SHERWOOD/GRACEVILLE DISTRICT NEIGHBOURHOOD ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM 2009-2019
Sherwood/Graceville District Neighbourhood Enhancement Program 2009-2019 Many of the challenges facing Corinda, Sherwood, Graceville, Chelmer and Tennyson can be improved by upgrading local infrastructure and services. This can also help to protect the neighbourhood s unique lifestyle, even as the city grows. After listening to your ideas, and conducting research of our own, we have compiled a list of practical solutions for the Sherwood/Graceville District and called it the Enhancement Program. Some suggestions put forward by the community aren t possible in the short term or are beyond the influence of Council s local government powers to address. Others are the responsibility of other tiers of government or another organisation. We ve provided an explanation, where this is the case. In developing this program, we considered the projects that Council, and the Queensland Government, already has under way, or planned, for the area. The Enhancement Program is designed to complement, or refine, these activities. Council is committed to progressively delivering the Enhancement Program and we ve already started work. Key to time frames: Some neighbourhood enhancements will be delivered within the next three years. Others will take longer. We ve indicated the expected time frames for each activity, using the definitions below: Short term: 1-3 years Medium term: 4-6 years Long term: 7-10 years Ongoing: principles and initiatives that will be relevant for the life of the plan.
Objective one: Protect the area s traditional character and beautiful streetscapes and make sure new development fits in with the area s distinctive character The Sherwood/Graceville District is one of the few places in Brisbane where many streets still contain mostly character homes. In many places where new homes have been built, they complement the older homes in the street. These neighbourhoods are some of the most charming in Brisbane. The regulations in the proposed Neighbourhood Plan will do more to protect character homes from being demolished or significantly altered by setting requirements for how buildings are designed and located. Through the Enhancement Program, Council will help home owners and developers design and construct these elements to complement Sherwood/Graceville s distinct character. Council will also consider protecting more heritage sites or structures in the District by including them on the Council s Heritage Register (which controls the demolition, removal, development or conservation work of listed places). Heritage listed places help us to understand and connect with local history and reflect the beauty and creativity of times past. Neighbourhood Plan Strategy: Protect local character. Action Create a Heritage and Character Booklet to provide property owners with tips on renovating in character areas. The booklet will contain information and examples on: suitable styles, materials and locations for fences, carports, garages, and driveways etc. landscaping to complement traditional styles. Timeframe Neighbourhood Plan Strategy: Celebrate local heritage. Action Review heritage sites in the District and identify new sites to be included in Council s Heritage Register. Develop a heritage walking trail, linking significant heritage places in the District. Timeframe
ANSWERS TO COMMUNITY QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS: Large blocks need to be preserved in this area to allow children to play, maintain existing trees, reduce noise impacts, allow natural light and ventilation and preserve the character of the area. While the Statutory Neighbourhood Plan does not prevent larger blocks from being subdivided, it contains extra regulations to help to protect the spacious, green character of local neighbourhoods. New regulations are proposed to control the proportion of the block that can be used for a new home. The building footprint will not be allowed to exceed 50 per cent of the site and at least 100m 2 or 30 per cent of the property must be set aside as private open space. These regulations will help preserve the area s traditional backyard pattern yet allow opportunities for a greater range of housing. For example, some older residents would prefer the option of dividing their property so they have a smaller yard to maintain, rather than moving out of the area into a retirement village. There is a need to preserve the suburbs character by encouraging new development to incorporate a variety of traditional design elements. Under the Neighbourhood Plan, future development on sites with demolition controls will need to meet tougher criteria to ensure it complements the traditional character of existing buildings. These criteria address issues such as size, bulk, how the development looks from the street, roof form, location of carports and garages, fences, driveways and building materials. In areas with outstanding examples of character homes (identified as part of the new West Side Character Precinct ), all new development will be required to feature traditional lightweight materials and architectural elements. This includes development on sites without a pre-1946 character home. Council supports new development in other parts of the District adopting traditional design elements. This does not mean all homes must be replica Queenslanders. Simple measures such as choosing a low, transparent fence, mirroring the shape of neighbouring roofs, using lightweight materials rather than brick and locating new development back from the street can help capture the essence of the timber and tin architectural style.
