Use The “Archives” feature on the News & Events Page HERE to access all “Recent Events’.

The entries below are taken from BeCA’s Original “Website” page and are now ‘stored’ below for historical reasons.

Welcome To The New member Of The Family: (10/2/2010)

Visitors to Lake Bellvista have been delighted to see the Lake’s resident swan family has a new addition! This young addition has been spotted making itself at home under the careful eye of Mum and Dad! Some residents think there may have been more cygnets in this hatching but perhaps there were lost in the recent heavy downpour which may have caused the lake water level to rise and possibly wash some of this year’s brood away.

Sometimes nature can be very cruel!

Added Feb 12th: The two adult swans were swimming around without the young one this morning, we wonder what has happened and fear the worst.

Traffic Bankup At Unity College Pick-up Time: (2/2/2010)

These photos were taken at 3 pm on Tuesday February 2nd at the roundabout connecting Bellvista Blvd and Dumbarton Drive. The photo above left shows traffic banked up from the roundabout heading north towards Caloundra Rd. The other photo above right shows the view looking south across the roundabout back towards the school.

Current school enrolment is just over 900 students. Unity College has been designed to accommodate 1400 students.

What if ……..

You needed to get to an important appointment in Caloundra.

There was a serious medical emergency and an ambulance wanted to get the patient up Bellvista Blvd to hospital.

There was a fire and Bellvista residents had been advised to evacuate the estate.

The answer is, hope it doesn’t happen between 2:30 and 3:30 pm on a school day!

Back To School 2010 (26/1/2010)

Today is the day before school begins for some Unity College students and the welcome mat is out already.

New buildings are being finalized and all is ready to go.

This new Phys Ed assembly area was getting the final touches this morning when the photo (lower right) was taken.

You can access the Unity College website here to catch up with all the latest news.

A Sunshine Coast Regional Council Service Request was entered on Sunday to arrange for the removal of the dumped van beside the Rugby Fields belonging to Unity College. The abandoned vehicle has now been removed.

An online link to a Sunshine Coast Regional Council Service Request form can be found on the “Handy Links” tab or just click HERE.

Building Developments Continue On Our Estate. (20/1/2010)

Several Medium Density Developments on our estate are progressing well. The project pictured above left on the junction of Lomond Cres and Balmoral Blvd (near the old land Sales Office and the Lake) is well underway as can be seen in the photo. The other project (pictured above right) being built on land on the corner of Tanna St and Rawson St is also coming along quite well. A third development adjacent to the site of the new shopping complex has begun as well.

One of the BeCA Committee members reports she has heard a contract has recently been signed for an IGA Supermarket to be included in the Shopping Complex planned for the corner of Rawson St and Lomond Cres.

Happy New Year! (12/1/2010)

Welcome to 2010!

Though not on the Bellvista Estate, there is a lot of work on cleaning out “Duckponds” as seen in the photo lower left. Duckponds is across the road from the Tourist Information Centre in Caloundra Rd.

And there is certainly less bird life on the Bellvista Lake right now. This may be caused by the new notices asking people not to feed the birds. This should ensure our lake remains cleaner and healthier. The cygnets have now gone as well. The parents swans remain but the youngsters have been sent on their way to make a new life for themselves.

Paul Harrison (Convenor of the Landscaping Sub Committee) reports the majority of Council workers were due to report back to work on Monday January 11th. The heavily overgrown park in Shannon St was mowed recently and we expect other parks to be mowed as January continues. Rains over Christmas has meant the grass in parks has grown!

Paul is forwarding an update request to Council regarding the Telstra Pit Cover (See Below) which still hasn’t been replaced.

Sewerage Works Continue, (9/12/2009)

Sewerage works are continuing in the park at the end of Huntley Place and Lindesay Street. A tall gum tree has been removed when it was discovered it was badly infested with termites. Workmen worked over night to extend the works across Bellvista Blvd. Now the work is extending on the eastern side of Bellvista Blvd. Restoration works for the park will be completed shortly.

 

 

Creek Cleanup (7/12/2009)

This photo was taken from the bridge in Huntley Place near the roundabout intersection with Dumbarton Drive. The creek behind the Medium Density Site in Lindsey St has now been cleared. Several snakes have been seen in the Medium Density Site recently and this tidying up of the creek should keep those unwanted visitors away and residents safer.

