FERNVALE

Fernvale is a town on the move, growing faster than any other town in the Brisbane Valley.  As the gateway to Esk Shire, it is close to Ipswich and attracting young families who are willing to trade city or suburban living for the country environment even though it often demands extra commuting to get to work.

Esk Shire Council has approved over 400 lots for development and has several new applications being assessed. It will not end here.  The Queensland Government, through the Office of Urban Management, has designated ‘urban footprints’ to control development in South East Queensland.  The proposed urban footprint for Fernvale is quite expansive, as can be seen on these plans.

WHAT’S NEW? 

Fernvale Futures Project - When the Wivenhoe Alliance finished building the new Spillway in 2005, they wanted to leave a lasting legacy for the town of Fernvale.  Hence the new Fernvale Futures Visitor Information Centre on the Somerset Region Highway.  The new building has facilities for meetings and conferences, and smaller rooms for visiting specialist and counselling.

The official opening will be held on September 16^th with a Picnic in the Park. Contact Suzy Robinson, Visitor Information Officer on 5427 0200.

What to see and do?

The Fernvale Markets - Each Sunday Fernvale rocks.  The Fernvale Markets, run by the primary school P.& C., attracts both the regular locals and people from all over. The normally quiet town seems ready to burst.

The markets are open from 6.00am until noon.  It is very much a county market.  After a breakfast of pancakes or a bacon and egg burger, you can browse a bustle of stalls.  Apart from a large variety of plants and second hand goods, you can also find fruit and vegetables, often direct from the farmer, books, handmade soap, crafts, a new pet, and a great atmosphere.  Don’t forget to taste test the local olives!

Day Trippers - After the markets, you can pop up the street and have lunch from one of the coffee shops or the pub. Keep an eye out for a colourful totem pole.

Of course, you still won’t want to go home.  Fernvale is also the gateway to Lake Wivenhoe, and sits quietly by the Brisbane River.  Head north up the Somerset Region Highway, take the first left onto Wivenhoe Pocket Rd, and discover Twin Bridge.  Here the Brisbane River runs clear over smooth rocks. The water is cools and refreshing.

Further up the highway, you will find Cormorant Bay on the shores of Lake Wivenhoe.  This popular picnic spot has a lot going for it: lots of shade, BBQ’s, playgrounds, room to play cricket or kick a footy, and a fantastic view – and, look up - there is a koala colony settled in the park.

Across the highway you will find the Spillway Common.  This is the base of the Dam Wall and a large area to explore.  Here is a lookout where you will see some huge fish, and lazy turtles.  Fishing fanatics will salivate, but you can’t fish here!

Fishing - Both the Lake Wivenhoe and Brisbane River are popular fishing spots.  You need a permit to fish in the Lake. The Lake is stocked with Australian Bass, Yellowbelly, Silver Perch, Saratoga & Mary River Cod. Wivenhoe is considered the home of Big Bass in Queensland.  If you want to stay a while you can camp at Captain Logans Camp.  There are boat ramps at Logan’s Inlet and Hamon Cove, but take note of the type of boats that are allowed on the water.

sweetwaterfishing.com.au/Wivenhoe.htm

Sweetwaterfishing.com.au/BrisBass.htm

Somerset & Wivenhoe Fish Stocking Assn Inc.

Canoeing - Because Lake Wivenhoe is continually releasing water into the Brisbane River, even in times of drought, you can have a great time canoeing.  This is a good way to see quiet parts of the river.  The annual Somerset Region 100 is a two-day race that raises money for charity.

Lowood Fernvale Rail Trail - Another unique feature of Fernvale is the Lowood Fernvale Rail Trail event.  The railway was closed some years ago, the rails have been pulled up, but the eight kilometre track still has enough evidence of its rail past for rail buffs to appreciate.  The gravel path is suitable for walking, pushbikes, and horses.  You can find the start of the trail in Fernvale Memorial Park in the middle of town.

www.railtrails.org.au/states/trails.php3?action=trail&trail=91

home.graffiti.net/qland/html/railtrail.htm

Once a year the Rail Trail plays hosts to an annual Fun Run.  The Rail Trail Fun Run usually occurs in July and is both competitive for the avid runner, and a casual fun for families and children who want to walk the trail.

What's what in the community?

The School - The Fernvale School is also growing fast. It has a vibrant chess club, drama and arts club and a maths club.  See more on the school’s achievements The School

The Community - There are a number of community groups in Fernvale.

The Lions Club of Fernvale is a fledgling group, only two years old.  They have just completed the refurbishment of a time capsule and have big plans for the rejuvenation of the Vernor Baptist Cemetery.

Fernvale Community Progress Association is a forum to raise community issues. They organise an annual Christmas Party and other social events.  The Christmas Party is a great community event, designed as fun for kids, but friendly on the pockets of the parents. Greg Muller, 5426 7878.

The association is also responsible for the maintenance, upgrade and hire of the Fernvale Community Hall.  This large hall, with a big kitchen is suitable for weddings, parties and community events. Alan Hall 54267797

Fernvale Community Church meets at the Fernvale Community Hall on Sunday mornings.  They also run a Kids Club on Friday afternoon.  For Primary school kids the club involves games, crafts, and story telling.  The cost is $4 and includes a meal. Joanne Smith – 54267994

The church has a Youth Program (Sharon – 0422 188 566). It includes a Friday Night Excite Program of youth worship and other activities, Youth Escape on Saturday or Friday outings such as bowling or ice-skating, and finally Insight which is small group support.

Fernvale Gleaners is a community organisation selling food outlet at reduced prices.  It aims to stretch budget dollars a bit further.  It is open Friday between 10 and 12am.  Anyone can come and buy.  Just turn up at Gleaners House across from the landscape supplies on Somerset Region Highway.

The Fernvale Campdraft Association has two Australian Campdraft Association Campdrafts per year.  The major Campdraft is called the "Golden Stirrup" Campdraft and attracts 750 competitors.  In September we stage the "Mini" Campdraft as a one-day event. The Mini Campdraft will be held on 2nd of September 2006.  It will include the final round of the "Brigalow Country Clothing Buckle series". For more information phone Rob Gallagher on 5427 0472 or 0419 894 676.

Fernvale Playgroup meets on Tuesdays in the Fernvale Community Hall.  The group is a social gathering for kids and parents.  This month they have a special event - see What’s On. Natasha 5426 7244 or Dee 5427 0014.

Fernvale Women’s Group is a friendly gathering place for women.  They meet on the 2 and 4^th Monday of month in the Uniting Church Hall.  The programme includes crafts, guest speakers on health and community issues and outings.  For more information call Agnes on 3288 8149 or Glendell on 54267879.

Fernvale Better Business is a forum for local business.  Their current mission is to create a Fernvale Community Bank. John Blackburn 0412 999 523.

Fernvale Pony Club is very active. During the year they have a number of events including show jumping, dressage and Campdrafts.  The club is for everyone from beginners to experienced riders.  Five riders will be competing in the state titles this month.  The best thing about the pony club is there is no age limit.  Young children through to adults can participate and compete making it truly an activity for the whole family.  For further information talk to Jenny 5427 9000.