Lutwyche Development Sparks Debate

A proposal for a nine-storey residential building in Lutwyche has ignited debate among residents and urban planners.



Lutwyche debate
Photo Credit: DA A006589144

The development, designed by HAL Architects, would demolish two pre-1947 houses on Norman Avenue to make way for a 55-unit complex. The building would include two- and three-bedroom apartments, communal space, and two levels of underground parking.

While the project aims to address Brisbane’s growing demand for housing, some residents have raised concerns about the building’s height and its potential impact on the neighbourhood’s character.

Lutwyche debate
Photo Credit: DA A006589144

HAL Architects argue that the building’s design has been carefully considered to minimise its impact on the surrounding area. 

The firm states that various design techniques have reduced the building’s height and scale and that using varied materials will help articulate the building’s form and create a human scale.



Brisbane City Council is currently assessing the development application. A decision on the proposal is expected in the coming months.

Published Date 01-December-2024

Kedron Brook Set for Major Transformation in Olympic Lead-up

Brisbane City Council is progressing with an $85 million plan for a major transformation of the flood-prone Kedron Brook catchment as part of the city’s preparation for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Photo Credit: Facebook / Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner


The Kedron Brook Revitalisation Vision will transform a 110-square kilometre catchment that runs through 14 suburbs from Ferny Grove to Nudgee. Further investigations and technical work are currently underway to examine:

  • Reinstating vegetation
  • Bank stabilisation
  • Creating room for water flow
  • Developing more spaces for recreation with seating and shade

The project is one of four key leisure and lifestyle destinations that will be revitalised before the 2032 Games, alongside Victoria Park, Oxley Creek, and the Wynnum, Manly and Lota foreshores.

Photo Credit: Facebook / Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner

“Brisbane’s natural environment is one of the things that sets us apart from other cities,” LM Adrian Schrinner said. “Our river and creeks are places for both wildlife and people and this will no doubt be part of the unique ‘Brisbane’ experience for people visiting before, during and after the 2032 Games.”

Photo Credit: Facebook / Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner

According to James Tuma, managing partner of urban planning consultancy Urbis, Brisbane’s position is unique among Australian capitals due to its climate and relative youth as a city. “Expectations around amenity and the quality of green space and the amount of landscape available to residents is just the standard setting now,” he said. “We’re uniquely positioned in Australia to have this incredible city that is so different to all the other capitals because we can actually grow vegetation almost anywhere we want.”

The Kedron Brook project aligns with the International Olympic Committee’s interest in Brisbane’s natural setting, he noted: “One of the things that the International Olympic Committee are most enamoured by the idea of in 2032, is the natural setting of the city.”



The transformation forms part of what LM Schrinner describes as an “ambitious plan to transform hundreds of hectares of under-utilised parts of Brisbane into an incredible lifestyle destination for everyone.”

Published 19-November-2024

Street Spotlight: Haines Street, Kedron

Haines Street in Kedron has grown significantly from its quiet beginnings, now home to a mix of long-time residents and newer arrivals who value its evolving character. With property values soaring—like the $481,000 increase in the median price of a 3-bedroom house since 2020—this street captures the story of a community that has transformed while retaining its welcoming charm.



Haines Street, Kedron Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 33
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 75%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 5 years, 10 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 9%


Haines Street, Kedron – As It Looked in 1936

Haines Street, Kedron
Haines Street in 1936

SOME RECENT SALES ON HAINES STREET, KEDRON

Property AddressSale PriceSale Date
33 Haines Street, Kedron$1.255MAug 2024
2/27A Haines Street, Kedron$1.100MAug 2024
1/27A Haines Street, Kedron$1.05MJul 2024

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON HAINES STREET FROM YESTERYEAR

Property AddressSale PriceSale Date
23 Haines Street, Kedron$30,000Nov 1982
21 Haines Street, Kedron$354,280Sep 2008

SUBURB PROFILE

The median price of a 2 Bedroom House in Kedron in 2024 was $1,110,000
The median price of a 2 Bedroom House in Kedron in 2020 was $614,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 2 BEDROOM HOUSE IN KEDRON SINCE 2020 : $497,000

The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Kedron in 2024 was $1,185.000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Kedron in 2020 was $704,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM HOUSE IN KEDRON SINCE 2020 : $481,000

