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Abandoned Vehicles Increase In Kedron As Removals Rise

Kedron has been identified among Brisbane suburbs with significant numbers of abandoned vehicles, with close to 11,000 cars removed across the city in the past year.

Background And Context

Figures released in August 2025 showed 10,994 vehicles were taken off Brisbane streets during the 2024/25 financial year. Almost half of these were unregistered, while thousands more were deemed abandoned.

The issue is not unique to Brisbane. Other centres such as Cairns and the Gold Coast have also long dealt with vehicles abandoned by visitors, particularly backpackers.

Brisbane dumped vehicles — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Vehicle Removals And Costs

Authorities received more than 12,000 calls about dumped cars over the past year. The process of removing unregistered vehicles takes longer than registered ones, averaging 42 days before action is completed.

Some costs can be offset when unclaimed vehicles are sold at auction. Earlier in 2025, Logan raised about $100,000 through the sale of 55 impounded cars.

Suburbs Most Affected

Coorparoo, New Farm and Moorooka topped the list of suburbs where vehicles were most frequently removed. Kedron was also among the top ten affected suburbs, alongside Nundah, Sunnybank Hills, Coopers Plains, Annerley, Sunnybank and West End.

Brisbane Airport has also faced a consistent issue, with around 50 vehicles left in its carparks in 2024/25, many left by departing tourists.

Community Sentiment

Public reaction has highlighted frustration at both the scale of the issue and the costs involved. Some residents suggested that scrappers or private operators could remove vehicles at little or no cost, while others questioned whether many of the cars were stolen rather than abandoned.

Other comments pointed to backpacker vehicles often being left near the airport, while some raised concerns about the processes and expenses linked to removals and auctions.

Kedron abandoned cars — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Claiming And Auctions

Under local regulations, vehicles considered unmanaged can be seized if they are hazardous, abandoned or unregistered. Owners have 28 days to claim their vehicle by providing proof of ownership and paying release fees.

If not collected, vehicles may be sold through auction houses such as Manheim Brisbane, providing a way to recover some of the expenses incurred in clearing abandoned vehicles.

Outlook

The problem of abandoned cars in Brisbane, including Kedron, continues to place a financial burden on the community. While auction sales allow for some cost recovery, debate remains over whether alternative approaches could ease the ongoing issue.

Published 18-Sep-2025

Former Top Taste Factory Site Earmarked for Housing, Retail, and Community Spaces

The former Top Taste factory site in Kedron is on track for a major transformation, with plans lodged for a new mixed-use precinct that would reshape the suburb.

Read: Top Taste Bakery to Close Kedron Factory After 50 Years

George Weston Foods, one of Australia and New Zealand’s largest food manufacturers, has submitted a proposal for a 3.6-hectare development known as Bakery Square.

The project would redevelop the industrial land at 466–488 Gympie Road into a medium-density hub featuring residential apartments, retail and commercial spaces, community facilities, and public open areas.

The site itself carries decades of history. Once home to the well-known Top Taste factory, it operated for more than half a century producing delicious biscuits and cakes, including what was once Webster’s Napoleon Cake, along with other Top Taste favourites, before closing in 2020. Since then, the property has been used for various industrial and warehouse purposes, and more recently served as a contractor’s base during the Gympie Road upgrade, which delivered new bus lanes and improved traffic signals at Boothby Street.

Plans

The proposal (A006855857) includes new planning parameters to guide future development of the precinct. A maximum building height of 15 storeys has been flagged to create a sense of vibrancy and scale, while at least 2,500 square metres of urban common space would be delivered. This would ensure the project provides new publicly accessible open space in addition to the adjoining Bradbury Park.

The location is considered strategic, sitting along one of Brisbane’s busiest transport corridors and directly adjoining Bradbury Park. Urban planners say the project could deliver much-needed housing while creating a lifestyle-focused precinct that integrates green space with modern amenities.

Read: Kedron’s Top Taste Bakery Site For Rezoning to Allow Residential Developments

If approved, Bakery Square would mark the first major step in converting the site from its long-standing industrial use into a contemporary urban destination. It also reflects Brisbane’s broader planning vision, which encourages the renewal of “transition sites” to meet growing demand for housing in core residential areas.

