NOVEMBER 2023
LIVING IN
$2 Summer Dips Victoria Park adventures Biodiverse Brisbane
One million more native trees to be planted in Brisbane: Lord Mayor Brisbane is a clean, green and sustainable city and we’re determined to keep it that way. That’s why our Council is partnering with Greening Australia to plant one million more native plants in Brisbane by 2032. Expanding our urban forest keeps Brisbane’s suburbs cool, improves air quality, protects wildlife and makes our streets more attractive. The partnership is in addition to Council’s current program, delivering more than 1.5 million plants across Brisbane through community planting days, handing out free native plants and preserving sensitive bushland. Following community consultation, we’ve also announced the beautiful Brisbane wattle will be our city’s first-ever native floral emblem. Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner
Tackling housing supply Brisbane is Australia’s fastest-growing capital city, which brings both opportunities and challenges. As more people call Brisbane home, one challenge is establishing and maintaining well-designed housing with access to transport and facilities. Council is tackling these issues head-on with Brisbane’s Housing Supply Action Plan. The action plan outlines ways to support building more housing sooner so that Brisbane residents can live in homes and locations that suit their needs. Council is taking action to help increase residential housing including: incentives that reduce up-front costs of building our most needed housing types fast-tracked assessment of eligible development applications changes to planning requirements to help Brisbane grow up - not out. Visit Council’s website and search ‘housing supply action plan’ for more information.
Keep cool with $2 dips this summer It will be even more affordable for families to stay cool this summer with $2 Summer Dips at Council’s 22 pools. The cost to visit a Council pool will be slashed to just $2, including public holidays, from 1 December 2023 to 29 February 2024. Whether you’re a regular lap swimmer or a family that loves taking the kids for a dip on those hot summer days, slashing pool prices will help you have fun, stay active and save this summer. Head to Council’s website and search ‘Council pools’ to find out more.
BUSHFIRE AND STORM SEASON IS HERE Be prepared. Scan the QR code for advice on how to prepare your home and stay safe.
2
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT BRISBANE.QLD.GOV.AU OR PHONE 3403 8888
ARTS & LIFESTYLE
Victoria Park adventures Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxing family picnic, or up for an adrenaline-pumping adventure on 2 wheels, Victoria Park has you covered with construction underway on 2 of the park’s newest attractions. Set among trees and rolling grass hills, Spring Hill Common will be the perfect setting for picnics, outdoor activities and catching up with friends. For adventure seekers, the Urban Pump Track offers a specially designed course for bike riders to build their skills in a safe environment. Investing in parks throughout Brisbane is one way Council is helping residents to connect with our unique climate and lifestyle.
Greening Brisbane
For more information, visit brisbane.qld.gov.au and search ‘Victoria Park’.
Council has teamed up with Brisbane Sustainability Agency (BSA) and Greening Australia to deliver the Biodiverse Brisbane initiative. The initiative aims to put one million native plants in the ground across Brisbane by 2032. It focuses on boosting native vegetation by planting ground covers, shrubs and trees; restoring natural ecosystems; improving water quality in our rivers, creeks and wetlands; creating shady cool spaces and connecting green corridors throughout the city.
It’s beginning to look like Christmas It’s never too early to get in the Christmas spirit in Brisbane, with plenty of favourites just around the corner. It’s tradition for Christmas in Brisbane to kick off in King George Square with the iconic Lord Mayor’s Lighting of the Christmas Tree.
Biodiverse Brisbane’s first project will see 3.2 hectares of environmental restoration at Archerfield Wetlands in Brisbane’s south. That’s the size of almost 4.5 footy fields!
Keep your eyes on City Hall as it comes to life with a night-time festive light display. There will be live performances on Queen Street Mall while you’re Christmas shopping in the city. The Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols return to Brisbane Riverstage and, for the first time, will be live-streamed at Victoria Park.
This is just another way Council is working to build a cleaner and greener future for Brisbane residents and visitors to enjoy.
DID YOU KNO W?
Festive family fun continues at South Bank, with carolling and Christmas Cinema by the river. Keep an eye on Council’s website for more information and updates.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT BRISBANE.QLD.GOV.AU OR PHONE 3403 8888
You can now listen to Living in Brisbane Live! Go to Council’s website, Spotify or wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.
3
SUSTAINABILITY
Recycling bin mistakes National Recycling Week, 13-19 November, is the perfect time to focus on your recycling habits to help protect your local environment and reduce landfill waste. Here are some items that don’t belong in the recycling bin: Fabric and textiles: Donate quality textiles in useable condition or repurpose worn-out textiles. Household batteries: Safely dispose of household batteries at one of Council’s 4 resource recovery centres or at battery drop-off points at participating retailers. Hazardous waste: Take hazardous waste, including cleaning solvents and paint, to one of Council’s 4 resource recovery centres. If in doubt, check package labels or scan the QR code for the Brisbane Bin and Recycling app. This app has a handy guide to help you get the right item in the right bin. And don’t forget you can now order your Council green bin for less than $1 a week. See Council’s website for details on how to order your green bin.