Objective two: Support local shopping areas For many residents, the shopping centre is the hub of the community. It s the place where locals can buy groceries, visit the butcher, pick up a video and some takeaway for a night in or catch up with friends. There are four key convenience centres in the Sherwood/Graceville District and most are within walking distance of a train station. SCIPs are practical projects to beautify and improve the appearance of local centres. They draw on the area s history, stories and traditions to guide physical improvements such as wider footpaths, improved lighting, shade, seating and redesigned public spaces. The Neighbourhood Plan will encourage more development to be built around the Corinda and Sherwood centres which will bring extra people to the area and strengthen the economic vitality of these retail precincts. Neighbourhood Plan Strategy: Improve local centres. Action Investigate a Suburban Centre Improvement Project in the Graceville Fiveways Centre in partnership with property owners. Prepare a master plan for the Corinda library and the park behind. The master plan will: improve pedestrian and cycle access between Oxley Road and the railway station look at options for relocating car parking space consider the possibility of new buildings on the site. Timeframe Medium term ANSWERS TO COMMUNITY QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS: Council should rezone more areas for small shops. Council has a policy of focusing business and retail operations into a network of centres. Locating shops and businesses together has many benefits. It offers advantages to business owners, who can share resources and costs, and reduces the chance of homes being affected by noise and traffic from the shops. Also, Council can more easily provide high quality public transport to shops when they are grouped into a centre. Home businesses up to a certain size are allowed in residential areas where they meet certain criteria. More shops, services and restaurants are needed in Chelmer so residents don't need to travel to Indooroopilly. Council s City Plan sets aside land for retail centres across Brisbane. These centres differ in their size and function. Convenience centres are normally small, offering locals a place to pick up the paper and other essentials. These centres are suited to residential neighbourhoods. Principal centres, such as Indooroopilly, are designed to service people from many surrounding areas. These centres are much larger, with a greater variety of shops and services, and generate more noise and traffic.
While Chelmer has one convenience centre, the Honour Avenue Centre, locals also have access to another convenience centre and four larger suburban centres in the District. Council does not support creating additional centres or expanding the existing centre in this residential neighbourhood. Upgrade the business, retail and takeaway facilities on Oxley Road. There are four shopping areas currently located along, or very near, Oxley Road. Most of these centres have capacity to expand. The Neighbourhood Plan also proposes allowing more growth around the Corinda Centre by increasing building heights from three storeys to five storeys. Rather than allowing commercial development in other locations, Council s policy is to strengthen and maintain existing Multi-purpose Centres. We would like power to be located underground. Energex is responsible for all underground and overhead electricity lines and cables in South East Queensland. Energex has no plans to relocate existing overhead lines underground as the cost is prohibitive. If you would like to discuss this matter further, please contact Energex on 13 12 53.
Objective three: Continue to expand and connect walking and cycling networks Walking and cycling are becoming increasingly popular as healthy and environmentally friendly alternatives to car travel. Brisbane has an extensive network of pedestrian paths, bikeways (wider paths for shared use) and on-road cycle lanes, including more than 550km of bikeways and more than 3,950km of constructed footpaths. Council is committed to expanding this network. During 2008-09, Council began implementing a $100 million, four year program to improve cycling and walking infrastructure in Brisbane. The Brisbane Active Transport Strategy: Walking and Cycling Plan 2005-2010 (Active Transport Strategy) guides Council s long term investment in walking and cycling infrastructure. This document contains maps that show current and proposed networks and the priorities for Council s construction program. Last year, Council created a continuous bicycle corridor (a combination of bikeways, pedestrian paths and on-road cycle lanes) through the District from Faulkner Park, Graceville to Cliveden Avenue, Corinda, as part of the Active Transport Strategy. Future plans include constructing another bicycle corridor through Corinda, from Cliveden Avenue to Oxley Common. The Enhancement Program is designed to complement projects contained in the Active Transport Strategy. Through the Enhancement Program, Council will focus on connecting local pathways and cycle lanes to public transport stations, shops and schools and creating links between the Brisbane River, parks and open spaces. New paths will also be constructed in neighbourhoods where the number of residents is expected grow in the future (such as around the Corinda shopping centre). In some locations, Council will need to undertake technical investigations to determine if the proposed project is feasible, before committing to construction. Neighbourhood Plan Strategy: Build more pedestrian paths, bikeways and cycle lanes connecting homes to schools, public transport and shopping centres and the Brisbane River to parks and open spaces. Action Investigate and construct cycle lanes along the following roads: Chelmer Honour Avenue Victoria Avenue Laurel Avenue Graceville Honour Avenue Strong Avenue Park Road (cycle link to Graceville State School) Sherwood Blackwood or McCulia Street (cycle link to Sherwood State School) Primrose Street Timeframe Long term
Jerrold Street Thomas Street Corinda Lynne Grove (cycle link to Corinda State High School) Nelson/Donaldson/Clewley Streets (cycle link to Corinda shopping centre) Martindale Street (cycle link to local schools). Investigate upgrading the underpass between Jerrold Street and Railway Terrace to make it safer and easier to access (with cooperation from Queensland Rail). Provide pathways at the following locations: along Strickland Terrace (connecting existing pathways) connecting Nadine Street to the bikeway along the Brisbane River at Chelmer along Verney Road East, Graceville. Construct pathways in the following locations: on the southern side of Long Street East (between Oxley Road and Strickland Terrace) Johnson Street, Corinda along Jolimont Street (between Dewar Terrace and the entrance to the Sherwood Arboretum) from the existing Graceville Avenue pathway to the bikeway along the Brisbane River at Chelmer Investigate installing Bicycle Awareness Zones (bicycle safety areas) or bicycle lanes near the Chelmer, Graceville, Sherwood and Corinda Railway Stations. Investigate constructing a pathway from Strickland Terrace to Oxley Creek Common. Investigate installing signage near the Jack Pesch Bridge and along surrounding bikeways. Medium term Medium term Medium term Medium term Medium term ANSWERS TO COMMUNITY QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS: Why can t cyclists use train services during peak hours? Could Queensland Rail invest in a carriage that cyclists could use? Passengers with a bicycle are permitted to travel on a Queensland Rail service at any time during weekends and public holidays. Bicycles are permitted on trains during weekdays at any time except during the following hours: between 7:00am-9:30am (travelling towards the CBD) between 3:00pm-6:30pm (travelling away from the CBD). Bicycles are restricted to ensure trains are safe, clean and have sufficient room for patrons. While passengers with bicycles can use trains travelling in the opposite direction to peak times, bicycles will not be permitted to pass through CBD stations (Brunswick Street, Central and Roma Street Railway Stations) during peak hours.