The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Kedron in 2024 was $1,460,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Kedron in 2020 was $835,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4 BEDROOM HOUSE IN KEDRON SINCE 2020 : $625,000

The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Kedron in 2024 was $1,850,000
The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Kedron in 2020 was $1,230,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 5 BEDROOM HOUSE IN KEDRON SINCE 2020 : $620,000

The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in Kedron in 2024 was $520,000
The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in Kedron in 2020 was $323,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 2 BEDROOM UNIT IN KEDRON SINCE 2020 : $197,000



If you know Haines St, Kedron well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

Mystery Surrounds Rescued Puppy Found Adrift with Dog and Cat in Kedron Brook

A puppy, along with a dog and cat, were rescued from the treacherous waters of Kedron Brook after being spotted in distress on a moored boat. 



The Rescue 

The incident occurred on Saturday night, 8 Nov, after concerned citizens alerted authorities about the puppy’s perilous situation. Brisbane Water Police swiftly responded to the scene and located the small canine clinging to a partially submerged tyre. 

Officers carefully retrieved the animals and transported them to an emergency vet clinic in Stafford for immediate medical attention.

The Mystery Deepens 

Despite the successful rescue, questions remain unanswered. No one was found on the boat to account for the puppy or the two other animals discovered on board. The RSPCA has taken over the investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure the animals’ well-being.

Rescued Dog Kedron Brook
Photo Credit: QPS

The local community has expressed relief and admiration for the efforts of the emergency services. Many have praised the quick thinking of the concerned citizens who reported the incident. 

“So thankful these poor animals were saved and shown kindness. Great work and thanks to whoever reported it.”



The rescue has highlighted the importance of community vigilance and responsible pet owners.

Published 13-Nov-2024

Street Spotlight: Benelong Street, Kedron

Benelong Street in Kedron offers a captivating glimpse into the evolution of suburban living. From its modest beginnings, this charming street has flourished into a vibrant and sought-after residential destination, reflecting the growth and transformation of the area.



Benelong Street, Kedron Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 15
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 80%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 19 years, 7 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 54%


Benelong Street, Kedron – As It Looked in 1936

Benelong St Kedron
Benelong St, Kedron in 1936

SOME RECENT SALES ON BENELONG STREET, KEDRON

Property AddressSale PriceSale Date
7 Benelong Street, Kedron$1.893MJun 2024

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON BENELONG STREET FROM YESTERYEAR

Property AddressSale PriceSale Date
5 Benelong Street, Kedron$25,950Jul 1975
33 Benelong Street, Kedron$70,000May 1988
15 Benelong Street, Kedron$85,000Mar 1989

SUBURB PROFILE

The median price of a 2 Bedroom House in Kedron in 2024 was $1,110,000
The median price of a 2 Bedroom House in Kedron in 2020 was $614,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 2 BEDROOM HOUSE IN Kedron SINCE 2020 : $497,000

The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Kedron in 2024 was $1,185.000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Kedron in 2020 was $704,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM HOUSE IN Kedron SINCE 2020 : $481,000

The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Kedron in 2024 was $1,460,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Kedron in 2020 was $835,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4 BEDROOM HOUSE IN Kedron SINCE 2020 : $625,000

The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Kedron in 2024 was $1,850,000
The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Kedron in 2020 was $1,230,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 5 BEDROOM HOUSE IN Kedron SINCE 2020 : $620,000

The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in Kedron in 2024 was $520,000
The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in Kedron in 2020 was $323,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 2 BEDROOM UNIT IN Kedron SINCE 2020 : $197,000



If you know Benelong St, Kedron well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

North Residents to Face Major Traffic Changes with $10-B Gympie Road Tunnel Plan

Carseldine, Kedron, Stafford, and other suburbs in Brisbane’s north will be significantly impacted by the proposed $10-billion Gympie Road Bypass Tunnel, a project that’s expected to cut congestion by routing long-distance vehicles underground.



Proposed by the Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC) and overseen by its dedicated subsidiary, North Brisbane Infrastructure (NBI), the tunnel is set to have one of its main entry points in Stafford and Carseldine, which could be a game changer for the local community’s connectivity to the broader Brisbane area.

