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Kedron Residents Voice Concerns Over Potentially Hazardous Crossing on Gympie Road

A potentially dangerous crossing on Gympie Road has been the subject of much concern among residents in Kedron.

Read: Northern Transitway Makes Headway as State Government Injects $53M into Project

Several near misses and the presence of trip hazards caused by uneven ground have been worrying residents familiar with the controversial crossing. Compounding the issue are the ongoing bus works taking place at the same location.

These bus works are part of the Northern Transitway project, a large-scale initiative which involves constructing a dedicated bus lane on Gympie Road between Kedron and Chermside. Once completed, this project is expected to benefit over 5,000 people during peak periods each weekday.

However, the safety of pedestrians at the said crossing on Gympie Road is currently safeguarded only by a rope barrier placed at the centre traffic island where Castle and Strathmore streets meet. The ongoing construction works have not only raised safety concerns but have also disrupted access to some establishments in the area.

In response to the situation, a spokesperson from the Department of Transport and Main Roads acknowledged that the pedestrian island would be rebuilt as part of the Northern Transitway project.

The works are expected to be completed by late June 2023, assuming construction progresses smoothly and weather conditions permit. The entire project covers a 2.3km corridor along Gympie Arterial Road between Sadlier Street in Kedron and Hamilton Road in Chermside.

Meanwhile, Councillor for Marchant Ward Fiona Hammond has been actively involved in addressing the issue, having received multiple calls from concerned locals, particularly those worrying about schoolchildren and elderly individuals who must cross the road daily.

Read: What You Need to Know About Gympie Road Bus Stops and On-Street Parking Proposal Changes

Cr Hammond said she has already urged the State Government to promptly review the works and prioritise safety measures in the area.

Published 22-June-2023

$35 Million Allocated to Check Viability of Toll Tunnel from Kedron to Carseldine

Would a toll tunnel from Kedron to Carseldine alleviate traffic congestion? That is the $35-million question. The proposed 7-km tunnel would potentially traverse the long-preserved North West transport corridor and closely follow Gympie Road to connect the two suburbs.

This proposal for a tunnel from Kedron to Carseldine comes after Brisbane City Council’s North West Transport Network plan, which included two options for a road tunnel, was rejected by Infrastructure Australia earlier this year.

Council’s proposal had yet to sufficiently consider a cheaper surface route, although this alternative faces community opposition and environmental concerns due to its impact on ecologically sensitive areas.

To undertake the necessary assessments and analysis, a new entity named North Brisbane Infrastructure will be established by the Queensland Investment Corporation. This entity will be responsible for detailed transport modelling, technical assessments, and financial analysis.

In addressing traffic congestion, the project will also consider public and active transport needs, including bicycle lanes.

A recent statement outlines the potential benefits to be examined as part of a detailed investment proposal, including:

shorter commuter times
better connections with the Bruce Highway to and from the Sunshine Coast
better connections to the west of the city through Legacy Way and south through the Clem7 to the M1
improving amenities and liveability for locals by removing through traffic from Gympie Road

Treasurer Cameron Dick is confident that the tunnel could be constructed within eight years if it proves viable.

Mr Dick emphasized that the state government’s proposed toll tunnel offers a new solution to the long-standing challenge of easing congestion in Brisbane’s north. The forecasted population growth in the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay region is expected to increase traffic into Brisbane, making it an opportune time to address this issue.

“This is a new solution proposed for a long-established challenge – easing congestion through Brisbane’s north,” he said. As a world leader in funds management, the Queensland Investment Corporation has nearly $30 billion worth of infrastructure assets under management.

“It has the expertise to give us the clearest answer in the shortest time to decide whether a Gympie Road toll tunnel stacks up.

“Forecast population growth on the Sunshine Coast and in the Moreton Bay region will increase the traffic into Brisbane, so now is the right time to do this work. Based on Brisbane’s most recent road tunnel projects, from this point the tunnel could potentially be built within about eight years if it stacks up.”

The Kedron to Carseldine tunnel’s construction would be tolled due to the project’s significance. The project’s proponents anticipate that the tunnel would improve connections with the Bruce Highway to and from the Sunshine Coast, as well as facilitate better connections to Brisbane’s west via Legacy Way and south through the Clem 7 to the M1.

A community consultation will be conducted in the last half of 2023 to gather input from local residents, businesses, and other stakeholders. The work on the investment proposal is set to begin in the 2023/24 financial year.