Local news VOLUNTEERS CELEBRATE 35 YEARS In November 1988, Volunteer Guides, inspired by volunteering at Expo 88, commenced free walking tours at Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha. Head to one of Brisbane’s 3 botanic treasures and experience a volunteer guided tour yourself!
MOGGILL ROAD CORRIDOR UPGRADE
Brisbane’s new native floral emblem Following a public vote, the city’s highest horticultural honour has been awarded to the Brisbane wattle flower (Acacia fimbriata). The Brisbane wattle is an iconic yellow bloom that represents our sunny, outdoor lifestyle. Not only awarded for its beauty, this native flower is also very resilient – it can survive severe weather and bounce back – just like Brisbane residents. Native plants are incredibly beneficial to our urban forest as they improve our ecosystem and support wildlife. Head to our website to find out where you can claim your free native plants. Brisbane residents are eligible for 2 each year, and 4 if you’ve recently built a new home in some suburbs.
4
Work is progressing on the Moggill Road Corridor Upgrade with all bridge decks for the overpass now installed. Pre-cast panels have been fitted under the overpass featuring artwork by Larrakia, Wardaman and Karajarri artist, Jenna Lee. When finished, the project will significantly improve safety for all those travelling through the western suburbs.
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DROP-OFF DAY Safely dispose of your household hazardous waste including garden and pool chemicals, cleaning solvents, bleach and paint at Council’s free drop-off day on Saturday 2 December at the Nudgee resource recovery centre. By disposing of hazardous waste correctly, residents are helping to protect our natural environment and keep Brisbane clean and green.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH COUNCIL | BRISBANE.QLD.GOV.AU | 3403 8888
ROADS & TRANSPORT
Council’s free trips for seniors Brisbane’s seniors have 10 million reasons to smile as Brisbane City Council records 10 million free seniors off-peak trips. The milestone means more than $11.4 million has gone back into the pockets of our city’s senior residents since free trips were rolled out in October 2019. Council has committed an additional $12 million in this year’s budget to continue this invaluable subsidy, alongside a record $911 million to be invested into subsidising public transport services over the next four years. If you’re a senior go card holder, why not hop on a bus or ferry to visit the people and places you love, with a bit more money saved when you arrive? To find out if you’re eligible for a senior go card and for more information, visit Council’s website and search ‘free off-peak travel for seniors’.
Artist’s impression: intersection of Dorville and Beams roads after upgrade.
Beams Road upgrade Stage One of the Beams Road upgrade is now underway, tackling congestion on Brisbane’s northside. The upgrade will: widen Beams Road to a consistent 4-lane roadway from Cowie Road to Balcara Avenue remove the Dorville Road roundabout install traffic signals and signalised pedestrian crossings at Dorville Road. A new shared path from Lacey Road to Balcara Avenue will also improve connectivity and safety for people walking and riding. Jointly funded by the Australian Government, these works will improve travel time and safety for all road users, getting you where you need to be sooner and safer.
More ways for you to travel Did you know Brisbane Metro is not just introducing 60 electric metros but is creating more ways for you to walk, ride, bus or scoot around our city?
Stage One, between Balcara Avenue and Lacey Road, is expected to be completed in 2025.
With better public transport connections, there will be even more reasons to leave your car at home and explore our city from a different perspective. Learn more about how Brisbane Metro is helping reduce congestion and transforming South Brisbane by scanning the QR code.
DID YOU KNO W?
Council is investing in wider footpaths and new bike lanes so you can visit QPAC, South Bank and our cultural precinct more easily. You can get festive and decorate your footpath and street trees this Christmas season. Visit our website, search ‘festive footpaths’ and get creative.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH COUNCIL | BRISBANE.QLD.GOV.AU | 3403 8888
5
FREE AND AFFORDABLE EVENTS FREE
GATHERING, EVERY WEDNESDAY THROUGHOUT NOVEMBER Queen Street Mall, Brisbane City Gathering showcases Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures with performances each week in the heart of the city. brisbane.qld.gov.au
VARIOUS
MELT FESTIVAL 11-26 NOVEMBER Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm Celebrate queer art, artists, allies and ideas with a vibrant and eclectic 2023 program. brisbanepowerhouse.org/melt-festival-2023
FREE
BRISBANE'S PARA-SPORTS DAY, 19 NOVEMBER Cultural Forecourt, South Bank Get involved in Para-sport and share a day of community and inclusion with our Para-athletes. brisbane.qld.gov.au
FROM $7
THE ENCHANTED GARDEN, 23 NOVEMBER to 20 DECEMBER Roma Street Parkland, Brisbane City Brisbane’s annual immersive light and sound spectacular set in a dazzling celebration of nature. enchantedgarden.com.au
VARIOUS
FAIRY TALES AT GOMA, OPENS 2 DECEMBER Gallery of Modern Art, South Brisbane Fairy Tales is set to weave a tale of enchantment and imagination in a new exhibition at GOMA. qagoma.qld.gov.au
VARIOUS
LORD MAYOR’S CHRISTMAS CAROLS, 2 DECEMBER Riverstage, City Botanic Gardens, Brisbane City Start your holiday season with the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols. Get tickets (adults $5, free for under 18) or catch the free live-screening at Victoria Park. brisbane.qld.gov.au
6
CUT OUT WHAT'S on and stick it on YOUR fridge!