 

 

Bellvista Lake Tidy Up (3/12/2009)

This hefty looking machine recently was put to work in clearing some unwanted growth from the lower Bellvista Lake. A closer inspection of the top lake showed it was fine and that no clearing was required. BeCA spoke with an SCRC representative onsite who reported she was very happy with the condition of the lake.

She went on to say that it appears residents are taking note of the No Feeding signs now around the lake as the number of birds has not increased and birds no longer follow or swim up to people as they approach the water. She seemed extremely pleased with the community response on this issue.

Bellvista Retail Development (3/12/2009)

BeCA recently received information from the developer of the new Bellvista Retail Development on the corner of Lomond Cres and Rawson St, Mal Pratt and Associates. Power has now been connected to the site in anticipation that building is about to commence.

They have leased a pharmacy, family medical centre and bakery café at this stage and have an appointment booked to speak with a hairdresser early next week.

The developer wishes the Bellvista Community Association a wonderful Christmas and New Year and look forward to more contact with BeCA in 2010.

No Standing Signs

GriffinCres has been a popular dropping off and collecting point used by parents of students attending Unity College.

Some days this has caused some angst between property owners and parents collecting their children. The school has gone to great lengths to ensure appropriate points are used by parents to safely drop students off. The new Staff Car Park frees even more spaces for parents dropping off or collecting children within the school property.

After much discussion between SCRC and Griffen Cres land owners No Standing between 8am to 9 am and 2:30pm to 3:30pm signs have now been erected.

Tidying Up Commences

SCRC (Sunshine Coast regional Council) recently began its promised work on cleaning out the drain running between Huntley Place and Maroon Crt.

SCRC has been doing a lot if tidying up around our estate including the main roundabout at Bellvista Blvd and Dumbarton Drive. Line of sight view is much improved since the work was completed.

It is good to see the picnic table in the main park has been replaced too following vandal damage.

Unity College School Crossing Opened

The Unity College School Crossing volunteer parents went through their final ‘on the job’ training today Oct 13th. The ‘Children Crossing’ flags were out and the lollypop “Stop” sign was in action.

Volunteers were shown the procedures they were to follow to ensure children were able to safely cross Lomond Cres. This service will become even more appreciated by Bellvista parents when the new shopping complex is in operation further along Lomond Cres in mid 2010.

Thanks to all the volunteers, without you this valuable service would not be possible.

Recent Bellvista Community Events:

Nominations For BeCA Committee:

The following residents were elected at the AGM conducted at the Bellvista Estate Sales Office at 6:45 pm on Monday September 7th, 2009. A special welcome aboard to Paul Harrison.Many deep thanks to the two original members of BeCA who did not forward nomination forms. John Lehman is hopeful that his immediate family health concerns can be overcome and that he can return to BeCA involvement. Roger Tedmanson is currently touring Australia and it was not possible to contact him to ensure his nomination was received. BeCA wishes to express its deepest thanks to both retiring members for their contribution to BeCA.The Committee for 2009-10 is:President: Phil Williams Secretary: Tony Mohr Treasurer Kerry Baxter Committee: Matt Inglis Les Thomas Colin Murphy Bern Johnson Paul Harrison

Community and Aviation Industry Forum August 2009:

