Welcome to Cr Helen Abrahams Website
Helen is the Councillor for The Gabba Ward on Brisbane's inner southside. She is the Shadow Chairperson of Council's Environment and Sustainability Committee.
A former Medical Doctor and Council Officer, Helen is committed to ensuring Brisbane grows sustainably, so that our grandchildren inherit a healthy, clean and green city .
Hill End Ecohouse
I had a tour of Hill End’s Ecohouse with Emman Scragg from Riddel Architecture.
It is a “true blue” sustainable house and one I will use as a benchmark for future projects.
I would encourage everyone who can to catch the last two tours of the house on
Friday 5th February at 7.30 am and 9 am at 105 Ryan Street, Hill End
2010 Griffith Australia Day Awards
Prime Miinister Kevin Rudd held his famous Griffith Australia Day Awards on Saturday 23 January at the Easts leagues Club. Thirty Two award winners were present their award from the Prime Minister .
The awards are given in recognition of voluntary work for the community. Many award winners have been working in community organisations for more than twenty years. This was the day when their contribution was acknowledged.
Five people received a Certificate of Appreciation for their voluntary work in overseas countries including Solomon Island, Timor, Vietnam and Papua New Guinea.
The award winners with the Prime Minister
As part of the government’s commitment to improving road safety, the Department of Transport and Main Roads and the Queensland Police Service are introducing new digital imaging and detection technologies, including combined red light/speed cameras and point-to-point speed cameras.
Seven cameras will be tested in locations across South East Queensland. These will be:
• Two combined red light/speed cameras
* Waterworks Road and Jubilee Terrace, Ashgrove
* Beaudesert Road and Compton Road, Calamvale
• Three spot-fixed speed cameras
* Pacific Motorway, Loganholme
* Gateway Arterial Road, Nudgee
* Clem7 Tunnel, Woolloongabba to Bowen Hills
• One point-to-point speed camera system
* Bruce Highway, Caloundra Road to Wild Horse Mountain, Beerburrum
* One mobile speed camera (used at varying locations).
For more information Click Here
Walk againt Warming Rally
I was one of 2,000 people who rallied on Saturday 12 Dec to show support for action on Climate Change. People from the Pacific Island nations were very vocal in their call for action.
The event was organised by Queensland Conservation Council and Coleman Ridge from Greenfest. This meant the day was a combination of music and political speeches. This event was put on without any Government funding. There were approximately 30 climate change action organisations at the event.
The best T shirt message of the day. For more photos go to Out and About
Hale Street Bridge the most expensive Toll Bridge
The graph below shows the true cost of the toll on the Hale Street Toll Bridge - The Go Between Bridge. This graph was calcuated when the proposed toll was $1.85 no $2.70. So in your minds eye stretch the top bar even further to the right.
If you wish to se a better graph go to hale street graph
Sarah's Seat, Highgate Hill Park
Sarah Elston mother Jan, friends and artists gathered at Highgate Hill Park on Monday 30th December 2009 to unveil the dragonfly seat to commerator Sarah Elston's life that was cut short by her murder.
Artists Michael and Ann Chadwick were commissioned to create the seat. The dragonfly was a symbol that Sarah used in her own art.
Artists, Michael and Ann Chadwick with Cr Helen Abrahams and Jan Elston
For more photos click here
SWARA's Xmas Concert
The Swara Xmas Concert was a great event with The Pink Twins choir singing carols, involved in a pantomine including poetry and an Elvis Presley inpersonator.
It was a great way to finish a very busy year for SWARA.
Ms Gloria Collie addressed the last Council meeting objecting to Ryan, Morry and Hoogley Street being used by the CityGlider buses.
The Lord Mayor responded immediately to her speech advising he would look at the roundabout proposal and maybe hold a meeting with Cr Prentice on site. If you wish to read Gloria speech click here
At the same meeting, Council debated the response to the petitions about the City Glider route. I attach an edited (English expression only not content) of several speakers on the debate for your interest. click here . The proposed amendment to the recommendation of the petition is attached as a Footnote.
I also attach the report on the petition that was passed on the numbers in the Council Chamber. click here
City Glider Roundabout Proposal
The route of the City Glider in West End has become a serious and important local issue for the residents in Hill End. They are objecting to more than 800 buses per week in local residential streets such as Ryan, Morry, Cordeaux and Gray Road.
The local community has proposed a roundabout at Orleigh Park to create the terminus of the new CityGlider bus service along Montague Road.
