July 2020 INSIDE: Culture and arts facilities reopen Sprucing up suburban shopping precincts Safety tips for fire pits Enter your happy snaps to win!
BUDGET AT A GLANCE
$3.1 billion TOTAL BUDGET
A message from Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner Our focus is to help residents, businesses and community groups get back on their feet in the wake of the devastating coronavirus pandemic. We’re giving residents and businesses a financial breather by freezing rates until the end of the year and we’re continuing to waive a range of fees, charges and rents to provide relief for local businesses.
Economic Recovery Taskforce initiatives
$840 million
This year’s Budget has been one of the most challenging in history to bring down given the economic devastation, but it is one that will drive our recovery, get people back into jobs through major projects such as the turn-up-and-go Brisbane Metro, help businesses thrive again and bring the city back to its vibrant best.
Fully funded capital works infrastructure program
The second of seven more double-decker CityCats will hit the water this year and we’re connecting the city through fast-track construction of city-shaping projects Green Bridges at Kangaroo Point and Breakfast Creek. The design of the iconic Victoria Park vision continues, as will the construction and upgrade of new parks, playgrounds and dog parks across our city. By investing in job-creating construction projects, we will bring our economy back to life and move towards a better, brighter future for Brisbane. Adrian Schrinner LORD MAYOR For more information please get in touch with Council
$15.7 million
$334.4 million
Parks and suburban improvements
Rates freeze Six-month rates freeze for all ratepayers 3403 8888
brisbane.qld.gov.au
BUDGET 2020-21 MAKING BRISBANE BETTER FOR EVERYONE BACKING LOCAL BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY GROUPS As our city recovers, we’re providing immediate relief and looking to the future by supporting local businesses and community groups. Buying local and supporting our suburban precincts is more important than ever, that’s why we’re investing $9.2 million to revitalise local shopping strips. As the city rebuilds, our dedicated Economic Recovery Taskforce will work with small businesses to deliver support where it’s needed most. This includes $7 million for a COVID-19 Suburban Priority Projects fund, with every ward receiving $270,000 to support their local community as restrictions ease.
RATES RELIEF FOR RESIDENTS Coronavirus has hit our city hard and many of us are doing it tough. That’s why we’re responding with a Budget to get Brisbane back on its feet again.
We’ll also continue to waive a range of charges, rents and permit fees until December 2020. Our seven-day payment terms for Council’s small business suppliers and our buy local initiative to invest 80% of procurement spend with local businesses will remain in place. Further, we’re providing $3 million in direct assistance for community groups on Council land to help them rebuild after the coronavirus pandemic. Together we can get Brisbane businesses thriving again, people back in jobs and the city back to its vibrant best.
We’re helping to reduce the cost of living through: • a six-month rates freeze for all ratepayers • rates relief to those experiencing financial hardship, including a one-off owner-occupier $250 rebate for JobSeeker recipients • continuing support for pensioners, with a rates rebate of up to 40% and free off-peak travel for people holding a senior go card on buses, CityCats and ferries • continuing rates relief for first home owners with a rates rebate of 50% in the first 12 months of ownership • expanding our first home buyers rates rebate to 100% (from 1 October 2020) for eligible home buyers who build their home or buy off the plan, in the first 12 months of ownership. This initiative supports buyers and the thousands of builders and tradies that rely on construction activity in the housing sector.
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INVESTING IN NEIGHBOURHOOD PARKS Brisbane’s suburbs are set to get greener, with more than $334.4 million in our Budget for new and upgraded neighbourhood parks, improved sports fields and vital funds for koala research. Brisbane is already home to more than 2100 parks – and they’re about to get even better. Planning for our city-shaping Victoria Park vision is progressing, and major transformations are planned for Nudgee Recreation Reserve and the Wally Tate Park sports fields. There are also 112 local park and dog off-leash area upgrades in the pipeline, including Thrush Street Park in Inala, Shaw Park in Wavell Heights and Colmslie Recreation Reserve dog park in Morningside. We’re also adding more trees and garden beds to the streets of Algester, Bowen Hills, Chermside, Manly West, Milton, Paddington, Petrie Terrace and Riverhills through our $2.1 million Greener Suburbs program.