• BeCa was invited to send a representative along to a forum of interested local organisations and stake holders at the local Council Offices to discuss plans for the future development of the Caloundra Airport. Minutes from the meeting are available from the links below. There are also links to a ‘presentation’ delivered at the forum as well as another link to the forum’s Terms Of Reference. Bern Johnson attended representing our Association. Right Click on the link below and select “Save Link”.Download the Minutes HEREDownload the Presentation HEREDownload the Terms of Reference HERE
• Here are some excerpts from the Minutes:
• Replacement Aerodrome StudyExpecting a report from the State Government within the next 6 weeks to address the replacement of the aerodrome. Seeking a commitment from the State Government to fund replacement. In response to Caloundra Transit Orientated Community (TOC), relocation of businesses and employees needs to be addressed as a matter of priority. Cr Grosskreutz raised the two proposed sites of Johnson Road and the SEQ Regional Plan industrial designated area in Donnybrook with potential environmental, employment and amenity issues. Peter Pallot agreed that there would be concerns with the impact on surrounding areas. Peter Bryant asked if a new site was announced tomorrow, what would the required timeline be? Peter Pallot advised that 3 years would be an optimistic timeline. 1 year for Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) & design, 1 year for infrastructure such as roads, sewerage, power, etc, and 1 year for the building of the airport, and would require State Government support. Peter Ryan asked if it was a certainty that the Caloundra Aerodrome would close before the replacement one was opened. Peter Pallot advised that there is a commitment from the State Government for the siting of the replacement of the aerodrome but no funding commitment. Cr Grosskreutz stated that to her knowledge discussions have been occurring since 1998 in relation to the Caloundra Aerodrome. Peter Bryant stated that the Caloundra City Ratepayers and Residents Association support Caloundra TOC but have concerns there will be no replacement of the Caloundra Aerodrome. Warren Wiley asked in the event that the Caloundra Aerodrome is not replaced, can the Caloundra Aerodrome businesses merge or relocated to the Sunshine Coast Airport? Peter Pallot stated that this option is constrained by land holding issues (i.e. hanger space). However, Sunshine Coast Airport was exploring options. Peter Bryant stated that Ken Stevenson’s (formerly editor of the Caloundra City News) opinion was that the majority of economic benefit to the Caloundra region is from the helicopter industry. Can the aerodrome be limited to helicopter usage only? Cr Grosskreutz advised that the current Caloundra TOC doesn’t allow this. If such a decision was made, CAMCOS would have to be revisited. Cheryl Tillman advised there would be proximity issues with the helicopters near such transit facilities.Round table discussion was encouraged to put forward any community issues that come to mind. Cr Grosskretuz stated there were only short terms issues such as residents and appear to have been resolved.Bern Johnson advised she has noticed a significant improvement in the number of complaints regarding noise over the last few months. Complaints are down by at least half. However, during a recent meeting at the Golden Beach Bowls Club she did notice the noise to be an issue at this location.Cheryl Tillman advised that they are the only helicopter operators at the Caloundra Aerodrome. However, other helicopter training organisations can fly within an approximate 3 hour radius of their own base. So noise issues can often be other operators flying near Caloundra Aerodrome but are not necessarily using or based at the aerodrome. Peter Pallot advised that a similar problem was occurring at the Sunshine Coast Airport where helicopter operators not based at the airport can still use the airport’s facilities. This was overcome by increasing charges for usage after 10:00pm. Cheryl Tillman advised that the Caloundra Aerodrome is often used for maintenance and the arrival and departure of these aircrafts can sometimes disturb surrounding neighbours. Bern Johnson thanked Peter Pallot and Cheryl Tillman for the information and advised she’ll update the BECA blog which isaccessed regularly by residents. Cr Grosskreutz stated that noise complaints over the last few months have significantly improved in her electorate. Danny Eatock advised Caloundra helipad construction is due to begin in the next 2 weeks. Peter Pallot advised that a website for the Caloundra Aerodrome is under construction and will be accessible via www.caloundraairport.com.au. It will be a sub-site of the Sunshine Coast Airport’s website (www.sunshinecoastairport.com.au) and will provide information such as:
• Operations
• Information of CACA Forum
• Aerodrome businesses information
• Fly Neighbourly Agreement
• Warren Wiley asked what was the critical timing for a decision to be made for the replacement aerodrome? Peter Pallot advised there is a window of opportunity of approximately 18 months to plan and secure funding for the new aerodrome. Cheryl Tillman advised the Sunshine Coast Aviation Group (which she is President of and also involves Peter Pallot) are trying to make representations to the State Government for such a commitment. Peter Ryan put forward that the aerodrome doesn’t necessarily have to cease operating after 2014. Gary Castle advised that aerodrome businesses continuing under a ‘periodic’ or annual lease past 2014 is not ideal. Peter Ryan asked what would happen if the Council decided to leave the Caloundra Aerodrome where it is? Cr Grosskreutz advised that the State Government most likely wouldn’t be concerned. However, then the Caloundra TOC would need to be revisited.

