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Stafford’s Next Chapter: A Suburban Shift Along Kedron Brook

Once defined by workshops and traffic-clogged roads, Stafford is emerging as a key site of urban transformation in Brisbane, with plans to reshape the suburb into a thriving, connected community built around Kedron Brook.

A New Vision for Brisbane’s North

A comprehensive redevelopment proposal led by Open Architecture Studio aims to turn Stafford’s overlooked industrial areas into a vibrant mixed-use precinct, blending homes, shops, green spaces, and community hubs. The plan proposes medium- and high-density housing, new dining and retail spaces, and social infrastructure designed to serve a growing population.

The suburb’s transformation centres on “turning Stafford to face the creek,” making Kedron Brook a focal point with new boardwalks, cafes, and public spaces overlooking the water.

The proposal covers a stretch of land about 1.3 kilometres long along the brook, bordered by Shand Street and Gamelin Crescent, incorporating key community assets such as Stafford City Shopping Centre, Bunnings Warehouse, Hoyts Cinemas, and local sports fields.

Plans include a Central Park-style green space, swimming lagoons, and a waterside amphitheatre. Developers cite urban renewal examples like Fish Lane, West Village, and Barangaroo in Sydney as inspiration for how Stafford could evolve.

Stafford — *Photo Credit: Open Architecture Studio*

Community Input and Future Planning

The redevelopment aligns closely with the ongoing Kedron Brook Vision and Master Plan, a city-led initiative that seeks public input to shape the future of the brook’s “middle catchment” and surrounding suburbs, including Stafford. The master plan focuses on improving access, enhancing green corridors, and integrating natural spaces with urban growth — goals that overlap with the priorities outlined in the Stafford proposal.

Residents have shown cautious optimism about the changes. Some see the redevelopment as a chance to improve housing diversity and create new public spaces. In contrast, others stress the need for investment in schools, transport, and infrastructure to support a larger population. City planners and developers agree that collaboration between landowners, Council, and the community will be essential for the plan to succeed.

Long-Term Transformation with Local Impact

Although the project is still in its early stages, developers believe the suburb already has the “building blocks” needed for transformation: strong public transport links, concentrated land ownership, and underutilised land along the brook. If key stakeholders support rezoning, initial developments could begin to emerge within the next decade, with full transformation potentially unfolding over more than 20 years.

Urban planners say Stafford is one of several middle-ring suburbs poised to attract significant investment in the coming decades, but they note that not all landowners may be ready to participate. While redevelopment could increase land values, it might also bring higher costs for owners who do not plan to change their property use immediately.

The proposed project aims to redevelop Stafford’s underused spaces into a connected precinct combining public areas, housing, and commercial activity. If realised, the project could significantly reshape Brisbane’s northern suburbs and influence future approaches to suburban growth.

Published 17-Oct-2025

Coronis Group CEO Represents Lutwyche at 2025 Business Awards

Photo Credit: Karuna Mazzocchi/Facebook

Lutwyche business leader Karuna Mazzocchi of Coronis Group has been named a finalist in the 2025 Lord Mayor’s Business Awards, recognising her contribution to Brisbane’s growing business community.

Recognition for Lutwyche Leadership

Coronis Group, headquartered in Lutwyche, is represented in the 2025 Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Business Awards through its Chief Executive Officer, Karuna Mazzocchi. She is a finalist for Business Person of the Year Award, which acknowledges outstanding leadership and impact across the city’s business landscape.

Mazzocchi’s recognition places Lutwyche on Brisbane’s business map, highlighting the suburb’s contribution to the broader economic growth of the city.

*Photo Credit: Karuna Mazzocchi/Facebook*

Coronis Group’s Growth and Milestone

After joining Coronis Group more than two decades ago, Mazzocchi became CEO in 2023. Under her leadership, the company now operates 23 offices, manages more than 10,000 properties, and maintains over 36 national partnerships.

Her leadership has been instrumental in driving expansion across multiple sectors, including finance and conveyancing, with the company achieving consistent growth. This achievement follows her being named the Most Influential Woman in Property at the 2024 REA Excellence Awards.

Business Awards Mark 20 Years

Now in its 20th year, the Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Business Awards celebrate the city’s innovators, visionaries and entrepreneurs. The program acknowledges individuals and organisations shaping Brisbane’s economic future through creativity and enterprise.

The awards are organised by the Brisbane Economic Development Agency and aim to showcase local businesses across 11 categories, including innovation, sustainability, and investment.

Lutwyche business leader — *Photo Credit: BEDA*

Looking Ahead to the 2025 Gala

Winners of the 2025 Lord Mayor’s Business Awards will be announced during the official gala event at Brisbane City Hall on Thursday, 6 November 2025.

For Mazzocchi and the Lutwyche-based Coronis Group, the nomination represents both recognition of past success and motivation to continue contributing to Brisbane’s business development leading up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Published 8-Oct-2025

A Year of Crime in Kedron: Property and Theft Offences Dominate

Photo Credit: QPS Online Crime Map

Kedron recorded 848 offences between 16 October 2024 and 16 October 2025, according to the Queensland Police Service’s Online Crime Map. The figures indicate a suburb where most incidents involved property, theft, and vehicle-related offences rather than violent crime.

