This could be good news for fur-parents as Brisbane City Council prepares to trial a number of off-leash beaches in Manly, Wynnym, and other seaside suburbs across Brisbane.
Come mid-2019, a number of beaches and foreshores will be designated as off-leash areas for a year.
Currently, there are a number of off-leash beaches where Brisbane dogs can go. Some of the best beaches for pooches include the North Shore off-leash beach in the Sunshine Coast, Coolum Beach and Nudgee Beach.
Under the council’s plan, selected beaches and foreshores in Manly, Wynnum, Lota, Sandgate, Nudgee Beach, Shorncliffe, and Brighton will allow dogs, small and big, to run free within a designated area. However, dog owners will be warned that they can be fined if they unleash their pets outside the off-leash area.
The off-leash beaches trial is in response to public clamour for more freedom for their fur babies. But a possible hindrance to making beaches off-leash are the birds that treat the beaches as their temporary home.
The council plans to conduct the trial during the non-migratory period. That way, they can strike a balance in providing freedom areas for dogs, whilst still protecting the birds.
Should the trial be successful, it could lead to more off-leash beaches and foreshores in Queensland.
Airbnb rentals have recorded a spike in various parts of the country, including Moreton Bay Region. The records are based on a study by the University of Sydney as sponsored by the Australian Coastal Councils Association (ACCA) wherein 12 councils across the country have participated. The increase in growth also sheds light on its potential risks following several accidents that happened at Airbnb properties.
The councils that participated in the study are:
Bass Coast Shire Council (Vic)
City of Busselton (WA)
Byron Shire Council (NSW)
Douglas Shire Council (QLD)
Eurobodalla Shire Council (NSW)
Kiama Municipal Council (NSW)
Moreton Bay Regional Council (QLD)
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council (Victoria)
Moyne Shire Council (Victoria)
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council (NSW)
Shoalhaven City Council (NSW)
Sunshine Coast Council (QLD)
The housing rental platform was launched in the country in 2011 where over 130,000 properties were listed following its launch. Coastal communities show an even higher rate of short-term rental properties.
The research also shows that in just over 18 months from April 2016 to December 2017, the numbers of Airbnb properties have doubled in Queensland, NSW, Victoria, and WA.
Airbnb Risks
This alerted the ACCA. According to Barry Samels, the Chair of ACCA, “Traditional holiday accommodation providers are required to meet minimum fire and safety standards. As matters stand, these requirements do not apply to properties listed in Airbnb and similar platforms, posing a potential risk to guests,” he said.
There have been several accidents that happened over the years whilst guests were staying at Airbnb properties.
Last month, a four-year-old boy died whilst staying at an Airbnb rental in the Sunshine Coast. The child suffered head injuries after a swing set topped over and landed on him. The death of the child has raised questions on the liability when things like that happen at an Airbnb.
Apparently, a residential property listed on the platform is considered a commercial business thus its insurance coverage changes. Its insurance may cover storm, fire, and cyclone but it doesn’t cover legal liability portion of the home. Airbnb has free Host Protection Insurance, which has a coverage of up to $US1 million that involves third-party claims of physical injuries or property damage.
Better Council Standards
The study also showed that there are some areas that exceed existing tourism accommodation. With this, Professor Nicole Gurran, who headed the research said that the councils should set baseline standards for short-term rentals in residential areas. Data on short-term holiday rental platforms may also be helpful for local planning and management responses.
Ms Sammels also said that aside from the insurance risk, some of the councils also reported a spike in resident complaints and disruptions caused by Airbnb renters.
“Some permanent residents felt their community had been invaded by tourism and spoke of the stress involved in not knowing when a new party of visitors was likely to arrive next door and how they were going to behave within residential neighbourhood,” he said.
A Tax To Make Things Better?
Also last month, Airbnb expressed its desire to implement a “bed tax” for their clients who will be staying overnight in Queensland properties. This tax will deliver a 5% charge that will help boost local infrastructure and help cities with their revenue without sacrificing tourism.
However, the Palaszcuk government remains firm on their decision that they will not support this kind of tax in the state.
The REIQ recently reported the latest housing market statistics which showed Manly median house price at $728,375, a slight decrease of -4.8% over the last 12 months but an increase of 30.9% over the last 5 years. In the 2nd quarter of 2018, there were 15 homes sold in the suburb.