Published 12-September-2025

Police Operation Targets Illegal E-Bike and E-Scooter Use in Kedron

Photo Credit: QPS

Police have launched Operation X-ray Stamp in Kedron to address illegal and unsafe use of e-bikes and e-scooters along the Kedron Brook Bikeway.

Background

On 19 August 2025, police confirmed the launch of Operation X-ray Stamp to target unsafe behaviour involving e-bikes and e-scooters on the Kedron Brook Bikeway. The operation runs throughout August and focuses on improving safety for all path users.

Enforcement and Education

The initiative includes high-visibility patrols, monitoring public reports, and investigating illegal activity shared on social media. A key focus is on young riders, with police emphasising that parents may be fined if they allow children to use non-compliant or dangerous devices. Local high schools are also involved in education programs highlighting the risks and responsibilities of using personal mobility devices.

Rules and Compliance

Under Queensland regulations, a legal e-bike must be pedal-powered with electric assistance only. Motors must not exceed 250 watts, and assistance must cut out at 25 km/h. Devices that do not comply are treated as motorcycles and require registration, licensing, and insurance. Fines for breaches can exceed $1,600, and repeat offences may result in confiscation. Police have warned that unlicensed driving, speeding, and dangerous manoeuvres such as weaving among pedestrians are the main risks they are addressing.

Kedron e-bike crackdown — *Photo Credit: QPS*

Community Sentiment

Public responses to the operation have been mixed. Some residents support the focus on safety, particularly regarding children riding modified devices at high speeds. Others have questioned the effectiveness of enforcement or called for clearer rules to distinguish between legal and illegal devices. Suggestions from the community have included mandatory registration plates, high-visibility clothing, and broader enforcement beyond Kedron.

Next Steps

Police have stated that while education and engagement are the priorities, enforcement action will be taken if unsafe behaviour continues. Fines, penalties, and confiscation remain options. The community is encouraged to report dangerous or illegal use of personal mobility devices through Policelink or Crime Stoppers.

Published 27-Aug-2025

Kedron Joins Brisbane’s New Wave of Blue-chip Suburbs

Once overshadowed by major infrastructure works, Kedron has quietly transformed into one of Brisbane’s most promising blue-chip suburbs.

Read: Tunnel Planning Advances in Kedron with Drilling Works

Now listed alongside Wavell Heights, Morningside, Holland Park, and Mitchelton as a suburb on the rise, Kedron is drawing buyers who want lifestyle and convenience without the multi-million-dollar price tags of Ascot or Hamilton.

The suburb endured years of disruption during the construction of the Airport Link tunnel and road upgrades along Gympie Road. Dust, noise, and heavy traffic flows made the area less appealing to some. But locals say Kedron bounced back strongly once the works were completed, and today, the tunnel is considered a major asset, giving residents fast and direct access across the city.

Undervalued but rising fast

According to recent analysis by SuburbData, Kedron ranks among Brisbane’s most undervalued suburbs, with prices significantly lower than its neighbouring prestige postcodes. Researchers note that suburbs in this category are well-positioned for capital growth as buyers increasingly recognise their value and lifestyle appeal.

The median house price in Kedron is currently $1.3 million, highlighting its growing status as a desirable northside suburb. While still more affordable than established blue-chip areas like Ascot and Hamilton, it offers a compelling balance of accessibility, liveability and long-term investment potential.

Blue-chip — Photo credit: Alexander Mitrichev/Google Maps

Homeowners describe the area as a place that has struck the right balance between convenience and community. Families are drawn to its schools and open spaces, while professionals value the quick commute and the abundance of local services. The variety of housing – from traditional post-war homes to modern rebuilds – has also attracted renovators and those keen to customise their “forever homes.”

Kedron’s location continues to drive its appeal. Just six kilometres from the Brisbane CBD, it sits at the heart of the city’s northside growth corridor. Despite its central position, prices remain more affordable than neighbouring prestige suburbs, making it an attractive option for buyers who want long-term value and lifestyle.

Read: Parklane Apartments Completed and Sold in Lutwyche

With its improved transport links, thriving community spirit and increasing buyer demand, Kedron is no longer simply a suburb to drive through on the way to somewhere else. Backed by the latest SuburbData findings, it has established itself as a destination in its own right – and one that is fast becoming one of Brisbane’s most sought-after addresses.

Published 26-August-2025

Goldie Espresso Serves Coffee And Community In Gordon Park

Photo Credit: goldieespresso/instagram

Locals visiting Goldie Espresso in Gordon Park say the café’s short menu of fresh dishes and consistent coffee keeps them coming back.

