Residents of the “Happy Valley” precinct in Stafford have a new reason to celebrate with the transformation of a historic depot into a bustling social venue.
The building, now known as Happy Jane Cafe, sits in a revitalised pocket of the suburb that locals affectionately call “Happy Valley.” While the structure keeps its original high ceilings and open layout, the space has changed dramatically. The renovation added warm timber and large indoor plants to soften the old warehouse look. It is a mix of the area’s working-class history and its modern lifestyle. The result is a venue that feels more like a peaceful retreat than a transport hub.
The venue focuses heavily on bringing people together. It is not just a place to grab a coffee; it serves as a gathering spot for the whole neighbourhood. The space is pet-friendly and includes corners designed for reading a book or catching up with friends. On the second Sunday of every month, the site hosts the “Happy Lane Markets.”
These events bring in vintage fashion sellers, homeware creators, and local makers, turning the cafe into a busy village square. The large interior also works as an event space for workshops and small celebrations.
The kitchen serves food that matches the relaxed feeling of the space. The menu mixes Australian brunch favourites with flavours from the Mediterranean and the Middle East. One popular dish is the green shakshuka, which comes in a milk bun filled with spinach sauce, broccoli, and kale. For those with a sweet tooth, the banana french toast includes coconut sorbet and pineapple chilli jam.
Lunch options include purple tacos served on soft corn tortillas and filled with chicken, pork, or mushrooms. The cafe also runs a dedicated matcha bar for specialty drinks, such as a pink dragon fruit and white chocolate matcha. Coffee drinkers can order expert brews or try the signature ginger cold brew for something different.
Happy Jane Cafe continues to grow as a central part of the Stafford community. By keeping the history of the building alive while offering a welcoming space for today’s residents, it has become a key part of the area’s new identity.
Kedron was identified for two infrastructure projects under the 2025–26 Budget, with funding allocated for a clinical hub at Kedron Park and a performing arts centre at Kedron State High School.
The 2025–26 Budget outlined infrastructure funding across Brisbane, including health facilities and education upgrades. Within Kedron, two projects were listed for delivery, focusing on clinical service capacity and school infrastructure.
Budget listings provided the most recent confirmed funding figures for both projects.
Clinical Hub At Kedron Park
The 2025–26 Budget listed $7.6 million to construct a clinical hub within the Kedron Park Emergency Services Complex.
Separate project information stated that works were scheduled to commence in March 2025 and would expand the existing Clinical Hub to accommodate additional staff. The facility has operated since 2019, following its establishment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Clinical Hub provided statewide secondary triage, early clinical advice, alternative care pathway referrals and health navigation. It supported patients through telehealth services, monitored non-urgent cases and escalated responses where required, including support for specialist mental health and falls response pathways.
Performing Arts Centre At Kedron State High School
For Kedron State High School, the 2025–26 Budget allocated $24.9 million for delivery of a new performing arts centre.
Project information indicated the facility was planned to include a purpose-built auditorium with acoustic design, a professional-grade stage, music learning areas, ensemble rooms, and staff rooms and amenities. The building was designed to complement the school’s existing campus.
Construction was planned to occur within a live school environment, with coordination measures intended to minimise disruption to students, staff and nearby areas during works.
The clinical hub and performing arts centre represented two confirmed infrastructure investments for Kedron under the 2025–26 Budget. Funding allocations outlined the scope of works for both projects, with delivery progressing through established planning and construction processes.
An elderly Stafford Heights couple is fighting to save their family home of 36 years as they contest a legal dispute over an alleged unpaid restaurant supply bill.
Carlo and Anna Maria Sica, who operate Carlo Naples Pizza on Lincoln Street in Strathpine, are defending a lawsuit filed in the Brisbane Supreme Court by Global Food and Wine Pty Ltd, a Nerang-based supplier.
The supplier claims the couple owes $48,013 for food deliveries made between 17 October 2023 and 14 January 2025, according to court documents filed on 3 November 2025.
Global Food and Wine alleges that Mr Sica, now 79, signed a personal guarantee on 1 June 2020 as part of a credit account arrangement with the supplier. The company has sought a court order for payment or the forced sale of the couple’s six-bedroom, three-bathroom Trouts Road home.
In August 2025, the supplier’s lawyers lodged a caveat against Mr Sica’s interest in the Stafford Heights property, which is jointly owned by the couple.
In their defence, filed on 12 December 2025, the Sicas have disputed key aspects of the claim. Mr Sica states he has “no recollection of ever executing the personal guarantee and indemnity agreement.”
