PRIORS POCKET ROAD PARK CONSULTATION

The local community is being given the chance to have their say and determine the future use of a parcel of land on Priors Pocket Road Moggill, after Brisbane City Council purchased the land last year. I sent letters out to residents in the Moggill area last week outlining a concept developed by Council, with the opportunity to provide feedback. More information, click here https://bit.ly/33SvT5q

I look forward to seeing what the community thinks about how the land can best be utilised.

COUNCIL’S OFF-ROAD CYCLING STRATEGY

Brisbane City Council is developing a strategy to guide future investment in off-road cycling facilities within bushland reserves and parks across Brisbane.

 
A key focus of the strategy is to ensure a balance between meeting demand for safe and accessible off-road cycling and preserving our natural habitats . Last year, residents and community groups were invited to share their ideas on the strategy. The DRAFT strategy is based on that feedback and Council now invites all residents to get involved and have their say.
 
Click here https://bit.ly/33YJaJx for more information.

IN COUNCIL THIS MONTH

I spoke during the last Brisbane City Council meeting for the year in support of naming the bridge crossing at Kholo in honour of the Bell family. The family’s 140 year history in the western part of the Ward presented a compelling case for the crossing to feature the Bell name. Click here https://bit.ly/36Tyxdd to read or watch my speech.

 
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has reaffirmed Council’s support for Brisbane’s 2032 Olympic Games bid. Last week’s Council’s Civic Cabinet was given an update by Australian Olympic Committee President, John Coates. I stood in for Public and Active Transport Committee Chair, Cr Ryan Murphy at  the meeting and was lucky enough to hear Mr. Coates’ presentation. Our city stands to benefit significantly over the coming years if we win the right to host the Games.

LOCAL AWARD WINNERS

It was a pleasure nominating e-Waste Connection for this year’s Brisbane City Council's Waste Smart Awards. It was an even bigger pleasure to be there to see them named winner of the Community Award. Congratulations Monique Lowndes and the team at e-Waste.

 
And congratulations to the many volunteers who help promote the wonderful features of Mount Coot-tha and the Brisbane Botanic Gardens. Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner earlier this month held a morning tea to thank the volunteers for what they do. He also presented a special award to Ray Stewart OAM the former Council Parks Manager who played a major role in the establishment of the Gardens.

FIRE INFORMATION AND COMMUNITY SESSIONS

 Over the past couple of months, Council has conducted 13 information nights and community hubs in the Pullenvale Ward to help local residents prepare for bushfires. About 400 local residents attended these sessions - an outstanding response. Let’s hope we’re not confronted with the threat of bushfires this summer. But if we do, not only will Council and the emergency services be ready to immediately swing into action, the local community will be better prepared as a result of this initiative.

SCHOOL GRADUTATIONS

It’s a big moment in the lives of Grade 6 students as they graduate and begin preparing for High School. I’ve attended a number of local school graduations this month and presented prizes for excellence to students. Each graduation ceremony was different but had a special atmosphere, not to mention emotion attached to them.

 
Congratulations to all those who graduated this year, enjoy your well-earned break and good luck in the next stage of your education.  

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS

There are hundreds of local volunteers who willingly give their time each year to help preserve our natural waterways, catchments and unique natural environment.  

In the past few weeks, I chaired the Annual General Meeting of the Moggill Creek Catchment Group, attended the Pullen Pullen Catchment Group AGM and participated in a tree planting near Moggill Creek at the Rowena Street (Kenmore) Dog Off Leash Park.
 
Another group doing great work in the local community are our Men’s Sheds. It was a pleasure to attend the Bellbowrie Men’s Shed AGM and welcome incoming president, David Kerr.

FREE PLUG FOR A GOOD CAUSE

The Moggill Mount Crosby Lions Club will again be involved in the annual Ipswich 100 Charity Bike Ride on 14^th March next year. This will be the 22^nd year this event has been held with one of the beneficiaries being the McIntyre Centre Riding for Disabled on Moggill Road. Registrations can be done online at www.ipswich100.com.au

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS

What’s not to love about this special time of the year?

I was offered the opportunity to represent the Lord Mayor at one of the many Senior’s Christmas Parties held in City Hall last week. Before the show commenced, I met up with one of the main stars, the multi-talented Gerry Connolly aka Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. About 200 tickets were distributed through the Pullenvale Ward Office to local community groups for this year’s concerts.
 
When I heard from the organisers of the Christmas get-together at the Pullenvale Hall that Santa had double-booked for the night and that the kids would be disappointed if he didn’t show up, there was only one thing to do. Thanks to the crew at the Pullenvale Fire Station for providing Santa with a grand arrival and ensuring that no kids missed out on a Christmas treat or two.
 
Likewise, I didn’t hesitate when asked to help run the barbecue at the Brisbane West Chamber of Commerce Christmas drinks at the Brookfield Showgrounds. It's fair to say Show Society President, Cath Fullerton did most of the work but it was great to have former Federal Member for Ryan, Jane Prentice and State Member for Moggill, Dr. Christian Rowan there to help out.
 
And it was a pleasure to contribute in a small way to a number of Iona Retirement Village residents being chauffeured to their Christmas celebration at The Reserve, Anstead, earlier this month

In closing, on behalf of the Brisbane City Council, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and staff at the Pullenvale Ward Office, I wish each and every resident Merry Christmas and a happy, safe and prosperous New Year.
 
To say this year has been a challenge is an understatement, but I hope that during the upcoming festive season, you’re able to relax and unwind with family and friends and recharge the batteries.
 
A special thanks to the many community and sporting groups, volunteers, business operators schools and local residents who all make such important contributions to the unique and enviable standard of living we enjoy in our part of the world.
 
The Pullenvale Ward office will be closed from Monday 21^st December, reopening on Monday 11^th January 2021. If you have a Council related issue during the Christmas / New Year period, please call our 24/7 Contact Centre on 3403 8888.