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Bracken Ridge Gets New Speed Camera Amid State Push to Reduce Road Deaths

A new speed and red-light camera has been installed at the intersection of Norris Road and Bracken Ridge Plaza as part of a statewide effort to address what road safety advocates are calling a crisis on Queensland roads.

**Norris Road and Bracken Ridge Plaza intersection**
Photo Credit: Google Maps

The camera is one of several being rolled out across the state to target dangerous driving at high-risk locations.

The rollout comes as authorities grapple with extreme speeding incidents, including drivers recorded travelling more than 200 kilometres per hour in an 80 km/h zone in Brisbane’s Legacy Way tunnel. Other notable cases include a Tesla caught driving 99 km/h over the limit in Sunnybank and a Lamborghini clocked at 100 km/h above the speed limit on the Gold Coast Highway during the afternoon.

Joshua Cooney from the RACQ said that speeding remains the leading cause of road fatalities in Queensland.

“Queensland is in a road safety crisis right now,” Mr Cooney said.

In addition to the Bracken Ridge camera, new devices are being installed at intersections in Rocklea, Sunnybank Hills, and Richlands.

The state’s Transport and Main Roads department has also identified 12 priority locations for point-to-point cameras based on crash data analysis. These cameras measure average speed over a distance rather than at a single point.

Bracken Ridge features on this priority list, with a three-kilometre stretch of the Gateway Motorway between Nudgee and Bracken Ridge earmarked for point-to-point camera enforcement. Other priority areas include sections of the Centenary Highway, Warrego Highway and a 30-kilometre stretch of the Pacific Motorway between Beenleigh and Smith Street on the Gold Coast, where crash costs have reached $217 million.

Enforcement at these priority locations is expected to commence by mid-2026.

Mr Cooney said that point-to-point cameras have proven effective at reducing risky driving behaviour and are not primarily about revenue collection.

“They work; they are a proven road safety measure,” he said, according to the broadcaster. “This is not about revenue raising as far as the RACQ is concerned — they are highly visible. They are well signposted.”

Published 22-December-2025

North Brisbane Area Sports Results – Dec 12-14

Sun, December 14, 2025 (One Day – Peter Easton Oval) – Queensland Premier Cricket – Round 15
• Valley Womens 1st Grade 3-155 | Sandgate-Redcliffe Womens 1st Grade 154

Sat, December 6 & 13, 2025 (2 Day – Ken Mackay Oval) – Queensland Premier Cricket – Round 9
• Toombul Mens 1st Grade 279 & 0-0 | University of Queensland Mens 1st Grade 8-355d & 0-0

Sat, December 6 & 13, 2025 (2 Day – Bill Pippen Oval) – Queensland Premier Cricket – Round 9
• Gold Coast Mens 1st Grade 178 & 0-0 | Sandgate-Redcliffe Mens 1st Grade 223 & 2-66

Big Fight Night Near Home: Tszyu–Zerafa Set to Ignite Brisbane Entertainment Centre

Bracken Ridge boxing fans won’t have to look far for their next major fight night, with one of Australian boxing’s most heated rivalries set to explode in neighbouring Boondall.

On Friday, January 16, the Brisbane Entertainment Centre will host the long-anticipated clash between unbeaten prospect Nikita Tszyu and experienced campaigner Michael Zerafa — a bout that has been simmering for years and now arrives on Brisbane’s northside doorstep.

Promoted by No Limit Boxing, the fight has drawn national attention due to a long-running feud, public barbs and genuine animosity between the two fighters. For locals north of the city, it’s a rare chance to see a high-profile Australian bout live, just minutes from home.

Fight Night Details

The event takes place on Friday, January 16, with the fight card beginning at 6pm AEST. With a full main card scheduled, the headline bout is expected later in the evening, likely around 9pm–10pm, depending on how earlier fights unfold.

The Brisbane Entertainment Centre — best known for major concerts and international touring acts — is expected to be buzzing as fight fans from across Brisbane and the bayside converge for the showdown.

A Crucial Test for Both Fighters

The main event is scheduled for 10 rounds at a catchweight between super welterweight and middleweight, ensuring neither boxer enters with a clear size advantage.

For Tszyu, 27, the bout represents the most demanding test of his unbeaten professional career. Fighting from a southpaw stance, he is known for relentless pressure and a willingness to engage, quickly building momentum in the professional ranks. Carrying one of the most recognisable surnames in Australian boxing, a win here would mark a significant step forward domestically.

