Kedron Archives - Kedron Today

Kedron Teen Stopped After Dangerous E-Bike Ride as Police Extend Crackdown

Police have charged a 14-year-old Kedron boy after he allegedly fled from officers while riding an unregistered and unlicensed electric motorbike through members of the public and their pets along the Kedron Brook Bikeway.

The incident, which happened on 29 August, occurred during Operation X-ray Stamp, a continuing safety campaign targeting the illegal and dangerous use of e-bikes and electric motorbikes along the popular bikeway and throughout Brisbane’s northside.

Officers allege the teenager attempted to evade police when they tried to intercept him and later drove carelessly through a shared community space. An off-duty officer arrested him soon after. The boy was dealt with under the Youth Justice Act for one count each of driving a motor vehicle without a licence, using an unregistered and uninsured vehicle, obstructing police, and driving without reasonable consideration for others.

The arrest is part of a wider effort by North Brisbane police to tackle unsafe riding of e-bikes, e-scooters and other personal mobility devices along the Kedron Brook Bikeway and in nearby inner-city areas.

During the school holidays, officers from Brisbane City and Fortitude Valley have also been running Operation Fantale, focusing on similar offences involving e-scooters and e-bikes in public spaces. Across both operations, 15 people have been charged with 26 offences, including the detection of dangerous drugs, drug utensils and a knife.

Police have also extended Operation X-ray Stamp to include both visible and covert patrols, as well as education sessions at schools and with parents, aimed at preventing risky behaviour before it leads to injury.

North Brisbane District Superintendent Simon Tayler said too many riders—particularly teenagers—were putting themselves and others at risk by using unregistered or illegally modified e-bikes and scooters.

“It shouldn’t take someone getting seriously injured or dying for riders, or parents of children riding these devices, to start taking safety warnings seriously,” Superintendent Tayler said. “If you are buying a device for your personal use or for your child, you have an obligation to ensure it complies with the law. Ignorance is not an excuse, especially when the safety of others is at risk.”

He said officers would continue to combine education with strong enforcement, including fines, bike seizures and court action where warnings are ignored. “These public spaces are for everyone to enjoy,” he said. “Recklessly endangering the safety of others or yourself by riding unregistered or illegally modified devices is unacceptable.”

Residents in Kedron and nearby suburbs can expect to keep seeing local police patrolling the Kedron Brook Bikeway and other shared paths as the operation continues.

E-Bike Safety

E-SCOOTER SAFETY

Published 7-Oct-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

Kedron Joins Brisbane’s New Wave of Blue-chip Suburbs

Once overshadowed by major infrastructure works, Kedron has quietly transformed into one of Brisbane’s most promising blue-chip suburbs.

Read: Tunnel Planning Advances in Kedron with Drilling Works

Now listed alongside Wavell Heights, Morningside, Holland Park, and Mitchelton as a suburb on the rise, Kedron is drawing buyers who want lifestyle and convenience without the multi-million-dollar price tags of Ascot or Hamilton.

The suburb endured years of disruption during the construction of the Airport Link tunnel and road upgrades along Gympie Road. Dust, noise, and heavy traffic flows made the area less appealing to some. But locals say Kedron bounced back strongly once the works were completed, and today, the tunnel is considered a major asset, giving residents fast and direct access across the city.

Undervalued but rising fast

According to recent analysis by SuburbData, Kedron ranks among Brisbane’s most undervalued suburbs, with prices significantly lower than its neighbouring prestige postcodes. Researchers note that suburbs in this category are well-positioned for capital growth as buyers increasingly recognise their value and lifestyle appeal.

The median house price in Kedron is currently $1.3 million, highlighting its growing status as a desirable northside suburb. While still more affordable than established blue-chip areas like Ascot and Hamilton, it offers a compelling balance of accessibility, liveability and long-term investment potential.

Blue-chip — Photo credit: Alexander Mitrichev/Google Maps

Homeowners describe the area as a place that has struck the right balance between convenience and community. Families are drawn to its schools and open spaces, while professionals value the quick commute and the abundance of local services. The variety of housing – from traditional post-war homes to modern rebuilds – has also attracted renovators and those keen to customise their “forever homes.”

Kedron’s location continues to drive its appeal. Just six kilometres from the Brisbane CBD, it sits at the heart of the city’s northside growth corridor. Despite its central position, prices remain more affordable than neighbouring prestige suburbs, making it an attractive option for buyers who want long-term value and lifestyle.

Read: Parklane Apartments Completed and Sold in Lutwyche

With its improved transport links, thriving community spirit and increasing buyer demand, Kedron is no longer simply a suburb to drive through on the way to somewhere else. Backed by the latest SuburbData findings, it has established itself as a destination in its own right – and one that is fast becoming one of Brisbane’s most sought-after addresses.

Published 26-August-2025

Kedron Students Participate in Creative Generation 2025

Photo Credit: Kedron SHS/Facebook

Students from Kedron State High School took the stage in this year’s Creative Generation – State Schools Onstage, with standout roles in music, drama, and dance.

Background and Context

Creative Generation – State Schools Onstage (CGEN) returned in 2025 with over 2,000 students from Queensland state schools performing at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre across four shows on 18 and 19 July. Since launching in 2005 with a cast of 550, the event has grown into a national arena-scale showcase, offering students hands-on experience with industry professionals across dance, drama, choir, orchestra, and production.

Focus on Two Key Performers from Kedron

Among Kedron’s participants, Year 9 student Mia Bloxsom and Year 11 student Kate Fraser were selected for lead roles that marked significant achievements for the school.