I support this proposal and have done so since my first meeting with residents of Ryan Street several months ago. If you wish to read my speech in Council on this matter click here and refer to my press releases.
I attach for your information the most recent formal response from Council to residents on this issue. The current status is that Gray Road will be used as an alternative road for the terminus loop of local streets.
Residents meet with Cr Prentice on the week commencing 23 November and she gave a commitment to investigate a roundabout in Orleigh Street. There is a new petition circulating calling for the CityGlider bus service roundabout to be part of the West End Ferry Terminal Upgrade Project.
If you wish to sign this petition contact The Gabba Ward office on 3403 2165 or thegabba.ward@ecn.net.au
The West End Ferry Terminal Upgrade
Council has announced the Upgrade to the West End Ferry Terminal. The new ferry terminal will be at the same location as the existing terminal. This is an excellent outcome and vindicates local residents who rejected a proposal upgrade that bisected Orleigh Park several years ago .
Council is seeking your comments on the draft design. I attach for your information a copy of the West End Ferry Terminal Upgrade Newsletter to assist with your feedback. Click here to view the newsletter. I would welcome a copy of your submission.
Local residents of Ryan Street and Gray Road who are calling for a roundabout for the new CityGlider terminus at the Ferry Terminal. I strongly support these residents and their request.
I urge you to have your say on the design of the West End Ferry terminal Upgrade.
Dr Lucy Cameron's speech on South Brisbane Riverside Renewal Strategy
, West End addressed the Councillors in the Council Chamber on Tuesday 24 November. She gave a very thoughtful and personal account of what she thought of the proposals of the South Brisbane Riverside Renewal Strategy.
If you are interested in reading her speech and Cr Amanda Cooper's reply click here
Should apartment buildings adjacent to railway and busway stations adopt innovative ways to reduce reliance on the private motorcar?
This was the question debated in the Council chamber yesterday with the LNP Councillors ruling out any change to the current parking requirements in the City Plan.
In my submission to Council on the Eastern Corridor Renewal Strategy, I suggested the medium-and-high density Buranda Station Precinct development implement a car pooling scheme where Body Corporates would provide a range of vehicles for hire by their tenants, to reduce the need for private vehicle ownership.
The car fleet would take a number of standard car parks in the building and use them for cars that are hired out to tenants through an internal booking system. Experience shows that residents near high quality reliable public transport will use public transport for most of their travel but will need a car for some trips. The car fleet is designed to meet this car based transport.
I am told the average cost of a car park in an apartment building is $50 000. When the cost of a unit, the interest on the loan and the cost of the vehicle during the time of the loan are taken into account, the total cost to the new unit owner for a car park has been estimated as closer to $100 000.
My suggestion aims to reduce the cost of inner city living near public transport; to make new units more affordable.
There are also environmental reasons for introducing car fleets. Our planet is in a climate change crisis. Everyone must be working out what changes they can make to reduce their carbon emissions without adversely affecting their quality of life. This proposal is one such initiative.
Developers seeking to construct green buildings would gain merit from incorporating a car fleet in their development.
The LNP Councillors rejected even exploring the possibility of my proposal. They argued it would be an expensive impost and add to the cost of living for unit owners but as I have indicated above, my proposal has the potential to reduce the up front capital cost, not increase it. Their argument gives no consideration to environmental or social costs of more and more cars in inner city streets. They did not mention traffic congestion once in the debate.
My proposal to mandate this initiative sent the LNP Councillors into a tail spin. Yet every development approval mandates car spaces – what is new?
I shall continue to raise and promote innovative ways to deliver a Carbon Neutral City by 2026 for Brisbane in the face of resistance and spurious arguments by the LNP Lord Mayor and his Civic Cabinet.
I welcome your feedback on this issue.
West End Community House AGM
The AGM of the West End Community House was held on Saturday 21 November 2009. In very hot conditions in the meeting room, Mr Malcolm Snow, CEO SouthBank Corporation, gave a very thoughtful analysis of town planning and spoke of his desire to develop stronger links between The House and SouthBank. This proposal was welcomed by the members of WECH
Members listenign to Glenys Briggs and Ian Muir sing at the AGM
The Gabba Ward Community Bike Ride
On Sunday 25th October, 78 adults and children joined The Gabba Ward Community Bike Ride from "The Commmon", Coorparoo to Musgrave Park, South Brisbane via the Eastern Busway Bike bridge over Ipswich Road at Buranda. It as a 7 kilometre bike ride and for the younger cyclists the first time they have cycled on the road.