The planned 9.1-kilometre tunnel project will allow local drivers to avoid some of the gridlock that has worsened over recent years.

Project Rationale: Addressing Congestion in North Brisbane

The tunnel project emerged in response to increased congestion in Brisbane’s northern suburbs, with population growth and new developments pushing existing infrastructure to its limits. With residents moving into high-density areas like Chermside and the outer north fringe, streets like Gympie Road have seen significant congestion. Stafford, directly linked to this main route, has experienced mounting delays, and locals are familiar with the challenges of daily travel in peak periods.

According to documents released by NBI, the tunnel is expected to cut Gympie Road traffic by up to 8 per cent, making a noticeable difference for drivers who commute to Brisbane’s inner north and city centre. NBI’s traffic modelling shows the tunnel could save motorists who start their journey north of the Pine River up to 18 minutes by 2046, particularly benefiting those travelling long distances. 

However, the project also comes with trade-offs. While main routes may see some relief, congestion around the tunnel’s entrance and exit points in Stafford and Carseldine could become more complex due to redirected traffic demand.

Gympie Road Bypass Tunnel Stafford
Photo Credit: NBI

Community Feedback and Local Concerns

Consultations organised by NBI revealed that many north-side residents recognise the importance of reducing congestion in their area. While there was general support for the tunnel, several locals questioned whether building a new toll road was the best investment for their community. 

Focus groups expressed interest in public transport solutions, with some noting that Brisbane City Council’s proposal for an underground rail line might have been a more effective long-term approach for reducing vehicle dependence.

Concerns about the tunnel’s potential impact on local traffic were also raised. Residents pointed to possible bottlenecks around the Gympie Arterial and Bruce Highway convergence points, areas where congestion could worsen even with the tunnel in place. The recent traffic modelling report from NBI indicates that the high demand for the tunnel is likely to increase congestion around its northern and southern portals, reducing local speeds by up to 20 per cent in peak times.

Gympie Road Bypass Tunnel Stafford
Photo Credit: NBI

Future Impact and Decisions

Premier David Crisafulli has inherited the project and expressed general support but faces tough decisions on whether to proceed wholly and how to manage costs. Initial taxpayer contributions to the project have already reached $350 million, covering preliminary planning. Yet, the economic benefit projected by NBI is only $1.6 billion, prompting questions about whether the tunnel’s financial outlay can be justified. 

The Northern Transitway bus project has paused amidst considerations of above-ground public and active transport options that might work alongside the tunnel if it goes ahead.

Projected to cost just under $10 billion, the tunnel’s price tag includes potential cost escalations, and the NBI’s proposal did not consider possible future policy changes or industry condition amendments, meaning that the actual expenditure may be even higher. 

What This Means for Locals

For residents, the tunnel represents both an opportunity to reduce travel times and a challenge in terms of managing increased local traffic. While the tunnel could ease the load on Gympie Road and provide a faster route into the city, nearby areas may see slower speeds, especially during peak hours, as the project draws traffic into its portal areas. 



With the tunnel’s construction still in planning stages and government decisions ongoing, locals will need to stay informed on the project’s progress and raise any concerns about its impact on local infrastructure.

Published 11-Nov-2024

Kedron State High School Music Programme Concludes Successful Year

Kedron State High School‘s Extracurricular Music (ECM) department ended a triumphant year with a stunning Gala Concert.



The event last 12 October showcased the culmination of hard work and dedication from students and staff alike.

The concert featured various performances, including instrumental and vocal ensembles. The school’s commitment to music education was evident in the high quality of the performances, which impressed the audience.

The school’s Instrumental Music program, which spans from Year 7 to 12, offers many ensembles, including concert bands, big bands, string orchestras, symphony orchestras, and various vocal groups. The program is supported by a dedicated team of specialist teachers who provide individual tuition in instruments like harp and guitar.

Kedron State High School has a long-standing tradition of excellence in music education, dating back over 50 years. The school’s Instrumental Music Supporters Group (KIMS) is vital in supporting the program through fundraising and event coordination.



The school’s commitment to providing high-quality music education opportunities has fostered a vibrant and thriving music community at Kedron State High School.