Check out the Brisbane app for more event listings!
Please check details and confirm with organisers that events are still going ahead before you make plans. REGIONAL EVENTS
POOL ENTRY
FREE
FREE
GOLD
AQUA AEROBICS 20 November, 9.30-10.30am, Ithaca Pool, Paddington Develop strength, mobility and movement. Suitable for seniors. brisbane.qld.gov.au
ENGLISH CONVERSATION GROUP
OUTDOOR CINEMA IN THE SUBURBS-ELF
23 November, 1-2pm, Toowong Library, Toowong Join a friendly group to make new friends and improve your English. brisbane.qld.gov.au
2 December, 5.30-10pm, Upper Kedron Recreation Reserve, Upper Kedron Enjoy the magic of the movies. brisbane.qld.gov.au
FREE
FREE
ONE-ON-ONE TECH HELP
CHILDREN’S STORYTIME IN THE PARK 24 November, 10.30-11am, Dorrington Park, Ashgrove Experience the magic of storytime in the park. brisbane.qld.gov.au
FREE
FREE
2-5 YRS
GOLD
2 December, 6am-12 noon, Powerhouse Park, New Farm Shop a wide variety of organic fruits and vegetables. brisbane.qld.gov.au
YOGA BY THE RIVER 6 December, 9.30-10.30am, Booker Place Park, Bellbowrie Enjoy yoga in the beautiful outdoors. brisbane.qld.gov.au
SOCCER FOR YOUNG CHILDREN 22 November, 9.30-10.30am, Victoria Park, Herston Develop balance, motor skills and coordination. To book, visit grasshoppersoccer.com.au
GOLD TENNIS 24 November, 10-11am, Roy Emerson Tennis Centre, Milton Enjoy a fun coaching lesson with a qualified tennis coach. Suitable for seniors. To book, call 3367 8585.
CUT OUT WHAT'S on and stick it on YOUR fridge!
8 December 4-11pm 550 Brookfield Road, Brookfield A family-friendly celebration of the season of joy with markets, music, food, drinks and activities for the kids. brookfieldshowground.com.au
FREE
BUSH CHRISTMAS
FREE
21 November, 1-3.30pm, Indooroopilly Library Get assistance troubleshooting technical issues and develop your digital skills. To book, call 3407 0009.
JAN POWERS FARMERS MARKETS
FREE
UNDER 5 YRS
7
Brisbane remembers On Saturday 11 November at 11am, we pause in silence to remember those who served and sacrificed in all wars and conflicts. We will remember them. Lest we forget. For more information on Remembrance Day and ways to commemorate, visit remembertoremember.com.au
Subscribe to Brisbane Severe Weather Alert Follow our step-by-step guide on how to subscribe to the free Brisbane Severe Weather Alerts and stay informed of potentially dangerous weather in Brisbane.
Protecting our local wildlife Additional Council Wildlife Awareness Monitors will be on duty to protect baby kangaroos and koalas (joeys) during this year’s breeding season from 1 December to 31 January.
Step 1: Scan the QR code below or visit Council’s website. Search Brisbane Severe Weather Alert and click the Brisbane Severe Weather Alert page. Step 2: Click the blue ‘Register online’ button and follow the prompts to subscribe to Brisbane Severe Weather Alert. Step 3: Update your phone number and address as needed, so you get warnings relevant to your local area. Once subscribed, you will receive notifications via SMS, email or voice message for hail and thunderstorms; destructive winds and cyclones; flooding from creeks, rivers and king tides; and public safety impacts.
The 9 additional signs bring the total number of Wildlife Awareness Monitors across the city to 50. This year marks 5 years since Wildlife Awareness Monitors were introduced to help protect our wildlife and maintain Brisbane’s biodiversity. These permanent, solarpowered installations either reward drivers with a smiling koala face or remind them to slow down if they are travelling too fast.
Brisbane City Council acknowledges this Country and its Traditional Custodians. We pay• River our respects to the Elders, those who have passed into the dreaming; those here today; those of tomorrow.
• Connected Country
Brisbane City Council GPO Box 1434 Brisbane Qld 4001
Printed on sustainable paper
brisbane.qld.gov.au 3403 8888 /BrisbaneCityCouncil
Every effort is made to ensure that information is correct at time of printing
CA22-612106-08-6593 © 2023 Brisbane City Council
@brisbanecityqld @brisbanecitycouncil