Merry Christmas

It has been a busy and wonderful year for our community in 2023. A huge range of community events have again been held, with many bigger and better than ever without COVID restrictions. Thank you to all the volunteers who made them possible!

Flood recovery and rebuilding has continued for many families, with hundreds of buy-backs and house raisings underway around the ward. I wish there could be more, as I know many people I have spoken with have missed out on the buy-back funding, but it’s a good start. Sadly, the Lord Mayor and his “team” rejected my motion to re-establish Council’s buy-back scheme now the QRA funding has finished. They wouldn’t even allow a debate. I will keep pushing for a perpetual buy-back fund to be re-established to help others living in highly flood prone areas.

I know many families are doing it tough and really feeing cost of living pressures. I want to thank our wonderful churches, community centres and service clubs who provide food, emergency housing, fellowship and emergency support to those in need. Their work is extraordinary. 

My staff and I thank you for your support in 2023 and we look forward to working with you next year to make Tennyson Ward an even better place to live and work. It will be a busy year in 2024 with the Council election to be held on Saturday, 16 March 2024.   

Best wishes for a joyous Christmas and a happy and healthy 2024 with your family and friends, Nicole.

Ps... there are some fantastic FREE Christmas events on this weekend. I hope to see you at the The Riverside Carols, Riverside Church, Glenwood St Chelmer Sat 16 December  from 5pm; Oxley Carols Sun 17 December from 5pm, Oxley SS Oval or at St David's Chelmer Carols Sun 17 December from 6.30pm - check out all the details below.  

Public consultation has commenced for the proposed re-development of the old paint factory site at 115 Hyde Rd, Yeronga. Now is the time to have your say about the future of this site before Council makes a final decision. Submissions close on 5 February, 2024 and can be made in writing or online.  You can  download a draft submission here.

In my view, it is appalling that the developer is undertaking the required public consultation over Christmas and the school holidays.

Following lodgement of the initial DA, Council issued a very detailed information request (preliminary assessment) outlining a number of issues the developer was required to address. This included very sensibly separating their proposal into two parts - the reuse of the paint factory site as an arts precinct from the new medium and high-rise residential plan. Disappointingly, the developer has ignored Council’s request to separate the DA into two parts and has only made minor changes to the development application. 

The decision to allow high-rise development (eight storeys or possibly more in future) in Yeronga West would be a huge change and has not been considered as part of Council-led city-wide planning changes. As a result, infrastructure that would normally be needed to support densification does not exist in Yeronga West.

Some aspects of the proposal are innovative and welcome, such as reuse of some the existing buildings for arts purposes. Others are concerning, such as the significant number of future high-rise unit blocks and an estimated additional 2000 vehicles per day accessing the site. Finally, some are just plain inadequate, namely the lack of any new infrastructure.   

That is why it is critical that residents speak up now about what sort of development, if any, you would support on the site.

If you want to save Yeronga West from high-rise development on the paint factory and other sites along Hyde Rd, now is the time to speak up.

You can  view a copy of the developer’s response to the information request here.

You can view the DA materials on Council’s website here.

Like many residents who use Oxley Rd every day I have noticed it is in terrible shape - full of cracks, potholes, slumps and is being held together with black superglue. There is even grass growing though the road in places in Graceville and Oxley.

Recently, I asked the Lord Mayor a question about why Oxley Rd is not being resurfaced, even where it was flooded. In response, he said that Oxley Rd was not a priority and resurfacing was not needed. I imagine he has not driven along Oxley Rd recently. Or perhaps he thinks it will be cheaper to mow than resurface. Even if Council started resurfacing works this year it could be up to 5-6 years before the entire length is done, as major roads are usually resurfaced progressively by suburb in Council’s annual Budget.

I believe that resurfacing Oxley Rd is a priority to make it safer for our local community. Sign the petition and help me send a message to Council that Oxley Rd needs to be resurfaced in Oxley, Corinda, Sherwood, Graceville and Chelmer.

Nominations are now open for the ‘Local Heroes’ Awards which recognise the extraordinary contribution of volunteers, our local heroes, who work tirelessly in our community. Please nominate someone you know who works for our community.