Published 11-June-2023

From Flipping Houses to Flipping the Real Estate Industry on its Head in Kedron

The Brisbane property market is maturing. As the 2032 Olympics looms on the horizon, it’s a rare analyst that sees anything other than substantial growth over the next few years. Did you know that there’s a new agency in Kedron who’s building market share with a fresh approach to the real estate agency space?

After selling homes for the last three years from his home-office, Daniel Hooper opened his new office at 7/359 Gympie Road, Kedron in January 2023 and has already built a reputation as the highest sales volume agent in Kedron.

He spent 4 years buying, renovating and flipping houses between 2016 and 2019 which gave him an insight into the main drivers of improving value in property. From the value of a new kitchen to the flow of a home to removing stud walls to open up living space, Daniel developed a fundamental understanding of what buyers value most.

“We would increase the value between 30k and 150k over the course of a four-week renovation,” he said.

One Percent Property Daniel Hooper — Photo Credit: One Percent Property/Daniel Hooper

Though he says the main thing he learnt was that the flipping “gave me insight into how to structure a sales agency from the customer’s point of view as I dealt with so many agents, which gave me an opportunity to assess the things I wanted as a buyer and vendor, as well as the things I didn’t want in an agent.”

Over the last three years, Daniel Hooper has sold over 160 properties in his new agency, One Percent Property, which as he says gives him incredibly fresh data.

“As we are selling so many properties due to our much more attractive commission and business model, our buyer data is incredibly fresh. Every week, we have a lot of buyers that miss out on a property which means the new listings we take on will be placed immediately in front of those pre-qualified buyers” says Daniel.

A recent listing, 15 Parkdale Street in Kedron was on the market for three months with another agent at the peak of the market but failed to sell.

“We were approached by the owner of 15 Parkdale Street to take over the listing last month. We had it sold before we could even get the sign up.”

Another successful sale by Daniel Hooper and his team at One Percent property

Other recent sales in Kedron by One Percent Property include homes on Glenhaven Street, Seventh Avenue, View Street, Sixth Avenue, Armentieres Street, North Street, Childers Street, Eleventh Avenue, Somerset Road, Achilles Street, Figgis Street, Tanimbla Street, Homebush Road and Emerald Street.

Daniel’s real estate model looks beyond the standard “fixed fee”commission structure. He has instigated a policy of “pay what you wish” commission, giving vendors the option to pay less or more at the end of the transaction.

“Decide our fee AFTER the sale! – Our revolutionary commission structure allows you to decide how much we get paid after you have seen how hard we have worked for you and the price we have achieved. What better way to know I will strive to get you the absolute best possible result? No Sale, No Fee – We do not ask our clients to pay massive sums of advertising upfront. Instead, we have a small marketing levy that covers all advertising costs and it is charged out of the settlement. If I can’t sell your home, you don’t pay me a cent!”

One Percent Property is a proud partner of Kedron Today, helping us to bring new stories to Kedron locals.

Padua College’s 6th State of Origin Representative Didn’t Let His Grandfather Down

Origin 1 was on a knife edge. The Maroons had lost the lead to a controversial try (surely it was a knock-on) then wrestled it back when “The Hammer” was put away by the mercurial Cam Munster. Only 12 men on the field with tiring legs, then as they say, “cometh the hour cometh the man.” Step forward the prop, Padua College, Kedron’s Lindsay Collins.

It was a moment of utter brilliance! Daly Cherry-Evans launched a speculator. James “Teddy” Tedesco went up in the challenge with Lindsay but Collins launched himself and attacked the dipping ball as if there was only one outcome and the quick offload to the genius that is Cam Munster,
sealed yet another extraordinary chapter in the Maroons’ Origin Legacy.

It was no surprise that the whole Maroons team ran to Collins after the try. Munster had created room for Hamisa Tabuai-Fidow a few minutes earlier to put the Maroons back in front but the sheer effort of Collins to put Munster over was iconic.

Read: Mount Alvernia College Kedron Students Compete in ESU Public Speaking Competition Finals

Lindsay’s grandfather, Lionel Williamson, was known as the “Innisfail Flyer,” a speed machine on the wing representing the Innisfail club, 50 years before Billy Slater scorched the Innisfail touchlines.

The Innisfail Flyer in action
Photo Credit: https://www.roosters.com.au/news

Williamson went on to play first grade for the Newtown Jets in Sydney and represented Queensland and Australia, including scoring two tries in the 1968 World Cup final win over France.

