Talk of the Town by Echo News
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Podcast Overview
<p>Welcome to "Talk of the Town," a community podcast by Echo News that dives deep into the heart of our community in the north-west suburbs of Brisbane. Join your hosts, Von and Steve, each week as we shine a light on the stories that matter most – from local businesses and remarkable individuals to the places that make our community unique.</p><br><p>Why Tune In?</p><ul><li>Stay Informed: Get the latest updates on local news, events, and developments that directly impact you and your neighbors.</li><li>Support Local: Discover and support the amazing businesses and initiatives in our community.</li><li>Connect with People: Forge connections with the inspiring individuals who shape the identity of our neighborhoods.</li><li>Explore Your Backyard: Whether you're a long-time resident or new to the area, join us as we explore the hidden gems and unique facets of our community.</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Subscribe to "Talk of the Town" and be a part of the conversation that celebrates the vibrancy, resilience, and spirit of our local community. If you have a story to share or want to nominate someone for a spotlight feature, reach out to us at podcast@echo-news.com.au. Together, let's amplify the voices and stories that make our community truly special.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
Language
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Publishing Since
3/11/2024
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Recent Episodes
March 21, 2026
Special Edition: The Hills District Planning Review - "What's Being Built in Your Backyard?"
<p>Talk of the Town is back - and we're coming in with a big one.</p><br><p>After nearly a year away, host Von Hosking returns with a special edition episode that the Hills District community has been asking for.</p><br><p>The City of Moreton Bay has released draft precinct planning proposals for both Arana Hills and Ferny Hills - and the scale of what's being proposed has caught many residents completely off guard. We're talking buildings up to 15 storeys in Arana Hills. Twelve storeys in Ferny Hills. Significant density increases across suburban streets. And a consultation window that many locals only just found out about.</p><br><p>The story exploded across local community Facebook pages and Echo News socials. Questions flooded in. So Echo News did what we do - we got onto it, reached out to council, and decided the best way to get real answers for this community was to sit down with your local councillor face to face.</p><br><p>In this episode, Von speaks with Councillor Matt Constance, Division 10, City of Moreton Bay - putting the community's exact questions to him directly. No spin. No PR. Just answers.</p><br><p>Council is now inviting further feedback from the community before the plan is finalised.</p><br><p><strong>Have your say — consultation currently open until 4pm Thursday 9 April 2026</strong>🔗<a href="yoursay.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/ferny-hills-precinct-planning-project " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Ferny Hills</a> 🔗 <a href="yoursay.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/arana-hills-precinct-planning-project" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Arana Hills</a></p><br><p><strong>Sign the community petition:</strong> 🔗 <a href="https://www.change.org/p/ferny-hills-arana-hills-precinct-proposals-give-our-community-time-to-have-a-say?recruiter=10711058&recruited_by_id=40e57330-edb9-012f-198b-4040b91ba155&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=petition_dashboard&utm_medium=copylink&share_id=6ndvQRQJTH" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ferny Hills & Arana Hills Precinct Proposals: Give our community time to have a say!</a></p><br><p><strong>Questions/ Topics Timestamps:</strong></p><p><strong>04:15 </strong>What is actually being proposed for Ferny Hills and Arana Hills?</p><p><strong>05:55 </strong>Matt walks through the draft precinct plans in plain language</p><p><strong>07:36 </strong>How were the building heights and precinct boundaries determined?</p><p><strong>10:00 </strong>Were lot sizes, setbacks, landscaping and parking considered?</p><p><strong>11:17 </strong>Will the rezoning negatively impact liveability and neighbourhood character?</p><p><strong>16:38 </strong>What community infrastructure benefits come with increased density?</p><p><strong>18:58 </strong>Roads and transport - will infrastructure keep pace?</p><p><strong>20:50 </strong>This is still a draft - what happens after consultation closes?</p><p><strong>23:58 </strong>Community concern: one month is not enough time</p><p><strong>26:33 </strong>Redevelopment of existing housing sites - realistic timelines</p><p><strong>29:18 </strong>Traffic modelling - what has been done and will residents see it?</p><p><strong>32:22 </strong>Public transport - buses, trains and Ferny Grove station capacity</p><p><strong>35:54 </strong>Cohesion with the SEQ Plan - fast-tracked approvals and state targets</p><p><strong>38:42 </strong>Why here? Why not Strathpine, Lawnton, Petrie, Redcliffe?</p><p><strong>41:08 </strong>Utilities, water, sewerage - can the infrastructure handle it?</p><p><strong>42:34 </strong>Schools - are they nearing capacity and who is responsible?</p><p><strong>48:09 </strong>School zone traffic, pedestrian safety, drop-off and pick-up</p><p><strong>49:40 </strong>Has council spoken to school leadership or the Education Department?</p><p><strong>51:26 </strong>Healthcare - doctors, dentists and allied health services</p><p><strong>54:19 </strong>Flooding, overland flow and Kedron Brook</p><p><strong>56:00 </strong>Parking - will developments be required to provide enough on-site?</p><p><strong>58:01 </strong>Key centres - minimum density requirements and planning mechanisms</p><p><strong>59:15 </strong>Affordable housing - incentives, enforcement and definitions</p><p><strong>01:02:15 </strong>Property and land - no one is being forced to sell</p><p><strong>01:04:43 </strong>The pressure developers bring on existing residents</p><p><strong>01:08:58 </strong>Developer meetings - how many has council had in the past 12 months?