Homepage Latest News Archives - Page 6 of 38

Early Construction Kicks Off for New Stafford Residential Development

Work will soon get underway on a large-scale residential development in Stafford, following a sod-turning ceremony that marked the formal start of construction.

Read: Stafford Street Pantry Opens Its Doors to All—Take What You Need, Give What You Can

Located on a sizeable 4,000 sqm block, the three-storey project, named Arca, is the latest addition to the suburb’s growing residential landscape. The development will bring 60 new units to the area at a time when traditional houses have become out of reach for many local buyers.

Unlike smaller inner-city apartments, Arca’s units are being built with space in mind. The design includes 24 two-bedroom and 36 three-bedroom apartments, all with extra rooms for study or multipurpose use. Each will also come with two allocated car parks, an inclusion that reflects the project’s effort to provide a more house-like experience within a unit complex.

Despite Stafford’s median house price climbing above $1.1 million, prices for the Arca apartments will start just below that figure, at $990,000. Higher-end units will reach up to $1.5 million. While this places them well above the suburb’s average unit price, the developers say the scale and layout of the apartments are intended to meet the needs of families, downsizers, and others seeking larger living spaces without the upkeep of a standalone home.

The project will also feature shared amenities, including a swimming pool, barbecue area, and over 300 sqm of landscaped surroundings, features that may appeal to residents used to having their own backyard.

Read: Stafford Centre Sold as Brisbane Retail Market Hits $32.3M in Sales

Local interest appears strong, with the project reaching the construction phase before any units were officially sold. A full construction rollout is scheduled to begin in August, with completion expected in early 2027.

The build will be carried out by Balmain & Co, with sales managed by Total Property Group.

Published 7-August-2025

Tunnel Planning Advances in Kedron with Drilling Works

Photo Credit: NBI

Test drilling has commenced in Kedron as part of early investigations into a bypass tunnel currently under assessment as a potential solution to ease traffic congestion on Gympie Road.

Background and Context

Test drilling activities are underway along the proposed alignment of the North West Transport Corridor, targeting a section between Kedron and Carseldine. The tunnel, estimated to exceed $14 billion in cost, forms part of broader efforts to reduce pressure on one of Brisbane’s most congested roads—Gympie Road.

Originally reserved as a future corridor in the 1980s, the 9km stretch from Carseldine to Alderley has since become an urban green space and wildlife habitat. The corridor has remained undeveloped for decades while urban traffic volumes steadily increased across Brisbane’s north.

Project Scope and Technical Planning

The early works involve drilling rigs and utility trucks deployed along the investigation area to gather information on soil and groundwater conditions. These tests are intended to inform the most effective construction methods for a future tunnel.

Oversight of the project transitioned to the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) from North Brisbane Infrastructure as of 1 July 2025. TMR is now responsible for conducting detailed transport modelling, technical analysis, and exploring provisions for public and active transport, including bike lanes.

Previous allocations of approximately $300 million have been committed to preliminary works, with an additional $35 million set aside in the prior year for assessing tunnel viability.

Tunnel Options and Alternatives

Two tunnel options have been presented as potential solutions to bypass Gympie Road. The first involves an 11.75km tolled tunnel connecting Airport Link at Kedron to Gympie Arterial Road at Carseldine. The second, shorter proposal follows an 8.5km route largely beneath Gympie Road.

Tunnel-only costs were estimated at $9.2 billion for the longer route and $7.9 billion for the shorter version. Infrastructure Australia previously rejected both proposals due to a lack of detailed assessment for lower-cost surface road alternatives.

Community and Network Considerations

While the corridor remains technically available, its present function as green space presents a barrier to surface-level developments such as rail links or above-ground roads.

A spokesperson from Transport and Main Roads indicated that realising the benefits of a tunnel solution depends on effective integration with the broader northside transport network. The transition of project oversight to TMR is intended to align the proposal with broader infrastructure strategies.

Next Steps

The current round of test drilling in Kedron is expected to conclude by the end of the month. The findings will support future decision-making regarding tunnel design, alignment, and feasibility. Further updates from TMR are anticipated as planning work progresses.

Updated 14-August-2025. Published 14-July-2025

Stafford Street Pantry Opens Its Doors to All—Take What You Need, Give What You Can

A new community pantry has quietly sprung to life in Stafford—but its impact is already anything but small. Located just outside The Community Place Stafford, facing the stage at Keong Park, the Stafford Street Pantry officially opened its doors on June 27, inviting residents to “take what you need, give what you can.”

Read: Southeast Asian Dining Favourite Oh Boy, Bok Choy! Thrives in Stafford

With no forms to fill and no questions asked, this simple wooden pantry is built on an even simpler idea: that neighbours can look out for neighbours, one tin at a time.

