Kedron Brook Archives - Kedron Today

Kedron Brook Set for Major Transformation in Olympic Lead-up

Photo Credit: Facebook / Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner

Brisbane City Council is progressing with an $85 million plan for a major transformation of the flood-prone Kedron Brook catchment as part of the city’s preparation for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Kedron Brook Revitalisation Vision will transform a 110-square kilometre catchment that runs through 14 suburbs from Ferny Grove to Nudgee. Further investigations and technical work are currently underway to examine:

Reinstating vegetation
Bank stabilisation
Creating room for water flow
Developing more spaces for recreation with seating and shade

The project is one of four key leisure and lifestyle destinations that will be revitalised before the 2032 Games, alongside Victoria Park, Oxley Creek, and the Wynnum, Manly and Lota foreshores.

“Brisbane’s natural environment is one of the things that sets us apart from other cities,” LM Adrian Schrinner said. “Our river and creeks are places for both wildlife and people and this will no doubt be part of the unique ‘Brisbane’ experience for people visiting before, during and after the 2032 Games.”

According to James Tuma, managing partner of urban planning consultancy Urbis, Brisbane’s position is unique among Australian capitals due to its climate and relative youth as a city. “Expectations around amenity and the quality of green space and the amount of landscape available to residents is just the standard setting now,” he said. “We’re uniquely positioned in Australia to have this incredible city that is so different to all the other capitals because we can actually grow vegetation almost anywhere we want.”

The Kedron Brook project aligns with the International Olympic Committee’s interest in Brisbane’s natural setting, he noted: “One of the things that the International Olympic Committee are most enamoured by the idea of in 2032, is the natural setting of the city.”

The transformation forms part of what LM Schrinner describes as an “ambitious plan to transform hundreds of hectares of under-utilised parts of Brisbane into an incredible lifestyle destination for everyone.”

Published 19-November-2024

Mystery Surrounds Rescued Puppy Found Adrift with Dog and Cat in Kedron Brook

A puppy, along with a dog and cat, were rescued from the treacherous waters of Kedron Brook after being spotted in distress on a moored boat.

The Rescue

The incident occurred on Saturday night, 8 Nov, after concerned citizens alerted authorities about the puppy’s perilous situation. Brisbane Water Police swiftly responded to the scene and located the small canine clinging to a partially submerged tyre.

Officers carefully retrieved the animals and transported them to an emergency vet clinic in Stafford for immediate medical attention.

The Mystery Deepens

Despite the successful rescue, questions remain unanswered. No one was found on the boat to account for the puppy or the two other animals discovered on board. The RSPCA has taken over the investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure the animals’ well-being.

Rescued Dog Kedron Brook — *Photo Credit: QPS*

The local community has expressed relief and admiration for the efforts of the emergency services. Many have praised the quick thinking of the concerned citizens who reported the incident.

“So thankful these poor animals were saved and shown kindness. Great work and thanks to whoever reported it.”

The rescue has highlighted the importance of community vigilance and responsible pet owners.

Published 13-Nov-2024

Suminoe Oysters Found Infesting Queensland’s Coastal Areas

Did you know that Biosecurity Queensland confirmed the presence of the Suminoe oyster, an invasive oyster species that can grow up to 24 cm, in several of the state’s waterways, including locations around Bribie Island, Kedron Brook, Boggy Creek in Pinkenba, and near the mouth of the Brisbane River?

Read: Transforming Kedron Brook: A Vision for Flood Resilience and Recreation

Also known as Chinese river oysters, the suminoe oysters pose a serious threat to the region’s natural marine environments.

“This marine pest attaches to submerged and floating infrastructure including pylons, pontoons and boats and can occupy shallow waters as well as muddy creeks. It competes with native species for space and may carry exotic diseases and parasites,” Biosecurity Queensland stated.

Photo credit: Queensland Government — A juvenile Suminoe oyster (left), native Sydney rock oyster (middle) and mature Suminoe oyster (right)/Photo credit: Biosecurity Queensland/Facebook

The outer surface of the Suminoe oyster’s shell can exhibit a range of colours, including grey, yellowish-brown, and even purple. In contrast, the inner surface of the shells is smooth and has a greyish-white hue, with purple coloration along the edges.

The Suminoe oyster is known for its rapid growth rate, allowing it to quickly proliferate and displace native oyster populations. It also poses risks to important infrastructure, as the oysters can attach to and foul submerged and floating objects like pylons, pontoons, and boats.

Biosecurity experts are urging the public to be vigilant and report any sightings of the larger-than-normal oysters immediately. Boat owners are also being advised to thoroughly clean and dry their equipment to prevent the further spread of the Suminoe oyster.

Read: New Bridge From Leyton St to Wolverhampton St Takes Center Stage Over Kedron Brook in Stafford

Whilst the Suminoe oysters do not impact the quality of commercially grown oysters, they are not recommended for human consumption.

