Voluntary Assisted Dying Now Legal in QLD Despite Resistance from Catholic Hospitals

Catholic hospitals in Queensland, including St Vincent’s Health, which has facilities in Kangaroo Point and Chermside in Brisbane, have made their position clear against voluntary assisted dying (VAD), which has been legalised in Queensland and will be implemented on 1 January 2023.

The new VAD law allows terminal and aged care patients to end their lives at faith-based hospitals if they cannot be moved to another facility.

In a statement to The Catholic Leader, St Vincent’s Health Australia Chief Executive Toby Hall said that the law is “a radical and dangerous undermining of patient safety,” that forces Catholic hospital providers to open their facilities for VAD, which goes against the “values and beliefs” of the medical workers.

Mr Hall said that the Australian Medical Association in Queensland hasn’t backed the bill because of the “lack of protection for faith-based hospital providers.” The decision to legalise VAD has been “deeply unsettling and shocking” since 20 percent of Catholic hospitals provide beds for patients from aged care facilities.

The Parliament voted 61-30 to legalise VAD, the centrepiece of the Labor party’s state election campaign, despite some objections from the allies of Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. Whilst Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and Western Australia passed similar VAD laws, Queensland is the only state that included measures for faith-run facilities.

Officials of St Vincent’s Health and Mater have appealed to the MPs during the deliberation of the bill, stating that palliative care was the best course for helping terminally ill patients. However, supporters of the bill said that this service is not accessible to most patients, especially in the regional areas.

Accessibility to VAD will ease the burden for some families. Proponents of the law also created an oversight board that will review requests from patients and assessments from health officials or workers.

Doctors may also refuse to object to the VAD request whilst there is a provision for faith-based organisations to opt-out. Deputy Premier Steven Miles said that the law will respect both the rights of faith-based hospitals and the patients seeking VAD.

“These laws are fundamentally about compassion,” Mr Miles said.

“But they are also about giving back control to people who have had their autonomy stripped from them by illness.

“It comes after decades of advocacy by passionate citizens, themselves carrying the trauma of having watched relatives die in pain or facing a traumatic death themselves.”

Patients who request VAD must meet the five criteria:

have an eligible condition
have decision-making capacity in relation to voluntary assisted dying
be acting voluntarily and without coercion
be aged at least 18 years
fulfill residency requirements

Watch: Animation Of The Construction Of Kangaroo Point Green Bridge

Photo credit: www.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Have you ever wondered how green bridges are built? Now that construction will soon be underway to deliver a fast-tracked Kangaroo Point Green Bridge, a new video has emerged, revealing how hundreds of local workers will piece together the longest bridge of its kind in Australia.

Read: Gardens Point Boat Harbour Moorings To Be Removed For Kangaroo Point’s New Green Bridge

The video, shared by Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner shows an animation of building the bridge, right from completing the elevated plaza structure and creating a temporary bridge for construction access, down to installing the main span as well as the canopy and balustrade.

“Once complete, the bridge will stretch 182-metres across the river and 95-metres above, not only providing better and safer active travel connections but a remarkable landmark ahead of the #Brisbane2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The green bridge at Kangaroo Point, which will connect the suburb to the CBD, is one of the five new green bridges planned for Brisbane.

“The Kangaroo Point Green Bridge is set to become an iconic destination and new riverside space for Brisbane residents for generations to come. In addition to the new river crossing,

the final design of the city-shaping project features several food and beverage outlets on the bridge and its City landing,” Cr Schrinner said.

Artist’s impression of exterior view of the above-water restaurant and the café at the City landing (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)

Connect Brisbane will establish a marine construction zone to provide a safe working environment for the construction of the bridge. From early 2022, marine barges will facilitate construction activities in the river.

Many of the bridge elements will be preassembled off-site and transported by water for installation, helping to reduce impacts on the local community. A tower crane will also operate from a temporary platform in the river, close to the City side, to assist with the construction of the bridge.

The speed limit in the river is likely to be lowered during construction, with specific requirements to be confirmed later in 2021.

Project timeline

Kangaroo Point Green Bridge construction areas map (Photo credit: www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/)

Based on Council’s timeline, Stage 1 or the start of initial works will include site establishment and service relocations.