Creative Generation 2025 — *Photo Credit: Kedron SHS/Facebook*

Mia became the first Kedron student to be cast as both a Featured Vocalist and Musical Theatre Lead Vocalist, also contributing to the Drama cast. Her selection followed a competitive audition process involving vocal performance, musicianship assessment, and casting workshops. Mia played the character Davey during the arena shows.

Kedron SHS students — *Photo Credit: Kedron SHS/Facebook*

Kate Fraser was selected as Concertmaster for the CGEN Symphony Orchestra, a high-level ensemble performing over two hours of live music. She also performed as a Featured Solo Instrumentalist in two showcase items, demonstrating advanced technical skill and stage leadership.

Wider Representation from Kedron

In addition to Mia and Kate, over 20 other Kedron students participated in CGEN 2025 across a wide range of disciplines. Their contributions included roles in the Senior and Company Featured Choir, Massed Dance, Musical Theatre, Buddy Dancer, Drama Narration, Media Crew, and Massed Strings. This broad involvement underscores Kedron’s expanding presence in Queensland’s arts education space.

Reflections on the CGEN Experience

School reflections described the 2025 program as a time of artistic development, collaboration, and memorable experiences. Students formed connections with mentors and peers while navigating the demands of rehearsal and performance schedules. The season was noted by the school community as a meaningful part of students’ growth in the performing arts.

Looking Ahead

Kedron State High School’s involvement in CGEN 2025 included a record number of students and first-time selections in prominent categories. The program offered exposure to a professional performance environment and contributed to the school’s growing engagement in statewide arts initiatives.

Updated 10-Aug-2025. Published 4-Aug-2025

7-Eleven and Starbucks Sites in Kedron Sell for $12.9m

Photo Credit: Stonebridge Property Group/Facebook

Two retail properties in Kedron, completed in 2024 and leased to 7-Eleven and Starbucks, have sold for a combined $12.9 million through a competitive sales campaign.

Strong Buyer Interest in Kedron Retail Assets

Stonebridge Property Group confirmed the sale on behalf of Citimark Properties, with the two assets attracting 224 enquiries and 14 offers before being sold separately to interstate private investors. The transaction reflected a blended yield of 4.99 per cent, highlighting continued demand for high-quality, income-producing retail sites in Brisbane.

Details of Individual Sales

The 7-Eleven Kedron property sold for $7.7 million on a 5.22 per cent yield, while the Starbucks Kedron site achieved $5.2 million on a 4.65 per cent yield. Both assets occupy individual freehold lots along Gympie Road, about eight kilometres north of Brisbane’s CBD. This location records traffic volumes of more than 65,000 vehicles daily, offering strong exposure for both tenants.

Lease Terms and Location Advantages

Each tenant has committed to a 12-year net lease through to 2036, with options to extend to 2056. Fixed rent increases of three per cent apply annually across the lease terms. The properties form part of a premium convenience retail location, positioned to capture consistent customer traffic.

Brisbane retail sales — *Photo Credit: Stonebridge Property Group/Facebook*

Market Trends in Convenience and Food Retail

Stonebridge reported a marked increase in buyer interest for fuel, convenience, and fast-food investments over the past six to twelve months, with stronger bidder depth and evidence of yield compression. The Starbucks lease was noted for its covenant strength, backed by the original founders of 7-Eleven in Australia. The brand is continuing its national expansion into strategically selected sites.

The sales campaign was conducted by Stonebridge partners Michael Collins and Tom Moreland, alongside James Freemantle and Harry Curtain, as part of the group’s National Portfolio process. The outcome reflects renewed confidence from private investors in the convenience retail sector.

Published 12-Aug-2025

Kedron Gym’s Rising Star Achieves International Medal

Photo Credit: Fighter Factory Brisbane/Instagram

Kedron’s own Tahlea Toohey has put her suburb in the international spotlight, earning a bronze medal for Australia at one of the world’s most competitive amateur boxing tournaments.

The achievement came at the Copa América Boxing Tournament in Ibagué, Colombia, where Toohey competed in the 65-kilogram division. Representing Kedron’s Fighter Factory Brisbane, Toohey stood out among the world’s top young boxers, securing third place and drawing widespread pride from her local community.

Tahlea Toohey - Kedron — *Photo Credit: Fighter Factory Brisbane/Instagram*

Kedron’s Gym Produces International Talent

At just 20 years old, Toohey is no stranger to national recognition. She holds a number two ranking in her division across Australia, and her resume includes multiple state, national and international titles.

Training under the guidance of veteran coach Frank Pianto at Fighter Factory Brisbane, Toohey’s discipline and resilience have made her a role model for younger athletes in Kedron and beyond.

Coach Pianto, who is recognised across the sport for his Gold-level accreditation with Boxing Australia and decades of coaching experience, described Toohey’s result as a reflection of her hard work and the community support she receives in Kedron.

He says achievements like this are possible when a close-knit local network and a dedicated gym environment back athletes.

Community Pride at Fighter Factory Brisbane

The news of Toohey’s bronze medal was shared across Fighter Factory Brisbane’s social media, sparking a wave of support from club members, friends, and locals. The gym celebrated her performance as a major milestone not only for Toohey but for the wider Kedron community.

Toohey’s international accomplishment is proof of what’s possible when young people have access to quality coaching and facilities. Her third-place finish at the Copa América is the latest in a string of sporting highlights for Kedron, inspiring the next generation of boxers in the area.

Looking to the Future

With her recent international result, Toohey is now firmly established as one of Australia’s most promising amateur boxers. She continues to train out of Kedron’s Fighter Factory Brisbane, supported by a gym and neighbourhood that takes pride in its athletes. Her coach and supporters believe her best is yet to come as she prepares for future national and international events.

Published 4-Aug-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

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

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