August 2007

We have an exciting agenda for the second half of 2007 and the Mandalay Progress Association (MPA) looks forward to meeting existing and hopefully, new members at our next social gathering. First however, a few community updates and announcements…

River Park Upgrade

The Brisbane City Council (BCC) has allocated $66 000 to upgrade the playground equipment in River Park this financial year (page 223 of the BCC Budget 2007/08).

Cr Jane Prentice said she would allocate an additional $40 000 from her local park fund to improve the playground equipment and facilities in the River Park. We thank Cr Jane Prentice for her support and commitment on this issue.

A total of $106 000 will be spent on improving River Park this financial year. I know this will be welcomed news to a number of Mandalay residents.

Unfortunately no funds have been allocated to improve Biambi Yamba Park this financial year. The MPA will continue to present their case to the BCC in the hope of securing funds to improve the park facilities next financial year.

Keep Fig Tree Pocket (FTP) Green

I would like to thank the local residents who sent letters to the Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor about the Fig Tree Pocket Local Plan and Seven Oaks development.

Well over 50 letters were received by the Lord Mayor to make him aware of the ‘keep FTP green’ issue regarding the FTP Local Plan.

The Lord Mayor responded that he would monitor the Seven Oaks development. However, no firm commitment was made about enforcing the 10 metre vegetation corridor along FTP Road as outlined in the FTP Local Plan.

In response to this lack of commitment, I have sent another letter to Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor requesting additional detail and clarification over the 10 metre vegetation corridor outlined in the FTP Local Plan.

To date, the Lord Mayor has not responded and the Deputy Lord Mayor has just reissued his original letter. This was a disappointing response and I have submitted an application to address Council while they are sitting to further highlight this issue.

For those residents who may be interested, you have the opportunity to address the start of the sitting of Council for 5 minutes and the Lord Mayor may respond.

Movie in the Park

Movie in the Park will be held on Saturday 13th October 2007 from 4pm. Please add this date to your diary as it is an event not to be missed! Due to popular demand Mister Balloons will be back to entertain the kids. Adding to the suite of children’s entertainment will be ‘Natalie the Face Painting Fairy’ and two jumping castles from local business supplier – Grasshopper Jumping Castles.

The Mandalay Progress Association would like to thank our sponsors. Cr Jane Prentice has kindly agreed to sponsor this event from her local community fund and Cathy Lammie has offered to sponsor the children’s entertainment. Without their valuable assistant the MPA would not have the funds to stage this event. So a big thank you is extended to Jane and Cathy.

Mandalay families are encouraged to attend this event and don’t forget to bring a picnic rug, food and drink!.

Active Park Event

The BCC is holding an Active Park Event on Sunday 16th September 2007 at River Park. The activities are:

Active Bods                     10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Kite Making                     10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Circus Skills                    10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Foils for Fun                    10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Net Set Go                      11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Nordic Walking                 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Ti Chi                               10:30 am to 11:30 am
Outdoor Tenpin              10:30 am to 11:30 am

I have put the web link about this event on the MPA website homepage. If you have any questions please ring the BCC Call centre on 3403 8888.

Mandalay Habitat Group

The Mandalay Habitat Group (MHG) had a working bee on Sunday morning 29 July 2007 in Biambi Yamba Park. About 10 local residents attended which focused on planting about 70 plants and placing mulch around the lagoon

Thanks to those residents who participated in the working bee. The MPA put on a sausage sizzle and refreshments for participants.

Please support this worthwhile event which is scheduled to occur next in late October. You will get a great deal of satisfaction at the end of the working bee.

Details about the next working sign will be posted on the community notice board. For more information please contact Col Williams on 3378 9667.

Fitness in the Park

Fitness in the Park is progressing slowly due to the scheduling constraints of trying to get two fitness instructors to hold classes on the same day and time. The Mandalay Progress Association will continue to pursue this issue.

MPA Membership

Mandalay, Fig Tree Pocket, is a unique part of Brisbane. Less than 10 kilometres from the CBD, Mandalay retains its’ semi-rural feeling. Few residential areas share the same social and community networks as Mandalay. For example I recently had an extension done to my home and used trades people from Mandalay to complete the work.

Unfortunately local community associations are few and far between. The MPA is still active after 33 years even though some years have posed a real challenge to continue.

The two largest bills for the MPA each year is the insurance cover ($550) and website hosting ($250). We need 80 household memberships just to cover these costs!

Last year the MPA had 150 household memberships. This year the target is 200 households. If you have enjoyed Picnic in the Park or Movie in the Park then it is imperative that you join to ensure Mandalay Progress Association is around next year.

Membership Fees

August has been designated as "Annual Subscription Month". Please place your $10 in the envelope provided with the tear off slip, and put it in the locked letter boxes at:

• 9 River Park Place,
• 28 Michelangelo St or
• 34 Mandalay St

Subscriptions placed in the letter boxes by 30 September 2007 will go in a draw to win a carton of Crown Lager beer, or bottles of wine to same value.

The subscriptions are used to fund the running costs of the Association as set out in the Annual report.

I would like to thank you in advance for your contribution as your membership is important to the continuation of the Mandalay Progress Association.





Scott Throssell
President
Email: mandalay@uq.net.au
Internet: www.mandalay.org.au

 

 

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© 2001 Mandalay Progress Association Inc