latest news

02.09.10 - WECA Briefings re draft LAP

WECA is preparing a series of community briefings on the draft Local Area Plan. These will be a maximum of 30mins in duration and designed to give you just the facts.

These WECA community briefings will be scheduled across early September to give people opportunity to learn of the dominant features of this proposal from city council.

WECA is also preparing a constructive initiative to give locals an honest and open process that recognises your right to have a fair dinkum say over the future development of your streets and neighbourhood. STAY TUNED AND STAY IN TOUCH.

30.08.10 - LA's great leap forward

In a sweeping plan the city of Los Angeles is preparing to build 30 years worth of transit infrastructure in just 10 years....LA 30/10 marks a shift away from car-centric mobility and transport planning...could Brisbane dare do the same?

30.08.10 - Blueprint for Urban Development

“Malmo (Sweden) is comprised of highly sustainable buildings of 2-5 storeys in height. As with Barcelona, this low-rise, high density dispels the myth that high density requires high-rise.”

 

“It is arguable that no new building needs to be higher than 8 storeys to achieve high density compact cities for the future”

  

"Transforming Australian Cities" is a report prepared by the Victorian government and the City of Melbourne to chart a vision for increased population densities in their existing urban form. Its a compelling read that paints a picture of a very different kind to that of the Brisbane City Council.....its well worth a read.

 

17.08.10 - EXTRAORDINARY APPROVAL

Yesterday City Council opened the public consultation window on the latest draft Local Area Plan (as posted by WECA). Yesterday City Council's LNP councillors also approved a DA for a building that was almost double the maximum allowable height proposed in the current legal planning scheme and in direct contravention of the very specific conditional approval made by the state planning minister on 3 August.

 

This Council decision makes a mockery of both the public consultation process of the statutory planning process and makes a joke of all legal planning schemes within Brisbane.

WECA believes in the principle of local leadership for local development.

WECA believes that the best examples of neighbourhood planning are characterised by strong local leadership-who better to plan for future development than those that will have to live with its consequences?

WECA believes that planning processes are being prejudiced by the actions and pronouncements of Brisbane City Council politicians. This display of petty politics brings into question every legal planning scheme in Brisbane. There is no longer any certainty over any scheme anywhere in Brisbane. Brisbane City Council is directly challenging the planning authority of the state government.

 

If the state Minister for Planning's "conditional approval" for the draft plan is summarily ignored then any council in Queensland can do the same. It's an untenable position that the State government must resolve.

12.08.10 - Draft Local Area Plan

UPDATE...PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON DRAFT LAP closes Tuesday 28th September. Please review the City Council website for the updated draft plan being proposed, click here to go to Council's webpage...

04.08.10 - Draft LAP ready for public consultation

Today the state planning minister announced that the proposed draft Local Area Plan for South Brisbane and West End is ready to be considered by the public. Read the minister's media statement here plus local Cr Helen Abrahams has also issued a media statement.

The members of WECA have made many thousands of public submissions to seven planning exercises across the last five years...those views are clear and reasonable. In South Brisbane, WECA supports:

• predominantly residential redevelopment within
• a sustainable built form ie 5-8 storeys with
• sufficient social and community infrastructure.

WECA believes there is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create in the redevelopment of South Brisbane a truly urban neighbourhood that represents the best first neighbourhood of the 21st century not the last worst designs from last century.

If this planning process is worth anything to anyone the proposed draft plan will now be further changed to reflect the input of the community, specifically the wishes of the people that will live with its consequences-the people of West End and South Brisbane.

Please review the draft LAP being proposed by BCC, click here

04.08.10 - WECA's Vision-a truly urban neighbourhood

[originally posted 22 September 2009]....WECA's vision for South Brisbane can be found here. Collated from years of community input on planning and sustainable urban development.

WECA sees an opportunity in South Brisbane to develop a truly urban neighbourhood that is predominantly residential and mixed-use within a medium-density and medium-rise (5-8 storeys) built form.

Key provisions must include:

• affordable housing outcomes,
  
• sufficient open and green space for the increased population,
  
• zoning for regular retail to meet the needs of regular neighbourhoods, and
  
• provision of civic spaces to sustain community life including schools, child care, day care, aged care and social services.