The QPS heatmap shows strong concentrations of offences along Gympie Road and Kedron Brook Road, extending through residential areas near Leckie Road and Kitchener Road. These locations correspond to the suburb’s busiest transport and commercial corridors, which naturally attract higher activity levels throughout the day.

The most common offences were other theft (excluding unlawful entry), unlawful entry, and unlawful use of a motor vehicle. These accounted for nearly half of all incidents over the 12-month period. Other recurring offences included property damage, fraud, drug offences, and traffic and related offences.

Time-of-day data shows the 2 pm to 10 pm window recorded the highest number of offences (330), followed by 10 pm to 6 am (295) and 6 am to 2 pm (223). This pattern reflects an evening-heavy crime profile, where most reports occur in the later part of the day.

By day of the week, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday were the busiest for reported incidents, while Tuesday and Wednesday saw noticeably fewer. The trend aligns with suburban traffic and nightlife activity across Brisbane’s northside.

The date-range chart indicates the highest monthly totals were recorded in January (78), March (81), and August 2025 (90). The quietest months were October 2024 (40 offences), March 2025 (62), and July 2025 (66), showing clear mid-year and early-spring dips in reported incidents.

Most incidents recorded were opportunistic thefts, property offences, or vehicle-related matters typical of busy mixed-use suburbs.

Overall, the data presents Kedron as a moderate-crime but active suburb, where offence patterns correlate closely with traffic density, shopping areas, and commuting routes. The statistics suggest that practical vigilance — such as securing vehicles and valuables — remains the simplest way to prevent most incidents.

Published Oct-2025

Kedron Brook: Inside Brisbane’s Two-Kilometre Off-Leash Haven for Dogs

For Brisbane dog owners seeking a real escape from fenced-in parks, a two-kilometre off-leash track along the Kedron Brook Floodway offers unparalleled freedom for well-trained pets.

A Paradise for Paws

More popular than a fresh bone, this stretch of green space has become a go-to spot for local pet owners. It provides a rare opportunity for dogs to do what they love best: run at full speed, explore new smells, and even enjoy a playful splash in the bubbling brook.

The sheer size of the area means there is plenty of room for everyone, allowing dogs to burn off their energy and socialise in a natural environment.

Navigating the Brook

Regular visitors suggest the best way to experience the walk is to start at Gilbert Road and head north along the water towards Thistle Street. This path covers the main off-leash section.

However, owners should be aware that the area is not fenced. This freedom comes with the responsibility of ensuring your dog has a strong recall and will return when called, which is essential for their safety and the comfort of others using the park.

Keeping the Community Spirit Strong

The success of this shared space relies on considerate behaviour from all its users. For the safety and comfort of every person and pet, it is recommended that dogs that are not overly sociable remain on their lead. To help keep the area clean and beautiful for everyone to enjoy, Brisbane City Council provides plenty of poo bags and bins along the pathway, and visitors are encouraged to make good use of them.

Published Date 2-October-2025

Auction for Structurally Challenged Stafford Heights Cottage Drives Price Up to $1.475M

Photo Credit: Place

A fierce auction battle erupted in Stafford Heights last Saturday, with six determined bidders driving the sale price of a structurally challenged cottage to $1.475 million – nearly $400,000 above the reserve price.

The four-bedroom post-war home at 85 Pangeza Street hadn’t changed hands in almost five decades, but its expansive 1174-square-metre block and commanding city views proved irresistible to buyers despite the property requiring extensive renovation work.

Local estate agent Jordan Peacock from Place Estate Agents Bulimba described the outcome as exceptional, noting the sale exceeded both expectations and recent comparable sales in the area. The auction attracted 10 registered bidders, including a mix of families looking for their dream home and developers eyeing renovation opportunities.

Bidding commenced at $1 million and progressed steadily in $25,000 increments until the property was declared on the market at $1.1 million, close to the reserve. The competition intensified as three final bidders pushed the price to $1.3 million before engaging in $5,000 increments for the closing stages.

The successful purchasers were a local family who managed to outbid several developers interested in the rare large-block opportunity. Such substantial blocks have become increasingly scarce in Stafford Heights, making this property particularly appealing despite its need for significant structural work.

Current market data shows Stafford Heights has experienced strong growth, with the median house price reaching $1,128,500 and annual capital growth of 15.74%, reflecting the suburb’s increasing desirability among families and investors.

The property’s appeal extended beyond its size to include the elevated city views that large blocks in the area can offer. Brisbane’s property market has demonstrated significant momentum heading into spring, recording the strongest monthly growth of any major capital city.

The longtime owners, who had called the property home for 47 years, expressed delight with the final result. Their decision to sell coincides with broader market trends showing strong rental yields in Brisbane sitting around 4.5%–5.2% for houses, supported by vacancy rates remaining critically low—below 1% in many suburbs.