The defence argues that if Mr Sica did sign the document, he was not adequately informed of its legal implications. Court documents state that at the time of the alleged signing, Mr Sica was 75 years old and “suffering from significant medical conditions and emotional stress.”
The defence further notes that English is Mr Sica’s second language and that whilst he has conversational proficiency, he “did not have sufficient proficiency to comprehend the legal meaning and consequences of the agreement.” The documents state he was not allowed to seek independent legal advice.
The couple has neither admitted nor denied the exact amount owed, stating that “complete records have not been recovered.” Mrs Sica has neither admitted nor denied being a joint holder in the partnership that operated the restaurant.
In their reply filed on 23 December 2025, Global Food and Wine stated they “remain uncertain of the truth or falsity” of Mr Sica’s denial despite making enquiries.
The supplier claims written demands for payment were made in July 2024 but remain unpaid.
No future court date has been set to hear the case.
The Sicas’ son, Max Sica, is serving a life sentence for the 2003 murders of three members of the Singh family—Neelma, 24, Kunal, 18, and Sidhi, 12—in what was described as one of Queensland’s most horrific crimes.
In golf, the course stays the same, but the way you play it changes. Distance, terrain and timing all call for different choices as the round unfolds. That idea sits neatly behind The Evelyn, a new retirement community taking shape beside the McLeod Country Golf Club in Mt Ommaney, at a time when many Australians are quietly rethinking what home should look like later in life.
Across the country, that rethink is already underway. National research shows that 26 per cent of people over 55 have already moved into housing better suited to how they live today, while another 29 per cent are actively considering it. Data also shows that one in five Australians over 65 requires help with property maintenance.
When the Family Home Stops Fitting
Against this backdrop, downsizing has steadily become something closer to recalibration. Ease of living, reduced upkeep and flexibility now rank ahead of financial pressure as reasons older Australians consider a move.
Like changing clubs mid-round, it is less about starting again and more about adjusting approach. People are not necessarily seeking smaller lives, but homes that allow them to stay active and connected, without the physical and mental load that can come with maintaining a large family property.
Evelyn and a Different Way of Living
Set within a golf course environment, The Evelyn reflects that shift in practical ways.
Residents live independently in private apartments and townhouses, while maintenance across homes and shared spaces is handled within the village. An on-site Village Manager and a 24-hour response system provide support when needed, without intruding on daily routines.
Photo Credit: Aura Holdings
Shared facilities are designed to be used naturally rather than formally programmed. Residents can join activities, socialise casually or simply keep their own rhythm. Like a clubhouse, the spaces are there to support connection without obligation.
Photo Credit: Aura Holdings
The development comprises 126 residences, including apartments and townhouses, delivered in stages.
Photo Credit: Aura Holdings
Designed by Marchese Partners | Life 3A, the community includes landscaped outdoor areas, a pool, gym, library, wine room and billiards room, all set within the grounds of the golf course.
Photo Credit: Aura Holdings
Shared facilities and communal areas are designed to be used naturally rather than programmed heavily. They offer a place to gather, linger or pass through, depending on the day. Connection is available, not compulsory.
The Role of Golf Beyond the Game
Golf’s presence here is not incidental. Golf courses, by their nature, act as large, stable green buffers within suburban environments. They offer visual openness, reduced noise and opportunities for restoration that are increasingly recognised as important for mental health.
While not everyone plays, research increasingly points to golf environments as supportive of healthy ageing in broader ways. Studies examining golf participation among older adults have found that the activity often delivers moderate-intensity physical movement, particularly walking, alongside cardiovascular and musculoskeletal benefits. Even when played at a lower intensity, golf has been shown to produce short-term improvements in cardiovascular profiles among older participants.
Photo Credit: Aura Holdings
What matters just as much is the social and environmental context. Golf courses function as ready-made walking networks and social landscapes. People walk the fairways, meet others at the clubhouse, or simply move through open green space as part of daily routines. The Evelyn’s location within the McLeod Country Golf Club places residents adjacent to that ecosystem, whether they play the game or not.
The benefits of this setting extend beyond activity alone. A growing body of research, including Australian longitudinal studies, has linked exposure to green space with better mental health outcomes. More recent research focusing on mid-to-older adults has strengthened the evidence, showing associations between access to public green space and improved mental wellbeing over time.
The Evelyn’s proximity to the McLeod Country Golf Club taps into that reality, embedding the community within an active, established setting rather than isolating it from the surrounding suburb.