Lionel Williamson
Photo Credit: https://www.qrl.com.au/

Lindsay himself, as a Padua College youngster, represented Queensland in Rugby Union as a flanker and played AFL as a ruckman. This led to him being invited to a Brisbane Lions rookie camp, though his junior Rugby League club, Brothers, fed his passion.

A stint at the Broncos began whilst still at Padua in year 11, but he continued to play Union for Padua which led to selection for the National Gold Squad with the ARU.

Lindsay Collins training in training with the Roosters.
Photo Credit: https://www.roosters.com.au/news/2022/10/18/kangaroo-collins-following-footsteps-of-famous-grandfather/

The Sydney Roosters saw his potential and signed him in November of 2016, slipping through the Broncos’ fingers, the team he had always supported.

Collins was considered one of the standouts of Origin 2022. In Adelaide, the Padua boy took his reputation to a new level and delivered a boost to the extraordinary reputation Padua College has built, becoming their 6th graduate to play State of Origin.

Origin 2 kicks off at 8.05 p.m. on Wednesday, June 21 at Suncorp stadium.

Published 6 June 2023

Mount Alvernia College Kedron Students Compete in ESU Public Speaking Competition Finals

Three talented students from Mount Alvernia College in Kedron have secured spots in the grand finals of the prestigious English Speaking Union (ESU) Public Speaking Competition.

The three students, Metben from Year 8, Millicent from Year 7, and Amaeh from Year 10 . will advance to the ESU finals in June, July, and August 2023.

The achievement is already a win for the school’s public speaking program. In early May 2023, the school concluded its first-ever public speaking workshops, titled “Mt A Speaks.” which were aimed at enhancing students’ confidence, pronunciation, and non-verbal presentation skills.

The participants described the workshops as a “safe environment” where they gained valuable insights into elements such as tone and body language. The college congratulates the students who completed the workshops, applauding them as pioneers in the field of public speaking.

About the ESU Public Speaking Competition

The English Speaking Union Public Speaking Competition is an internationally recognized event that brings together students aged 16 to 20 from over 50 countries around the world. It serves as the cornerstone of the English-Speaking Union’s mission, promoting oracy, cultural exchange, and fostering friendly rivalry among participants.

The ESU, an international educational charity, is committed to advancing international understanding and human achievement through the English language. In Queensland, the ESU operates as a not-for-profit organization led by a board and supported by dedicated members and volunteers.

Throughout the year, the ESU (Queensland Branch) hosts a diverse range of events aligned with its objectives. These include the public speaking competition for secondary schools, featuring Junior, Intermediate, and Senior divisions across South-East Queensland, Toowoomba, and North Queensland. Additionally, the ESU organizes the Roly Sussex Short Story Competition, the annual Churchill oration and formal dinner, lectures, discussions, and cultural events. It also conducts workshops focused on public speaking, English language, and communication.

Mount Alvernia College takes immense pride in its students’ achievements and their representation in the grand finals of the ESU Public Speaking Competition. The college recognizes the importance of fostering effective communication skills and remains committed to providing opportunities for personal and academic growth for its students.

For more information about the ESU (Queensland Branch) and its programs, please visit their official website.

Published 1-June-2023

Pro Wrestling League’s ‘All Killer No Filler’ Promises an Unforgettable Night of Wrestling

Get ready to rumble as some of the most talented wrestlers of the Pro Wrestling League return to Kedron-Wavell Club to prove their mettle at the highly anticipated event, “All Killer No Filler!”

On Saturday, 3 June 2023, at 7:00 p.m., witness one of the most exciting matches with Tim Hayden, whose mind has been tormented by none other than Rufio. Brace yourself for an epic showdown as Tim tries to conquer his fear at the All Killer No Filler.

The tension doesn’t stop there because Big Boi Renegade has been hurling fiery words at Jake Taylor, a young and promising wrestler looking to make a name for himself. Will Jake rise to the occasion and shut Renegade’s mouth once and for all? The answer lies in their highly anticipated clash at Kedron-Wavell.

In another thrilling matchup, Bojack, a professional wrestler who impressed the audience in his PWL debut, finds himself thrust into the deep end as he faces off against the current number one contender, Mitch Ryder, for the PWL Championship. Can Bojack emerge as the new standard-bearer for the Pro Wrestling League, or will Mitch Ryder retain his title and continue his reign of dominance?