If you suspect you have spotted the invasive Suminoe oyster, Biosecurity Queensland is urging you to take action. Record the exact location, take a photo if it is safe to do so, and immediately report the sighting by calling 13 25 23.

Published 16-April-2024

Transforming Kedron Brook: A Vision for Flood Resilience and Recreation

An ambitious $85 million, 20-year plan to revitalise the Kedron Brook catchment area spanning 14 suburbs from Ferny Grove to Nudgee has been unveiled.

Read: New Bridge From Leyton St to Wolverhampton St Takes Center Stage Over Kedron Brook in Stafford

Dubbed the “Kedron Brook Revitalisation Vision,” this far-reaching initiative aims to enhance flood resilience whilst creating vibrant recreational spaces for the community.

The key features of the vision include four targeted precincts across the upper, middle, and lower catchment areas for interventions like bank stabilisation, habitat planting, and waterway management.

Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/Facebook

Major bank stabilisation works have already happened in parts of the catchment area, with over 4,000 native plants used in just one section to help retain the creek banks.

The vision includes seating areas, shaded rest stops, and other amenities to encourage an active, outdoor lifestyle for residents. It builds on ongoing efforts like the planned Downfall Creek revitalisation in Stafford Heights, replacing a concrete drain with a green waterway and parkland similar to the award-winning Hanlon Park project.

Hanlon Park (Photo credit: Rob/Google Maps)

A major goal is achieving 80 percent tree cover across the entire catchment by reinstating native vegetation and stabilising creek banks. This will create a lush green corridor to bolster flood defences and provide a haven for wildlife.

Recognising the value of the area, LM Adrian Schrinner emphasised the plan will also integrate community spaces along the 20 kilometres of existing pathways used by over 600,000 people annually.

“This long-term vision is focused on clean and sustainable outcomes that will make Brisbane more flood resilient while also improving the lifestyle of our suburbs,” said Cr Schrinner.

“We have a track record of delivering master-planned lifestyle precincts, such as Hanlon Park and the Archerfield Wetlands, and the new Kedron Brook Vision will add to our strong record of increasing lifestyle and leisure opportunities and making our suburbs even better,” he stated.

Read: How Did Kedron Get Its Name?

As Brisbane grows, the Kedron Brook Revitalisation Vision demonstrates the council’s balance of sustainable development, flood mitigation, and preservation of natural assets for present and future generations to enjoy.

Published 11-March-2024

After the Floods: Kedron Brook Restoration Updates

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au

Spanning an area of more than 110 kilometres from Ferny Grove to Nudgee, the Kedron Brook catchment was among the Brisbane locations that were severely impacted by the February 2022 floods. Here are some updates and information on how the Kedron Brook restoration works are progressing.

Council’s Kedron Brook recovery and restoration plan consists of a three-stage approach: Assessment and immediate make safe works, restoration and reconnection works, and longer-term improvements at key locations.

Kedron Brook plan | Cr Andrew Wines / Facebook

Most of the sections and green spaces of the bikeway have been restored and reopened, whilst restoration works on lighting and electrical infrastructure are expected to commence when it is safe to do so.

Council expects all restoration and rebuilding works to be completed by late 2022. These works include:

reconnecting creek crossings at Royal Parade (reopened on 10 June 2022), Wolverhampton Street (underway), Walter Bourke Park (underway)

*Creek crossing at Royal Parade| Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au*

*Wolverhampton Street creek crossing | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au*

*Walter Bourke Park creek crossing | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au*

rehabilitating embankments at Bedford Street (nearing completion) and Johnston Street (nearing completion)

*Embankment rehabilitation at Bedford Street | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au*

*Embankment rehabilitation at Johnston Street | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au*

rebuilding at the rail underpass (reopened late June 2022) and culvert crossing (reopened late July 2022) and minor handrail replacement works at culvert crossing (underway)

repairing embankment under the Burwood Road bridge (underway)

Upcoming: restoration of lighting along the 20km section of Kedron Brook Bikeway — *Upcoming: restoration of* **lighting** *along the 20km section of Kedron Brook Bikeway | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au*

*Section of Kedron Brook Bikeway in Corbett Park | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au*

view Kedron Brook restoration updates

Upcoming are restoration and rebuilding works in Corbett Park at Uxbridge Street (erosion protection works on Burnwood Road bridge abutment and piers) and lighting along the 20km section of Kedron Brook Bikeway. (design, repair and restoration).

For more updates, check out the Kedron Brook Restoration plan on the Council’s website to get the latest updates including works being undertaken along the bikeway.

Works To Reinstate Kedron Brook Waterway Now Progressing

Works are underway to reinstate the waterways at Kedron Brook, following damage caused by the 2022 flood event in South East Queensland.

Read: Works Ramp Up On Webster Rd Footpath Upgrade in Kedron

Weeks following the extreme weather event in the region, the erosion and damage at Kedron Brook are still evident, with some sections of the bikeway remaining closed to the public.

