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latest news
20.01.12 - Appeal 321 Montague Rd
UPDATE--WECA WINS AGAIN IN SUPPORT OF COMMUNITY INTERESTS!
It took the P+E Court less than five minutes to issue orders upholding WECA's appeal and to throw out Council's approval. The key message is clear: this community will not tolerate political interference in planning nor will we stand-by if developers lodge DA's that fall outside the legal planning scheme. Read the press release
BREAKING NEWS--WECA's appeal prospects have improved markedly. Further news pending! WECA support for sound future development continues, as does our vigilance against senseless development that is outside the law and inconsistent with local ambitions.
19.01.12 - MORE Success for Safer Streets
UPDATE: More good news to report. Energex have replaced the yellow bulbs in all the streetlights along Melbourne St and up along Boundary St into West End. The white light has significantly improved visibility. Congrats to those couple of hundred people that attended the rally last year. This is more evidence of your efforts.
16Oct2011-Thanks in part to the rally for the Safer Streets (organised by WECA members) the street lights in Manning Street, South Brisbane have been improved, made brighter and are more reliable. This small step goes some way to improving safety on our streets. Thanks to each of you that participated in the rally to make this public statement of support for safer streets.
06.12.11 - AGM Outcome
The AGM elected the following members to the Association's Management Committee--Dr Erin Evans, Jacqui Walters, Hazel Parkins, Adrian Buzolic, David Bratchford and Darren Godwell. And the MC intends to appoint Emma-Kate Rose at its first meeting in 2012. Emma was ill on the day and unable to attend.
Special thanks and recognition to Chris Thompson for his contributions to the MC over several years, and welcome to new MC member Jacqui Walters.
23.11.11 - 2011 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
When: 10am Saturday 3rd December.
Where: Souths Leagues Club, Davies Park, West End.
Who: All are welcome, renew or join WECA on the morning. Only members will be eligible to vote for the election of the Management Committee.
Its been an incredible year in Kurilpa and your community association has been as active and involved as ever. Join us to recap and reflect...we promise the shortest AGM you've ever been to...gives us more time to catch up.
10.11.11 - RENEW TODAY
Its that time of year again, the weather is warmer, the plants are growing, Musgrave Park pool is open and YOU NEED TO RENEW YOUR WECA MEMBERSHIP.
Please RENEW or JOIN TODAY
14.10.11 - Be Prepared-Storm Season
With the first of the summer storms striking yesterday its another reminder to prepare for the coming storm season. Emergency Services Qld have a great checklist to help, click here
14.09.11 - Thousands Celebrate Kurilpa Derby
Thanks to everyone that joined the 4th Kurilpa Derby. 2,000-3,000 locals filled Boundary St with life, love and fun to celebrate life on wheels. Thanks to all who paraded, attended and contributed. Thanks also to all those local businesses that donated prizes.
Lots of photos are being posted into the Kurilpa Derby facebook pages.
27.07.11 - Cities rethink Urban Spaces
'Pop-up' urban planning gives cities the freedom to experiment with projects on a temporary basis, allowing innovative ideas a trial run..Cities around the world are embracing the idea..any ideas for West End? read full article
26.07.11 - CityCat returns to West End
Services to resume Monday 1 August out of the West End terminal.
22.07.11 - 96% support medium-rise redevelopment-NOT 30 storeys
Aria lodges DA for 30storey monolith into West End. WECA members currently reviewing full documentation and plans. If you'd like to support any action on this particular DA please contact WECA via email .
21.07.11 - Aria 30storeys out of step, out of character
BREAKING NEWS----Aria Property Developments have lodged a development application with Brisbane City Council for a 30 storey tower in a residential street of West End, near Melbourne and Boundary Streets.
WECA supports development that advances our ambitions and is consistent with our values.
WECA believes eight is enough--8 storeys is high enough to achieve the population density that adds to a vibrant community.
If this application is approved by the City Council it will go against the overwhelming wishes of the community that contributed to an extended consultation process. That huge building is out of step, out of character and will be out of place. To recap:
· a total of 5,487 submissions and petitions were made to this process across the two windows for public input (Council sometimes refers to select aspects of the process for effect and to distort the import of the total consultations).
