Category Archives: News
Alfred Still Aims For Us
Expected Path
Tuesday Afternoon Update ... Now showed as aiming for deception Bay.
We remain in the expected path of the effects of Cyclone Alfred. Today's forecast shows it coming ashore at the north end of Bribie Island.
Being on the south side we expect some strong winds Thursday night/Friday morning.
Path forecast of Tues Afternoon
Path forecast of 4/3/2025
Alfred Update Mon 3rd March
Get Your Supplies Yesterday
An update as at 2:00pm Monday
The local Woolworths at Bluewater Square, and I suspect Margate, are completely OUT OF bottled water. And I suspect Toilet paper.
Also, the queues to check-out are Longgggg.
For water backup, we bought some new plastic buckets from "crap-tastic" just across the lobby from Woolworths.
Latest Track
Updated forecast tracking issued Monday 3rd March 2025...
Latest cyclone track shows the landfall is expected further north of us than shown yesterday. This does not help us much as the strongest winds will be south of the eye.
Landfall now shows as happening about 4:00am Friday. See the track shown below.
As we get further into the week we will monitor the changes and report back here.
See also the official details published by Bureau of Meteorology...
and TV/Radio/phone alerts.
Latest Track
Cyclone Alfred Alert
Prepare Balconies
There is a chance that the Cyclone Alfred will be a direct hit on Redcliffe around Thursday 6th March-Friday 7th March 2025.
Here are some path predictions as at Sunday 2nd March:-
The images show the forecast path. The dashed line shows the closeup location where the cyclone is aiming at the Redcliffe Peninsular.
Be Prepared
A near miss with a cyclone (Oswald) happened on Australia Day weekend 2013. Winds were very strong at Waves and most items on balconies were blown away. This included chairs and tables. a glass balcony panel was shattered. All from remnants of a cyclone that went ashore north of Bribie Island.
This time we are in the firing line.
Some Recommended Actions:Either bring all balcony furniture inside or Gather furniture items together and tie them to a balcony column with strong rope.
Remove any items hanging on balconies.
Plants should be brought inside, or taken to your parking bay
Ensure your sliding doors and windows are fully closed and latched. This is important as when fully closed, the doors and frames interlock for added strength. Do not leave doors open even a few millimetres. Our doors and windows are built with glass rated for strong winds.
25 Marine Parade
Planned Building Next Door to Waves
Newsflash -- 5-Nov-2024
Some disturbing news for Waves.
The vacant lot next door at 25 Marine Parade looks likely to become a high rise apartment building.
Click the link below to see the basic plans for the site.
Nearby Development
The Location
The old yellow house on the corner of Marine Pde and Ella St looks set to be replaced soon with an 8 storey 24 Unit apartment building.
The property shows it was recently sold for the second time this year. It had Development Approval (DA3833) for the new building.
On 27th September 2023 there was a large drilling truck there with a team drilling deep test holes.
The design shows 8 levels, with 3 Lots on each level, and 2 levels of below ground parking. Most lots have two stacked parking bays and bicycle storage.
There is no indication of when the development might begin.
Fibre Internet at Waves
Updated with New Pricing from December 2022
This article updated as TPG and iiNet have increased prices for new customers. It is still a great deal for a great service.
Waves now has about 18 units connected and all are happy with the service.
Latest Technology News – Internet
TPG Communications has connected a glass fibre network connection to our building.
This opens up opportunities for those wanting faster unlimited internet services to help resolve some video streaming issues.
You can sign up via TPG or via iiNet. iiNet is a TPG subsidiary company. Internode is another option.
You also have an opportunity to save on existing NBN internet costs, depending on your service speeds and capacity packages.
Today, 22-June-2021, four units were connected to the recently available TPG FTTB (Fibre To The Basement) at Waves.
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Things to Consider Before Switching
- You may be locked into a contract with your existing internet provider
- You may be using an email address bundled with your existing NBN provider.
