Home | Subscribe | Search | Legal Notices  

Councillor Amanda Cooper's News Column for February 2008

Sign Up for free e-mail updates!

News Column

Councillor Amanda Cooper
Bracken Ridge Ward, Brisbane City Council
Lord Mayor's Spokesperson on Urban Planning & Economic Development
Phone: 36676000 or 0438 113 719

As part of Brisbane City Council’s CitySmart program, we can all be involved in making sure that we live in Australia’s most sustainable city.  Particularly in Bracken Ridge ward, we are lucky to have a great range of flora and fauna in our parks, wetlands, waterways and our local backyards.

The CitySmart program has been created to encourage everyone to play their part to reduce our impact on the environment in practical and affordable ways.  It gives businesses and residents the opportunity to really make a difference by providing practical advice, tools and incentives that will save time, money, resources and the environment.

The next CitySmart Neighbourhood Fair is on Sunday 24th February at Mulbeam Park, Beams Road, Taigum from 10am to 1pm.  It will be a great way to learn more about these practical solutions and check out the CitySmart van.  You can also get information from the Council on how to green up your backyards plus meet Sean Fitzgerald and Lish Fejer from ABC's Carbon Cops.

More information about the CitySmart program can be obtained from my Ward Office on 3667 6000 or by visiting the Council website.
****
Following the nice rain we’ve had in recent weeks, this is great time to take advantage of the Council’s free tree program.

All residential ratepayers in Brisbane can get two free native plants each year.  You can choose from a variety of free trees, plants, groundcovers, climbers, shrubs and palms.

To obtain your free plants, you need to complete an application for the free plants and present your first rates notice of the current year to have the card stamped.

Call into the Bracken Ridge Ward Office to collect the approved application card and you will be well on your way to seeing some new greenery around your home.

For residents of Bracken Ridge and Bald Hills who do not have access to private transport and cannot easily access public transport, the Multi Ride service may be an alternative option for residents wanting to visit local shopping centres.

The Multi Ride service is an eleven seater, easy access, wheelchair accessible cab that can pick you up from your home between 9.30am and 10am and take you to the local shops.  Leaving the shopping centre at 12.30pm, the service will deliver you back to your home again.
 The service operates on the following days:
· Each Wednesday to the Bracken Ridge Plaza, at the cost of $1.50 each way
· Each Thursday to the Westfield Strathpine, at the cost of $2.00 each way
· The last Wednesday of the month to the Taigum Shopping Centre, at the cost of $1.50 each way.

For more information, please contact my ward office on 3667 6000.

Just a reminder to all dog owners, please keep your dogs on their leashes at all times to ensure that we can all enjoy our beautiful area safely. If you want to give your dog the chance to run around leash-free, take advantage of one of the Council’s many off-leash areas.

Off-leash areas are located throughout the Bracken Ridge Ward, including those at Barungwarra Bushland Reserve, Canterbury Park, Gus Davies Park, Barrett Street Reserve, Telegraph Road and Karri Place.  They provide the perfect opportunity for your four-legged friends to run around without fear of attracting a fine.

If you are looking for ways to improve your fitness levels, the Council’s Healthy and Active Programs may be just right for you.  These programs are run at a number of locations around the Bracken Ridge Ward.  The programs include health and fitness walks, women’s wetlands exploring and self-defence classes.  They are a great way to get active and improve your well being while meeting new people in a friendly atmosphere.

In Harold Kielly Park, Bracken Ridge Road West, Bald Hills learn the discipline of self-defence including confidence, goal setting and personal fitness with Self Defence and Karate classes.

The classes will run every Saturday from 16th February until 8th March from 9.30am to 10.30am

On Sunday 17th February, adventurous women over 16 years of age can take an early morning paddle and explore through the Tinchi Tamba Wetlands while in company of a guide / instructor with local knowledge of the area and its wildlife.  Meet at the Tinchi Tamba Boat Ramp at 6am.

For the early morning walkers who would like to join in group walks, the Gone Walking program runs in Bald Hills, Bracken Ridge and Carseldine.

For a full list of times, dates and venues, please contact my Ward Office on 3667 6000.

Steam Train Day is scheduled for Sunday 24th February at McPherson Park, Denham Street, Bracken Ridge.  From 10am to 3pm, give the kids the chance to ride on a real steam train provided by the Bracken Ridge Central Lions Club.  A great concert will be starting at 11am, featuring the new swing group, the All Stars.  With plenty of food stalls, the scene is set for a fun day.
Also keep in mind that due to the Easter holidays, March’s Train Day has been rescheduled to Sunday 30th March.

If you have any queries of concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at the Bracken Ridge Ward Office on 3667 6000 or via email at brackenridge.ward@ecn.net.au.

Councillor Amanda Cooper
Bracken Ridge Ward

More Media Releases