Meanwhile, Lil Marz attempts to win the heart of Lucille Brawl through a plan around the power of friendship. However, recent events have shown that Lucille has no intention of playing nicely. As the future of their friendship hangs in the balance, Bobby Bishop and YEET Stevens find themselves caught in the crossfire. With common enemies like Roberto Puccino and Handsome Billie Mac in the picture, the unravelling of a once-promising alliance promises to be explosive.

So don’t miss out on this night of adrenaline-pumping action and incredible athleticism!

Secure your tickets to the Pro Wrestling League | All Killer, No Filler or grab them at the door.

Published 31-May-2023

Byrne Ford Enhances Kedron Location with Two New Used Car Yards

Byrne Ford, a leading car dealership, has recently responded to the increasing demand for high-quality used cars in Brisbane by expanding its services.

Read: Byrne Ford Kedron Announces New Million-dollar Showroom

The dealership has introduced two spacious used car yards on either side of its main showroom, located at 496 Gympie Road, Kedron. This strategic move aims to provide customers with an unparalleled selection of over 200 quality used cars to cater to their diverse needs.

Byrne Ford’s new car yards offer customers a wider range of options and convenient access to a diverse selection of vehicles. Car enthusiasts and prospective buyers are invited to visit the dealership’s expanded premises in Kedron, where they can explore the best selection of quality used cars available in Brisbane.

The dealership takes pride in its friendly and knowledgeable staff, who are always available to answer questions and assist customers in finding the perfect vehicle that suits their preferences and requirements.

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Beyond the used car sales department, Byrne Ford offers a comprehensive range of services, including sales, service, parts, finance, and accessories. The dealership has established a reputation for its professional and award-winning service, prioritising customer satisfaction at every stage.

Whether customers are browsing the new Ford range or seeking professional maintenance and servicing for their vehicles, Byrne Ford ensures a top-notch after-sales experience. Fully qualified technicians operate in a modern workshop service area, providing the highest level of care and expertise.

Read: Windsor Air Raid Shelter: A Remnant of WWII in Lutwyche

With its extensive selection, customer-centric approach, and dedication to professional service, the dealership continues to position itself as a premier destination for automotive needs in the region.

Moreover, the dealership offers the added convenience of courtesy pick-up and drop-off services, further enhancing the overall buying experience for customers. Visit their website for more information.

Published 30-May-2023

From the Zone Bowling Alley to a New Medical Centre: Reimagining 278 Gympie Road

After the Zone Bowling Alley closed in 2017, the once-thriving establishment fell into disrepair. The location could soon get a new lease on life, however, thanks to a redevelopment plan aiming to transform the site into a medical centre.

Read: Windsor Air Raid Shelter: A Remnant of WWII in Lutwyche

Since the closure of the bowling alley on 278 Gympie Road in Kedron, what was once a space for community camaraderie over a night of bowling has become a canvas for acts of senseless destruction by vandals.

Local residents, witnessing the disarray, likened the scene to a bomb site, with shattered windows and deteriorating walls, a striking testament to the extent of the ruin.

According to reports, Ardent Leisure, sold its Australian bowling alleys and arcades for $160 million, aiming to allocate funds towards expanding its entertainment venues in the United States, and attracting customers back to its Gold Coast theme parks.

Following the closure of the Zone Bowling Alley in Kedron, Carbone Developments has submitted its plans to transform it into a fresh food centre. Designed by CDI Architects, the original development objective was to revamp the facility into a modern space that offers fresh produce to the community.

The development blueprint entailed the inclusion of an anchor tenant, along with five additional tenancies to accommodate supporting businesses. After the initial submission, however, the developer was unable to find suitable tenants for the initial concept. A Material Change of Use for a 24-hour medical centre with a shop was submitted to replace the original concept.

Read: The Cod Father: Serving Up Traditional Fish And Chips In Kedron For Years

Hundreds of locals expressed their concerns regarding plans for a medical centre, due to significant issues with parking, traffic and congestion within the area.

The development application for the site, located at 278 Gympie Road in Kedron, received Council approval in 2021.

Tenancies are available at 278 Gympie Rd in preparation for a 2023 opening. Currently, the medical centre has been confirmed to include GP, Pathology, and Pharmacy tenancies.

Published 9-May-2023

Teenage Girls Apprehended In Stolen Vehicle Incident In Gordon Park

Two teenage girls have been taken into police custody after reportedly stealing a vehicle that was subsequently found abandoned in Gordon Park.