03.08.10 - Lord Mayor on thin ice re LAP

Yesterday's reaction by Cr Newman to the proposed draft South Brisbane/West End LAP is unhelpful.

The Mayor has had his turn now it's time for the people of West End and South Brisbane to make their changes to this draft proposal.

The Mayor's comments come before the public consultation period has openned and before further changes will be made to what remains a draft plan.

The provision of sufficient social infrastructure remains a necessary requirement for any suburb to accommodate increased population growth. Liveability is at stake.

WECA has called for redevelopment to be predominantly residential in nature to meet population demands, address the housing affordability crisis and create a truly urban neighbourhood.

However, to date, the Mayor's push has been for more CBD-style office highrises in the neighbourhood. At a time when office vacancies in Brisbane are reaching record highs the commercial case for investment in more CBD offices is on very thin ice.

03.08.10 - Vision for future of The Gabba:Cr Abrahams

WECA commends Cr Abrahams for charting her vision for the development, not destruction, of the suburbs within the Gabba ward. You can review Cr Abraham's document here.

03.08.10 - Trams in Sth Brisbane

these photos of trams in south Brisbane and Woolloongabba are an amazing slice of our city's history...does anyone have any memories of riding either of these two tram routes?

29.07.10 - Common Ground-social housing in Sth Bris

The Common Ground project is edging towards reality in Hope Street, South Brisbane...click here to read the latest. To review the project details click here. The State government is inviting public comment until 19th August. WECA's Management Committee encourages members to review the proposal, comment and contact us too.

Specifics of the draft include:

• located 11-15 Hope Street, South Brisbane.
• building area of about 12,000m2
• 146 apartments-102 studios (31m2), 33 studios (45m2), and 11 one bedroom (46m2).
• 14 storeys and a basement level
• 6-star green rating.

WECA's Management Committee will also be contacting members to canvass people's views and feedback.

20.07.10 - People's Tree Audit Riverside Parks

UPDATE: Thanks to those that joined Cr Abrahams. WECA member Adrian Buzolic is coordinating West End TreeWatch so contact him on 0411 707 395 to lodge any reports or photos.

 

This Saturday (24 July) Cr Helen Abrahams is hosting an exercise to audit the number and significance of trees in our Riverside Parks...click here for flyer

WHEN  3pm Saturday 24th July

WHERE  Gas Tower in Davies Park

14.07.10 - MARKY MARKETS to START

Local music venue HIFI is launching a new idea: MARKY MARKETS!! They're taking over VINYL (125 Boundary St) every third Sunday of the month to bring you beats, beers and bargains...clothes, records, books, shoes, fabrics, bikes, crafts, home wares, artwork, EVERYTHING. The first markets are planned for this Sunday 18 July.

12.07.10 - Transition Town Kurilpa

Permablitz this Weekend!!

Kurilpa Transition Town is hosting its first permablitz this coming Saturday (17th July)...all are awelcome, click here to read the flyer or contact Luke Reade via email

16.06.10 -

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.

08.06.10 - Develop Don't Destroy Kurilpa

"developers simply supplied too much of the wrong product in the wrong location." -this observation is the central premise for a new article that can be read here. Could the same claim be true of Brisbane and the SEQ corner? The article also makes a case for YIMBY's....for the record, WECA members continually support sustainable development that advances our community and community planning that creates better planning outcomes.

28.05.10 - Chile Earthquake Fundraiser

Congrats to Patricia and Michelle (Caravanserai) and the 95 others that raised over $7,000 to rebuild a family home destroyed in the recent earthquake in Chile.

Patricia has made West End her home and founded the Spanish Language Centre in Highgate Hill. Patricia is originally from Chile and the earthquake destroyed her sister's family home. Swinging into action and with the support of Michelle from local restaurant Caravanserai a fundraiser was quickly organised and 95 peope lent their support. The funds were wired to Chile last week. Thanks to all involved.

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.

13.05.10 - West End Wins-321 Montague Rd appeal settled

WECA ACHIEVES A BETTER DA & BETTER OUTCOMES

--321 Montague Road ‘The Wave’--

Highlights:

• fourfold increase in onsite bicycle parking spaces - to 510 bicycle spaces!!
• Limitations on use of onsite resident and visitor car parking- to help educe local traffic impacts
• improved vehicle access and garbage collection arrangements- minimising adverse impacts on neighbours.