- You may have an existing Mobile phone bundled with your existing NBN provider
- You may be getting some other bundle add-ons from your existing NBN provide
- Another thing to consider is your use of a “landline” phone number. The packages offered by TPG offer a new phone number, and differing levels of included calls, from pay-as-you-go to included. If you want to retain the landline number you may currently use, then the number can be “ported” across to TPG in lieu of getting a fresh number. To port the number to TPG, you will need to speak to their Sales Dept on 13 14 23
If you only use a mobile phone, then the free included phone line with the TPG-FTTB packages may be ignored.
DISCOUNT COUPONS
There is also a secret TPG Coupon you may be able to use that will waive your first month charge.
The coupon to try is FTTBFREE1 note: coupon may have expired
If you are an iiNet NBN customer, then you can sign up with them. They have a promo code at present of ULTRA6 for 6 months @ $79.99. This may be only for new iiNet customers – not sure…
for TPG Sign Up: TPG Link or Phone 1300 403 211
for iiNet sign up: online – iiNet Link or Phone 13 19 17
TPG Package Details Below (iiNet are Similar)
Basic Bundle
New Pricing applies to new connections from December 2022
This bundle costs just $59.99 per month $79.99 for the first 6 months, then 89.99 per month and would suit internet usage for emails and web browsing.
With a download speed of 90 Mbps, it would be way faster than any of your prior ADSL2 or NBN connection.
Upload speed is 17 Mbps,
Is very suitable for video streaming.
Includes a phone line with Pay As You Go. Call rates are good, but most people today use Mobile Phones.
see TPG for further details
Tiles Choice
Please vote (A or B) on your favourite replacement tile for our front stairs and podium level.
Both tiles are rated non-slip for outside walkway areas.
email your vote to the Committee at bcwaves17@gmail.com
Votes closed 11th July 2022 and the majority (about 95%) voted for Tile-A which is named "Canyon Ash"
Thanks to all who provided their input.
Local Development
4-8 Sutton Street
We have learned that an eight storey apartment building is to go ahead at 4-8 Sutton Street. Works are scheduled to commence soon.
From the plans, it looks like it will be an attractive building.
One negative comment is that it will use rubbish chutes from each level for rubbish disposal.
There will be some two bedroom, some three bedroom and 2 four bedroom units. 26 Units in all. Most will only have one parking bay.
If you wish, click the Download Plans button here. It is a large file of over 10 Mbytes.
AGM 2019 for Owners
Owners Voting Papers Sent
By now you should have received an email and a printed copy of the meeting motions, and supporting documents.
The meeting is scheduled for Thursday August 22nd at 10:00am at 31 Portwood Street, Redcliffe.
If you cannot make it to the AGM, then please vote ahead of time by completing your voting paper and submitting it to Capitol.
Owners are encouraged to attend, though this is not necessary.
First New Paint Completion
Higgins Coatings are expected to complete the major painting works today, Aug 20 2019.
There may be a couple of painters around in the next few days to complete some minor issues.
Once all those issues are attended to we will update this article.
It has been a major effort by all present Committee and we have had a great deal of good advice and support from the Project Manager, Mr George Englert.
Keep A Lookout at Night
Dim The Lights
Dining on our balcony tonight, we were looking to the North, and at about 6:50pm, with low balcony lighting, there was a great display by either a meteorite or some space-junk.
There was a bright greenish object falling behind some scattered clouds. It was great to watch, even though it lasted only about 2 seconds.
So, always dim the lights and watch the skies. And you don’t need to face North. This could have happened in any direction at any darker time.
Sorry, I do not have a photo of the event 🙁
First New Paint
Higgins Coatings commenced work yesterday on the repainting of the Waves Building.
Today, May 14th 2019, the first new paint was applied and this was on the balcony ceiling on an upper level apartment.
Please take note of the painting schedules as posted around the building and in particular, look out for any notice that may be placed under your front door. These notices from Higgins will arrive about 48 hours before work commences in and around your balcony. Please read them carefully.
New Roof Membrane Completed
Owners will be happy to know that the application of a new roof membrane has been completed, and just in time for Easter, 2019.
The process involved removal of failing membrane by using a diamond grinding machine and taking the roof back to the base concrete.
Next, a primer coat was applied, then the new membrane coat, followed by two ultra-violet protecting top coats.
The coating products were all supplied by Adcrete, a local industry, and the preparation and application was done by Vertex Access Systems.