Passengers with fold-up bicycles are permitted to travel at all times provided the bicycle is contained in a bag of following dimensions (or smaller) 79cm x 59cm x 36cm. There should be better commuter bicycle routes linking to the University of Queensland, Toowong and the CBD. The Brisbane Active Transport Strategy: Walking and Cycling Plan 2005-2010 (Active Transport Strategy) guides Council s investment in walking and cycling infrastructure. This document contains maps that show current and proposed networks and the priorities for Council s construction program. Cars parked in painted bike lanes block the way for cyclists. If on-street parking creates a safety hazard or blocks lawful access, it becomes a matter for the Queensland Police. You can help the Queensland Police address this issue by informing them when you see unlawful or unsafe parking and passing on details, such as the licence plate number and vehicle make and model. We need more bicycle parking facilities. Bicycle parking facilities are available at Graceville Railway Station and Faulkner Park. The Queensland Government, through Queensland Rail, is responsible for bicycle facilities at railway stations. Bike lockers will be installed as local stations are upgraded. To request other improved facilities, you can contact Queensland Rail via www.qr.com.au or TransLink by visiting www.translink.com.au or calling 13 12 30. The Neighbourhood Plan makes it compulsory for new shops and businesses in a commercial centre (over 500m 2 ) to supply bicycle spaces for their customers and employees and staff showers. Bicycle spaces will also be required in new apartment buildings in the Corinda and Sherwood Precincts. We need bike bridges across Oxley Creek to Oxley Common and across the Brisbane River to Fig Tree Pocket. Council plans to investigate constructing a pedestrian and cycle bridge over Oxley Creek to Oxley Creek Common in the longer term (i.e. outside of the 10 year timeframe of this plan). Detailed feasibility studies would be conducted as part of this project to determine the best location for a bridge. A bridge to Fig Tree Pocket is not considered a priority at this time. Additionally, there are other locations along the Brisbane River where a bridge would attract greater patronage and serve a larger number of people. These sites are more likely to be considered in the longer term. Banana bars should not be used as they are a hazard to cyclists. Banana bars are rails installed at the end of bikeways to stop vehicles driving on the paths and causing damage. They are often used with other tools such as log rails. Contrary to popular belief, banana bars are not used to slow cyclists. All bikeway users should exercise caution when travelling through banana bars and cyclists should also give way to pedestrians. Better lighting is needed along pathways.
Lighting bikeways makes them safer for pedestrians and cyclists and can help encourage cycling in the city. Two types of lighting are used along off-road paths: solar powered cat s eyes (a retroreflective pavement marker) overhead lighting (including solar powered lighting). Council is progressively lighting busy bikeways, focusing on commuter routes that lead to transport stations. Cat s eyes were installed along pathways in Faulkner Park in 2008. Most new bikeways will include some form of lighting. You can request Council investigate lighting particular locations by calling (07) 3403 8888. Railway underpasses are too narrow, putting cyclists and pedestrians at risk of being struck by motor vehicles as different users compete for the same narrow roadway. The Queensland Government, through Queensland Rail, is responsible for railway crossings. Cyclists and pedestrians can use the underpass that connects Railway Terrace to Jerrold Street. This underpass has been designed specifically for pedestrian and cyclists and is in good condition. To request further improvements, you can contact Queensland Rail via www.qr.com.au or by calling 13 16 17. More pedestrian and cycle paths are needed. The Active Transport Strategy: Walking and Cycling Plan 2005-2010 outlines the steps that Council is taking to increase walking and cycling in Brisbane. In the Sherwood/Graceville District, Council will construct more paths and cycle lanes connecting to public transport stations, shops and schools and improve links between the Brisbane River, parks and open spaces. New paths will also be constructed in neighbourhoods where the number of residents is expected grow in the future (such as around the Corinda shopping centre). Pedestrian/cycle paths should be designed for wheelchairs and prams. All new footpaths are built to a standard design that incorporates access for mobility impaired people. Council will progressively improve the quality of existing pedestrian paths and make paths in key locations more usable for people with a disability. Bikeways are wider than standard pedestrian paths, so planned bikeway improvements will also benefit people with mobility impairment. It is not possible to widen pedestrian paths in locations where there is limited publicly owned land or where service trenches (i.e. trenches containing telephone lines etc.) sit alongside the path. Additionally, widening some paths would require established landscaping, including shade trees to be removed. In these locations, Council will seek alternative routes. Council should connect the Neighbourhood Plan area through to Rocks Riverside Park via riverfront land between Blackheath Road and Fort Road. Council is currently investigating ways to better link pedestrians and cyclists from the Sherwood/Graceville District to Rocks Riverside Park.