It was a great day with yellow vests for everyone and a sausage Sizzle, bike maintenance talk and demonstration game of Bike Polo.
Thanks everyone for coming along. I was asked to organise another one so keep a look out early next year. For more photos go to photo gallery
International Day of Climate Action
On Saturday 24th October 181 countries participated in community events calling for a fair and effective climate treaty to stabilize atmospheric CO2 at less than 350ppm (parts per million).
Approximately 800 people gahtered in Davies Park to throw 350 frisbees to the beat of drums to voice their commitment to a global goal of 350 ppm.
It might be hard to see the frisbees in the photo but as someone said to me "it was an occasion that you just had to be at Davies Park to experience it". For a few additional photos click here
Comparison Photos
I thought that you might be interested in the difference in shade pre and post streetscape improvements for the heritage precient at Logan Road, Woolloongabba.
even with different season the lack of shade is stark
The Boulevard - The Buranda TOD
There has been considerable interest in the development application for The Boulevard development on the corner of Logan Road and O'Keefe Street, Buranda. This is not surprising as four tower buildings are proposed.
The plans can be viewed at The Gabba Ward Office. The formal period for submissions from the public closes on the 3rd November. I have attached for your information my submission regarding this application. Cr Abrahams's Submission
Eastern Corridor Renewal Strategy
Council has released for comment from resident the Eastern Corridor Renewal Strategy. The plan proposes more residential and commercial buildings along the Eastern Busway extending from Buranda to Coorparoo Shopping Centre and Bennetts Road.
The new heights range from 20 storey buildings at Stones Corner to 15 storeys at Coorparoo and 8 storeys at Bennetts Road.
You may find more information on Council's website by searching urban Renewal or you can uses these direct links. I have also attached a copy of the newsletter about the Renewal Strategy
buranda; stones corner; langlands; newsletter
These proposals will change your suburbs. I would encourage you to have a say by completing the online survey or better still writing to Ms Jude Munro, CEO, Brisbane City Council, GPO Box 1434, BRISBANE Q 4001
If you wish updates from your Councillor please email me on thegabba.ward@ecn.net.au
Woolloongabba North Neighbourhood Plan
Council has commenced a Neighbourhood Plan for a small area of Woolloongabba and Kangaroo Point.
A newsletter shall be distributed to all residents and businesses in the area in the next few days. The newsletter shows the boundaries of the Woolloongabba North Neighbourhood Plan area. click here to see the newsletter.
Council is calling of nominations for the Community Planning Team. If you are interested in the future development of your area or planning generally, I would encourage you to nominate by emailing the project team at woolloongabba.north@brisbane.qld.gov.au.
The Boundaries of the Woolloongabba North Neighbourhood Plan
Opening of Kurilpa Bridge
The Premier Anna Bligh, accompanied by Minister Robert Schwarten and Grace Grace, Cr Hinchliffe and myself, opened the Kurilpa Bridge. While the Premier thinks it looks like a trawling vessel, there was a range of ideas.
The bridge was voted a success by the thousands of people who walked the bridge. I know I shall look forward to riding across it when en route to the CBD.
South Brisbane Riverside Renewal Strategy
The consultation period for the South Brisbane Riverside Renewal Strategy closed on 17 September with few residents knowing as the closing date was only to be found on Council's website under "Renewal" as the search word.
I attach my submission for your information. Click Here
The Final Draft South Brisbane Riverside Renewal Strategy is available on Council's website. Go to www.brisbane.qld.gov.au and search for Urban Renewal and you will find the full strategy as well as the South Brisbane Riverside Neighbourhood Plan Newsletter that provides a snap shot of the heights of buildings proposed.
For a copy of the Newsletter click here
For a copy of the executive summary of the Final Draft South Brisbane Riverside Neighborhood Plan click here It is a large document so you mght wish to go to Council website.
Rally against Highrise in West End and South Brisbane
Approximately 500 people rallied in Boundary Street, West End on Saturday 17th October to tell Campbell Newman that they do not want skycrapers in South Brisbane or West End
Speakers including Prof Phil Heywood, Sam Watson, Indigenous artivist, Jo Bragg Environmental Defenders Office, Paul Rees apartment dweller, Darren Godwell WECA and Cr Abrahams. The Menjini Choir, Leah Cottrell and an oversized puppet added culture to the rally.
The community message was clear - yes to development but 8 storeys maximum, no 15 Storey buildings for Boundary Street and no wall of 12 or 15 storey buildings along the River in West End.
more photos in photo gallery