· This is the most submissions ever made to a draft neighbourhood planning exercise. More than any other suburb in Brisbane. The first round alone had 4,664 submissions/petitioners.
· 96% supported predominantly residential into medium-rise (6-8storeys) built form and mixed-use (re)development.
· Less than 4% of submissions received supported Campbell Newman's proposal for CBD-style high-rise.
· 1 solitary condition was listed by state govt Minister Sterling Hinchcliff on the draft presented by Council for area south of Davies Park: he capped building heights to seven storeys. Council ignored that requirement and approved a 12 storey complex at 321 Montague Road, South Brisbane that is currently before the Planning and Environment Court on appeal.
· these amendments and this process began in 2007; its been an unusually long process.
A 30 storey tower in the middle of West End will be a glaring example of everything that is wrong with City Council planning processes and we will have to live with this for the next 50 years.18.07.11 - Local Love Fest 2011
This is how we do it West End-a celebration of everything that is local and everything that we love..organising is ramping-up for a calender of local happenings across the month of September.
19.06.11 - Bikes are Better--safer for all road users
Why Bike Friendly Cities are Safer for all users: street design strategies that attract bike riders are the same ones that improve road safety for all road users…read full article here
20.05.11 - Lantern Walk: Support Safer Streets for All
6pm Friday 3 June, cnr Melbourne & Manning St, South Brisbane. FULL FLYER HERE
An act of unity as we carry lights (candles, lanterns, torches) to support people who have survived violence including sexual violence.
This event is open to all people that value respect,diversity and community.
Illuminate the darkness between Manning Street & Russell Street and to support our efforts to avert the silence and stop the violence!
13.05.11 - SAFE STREETS: SAFE FOR ALL, SAFE AT ANYTIME
WECA members are organising a community event to declare West End streets safe: safe for all, safe at anytime. The values of our neighbourhood are about respect, tolerance & community.
If you dont share these values then maybe West End is not for you.
Stay posted for details on the community event, likely to be early June.
WECA is seeking the support of the local Police, the West End Liquor Accord, West End Community House and the West End Traders.
12.05.11 - Ret. Riverside Park to the People
Community Picnic, Riverside Park, 1pm Sat 21 May.
All welcome to join the kids races, dog parade, bike obstacle race and enjoy the BBQ & entertainment.
This community event is intended to remind Council to honour their commitment to return Riverside Park to the people but removing the illegal road. Full flyer is here
06.05.11 - Bicycles 5 Times More Worthy than Cars
More people in West End use bicycles, regularly & to commute, than any other neighbourhood in Brisbane. Are local businesses missing out on valuable sales because we don't have sufficient bike racks?
24.03.11 - Does West End need LightRail now?
Full buses, services leaving passengers behind & 'bus bunching' are all signs that route demand has exceeded supply. Have buses reached their use-by date in West End? BrisUrbane explores feasibility
18.03.11 - A Greater Brisbane
"Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody": Jane Jacobs
07.03.11 - 40km Boundary & Melbourne Street
Maximum speed limits for Boundary and Melbourne Streets has been reduced to 40 km/h. WECA wants safe steets-safe for all users especially people walking, riding bicycles, the elderly and the young.
Drivers be aware of new speed limit and keep pedestrians and cyclists safe.
02.03.11 - West End Film Fest: Sun 27 March
Be sure to buy your tickets to one of West End's favourite events, happening behind Rumpus Room on Sunday 27th March!!!
15.02.11 - Creative Cities Legend David Engwicht
14.02.11 - CARNIVALE ON BOUNDARY ST
Rio Carnival Parade
9pm Saturday 26th February down Boundary St, join the party inside at Rio Rhythmics by buying a ticket...be quick, its a huge night.
07.02.11 - Could a Riverside Forest Help?
"The cost of dams is too high and there are insufficient sites for anywhere near enough dams to stop recent floods..The only long-term solution is not to build in floodplains and the areas that flood should be revegetated." by Matthew Stafford (27Jan2011) in Courier-Mail. Read full article here..
03.02.11 - Searle: draft West End plan inadequate
Prof Glen Searle (UQ) has published a sensible opinion in today's Courier-Mail (read it here). Searle argues making West End's redevelopment areas a flagship example of town planning. WECA couldn't agree more.
