Northside councillors list their priorities for next four years

Do you know what Brisbane City Council has planned for your suburb? We asked seven northside councillors to list their priorities for the next four years.

An artist impression of a proposed Nature and Water Play Gully, one of the ideas being considered for the Victoria Park redevelopment at Spring Hill.

PARK upgrades and the delivery of a major new park, new or revamped libraries, lots of trees, new sporting facilities and bikeways, and a foreshore upgrade – these are all on the priority list for councillors on Brisbane’s northside.

So, what have they pledged to fight for in your suburb?

Quest Community News asked seven councillors in Brisbane’s North what local projects are on their list during the next four years.

An all-abilities carousel will be installed at Hidden World Playground at Fitzgibbon.

Cr Sandy Landers – Bracken Ridge Ward (Bracken Ridge, Bald Hills, Carseldine, Fitzgibbon, and parts of Aspley and Zillmere)

Despite challenging times with COVID-19, we are continuing to carry out upgrades to playgrounds and picnic furniture, and delivering new facilities such as shade structures and outdoor gym equipment in multiple parks.

I’m excited that Hidden World Playground at Fitzgibbon will soon include an all-abilities carousel and swing set with shade so siblings and friends can enjoy it together.

Gus Davies Park at Bald Hills will see the installation of a ‘learn to ride’ track as well as a significant playground upgrade.

Following my petition to Council, Zillmere Library will be upgraded so residents can enjoy the modern facilities that are available in other northside libraries.

As we continue through the COVID-19 pandemic it is essential we deliver new facilities and infrastructure upgrades with responsible financial management.

An artist impression of the Farm Gate and Community Garden – one of the ideas proposed as part of the Victoria Park redevelopment.

Cr Vicki Howard – Central Ward (Central Business District, Fortitude Valley, New Farm, Spring Hill, Herston, Bowen Hills, Newstead and Teneriffe)

I’m looking forward to delivering the Victoria Park Vision for Spring Hill.

It’s such a transformative project to deliver the biggest new park in 50 years – it will be an amazing space for residents and visitors to enjoy now and into the future.

I’m getting on with the job greening our urban environment in Central Ward.

Thousands of trees and plants have been established under my leadership and my green credentials will be further bolstered with my huge tree planting program for footpaths in Bowen Hills and Fortitude Valley.

This will be part of the biggest ever street tree planting commitment this city has seen.

I know how much local families appreciate our community sports clubs – community clubs make Central Ward’s lifestyle and we will make New Farm United Soccer Club facilities even better. We will help fund the creation of a better front of house experience, and back area storage for the club’s members and visitors.

Keeping our city moving and keeping people in jobs is also a focus of mine, and the Commercial Rd and Doggett St intersection upgrade in Newstead does just that.

Local residents will know that the intersection was identified in our New Farm, Newstead, and Teneriffe Precinct Traffic Management Plan as a location requiring safety improvements, particularly for pedestrian movements across Commercial Rd due to the large volume of pedestrians in the area.

After extensive community consultation in 2019, and the provision of part funding from the Australian Government of $1.7 million, the project will upgrade the existing priority-controlled intersection by installing new traffic signals with controlled pedestrian crossing facilities, to better facilitate movement through the intersection.

A management plan is being prepared for Einbunpin Lagoon at Sandgate. Picture: Michelle Smith

Cr Jared Cassidy – Deagon Ward (Boondall, Brighton, Deagon, Sandgate, Shorncliffe, Taigum, parts of Geebung and Virginia and most of Zillmere. It also includes Moreton Island, including the townships of Bulwer, Cowan Cowan and Kooringal)

During this time of uncertainty my number one priority is the health and safety of Deagon Ward residents, closely followed by support for small businesses, community groups, community events and for families doing it tough.

I’ve launched a small business catalogue to promote shops that are still open and operating in new ways, a list of community groups that can assist people in need and weekly care packages with essential items for struggling families.

Recently I sent my budget submission to the Lord Mayor for the 2020-21 budget. This request focused on the projects our community deserves and featured a huge amount of suggestions from local residents.

My submission included things such as:

■ upgrading the Brighton Foreshore, a beautiful public space with huge potential which has unfortunately been neglected for decades,

■ an upgrade of O’Callaghan Park which is home to more than half a dozen local sporting clubs and organisations, to make it one of the best sporting precincts on the northside,

■ execution of the Einbunpin Lagoon Management Plan to fix the water quality and revitalise this natural feature in the heart of Sandgate,

■ an upgrade for the Zillmere Library to improve not only the infrastructure but the technology and accessibility of the content between the four walls, and

■ funding for Bowden Park in Geebung, home to Aspley Little Athletics, for upgrades to facilities.