Initial works include pre-site establishment works and investigations including dilapidation surveys, locating services, noise monitoring and the establishment of an off-site fabrication yard; and relocation of park infrastructure and utilities.

Council will also embark on the establishment of work sites; diversion of pedestrian and cycle pathways, with safe access maintained through the construction areas; and some vegetation removal in accordance with required approvals.

In 2022, BCC will work on Stage 2, which includes works in the river to construct the bridge deck, viewing areas, mast, pylons and cable stays before proceeding with Stage 3 or the final fit out of bridge and landing points, including paving and landscaping.

Construction will start in late 2021, with expected completion by late 2023, subject to approvals.

Gardens Point Boat Harbour Moorings To Be Removed For Kangaroo Point’s New Green Bridge

Photo credit: Nobu m/Google Maps

Around 30 boat moorings will have to be removed from the Gardens Point Boat Harbour to facilitate the construction of Kangaroo Point Green Bridge in late 2021.

Read: Kangaroo Point Residents Petition to Bring Back the Ferries at Dockside

Starting 31 March 2022, all existing users of the moorings are required to vacate the site to minimise private vessel movements in close proximity to construction activities. Council is no longer issuing mooring consents to new vessels not currently moored at the Gardens Point Boat Harbour, including for overnight or short-term visits.

Highlights

The existing moorings at the Gardens Point Boat Harbour will be removed to facilitate the construction of the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge
All existing users should vacate the site by March 2022

Harbour facilities, including moorings of various sizes, oars locker, toilet/shower facilities, and laundry will remain available to existing mooring users only. Whilst this will end a long tradition of houseboats and visitors on the Gardens Point Boat Harbour, the moorings had to be removed for the safe construction of the green bridge.

Ryan Murphy, Councillor for Chandler ward and chair of the public and active transport committee explained that the moorings were originally designed for short-term moorings for visitors to Brisbane. The Council also assured they will continue to work closely with existing users of the moorings to understand their individual circumstances and manage the impacts of the change in access.

The Gardens Point Boat Harbour, located adjacent to the City Botanic Gardens in the CBD, is one of the two boat mooring facilities on the Brisbane River offered by the Council for residents, visitors and commercial operators. The other one in Breakfast Creek has 42 moorings.

About the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge

Artist’s impression of the Main St and Deakin St connection to the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge (Photo credit: www.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

Kangaroo Point Green Bridge, estimated to cost around $190 million, is one of the five new green bridges planned across Brisbane. It will have a navigational clearance height of 12.7 metres, which is the same as the Captain Cook Bridge.

“This bridge height is required in order to provide an accessible gradient that meets the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) and removes the need for excessive ramping at each landing point,” stated the Council.

“A higher bridge would result in steeper grades towards the Alice Street landing in the Brisbane CBD, which would not meet DDA requirements,” Council added.

Read: Raymond Park Upgrades As Brisbane Prepares To Be Olympic-ready

BCC is preparing for the construction stage following an extensive procurement process in June 2021. Depending on weather and construction conditions, the bridge is expected to be completed by late 2023.

Kangaroo Point Residents Petition to Bring Back the Ferries at Dockside

It has been a year since the suspension of the CityHopper services in Brisbane, and Kangaroo Point locals have renewed calls for the resumption of the ferries at the Dockside.

In a statement, members of the Bring Back Our Ferries Community Group said that they have asked Brisbane City Council “for an interim solution” to let the new KittyCat services use the Dockside wharf so Kangaroo Point locals could still have access to the ferry network.

However, residents were informed that the modern vessels are not compatible with the height of the old wharf thus the KittyCat ferries would not be able to dock at the Kangaroo Point terminal. The locals said they were not consulted about the Dockside’s closure.

Highlights

The Dockside in Kangaroo Point has been suspended since July 2020 as the CityHopper services were replaced with modern KittyCat vessels.
Bring Back Our Ferries Community Group wants Brisbane City Council to resume services.
Council has undertaken a Ferry Network community engagement for feedback on the improvement of the ferry network.

In the meantime, Council provided residents with Shuttle 27, free shuttle service on Main Street and Scott Street. Council also said that there are plans to refurbish and upgrade three inner-city terminals, including Dockside, within a three-year time frame.