This is precisely what we've supporting throughout the drafting of the neighbourhood plan. See our vision published here
13.12.10 - $23.8 million reasons for better neighbourhood
Did you know that last year the City Council took over $23.8million in rates out of the suburbs of West End, South Bris and Highgate Hill? This was just one years worth of council rates. And next year they'll take more.
WECA regularly supports better planning outcomes that improve amenity, initiatives that make streets safer, appropriate redevelopment, more and better green and open space. We give you our commitment to continue suppotring better outcomes.
Can anyone explain why Council suspended the implementation of the West End Riverside Parks masterplan in 2010 with these rivers of revenues pouring in the door?...read the story here
10.12.10 -
West End Community Association president Darren Godwell is calling for locals to join the Bureau of Urban Ideas Living and Designs (BUILD) to brainstorm better plans for the area, to improve street amenity and prioritise roads for light rail, buses and cycleways...read full article here
16.06.10 - Sustainable Cities 2010
The Australian Conservation Foundation has released its Sustainable Cities Index for 2010. It tracks Australia's top twenty cities across fifteen measures. "No city did well across all 15 indicators; and while each has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, no Australian city can yet be held up as a real champion in sustainable urban development." ...read the article.
WECA contacted the ACF and has obtained the full report.
28.05.10 - Safe Streets a Priority
Thanks and congrats to Linda Hogendoorn who did her part in maintaining the safety of our streets for our children, elderly and pets alike. Linda made her way into the City Council sittings on Tuesday to address the Mayor and full Council with a petition for improved safety on Montague Road. Linda is very active at the State School and had a personal story of a family pet being struck by a car while being walked by her children.
This week Lord Mayor Newman accepted Linda's suggestion and has made a commitment to fund and install traffic lights for a safe pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Jane Street and Montague Road in 2009/10.
04.05.10 - Council Approves Demolition of tin&timber heritage
On this matter Lord Mayor Newman made this assurance:
For all the words from Cr Cooper and Cr Newman the actions of the Council reveal the true intent.
WECA supports developing our suburb not destroying it.
30.04.10 - Record numbers left behind
23.04.10 - Is this how you'd spend $2billion?
Today the State government gave the greenlight to the proposed Northern Link car tunnel. This is another of Campbell Newman's traffic tunnels. The current quote for the tunnel is $1.87billlion...so the question is what will the final price look like?-remember the Clem7 began at just $1billion and finished at $3billion. And secondly, is this the best way for Brisbane City to spend $2billion? ....these are questions that every ratepayer and resident should answer before a single cent is spent on more roads....
This was reported yesterday:
"The QTC report specifically says: "BCC's commitment to Northern Link may limit its ability to fund other capital expenditure and could result in deferral of projects related to core activities."
"will increase Brisbane City Council's gross debt from $345 million (2009) to $1.17 billion in 2010, peaking at $2.323 billion in 2014"
"It should be within BCC's capacity to fund this shortfall through higher rates and utility charge increases, based on BCC's current forecast increases of 2.5 per cent per annum after 2012."
09.04.10 - Update on BCC's Local Area Plan drafting
click here to read the WECA update on this latest version prepared by BCC.
Ever wondered of the full impact of population increases as proposed by Brisbane City Council? For example; what about mobility impacts of such a population proposal --how many extra cars? what would be the most efficient mode of transport? how many extra trips does moving 70,000 workers into and out of Kurilpa each morning and afternoon create? And why aren't these answers outlined in BCC's document?
------a transport expert has offered WECA some insight, this will be posted out to WECA Members shortly....not a Member? Join us to find out.
18.03.10 - Report into Alcohol Related Violence
"alcohol related violence" - Parliament Committee Reports Back
This important report will influence how the State government considers liquor licencing laws and the general approach to licenced premises in our community. Click here to see the report...
The shape and look of West End's night time life is something Members have commented on. WECA's members have expressed support for a nighttime culture that is local, low key and low impact.
Please contact WECA if you want your view recorded or wish to get involved with any future initiatives about this topic.
