Brisbane’s JADE New World Collective. brisbane.qld.gov.au

THE CHILLS, 15 FEBRUARY

Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm

The legendary New Zealand rockstars return to Australia to perform timeless gems like ‘Heavenly Pop Hit’, ‘Pink Frost’ and ‘Doledrums’. brisbanepowerhouse.org or call 3358 8600.

BRISASIA: KAMISHIBAI, 18 FEBRUARY

Boondall Wetlands Environment Centre Immerse yourself in culture as you experience kamishibai, a traditional form of Japanese storytelling, with a special performance by renowned koto (Japanese harp) master Takako Nishibori. eventbrite.com.au

NAVY WEEK, 23 FEBRUARY-1 MARCH

Various locations

Experience naval traditions including a Beat to Quarters and Ceremonial Sunset at King George Square (24 February) and demonstrations at HMAS Moreton Open Day (26 February). eventbrite.com.au

OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR, 28 FEBRUARY-3 MARCH

Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm

Explore the deep blue sea through a unique selection of short films. See captivating cinematography, inspiring underwater scenes and fast-paced wave sequences. brisbanepowerhouse.org or call 3358 8600

AIR, UNTIL 23 APRIL

Gallery of Modern Art, South Brisbane

From a swarm of black butterflies to an oversized bed sculpture, these large-scale and immersive works will captivate and lead you to ponder the cultural, ecological and political dimensions of air. qagoma.qld.gov.au

Please check event details and confirm with organisers that events are still going ahead before you make plans.

REGIONAL EVENTS

Check out the Brisbane app for more event listings!

LOW IMPACT FITNESS & PILATES

Tuesdays, 9.30-10.30am, Anzac Park, Toowong BYO mat for a warm-up and strength exercises. brisbane.qld.gov.au

GROW IT, COOK IT, COMPOST IT

16 February, 10am-1.30pm, Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha

Suitable for seniors. To book, visit eventbrite.com.au

FREE

FITNESS 4 SENIORS

Thursdays, 10.30-11.30am, Dorrington Park, Ashgrove Boost your fitness with cardio, strength and stretching exercises. Suitable for seniors. brisbane.qld.gov.au

ACTIVATE CHILDREN’S CLUB

18 February, 1.30-3.30pm, Gregory Park, Milton Play ball games, role play and more. To book, visit bazilgrumble.com

POTTERY WHEEL FUNSHOP

25 February, 10am-12 noon, Upper Brookfield State School, Upper Brookfield

Suitable for seniors. To book, visit bazilgrumble.com.au

TAI CHI QIGONG IN THE PARK

26 February, 8-9am, Woolcock Park, Red Hill

Follow gentle movement and breathing to feel refreshed and calm. brisbane.qld.gov.au

KIDS MUSIC BEAT GROUPS

2 March, 10-10.30am, Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha Move and make music together outdoors. brisbane.qld.gov.au

TABATA AND CORE

YOGALATES

15 February, 7.30-8.30am, Guyatt Park, St Lucia

Combine Pilates exercises with the postures and breathing techniques of yoga. brisbane.qld.gov.au

BRISASIA: THE ART OF TEA

21 February, 10am-1.30pm, Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha

Learn from tea makers. brisbane.qld.gov.au

4 March, 7-8am, Jubilee Park, Bardon

Try a mix of interval training and core strengthening exercises. To book, email christine@fitnesswithatwist. com.au

Thanks to everyone who shared their amazing Views of Brisbane! Simply share your photos on Instagram using #viewsofbrisbane or join our Views of Brisbane Facebook group for your chance to be featured.

Save the date in 2023

From arts to cultural celebrations, Brisbane has a vibrant year-long calendar of events. Big or small, Council is helping Brisbane’s festivals to flourish in 2023. Stay up to date with what’s on with the Brisbane app.

22-26 March, World Science Festival

Explore the wonder of ‘why?’ with talks, workshops and more. worldsciencefestival.com.au

2 April, Tour de Brisbane

Sign up for the ultimate Sunday ride, with up to 110 km of road to explore. tourdebrisbane.org

28 April-28 May, Brisbane Comedy Festival

Get set for laughs and giggles from stand-up, improv, musical, sketch comedy and more. brisbanecomedyfestival.com

May, Botanica

See the City Botanic Gardens come to life after dark with state-of-the-art projections and interactive artworks. brisbane.qld.gov.au

20-21 May, Paniyiri Greek Festival

From Zorba to souvlaki, it’s all Greek at this annual favourite. paniyiri.com

4-21 May, Anywhere Festival

Catch live performances in the most unlikely venues. anywhere.is

12-20 August, Ekka

Enjoy the much-loved competitions, sideshow alley, showbags and more. ekka.com.au

September, Brisbane Festival

Join in the month-long celebration of music, theatre and art. brisbanefestival.com.au

October, Oktoberfest Brisbane

Immerse yourself in German culture, food and entertainment. oktoberfestbrisbane.com.au

December, Christmas in Brisbane

Get into the festive spirit with a program of family-friendly events. christmasinbrisbane.com.au

Brisbane City Council acknowledges this Country and its Traditional Custodians. We pay our respects to the Elders, those who have passed into the dreaming; those here today; those of tomorrow. •