Provide a shared pathway along Sherwood Road between Oxley Road and the Rocklea Markets to provide improved accessibility to the Brisbane Markets and Oxley Creek Common. Council is currently not planning to construct a bikeway along Sherwood Road as it is a busy arterial road and a designated freight route. In the longer term, Council will look for alternative routes to connect cyclists and pedestrians from Sherwood Station to Oxley Common and the Rocklea Markets. This will be considered as part of a Corridor Study for Sherwood Road.
Objective four: Reduce traffic congestion and make streets safer, particularly along Oxley and Sherwood Roads Traffic congestion is an issue affecting much of Brisbane. The city is growing fast and people are buying more cars, and taking more trips, than ever before. Council is working to tackle congestion in Brisbane by upgrading and building roads and by making it easier to use alternative transport such as cycling and public transport. Residents told us that Oxley Road, Sherwood Road, Coonan Road and the Walter Taylor Bridge become congested during peak hour and that rat running through surrounding streets is a problem. Oxley Road is the main north-south road in the District, while Sherwood Road runs east-west between Sherwood and Rocklea. An industrial area is located just off Sherwood Road, so at times residents must also share the road with trucks. Through the Enhancement Program, Council will also explore other ways to ease congestion and improve safety along Oxley and Sherwood Roads in the medium term. The Queensland Government is currently considering ways to improve transport in the greater western Brisbane area such as new infrastructure for walking and cycling, bus improvements, rail upgrades and road improvements through the Western Brisbane Transport Network Investigation (WBTNI). While the focus of the WBTNI is north of the Brisbane River, projects will benefit the broader western region. The WBTNI has identified a number of long-term options for the region and a preferred strategy is now being developed. Public consultation has closed, but you can find out more by calling 1800 636 896 or visiting www.wbtni.net.au Neighbourhood Plan Strategy: Reduce traffic congestion on major roads and make surrounding local streets safer. Action Conduct a Corridor study along Oxley Road (between Ipswich Road and Indooroopilly) to investigate: increasing the capacity of the road during peak hour extending clearways north of Sherwood Road and north of Long Street West the need for a right turn arrow at intersections that affect traffic flow, especially at peak times, including: o Long Street East o Graceville Avenue o Waratah Avenue extending bike lanes along Oxley Road improve access from Regatta Street to the Walter Taylor Bridge (via Wharf Street) improving safety outside Graceville and Sherwood State Schools. Undertake improvements as determined by the study. Conduct a Corridor study along Sherwood Road to investigate: options for access into Egmont Street and Thomas Street from Sherwood Road Timeframe Medium term
improving pedestrian and cycling facilities along Sherwood Road (between Oxley Road and the Rocklea Markets) the need for traffic calming along Sherwood Road (between Oxley Road and Honour Avenue) improving pedestrian safety at the Primrose Street crossing in Sherwood (outside Woolworths). Undertake improvements as determined by the study. ANSWERS TO COMMUNITY QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS: There are more trucks in the area. They are not using the right roads and some get stuck or bring down power lines. There is a specific network of roads in Brisbane that trucks are encouraged to use. The city s road network is designed to encourage freight to use roads constructed for that purpose rather than local streets. Small trucks however, can use and park in the same roads as cars, utility trucks and four-wheel drives. Freight movements through the area are expected to use Sherwood and Oxley Roads. Council has regular meetings with freight managers and stakeholders to help manage heavy vehicle traffic. Detailed maps showing roads that are approved for different types of vehicles are available from Queensland Transport. Call (07) 3834 2011 or go to www.transport.qld.gov.au and search for multi-combination vehicles. If you believe Council should investigate trucks using a particular local street in your area, phone Council on (07) 3403 8888 and ask to be directed to the Road Use Management Unit. Narrow streets are dangerous. Roads should be widened, especially those with wide nature strips. Research shows narrow streets are often safer than wide streets for all road users as motorists tend to take greater care on narrow streets. If you believe Council should investigate the safety of a particular street or intersection further, phone Council on (07) 3403 8888. Build a new bridge to Indooroopilly either duplicate the Walter Taylor Bridge or construct a new bridge to St Lucia. Council will investigate upgrading the capacity of Coonan Street/Walter Taylor Bridge in the long term to reduce congestion. In the medium term, Council will explore other ways to ease congestion such as creating more clearways and preventing motorists from slowing traffic by turning at certain intersections. There s a problem with too many cars parking in streets around railway stations. The Queensland Government, through Queensland Rail, is responsible for providing commuter parking at railway stations. Queensland Rail recently constructed 70 extra commuter car parking bays as part of an upgrade of the Oxley Railway Station. Although Oxley Railway Station is outside the Sherwood/Graceville District Neighbourhood Plan area, the upgrade will also benefit many residents within the plan area. Streets are considered public spaces. Property owners do not have exclusive rights over the street in front of their house. If on-street parking creates a safety hazard or blocks