Thanks

Thanks to WECA’s team led by Vice-President David Bratchford, Seleneah More, Geoff Smith and Hazel Parkins.

Celebration

Keep in touch and join us for a celebration and thanks to all invovled...

....read full statement here....

04.05.10 - Council Approves Demolition of tin&timber heritage

On this matter Lord Mayor Newman made this assurance: "We're going to protect the 'tin and timber' through West End, that's what this is about. The tin and timbers areas are protected" (21 May 2008)...however Newman's planning bureaucrats have recently approved a demolition of precisely the tin and timber that was supposed to be protected, read the BCC demolition notice here..and click here to see exactly those streets that have lost demolition protection.

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.

04.05.10 - Fun Theory

..this amazing initiative deploys fun across cities...could it happen here?? The Fun Theory offers a great encouragement to put rubbish into the bin..maybe City Council could install a few?

30.04.10 - Record numbers left behind

RECORD numbers of buses left commuters stranded by the road in Brisbane last month, after a surge in passenger numbers swamped the bus network. Brisbane City Council said more than 5,200 buses were too full to pick up commuters last month. It is the highest number of full buses since records began 2 1/2 years ago.

Public and Active Transport chair Jane Prentice said the full services could be partly attributed to increasing numbers of out-of-towners driving to the city's outskirts and catching Brisbane's buses, leaving residents closer to the CBD waiting.

To read the full story click here

Does anyone else wonder how much public transport system $2billion could buy Brisbane?

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."

12.04.10 - Exciting Ideas for Brisbane

 

 

BrisUrbane is a new blog created to canvass exciting ideas for Brisbane's future...check out the latest entry comparing light rail performance against the new CityGlider bus

route...very interesting reading:

BCC Bus (80 passengers) every 5 minutes=960 passengers/direction/hour

Light Rail (300 passengers) every 5 minutes=3,600 passengers/direction/hour

Light rail can be run at high frequency 60-90 seconds (Swanston St, Melbourne has a tram a minute in peak hour).

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.

07.04.10 - West End Carnivale!!

An incredible event that highlights the best of West End's musical talent and performers and adds some of the country's most exciting visiting bands...West End Carnivale is on again 15 May...get your tickets now from The Shire and Ugees coffeehouse. 

07.04.10 - CITYGLIDER--UPDATE

UPDATE--HOLD THE PHONE!!!

Is the CityGlider = to the Bus Rapid Transit promised? In 2007 when BCC commissioned its Mass Transit study the comparison got down to Bus Rapid Transit (BRT..think Busway network) vs Light Rail (think what's coming to the Gold Coast). Regular buses, along regular on-street routes is not BRT. When will Brisbane see its promised Mass Transit option delivered for commuters?.....one blogger commented "Instead we get a bog standard bus with a new paint scheme"

 

[12 APRIL]---the service has started!!! a lucky rider has uploaded photos of their very first ride...While the launch for the CITYGLIDER may well be slated for Monday 19th April, the service started Sunday 11th April...and its supposed to be free rides until end of April...Translink info including bus stops can be read here..plus yesterday's Brisbane Times story..

 

[7APRIL]"...there's a rumour that Council's mass transit initiative -the CityGlider- will be launched on Monday 19th April and travel will be free until the end of April! WECA welcomes increased options for commuters and is fully supportive of regular, reliable, affordable mass transit....stay tuned...

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.

23.02.10 - CityCycle Locations Announced by BCC

UPDATE-a general notice has been sent by Cr Jane Prentice re the roll out by year's end of the CityCycle intiative, click here to read.

 

Council has announced the locations for the first stage roll-out of the CityCycle scheme, click here to see where the stations are.

Brisbane needs more mobility options, this is a welcome initiative. However operational details remain unclear - matters like specific locations, size & design of stations and excessive advertising may undermine public support - and that would be bad.