Photo credit: Stafford Street Pantry/Facebook

The pantry is a result of a truly collaborative local effort. Built by the skilled hands of the Ferny Grove Men’s Shed, and given a bright, welcoming finish by Steve Hall, a volunteer with Repair Café Stafford, the structure itself is a symbol of the care that has gone into the project. From there, volunteers from St Clements on the Hill Anglican Church and St Paul’s Uniting Church have taken the lead in stocking and maintaining the shelves.

Behind the scenes, the pantry is supported by the 4053 Community Connections network, a group that brings together key local stakeholders like the Salvation Army, Brisbane City Council, Queensland Police Service, Nexus Care, and both partnering churches. It’s a grassroots initiative built on cooperation, compassion, and a strong belief in the value of community care.

Whether someone is feeling the pinch from rising grocery costs, experiencing a rough patch, or simply short on time, the Stafford Street Pantry offers a place of quiet support. And for those looking to give back, dropping off a few pantry staples is an easy and impactful way to help.

There are no eligibility criteria, no operating hours to keep track of, and no judgement—just a simple exchange of kindness, made visible in tins of beans, boxes of cereal, and jars of sauce.

Read: School Catchment Property Prices Soar—Why Stafford is Still a Smart Buy

In a time when many are doing it tough, the pantry stands as a reminder that generosity doesn’t need a grand stage. Sometimes, it just needs a small wooden box and a community willing to fill it.

So next time you’re near Keong Park, take a moment to stop by. You might find something you need—or the perfect opportunity to give.

Published 23-July-2025

Kedron Included in Brisbane’s Largest School Holiday Traffic Blitz

Police have ramped up their road safety campaign across Kedron and other Brisbane suburbs as the school holiday draws to a close, in a push to reduce traffic crashes and keep families safe.

Read: Tunnel Planning Advances in Kedron with Drilling Works

Local officers were out in full force during the break, conducting widespread roadside checks across the city. Kedron was one of more than 30 suburbs targeted in one of Brisbane’s largest simultaneous traffic enforcement operations in recent years.

More than 6,700 random breath tests and over 450 roadside drug tests were carried out during the campaign. Eighteen drivers were allegedly caught over the legal alcohol limit, while 21 tested positive for drugs. Police said the operation aimed to remind motorists about the “Fatal Five” – speeding, fatigue, drink and drug driving, distraction, and seatbelt use – which remain the main contributors to fatal crashes.

Suburbs where marked and unmarked patrols were stationed included Murarrie, Coopers Plains, Wacol, South Brisbane, Highgate Hill, and Richlands, as well as inner-city areas like Brisbane City, Spring Hill, New Farm, and Kangaroo Point. Officers also patrolled further afield in places such as Everton Park, Bracken Ridge, Mount Coot-tha, Bellbowrie, and Kuraby.

Among the incidents during the blitz was a 23-year-old Wynnum man stopped at Kangaroo Point who allegedly returned a blood alcohol content of 0.152 percent. He faced court on 7 July, was fined $1000, and lost his licence for six months.

A 79-year-old woman from Corinda was also charged after crashing into a pole in Mount Ommaney. Police said her blood alcohol content was nearly three times the legal limit.

Meanwhile, in the early hours of 10 July, police responded to a crash at Mount Coot-tha. A 25-year-old Kuraby man allegedly returned a reading of 0.156 and was also charged for driving an unregistered vehicle.

Across Brisbane, police issued 116 traffic infringement notices and laid 62 charges. Six disqualified and six unlicensed drivers were caught, while several unregistered and uninsured vehicles were detected.

Police highlighted a notable drop in road deaths in Brisbane’s north, from 18 this time last year to six so far in 2025. However, Brisbane’s south has seen an increase, with 15 lives lost compared to 11 in 2024.

Read: Kedron Clinical Hub Upgrade Doubles Triple-Zero Capacity

Officers say they will continue proactive patrols in the coming weeks, determined to reduce road trauma and hold unsafe drivers accountable.

Published 15-July-2025

Lutwyche Houses Soar as Brisbane’s Affordability Declines

Photo Credit: PRD Smart Moves

Lutwyche has remarkably emerged as Brisbane’s leading inner-ring suburb for house price growth, recording an impressive surge of over 21 per cent, even as the city’s overall access to affordable housing significantly tightens.

The latest PRD Smart Moves report, covering the period between the first quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, reveals a notable shift in Brisbane’s property landscape. During this time, median property prices in the River City rose by 6.8 per cent.