access to a property, it becomes a matter for the Queensland Police. If you have a concern about on-site parking at a specific location, phone Council on (07) 3403 8888. To request improved services at rail stations, contact Translink by visiting www.transinfo.qld.gov.au or calling 13 12 30. Through the Enhancement Program, Council will make it easier to walk or cycle to train stations and will work with TransLink to improve bus services to stations. More local streets should have traffic calming measures. Traffic calming measures are designed to slow and discourage traffic on residential streets. Sometimes they take the form of a physical structure, such as a speed bump or traffic island. Often, they require changes to the alignment of the street. Traffic calming measures are only appropriate on some roads. In the wrong location, they just frustrate local drivers and cause problems for buses, service and emergency vehicles (waste, fire trucks, furniture removal vehicles). If you believe your street needs traffic calming measures, phone Council on (07) 3403 8888. More local streets should have yellow lines to prevent parking. During the Neighbourhood Planning process, some residents requested minor traffic improvements such as extending yellow no parking lines or implementing no right turns. These requests will be investigated further by Council. If you are concerned about traffic issues in your local area, phone Council on (07) 3403 8888. Stop speeding cars and enforce the 40km/hr speed limit. Inappropriate driver behaviour, including hooning and speeding, is an issue for the Queensland Police. The Sherwood/Graceville District community can help the Police address this issue by informing them when they observe hooning and passing on details, such as the licence plate number and vehicle make and model. Council regularly investigates complaints about rat-running in local streets. If you are concerned about traffic issues in your local area, phone Council on (07) 3403 8888. Rail bridges should be upgraded, especially the underpass at Honour Avenue and the rail overpass between Honour Avenue and Oxley Road. The Queensland Government, through Queensland Rail, is responsible for railway crossings. Queensland Rail recently installed warning devices. To request further improvements, you can contact Queensland Rail via www.qr.com.au or by calling 13 16 17.
Objective five: Improve public transport services and facilities, especially bus services to railway stations and other suburbs People who live in the Sherwood/Graceville District are generally happy with existing public transport services. In fact, some people moved to the area because of its excellent access to train stations. The number of people who travel to work by train each day is much higher than the Brisbane average. There are four train stations in the District and bus services operate to the CBD and surrounding suburbs. The bus network however, is designed not to duplicate the rail services, so it is not as extensive as in other parts of Brisbane. Residents told us they would like more bus services to surrounding suburbs and railway stations (which would also help to reduce parking in streets surrounding the stations). The Queensland Government is now responsible for planning and delivering public transport in South East Queensland through the TransLink Transit Authority (TransLink). TransLink develops all networks, sets service routes, plans public transport upgrades and coordinates schedules. The Queensland Government also constructs major public transport infrastructure. The Queensland Government, through Queensland Rail, is planning to upgrade the rail line from Corinda to Darra (due for completion in 2010) and will progressively upgrade local railway stations. Council will advocate for improvements and changes to the public transport network based on comments provided by the community during Neighbourhood Planning. Council will also make it easier and more enjoyable to walk or cycle to public transport by building more paths and planting more shade trees. For more information on public transport services provided by TransLink visit www.translink.com.au or phone 13 12 30. Neighbourhood Plan Strategy: Work with Translink to improve public transport. Action Advocate for public transport improvements, particularly bus services connecting to railway stations and surrounding suburbs. Timeframe Ongoing Neighbourhood Plan Strategy: Make it more enjoyable to walk or cycle to railway stations. Action Plant more trees along streets leading to railway stations that are wellused by pedestrians (through the Neighbourhood Shadeways initiative). Timeframe Medium term
ANSWERS TO COMMUNITY QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS: There are not enough facilities at the train stations in the area, particularly for wheelchairs, prams and bicycles. Below is a list of facilities available at each station in the Sherwood/Graceville District: Chelmer: Graceville: Sherwood: Corinda: camera, call point, phone, 54 car bays phone, toilets, call point, bike lockers phone, toilets, call point camera, assisted wheelchair access, bike lockers, phone, call point, wheelchair access via lifts, 94 car bays. Queensland Rail is planning to progressively upgrade local stations, beginning with Chelmer Railway Station in late 2008/2009. Additional parking spaces are not planned for Chelmer and Sherwood, as Translink s policy is not to provide park n ride facilities within 10km of the CBD. To request improved facilities, you can contact Queensland Rail via www.qr.com.au or TransLink by visiting www.translink.com.au or calling 13 12 30. It is difficult for elderly people to get around within the area. Brisbane City Council offers a Council cab service which organizes shared taxis, at scheduled times, for residents who find it difficult to get to their local shops. You can use a Council Cab if you are: - over 60 years old, or - mobility impaired, or - a Pensioner Concession Card or Centrelink Seniors Card holder, or - a child under the care of an eligible person, or - a carer accompanying someone who is eligible. More information on costs, timetables and booking procedures can be found on Council s website at www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or by contacting the call centre on (07) 3403 8888. Council should extend the CityCat Service to Sherwood/Graceville with stops at the Sherwood Arboretum and near the Indooroopilly Bridge. Council has previously investigated the feasibility of extending the existing CityCat service further east and west of the existing routes. The results indicated that this was not viable for a number of reasons including: - a CityCat service could not provide a superior, or even equivalent, commuter service compared to existing bus and train services (in terms of journey time and frequency) - no structure exists to protect the riverbank beyond Dutton Park, raising environmental concerns - the number of new vessels needed to offer a reasonably frequent ferry service is too high to be financially feasible. We need more cross-city bus services to make public transport more viable. The Queensland Government is currently building an extensive network of busways that will make it easier to travel across the city by bus. Busways will link major centres, including Chermside, Carindale and the CBD, with other important places such as hospitals and universities.