12.02.10 - Magic on Melb St
Those that walk along Melbourne Street were greeted with a little magic on the footpath. Along the border from Manning St down to Hope St someone has written a poem....does anyone know its title or the poet?
It's written with chalk so probably wont last the day. Thanks for a wonderful moment.
09.02.10 - Special Interests Hijack LAP
97% of West Enders support medium-rise (6-8 storeys) predominantly residential redevelopment. Less than 1% pushed for highrise buildings of the kind outlined by Cr Newman (just 5 of 530 submissions made to the Council's formal consultations). 72,000 office workers and 33,000 residential populations projected by Council --Cr Newman's priority is about creating more office towers NOT more residential dwellings. 0 additional parks - this plan MAKES NO PROVISION for rezoned land for the purposes of green space or parks, Council talks about new parks but the legal plan being presented has no changed land zoning for that purpose. 4,600 people made their views clear in petitions and individual submissions to last year's Council consultations (local area plans usually get less than 100 submissions).
06.04.09 - Flood & Fire Fundraiser - over $2,000 raised
Congrats to all those that lent a hand to the Fire & Flood Fund-raiser held on last Saturday night (4 April) at Ahimsa House. Another great effort as locals, neighbours, artists and supporters raised over $2,000. A great effort for a great pair of causes-thanks to all.
06.02.09 - WECA Exploring Urban Agriculture Initiative
WECA Members have made tentative steps towards a major green initiative that would bring urban agriculture, create additional green space & open space in the middle of Kurilpa. WECA welcomes further queries & interests so watch this space for an announcement.
17.01.12 - What they say vs what they mean
Recent property developer propaganda written by Malcolm Aikman (Urbis) and Michelle Hele (Courier-Mail 7 January 2012) has proved more than most readers could stomach. The blog comments were direct and scathing. The article is more evidence of the glaring credibility gap between what the development industry says and what they mean. Here's the point illustrated
17.01.12 - West End Film Fest 2012
The deadline for entries has been extended until this Friday 19th January. Give it a go, it could be the kick-start for the whole year. Full WEFF 2012 details coming soon...
16.12.11 - QUT study high-density res & floods
WECA EXCLUSIVE - QUT Study into High Density Liveability.
After the floods WECA members had many experiences to share about how they were affected. WECA's Management Committee saw the importance in documenting these lived experiences especially from those areas with high-density residential. The performance of new apartment buildings and the redeveloped areas of West End was examined. The findings are not good news.The research found significant short-comings in design with regards to passive cooling, ventilation, natural lighting, access and emergency services.
The full presentation is available here
Special thanks to Rosemary Kennedy, Director, QUT School of Sub-Tropical Design, and the Masters of Architecture program researchers and authors of the study Peter North, James Lewis, Teresa Liu, Marita Paulsrud & Ashlea Hughes.
27.10.11 - Sth Bris Train Station Upgrade
UPDATE--upgrade complete and new station open and in use.
QR construction has started and the station is closed to the public. Shuttle buses are in service to continue moving people.
“South Brisbane station is 120 years old and an important part of Brisbane’s heritage..work includes the restoration and preservation of the historic rail landmark, including structural maintenance, improving access for people with a disability, and upgrading general facilities."
The station will reopen to commuters on 10 December 2011. QR's press release or click here to see the architect's plans for the new streetscape
18.10.11 - Paris adds Electric Car-share
Building on its highly popular bike scheme (less the mandatory helmet laws for adults) Paris has launched a city-wide carshare scheme. Autolib will operate in much the same way as the former Brisbane scheme called GWhiz. Sadly Brisbane City Council couldn't find a way to support the innovation and the company withdrew from Brisbane in 2009.
10.10.11 - Cinema Powered by Cyclists
The Cycle-In Cinema, hosted by bike and art collective Magnificent Revolution, relies solely on pedal power to generate enough energy to screen movies (read more on Inhabitat)
26.07.11 - ARIA Update
-it's 30 storeys high (Torbreck is only 21 storeys)
-first five levels are for carparking-there are no apartments in these levels.
-2 Edmonstone St, West End is a residential st in the heart of West End. Either side of the property are two residential buildings of just five storeys each. The property is not a former industrial site.