Something that has become quite glaring over the past month has been the state of Brisbane’s footpaths as more people than ever are walking their neighbourhoods for exercise. We need more funding for basics like footpaths and simple bikeway connections.

The Jennings St entrance to O'Callaghan Park at Zillmere. Picture: Michelle Smith

Cr David McLachlan – Hamilton Ward (Albion, Ascot, Clayfield, Eagle Farm, Hamilton, Hendra, Pinkenba, Kalinga, Wooloowin and parts of Nundah and Windsor. It also includes Brisbane Airport and the northern shore of the Brisbane Port)

Some significant Hamilton Ward deliverables in the next financial year and beyond:

■ Reconstruction of footpaths and kerb and channel on Racecourse Rd in Ascot and Hamilton to repair lifting caused by mature Poinciana trees.

■ Waterfront Park Newstead redesign and construction to maximise benefit of open space areas.

■ Refurbish skate facilities, toilets and playground in Melrose Park Kalinga.

■ Repair drain network from Kingsford Smith Dr to the river through the Eagle Farm industrial area.

■ Design and construct safer roads (Main Mrytletown Rd) leading to the new cruise ship terminal.

■ Road resurfacing throughout the ward.

■ Local Area Traffic Management Design for Hipwood Rd, Ascot and surrounding streets.

Cr Fiona Hammond – Marchant Ward (Alderley, Aspley, Chermside, Chermside West, Geebung, Gordon Park, Grange, Kedron, Lutwyche, Stafford, Stafford Heights and Windsor

These are the projects I would like to deliver over the coming term:

■ Hamilton Rd lights at the entrance to The Prince Charles Hospital.

■ Chalk Street Park.

■ Bradbury Park upgrade – stage one being delivered now, stage 2 awaiting (confirmed) funding.

■ Chermside to Aspley Northside Bikeway Link.

Everton Park Library – planning is underway for a new library. Source: Google Maps

Cr Tracy Davis – McDowall Ward (McDowall, Everton Park and parts of Aspley, Bridgeman Downs, Chermside West, Stafford and Stafford Heights)

McDowall Ward is a great place to live, and I will be working with Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner to make our part of Brisbane even better with some exciting new projects to be delivered.

We are living through challenging times at the moment, and Council is doing its part to keep the local economy moving and keep building a better Brisbane.

The planning and consultation phase for the new Everton Park Library will commence. The new library will provide more meeting rooms and a bigger range of library activities and events for residents to enjoy.

As part of the Library project, neighbouring Fallon Park will be expanded and $500,000 will be invested to deliver a new playground and park facilities which will create a wonderful community hub for residents of all ages to enjoy.

We will deliver a new neighbourhood plan for Bridgeman Downs. Council will continue to work with the community to develop a blueprint that enhances the neighbourhood while respecting local character and ensures the delivery of essential upgrades as the suburb evolves.

Council will also be investing $800,000 resurfacing Maundrell Tce from Terrence St to Albany Creek Rd so residents can have a smoother and safer journey in our local area.

The $2.5 million Grinstead Park-Shand Street Park-Corbett Street Park Upgrade project will revitalise this three park precinct by upgrading existing facilities and improving disability access. Enhancing playgrounds and providing additional play and picnic options means new opportunities for residents to continue to enjoy our great Brisbane outdoor lifestyle.

The Teralba Park dog off-leash area will also receive an upgrade.

Community consultation for new toilet facilities for Keong Park will get underway this year.

Council has created a draft concept plan for Nudgee Recreation Reserve. Image: Brisbane City Council

Cr Adam Allan – Northgate Ward (Nudgee Beach, Nudgee, Banyo, Northgate, Virginia, Nundah, Wavell Heights, and the parts of Kedron and Chermside to the east of Gympie Rd)

Here are the items I intend to deliver over the four-year term:

■ Construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Melton Rd and Hows Rd intersection in Nundah, to improve safety and reduce congestion.

■ A new sports park at the Nudgee Recreation Reserve with touch football, cricket and soccer fields, clubhouse, parking and recreation areas.

■ Installation of a volleyball court at Banyo Memorial Park.

■ A new clubhouse for Virginia United Football Club.

■ New footpaths in the ward including Love St, Northgate and completing Eton St, Nundah.

■ Bikeway link from Weyers Rd to Gateway Motorway Bikeway.

■ Upgrade Nudgee Waterholes Park following Gateway Upgrade North Project resumptions and impacts.

■ Completion of Pfingst Rd corridor works providing safer movements for students, pedestrians and drivers.

■ Completion of the Leckie Rd, Kedron corridor review.

■ Install street tree lighting in the Nundah Village Shopping Area, to improve the look of the area and support local business.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE COUNCIL TO DO IN YOUR SURBURB? ADD YOUR SUGGESTION TO THE COMMENTS BELOW.