The works are being done in an attempt to save both the bridge and the path, and reduce water collecting west of the bridge. These initial works to reinstate the creek will include:

relocation of pipes from initial rectification works by the Australian Defence Force
selected removal of built-up sediment from the floodplain areas adjacent to the existing path and bridge
reinstatement of the original pre-flood creek bed and channel by removing, and allowing the natural process to further remove sediment
final inspection of the pedestrian bridge and nearby pathways.

The reinstatement of the original flow of the creek is the initial step towards the planned restoration works at the Royal Parade crossing. Given the complexity of damage in this location, this work must be completed in stages.

Once the reinstating of the waterways is complete, the next steps would involve assessing the existing bridge foundations and connecting pathways and reconstructing the connecting pathways and re-opening this connection.

Brisbane City Council reminds the community to avoid the damaged section of bikeways for their own safety.

“This work is designed to reopen the north south pedestrian movement as soon as possible. Council hopes to reinstate the access, however due to the undermining of the path, it may not be safe to use for longer than was hoped,” said Councillor for Enoggera Ward Andrew Wines.

Works will be undertaken Monday to Saturday, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Depending on weather and site conditions, works should be complete by May 2022.

Triciclo: New, Mobile Coffee Cart at the Popular Kedron Brook Bikeway

A new mobile coffee cart, Triciclo, will soon be a familiar sight at the Kedron Brook bikeway, one of the most popular exercise routes in the suburb.

Triciclo, aptly named for its three-wheeled mobile conveyance, is the brainchild of hospitality industry newcomers Aly Hope and James Marshall.

Before venturing into this new business which opened in late April 2021, Aly and James worked as a hospital pharmacist and a surveyor, respectively. Today, the two are trying their hand at an entirely new industry with hopes of supplying some of Brisbane’s morning crowd and bikeway regulars with their morning coffee fix on the go.

Kedron Brook Bikeway, oft-visited for its picturesque scenery, stretches approximately 12 to 16 kilometres depending on the route taken. Cyclists can expect a path that starts at Mitchelton and ends at Nundah, or vice versa. Triciclo will be set up at Gordon Park just beside the bridge that leads to Kokoda Park.

For more information on Triciclo, and for the latest updates and announcements concerning the coffee cart, follow their Instagram page. Learn more about the Fonzie Abbott coffee roasters at their website here.

Plans for a Separate Bikeway at Wooloowin to Link North Brisbane Bikeway to Kedron Brook Making Residents Unhappy

The Council has recently announced its plans for an on-road separated bikeway at Price Street, Wooloowin to link the North Brisbane Bikeway to Kedron Brook. Some residents and business owners are not happy about the plans as the proposed bikeway can cause tons of inconveniences for the community while serving an estimate of one hundred cyclists.

The project is open for community consultation until the 8th of May 2018. Residents are encouraged to have their say on the project by completing the survey form provided by the Brisbane City Council or sending them an email at bikewayprojects@brisbane.qld.gov.au.

The North Brisbane Bikeway – Price Street to Kedron Brook project is part of the Council’s Better Bikeways for Brisbane program, which aims to create dedicated bikeways and active travel options with a $100 million investment.

Construction Plans

The project plans include installations of three-metre-wide on-road separated bikeways along the western side of Kent Road, between Price Street and Rose Street; along the eastern side of Park Road, between Rose Street and Brook Road; and along the northern side of Rose Street, between Kent Road and Park Road with an addition of 1.5-metre-wide pedestrian footpath.

A new cycle street along Brook Road will also be built for shared use by vehicles and cyclists. Another 150-metre-long concrete path will also be constructed along the southern side of Brook Road.

Expected benefits

The Council has identified several benefits that the project will bring to the community. Such benefits include an uninterrupted recreation and commuter route for residents from the northern suburbs, enhanced access to local destinations and the CBD, road safety improvements, and reduction of traffic congestion.

Impact on the local community

A parking survey commissioned by the Council as part of their investigations has found that several car parking spaces were currently underutilised or used by commuters. With this, they plan to remove approximately 69 informal on-street parking spaces to accommodate the bike lanes.

Residential bin zones will also be changed and placed on the road, between the bikeway and road carriageway for collection.

Some of the trees that will be removed along Kent Road. Photo credit: Google Street View

Five trees from Kent Road and four trees from Rose Street will also need to be removed in order to complete the project.

Such decisions has elicited negative reactions from residents who claim that the plans are focused on providing advantages for cyclists without regard to the local community. Residents are also concerned about drainage problems that cause frequent flooding on the corner of Kent and Junction Roads. They claim that such problems should be prioritised before the construction of the project.

Provide your feedback

Members of the local community can provide their feedback for the project until Tuesday, 8 May 2018 through the following:

Call the project team on 1800 010 705 (during business hours) or the Council on 07 3403 8888 (after hours).
Email the project team at bikewayprojects@brisbane.qld.gov.au.
Complete the online survey.
Write to:

North Brisbane Bikeway – Price Street to Kedron Brook project
City Projects
Brisbane City Council
GPO Box 1434
Brisbane Qld 4001