But the group does not agree with the three-year wait as small modifications to the Dockside, done in a short period and with little cost, could make the terminal suitable for the modern ferries.

The group launched a petition to bring back the ferries. Nearly 400 have signed the petition so far.

“Dockside was a very heavily used stop and the only one I can walk to because of mobility issues,” said Jane Layton, who started the petition. “We have seen no works happening at the Dockside Ferry stop & have been given no timeline for the completion of these works.”

Photo Credit: Cr Vicki Howard/Brisbane City Council

They presented the petition to Councillor Ryan Murphy last 26 July 2021 during the Community Meeting on Public Transport.

Meanwhile, Council has opened a Ferry Network community engagement in July. Additional drop-in sessions will also open in September at the Brisbane Square Library, Bulimba Library, East Brisbane Croquet Club, Northshore Hamilton Ferry Terminal, New Farm Library, Toowong Library, Regatta Ferry Terminal, and Kurilpa Hall for locals to share their opinions and suggestions about the ferry services. Visit the Council’s site for more details.

LFL Stars Build Start-Up, Wakka Games, to Promote Pool Safety with Pool Angel

Wakka Games is a Kangaroo Point start-up founded by former US Legends Football League stars Quincy Hewitt, 34, and Jayne Caldwell, 29. Best friends and business partners, the two believe that the facial recognition app Pool Angel should be installed across public pools and beaches across the country.

Quincy and Jayne have partnered with Adam Wilson, a Sydney-based electrical engineer, who built Pool Angel, a camera with artificial intelligence capabilities specifically designed to prevent drowning. The product launched nationwide in May 2021.

The device has a system that can do facial recognition to warn parents or surf lifesavers when something is wrong in the pool area. Pool Angel works like an extra pair of eyes that alerts users of potential dangers in the pool on their mobile phones.

Highlights

Quincy Hewitt and Jayne Caldwell founded the start-up Wakka Games in Kangaroo Point to help app and content creators.
They are partners of Pool Angel, the app and device that works to prevent drowning.
Pool Angel launched nationwide in May 2021.

“By using the latest in camera technology, hardware, and our deep learning algorithm, we are able to define people, pets, objects, and areas. This allows us to create an early warning system, giving you time to respond to any possible situation such as child safety. Warnings will be relayed via the app on your mobile phone and by sounding an alarm.”

Quincy and Jayne said that Adam’s invention could bring peace of mind to parents and save many lives, especially when drowning is the leading cause of injury and death in kids below three years old. Wakka Games will also help Pool Angel improve its tech solutions and digital marketing.

Jayne, who is from Brisbane, has been passionate about technology all her life. She founded Wakka Games with Quincy, who is from New Zealand, after they both retired from the popular women’s tackle football games in the U.S.

Together, the pair has a vision to help creators make their app ideas a reality. Both former athletes are also working with other gaming and streaming content creators.

To learn more about Pool Angel, follow the company’s Facebook Page. For app developers and creators, check out Wakka Games.

New Building Proposed Near Two Heritage Sites in Kangaroo Point

Photo credit: developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

A developer has submitted plans to build a contemporary, five-storey commercial building for 180 Main Street. The site is located near two heritage sites in Kangaroo Point — Carroll House and the Story Bridge.

Read: Design for New Kangaroo Point Green Bridge Includes Above-Water Restaurants

Plans (A005764320) lodged by Crete Investments Qld Pty Ltd ATF Raptis Property Trust No.2 indicates that the ground floor will be used to accommodate bar and centre activities whilst the remaining levels would be dedicated to commercial spaces.

The subject site is around 1.2 km away from the Story Bridge and a stone’s throw to a row of 1870s shops known collectively as “Carroll House.”

Highlights

The subject site is near two heritage-listed sites: the Carroll House and the famous Story Bridge
The five-storey building will house a cafe/bar and commercial spaces
Proposed development is for a 662sq m site at 180 Main Street at Kangaroo Point

Aerial view of the subject location (Photo credit: developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

Carroll House (Photo credit: heritage.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

Carroll House has continued to operate on this corner block for more than 130 years. Between 1878 and 1930, it operated as a general store, a butcher’s shop, and a grocer’s shop, most likely with the owners or lessees living in the residences above. In the 1930s, the shop underwent some alterations which still characterise much of the present facade.