Brisbane’s Shifting Affordability

Lutwyche — *Photo Credit:* *PRD Smart Moves*

For the first time, Melbourne has overtaken Brisbane in terms of the percentage of suburbs offering affordable units. Melbourne now boasts 42.9 per cent affordable unit suburbs, compared to Brisbane’s 38.7 per cent and Hobart’s 41 per cent.

This marks a significant drop for Brisbane units, which saw a dramatic decline from 60.3 per cent affordable suburbs in the latter half of 2024.

A suburb is considered both affordable and liveable if its median sales price is below the city median, while also providing good amenities, lower crime rates, and a lower unemployment rate. The report suggests that this decline in affordable options points to a clear undersupply for both houses and units in Brisbane, resulting in reduced sales volume and ongoing price increases.

Growth Hotspots Across the City

Despite the broader affordability challenges, several Brisbane suburbs have experienced strong growth. In the inner ring, Lutwyche led for houses with a 21.8 per cent growth, while Balmoral saw unit prices jump by 41.8 per cent.

In the northern parts of the city, Virginia stood out for houses with a 35.8 per cent increase, and Boondall was a top performer for units, growing by 35.5 per cent. The southern suburbs saw Rocklea’s house prices rise by 34.4 per cent and Woodridge units by 43.4 per cent.

To the east, Birkdale houses increased by 28.3 per cent, and Alexandra Hills units by 39.9 per cent. Finally, in the west, Moggil houses saw a 28.9 per cent rise, with Mitchelton units experiencing 38.6 per cent growth.

Market Dynamics and Future Outlook

The median sales price for houses in Brisbane now stands at $989,000, and for units, it is $698,000. Analysis of vendor discounts between Q1 2024 and Q1 2025 shows a shift for houses to a neutral zero per cent, suggesting a balanced market where neither buyers nor sellers have a distinct advantage. Units, however, still command a premium, though it has lessened to 1.4 per cent, indicating a potential shift that could favour buyers.

Council has substantial development plans in Brisbane Metro for 2025, with $21.3 billion worth of projects focused on mixed-use and infrastructure. These developments aim to boost supply, but the emphasis is heavily on constructing townhouses (2,262), units (10,108), and residential lots (13,194), with only 186 stand-alone houses planned. This imbalance suggests that the undersupply of houses is likely to continue, which will further drive up median property prices across all property types.

The report highlights that the dominant proportion of homes sold in Brisbane Metro during 2024/25 were in more accessible price brackets: less than $849,999 for 43.8 per cent of houses and less than $549,999 for 33.1 per cent of units. This presents encouraging opportunities for home buyers in these segments.

Furthermore, strong sales were observed in the premium price points, with 30 per cent of houses selling at $1.15 million and above, and 19.7 per cent of units selling at $850,000 and above, signalling positive prospects for existing property owners. Both the house and unit markets in Brisbane Metro have yet to reach their peak.

Published Date 29-Jun-2025

Shortcut to Q Roasters Cafe Highlights Growing Push for Walkable Suburbs

In Stafford, a narrow track carved through tall grass leads to the popular Q Roasters café. It’s not on any official map, but for locals, it’s the fastest way to get their morning coffee. This informal shortcut, worn down by countless footsteps, is what urban planners call a “desire path” — and it’s sparking a broader conversation about how cities should support pedestrians.

Read: Stafford Bakery Draws Early Morning Crowds for Sausage Rolls With a Yum Cha Twist

Instead of taking the longer, less inviting route along industrial roads, many coffee-goers have opted to create their own direct path through the vegetation lining Kedron Brook. It’s a small but telling example of how people naturally move through their neighbourhoods, often ignoring rigid planning in favour of what makes practical sense.

Desire paths like this one are found all over Brisbane, from parks in Fortitude Valley to riverside areas in West End, revealing a quiet but consistent message: people prefer walking routes that are logical, shaded, and direct. Rather than viewing these informal tracks as nuisances, some advocates believe they should be embraced as indicators of how urban spaces could be better designed.

In Stafford, this unofficial route to Q Roasters eventually prompted action. What started as a dirt trail through the grass was later formalised with a paved path, making the walk safer and more accessible, especially for parents with prams or people with mobility issues. It’s now an important part of the daily routine for many residents, offering not just convenience, but also a chance to connect with others and enjoy the outdoors.

As Brisbane prepares for the 2032 Olympic Games and continues to grow, there’s increasing recognition that walkability must be a priority. Projects like the Kedron Brook Vision and Master Plan, a 20-year, $85 million effort, aim to upgrade paths and bikeways across the city’s northern suburbs. Desire paths are being looked at as valuable clues for where infrastructure is truly needed.

