Living in Brisbane - August 2023 North edition

Making Brisbane’s parks and playgrounds even better: Lord Mayor

Brisbane is Australia’s cleanest and greenest city. Our 2180 parks play a big part in that reputation, and we’re committed to making them even better.

We recently opened an incredible playground in Bradbury Park, Kedron that’s attracting families from across Brisbane.

We are delivering four new pickleball courts for Brisbane’s suburbs to help meet demand for this fast-growing sport and we continue to invest in our Sun Safe Suburban Playgrounds program that will ensure every playground in Brisbane has shade.

This is all part of our commitment to free and affordable fun and making Brisbane suburbs even better.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner

Progress on Green Bridges

Council’s Green Bridges continue to take shape on Brisbane’s river.

Concreting is complete for the base of the main pier of the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge, which will support the 83-metre-tall mast and midriver viewing platform.

You’ll begin to see the mast coming together over the next couple of months with the assistance of the world’s strongest tower crane, which will complete a 180-tonne lift as part of the mast installation.

Downstream at the Breakfast Creek Green Bridge, we’ve almost completed the deck for the new 175-metre Riverwalk extension, which will connect the bridge to the popular existing Lores Bonney Riverwalk alongside Kingsford Smith Drive.

Head to Council’s website to learn more about our Green Bridges.

Outdoor adventure at Victoria Park

Reconnect with nature and rediscover your sense of adventure at Victoria Park’s first ever Outdoor Adventure Festival on August 26 and 27.

This free festival starts on Saturday morning with amazing acrobatics and incredible BMX stunts.

Make the most of Brisbane’s beautiful outdoors and explore Victoria Park at your own pace.

Ignite your sense of adventure and join Saturday’s trail run, or challenge yourself with archery, rock climbing or an obstacle course.

If you’re seeking something more relaxed, there’ll also be time to relax and recharge with yoga, meditation classes, inspiring conversations, live music and food trucks.

Open 10am-5pm daily. Search ‘Outdoor Adventure Festival’ on our website for more information.

Artist’s impression: Kangaroo Point Green Bridge at night

New playground opens at Bradbury Park

Hey kids, the wait is over!

Brisbane’s one-of-a-kind playground at Bradury Park in Kedron is now open following a $10 million upgrade.

The playground is ideal for children aged 10-15 years and includes inclusive and accessible giant, futuristic towers and bridges.

Large boulders and logs surround the playground, as well as a misting system in warmer months, a magic forest, scooter track, basketball court, fitness space, dog off-leash area, and improved picnic and parking facilities.

The upgrade, which includes 4700 new plants and trees, was created incorporating feedback from the community. It’s a space for families to enjoy for years to come!

New Heritage trails

Step back in time to Brisbane’s 19th Century premier seaside resort towns along the new heritage trails in Shorncliffe and Sandgate.

The new Shorncliffe Seaside Heritage Trail explores 21 historically significant locations, including Baxter’s Jetty, Shorncliffe Pier and former entertainment precinct, Moora Park.

With its 11 new stops, the Step through Sandgate Heritage Trail now has 24 historically significant sites, including commercial places dating from the 1880s-1960s.

Council’s heritage trails offer a great way to explore histori journeys across the city, and celebrate the stories of our local suburbs.

Find more heritage walking trails, from Indooroopilly to Wynnum, by searching Heritage Trails on our website.

Easy tips to save money

From lowering your energy bill to saving at your local library, we’ve got you covered with these simple money-saving tips.

Š Access free e-books, audiobooks, magazines, music and movies at your local library.

Š Pick up a second-hand bargain at one of Council’s Treasure Troves.

Š Stay healthy without breaking the bank with more than 50 weekly active and healthy events at Council’s parks and halls.

Š Make the most of Brisbane’s extensive public transport options, for convenient and affordable travel.

Š Keep the kids entertained for free at one of Council’s playgrounds, pickleball courts or BMX and skate parks.

Š Check to see if you’re eligible for free off-peak travel for seniors.

Š Download the Brisbane App to find great free and low-cost Council events and activities near you.

For more money-saving ideas, search ‘cost of living tips’ on our website.

Textile recycling made easy

Spring clean the linen cupboard and give your old towels and sheets a new life. Council is partnering with BlockTexx for three Give a Sheet® for the planet events across the city.

Residents can donate their old and worn-out household linens at the Sleeman Sports Complex, Chandler on 19 August with donations recycled to create new products such as mulch, fabrics and building materials.

