The camera at the Beachmere Boat Ramp, installed to deter crime and record incidents, has been removed and relocated to another site with a Council Spokesperson saying it was “not required”.
The camera was deemed “not required” at the Beachmere Boat Ramp due to the very low or nil rate of offences reported in the area.
The cameras have been placed around Moreton Bay region and are rotated to “hotspots” or areas with a high crime or incident rate.
Although incidents are often posted and discussed on social media, it is necessary to report the problem to the Police to ensure adequate and requisite statistics are obtained.
The length of time it takes to report an incident through Policelink, and on the Police website, can deter some people from making a complaint. However, relocatable cameras and even, police patrols, are often determined by the number of incidents in a particular area or suburb. Locals are urged to lodge a report of any incident.
If you have an emergency dial 000, otherwise report your incident to Policelink on 131 444 or at www.police.qld.gov.au.
Elimbah residents will find it easier to get out and about thanks to construction of a new much-needed footpath along Bigmor Drive.
The new 3.5km concrete footpath will be constructed between Pumicestone Rd and Mansfield Rd, providing the “missing link” in the local footpath network in the area.
The $700,000 project was jointly funded by the Federal Government under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program ($500,000) and Moreton Bay Regional Council ($200,000).
Member for Longman Terry Young said he was delighted to see work begin on the new footpath.
“Mums and dads with prams and people with mobility issues will find it much easier to get to local shops and parks thanks to this new footpath,” Mr Young said.
“It will also provide safe pedestrian access to the massive new commercial development next to the iconic Big Fish Tavern, anchored by a new Bunnings Warehouse.
“I’m pleased that the Federal Government has been able to contribute $500,000 to this project which will benefit local residents and support local jobs during construction.”
Construction of the new footpath was expected to be completed in early April, weather permitting.
“I’m looking forward to seeing its completion along with the other projects in Longman that have been funded under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCIP),” Mr Young said.
The LRCIP is a Federal Government program that supports local councils to deliver priority local projects that support jobs and help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said it was great to see Mr Young successfully take this fight to Canberra and secure funding for a such an important project for the people of Elimbah. “Council has been busy progressing as many infrastructure projects as possible over the past year to help Moreton Bay Region bounce back from COVID-19 stronger than ever,” Mayor Flannery said.
“The Federal Government’s assistance for Bigmor Drv has allowed us to fast-track construction and keep locals on the tools when it’s needed most.
“This is a demonstration of what can be achieved for a community when levels of government come together, and I thank Terry for his partnership on this.”
Councillor Tony Latter (Div 12) said these footpath works would have a massive impact on the quality of life for Elimbah residents.
“If COVID-19 taught us anything it was the value of getting outside, exercising and getting some fresh air,” Cr Latter said.
“This footpath will connect the Elimbah community across a huge stretch of road, whether it’s for recreation or just grabbing some groceries it’ll all be much easier once complete.
“Not only is this project a great economic stimulator, but it’s an upgrade on quality of life as our region grows.”
Other Longman projects funded under the LRCIP include new lights at Bob Brock Park in Dakabin, a new fauna overpass at Woorim, and work is already under way to upgrade Collins Park (Summerfield Drv) in Caboolture.
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is a one hour drive from Bribie Island via Steve Irwin Drive past Landsborough, up the range towards Maleny. The Reserve comprises 55 hectares of subtropical rainforest overlooking the Glass House Mountains landscape. A remnant of the rainforests that once covered the Blackall Range, the reserve is a living museum of diverse plant and animal life which will delight with its tranquility and beauty.
The reserve is home to rainforests species of flora and fauna and there are spectacular displays of sights and sounds of the various birds and animals to learn about the forest. From the 1870s the area was a valuable part of the timber industry producing mainly red cedar. Following timber the area became a dairy producing region.
In 1941 Mabel, Mary and Elizabeth Thynne set aside this reserve out of deep respect for the rainforest and named the area after their mother, Mary Cairncross. The sisters transferred the property to the local council and from its establishment an army of volunteers has cared for the reserve.
The reserve protects more than 20 threatened species of plants and animals including swamp mahogany, the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly and fresh water crayfish which can be seen from boardwalks that protect the species. There are several walks such as the Rainforest Loop of 1.7kms and shorter options such as the Pademelon and Piccabeen loops of 1.3kms.
On your walk you will see Watkins Figs towering 50 meters above you, Pademelons at your feet and Eastern Yellow Robins, Yellow Throated Scrubwrens and honeyeaters around you. The forest floor is covered with a rich supply of fallen fruit such as figs and the blue quandong as well as invertebrates and moss and leaves providing food for many species.
After your walk the Café offers a great range of food for lunch as well as spectacular views of the Glasshouse Mountains named by Captain Cook as they reminded him of the glass houses in his home county of Yorkshire. The kids will be amused while you eat and relax by the frog xylophone and other interactive displays around the centre.
Children will especially like the night time forest display cinema depicting rain and storms in the forest, illuminating nocturnal species like bats and ringtail possums and glow worms and frog life. For a gold coin donation this is a real treat for the whole family, left to us all by a very generous family of benefactors and maintained by volunteers. How lucky we are to have this facility nearby, plan your trip to Mary Cairncross today and don’t let a bit of rain turn you off as the place comes alive in a warm shower.
Note for wheelchair and pram users, the track is a hardened and compacted surface and may have gentle hill sections and occasional steps.
By Staff Writer Mozza