Find out how information Council is making Brisbane for everyone brisbane.qld.gov.au For more please get in touchbetter with Council 3403at 8888 brisbane.qld.gov.au
DRIVING BRISBANE FORWARD From Bracken Ridge to Belmont, we’re taking coordinated action to fix congestion and improve traffic flow on suburban roads across Brisbane. We’re working in partnership with the Federal Government through the Urban Congestion Fund to build Better Roads for Brisbane.
Artist impression – indicative only
INVESTING IN OUR CITY’S GROWTH Fast-tracking major projects and delivering vital infrastructure upgrades means a stronger economy with more local jobs and supplier opportunities. That’s why we’re: investing $840 million to progress city-shaping projects such as our Victoria Park vision and Brisbane Metro fast-tracking green bridges at Kangaroo Point and Breakfast Creek with $23.2 million in funding to start work and create job and supplier opportunities sooner investing $40.2 million to get our city moving on our pathway networks with projects such as Indooroopilly Riverwalk investing $2.1 million on our new Safer Paths for Seniors project to urgently fix footpaths around hospitals and retirement centres allocating $14.6 million to deliver new and upgraded ferry terminals including the Howard Smith Wharves ferry terminal and $11 million for two new double-decker CityCats built right here in Brisbane. These projects are crucial to get people moving across Brisbane and create jobs and benefits for local businesses supplying materials and services.
Council will update major corridors with more lanes and better intersections to improve safety and traffic flow in Ransome, Indooroopilly, Newstead, Mount Gravatt, Rochedale and Bracken Ridge. This year’s Budget also commits more than $33.2 million for major traffic improvements, including on the $4.3 million project to upgrade the intersection of Melton and Hows roads at Nundah, and $2.1 million to upgrade the intersection of Industrial and Campbell avenues at Wacol. Major projects including Kingsford Smith Drive and the Wynnum Road widening will also be completed this financial year. While our recovery Budget is focused on shovel-ready projects, we’ll continue to invest $90 million for smoother suburban streets across Brisbane’s road network.
METRO DELIVERS JOBS FOR BRISBANE Brisbane Metro is moving ahead at full pace, helping to stimulate our local economy and deliver job creating infrastructure. This financial year, Council will invest $79.6 million in Brisbane Metro which, during construction, will create 2600 jobs and local supplier opportunities. South Brisbane early works have started in readiness for changes to the traffic network and to prepare for main construction works in 2021. Our preferred tenderer for the construction partnership has also been named, and we are proceeding with final design for the project. This includes a bored tunnel under Adelaide Street instead of the cut-and-cover design originally proposed to connect Victoria Bridge with the King George Square station. Brisbane Metro is a game-changer for our city, with turn-up-and-go services, more travel options and using clean and green energy to future-proof our city.
Find out how/BrisbaneCityCouncil Council is making Brisbane better for everyone@brisbanecitycouncil at brisbane.qld.gov.au @brisbanecityqld
Artist impression
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More to see and do near you Enjoy more Council facilities with the easing of coronavirus restrictions.
Sunnybank Hills Library, with 100-person capacity
Culture and arts facilities reopen Refill your cultural cup with some of our most popular facilities, including the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, Brisbane Powerhouse and the Museum of Brisbane, reopening in line with the State Government’s easing of coronavirus restrictions. Sunday afternoons on the deck at the Powerhouse and stargazing at the Planetarium are back, with 100 people able to visit each venue at a time. We have two new shows on offer at the Planetarium’s Cosmic Skydome, Europe to the Stars and The Sun: Our Living Star. While you’re there, check out the new exhibition, Earth, Our Blue Oasis. Community safety remains Council’s top priority, with enhanced safety and social distancing in place at all our venues. Visit our website for the latest updates on Council services and facilities.
Libraries in Annerley, Fairfield, Coopers Plains, Inala, Corinda and Mt Ommaney, with 20-person capacity
9 community halls in Acacia Ridge, Annerley, Richlands, Forest Lake, Moorooka, Inala and Sunnybank
Be active and healthy in winter Stay motivated in the cool weather with Council’s popular free and low-cost Active and Healthy sessions in multiple locations across Brisbane. We’ve got something for all fitness levels, from gentle stretching with pilates to choreographed movement with Greek dancing, as well as 150 parks across Brisbane with free exercise equipment.