That everyday rhythm matters as people get older. Familiar places, regular movement and casual interaction are often what sustain wellbeing over time.
Infographic from Meaningful Aging Australia
McLeod Country Golf Club President Diane Lally said the partnership was about more than development. “The Evelyn represents more than a new retirement community — it represents the long-term sustainability of the McLeod Country Golf Club. This partnership allows us to strengthen our future, maintain a premier course, and continue to serve our members and the wider community.”
Housing That Supports How People Live
Research into retirement living models suggests that where and how people live can influence how active and socially engaged they remain. Communities designed around accessibility and shared space tend to support regular movement and interaction, while reducing some of the practical pressures of home ownership.
By reducing barriers to physical activity and providing access to fitness and recreational facilities, retirement communities help residents remain approximately 15 per cent more frequently active than those living independently in the community. Residents are also 20 per cent less likely to be hospitalised after entry.
Mt Ommaney itself offers a balance many retirees value. Established parklands, river views and shopping centres sit alongside strong transport links to the Brisbane CBD. For long-term locals, staying close to familiar places often matters as much as changing how they live.
The Evelyn allows for that continuity. It offers an option to remain within the same neighbourhood while adapting housing to better suit changing needs. It is a shift in position rather than a change of course.
Who Is Behind The Evelyn?
Photo Credit: Aura Holdings
The Evelyn is owned and operated by Aura Holdings, a Brisbane-based retirement living company founded by Tim Russell and Mark Taylor. The company’s approach is informed by professional experience and personal perspective, with both founders having parents living in communities they operate.
“The Evelyn will set the benchmark for retirement living in Brisbane, delivering modern apartments, strong community connections, and a premier golf club setting, unlike anything else in the Centenary suburbs,” Aura Holdings Chief Executive Officer Sean Graham said.
“We are pleased to see … the community’s confidence in both the project and Aura’s commitment to the ongoing partnership with the McLeod Country Golf Club,” he added.
Playing the Long Game
Not everyone will choose this path, and many Australians will continue to age in place. What is changing is the range of options available and the way people think about them.
Photo Credit: Aura Holdings
The Evelyn reflects a broader shift in mindset. Life does not narrow as priorities change. It simply calls for a different approach. And sometimes, staying in the game means recognising when it is time to change clubs, not courses.
The Evelyn has emerged within that moment, amidst a gradual shift rather than a rush. People are not abandoning the course, they are choosing a different club to use.
Published 2-January-2026.
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A female employee at Kedron Park Hotel was allegedly threatened with a knife during an armed robbery on Friday morning, with police charging two men following separate arrests later that day.
Queensland Police allege two men forced their way into the Lutwyche Road establishment shortly before 7.30am on 10 January, where they stole cash and the worker’s wallet before escaping on a blue road motorcycle.
Police conducted a search warrant at a Beams Road property in Boondall around 6.40pm, resulting in the arrest of a 36-year-old man. A second arrest occurred just after 10pm at a Summerstone Boulevard address in Morayfield, where a 43-year-old man was taken into custody.
The 36-year-old Boondall man faces multiple charges, including armed robbery, deprivation of liberty, and entering premises with intent to commit an indictable offence. The 43-year-old Sandstone Point man has been charged with identical offences.
Both men are scheduled to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on Saturday, 11 January.
Detectives from Hendra Criminal Investigations Branch are seeking assistance from the public and have requested any dashcam or CCTV footage from Lutwyche Road and Kedron Park Road captured between 6.50am and 8.20am on Friday.
The RSL Queensland Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre in Stafford has been selected as the key community hub for a massive fitness initiative that unites locals with first responders to champion mental health and resilience.
Before runners hit the pavement, the preparation begins in the local suburbs. Community members can collect their race packs at the Stafford location on Wednesday, 25 March, and Thursday, 26 March, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. While army personnel have a separate collection point at Enoggera Barracks on the Tuesday prior, the Stafford centre invites the general public to get involved early.
This collection period sets the stage for the Run Army festival, which brings people together to recognise the ANZAC spirit. The goal is to push physical and mental limits alongside current serving soldiers and emergency crews.
Run Army is more than just a race; it is a community festival designed to build teamwork and endurance. Participants can choose to support various groups, including the Queensland Police, Ambulance, Fire and Emergency Services, State Emergency Services, and Surf Life Saving. To make a tangible difference, five dollars from every entry fee goes directly to the runner’s chosen charity service.