Zerafa, 33, arrives with far more ring mileage. With more than 40 professional contests, he has faced former world champions and elite contenders both in Australia and overseas. While he has yet to secure a world title, his experience in high-pressure fights is widely viewed as a key factor heading into this matchup.

How the Styles Match Up

From a boxing perspective, this is a genuine contrast in styles. Tszyu’s approach is aggressive and forward-driving, often forcing opponents into exchanges. That style has delivered knockouts, but it has also seen him tested when caught cleanly.

Zerafa, an orthodox fighter, is generally more patient and tactical. He has shown the ability to absorb pressure, remain composed and capitalise when opponents overcommit. Combined with the southpaw-orthodox matchup, it shapes as a contest unlikely to stay cautious for long.

More Than Just the Main Event

The card offers plenty beyond the headline bout. One of the major talking points is the professional boxing debut of former Melbourne Storm forward Nelson Asofa-Solomona, adding crossover appeal for rugby league fans as well as boxing followers.

A mix of heavyweight and domestic match-ups rounds out the program, ensuring the crowd remains engaged throughout the night rather than simply waiting for the main event.

Local Excitement

For Bracken Ridge residents, major boxing events rarely land this close to home. With the Brisbane Entertainment Centre only a short drive away, locals have a convenient opportunity to experience a nationally significant bout live, without interstate travel.

Whether the night ends with Tszyu continuing his rise or Zerafa delivering a statement win, the atmosphere promises to be electric. Those unable to attend can watch live via Main Event on Kayo Sports, but for locals heading to Boondall, it’s a chance to witness a pivotal moment in Australian boxing in person.

Published 13-Jan-2026

Featured Image Credit: BEC/Facebook

Man Critical After Violent Altercation Outside Bracken Ridge Home

A man remains in a life-threatening condition at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital after a violent altercation unfolded on a residential street in Bracken Ridge on Saturday evening.

Detectives from the Carseldine Criminal Investigation Branch were called to an address on Whyalla Close around 7.05pm on 6 December after reports that a 37-year-old man from Darra had suffered a chest wound.

Local resident Alanna Stevens witnessed the incident directly outside her home, describing the distressing scene that played out on her property. She reported hearing shouting and the sound of glass breaking before seeing the injured man collapse on her front lawn.

The confrontation involved two men who knew each other, both from the western Brisbane suburb of Darra. The second man, aged 33, was also taken to hospital under police guard due to a medical condition and is currently assisting police with their enquiries.

According to Queensland Police, the two men are known to each other and authorities have confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the community.

The investigation is ongoing, with detectives continuing to piece together the circumstances that led to the violent confrontation in the normally quiet residential street.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Policelink or Crime Stoppers.

Published 7-December-2025

Gateway Motorway Upgrade Set To Ease Pressure On North Brisbane Roads

The Gateway Motorway is set for a major upgrade that will reshape travel for thousands of people in Brisbane’s north, bringing long-awaited relief to one of the region’s busiest routes.

Project Timeline

The plans move forward after the award of a design and construction contract for two linked projects. The package includes work on the Gateway Motorway between Bracken Ridge and the Pine River and an upgrade on the Bruce Highway from the Gateway Motorway to Dohles Rocks Road in Stage 1.

*Photo Credit: Department of Transport and Main Roads*

Funding comes from a partnership between the Australian Government and the Queensland Government, with traffic studies showing that the corridor carries about 160,000 vehicles each day and is expected to see a sharp rise in demand by 2041.

What The Community Can Expect

The works aim to improve safety and ease congestion for drivers using this route for school travel, work and regional trips. The project will add new lanes on key stretches. It will smooth the tight curve at Bracken Ridge. It will rebuild the interchange linking the Bruce Highway, the Gateway Motorway and Gympie Arterial Road.

These improvements are set to support commuters, freight operators and families who use this corridor to reach Brisbane, Moreton Bay and the Sunshine Coast.

Who Will Deliver The Work

Gateway Connect Joint Venture will oversee the project. The team includes CPB Contractors, BMD and Georgiou, supported by design partners GHD and BG&E.

Government representatives from both levels noted the importance of the work and pointed to the strong growth forecast for the area. They highlighted that the upgrades respond to heavy demand and the need to prepare for future population increases.

Why The Upgrade Matters

Community concerns over long delays and slow traffic during peak hours have shaped the approach to these upgrades. The improvements are intended to create smoother travel, reduce bottlenecks and support safer driving conditions.

