SUMMARY

2008 has been a quiet year for ARA Inc, but we have continued to represent the interests of residents of our suburb Auchenflower in spite of the limited resources available to us as a voluntary association, due to the sterling dedication of the Management Committee of ARA Inc, which has met each month to progress the activities which have occurred this year.

We welcomed a new Committee member this year Tom Drinan from Weinholt St and thank him for his support.

ARA Inc remains in sound financial position with adequate reserves to cover projected recurrent expenditures, whilst membership retention and expansion remains a ever-present objective.

A summary of 2008 key activity on ARA Inc’s five main areas of interest is as follows:

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Committee member Bill Phillips continues to lead by example in his campaign to have residents become more aware of the detrimental effects of certain unwelcome plants on the natural environment.

COMMUNITY SPIRIT

Past President Jackie Bentley particular interest in Auchenflower’s history is demonstrated by her initiative in fostering formation of a project to record and publish oral histories garnered from long term residents, which progressed this year with preliminary work completed on its feasibility, and a 2009 timeline pencilled in.

Members continued to support the inner western suburbs history group set up in 2006, and provided speakers to several of its meetings.

The most significant community event for 2008 was the function at the old site of Auchenflower House, now the Catholic church at Harriet St, held in conjunction with the Toowong and District Historical Society to witness the unveiling of a new stained glass memorial window and to hear speakers on local history.. This event was attended by 65 people, and supported by Albert River Winery who are the present custodians of Auchenflower House, which now forms the centre piece of their property.

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Lobbying undertaken in 2007 in conjunction with other Brisbane suburban residents groups regarding the trend towards illegal boarding houses being constructed ion residential areas came to fruition in 2008 with Brisbane City Council enforcing its regulations to prevent overcrowded rental accommodation, and State Government responding to these concerns also by sending Queensland Fire and Rescue Service inspectors to check out suspect properties. We thank those authorities involved for their responses.

A number of Development Applications for small lot subdivisions, demolition of old housing and construction of multiunit dwellings have come onto our radar this year. One submission was made expressing ARA’s concern’s about the need for construction of a proper footpath associated a small lot subdivision at the corner of Gregory St and Munro St which was otherwise within BCC town planning guidelines.

The major issue on the built environment agenda for 2008 has been the Northern Link tunnel project which passes under Auchenflower. ARA Inc has been represented on the Western Community Reference Group by Bill Heather and John Fenwick who attended a series of meetings arranged by BCC’s Northern Link project team, made up of representatives of Brisbane City Council and its engineering consultants SKM-Connell Wagner, engaged in preparing an Environmental Impact Statement ( EIS) which was published in September 08 and is currently under review by the Coordinator General who will determine whether it proceeds.

ARA Inc supports the tunnel generally as a positive step to reduce heavy traffic on Milton Road which currently bisects Auchenflower, but has concerns about the effects on the built environment of the above ground connections to Milton Road which will cause major impacts in the Croydon St to Frederick St area.
T hese concerns have been expressed to the Reference Group.

Members were encouraged to attend displays and lodge direct comments to lodge comments to the Northern link Consultation Team prior to the closing date for submissions of 5 December 08.

SAFETY and SECURITY

The Safety and Security survey undertaken by ARA Inc in 2005 confirmed a desire to extend the Neighbourhood Watch coverage of Auchenflower ( currently limited to north of Birdwood Terrace) into the heartland south of Birdwood Terrace. To set up Neighbourhood Watch requires a strong commitment from the majority of residents of the proposed NHW area, and this has not been evident to date.
ARA Inc hopes that this situation will change in future years, but has not sensed that this will be so.

Traffic calming in Gregory St was finally implemented in 2008 by Brisbane City Council after many years of pressing for action by ARA Inc and residents of that street.

ORGANISATIONAL MATTERS

Membership retention and expansion remained a key goal for 2008. and a number of new members have been welcomed into ARA Inc, which currently represents about 40 households in Auchenflower.

ARA Inc now has a dedicated PO Box 319 at Toowong Q 4066 as its postal address, and a new email address arainc@optusnet.com.au

We remain in a sound financial position, but the task of our treasurer John Fenwick is not made easier when members fail to renew their memberships on time. We run on a calendar year basis so renewal of subs for 2009 are currently due.

Our webmaster Bill Phillips continues to do a commendable job in maintaining the ARA Website, and I would like to thank him publicly for these efforts . Plans are in motion to upgrade the website to reflect current levels of computer awareness in the community.

CONCLUSION

The role of ARA Inc in monitoring the growth of Auchenflower as a desirable residential suburb and community remains vital. Pressures of increased density and upgraded transport infrastructure continue to impact heavily on Auchenflower and more traffic and more density are coming our way.

As most of Auchenflower has survived as a character area, these pressures will lead to changes that will impact on our environments, both natural and built, and on our community spirit and the sense of safety and security we have enjoyed in the past. If you are concerned about these issues, ARA inc would welcome your active support via 2009 committee membership.

Bill Heather.

2008 President

page placed 3/02/2009