Now, with care and re-inspection, the new membrane should last at least twenty years.
Roof Membrane – with Updates
Update: Thursday 14th March
The grind-off of the top (east) level roof has been completed today.
The two-pack primer coat has been applied to that area and will protect in case of rain.
It does look as though rain is coming later today so it is reassuring to know that the first sealing coat has been completed where needed.
Vertex plan to commence the grinding of the lower (Western) roof tomorrow, weather permitting.
Grinding the Roof - 11th March
Work by contractor "Vertex" has started today on the roof membrane replacement. You may hear some grinding noise within the building as the grinding progresses.
Grinding The Membrane
On the right is the grinder. In the left of the photo is the vacuum system to collect dust and debris from the diamond grinder.
Grinding The Membrane
This photo shows the inert material that is being removed. It is quite "rubbery" and flexible.
It is a shame that it was not applied uniformly when initially applied as the material seems in good condition where it is thick enough.
In many places it had been applied too thinly, and was worn through to the roof concrete. hence the need to have it all re-done.
Yes, there is some of this material blowing off the roof onto the grounds below. Vertex have been advised of this issue and are doing their utmost to minimize the problem. They are also cleaning affected areas each day as work progresses. No "dust" gets past their HEPA filter system, only some larger fragments that are ejected from the grinding machine by centrifugal forces.
The material reaching the lower levels is inert, so just looks bad.
Old Membrane
Day Two
This photo shows two intrepid workers at the edge of the upper roof. Don't worry, they have tethers hooked onto their belts/harnesses.
And they are certified to work in such situations.
They are tethered to secure anchor bolts that have been re-certified within the past two days.
It is amazing the regulations that must be adhered to for such works.
Thanks to Carol (U27) for the photo...
Rooftop Workers
NBN at WAVES
New Fibre Optic
Today, 13-Feb-2019, I found a technician joining a new fibre optic cable at a pit at the south end of Sutton Street. I spoke to him briefly and he says it is a backbone fibre and will run all the way up Sutton Street.
Whilst we have HFC NBN at Waves, it may one day enable us to get the faster FTTB (Fibre to the Building) NBN and gigabit speeds.
Fibre on Sutton
September 2018 - Now Available
I checked today (29-Sept-2018) and I see that the NBN Co has recommenced new NBN connections for us here at Waves.
For first time NBN connections, be advised that the present cabling for your unit is only to the stage of a coiled up Coax lead that has been poked through the firewall above your Unit front door. It is accessible from the first light fitting, just inside your unit.
Any NBN installer will need to know that information about the cable in the previous paragraph. You will also need to decide where you want your NBN wall outlet. This is where your modem and phone (if any) will be located once installed, so plan carefully. It will also need to be near a power outlet.
The installers will extend the cable to where you want it, though in some cases you may have to be firm and demanding as to the location you want.
Choosing an NBN Retailer for Internet Service
When connecting to the NBN, you need to do so through an NBN retailer.
There are many of these, and they are not all the same. The biggest is Telstra, so if you are planning to go with Telstra, or your existing ADSL provider, then that would be the simplest route.
If you are searching around for a new provider, then be aware that most of them you will find are simply re-sellers.
One exception to this is a smaller Telco company, AussieBroadband. AussieBB provide a great service with value for money. They also use only Australian Based help centres, so if you have an issue, it is more easily dealt with.
Choosing a VOIP Telephone Provider
When moving to the NBN, if you want a landline phone, you will be moving to a VoIP ( Voice over Internet Protocol) service. Your existing telephone line will disappear.
All existing phone landlines in Redcliffe will be disconnected at the end of June, 2019.
If you are planning to move from your existing phone line supplier, then consider using MyNetFone for your VoIP line. If you are keeping your NBN with your existing telco, then simplest is to keep your phone line with them.
But if you are moving from one provider to another for your NBN, then it is a good idea use separate providers for your NBN internet, and for your VoIP service. That way you can move one or the other between providers at any stage in the future.
Want to keep your existing phone number? Then the number can be "ported" across to your VoIP provider. Mostly this is with no charge, but sometimes may cost you a few dollars.
Any existing physical phone handset will work with VoIP, so no need for new phones.
