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Laneway markets are on their way

Some of Fortitude Valley’s little-known laneways are about to be thrust into the public gaze, courtesy of a new concept called the Valley Laneway Markets.

The laneway markets in the Valley’s heartland will be an independently run market, with the main objective to support existing traders and attract more people to the Valley Heart, while offering a platform for emerging and individual designers to showcase their work.

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Valley to see the light

The Valley is about to get a whole lot ‘lighter’. A partnership between Energex and the City Council should result in the Valley being much better lit –- and safer –- at night, according to local councillor David Hinchliffe (Central Ward).

“Already we have upgraded a number of lights around the Valley, but there will be a very noticeable improvement in the months ahead as the general lux or brightness of street lighting is improved,” he said.
“Lighting along with policing are probably the two most important issues affecting safety in the Valley. With the state already announcing more police, the news of increased lighting is to be applauded.”

Mayor rules out bridge funnelling

Lord Mayor Campbell Newman’s city administration has ruled out a transit lane on the Story Bridge, accusing the Labor opposition of hypocrisy over the issue.

It claimed Labor Opposition Leader Shayne Sutton had been left red-faced because the ALP would put a transit lane on the Story Bridge if it was in power. Cr Sutton in the 7 July edition of The Independent called on council to rule out traffic funnelling on the bridge into the Clem7 tunnel after an analyst had been quoted in the media suggesting “a transit lane on the Story Bridge might increase tunnel traffic”.

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Audit exposes safety concerns

A safety audit in and around the Valley Entertainment Precinct (VEP) unearthed major concerns with public transport, identified a homeless squat and possibly two rave party venues.

The audit – the second and last for 2010 – was initiated by the Valley Chamber of Commerce’s (VCC) subcommittee, the Valley Community Safety Group, and was organised in association with the BCC and Fortitude Valley Police.

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New-found FvAME for the Valley

Entertainment businesses and art organisations now have a collective voice following the emergence of a Valley Chamber of Commerce sub-committee to oversee Brisbane’s entertainment district.

The Fortitude Valley Arts, Music and Entertainment group (FvAME), chaired by Judith Wright Centre director Ruth Hodgman, has been formed to promote and connect creative industries across several inner Brisbane suburbs.

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No butts ... change is on the way

Residents and businesses in Brisbane overwhelmingly want some form of action taken on smoking in Queen Street Mall, a city council survey has shown.

And Lord Mayor Campbell Newman says council will now have to act on some form of restriction on smoking in the mall.

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Valley up for cleanliness award

After months of campaigning for a cleaner Foritude Valley, local Councillor David Hinchliffe (Central Ward) says there has been a noticeable improvement in cleanliness “but there is still a long way to go”.

He has nominated the Valley in council’s “Spotless Suburbs” competition in the “most improved” category.
“I know the Valley has a long way to go,” Cr Hinchliffe said, “but I think we’re turning a corner with twice as many bins, less litter being observed and some business owners cleaning up their act.

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Icing on the charity cake

The biggest bake-off in the Southern Hemisphere is back – Cupcake Day for the RSPCA. On Monday, August 16, don your chef’s hat and sell your homemade or store-bought cupcakes to your friends, family and colleagues and help raise money for RSPCA Queensland.

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Where am I?

Don’t new buildings have some fancy facades ... sometimes? And if you know where this building is, then you’ll have the chance to win a $60 prize voucher to enjoy some tucker and a drink at the Brunswick Hotel in New Farm.

Email your answer to editor@theindependent.com.au to reach us no later than 5pm on Friday week, 30 July 2010. Or drop us the answer in the post by the same deadline to PO Box 476 Valley Q 4006. One lucky winner will be off to the Brunnie on us. Bon appetit!

From our last issue, Noel Fox of New Farm correctly identified these charming heritage buildings in Ann Street that house Downes Shoes and Fabrik Hair. Noel is off to the Brunnie for some tucker on us!

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