This sale formed part of 176 scheduled auctions across Brisbane for the week, with Domain recording a preliminary clearance rate of 50 per cent from 116 reported results by Saturday evening, with 18 homes withdrawn from auction.

The Pangeza Street result demonstrates the continued appetite for quality residential blocks in established suburbs, particularly those offering development potential or family lifestyle opportunities with rare city outlook positions.

For Stafford Heights residents, the sale reinforces the suburb’s growing reputation as a sought-after location that balances accessibility to Brisbane’s city centre with the community atmosphere of a well-established neighbourhood.

Published 22-September-2025

Lutwyche Queenslander Seeks New Family After 98 Years With the Palmers

Photo Credit: REMAX Central Residential

A charming three-bedroom Queenslander in Lutwyche is set to welcome new owners for the first time since it was built in 1927, marking the end of an era for the Palmer-Broad family who have called 129 Fuller Street home for nearly a century.

Stephen Broad, 65, has made the difficult decision to sell the home his grandparents, Gordon and Dolly Palmer, built 98 years ago. The property will go under the hammer on 18th October, but with one firm condition: developers need not apply.

“It was a very hard decision to put it up for sale,” Mr Broad told Domain. He explained that while reaching the 100-year milestone would have been meaningful, concerns about the home’s care and the reality that neither his children nor grandchildren plan to live there made selling the right choice.

The home’s rich history is documented in remarkable detail. Mr Broad still possesses the original 1926 land purchase receipt showing his grandparents paid £630 for the block. Among other treasured documents are receipts for connecting electricity (£1) and installing a gas pipe, along with the original blueprints from a 1948 extension, complete with the builder’s handwritten notes.

After his mother Janice Broad (née Palmer) passed away earlier this year at 88, Mr Broad discovered precious family mementoes whilst clearing the house. These included a 1961 photograph of himself as a baby with his mother and grandmother in the front yard, and 1946 war bonds his grandfather never cashed in.

The property holds especially poignant memories for the family. Janice was born in the main bedroom in 1936, with the bottom drawer of the room’s wooden dresser serving as her makeshift crib. Much of the original furniture, purchased from Whincup & Co in Fortitude Valley, remains in the home today.

The Queenslander has been carefully maintained and updated over the decades. Renovations in the 1950s and 1980s added concrete stumps, a rear deck, a modernised kitchen, and a garage below, while preserving the home’s character features including polished floorboards.

Despite offers that might come from developers, Mr Broad is resolute about finding the right buyer. He told Domain that even an extra $200,000 from a developer would result in a definite “no”.

“I’d like to see this house filled with new life,” Mr Broad said, noting that neighbouring properties have recently been purchased by young couples starting families.

The home features one bathroom, multiple living spaces, and a backyard deck, with significant potential for expansion. Its location offers convenient access to transport, parks, cafés, and the CBD.

Sales agent Rohan Banning of REMAX Central Residential described the listing as incredibly unusual, saying he had never encountered a house held by one family for such a length of time.

The property auction will be held on-site on Saturday, 18th October 2025.

Published 30-September-2025

Early Intervention Program Launched In Gordon Park

Photo Credit: Pexels

A new early intervention program has been introduced in Gordon Park as part of a wider initiative supporting at-risk young people and their families across Brisbane.

Background On Early Intervention

A series of community-based programs have been funded to reduce the risk of youth crime across Brisbane, Logan and Ipswich. In the first round of the Kickstarter grants, announced in 2025, eleven initiatives shared $2.7 million in funding.

The grants form part of a broader early intervention strategy aimed at supporting young people aged eight to seventeen who may be vulnerable to offending behaviour. Programs were selected to provide life skills, mentoring and culturally responsive activities, with the intention of strengthening families and creating safer communities.

Gordon Park Program

In Gordon Park, ARC Parenting has been funded to deliver the Parenting on the ARC program. This initiative runs for 12 months and is designed for parents and caregivers of at-risk children and youth.

The program combines workshops, counselling and assessments to help families improve emotional regulation, reduce conflict and strengthen relationships. It also uses culturally responsive approaches to build resilience and create safer, more connected homes.

Gordon Park program — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Broader Rollout Of Initiatives

Other funded programs are located in Bridgeman Downs, Wynnum West, Aspley, Loganholme, Wacol, Ipswich, Logan Central and Springfield Lakes. These initiatives range from mentoring and education support to animal care programs and cultural reconnection activities.

Funding in this first round of grants is part of a longer-term early intervention strategy, which includes separate streams such as the Proven Initiatives program. That program, with $65 million allocated over five years, focuses on supporting established initiatives with a proven track record. Expressions of interest for Proven Initiatives opened on 3 September 2025 and close on 20 October 2025.

Next Steps

Round two of the Kickstarter grants offered up to $300,000 for eligible community-based programs. Applications for this round closed on 10 September 2025, with outcomes still to be announced.

Published 18-Sep-2025

Abandoned Vehicles Increase In Kedron As Removals Rise

Photo Credit: Pexels

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