Local Flavour In A Casual Setting

Goldie Espresso in Gordon Park has become a local favourite, drawing residents for coffee, fresh meals and conversation after time at Kedron Brook, plus it’s dog-friendly. The café is known for reliable coffee, a changing menu and a relaxed setting that blends into the neighbourhood.

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A post shared by Goldie Espresso (@goldieespresso)

Inside, artwork from local artists and native flowers create a welcoming atmosphere. Mornings are busy with families and dog walkers, yet the space remains calm enough for easy conversation.

What’s On The Menu

The café offers a short menu that changes with the seasons. Popular items include avocado served on sourdough, a smoked salmon bagel with cream cheese, and a breakfast bowl featuring roast pumpkin, quinoa salad, pickled onion and goat’s cheese.

*Photo Credit: goldieespresso/instagram*

Quick takeaway choices such as bagels and pastries are also available, catering to those on the move.

Service And Atmosphere

Visitors consistently highlight the friendly staff and efficient service, even during busy holiday periods. Many said they appreciated the staff’s willingness to offer recommendations when choosing from the menu.

Patrons also note the calm atmosphere, with several describing it as a comfortable place to talk without the background noise often found in larger venues.

Everyday Details For The Community

A recent update added more seating indoors and outdoors, making the café more accommodating for groups.Some reviews, however, mentioned that indoor access may be difficult for wheelchair users due to steps at the entrance.

Outdoor seating is an option year-round, though it can feel less inviting during colder weather. Parking is limited to nearby streets, but many visitors arrive by foot after a walk along the nearby track.

Published 25-August-2025

Parklane Apartments Completed and Sold in Lutwyche

Photo Credit: Ferro Group

A boutique apartment project in Lutwyche, known as Parklane, has officially reached completion, with all 19 residences sold to owner-occupiers and residents now moved in.

Development Background

Located at 25 Swinburne Street, Lutwyche, Parklane was delivered by Ferro Property Group, designed by FerroArch, and built by SIG Construction Group. Initially reported in March 2024 as nearing completion with settlement expected the following month, the project has since been completed and occupied.

Design and Layout

The seven-storey building comprises 19 three and four-bedroom apartments. Each residence features open-plan layouts with light oak flooring, spacious balconies with sliding shade screens, and kitchens fitted with full suites of Smeg appliances and butler’s pantries.

Master suites include multiple robes, ensuite bathrooms with freestanding baths, and double basin vanities. Additional bedrooms feature sliding robe storage.

Parklane apartments — *Photo Credit: Ferro Group*

Resident Amenities

Parklane provides shared facilities for residents, including a swimming pool, outdoor entertaining space, and a lounge terrace. The building also includes 46 car spaces and elevator access.

Location and Connectivity

The development sits six kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD, alongside local parklands and with views across Kedron Brook. It is within walking distance of Lutwyche Bus Interchange, Wooloowin Train Station, Market Central Shopping Centre, cafes, the Crown Hotel, and the proposed Lamington Markets precinct. Schools in the catchment include Kedron State High School.

Brisbane property — *Photo Credit: Ferro Group*

Sales Results

Parklane achieved a full sell-out, with all apartments purchased by owner-occupiers. The final apartment was sold for $1.75 million, completing sales across the development. Earlier reports indicated strong owner-occupier interest, a trend confirmed by the project’s final results.

Completion

Construction concluded with the project fully settled and occupied by late 2024. Parklane now forms part of Ferro Property Group’s completed portfolio, which also includes involvement in other residential projects across Queensland.

Published 24-Aug-2025

Budget Brutalism: How a Stafford Heights Home Balanced Ambition with Reality

Photo Credit: Paul Butterworth Architect/Facebook

When Lisa bought her Stafford Heights property almost a decade ago, she fell for its bones and the sweeping Moreton Bay views. The house itself was another matter. A roof past its use-by date, dodgy wiring, peeling paint, and a carpet that had seen too many decades of wear meant it was teetering between renovation and demolition. With a $400,000 budget, she had a choice: clear the block and start again or see if creativity could stretch further than cash.