One of the major beneficiaries is the Queensland Police Legacy (QPL) Scheme. Since 1971, this organisation has provided financial and social aid to hundreds of families. They help the families of serving or retired officers who have passed away or are facing terminal illness, ensuring those left behind receive necessary care.
Senior Constable Julie Ryan, a member of the Railway Squad, is gearing up for the 5km track. She explained that participating in a running event with other frontline members promotes mental health and raises money for essential causes. With a 20-year career in the police force, she has found that staying active helps her manage the stress of witnessing traumatic events.
Before she joined the police, she was an Australian amateur boxing champion, but she switched to running in 2012. She noted that events like this offer a rare chance for officers to connect with the public in a relaxed setting, away from the pressures of their daily duties.
The events officially kick off in Brisbane on 29 March and continue in Townsville on 19 April. There are options for walking, running, or virtual participation across distances of 2.4km, 5km, and 10km, plus a dash specifically for kids.
By taking part, the community helps promote the discussion of mental health and its relationship with physical activity. Registrations are currently open for those wishing to join the movement and support the region’s first responders.
An invasive oyster species detected in Kedron Brook is still prompting warnings from authorities, with Biosecurity Queensland continuing to urge residents to report any potential sightings months after the initial alert.
Suminoe oyster Supplied: DPI / Queensland Government
Biosecurity Queensland first called for public reports in early September and is maintaining its request as monitoring of local waterways continues. Officials say community awareness remains essential, particularly in urban creeks where invasive species can be difficult to detect in their early stages.
Mature Suminoe oyster (left), native Sydney rock oyster (middle), and a juvenile Suminoe oyster (right) Supplied: DPI / Queensland Government
What’s been found in Kedron Brook
The interior shell of the Suminoe oyster has a distinguishable purple to blackish scar. Supplied: DPI / Queensland Government
The species involved is the Suminoe oyster, also known as the Chinese river oyster — a non-native species previously identified in Kedron Brook. While it may resemble other oysters, it is a concern because of its ability to spread rapidly and survive in a wide range of conditions, including low salinity and poorer water quality.
Suminoe oysters grow much faster than native oysters. Supplied: DPI / Queensland Government
This adaptability makes urban waterways especially vulnerable. Authorities say the oysters can attach themselves to rocks, concrete, bridge pylons and other hard surfaces, sometimes forming clusters that are easy to overlook unless you know what to look for.
Why authorities remain concerned
Biosecurity Queensland is continuing to seek public reports as part of efforts to track and manage the species.
These oysters are difficult to identify during their early stages. Supplied: DPI / Queensland Government
Invasive oysters can establish quietly and expand over time. Overseas, similar species have been shown to outcompete native shellfish and alter waterways by changing habitat structure and water flow. While the oysters are not known to pose a direct risk to people, their long-term impact on local ecosystems can be significant.
Once an invasive species becomes widespread, eradication becomes extremely difficult — which is why early detection is critical.
What locals are being asked to do
Residents who regularly use Kedron Brook — whether walking, cycling, kayaking or fishing — are encouraged to stay alert. Anyone who notices unfamiliar oysters or shellfish attached to hard surfaces is urged not to touch or remove them.
Instead, Biosecurity Queensland asks people to document what they see and report it through official biosecurity reporting channels. Photos and accurate location details can help authorities identify the species and respond appropriately.
Anita Wohlsen urges people to report giant oyster findings. Supplied: DPI / Queensland Government
Officials warn that well-intentioned attempts to remove oysters can worsen the problem by spreading larvae to new areas.
Community eyes on the creek
Kedron Brook is a valued green corridor through Brisbane’s northern suburbs, used daily by locals and supporting a range of wildlife. Protecting it from invasive species relies not only on government action but also on the people who spend time along the water noticing when something does not look right.
These invasive oysters are spreading faster than native species. Supplied: DPI / Queensland Government
Authorities say public reports have already helped identify invasive species elsewhere, and the same vigilance is now being encouraged along Kedron Brook.
For locals, the message remains clear months after the first alert: enjoy the creek — but if you spot something unusual, report it. Early action could help prevent long-term damage to one of the area’s most important natural assets.
We’ve combed Brookside Centre, Everton Hills, Everton Park, McDowall, Mitchelton, Stafford, Stafford DC, and Stafford Heights for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!
Haruna J ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Such a nice vibe and friendly staff! They serve amazing batch brew and hand-drip coffee as well. The food and desserts were super tasty! See you soon!