“The Manly area is in high demand with a number of properties being under contract within a month compared to this time last year with the average days on market at 50. I was able to sell 42 Wellington Street for $1.6mil in just 36 days after being on the market with another agent for over 400 days” says Justin Marsden of Ray White Wynnum Manly.
A modern Tingalpa recycling depot will be developed in time for the “Go Live” date of the Container Refund Scheme on 1 November. TOMRA has lodged a development application for a recycling and deposit refund depot located at 302-308 New Cleveland Road, Tingalpa.
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au
TOMRA has taken lease of the subject property for the re-use and fit-out of the existing building tenancy of the purpose of Container Refund Depot. The depot will be used for receiving and transferring eligible drink containers between 150mL and 3L in size for a refund of 10 cents. The project is in line with Queensland Government’s Container Refund Scheme (CRS).
As stated in TOMRA’s application letter, the depot will operate based on the following:
Monday to Sunday 7am to 7pm, excluding deliveries / collection on Sunday.
Collection of containers by MRV or similar industrial standard collection truck to occur Monday to Saturday 7am to 7pm.
The use is conducted wholly indoors, with the loading of containers onto the collection truck to occur within the building with roll-door shut.
Collection trucks will service each depot approximately four times a day (excluding Sunday) outside of the hours 7pm to 7am.
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.auPhoto credit: Brisbane City Council/pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au
About the Container Refund Scheme
By incentivizing consumers to return their empty beverage containers, the Container Refund Schemeor “Containers for Change,” aims to reduce the amount of plastic waste from container litter through recycling.
“The Container Refund Scheme will encourage recycling while also reducing the amount of plastic we see in the environment,” The Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch said in a media statement in August 2018.
Video credit: Containers for Change QLD/YouTube
“There will be a range of different type of refund point options such as permanent depot-style points, bag drops and reverse vending machines.
“Some container refund points will be mobile and use the ‘pop up’ concept to ensure the reach of our scheme extends into regional and remote areas.
“By providing a range of convenient and accessible refund point solutions more Queenslanders will be able to participate in and benefit from the scheme,” Ms Enoch said.
Implementing Organisation and Operator
Container Exchange (CoEx), the Government appointed Product Responsibility Organisation (PRO) for the CRS, will implement a total of 230 refund points across the state by November 1st.
The refund points are the sites where residents can return their eligible empty beverage containers for a refund of ten cents for each container. The returned beverage containers are then collected for recycling.
TOMRA, Global sensor-based solutions provider and reverse vending leader, is one of the official operators of the Container Refund Scheme. They are expected to operate a total of 10 refund points which will be located in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba areas.
“Each depot will be equipped with 9-12 TOMRA reverse vending machines, a bag-drop option and TOMRA’s Bulk Collection Systems to handle returns of large numbers of containers. The popular myTOMRA app will also provide opportunity for electronic payout of recycling refunds and details on depot locations and opening hours,” TOMRA’s website said.
The Tingalpa depot, along with other TOMRA modern depots, will be a clean and convenient location for consumers to return their empty containers. The “front of house”, a clean and air-conditioned area, is where the customers will enter and complete their returns.
How to Participate in Containers for Change
To participate, consumers should follow four key steps:
Collect eligible containers
Create your scheme account
Take your containers to a refund point
Collect your refund or make a donation
Excluded Beverage Containers:
Generally excluded containers are those that are less than 150ml and greater than 3L. Other excluded containers include:
Any plain milk containers
Any glass containers which have contained wine or pure spirits
Containers 1L or more which have contained flavoured milk, pure fruit or vegetable juice, cask wine or cask water
Concentrated/undiluted cordial or syrup containers
Sachets above 250ml which have contained wine
Registered health tonics
Plain milk bottles, glass wine bottles, and other excluded containers that can still be recycled may be dropped at existing kerbside collection or drop-off services.
In July, the RSPCA has rescued 234 animals and from January to June, they have managed to rescue 1,453 animals in the region with the help of the firefighters. The QFES is happy to be of help as this also shows the local community that despite their big builds, they have a compassionate side.
It seems that those who live in the region are very protective of the animals. In February of this year, the Mini Rescue in Moreton Bay has gained popularity due to their animal rescue efforts. The non-profit organisation rescues animals that are suffering on the streets and in the shelters.
The endeavour started out as a small animal shelter and now has become a statewide project reaching as far as north Queensland. With these efforts, the organisers have helped reduce the euthanasia rates in Rockhampton Pound. Through their online pledges, the local community also gets to help in helping transport animals.