Acacia Ridge Tip Shop, open 8am-4pm weekends
Active and Healthy sessions are being scheduled with community safety as our top priority. Bookings are essential, with the number of participants capped and safety and social distancing measures in place to ensure the safety of providers and participants. Visit our website for booking details, scheduled updates and tips on staying active and healthy.
Community composting hubs, visit our website for locations See our website for the most up-to-date information on Council facilities and services before visiting.
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For more information please get in touch with Council
3403 8888
brisbane.qld.gov.au
Buy local
Local businesses are at the heart of our community, making our neighbourhoods great places to live, work and relax. It’s never been more important to buy local. Together, we can help Brisbane businesses get back on their feet. Visit our website for more on how we’re showing up for our suburban businesses.
/BrisbaneCityCouncil
@brisbanecityqld
@brisbanecitycouncil
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IN BRIEF GET FIT, FEEL GOOD Stay active on the southside with nine new Council playgrounds and a synthetic sports field completed during coronavirus closures. Kids will find fun at new playgrounds including Settlers Park in Sinnamon Park, while local sporting groups can work up a sweat on the new synthetic sports field at the Sunnybank Community Centre.
MITIGATE YOUR FLOOD RISK
A fresh face for Brisbane suburbs Eye-catching art, vibrant murals and new trees are popping up in shopping precincts across the city, making buying local even more enjoyable. Village precincts in Aspley and Carina have a fresh new look. New garden beds, seating, murals, upgraded footpaths and safer pedestrian crossings are just some of the improvements we’ve made so you can shop, unwind and dine in socially-distanced style. We’re already working on enhancing shopping precincts in Darra, Sunnybank, Seven Hills, Wilston Village and Paddington Terraces, and this year we’re investing $9.2 million to renew suburban centres like Manly Harbour and West Ashgrove. Shopping a little further from home? Support Fortitude Valley businesses with a trip to the Brunswick Street and Chinatown malls. Visit myvalley.com.au to find out what’s open. Read more about our Village Precinct Projects on our website.
Access the latest information about flood risk in Brisbane with Council’s updated FloodWise Property Report. The report, which shows the risk and type of flooding at a property, includes the latest flood data on the Brisbane River and seven creeks. Visit our website to download a copy.
HAVE YOUR SAY ON FORESHORE DOG TRIALS Council’s 12-month trial of dog off-leash areas in Sandgate, Nudgee Beach and the Manly foreshore will end in October. In the meantime, you can have your say on the trial via our online survey, open until Friday 24 July. Your feedback will help us create more to see and do on our foreshore while protecting the natural environment.
Curragundi Road, Jindalee
Snap to win Have you seen your suburb through a new lens lately? Share your local perspective by entering the annual Lord Mayor’s Photographic Awards. There are seven award categories to enter with a total of $14,000 in cash prizes. Open to anyone who lives, works or studies in Brisbane, this year’s theme is ‘suburban life’, so start snapping photos capturing our city’s unique character, lifestyle and scenery. Entries open on Wednesday 8 July and close on 5 August. You can also share your love of a good snap by voting for the People’s Choice Award winner from 2 to 30 September. Visit our website for competition details.
SAFEGUARD YOUR PROPERTY FROM FIRE Council is ramping up efforts to safeguard the city before the start of bushfire season. Our planned hazard-reduction burns are well underway to minimise fire risk and, with conditions permitting, planned burns will continue to August. Prepare your property by tidying your yard, clearing gutters and creating a bushfire survival plan. Search ‘Be prepared’ on our website for more tips.
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Lachlan Douglas, Open category first runner-up, 2019
For more information please get in touch with Council
3403 8888
brisbane.qld.gov.au
Libraries deliver many happy returns We’re excited to welcome up to 100 people in Council’s larger libraries as State Government restrictions ease to Stage Three. That means more access to hardcopy books, free internet, computers and study spaces, while we take extra care with social distancing and hygiene measures. Reconnecting in our 33 local libraries will take time. For now, children’s storytime sessions and author talks will continue via live-stream, while our digital library remains available around the clock for free e-books, movies, music and more. Brisbane residents have embraced Council’s digital library, with more than 5000 new digital memberships since Brisbane’s libraries closed to reduce the transmission of coronavirus. Visit our website for all the latest information on library access and services.