Juliana A ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Had a very nice family brunch here. The latte art was spectacular (give extra happiness 😊), and the Balinese kwe tiau goreng was especially delicious. Great service and friendly atmostphere! Highly recommend 👍
Flora N ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good food, great atmosphere and friendly staff for a Friday brunch!
Thirumurugan Ponnusamy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Has few unique food items that you don’t find in an Indian restaurant which is great. All the food items were delicious and came out quick. Aloo Tikki Bao bun was a nice twist and tasted great. Prawn and Scallop curry was unique and cooked to perfection. Enjoyed the gluten-free flat bread. Great friendly service. Nice decor – though the plastic cherry blossoms were out of place 🤣. Highly recommended for food and a special dinner outing.
Aftaar Atik ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The finest Indian dining in Brisbane. From perfect ambience to the best Indian gourmet,Mezbaan Modern Indian Dining is the perfect choice for any special occasion.
Matthew Armstrong ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Wow. Came here impromptu based on almost all five star reviews. I’ll add to that with another five star. This is NOT your standard deep fried entree and watery curry type of Indian. This is as good as I can remember Indian food ever being anywhere in Brisbane. The service is impeccable and so friendly. We haven’t felt so welcome or attended to in some time. The food is so fresh and has such a good depth of flavour. Highly recommend you make this your local Indian or travel to try this. We will be back many times.
Lana Ostojic ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Food is spectacular. Was really blown away by the flavours! Great atmosphere.100% would recommend. Will definitely be a Returning customer!
Domanique G ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Phenomenal!!!!! Best middle eastern food experience we’ve ever had, we were all fighting over the prawns with burnt butter sauce! Also ordered one of each mocktail (blue Lagoon was the table favourite), a platter and potatoes with coriander – also incredible! Service was wonderful too considering how busy they were, the lovely owner kept checking on us and making sure everything was good. 10/10 (tip: just book a little later if you don’t like the loudness of a dinner service with children etc) can’t wait to visit again!
Eve White ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Found this beautiful Restaurent through Google search. Absolutely loved the food, the meat was tender, tasty and great value for money. The waiter is very kind and friendly. Would definitely come back to try more delicious food. Thank you.
Cat D ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love, love love loved this place. The food is delicious and very well priced. The make your own stir fry portion was massive. I loved the bao buns. So delicious. A small restaurant but cool vibes.
Ell Amey ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Incredibly tasty food, super flexiblewith dietry needs. Amazing atmosphere! The service was top knotch too, They helped us with my daughters birthday and cake we brought in. Highly recommend!
shreshtha jain ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The menu is extensive with tons of choices, and the food is absolutely delicious. I created my own custom ramen bowl and it was perfect, exactly what I wanted. Love the fun neon-lit design that gives the place such a cool vibe. The lighting was too dim for good photos without flash, but trust me, the food looks as amazing as it tastes. Warm, friendly service and great energy throughout. Even on a weekday evening it was busy with a steady flow of customers, always a good sign! Definitely coming back.
Jessica Turner ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great venue and atmosphere. Food is a reasonable price and delicious. We got a parmi and chicken schnitzel and both were excellent. Also, large selection of beers on tap. Will be back!
Roneen Fletcher ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We love The Woods, we always feel so welcomed and so is our Labrador. The Food and service is exceptional. THANK YOU until next time….
A N ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Found this little hidden gem today and I’m fairly certain it’ll become our regular spot. Benton ( pretty sure that’s his name ) and the staff were amazing and so attentive. We really enjoyed the it. I would have loved another genre of music but that’s more a personal choice rather than anything. Thanks again and see you soon.
At St Therese and St Anthony Parish in Kedron (The Little Flower Church Kedron), parishioners are increasingly turning to Flocknote to stay informed about parish life, sacramental programs and community news. The shift comes as part of a wider rollout of a church communication platform across parishes in the Archdiocese of Brisbane.
Since its introduction in September 2024, many parishes in the archdiocese have been building their digital presence using this communication software. At Kedron, parish staff have reported high levels of uptake among parishioners, with a substantial increase in the number of people receiving digital updates compared with the number of printed newsletters previously produced.
Parish manager Sandra DiFrancesco has noted that thousands of people are now connected through the platform, compared with just a few hundred printed newsletters distributed each week. While paper continues to have a place for some, the digital approach has allowed the parish to reach a larger portion of its community.
In addition to regular parish news and notices, the platform has been used to support sacramental programs. For example, families enrolling for sacraments such as Confirmation can now receive relevant information digitally. Parish staff continue to offer assistance for anyone needing help with the digital system, ensuring it remains accessible to all who wish to use it.