Currently, residents in the District have access to bus services to the CBD, Mt Ommaney, Indooroopilly, Rocklea and Inala (from Corinda). Council will work with TransLink to improve and adapt these services to better meet community needs. We need more frequent buses and trains in the area, particularly during peak hours. Queensland Rail is currently upgrading its signalling system which will allow for more frequent services on the Ipswich Line (the existing signalling system requires trains to be separated by at least 15 minutes). New rail stock is also being purchased so trains can carry more passengers. Changes to train services can be expected in the future, especially as the new rail connection to Richlands is constructed. These will be announced in daily and community newspapers. Council will advocate for improvements and changes to bus services based on comments provided by the community during Neighbourhood Planning. To request additional services, you can contact TransLink directly by visiting www.translink.com.au or calling 13 12 30. How will public transport be provided to the State Tennis Centre at Tennyson? Yeerongpilly train station is located only a few hundred metres from the Queensland Tennis Centre. During special events, parking will not be available on-site and TransLink is likely to offer patrons the choice of purchasing event tickets that include public transport tickets. Mirvac, the Centre developer, is seeking for Council to establish a special local traffic area around the Centre to prevent people parking in surrounding streets during events (similar to Suncorp Stadium). However, it should be noted that major events are only expected to occur once or twice a year, with a maximum crowd size of 7,000 (the average crowd size at Suncorp Stadium is 40,000). Public transport is too expensive. TransLink continually investigates and reviews ticket costs. TransLink s new travel card (go-card) and integrated ticketing system provide incentives for people to use public transport more often. Regular public transport patrons can receive significant discounts. There is too much noise from freight trains. The Queensland Government, through Queensland Rail, is responsible for monitoring and managing noise from freight trains. Queensland Rail s Code of Practice for Railway Noise Management outlines noise standards the organisation aims to achieve (broadly based on the Environmental Protection (Noise) Policy 1997) and measures it will undertake to regulate or reduce noise from trains. If you believe freight train noise is above acceptable limits and disturbing residents, you can contact Queensland Rail via www.qr.com.au or by calling 13 16 17. The Code of Practice for Railway Noise Management can also be downloaded from www.corporate.qr.com.au
Objective six: Protect and enhance waterways, parks and natural habitat areas and plant more trees The Sherwood/Graceville District has many different parks and open spaces from public gardens such as the Sherwood Arboretum to sporting grounds and smaller natural areas. Larger parks in the area include Dunlop Park, Graceville Memorial Park and Graceville Avenue Park. Some parks contain significant vegetation. Oxley Creek Common for example contains a near century old stand of hoop pines called the Secret Forest and Nosworthy Park at Corinda has a remnant specimen of the endangered Angle Stemmed Myrtle. As Brisbane s population grows, making the best use of existing parks will become even more important. Parks offer people places to play, relax and keep fit. They also have a cooling effect on the city and help keep Brisbane green. Adding extra facilities to a park can extend its use and enable more people to enjoy it. Residents highly value the District s green spaces and waterways, but some areas are degraded or infested by weeds. Environmental groups such as the Oxley Creek Catchment Association and the Nosworthy Park, Strickland Terrace Parklands, Faulkner Park and Caesar s Palace Bushcare Groups are working with Council to restore bushland areas and local waterways and increase their ecological value. Wildlife corridors are a particular focus of these activities. Through the Neighbourhood Shadeways initiative, Council will partner with community members in the District to plant more street trees, particularly along paths that residents use to get to schools, shopping centres and public transport. At least 1,000 extra trees will be planted in the District during the next 10 years. Neighbourhood Plan Strategy: Upgrade local parks. Action Continue to work with the Friends of Sherwood Arboretum to review and carry out the Sherwood Arboretum Master Plan. Plan new facilities for children over the age of eight in Dunlop Park. Improve Queenscroft Street Park: install additional seating remove weed species revegetate river bank. Improve Strickland Terrace Park: investigate rehabilitating the northern end of the park using species appropriate for river banks. Timeframe Ongoing Short term Short term Medium term Neighbourhood Plan Strategy: Protect and rehabilitate local waterways. Action Continue to revegetate along Oxley Creek in Sherwood: plant 400 trees and shrubs, with the help of the community. Protect and rehabilitate Oxley Creek through the Habitat Brisbane and Creek Catchment Ranger Programs (in partnership with the Oxley Creek Timeframe Ongoing