According to the pre-lodgement minutes held in December 2020, the initial plans were not sympathetic enough to the heritage-listed Carroll House.

However, a report prepared by VAULT Heritage Consulting states that the development will not generate any adverse impacts on the cultural heritage significance attributed to either this locally significant, Colonial era commercial / residential complex of buildings or the iconic piece of transport infrastructure extant on the sites adjoining the subject site.

Story Bridge (Photo credit: Kgbo/Wikimedia Commons)

Designed by Jackson Teece, the building would have two basement levels, a ground floor cafe or bar and retail tenancy, and four floors of commercial space. The elevation would be similar to that of Story Bridge and another adjacent property.

Architectural renderings prepared by Jackson Teece for the applicant (Photo credit: developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

Read: Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park Now Hosting Rock Climbing Sessions

“It is suggested that this redevelopment proposal for the subject site should be favourably reviewed by Council in relation to the relevant provisions of the Heritage overlay code within City Plan 2014 and/or State code 14: Queensland heritage,” the report says.

Currently, vehicular access to the subject site is provided through the existing access points, with one being located on Wharf Street and one on Main Street. The proposed development seeks to remove the existing crossovers and establish one new crossover on Wharf Street. The basement levels would also accommodate 23 car parking spaces, five motorbike spaces, and five bike spaces that would be accessible by the new crossover.

Raymond Park Upgrades As Brisbane Prepares To Be Olympic-ready

Photo credit: Luke H/Google Maps

Kangaroo Point’s Raymond Park will receive an upgrade, thanks to the $50 million boost to sporting facilities across Brisbane, as part of the preparations to make it an Olympic-ready city.

Read: Design for New Kangaroo Point Green Bridge Includes Above-Water Restaurants

Brisbane is unofficially selected to host the 2032 Summer Games and is expected to be confirmed on 21 July 2021, before Tokyo 2020 officially kicks off.

Kangaroo Point’s Raymond Park will be used as a warm-up field for athletes if Brisbane was chosen to host the 2032 Olympics. The Council has already allocated the fund to improve the fields that will be used by the Kangaroo Point Rovers Football Club and the Brisbane City Quidditch Club.

“The inner-city Raymond Park will receive $287,000 to improve the fields which are used by many sporting groups including the Kangaroo Point Rovers and the Brisbane City Quidditch Club,” Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner announced.

Kangaroo Point Rovers Football Club at Raymond Park (Photo credit: Kangaroo Point Rovers FC/Facebook)

In addition to Raymond Park, other parks in Brisbane will also receive the much-needed upgrades, including Chelmer Sports Ground, Giffin Park in Coorparoo, Emerson Park at the Grange.

Aside from upgrades to existing facilities, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner also announced that a new sports park will be built at Nudgee. Construction works for the $16 million Nudgee Recreation Reserve improvement project is set to start in late 2021.

Raymond Park is known for its irregularity in shape because of the presence of Pineapple Hotel in the South. And because of the hotel, it was formerly known as Pineapple Park or Pineapple Ground. In 1915, the park had its official name, in honour Alfred John Raymond who was Alderman in Kangaroo Point for a long time and a Brisbane Mayor in 1912.

Design for New Kangaroo Point Green Bridge Includes Above-Water Restaurants

Did you know that plans for the $190-million Kangaroo Point green bridge include restaurants hovering over the Brisbane River?

Connect Brisbane, led by BESIX Watpac, has won the contract to construct the connection beginning late 2021.

The design for the pedestrian and cycling bridge, to improve connectivity between Kangaroo Point and the CBD and reduce car trips by 84,000 a year, has been described as a “game-changer” by Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner.

Whilst it will be a sustainable travel option for the locals, the Kangaroo Point green bridge will also serve as a tourist spot and a recreational site with a platform to showcase the beautiful city views and above-water cafes, boutique bars and restaurants.

Mr Schrinner added that the location will be the first in Brisbane to have an above-water dining destination and one of the few bridges in the world to have such a special feature. The planned venue will cover 460 metres and will feature a plaza with heaps of food and drink outlets, as well as an event space.

The firm behind the concept has done various green bridges projects across the world, such as the Sheikh Zayed Bridge in the UAE and the Crown Princess Mary’s Bridge in Denmark. BESIX Watpac is responsible for the construction of the Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville.