Once the animals are with their organisation, they will worm, vaccinate and desex them. After this process, they will be given to foster carers. They also assist in educating new owners on healthy feeding and training.
Despite the rescue efforts of animal organisations and the RSPCA, the RSPCA recently encouraged pet owners to put desexing on top of their priority list during their Operation Wanted Campaign. The campaign offered 20% discount on desexing procedures at participating vets. Their aim is to reduce the number of litters and abandoned pets on the streets.
If you grew up or have lived in Manly for a while now, you have probably heard or seen the Manly Retaining Wall more commonly known as The Great Wall of Manly. However, did you know that there are hidden figures of animals on that wall?
History of the Manly Retaining Wall
The Manly Retaining Wall or The Great Wall of Manly was built in 1933. The wall’s charm is enhanced by its irregularly shaped stones which were quarried at Lytton.
The Manly Retaining Wall is located at the corner of Falcon, formerly known as Spring, and Wellington Streets, forming a cutting in the centre of each road.
Photo credit: Heritage Branch staff
Since the slope on the area was so steep, the road had to be divided in two to allow access to houses located on either side of the road.
Falcon Street was originally divided by an embankment which was so high and wide, it restricted access for two way traffic. A retaining wall has to be built to replace the embankment; however, the cost of construction would have been greater than the surrounding properties were worth.
To make the retaining wall materialise, Brisbane City Council District Engineer for Wynnum applied for a relief labour initiative.
The Unemployment Relief Scheme, introduced by the State Government in 1932, was a means of providing work projects for the unemployed during the Depression of the 1930s. The Brisbane City Council took advantage of this scheme to construct the retaining wall. The Council provided the tools and materials whilst the State Government provided the labour.
Photo credit: Heritage Branch staff
The plan for the 200-metre long wall was signed by the Designing Engineer and the City Engineer, Mr Gilchrist in February 1933.
Figures on the Wall
Emu on the Manly Retaining Wall Photo credit: I grew up in Wynnum/Manly/Facebook
As if the magnificence of the retaining wall was not enough, a talented worker was able to add interesting figures on the face of the wall. The man was said to be Leopold Sticher and he reportedly created 10 or 12 different figures on the wall.
Goanna on the Manly Retaining Wall Photo credit: I grew up in Wynnum/Manly/Facebook
These figures include kangaroos, emus, boomerangs, and human heads, one of which is apparently a likeness of the District Engineer in charge of works. Next time you pass by the heritage-listed wall, don’t forget to look for Leopold’s handiwork.
The Great Wall of Manly was entered into the Queensland Heritage Register on 5 October 1998 and is now a popular feature of the area.
Looking for more places to visit in Manly? Check out the Jan Powers Farmers Market in Manly for heaps of fresh produce and great food.
Go to a market or enjoy a free movie in Manly with these fun events happening this August.
4 August
Free Movie In the Park
Starting at 6:00 p.m. at the Little Bayside Park, enjoy a free movie with your loved ones. The movie will be Fantastic Mr Fox, which is perfect for your kids as well.
8 August
Free Zumba Gold
Ideal for older people who wants to sweat it and stretch it out, this Zumba workout is FREE! Presented by FSG Australia, this workout is also open to people with disability, mental health challenges, along with their carers. This happens every Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at George Clayton Park, 55 Lower Esplanade in Manly (classes are held under the trees behind the waterfront rotunda).
11 August
Inspiring Champions for Moreton Bay
Go on a community cruise to help protect Moreton Bay’s ecosystem by contributing to the Citizen Scienceactivities from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Participants will head out to the Green Island with Moreton Bay Environmental Education Centre and some of the Bays’ Citizen Science organisations to check out the diverse corals and seagrass using underwater video gliders to help with the ongoing citizen science efforts monitoring the bay.
Take out your costume and head down to the Royal Queensland Watch Squadron for a fundraising event, the Night Ninjas Charity. There will be great entertainment and a presentation by the “Snake Boss” Julia Baker. The charity helps homeless people.
An icon in Brisbane, Jan Powers Farmer’s Markets support the locals and get yourself fresh and locally-produced products. This market happens every first and third Saturday of each month.
Aside from shopping, they also offer entertainment within a festive atmosphere.