-275 apartments
-306 carspaces
-illustration here (its so big they can't fit the diagram on one page)
19.07.11 - Kurilpa Derby 4
here it comes people!!! The 4th Kurilpa Derby is being planned for 2pm Sunday 4th Sept...expect the return of the George's Seafood Squid Relay, our rolling parade, races plus new events to be announced!!!
01.06.11 - West End School-FIESTA
Sunday 5th June-the annual West End State School Fiesta is on PLUS the post flood 'Thanks West End' event is also being held in Horan Street, hosted by Cr Helen Abrahams.
26.05.11 - Sorry Week Memorial
20.05.11 - inkahoots: global & local
local design firm inkahoots has made another celebrated art installation. As part of the Brisbane Ideas Festival inkahoots have created New Anthems...[inkahoots supports WECA by designing this website]
13.05.11 - West End's Growing Media Economy
There is a burgeoning cluster of companies & independent media professionals growing in West End. It's a very exciting aspect of the local economy. Did you know:
- this month marks the arrival of 4AAA 98.9 Murri Country radio station into West End. A great gain for the neighbourhood.
- they will be joined by the National Indigenous Radio Service-a national radio broadcaster that goes to air across remote communities.
- Brisbane's very own community television broadcaster is also in West End. 31Digital have resumed broadcasting after the floods and are making the transition to full digital broadcasting.
- Cutting-Edge Post has long been anchored in West End, and
- the big one happens next year when ABC radio and tv move into their new home at South Bank.
06.05.11 - Safe Streets, Safe for All, Safe at Any Time
Many WECA members & locals have been talking about making a community statement supporting public safety. If you have any suggestions please email WECA President Darren Godwell.
Two years ago WECA alerted Brisbane City Council that of the 189 light fittings along Melbourne Street 157 were not in working order. WECA has returned to that issue on several instances. We again call on the Council to TURN THE LIGHTS BACK ON.
01.04.11 - Spain's Windmills Power Up
Wind power becomes Spain's biggest single source of electricity in March 2011. Renewable energy in total provided 42.2% of electricity demand in Spain last month...read full article
...there is already windmill technology designed for urban streets, see an example here
23.03.11 - Shopping Adventure in West End
Win a $1,500 prize
17.03.11 - Wait for Flood Royal Commission
In late January WECA asked then state Planning Minister to suspend the proposed local area planning exercise in order to await the findings of the Flood Royal Commission. Read our letter.
We believe it's wise to wait until this Royal Commission can inform the proposals because the bulk of the slated new development is, in fact, located in the streets and blocks that were either directly flooded or isolated by flood waters.
You can see from this photo the bulk of the area underwater.
Lord Mayor Newman's proposal is for an additional 52,000 workers in 20+ storey high-rise buildings for this corner of South Brisbane.
WECA questions the merits or wisdom of continuing to develop in flood-prone areas of Brisbane.
15.03.11 - Wolfmother rock Thomas St
thanks to the crew at Blackstar and all our volunteers for making Saturday night such a success...over 1,000 people enjoyed the evening, about $10,000 was raised and WOLFMOTHER and all the musicians that gave us an celebration of community.
Another incredible West End community event!!!
10.03.11 - BCC Joint Flood Taskforce Report
Taskforce Report is listed here...
09.03.11 - Wivenhoe 'never protected' Bris from Flood
"A lot of people believed we were protected by these dams but of course we never were," Prof Trevor Grigg...read full article here
07.03.11 - Brisbane Residents United
RUMOUR: An alliance of community and resident groups is on the verge of creating a Brisbane-wide initiative to support better planning outcomes. Guided by the principle of local leadership for local development this collective expects to help with advice, information sharing and improved campaigning for better planning outcomes.
Stay tuned to learn more...if you wish to contribute to this group please contact WECA.
02.03.11 - BCC Flood Review Controversy
Recent media reports say Brisbane City Council's flood review won't be open to public hearings, nor will it review why town planning regulations were amended to greenlight development applications in floodprone areas of Brisbane.
The review is a serious matter that should give scope to inquiring how City Council has amended local area planning documents in areas affected by floods. The Terms of Reference are here. You will note they are limited to 'existing town planning regulations'.
18.02.11 - Post-flood Clear Thinking Required
*Click image to enlarge