Catchment Association): remove weed species from sites within the waterway revegetate with endemic species. Neighbourhood Plan Strategy: Make local streets greener Action Plant additional trees along local streets, together with the community, through the Neighbourhood Shadeways initiative: plant more than 294 trees to green and shade streets in Corinda plant another 1,000 street trees in locations close to shops, schools and train stations. Timeframe ANSWERS TO COMMUNITY QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS: Create additional dog off-leash areas in parks, or expand existing areas, particularly for larger breeds of dogs. Council s plan is to establish at least one dog off-leash area in every residential suburb in Brisbane. Finding appropriate sites for dog off-leash areas can be difficult. Normally, the size of the dog off-leash area depends on the size of the local park. Council must balance the needs of dog owners with those of the rest of the local community. There are many dog off-leash areas in Brisbane that are suited to larger breeds of dogs. To find the location of these areas, call Council on (07) 3403 8888. Waterways are not marked on the Neighbourhood Plan map. Does this mean they are not considered to be important to the community? The City Plan protects waterway corridors from being developed and all waterways are mapped in the City Plan. When drafting the Neighbourhood Plan, we take care not to repeat information already contained in the City Plan. The waterways are protected by the City Plan s Waterway Code, Biodiversity Code and Natural Asset Local Laws and in some instances, the Wetland Code. Habitat areas along the Brisbane River and Oxley Creek should be protected. Brisbane s waterways are highly valued by the community. Aside from their scenic and recreational value, waterways are a fundamental component of local and regional ecosystems. Many people are passionate about preserving habitat areas along waterways and have formed local groups to assist Council protect and rehabilitate creeks and catchments. Community groups can help restore natural habitats in parks, remnant bushland, wetlands and along waterways through Council s Habitat Brisbane program. Habitat Brisbane groups also work to protect, monitor and increase native flora and fauna populations, especially rare and threatened species. You can find out how to become part of a bushcare or Habitat Brisbane group or Council s Creek Ranger Program (which helps coordinate community efforts) by calling Council on (07) 3403 8888 or visiting www.brisbane.qld.gov.au You can also become involved in restoring or protecting the habitat on your property through a voluntary conservation partnership with Council.
The Sherwood Arboretum is a great facility and should be upgraded. The Sherwood Arboretum is 12 hectare public garden that was purchased by the Sherwood Shire Council in 1923. Listed on the State Heritage Register, it appears to be unique from other Queensland parks and botanical gardens in that it has endeavoured to exclude any exotic plant species, planting only native tree species. It has a special collection of kauri pines that serve as a memorial to World War I soldiers. A Habitat Brisbane group, called the Friends of the Sherwood Arboretum was formed in 1988 to help improve the arboretum. Over the past two decades, they have worked to remove weeds and regenerate selected sites. Encouraging the growth of frog habitat areas has been a particular focus of their activities. Council prepared a master plan to guide the development of the Sherwood Arboretum in 1997. This master plan was reviewed in 2004 with input from the Friends of the Sherwood Arboretum. Council will continue to work with the Friends of Sherwood Arboretum to review and carry out the Sherwood Arboretum Master Plan. Works have recently been completed to construct a viewing platform over the lakes. Investigate the construction of a skate park in the area. Council is currently investigating sites for future skate parks across Brisbane. The need for a new skate park in the District will be considered as part of this project. Investigate planting additional Bunyas and Bauhina species along the perimeter of Graceville Memorial Park. Graceville Memorial Park has a master plan that will guide all future improvements, including plantings. Additional plantings of Bunyas and plants from the Bauhina species will be considered against the master plan. Some species may not be appropriate if they pose safety risks or require high levels of maintenance. If people are going to be living at higher densities with smaller or no backyards, good quality parks and open space is needed. The Sherwood/Graceville District has an excellent supply of parks, open spaces and sporting facilities. The $82 million state-of-the-art Queensland Tennis Centre is also located just outside the Neighbourhood Plan area in Tennyson. New regulations in the Neighbourhood Plan will make sure that privately owned sport and recreation land will continue to be used for this purpose, even if it is sold. This includes the Corinda Bowls Club, Graceville Bowls Club, St Joseph s Christian Brothers Sportsground and St Aidan s Anglican Girls School Sportsground ( Ambiwerra ). New development will be focused into Corinda, and possibly parts of Sherwood, in locations with good access to parks and open spaces such as Oxley Creek Common and St Joseph s Christian Brothers Sportsground. Mature trees are being cut down by developers. Vegetation that is considered critical to local and regional ecosystems, waterways and wildlife movement corridors is identified and protected through City Plan. Sometimes, individual trees and patches of vegetation that contribute to the beauty of the landscape or are iconic elements of the neighbourhood are also protected under the Natural Assets Local Law.