Caloundra South Proposal

• In August BeCa was invited to attend a briefing at the Caloundra Council Offices on the “Caloundra South” proposal.The meeting was attended by 6 people, 3 SCRC representatives, 2 from BeCA and one from Golden Beach Progress Association.Here is the link to the Sunshine Coast regional Council page on the Caloundra South Proposal:
  http://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/sitePage.cfm?code=caloundra-south&pv=1
  Copies of the Caloundra South Position Paper and maps can be downloaded from the links below:
  • Caloundra South Position Paper [PDF 1.3MB]
  • Map 1.1 Structure Plan Area [PDF 1.4MB]
  • Map 1.2 Surrounding Land Uses [PDF 1.3MB]
  • Map 1.3(a) Significant Biophysical Constraints (Flooding) [PDF 1.6MB]
  • Map 1.3(b) Significant Biophysical Constraints (Ecologically Important Areas) [PDF 1.7MB]
  • Map 2.1 Caloundra South Preliminary Land Use Concept Map [PDF 1.3MB]
• These maps (downloaded from the above links) show the area for development, the flood levels, the environmentally sensitive areas and the proposed development areas. There is also a lengthy ‘Fact Sheet” and a feedback form. During the briefing some time was spent going through the flood and environmental maps. Flood and environmental concerns means 40% of the proposed area is unsuitable for development.It will be completed by 2050.
  The 2 pink areas just to the south of Bellvista (yellow arrow) are earmarked for development by Stockland for a further 500 dwellings in the near future. Throughout much of the development area (marked in pink), building heights can be between 8.5m and 13.5m.The state government has recently flagged another area to the south of this proposal for further future development. SCRC is opposed to this. It believes this current proposal satisfactorily meets the government’s requirement to house 50,000 residents by 2050.

 

• cal_sthmap2_1.pdf (above) shows the plan for 2050. This development is planned to accommodate a further 50,000 people, the size of the previous Noosa Council area. Note its proximity to Industrial areas (seen more clearly on the downloadable maps). It is expected that the industrial areas and the shopping complexes will provide employment for 10,000 people.The new town centres are shown as blue circles. The town centre to the south of Bellvista (the smaller light blue circle) would be a shopping area similar in size to Currimundi Markets. The larger dark blue circle would be a major shopping centre. The blue line represents the proposed rail link. Two major roads will connect Nicklin Way (south of the proposed rail line) and the new road (Sunshine Coast Motorway) at the roundabout near Corbould Park race course.There will be a link road between Bellvista and the smaller shopping complex to the south. However this road is designed as a connection road, not a thoroughfare for traffic heading to Brisbane from the Sunshine Coast.We raised the concerns our community has of Bellvista Blvd and construction traffic when the two new areas are to be developed. Duplication was seen by us as a ‘must do’. SCRC informed us there will be a traffic count trigger point when this would happen. Our concern was resident safety prior to the trigger points being reached. The traffic problems created between the school traffic as well as construction vehicles using Bellvista Blvd between the hours of school arrival and dismissal times was mentioned.The SCRC mentioned that the roundabout (Bellvista Blvd and Caloundra Rd) would need to be reconfigured sometime as it was not working effectively.One of the SCRC representatives there was Ron Piper, a former Lensworth employee. When talking about the future of the Land Sales Office it was his impression that the building was to be handed over to the then Caloundra Council as a part of negotiations between Lensworth and the Council. He was quite surprised to hear it was still the subject of negotiation.Ron Piper will make a presentation of the Caloundra South Proposal at the BeCA AGM on Monday September 7th at the Land Sales Office commencing at 6:45pm.

BeCA Meeting With Mark McArdle:

In July 2009, BeCA Secretary Tony Mohr met with our local Member of Parliament Mark McArdle to discuss issues relevant to residents and landowners of the Bellvista Estate.

Tony’s report appears below:

Access to Bellvista (Bellvista Bvd.)
Mark agreed that access to Bellvista is restricted due to Bellvista Blvd. being only single road in and out. He also agreed that this is unlikely to change until Caloundra Downs was due for construction. Mark offered to write to Stocklands on our behalf and try to ascertain when this was likely to happen. He was going to suggest to Stocklands they address our AGM in September.

School crossing
Mark agreed that the crossing was essential and would raise the matter with Anna Grosskreutz at a meeting scheduled on July 2nd.

Retail Complex
Mark had no more news on this issue other then what is known now. He did say he was opposed to poker machines going into the Tavern and made that known on the Community impact statement. He agreed the retail complex must go ahead regardless of the outcome of the application for a licence by the tavern.

Airport
Mark stated that the airport was a complex issue and he would write to our Association with all the information he had at hand. He did state he would oppose any attempt to move the airport if the jobs at the airport were lost. I will publish the letter as soon as it arrives. We wait with interest.

Neighbourhood Watch
Mark encouraged the formation of neighbourhood watch in the Bellvista area. His office will assist us where it can. They will produce the flyers we need to advertise the community meeting required to form the steering committee.

Stocklands sales office
Mark would raise the subject with Anna Grosskreutz at their meeting in July and do what he could to see the office is retained as a community asset.
I invited Mark to our AGM however he will be in Sydney at the time and will be unable to attend.

Tony Mohr
Secretary BeCA.