Another practical benefit reported by parish staff is the ability to send last-minute notices. Changes to Mass times or other parish events can be communicated quickly to those signed up, helping parishioners stay informed even when plans shift.
The move towards digital communication has also helped reduce printing costs for the parish and offers a way for parish leaders to access information without reliance on physical records.
About Flocknote
Photo credit: Thomas Vanhaecht/Pexels
The software at the centre of this transition is Flocknote, a communication platform designed specifically for churches. It provides a centralised way for parishes to share newsletters, notices, sacramental information and group updates. The platform emphasises ease of use and privacy, and does not depend on social media or online advertising.
Parishes using the system can send updates by email or text, giving parishioners flexibility in how they receive information. With many parishes across the Archdiocese of Brisbane adopting the platform, it has become an increasingly common way for local Catholic communities to stay connected.
Uptake of the technology has not been limited to younger parishioners. In other Brisbane parishes, some older members have also signed up after learning about the platform through printed parish newsletters.
While the transition has seen some initial questions and concerns from parishioners about online systems, parish staff have worked to provide clarity and support. As a result, participation continued to grow, with hundreds of parishioners now regularly receiving digital updates.
For many in Kedron, the shift to digital communication sits alongside traditional parish life rather than replacing it. By offering another way to connect, St Therese and St Anthony Parish aims to keep parishioners informed and engaged in parish activities, regardless of how they choose to receive their information.
Parents watching their children unwrap e-scooters for use on the flat stretches of the Kedron Brook Bikeway may unknowingly be handing out fines alongside the festive cheer.
The upcoming holiday season has triggered a high-alert status for Queensland authorities. With the popularity of electric mobility devices soaring, officials are concerned that well-meaning gifts will turn into dangerous situations on public paths. The “Know Your eRules” campaign has been rolled out to address this specific issue.
Advertisements are currently running on Spotify and local bus shelters to remind shoppers that these devices are not simple toys. The campaign stresses that buying an e-scooter or e-bike comes with significant legal responsibilities that many families might overlook during the rush of Christmas shopping.
A Deadly Cost
The push for education follows a heartbreaking period on Queensland roads and pathways. Data from the last three years indicates that 18 people have died in e-scooter accidents, with several other fatalities linked to e-bikes. The flat and accessible nature of areas like the Kedron Brook Bikeway makes them attractive spots for new riders, but without proper care, these areas can become accident hotspots.
Joanna Robinson, a senior manager at the Department of Transport and Main Roads, pointed out that hospital emergency rooms are seeing a sharp rise in injuries. She warned that these incidents often happen when the devices are ridden illegally or by children who are too young to handle them safely.
Targeted Hotspots and Connecting Routes
Photo Credit: Supplied
Local families should be aware that police enforcement and safety concerns are not limited to a single trail. The crackdown is expected to impact the entire network connecting to Kedron. The Kedron Brook Bikeway serves as a major artery, linking suburbs like Mitchelton, Stafford, and Grange directly to Nundah and Toombul. Particular attention is being drawn to high-traffic zones such as the busy crossing at Shaw Road in Wavell Heights and the popular Kalinga Park in Wooloowin.
Riders venturing further afield often connect to the North Brisbane Bikeway at Lutwyche for a commute into the city, or head east towards the Jim Soorley Bikeway to reach Nudgee Beach. These interconnected routes, including the path near the Schulz Canal Bridge, are popular weekends spots for families. However, their shared nature means e-scooter riders must be hyper-vigilant of pedestrians and cyclists, especially near major hubs like the Brookside and Toombul shopping precincts.
Parents Face the Fines
Police are shifting their focus from just the riders to the guardians responsible for them. Chief Superintendent Mark Wheeler of the Road Policing Group made it clear that supervision is a requirement, not a choice. He explained that if a child is caught breaking the rules on an illegal device, the parents could face penalties. The authorities want to ensure that buying a personal mobility device does not give a child permission to ride wherever they please. Parents are being urged to understand the laws before purchasing these items to avoid enforcement action and to keep other path users safe.
To keep the holidays safe, families are encouraged to visit the government’s StreetSmarts website. This resource helps buyers identify which devices are legal for use in public spaces. Authorities reiterated the non-negotiable rules of the road, which include wearing a helmet, sticking to speed limits, and staying off busy roads. They also highlighted the dangers of distracted riding using mobile phones and riding under the influence. The message is simple: check the rules before hitting the bikeway to prevent a fine or a tragedy.