Council has identified numerous significant landscape trees on private property and 140 affected property owners have received notice of intention to list them in the Natural Assets Planning Scheme Policy in City Plan. The Neighbourhood Plan also includes extra guidelines to encourage residents with mature trees to retain these green assets. You can call Council on (07) 3403 8888 if you suspect unlawful clearing or would like to nominate additional vegetation for protection under the Natural Assets Local Law. Trees are being trimmed by Energex near powerlines. Council has a Memorandum of Understanding with Energex that allows street trees to be pruned for safety reasons in accordance with the Australian Standard for Pruning Amenity Trees (AS 4373-1996). Property owners or residents of Brisbane can: ask Council to nominate vegetation for protection send a written request for a Vegetation Protection Order (VPO) to Council. If you suspect a protected tree is in danger of being damaged or removed, you should call Council on (07) 3403 8888 to report the incident, as soon as possible. New homes in our area need to be more environmentally sustainable. Under the Neighbourhood Plan new multi-storey development within or around the Corinda and Sherwood shops will need to feature sustainable, subtropical design with elements such as verandas, good cross-ventilation and shade structures. Developments will also have to allow space for large shade trees to be planted on-site in natural ground (known as deep planting ). Council is also exploring ways to make new developments more sustainable and suited to Brisbane s subtropical climate through a formal review of the City Plan. Ideas being considered include requirements for new development to feature shade structures and verandas and align living areas northward to become more energy efficient. To find out more about the City Plan review, call Council on (07) 3408 888 or visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au Homeowners can find new ideas on how to make their homes more sustainable through Council s CitySmart initiative. See Council s website for more information.
Objective seven: Improve public access to the river Residents would like better access to the Brisbane River. The Sherwood/Graceville District is bordered by the Brisbane River and Oxley Creek and many people enjoy active water sports such as kayaking and canoeing or simply walking beside the water. A bikeway extends along a section of the Brisbane River at Graceville and connects to the Graceville Memorial Park and the Chelmer Oval. Through the Enhancement Program, Council will turn unused road reserves, used for electricity infrastructure, into places for people to sit and enjoy the Brisbane River. Reserves are located across the District and many are currently overgrown and inaccessible. Neighbourhood Plan Strategy: Improve public access to the river. Action Turn unused road reserves into places for people to sit and enjoy the Brisbane River, possibly in the following locations: Chelmer Street West Verney Road West Long Street West Investigate improving existing pontoons or installing new pontoons for boating/canoeing along both the Brisbane River and Oxley Creek. Timeframe Long term Medium term ANSWERS TO COMMUNITY QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS: Investigate the best location to improve or install additional pontoons for boating and canoeing along both the Brisbane River and Oxley Creek. Council is currently conducting a review of all boating and canoeing pontoons along the Brisbane River. Possible improvements to existing pontoons in the District, or new pontoons, will be considered as part of this review. To enhance our use of the river, we would like a boardwalk along the river connecting the Sherwood Arboretum to the Walter Taylor Bridge. Creating a boardwalk along the Brisbane River is not considered feasible during the life of the Neighbourhood Plan. The topography of the land makes it difficult to access and many properties along the river are privately owned. This means Council would either have to purchase the land as it comes on the market an expensive and potentially timeconsuming process or negotiate access with home owners. While this may be possible with large scale subdivisions, it would be extremely difficult with smaller, single dwelling properties. Additionally, many property owners have private pontoons, which would further complicate designing and constructing a public access bikeway.
Objective eight: Help foster community spirit and create opportunities for locals from different cultures to interact as a community A great neighbourhood is more than just a collection of buildings, roads and parks. It s also a place where people know each other and feel a part of their community. While many residents are active in their community through cultural, religious, seniors or other groups, local community groups in the District tend to work independently. Discussions with residents also revealed some people would like greater opportunities to interact as a community. Events such as festivals, markets, and sporting programs can help draw a community together and foster community spirit. Council supports local events such as the Sherwood Community Festival and provides recreation programs such as: Active and Healthy Parks offering activities such as tai chi, walking, yoga, fitness instruction and pram walking Chill Out activities for young people aged 10-17 years including hip hop, skating, horse riding, song writing, basketball and canoeing GOLD (Growing Older and Living Dangerously) a healthy lifestyle program providing free or low-cost activities for residents 50 years and over. Neighbourhood Planning Strategy: Provide opportunities for people to meet and interact. Action Continue to support interested residents and community groups to plan a community garden. Undertake a Connecting Community Groups project to help create more links between community groups: hold a series of forums for community groups to begin sharing local knowledge bring together multiple community groups to stage community events and undertake community activities develop new networking and communication systems. Create a welcome DVD link on Council website for new residents to connect with other residents, community groups and local businesses (in partnership with the Benarrawa Community Development Association and other community groups). Stage a new youth event (in partnership with Blast-off Inc. and other youth groups and community organisations). Refurbish the heritage-listed grandstand in Graceville Memorial Park. Investigate providing additional park-based fitness groups such as the GOLD program. Time frame Short term