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

Today Lord Mayor Campbell Newman and Cr Amanda Cooper bowed to the pressures of special interests and their lobbyists. Cr Newman ignored the wishes of 97% of submitters that called for medium-rise (6-8storeys), medium-density predominantly residential redevelopment of South Brisbane & West End.BCC's highly contentious, secretive neighbourhood planning exercise has been hijacked by special interests presenting less than 1% of the submissions made in the consultations. These numbers reveal the true story:

• 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).

 Please stay in touch updates will be posted regularly

--please renew your membership and encourage others to join WECA so we can continue to monitor and campaign for better neighbourhood planning outcomes.

21.12.09 - 4,664 People Want Better Urban Development

Local Leadership over Local Development

Once again residents and friends of West End have demonstrated their clear views on the neighbourhood's continued development consistent with principles of local leadership, sustainability and liveability. This latest exercise with BCC attracted 4,664 people with their input through submissions and petition...this is more than any other neighbourhood in the city.

Sadly the latest draft, is little changed from the earlier version, you can see Council's update here. There remains no protections for heritage buildings, no provision of adequate open space, and no needs based assessment of providing for the nearly 100,000 extra people.

This planning exercise is turning into a test of Council's Urban Planning Chairperson Cr Amanda Cooper's leadership. To date there is little evidence of improvements since the Mayor's pronouncement in March 2009, months before the public had a chance to review draft documents. Nor has Council made publicly available its secret planning documents. Both setbacks are undermining public confidence in the process.

11.12.09 - 'Hello in There' Cabaret

Thanks Chris Maver and all the performers for Friday night's wonderful "Hello in There" cabaret. The evening proved a hit with something to bring a smile to everyone's face no matter your tastes -- acapella, comedy, accoustic or show tunes. Thanks to Seleneah and Hazel for running the raffles on the night.

A special thanks to Cr Helen Abrahams for her continued support of local artists, culture and community.

10.12.09 - Carols by Candlelight

Its a family favourite the entire neighbourhood enjoys -- Carols by Candlelight -- WECA invites everyone to join us on the evening of Tuesday 22nd for Christmas Carols down on Boundary St (in People's Park).

Bring torches, a blanket, candles, good spirit and good voice for a good time. This will double as WECA's end of year celebration, all Members are especially welcome. Come and experience what makes West End a fabulous part of our world.

30.11.09 - Long Live Rock'n'Roll

Yesterday one of West End's favourite sons joined the big dance in the sky. The passing of Rock'n'Roll George is noted in a fine column by journalist, and West End local, Tony Moore of the Brisbane Times, click here to read...

George Kyprios entered the world in Thomas Street, grew up in Princhester Street, attended West End State School and played rugby league, out on the wing for Souths, at Davies Park. Long live rock'n'roll.

30.10.09 - $400 raised for Breast Cancer Research from Fixies Fundraiser

Congrats to Kim for organising the Fixette Feast (1 Nov at Musgrave Park). The day of bike events and feasting raised over $400 in support of the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Thanks to all that participated and contributed.

16.10.09 - SECRET IS OUT

SECRET COUNCIL PLAN LEAKED

TO WECA!!!

-click 'Campaigns' page to download doc-

 

Something is crook when it takes a leak from inside Brisbane City Council before residents, local business people, ratepayers and landowners get the full version of Council's draft urban renewal document.

WECA has the secret document that BCC never wanted you to see.

04.06.09 - Building Resilient Local Economies

WECA is proud to host renowned community leader, author and economist Michael Shuman in West End for a workshop that will explore how people in Brisbane can:

• advance the importance of local businesses
  
• build options for investment in local or green businesses and community projects
• invigorate local economic vitality
• create ways to bring community development and new business creation together, and
• build local living economies.

Michael's latest book The Small Mart Revolution is available at Avid Reader.

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.

06.04.09 - Hampstead Common Workshop 5Apl09

Yesterday local residents from Hampstead Road (and immediate side streets) kicked some ideas around on the concept of creating more urban greenspace along Hampstead Road. Thanks to everyone for braving the uncertain weather & giving up a couple hours of their Sunday arvie.

 

The "Hampstead Common Project" is a local initiative being sponsored by WECA. The ideas floated will now be collated and returned to locals for further consideration. If you weren't able to make yesterday and have queries please email Darren Godwell .

 

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.