Published Date 07-November-2024

The Barrons of Kedron: Pioneers Who Shaped a Corner of Brisbane

At the busy intersection of Gympie and Stafford Roads in Kedron, few motorists today realise they’re passing through what was once known as “Barron’s Corner” – a place that tells a remarkable story of Scottish immigration, pioneering spirit, and early Brisbane life.


Read: A Look Back at Kedron’s Cinematic Legacy: The WinterGarden Theatre


From Scotland to Brisbane’s Kedron

Photo credit: Woodford Historical Society/Lost Brisbane

In the mid-1850s, Alexander and Amelia Barron (née Smith) embarked on an extraordinary journey from Moray, Scotland. After a gruelling 92-day voyage aboard the Monsoon, they arrived in Brisbane, ready to forge a new life in a land where, as they would discover, everything seemed “upside-down” in the Southern Hemisphere.

Building Forresville

In 1856, the Barrons made a decision that would shape the future of Brisbane’s northern suburbs. They purchased a prime 33.6-hectare property for £83 ($166) – a substantial sum for the time. 

They named their new home “Forresville,” after “Forres,” the name of their home in Scotland. The property boasted the greatest frontage to Kedron Brook, northern Brisbane’s major waterway, which meandered along their eastern boundary.

Kedron
Photo credit: heritage.brisbane.qld.gov.au

The Barron family legacy lives on today at 29 Jack Street, where their 1880s homestead still stands – now heritage-listed as a testament to early Brisbane construction. The house itself tells a story of resourcefulness and craftsmanship, built by the Barrons using timber harvested from their own land. 

They selected the finest local materials available: silky oak, cedar, and pine that grew abundantly in the surrounding bushland. This detail, passed down through generations of owners and family members, speaks to the self-sufficient nature of Brisbane’s early settlers and their intimate connection to the land they cultivated.

From Sawyer to Dairy Farmer

Alexander’s path to establishing his farm wasn’t immediate. He initially worked as a sawyer in the colony, saving and preparing to realise his agricultural dreams. His experience with timber would later prove invaluable in constructing the family home. 

Eventually, he established a successful dairy herd and developed fertile fields where he grew potatoes and various vegetables. The Barron brothers would later become well-known blacksmiths, operating their forge at what would become known as Barron’s Corner.

Living with the Land

Kedron
Kedron Brook, ca 1893 (Photo credit: State Library of Queensland)

Life along Kedron Brook brought both benefits and challenges. The Brook, with its 29-kilometre course dropping 220 metres and draining a catchment area of 110 square kilometres, provided essential water but also posed risks. 

The family witnessed several major Brisbane floods, including the great floods of 1864, 1887, 1890, and 1893. Today, this flood-prone history is reflected in the parklands and sporting facilities that line much of Kedron Brook’s channelized course.

A Legacy Cut Short

Tragedy struck in 1872 when Alexander, aged just 49, died from tetanus contracted while digging potatoes on his farm. His final resting place in Lutwyche Cemetery lies less than two kilometres north of his beloved Forresville, where he was later joined by Amelia. The family’s deep roots in the area are evidenced by the five of their seven children and various grandchildren who also rest in Lutwyche Cemetery.

The intersection’s historical significance was recognised when the Kedron Shire Council chose it as the location for their first Kitson light. While most of the original structures are gone, the Barron homestead at 29 Jack Street stands as a remarkable survivor of the area’s pioneering days. Its heritage listing ensures that this tangible link to the Barron family’s contribution to Brisbane’s development will be preserved for future generations.


Read: Kedron Properties Face Reclassification in Brisbane Flood Maps


Modern-day Gordon Park now occupies much of what was once Forresville, but the Barrons’ legacy lives on in their carefully crafted home and the name that old-time residents still use for this historic corner of Brisbane’s north. Their story represents countless others who helped shape Brisbane from a colonial outpost into the vibrant city it is today.

Published 6-November-2024

Street Spotlight: Gallagher Terrace, Kedron

Gallagher Terrace in Kedron offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of suburban life. From its humble beginnings in 1936, when it was sparsely populated with only a few properties, this vibrant street has grown into a bustling residential hub.