The Awards are open to volunteers living in or active members of a community group based in Tennyson Ward and/or Moorooka Ward in the Brisbane City Council area. The Awards recognise the work of volunteers whose selfless efforts have helped to improve the lives of others and/or those who have helped to build community spirit, resilience and identity in our local area. Up to ten people will be recognised annually.

Nomination forms are available from my office or online here and must be submitted by Friday, 15 December 2023. Submit entries to tennyson.ward@bcc.qld.gov.au  and/or moorooka.ward@bcc.qld.gov.au.

Recipients will be announced Friday, 26 January 2024 at the 2024 Oxley Community Festival, Oxley Bowls Club, Englefield Rd, Oxley.

Make and Create for Kids
Annerley Library
9-11am, Sat 16 Dec
9-11am,  Tue 19 Dec
9-11am,  Sat 23 Dec
9-11am,  Tue 2 Jan
9-11am,  Sat 6 Jan
9-11am,  Tue 9 Jan
9-11am,  Sat 13 Jan
9-11am,  Tue 16 Jan
Drop into the library to get creative with free art and craft activities. Ideal for children aged 3-8 years and their carers.

Coding Fun for Families*
Corinda Library
Thu 14 Dec, 3-4pm
Work together as a family to learn basic coding and use your problem-solving skills to complete fun Minecraft-themed challenges. No prior programming experience required. Ideal for children aged 7-12 years and their carers.
Call 3407 7701 to book.

Make and Create: Festive Decorations*
Corinda Library
Sat 16 Dec, 10-11am
Enjoy the festive season by creating delightful decorations using a variety of crafting techniques and your imagination. Ideal for all ages.
Call 3407 7701 to book.

Meet Rugged Robot*
Annerley Library
Tue 19 Dec, 10:30-11:30am
Fri 22 Dec, 10:30-11:30am
Enjoy this interactive event where you can program a Rugged Robot to navigate fun challenges and obstacles. No prior programming experience required. Ideal for children aged 3-8 years.
Call 3403 1735 to book.

Summer Reading: Melodic Storytime: Sing, Play and Read With Happy Singing Kids*
Corinda Library
Wed 20 Dec, 10-10:30am
This interactive session ignites creativity and a love of music through percussive play, singing and performances in a fun, and educational experience that blends music, learning and joy. Ideal for children aged 0-6 years.
Call 3407 7701 to book.

Summer Reading: Melodic Storytime: Sing, Play and Read with Happy Singing Kids*
Fairfield Library
Wed 20 Dec, 2-2:30pm
This interactive session ignites creativity and a love of music through percussive play, singing and performances in a fun, and educational experience that blends music, learning and joy. Ideal for children aged 0-6 years.
Call 3403 8615 to book.

Make and Create for Kids: Christmas
Fairfield Library
Thu 21 Dec, 11am-2pm
Fri 22 Dec, 11am-2pm
Sat 23 Dec, 11am-2pm
Stop by the children’s area for free craft activities during the school holidays. Ideal for children aged 3-12 years and their carers.
Call 3403 8615 to book.

Christmas Storytime and Craft*
Fairfield Library
Fri 22 Dec, 10:30am-11:30am
Join us for a fun storytime reading and craft activity that celebrates the special season of Christmas. Ideal for children aged 2-10 years.
Call 3403 8615 to book.

Make and Create for Kids
Fairfield Library
Thu 4 Jan, 11am-12pm
Thu 11 Jan, 11am-12pm
Fri 12 Jan, 11am-12pm
Stop by the children’s area for free craft activities during the school holidays. Draw, cut and glue your own masterpiece. Ideal for children aged 3-10 years.

Tween STEAM Afternoon*
Fairfield Library
Fri 5 Jan, 3:30-4:30pm
Join us for an  afternoon of games and activities exploring science, technology, reading and art. Challenge your thinking and discover your creativity in a fun environment. Ideal for children aged 8-12 years.
Call 3403 8615 to book.

Family STEAM Morning*
Annerley Library
Sat 6 Jan, 10:30-11:30am
Join us for a morning of games and activities exploring science, technology, reading and art. Ideal for all ages.
Call 3403 1735 to book.