AussieBroadBand
If you choose AussieBroadBand, (my chosen supplier and I can recommend them) then you can get the first month FREE by signing up online at aussiebroadband
For the free month it’s important that during the online signup process you enter the promo code WPFREEMONTH in the final stage of the check out process. This goes in the promo code field. With AussieBroadBand, there is no long term contract. They are not re-sellers but have their own direct connections to the NBN network. Their excellent phone support is all based in Australia.
Good luck. John, Unit 15
August 2018 Update
The NBN Co has announced that they will re-commence new HFC NBN connections in the Redcliffe area commencing late September 2018. Once we are able to confirm the availability of new connections we will post a message here.
A few units have had NBN now for several months, and it is very reliable and you are able to subscribe at higher speeds than those available with the legacy ADSL.
April 10th Update Announcement
Today (10-April-2018) the NBN Co announced that they would re-commence new HFC NBN connections in the Brisbane area commencing late June. It is not known yet if this will include the Redcliffe area, but it looks likely.
I have had NBN now for several months, and subscribed to the fastest available speed package of 100/40. There has only been two short outages that I have noticed since November. Each outage was less than 10 minutes.
(John Griffiths, Unit 15)
NBN to Suspend New HFC Connections
You may have read a press release from Monday Nov 27th where NBN have announced they are to suspend all new HFC nbn connections until they investigate and fix some reported network issues. Here is one report... Computerworld Article
The announcement said that the suspension comes into effect immediately.
But there is still time if you wish to get onto the NBN network sooner than about 6-9 months from now.
Providers have been told that orders lodged by December 11th will be connected, but no new orders can be lodged after that date.
Some providers are still taking orders. So try contacting your chosen NBN provider ASAP and see if they will take your order now. If they won't, then I suggest you try AussieBroadBand as I know they are continuing to take orders until the deadline December 11th.
New Development Maybe and Confirmed
Yes - Construction Commencing
28-September-2018 and site works have commenced. It appears they are to build a single home on the lot, maybe similar to that new one recently completed near the corner of McDonnell Road.
Seen on March 14th
There looks like there may be some development happening on the vacant lot at 33 Marine Parade.
On March 14 2018 there was a team doing soil-sampling on the lot.
Those of us living on the North side of Waves have been concerned with what development may happen with the row of older houses and the vacant lot along Marine Parade.
Judging by the depth of the sampling undertaken, which was about 3 metres, the reckoning is that it may be for a house, and not an apartment block. For a multi-level development, a deeper soil sampling would seem more appropriate.
We will watch and see what happens....
A Garden Guest
Today I spotted a large guest in the garden bed on the South side of the front entrances.
I think it is a skink, and it was about a foot long. Perhaps be wary when placing hands in the garden bed. I guess they bite!
JohnG
Committee Nominations Needed Now
Recently you should have received an AGM notice from our body corporate manager, Capitol.
We recommend that you do attend the AGM, as it is important to add your vote to critical decisions.
New Committee
The notice included a Committee Nomination form. Yes, you can nominate yourself.
At the time of the AGM, all positions will be declared as vacant, so we need nominations for all positions.
You may nominate for all positions;- Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer and/or one of the Ordinary members.
It appears there may be some of the present committee who are not nominating again.
Being on the committee is a rewarding experience. Yes, it does require a few hours of your time each month, but you will find it worthwhile.
If in doubt, ask any current or previous committee person.
Still wondering if this is for you? There will be ample guidance provided to you if this is to be your first experience on our body corporate committee, so do not be apprehensive. C'mon, give it a go and get those forms lodged now. The closing date is Thursday, 31 May 2018.
Typical Meeting
Sutton Ella Streets Corner
Fresh For Sale Signs
Looks like this will be a good candidate for a new MDU development on Sutton Street.
The three old homes on the Southwest corner of Sutton and Ella Streets were today decorated with For Sale signs.
I see that the price asked for the three lots is a cool $3M. and a prospective height of 6 floors, subject to MBRC approvals.
My guess is with all three signs going up together at the same time, the prospective buyer will be a developer.
And the 4-8 Sutton Street Development
Rumour has it that the development just South of Waves on Sutton Street has been put on hold by the developer, and the whole property is now for sale.