Brisbane’s river-lution Whether you’re cruising upstream on Yoogera, our double-decker CityCat, enjoying a riverside picnic or kayaking by moonlight, our river is at the heart of the Brisbane lifestyle we love. We have eight river and recreation hubs for short-term docking of private and commercial vessels, a new public pontoon at Riverhills, new riverside bike paths and we’re shouting ‘opportunity ahoy’ with more exciting things to come. Our second double-decker CityCat will be on the water by the end of the year and the City Reach Waterfront Master Plan is set to create a vibrant, world‑class destination from the City Botanic Gardens to Howard Smith Wharves. Planning is also underway for a new ferry terminal at Howard Smith Wharves. Find more to see and do on the river on our website.
Five ways to live more sustainably With Council’s tip shops, resource recovery centres and composting hubs reopened in time for Plastic Free July, it’s even easier to live your best eco life. • Use waste vouchers and save. We’re sending all Brisbane households waste vouchers this month to help you get rid of green and general waste. • Donate for charity and the planet. Save quality household goods from landfill by taking them to one of Council’s four resource recovery centres. • Get into composting. Bring your kitchen scraps to one of our community composting hubs to turn them into fertiliser, or just come along to volunteer. • Choose sustainable. Use beeswax wraps instead of cling wrap, avoid single-use plastic takeaway containers and BYO reusables like cutlery and straws.
Safety first with fire pits This winter, Council is temporarily lifting restrictions on backyard fires lit for heating in small braziers or constructed fire pits that are off the ground. Follow these tips to keep family and friends safe.
• Get a tip top bargain. Hunt for second-hand treasures at our two tip shops.
• Never leave your fire unattended. • Supervise children at all times. • Burn only 100% untreated wood. It’s dangerous to burn CCA-treated and coated wood products, or chipboard or plywood with glue and bindings. • Always put the fire out with water. Do not cover with sand or dirt or let the fire burn out overnight.
/BrisbaneCityCouncil
@brisbanecityqld
@brisbanecitycouncil
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WHAT’S ON Your Views of Brisbane
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.
BNEWhatsOn bne.cc/whatsonbne
FREE
FREE
THE STORYTELLERS From 17 July, Museum of Brisbane, Brisbane City, Uncover Brisbane’s history, myths and tales as told by nine of the city’s top authors using video, art and sound. museumofbrisbane.com.au
FREE
VALLEY LANEWAY MARKETS 1 August, 9am–2pm, Bakery, Winn and California lanes, Fortitude Valley Browse stalls offering fresh produce, pre-loved clothing, handmade goods and more.
FREE
@imlee
@strayamachan
@ameens
ZUMBA GOLD FITNESS
BALL SPORTS PROGRAM
Les Atkinson Park, Sunnybank Join the party with an easy-tofollow and low-impact workout to a fun soundtrack. Suitable for seniors. Search ‘active and healthy’ on our website for event details. brisbane.qld.gov.au
Warren Ritchie Memorial Park Complex, Ellen Grove Improve gross motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Suitable for 2 to 6 years. Search ‘active and healthy’ on our website for details. brisbane.qld.gov.au
FREE
WIN
THE CHOOK MASTERCLASS
BRISBANE PORTRAIT PRIZE
25 July, 1.30-2pm, Zoom live stream Join horticulturist Claire Bickle for answers to questions on chook health, growth, greens and more. To book, call 3403 7745.
Entries close 16 August A Lord Mayor’s Award of $50,000 is up for grabs. Submit a work where the artist and sitter have a connection to Brisbane. brisbaneportraitprize.org
Brisbane City Council GPO Box 1434 Brisbane Qld 4001 Every effort is made to ensure that information is correct at time of printing
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CA19-1249795-08-5007 ©2020 Brisbane City Council
brisbane.qld.gov.au 3403 8888 /BrisbaneCityCouncil @brisbanecityqld @brisbanecitycouncil