Making Tough Calls

Lisa’s renovation journey began in 2021, just as building costs began to surge during the pandemic. Architect Paul Butterworth, who has long championed mid-century design, joined her on the project. Together they mapped out an ambitious plan—restore the façade, widen the balcony, sand back the original floors, update the plumbing and wiring, and add bursts of colour that would reflect Lisa’s lively character.

Stafford Heights Old house — *Photo Credit: Paul Butterworth Architect/Facebook*

But as prices kept climbing, their spreadsheets told a harsher story. A plunge pool earmarked for the front yard was quickly scrapped. The roof, plumbing and electrical repairs were deemed non-negotiable. Cosmetic upgrades would have to wait. Lisa and Butterworth pared back the list, focusing on essentials that would preserve the structure while still giving the home a personality refresh.

Balancing Colour and Character

Despite the cutbacks, the home never lost its identity. A chartreuse front door and a striking mural on the balcony became its defining flourishes. Inside, the kitchen and bathroom were lightly modernised while retaining their original footprint. The balcony, widened from one to three metres, opened the living space to the surrounding views.

Butterworth often said that bold colour needed to be treated as carefully as any other design element. The risk of turning the home into a patchwork of mismatched hues was real, but careful composition allowed the colours to feel deliberate and confident.

*Photo Credit: Paul Butterworth Architect/Facebook*

Resisting the Wrecking Ball

The decision to renovate rather than rebuild went against the grain in a city where demolition often feels easier. Yet Lisa’s choice to invest in what already stood shows how Brisbane’s post-war and mid-century housing stock can adapt. Her home, once described as a “Palm Springs hangover,” now carries an unpretentious retro flair that fits the suburb’s hillside character.

Butterworth said the project demanded a balance of restraint and boldness—resolving structural problems first, then adding personality through targeted design moves. By the time practical completion was reached in February 2024, the house no longer looked tired. Instead, it reflected the reality of budget constraints: you can’t do everything, but you can do enough to make a place feel alive again.

Neighbours and visitors have watched the transformation with interest. What was once a rundown property on a Stafford Heights street has become a local talking point. The story has resonated with others planning renovations of their own. It shows that prioritising essentials over luxuries doesn’t have to mean compromising on individuality.

Published 19-Aug-2025

Kedron Students Participate in Creative Generation 2025

Photo Credit: Kedron SHS/Facebook

Students from Kedron State High School took the stage in this year’s Creative Generation – State Schools Onstage, with standout roles in music, drama, and dance.

Background and Context

Creative Generation – State Schools Onstage (CGEN) returned in 2025 with over 2,000 students from Queensland state schools performing at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre across four shows on 18 and 19 July. Since launching in 2005 with a cast of 550, the event has grown into a national arena-scale showcase, offering students hands-on experience with industry professionals across dance, drama, choir, orchestra, and production.

Focus on Two Key Performers from Kedron

Among Kedron’s participants, Year 9 student Mia Bloxsom and Year 11 student Kate Fraser were selected for lead roles that marked significant achievements for the school.

Creative Generation 2025 — *Photo Credit: Kedron SHS/Facebook*

Mia became the first Kedron student to be cast as both a Featured Vocalist and Musical Theatre Lead Vocalist, also contributing to the Drama cast. Her selection followed a competitive audition process involving vocal performance, musicianship assessment, and casting workshops. Mia played the character Davey during the arena shows.

Kedron SHS students — *Photo Credit: Kedron SHS/Facebook*

Kate Fraser was selected as Concertmaster for the CGEN Symphony Orchestra, a high-level ensemble performing over two hours of live music. She also performed as a Featured Solo Instrumentalist in two showcase items, demonstrating advanced technical skill and stage leadership.

Wider Representation from Kedron

In addition to Mia and Kate, over 20 other Kedron students participated in CGEN 2025 across a wide range of disciplines. Their contributions included roles in the Senior and Company Featured Choir, Massed Dance, Musical Theatre, Buddy Dancer, Drama Narration, Media Crew, and Massed Strings. This broad involvement underscores Kedron’s expanding presence in Queensland’s arts education space.

Reflections on the CGEN Experience

School reflections described the 2025 program as a time of artistic development, collaboration, and memorable experiences. Students formed connections with mentors and peers while navigating the demands of rehearsal and performance schedules. The season was noted by the school community as a meaningful part of students’ growth in the performing arts.