Bee-Bot Goes on a Treasure Hunt*
Annerley Library
Tue 9 Jan, 10:30-11:30am
Fri 12 Jan, 10:30-11:30am
Help this fun little robot find the hidden treasure. No prior programming experience required. Ideal for children aged 5-8 years.
Call 3403 1735 to book.

Cubetto Adventure*
Corinda Library
Thu 11 Jan, 11am-12pm
Meet Cubetto, the friendly wooden robot teaching young children the basics of computer programming through adventure and hands-on play. Ideal for children aged 3-6 years.
Call 3407 7701 to book.

Summer Reading: Nothing Alike and the Bill Dup with Zewlan Moor*
Corinda Library
Sat 13 Jan, 10-11am
Join author Zewlan Moor as she brings her books Nothing Alike and The Bill Dup to life in this storytime and activity workshop. Create some stories and craft of your own. Ideal for children aged 3-8 years.
Call 3407 7701 to book.

Introducing Osmo*
Fairfield Library
Sat 13 Jan, 2-3pm
Thu 18 Jan, 2-3pm
Discover an educational gaming system that merges tactile exploration with innovative iPad technology, actively engaging children in the learning process. Ideal for children aged 5-12 years.
Call 3403 8615 to book.

Marble Run STEAM Experience*
Ken Fletcher Park, Tennyson
Mon 15 Jan, 9:30-10:30am
Mon 15 Jan, 10:30-11:30am
Explore forces, movement and principles of construction and engineering through play, and work together to build a Mega Marble Run using the tricks, tracks and marbles provided.
Suitable for young people 3-17 years. Cost $6.
Call 0435 110 866 to book.

Summer Reading: Melodic Storytime: Sing, Play and Read with Happy Singing Kids*
Annerley Library
Tue 16 Jan, 10-10:30am
This interactive session ignites creativity and a love of music through percussive play, singing and performances in a fun, and educational experience that blends music, learning and joy. Ideal for children aged 0-6 years.
Call 3403 1735 to book.

Summer Reading: Heavy With Dannika Patterson*
Fairfield Library
Wed 17 Jan, 3-3:45pm
Join author Dannika Patterson for a reading of her picture book Heavy. Dannika will facilitate a fun, hands-on craft activity using everyday items to help participants engineer awesome inventions to balance and lift things, just like the main character in the story. Ideal for children aged 4-9 years.
Call 3403 8615 to book.

Horrible Histories: Awful Egyptians*
Corinda Library
Thu 18 Jan, 10:30-11:30am
Get your friends together and join us in digging up some gross facts, playing some horrible games and making some terrible craft, inspired by Terry Deary’s Awful Egyptians. Ideal for children aged 6-10 years.
Call 3407 7701 to book.

Cubetto Adventure*
Annerley Library
Fri 19 Jan, 10:30-11:30am
Meet Cubetto, the friendly wooden robot teaching young children the basics of computer programming through adventure and hands-on play. Ideal for children aged 3-6 years.
Call 3403 1735 to book.

The Tennyson Ward Office will be closed over Christmas from Saturday 23 December, 2023.

The Office will re-open on Monday 8 January, 2024 with the standard operating hours of Monday to Thursday 9am-5pm and Friday 9am-4pm.

For any emergencies over the Christmas break, please contact Brisbane City Council's 24/7 call centre on 3403 8888.

For those living in the Tennis Centre regulated parking area, you can obtain a permit online via Council's website here or at the Yeerongpilly Business Centre. 1 hour restrictions will be in place, so please ensure your car is not on the street without a permit as Council will be issuing fines.

From myself and my staff, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and enjoyable new year.

Major traffic diversions will be in effect in Fairfield over Christmas from 6pm  Tuesday 26 December to 6am Sunday 31 December a full road closure will be in place on Noble St, Fairfield between Annerley Rd and Cornwall St to facilitate Cross River Rail works for the construction of the new station entrance to Dutton Park Station.

A large crane will be set up on Noble St to lift the new pedestrian overpass into place.

Public transport detours will be in place with Buses diverted around the closure via Fairfield Rd and Fenton St. The diversion is for buses only.

Local motorists, pedestrians and cyclists will be required to seek alternate routes.
Some impacts to on-street parking required to enable bus movements on Fairfield Rd. See map below for further detail.