Spend your Sunday at the park with great food, rides, arts and crafts, and many more from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. There will also be a dog wash so you can bring your doggos with you. It’s the perfect family affair!
This market is Brisbane’s oldest continuously operating market from the same location. It was established in 1991 and it runs every Sunday.
Go and sail away towards the sunset in Manly. The Second Wind Sailingwill take you on board the Iceberg for a lovely time with the wind, the waves, and the water.
Owned by Cathie and Pete, The Second Wind Sailing offers an hour-long sail that captivates the beauty of the setting sun whilst riding the soothing waves on board their well-appointed yacht. To make the experience even better, they offer a glass of champagne, cider, or beer, or a non-alcoholic beverage as the sun sets, letting you toast the beauty of the golden skies with someone special.
Sailing on the Iceberg is a great idea for a romantic date or a relaxing time with friends and family. The yacht can accommodate up to eight passengers.
There are also several cruise options to choose from.
One-hour sunset cruise
Two-house Secondwind cruise
3-hour Captains cruise
5-hour Sealife cruise
8-hour mystery cruise
If you want to get on the sunset cruise, it runs for most weeks from the William Gunn Jetty on Manly Harbour marina.
For those who are seeking a bit more adventure, there are five- and eight-hour cruises that will give you more time on the water. You’ll get to discover nature as you delve into a sensitive marine green zone where dolphins, turtles and other marine life abound. The longest cruise will take you on a voyage to Moreton, Peeol, Coochiemudio or the Stradbroke Islands where you can explore secluded beaches and enjoy the beautiful seascapes.
For kids who wish to give fishing a try, head on over to the Fish Wise event on 15 July on Davenport Drive in Manly.
Starting at 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and open to anyone 10 to 17 years of age, Fish Wise is a free event that will teach young adults to learn how to tie fishing knots, cast a rod, and other fishing basics!
The event is held by 2 Bent Rods, a well-known fishing school that offers fishing lessons for adults and kids that happen once a week per term. The kids fishing school activities include:
Reading the beach
Yabby pumping
Bait netting
Cast net throwing
Knot tying
Different rigs
Bait fishing
Lure fishing
Crabbing
Cleaning & filleting
Gear maintenance
The upcoming term, the winter fishing school, will start on 21 July and end on 19 August. During the winter, the classes will run on weekends and will be held at different locations each week. All fishing equipment are supplied by the school.
For bookings for the Fish Wise event, you can call 0403 713 820.
The Bayside Women In Business (BWIB)will be having their Biz Expo and Family Fun Day on 26 May from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron in Manly.
BWIB is a women’s networking group in the Brisbane bayside area who helps local small businesses get together with other aspiring business owners in the area for an exchange of ideas, sharing of experiences, possible mentoring and some regional networking.
The event will showcase local business owners, their products, and services. You can talk to business owners and get ideas if you’re looking for ways to get into business or to simply improve your existing one.
There will also be speakers at the event that will share their knowledge and experience on business and leadership.
Teri Cooper
Ms Cooper will be the first speaker of the day starting at 9:00 a.m. Her talk will be quite relatable, particularly for people who are just geeting their business off the ground. “Help I need a grant… support… and yes networking. What’s available and where to find it.”
Sue Mazur
At 10:00 a.m., Sue Mazur shares her secrets for rising above the crowd in her talk, “You are Amaaazzzing!!! But… are you on brand? Success Secrets for Standing Out!”
Amy Jackson
At 11:00 a.m., Amy Jackson will be talking about leadership. Her workshop is called “I’m a leader – now what do I do? The Identity Crisis of New Leaders.”
Sonia McDonald
At 12:00 p.m., Sonia McDonald will be conducting a workshop on “How To Rock Is As a Business Woman.”
Michella Francis
At 1:00 p.m., Ms Francis will take over and talk about “Identify & Managing: Bullying, Harassment & Sexual Discrimination. “
Cathryn Warburton
Wrapping up the workshops, Ms Warburton will be the final speaker at 2:00 p.m. and she will discuss “How To Bulletproof Your Business – Legal Essentials For Small Business and Horror Stories To Learn From.”
Throughout the day, there will be many activities for the whole family to enjoy, along with some great food for energy to keep everyone’s spirits up. Family and friends can tag along and check out the sailing scene or enjoy the free games.
There will also a raffle with a major prize of $1,000 up for grabs. Ticket proceeds will go to the Redlands Centre for Women.