Beyond improving mobility, these changes have economic benefits as well. Studies have shown that walkable suburbs support local businesses more effectively than car-oriented areas. Shoppers on foot or bike are more likely to stop and spend time in their communities, rather than simply passing through.

Read: Southeast Asian Dining Favourite Oh Boy, Bok Choy! Thrives in Stafford

Whether it’s a shortcut to a café or a quiet detour under shady trees, desire paths reveal a simple truth: people shape their environments based on lived experience. In places like Stafford, the trail to Q Roasters isn’t just a path — it’s a signpost for how Brisbane can better support its walkers.

Published 4-July-2025

Stafford Medical Clinic Among Dozens Affected as Queensland GP Group Collapses Owing Millions

A Stafford medical clinic is among more than a dozen across Queensland caught up in the collapse of DoctorLink, a once-prominent GP network now in administration and owing millions of dollars to creditors.

Read: Stafford MP Ousted Following Internal Review

The collapse has impacted more than 10 medical centres operating under the DoctorLink banner, with clinics in Stafford Heights, Gumdale, Sunnybank Hills, Albany Creek, Bundaberg West, Brighton, Cooroy, Maroochydore and Geebung either shut down or sold off. Several independent medical practices not under the DoctorLink name, including in Indooroopilly and Fortitude Valley, were also affected.

Some sites have already closed permanently, while others appear to have been acquired by national operator Family Doctor. A notice filed with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission confirmed the group entered administration in late May, with a tangle of interrelated loans and unpaid debts across its network.

Financial documents revealed that more than $14.5 million was owed to the parent company by its own clinics, with the Stafford Heights medical clinic alone accounting for $1.4 million of that amount. Meanwhile, around $2.7 million is owed to six unrelated creditors, and tax debts are also listed.

Administrators said the business assets were sold in August 2024 to an unrelated third party, but many creditors remain out of pocket. A proposal is expected to be put forward in the coming week, offering a deed of company arrangement as an alternative to liquidation in an effort to secure a better return for those owed money.

Read: Stafford Centre Sold as Brisbane Retail Market Hits $32.3M in Sales

DoctorLink’s founder, who has long ties to the medical and pharmaceutical sectors, had envisioned a more patient-centred model of care, but the collapse has left that vision in doubt for the communities it once served.

Published 3-July-2025

Kedron Clinical Hub Upgrade Doubles Triple-Zero Capacity

Photo Credit: QAS/Facebook

The Kedron Clinical Hub, housed within the suburb’s Emergency Services Complex, is receiving an $8.31-million upgrade that will more than double its ability to handle Triple Zero (000) calls and free up front-line crews for life-threatening jobs.

Opened in 2020, the hub uses senior paramedics, doctors, nurses and allied-health specialists to assess callers remotely and steer many toward telehealth consultations, mental-health teams or community falls units instead of hospital queues.

Current works will lift clinical workstations from 30 to 66, creating space for extra clinicians and allowing the service to keep pace with soaring demand across south-east Queensland.

Kedron Clinical Hub — *Photo Credit: QAS/Facebook*

Once complete, the expanded centre is expected to redirect up to 1,700 patient interactions each day away from busy emergency departments and ambulances while real-time telehealth monitoring escalates cases the moment conditions worsen.

Construction began in March 2025 and is already underway on-site, with fit-out and technology installation scheduled to follow later this year.

Part of a Wider Ambulance Uplift

The Kedron project sits inside a broader $1-billion investment that will deliver more than 600 extra paramedics, 300 additional ambulance health workers and 170 new or replacement vehicles fitted with the latest life-saving equipment across Queensland.

That package also includes $250 million for new and upgraded stations, $45 million for vehicles, $16.8 million for defibrillators and other operational gear, and $23.7 million to maintain existing facilities and regional paramedic accommodation.

Queensland Ambulance Service — *Photo Credit: QAS/Facebook*

Health and Ambulance Services Minister Tim Nicholls said the expanded hub “will ensure more patients are linked to the right care first time, keeping ambulances on the road for emergencies.”

QAS Assistant Commissioner for Statewide Planning and Coordination Alex Thompson added that the refurbishment “allows our multidisciplinary team to manage up to 1,700 daily interactions and match callers with specialist programs such as mental-health or falls co-responder units.”

The investment forms part of a wider push to cut ambulance ramping below 30 per cent by 2028; the most recent reported figure was 45.5 per cent.

The expansion aims to divert up to 1,700 daily patient interactions away from emergency departments and ambulances, improving overall service efficiency. The hub’s telehealth capability is also being strengthened to better monitor patient conditions and escalate responses as required.

