Last week Lord Mayor Graham Quirk and I had the opportunity to speak at the Brisbane North Chamber of Commerce (BNCC) business breakfast seminar at the Kedron-Wavell Services Club. We discussed Council’s draft new City Plan with BNCC members and guests. We outlined how the draft new City Plan will make it easier to do business in Brisbane and where the growth areas will be. I encourage business people to join BNCC by visiting their web site www.bncc.com.au to fill out an online membership application.

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Get involved in Council’s “Eyes in the Suburbs” promotion which is continuing this financial year. Brisbane residents who report certain maintenance issues to Council property will go in the draw to win one of ten $100 monthly cash prizes. Last year we had a local winner, so I encourage everyone to report any relevant Council issues to be automatically eligible. Entrants must lodge a request with Brisbane City Council for maintenance or repair to Council property - for example, potholes on Council roads, grass cutting on Council land, graffiti on Council property either by phoning 3403 8888, submitting a request online at www.brisbane.qld.gov.au, or sending an MMS/SMS to 0429 234 948.

A limited number of 40km/hr wheelie bin stickers are available from the Bracken Ridge Ward Office at no cost to residents – they have been funded through the Lord Mayor’s Suburban Initiative Fund. Please come to my office (77 Bracken St, Bracken Ridge) to collect a sticker if you are interested in having one for your wheelie bin. These stickers are made of reflective material to be visible at night.

Reflective house numbers are available for free from my office for residents. They are white reflective paint on a black background - approximately 80 x 55mm and can be screwed onto letterboxes. Having a clearly visible house number at your property can greatly assist in taking the guesswork out of finding an address, especially at night – ideal for helping emergency services such as the police (also visitors, taxis and deliveries) find residents’ homes.