</p><p><strong>01:10:00 </strong>Property valuations and council rates after rezoning</p><p><strong>01:12:12 </strong>Community consultation - when were residents first notified?</p><p><strong>01:13:51 </strong>Is this the final consultation?</p><p><strong>01:16:07 </strong>Why are so many residents saying this is the first they've heard of it?</p><p><strong>01:18:03 </strong>Could council have done better on community engagement?</p><p><strong>01:20:24 </strong>Community groups and local media - part of the consultation ecosystem</p><p><strong>01:24:56 </strong>Were residents on directly affected streets individually notified?</p><p><strong>01:26:55 </strong>Will council offer more community information sessions?</p><p><strong>01:29:28 </strong>The petition - 374 signatures and growing</p><p><strong>01:31:04 </strong>Will the consultation period be extended?</p><p><strong>01:32:29 </strong>If the majority oppose, will council reconsider?</p><p><strong>01:32:47 </strong>Does Cr Matt Constance personally support these zoning changes?</p><br><p>Echo News | Independent Local Journalism |</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
May 16, 2025
Season Two: Behind the Scenes of The Hills Carnivale with Vanessa Jones
<p>In this episode of Talk of the Town, Von sits down with <strong>Vanessa Jones</strong>, the lead Event Coordinator for <strong>The Hills Carnivale</strong>, to go behind the scenes of one of Moreton Bay’s most beloved community events. Vanessa shares how the team brings the event to life each year - from logistics and planning to programming and community involvement. Listeners get the inside scoop on what to expect at this year’s Carnivale, including live entertainment, market stalls, multicultural food, amusement rides, kids’ activities, and of course, the grand finale fireworks.</p><br><p>Vanessa also talks about her favourite Carnivale moments, the importance of community collaboration, and how the event supports local performers, businesses, and families. Whether you're a long-time attendee or a first-time visitor, this episode will have you excited for a fun-filled day at George Willmore Park on <strong>Saturday, 31 May</strong>.</p><br><p><strong>Vanessa Jones</strong> is the <strong>Lead Event Coordinator</strong> for the <strong>Hills Carnivale</strong> and a key figure in delivering some of the Moreton Bay region’s most vibrant community events. With a background in large-scale event planning and a passion for community engagement, Vanessa plays a central role in orchestrating all the moving parts behind beloved festivals like the Hills Carnivale. Her work ensures these events are not just fun and safe, but also inclusive, family-friendly, and locally enriching.</p><br><p><strong>MBRIT</strong> stands for <strong>Moreton Bay Region Industry & Tourism</strong>. It’s a not-for-profit organization that partners with the <strong>City of Moreton Bay</strong> to promote tourism, drive economic development, and support community engagement across the region.</p><br><p>MBRIT is responsible for delivering major public events such as:</p><ul><li>Hills Carnivale</li><li>Jetty 2 Jetty Fun Run</li><li>Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival</li><li>Redcliffe KiteFest</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Their mission is to position Moreton Bay as a premier destination for tourism, business, and lifestyle—supporting local businesses, attracting visitors, and creating vibrant experiences for residents.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
April 25, 2025
Season Two Begins: ANZAC Day Reflections with John Hardgrave
<p>In this special ANZAC Day episode of Talk of the Town, our host, Von Hosking, returns from maternity leave with an inspiring and heartfelt conversation with <strong>John Hardgrave</strong> — veteran, community volunteer, and 2022 Dickson Citizen of the Year.</p><br><p>John served for 17 years in the Australian Defence Force, including deployments to Afghanistan, Timor Leste, and the Solomon Islands. Today, he continues his mission of service through his work with RSL Queensland, as a volunteer coach, and surf lifesaver.</p><br><p>In this episode, John shares:</p><ul><li>What ANZAC Day means to him personally and nationally</li><li>The importance of mateship and connection</li><li>How we can support veterans transitioning to civilian life</li><li>What veterans themselves can do to navigate that shift</li><li>How community involvement helps build purpose after service</li><li>Why resilience matters — and how we can foster it in young people</li></ul><p><br></p><p>This conversation is full of heart, hope, and valuable insight from someone who’s walked the path of service and continues to give back every day.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
41 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is Talk of the Town by Echo News?
<p>Welcome to "Talk of the Town," a community podcast by Echo News that dives deep into the heart of our community in the north-west suburbs of Brisbane. Join your hosts, Von and Steve, each week as we shine a light on the stories that matter most – from local businesses and remarkable individuals to the places that make our community unique.</p><br><p>Why Tune In?</p><ul><li>Stay Informed: Get the latest updates on local news, events, and developments that directly impact you and your neighbors.</li><li>Support Local: Discover and support the amazing businesses and initiatives in our community.</li><li>Connect with People: Forge connections with the inspiring individuals who shape the identity of our neighborhoods.</li><li>Explore Your Backyard: Whether you're a long-time resident or new to the area, join us as we explore the hidden gems and unique facets of our community.</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Subscribe to "Talk of the Town" and be a part of the conversation that celebrates the vibrancy, resilience, and spirit of our local community. If you have a story to share or want to nominate someone for a spotlight feature, reach out to us at podcast@echo-news.com.au. Together, let's amplify the voices and stories that make our community truly special.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates weekly.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 8 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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