Published 3-Jul-2025

Stafford Man’s Snack Run Leads to $100,000 Win

A Stafford man’s spontaneous decision to buy a finger bun on his way home from work resulted in him scratching a $100,000 winning instant play ticket from Homezone Newsagency in Windsor.

The lucky north Brisbane resident, whose name was not released, bought the winning $5 Crosswords Instant ticket at the Homezone Newsagency, located at Shop 104, Homezone, 142 Newmarket Road, Windsor. The win came as a complete surprise to him, as he had not planned on purchasing any tickets that day.

A Sweet Detour

The winner recounted that the unexpected win stemmed from an unplanned stop. He had been on his way home from work and decided to grab a finger bun. Noticing the newsagent next to the bakery, he felt a sudden urge to buy a couple of tickets, leading to his substantial win.

He shared that even days after scratching the ticket, the reality of the $100,000 prize had not fully settled in, and he believed it would only feel real once the money was in his bank account. While still processing the news, he acknowledged the prize would be incredibly useful.

Local Business Shares in the Joy

Doug Belyea, the owner of Homezone Newsagency, expressed immense happiness upon learning that a local customer had secured such a significant win. He stated that it was always wonderful to hear about customers achieving major prizes.

Mr Belyea noted that while his newsagency had recently sold several Division Two winning tickets, securing a top prize like this was particularly exciting for the team. The entire team at Homezone Newsagency extended their congratulations to the winner, hoping they would fully enjoy their good fortune.

Instant Play Success Across Australia

The win in Stafford is part of a broader trend of success for instant play game players across Australia. In 2024, a total of 142 instant play top prize winners collectively took home more than $11.8 million in top prizes across all of The Lott’s jurisdictions. During the same period, instant play game players enjoyed over 25.6 million wins across all prize tiers, amounting to more than $251.4 million. This impressive figure translates to almost half a million winners and over $4.8 million on instant play games every week.

For those with eligible non-winning instant play tickets, there is also a 2nd Chance Draw each month, offering another opportunity to win through thelott.com. The Lott, which is the official home of Australia’s lotteries, reported that in 2024, more than 195.3 million winners shared over $4.84 billion in prize money from various games

Published Date 25-Jun-2025

Swan Street House in Gordon Park Fetches $1.7M at Auction

Photo Credit: Ray White Wilston

A renovated Queenslander in Gordon Park has sold under the hammer for $1.7 million, setting a new price record for a three-bedroom home in the sought-after inner-north Brisbane suburb.

A Classic Queenslander With a Modern Touch

The auction for 101 Swan Street in late June attracted strong interest, with ten bidders registering and five competing actively. The opening bid of $1.2 million quickly rose, and the fully renovated Queenslander sold within 15 minutes for $1.7 million—$200,000 above the previous suburb record.

Set on a 405 square metre block, the home features three bedrooms, one bathroom, high ceilings, hoop pine floors, and a modern kitchen leading to a spacious back deck. Buyers were especially drawn to its move-in-ready condition, combining classic charm with updated interiors. Agent Holly Bowden noted its location near parks and schools also added to its appeal.

Suburb in High Demand

Gordon Park, located just six kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD, has become a tightly held and growing suburb. Known for its quiet, leafy streets and easy access to the Kedron Brook bikeway, the area is popular with professionals, young families, and long-time locals alike. The suburb’s limited housing stock and lifestyle appeal have helped push values upward.

Recent data places the median house price in Gordon Park at $1.51 million, representing a 13.1 percent increase over the past year. The $1.7 million result for Swan Street reflects the strength of the local market, particularly for properties that combine classic design with modern upgrades.

Location, Lifestyle, and Liveability

The home’s location was another key driver behind its strong result. Kedron Brook is just a short walk away, offering bike paths, walking tracks, and dog-friendly parks. The property is within the Wooloowin State School and Kedron State High School catchments, making it appealing to young families.

Essential services, including cafés, supermarkets, and public transport, are close by. Easy access to major roads and tunnels such as the Clem 7 and Airport Link adds to the suburb’s convenience. For many bidders, the chance to secure a well-finished home in a quiet, connected pocket of the city made this listing stand out.

Future Growth on the Horizon

The Swan Street result is expected to influence future sales in the suburb. While not the largest home or block in Gordon Park, its quality finish and presentation helped achieve a standout price. Local agents say the outcome signals the continued growth of inner-north Brisbane, especially in suburbs where homes rarely change hands.

As more buyers seek homes that offer both lifestyle and convenience, properties like this are likely to remain in high demand. For Gordon Park, it’s another sign that the suburb is no longer just a hidden gem, it’s now firmly on the radar.

Published 25-June-2025