Plans for the $60 million Breakfast Creek green bridge will also be unveiled in the coming months.

Meanwhile, Architectural Design students at Griffith University had similar ideas and visions for the Kangaroo Point green bridge when they presented their work to a panel of judges following the culmination of a 12-week design challenge. Some of their ideas included several above-water features such as a public lookout, an ampitheatre and spaces for commercial tenancies.

“Everyone had really strong ideas across the board and different ways of expressing it,” said Dominic Powell from Archipelago Architects, who was one of the judges. “They had a strong story to tell about their proposals and an underpinning idea of how their urban connector could be a real legacy for Brisbane.”

Council To Invest $4M For Monohull Ferries Restoration

CityFerry Lucinda (Photo credit: John Robert McPherson/ Wikimedia Commons)

Three monohull ferries, the John Oxley, Kalparrin, and Lucinda, have been pulled from Brisbane River to undergo a $4-million restoration which will enable them to re-enter service alongside the five new KittyCats that have also been added to the fleet.

Public and Active Transport Chairman Ryan Murphy confirmed the news following Brisbane City Council’s announcement that a ferry stop at Kangaroo Point will be upgraded and reopened.

Read: GoBoat Picnic Boats Now Available in Kangaroo Point

Whilst some are pleased with the news, there are residents who criticized the Council for allegedly failing to consult them regarding the closure. This transpired to a protest, where over 100 residents joined last month.

Despite the protest and disapproval from many residents, Cr Murphy said the Council is looking forward to delivering the Dockside upgrade. Council is already progressing with the terminal design and obtaining the necessary approvals for the upgrade.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the decision to remove the wooden monohull ferries from service last year was due to safety reasons.

“The risk assessment reports found the structural integrity of all wooden-hulled vessels was compromised, with some having extensive deterioration and no longer considered safe,” he said in an official statement.

Public and Active Transport Chair Councillor Ryan Murphy, said buses, trains and ferries all have a use-by-date and had to be retired and replaced at some stage.

Cr Schrinner added: “It will come at a slightly higher cost, but it’s the right thing to do. There is $1.8 million allocated in 2021-22 and more than $2.2 million in 2022-23.”

The construction of the Dockside is expected to begin in 2022 and temporary shuttle services will continue during upgrades to the Dockside terminal.

Read: Lambert Street Development Appeal Worries Residents Over Council Backflip

CityFerries

John Oxley interior (Photo credit: John Robert McPherson/ Wikimedia Commons)

John Oxley, one of the three ferries to be restored, was launched in June 1990 and was built by Norman R. Wrights & Sons. Like a typical CityFerry, John Oxley can accommodate 47 passengers.

Kalparrin and Lucinda, like John Oxley, can have 47 passengers. Kalparrin, launched June 1993, was built by Queensland Port Services. It came from the An Aboriginal word meaning “to help carry a load.”

Inside CityFerry Lucinda (Photo credit: John Robert McPherson/ Wikimedia Commons)

Lucinda, launched June 1986, was built by Norman Park Boat Builders. The name came from Lucinda, a 301-ton paddle steamer owned by the Queensland Government and was built by William Denny and Brothers, Dumbarton, Scotland in 1884.

Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park Now Hosting Rock Climbing Sessions

Starting July, Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park will become the venue for some exciting rock climbing sessions for teenagers. The best part? It’s all free.

Starting the 7th of July 2021 until the 15th of October 2021, a total of six rock climbing sessions, all of which are completely free, will be held at Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park, facilitated by qualified instructors.

The rock climbing sessions will be held on:

July 7, 2021 – 9:00 a.m.
July 7, 2021 – 11:00 a.m.
September 21, 2021 – 8:00 a.m.
September 21, 2021 – 10:00 a.m.
October 15, 2021 – 5:30 p.m.
October 15, 2021 – 7:30 p.m.

Booking is mandatory for all six sessions, and climbers are required to bring enclosed shoes and exercise wear. This is a Chillout event suitable for young people between the ages of 12 and 17.

Those interested in taking part in a rock climbing session can book via the Vertec Adventure website here. For more information, dial 0492 982 454. Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park can be found at 29 River Terrace, Kangaroo Point.