Two additional events will be held on 9 September at Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre, Karawatha and 21 October at Boondall Entertainment Centre, Boondall.

To donate other household items in good, usable condition, visit one of Council’s four Resource Recovery Centres.

TAKE THE BRISBANE CARBON CHALLENGE

Switching off lights and appliances, reducing food waste, or commuting by public transport are simple ways to lower your household carbon footprint. Small steps at home can make a big difference! Take part in the Brisbane Carbon Challenge to reduce your household emissions and bills. Visit brisbanecarbonchallenge. com.au

SPOT AND PROTECT PLATYPUSES

Green bin prices halved

Council has made it easier for residents to dispose of their green waste by slashing the price of green bins in half.

From 1 July, green bin prices were reduced to less than $1 per week, to help residents make a difference by diverting green waste away from landfills and keeping our city clean, green and sustainable.

This decision will benefit more than 134,000 Brisbane households who already have a green bin and will encourage those who don’t to hop on board and start prioritising clean and green household habits.

For more information on green bin services, search ‘green bin waste’ on our website or download the free Brisbane Bin and Recycling app.

Discover the wonders of Brisbane’s local creeks this August with some platypus spotting! Council supports the Australian Conservation Foundation’s Platy-Project, dedicated to preserving this iconic species. For more information and report your sightings, go to acf.to/ brisbane-city-council-platyproject

TINCHI TAMBA PONTOON REOPENS

Residents will soon be able to use the Tinchi Tamba pontoon following repairs required after the February 2022 severe weather event. Council is making sure the pontoon will be better able to withstand similar flooding events in the future. The anticipated reopening is late September, weather permitting.

Record footpath investment

Council is investing a record $41 million into new and improved footpaths to help make Brisbane even more walkable.

This investment includes replacing cracked, damaged footpaths, maintaining uneven paths and constructing new footpaths in consultation with local communities.

Let us know if a footpath needs fixing by contacting Council via our 24/7 Call Centre on 3403 8888. Council will inspect major issues within 2 hours and minor issues within 24 hours. If a safety issue is identified, we will immediately carry out works to make the footpath safe.

This record investment will make sure all walkers, cyclists, and e-mobility users are travelling on safe, connected footpaths to make their journey easier. For more information, search ‘footpaths’ on our website.

New doubledecker CityCat makes a splash

Sit up top and explore Brisbane’s iconic scenery from incredible heights on the new double-decker CityCat 28, Binkinba II

You can take in Brisbane’s epic views all the while enjoying the upper deck shade sails, convenient USB charging points and comfortable table and lounge seating.

Binkinba II stretches more than 27 metres long and can carry up to 170 passengers, including 20 on the top deck. It also offers wheelchair and mobility access as well as bike storage.

Artist’s impression: Metro fast charging in action

Brisbane Metro - fast charge facts update

Here are some fast facts to get your motor running.

Š Metros fast charge in just over six minutes – that’s 85 x faster than at-home electric vehicle charging.

Š Using laser-guided technology, the vehicles auto-connect to overhead charging points at end-of-route locations.

Š They don’t only charge in the fast lane – the Metro depot at Rochedale will also include slow charging to maximise battery life.

Learn more about our metros at the Brisbane Metro Information Centre at 63 Adelaide Street, Brisbane, open Monday - Friday, 10.30am-4pm.

The new double-decker CityCat is one of four to be introduced to Brisbane waters in the next 28 months, taking the total to 10 double-decker CityCats.

For more information visit brisbane.qld.gov.au and search CityCat services.

DID YOU KNOW?

You can have your say on how to make Brisbane a more walkable city. Search ‘Walkable Brisbane’ on our website.

FREE AND AFFORDABLE EVENTS

VARIOUS

UP LATE,

18-19 AUGUST

Gallery of Modern Art, South Brisbane

Don’t miss two nights of live music, curated DJ sets, culinary delights and two new exhibitions from eX de Medici and Michael Zavros. qagoma.qld.gov.au

WORLD PRESS PHOTO EXHIBITION, UNTIL 20 AUGUST

Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm

Come and see the best photojournalism and documentary photography produced from around the globe. brisbanepowerhouse.org

VARIOUS

THE ROYAL QUEENSLAND SHOW (EKKA), 12-20 AUGUST

Brisbane Showgrounds, Bowen Hills

Celebrate the country coming to the city with agricultural displays, cute farms animals, showbags, thrilling rides, and world-class entertainment. ekka.com.au