Gallagher Terrace, Kedron Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 132
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 65%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 3 years, 8 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 9%

Gallagher Terrace, Kedron – As It Looked in 1936

Gallagher Terrace, Kedron 1936
Gallagher Terrace, Kedron in 1936

SOME RECENT SALES ON GALLAGHER TERRACE, KEDRON

Property AddressSale PriceSale Date
506/38 Gallagher, Kedron$609,500Jul, 2024
12/11 Gallagher, Kedron$550,000Jun, 2024
201/3 Gallagher, Kedron$727,500May, 2024
306/3 Gallagher, Kedron$590,000Apr, 2024
405/3 Gallagher, Kedron$700,000Mar, 2024
106/38 Gallagher, Kedron$540,000Mar, 2024
605/3 Gallagher, Kedron$690,000Mar, 2024
206/3 Gallagher, Kedron$590,000Mar, 2024
305/3 Gallagher, Kedron$690,000Mar, 2024
301/3 Gallagher, Kedron$695,000Feb, 2024
406/3 Gallagher, Kedron$595,000Feb, 2024
506/3 Gallagher, Kedron$590,000Feb, 2024
205/3 Gallagher, Kedron$692,000Feb, 2024
603/38 Gallagher, Kedron$609,703Feb, 2024
501/3 Gallagher, Kedron$700,000Feb, 2024
606/3 Gallagher, Kedron$595,000Jan, 2024
14/11 Gallagher, Kedron$550,000Jan, 2024
1/26 Gallagher, Kedron$510,000Jan, 2024


SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON GALLAGHER STREET FROM YESTERYEAR

Property AddressSale PriceSale Date
46 Gallagher, Kedron$55,000Aug, 1983
28 Gallagher, Kedron$70,000Dec, 1984

SUBURB PROFILE

The median price of a 2 Bedroom House in Kedron in 2024 was $1,110,000
The median price of a 2 Bedroom House in Kedron in 2020 was $614,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 2 BEDROOM HOUSE IN Kedron SINCE 2020 : $497,000

The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Kedron in 2024 was $1,185.000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Kedron in 2020 was $704,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM HOUSE IN Kedron SINCE 2020 : $481,000

The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Kedron in 2024 was $1,460,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Kedron in 2020 was $835,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4 BEDROOM HOUSE IN Kedron SINCE 2020 : $625,000

The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Kedron in 2024 was $1,850,000
The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Kedron in 2020 was $1,230,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 5 BEDROOM HOUSE IN Kedron SINCE 2020 : $620,000

The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in Kedron in 2024 was $520,000
The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in Kedron in 2020 was $323,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 2 BEDROOM UNIT IN Kedron SINCE 2020 : $197,000




‘Fascinate and Create’: Stafford Seniors Prep for Melbourne Cup

Sixteen Stafford retirees came together at TriCare Stafford Lakes Retirement Community to fascinate and create their own Melbourne Cup headpieces in a hands-on workshop led by Brisbane milliner Gina Shaw.



Residents Dive Into Millinery Fun

The millinery workshop, held on 30 October, allowed residents to bring their creativity to life ahead of the Melbourne Cup festivities on 5 November.

Melbourne Cup Stafford
Photo Credit: Supplied

Participants were invited to create custom fascinators and headpieces, with several residents even bringing dresses to match their designs. Among the attendees was Isobel Maughan, who crafted a fascinator adorned with bright feathers and pink roses. She described the workshop as a fun opportunity to connect with other residents while preparing for one of her favourite annual events.

TriCare Stafford Lakes Village Manager Andrea Lambie noted that the workshop was a lively affair, with residents enthusiastically collaborating and selecting accessories. She emphasised that events like this help unite the community and provide participants a creative outlet.

Melbourne Cup Stafford
Photo Credit: Supplied

Excitement Builds for Melbourne Cup Luncheon

The workshop sets the stage for TriCare’s Melbourne Cup luncheon on Tuesday. Residents will showcase their finished pieces at the event, including a festive spread complete with sparkling wine and appetisers. This marks the second year TriCare has hosted such a millinery workshop, following a successful debut last year at their Mt Gravatt location.

TriCare plans to continue hosting creative and social activities that foster connections among residents. According to Lambie, these workshops encourage residents to socialise and share their creativity in a welcoming environment, which many in the community appreciate.



Stafford residents are encouraged to contact TriCare’s team or visit its website for more information on its services and future community events.

Published 2-Nov-2024