Read: Police Heightens Security at Kedron Brook Bikeway Over Stalking Incidents

According to police reports, a 56-year-old man and a 19-year-old man were in the process of loading property into their white Holden Cruze station wagon on Monday, 1 May 2023, at approximately 5:30 p.m. when the keys were left in the ignition.

Seizing the opportunity, two girls arrived at the scene and promptly drove away in the stolen vehicle.

Shortly afterwards, the stolen car was discovered abandoned on Cowper Street, Gordon Park, still running. Witnesses observed the two girls fleeing from the vehicle as a vigilant member of the public gave chase and successfully apprehended them until the arrival of law enforcement officers.

Investigations revealed that the two girls were allegedly involved in multiple thefts from various establishments within a Chermside shopping centre, as well as other offences related to stolen vehicles.

A 16-year-old girl from Kelvin Grove has been charged with one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and two counts of entering premises to commit indictable offences. She is scheduled to appear in the Brisbane Children’s Court.

Additionally, a 15-year-old girl from Zillmere has been charged with three counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, two counts of theft, and three counts of entering premises to commit indictable offences. She is set to appear in the Richlands Children’s Court.

In light of this incident, law enforcement officials are urging vehicle owners to take precautionary measures to reduce the risk of theft. They have provided the following tips:

Whenever possible, park in off-street locations, behind locked gates, or in secure garages to minimise the risk of theft.

Ensure all doors are locked and windows are closed when leaving the vehicle unattended.

Keep valuable items out of sight if left in the car.

Installing an engine immobiliser that meets the Australian Standard 4601:1999 is highly recommended for maximum protection against opportunistic vehicle theft. However, it is crucial to keep car keys secure, as a thief with easy access can bypass this security measure.

Read: Kangaroo Statue From Little Flower Church In Kedron Stolen

Anyone with information related to this incident or other criminal activities is urged to contact Policelink. Information can be provided online using the suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or by calling 131 444. The line is available 24 hours a day.

Published 4-May-2023

Windsor Air Raid Shelter: A Remnant of WWII in Lutwyche

Did you know that the Windsor Air Raid Shelter on Lutwyche Road, Lutwyche, now listed as a heritage site, was designed by Frank Gibson Costello, who served as the City Architect of Brisbane during the Second World War?

Read: Lutwyche: Get to Know One of Brisbane’s Oldest Suburbs

Built in 1942, it is a rectangular concrete structure with a heavy floor slab and a flat roof supported by concrete piers.

The shelter’s unpainted exterior is characterised by truncated floor and roof slabs at the northeast corner, where the road reserve narrows to a point.

Windsor Air Raid Shelter — Workers constructing an air raid shelter in Brisbane,1942 (Photo credit: State Library of Queensland, Negative number: 42865)

Costello’s reusable designs were often placed under fig trees to aid in camouflage and were characteristic of the work done during this period.

The first of Costello’s reusable designs was the pillbox with double-cantilevered roof slab, or “park” type shelter. These shelters had four central piers supporting the roof slab, allowing for the removal of the four blast walls after the war.

During World War II, the Brisbane City Council was tasked with overseeing Air Raid Precautions activities, which included the establishment of an Air Raid Warden system, the implementation of firefighting systems, and the construction of air raid shelters. Additionally, above-ground saltwater pipes were laid along city streets to aid in firefighting efforts.

Queensland saw a significant influx of American and Australian personnel during World War II, leading to the construction of various new buildings and facilities. In preparation for the possibility of attack, Brisbane constructed over 200 air-raid shelters throughout the city centre and suburbs.

Most of the structures built for the war effort in Brisbane were dismantled after the war, including saltwater mains, slit trenches, sirens, and standard pillboxes that had been placed in the CBD.

Read: The Cod Father: Serving Up Traditional Fish And Chips In Kedron For Years

The blast walls of the Windsor Air Raid Shelter were also removed according to plan, although evidence of their location is still visible today. An electricity box and conduits have been introduced, and parts of the roof and floor slabs have been truncated.

Windsor Air Raid Shelter in 2015 (Photo credit: CC0/Shiftchange/Wikimedia Commons)

Despite these alterations, the Windsor Air Raid Shelter remains an important historical site in Lutwyche. It was included in the Queensland Heritage Register on 6 April 2005.

Published 26-April-2023