MATSURI BRISBANE, 2 SEPTEMBER

Whites Hill State College, Camp Hill

Experience Japan’s vibrant and exciting culture with Japanese food, music, dance and art. This is a festival not to be missed. matsuribrisbane.com

RIVERFIRE, 2 SEPTEMBER

Various locations, Brisbane City

Grab a front-row spot along the Brisbane River to see the biggest and best firework extravaganza, launching from bridges, barges and rooftops. brisbanefestival.com.au

VARIOUS

BIGSOUND, 5-8 SEPTEMBER

Various locations, Fortitude Valley

Discover the future of music with four days and three nights of tunes from some of the best and upcoming artists. A must for music lovers. bigsound.org.au

Please check 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!

STANDING PILATES FOR CORE AND BALANCE

14 August, 1-2pm, Burnie Brae Centre, Chermside Improve coordination. Suitable for seniors. To book, call 3624 2110.

PILATES

22 August, 9.30-10.30am, Kalinga Park, Kalinga Strengthen and stretch with abdominal-based exercises. Suitable for seniors. brisbane.qld.gov.au

FOREST BATHING YOGA

24 August, 7.30-8.30am, Downfall Creek Bushland Centre, Chermside West Stretch and strengthen your body. To book, visit eventbrite.com.au

BRISBANE ORGANIC GROWERS FAIR

BUSH KINDY AND LIBRARY STORIES

17 August, 10-11am, Boondall Wetlands Environment Centre Bookings are required, visit eventbrite.com.au

GENTLE YOGA

22 August, 9.30-10.30am, Boyd Park, Nundah BYO yoga mat and eye mask for deep relaxation. Suitable for seniors. brisbane.qld.gov.au

27 August, 8am-2pm, Albion Overpass Park, Albion Enjoy market stalls and a fruit and vegetable competition. brisbane.qld.gov.au

TAI CHI QIGONG IN THE PARK

29 August, 8.30-9.30am, Teralba Park, Everton Park Feel relaxed, refreshed and calm. Suitable for seniors. brisbane.qld.gov.au

KAYAK EXPLORE

DANCE CARDIO IN THE PARK

19 August, 8-9am, The Community Place, Stafford Workout to simple and easy choreographies. To book, call 0468 415 721.

SOCIAL TENNIS

24 August, 9-10am, Northshore Tennis Centre, Hamilton

A social and fun lesson. BYO racquet. To book, call 3185 9256

2 September, 10am-1pm, Nudgee Beach Reserve, Have fun paddling while exploring your local waterway. To book, visit paddleqld.asn.au

$6 GOLD

$6

Be Prepared for bushfire season

Planned burns have been taking place across Brisbane to address bushfire risk and reduce the amount of fire fuel available as we head into expected El Niño weather conditions. Residents can prepare for bushfire season with these simple tips.

Š Check your property’s bushfire risk by searching ‘know your risks’ at www.qfes.qld.gov.au

Š Prepare your Bushfire Survival Plan.

Š Maintain your propertytidy your yard and clear leaves from your roof, gutters and downpipes.

Š Prepare your emergency kit with food and medical supplies and an emergency contact list that includes the State Emergency Service, family and friends and insurance companies.

Š Register for free Brisbane Severe Weather Alerts and follow Brisbane City Council and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services on social media.

For more information, visit Council’s Be Prepared stall at the Ekka from 12–20 August or search

‘Be Prepared’ on our website.

Swooping Birds: how to stay safe

From July to December, our native birds may swoop people who venture too close to their nests. Stay safe during bird swooping season with these simple tips.

Š Avoid areas where swooping birds are active during the breeding season.

Š Wear a hat, sunglasses or carry an umbrella if you cannot avoid swooping bird territory.

Š If you are swooped, leave as quickly as possible, but do not run.

Š If riding, stick eyespots, a plastic face or attach cable ties to your helmet or dismount and walk.

Š Do not interfere if you see young birds on the ground learning to fly.

Š Do not harass or provoke birds.

Š Do not feed or befriend swooping birds. For more information, visit brisbane.qld.gov.au and search ‘swooping birds’.

WIN TICKETS TO SHARK DIVE AT BRISBANE FESTIVAL!

We’re giving away tickets for you and three friends to plunge into the world of sharks in an interactive puppeteering experience on Saturday 23 September. To enter, visit our website and search ‘Living in Brisbane competition’. Entries close at 5pm on Saturday 9 September.

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.