Looking Ahead

Kedron State High School’s involvement in CGEN 2025 included a record number of students and first-time selections in prominent categories. The program offered exposure to a professional performance environment and contributed to the school’s growing engagement in statewide arts initiatives.

Updated 10-Aug-2025. Published 4-Aug-2025

7-Eleven and Starbucks Sites in Kedron Sell for $12.9m

Photo Credit: Stonebridge Property Group/Facebook

Two retail properties in Kedron, completed in 2024 and leased to 7-Eleven and Starbucks, have sold for a combined $12.9 million through a competitive sales campaign.

Strong Buyer Interest in Kedron Retail Assets

Stonebridge Property Group confirmed the sale on behalf of Citimark Properties, with the two assets attracting 224 enquiries and 14 offers before being sold separately to interstate private investors. The transaction reflected a blended yield of 4.99 per cent, highlighting continued demand for high-quality, income-producing retail sites in Brisbane.

Details of Individual Sales

The 7-Eleven Kedron property sold for $7.7 million on a 5.22 per cent yield, while the Starbucks Kedron site achieved $5.2 million on a 4.65 per cent yield. Both assets occupy individual freehold lots along Gympie Road, about eight kilometres north of Brisbane’s CBD. This location records traffic volumes of more than 65,000 vehicles daily, offering strong exposure for both tenants.

Lease Terms and Location Advantages

Each tenant has committed to a 12-year net lease through to 2036, with options to extend to 2056. Fixed rent increases of three per cent apply annually across the lease terms. The properties form part of a premium convenience retail location, positioned to capture consistent customer traffic.

Brisbane retail sales — *Photo Credit: Stonebridge Property Group/Facebook*

Market Trends in Convenience and Food Retail

Stonebridge reported a marked increase in buyer interest for fuel, convenience, and fast-food investments over the past six to twelve months, with stronger bidder depth and evidence of yield compression. The Starbucks lease was noted for its covenant strength, backed by the original founders of 7-Eleven in Australia. The brand is continuing its national expansion into strategically selected sites.

The sales campaign was conducted by Stonebridge partners Michael Collins and Tom Moreland, alongside James Freemantle and Harry Curtain, as part of the group’s National Portfolio process. The outcome reflects renewed confidence from private investors in the convenience retail sector.

Published 12-Aug-2025

Kedron Gym’s Rising Star Achieves International Medal

Photo Credit: Fighter Factory Brisbane/Instagram

Kedron’s own Tahlea Toohey has put her suburb in the international spotlight, earning a bronze medal for Australia at one of the world’s most competitive amateur boxing tournaments.

The achievement came at the Copa América Boxing Tournament in Ibagué, Colombia, where Toohey competed in the 65-kilogram division. Representing Kedron’s Fighter Factory Brisbane, Toohey stood out among the world’s top young boxers, securing third place and drawing widespread pride from her local community.

Tahlea Toohey - Kedron — *Photo Credit: Fighter Factory Brisbane/Instagram*

Kedron’s Gym Produces International Talent

At just 20 years old, Toohey is no stranger to national recognition. She holds a number two ranking in her division across Australia, and her resume includes multiple state, national and international titles.

Training under the guidance of veteran coach Frank Pianto at Fighter Factory Brisbane, Toohey’s discipline and resilience have made her a role model for younger athletes in Kedron and beyond.

Coach Pianto, who is recognised across the sport for his Gold-level accreditation with Boxing Australia and decades of coaching experience, described Toohey’s result as a reflection of her hard work and the community support she receives in Kedron.

He says achievements like this are possible when a close-knit local network and a dedicated gym environment back athletes.

Community Pride at Fighter Factory Brisbane

The news of Toohey’s bronze medal was shared across Fighter Factory Brisbane’s social media, sparking a wave of support from club members, friends, and locals. The gym celebrated her performance as a major milestone not only for Toohey but for the wider Kedron community.

Toohey’s international accomplishment is proof of what’s possible when young people have access to quality coaching and facilities. Her third-place finish at the Copa América is the latest in a string of sporting highlights for Kedron, inspiring the next generation of boxers in the area.

Looking to the Future

With her recent international result, Toohey is now firmly established as one of Australia’s most promising amateur boxers. She continues to train out of Kedron’s Fighter Factory Brisbane, supported by a gym and neighbourhood that takes pride in its athletes. Her coach and supporters believe her best is yet to come as she prepares for future national and international events.

Published 4-Aug-2025