The project also aims to strengthen connections between local suburbs and major destinations, supporting families and businesses throughout the region.

Published 12-November-2025

Featured Photo Credit: Department of Transport and Main Roads

Brisbane Renews Call for Pet Census as Bracken Ridge Leads in Registrations

Brisbane officials have renewed the call for household pets to be included in the national census, arguing that better data would help improve local facilities and programs — with suburbs like Bracken Ridge showing how deeply pets are woven into city life.

Brisbane’s Call for National Pet Data

BCC has proposed that the federal government include all household pets in Australia’s five-yearly census. The council raised this motion at the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) annual conference in October, where it was supported by other local councils.

The proposal aimed to create a national picture of pet ownership to guide the planning of parks, facilities, and animal services. BCC representatives said that collecting consistent data across states and territories would help local governments deliver more targeted initiatives for responsible ownership.

Bracken Ridge pet census — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

ABS Declines Census Inclusion

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) confirmed that pets would not be included in the 2026 census. The agency stated it had already concluded its review of potential new topics, assessing over 1,000 submissions nationwide.

The ABS said pet ownership was considered a lower public priority than other topics being introduced, such as gender and sexual orientation. Officials also cited the additional burden on households and the costs of developing and processing new questions as reasons for exclusion.

Purpose Behind the Proposal

BCC’s submission argued that national pet data would allow governments to better understand ownership patterns, health implications, and animal welfare needs. It pointed out that the city already holds detailed registration records for dogs, with more than 106,000 animals on its books.

Census data, BCC noted, would extend beyond dog registration to include cats, birds, guinea pigs, chickens, and other domestic pets. This, it said, would strengthen education and health campaigns, improve planning for public spaces, and assist in reuniting lost pets with their owners.

Queensland pets — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Community Reaction

Residents expressed a range of views about the idea. Some supported the move, saying a pet census could improve planning for walking paths and parks, while others raised concerns about additional fees and over-regulation. Online comments reflected a mix of enthusiasm and scepticism, with some noting that registration systems already provide local data on dogs.

Bracken Ridge Leads Dog Registrations

According to BCC data, Bracken Ridge recorded more than 2,100 registered dogs in the past year — the highest figure of any suburb in the city. It was followed by The Gap with 1,971 registrations and Forest Lake with 1,877.

Across Brisbane, Labradors remain the most popular breed, with more than 9,000 registered. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Border Collies follow closely, alongside Maltese and Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Charlie tops the list of common dog names, followed by Bella, Coco, Luna, and Daisy.

Next Steps

The ABS confirmed that the 2026 census will introduce one new topic and adjust questions in ten existing areas, with the final questionnaire expected to be released later this year. While pets will not be counted this time, BCC maintains that collecting national pet data remains a long-term goal to improve planning and support for communities such as Bracken Ridge.

Published 6-Nov-2025

Photo Credit: Pexels

Gateway Motorway Upgrade from Bracken Ridge to Pine River Reaches Next Milestone

A major upgrade to one of Brisbane’s busiest transport corridors is moving ahead with a Design and Construct contract awarded for the Gateway Motorway upgrade from Bracken Ridge to Pine River.

Read: Bracken Ridge Motorists to Benefit from Gateway-Bruce Upgrade

The milestone marks the next phase of the Gateway to Bruce Upgrade (G2BU), a large-scale infrastructure program designed to improve safety, reduce travel times and prepare the north-side road network for future growth.

The G2BU project brings together two significant undertakings: the $1 billion upgrade of the Gateway Motorway between Bracken Ridge and Pine River and the $948 million Bruce Highway (Gateway Motorway to Dohles Rocks Road) upgrade (Stage 1). These works will deliver expanded lanes, improved interchanges and a smoother connection between the Gateway Motorway, Bruce Highway and Gympie Arterial Road.

The contract to deliver the upgrades has been awarded to the Gateway Connect Joint Venture (GCJV), a partnership between construction firms CPB Contractors, BMD and Georgiou, with engineering design support from GHD and BG&E.

A vital link for Brisbane’s north

Each day, around 160,000 vehicles travel between the Moreton Bay Region and north Brisbane via the Gateway Motorway, Bruce Highway and Gympie Arterial Road. With population growth continuing in the region, traffic volumes through this corridor are projected to rise by about 50 per cent by 2041.

The current road layout has been flagged as prone to congestion during peak hours, with commuters, freight and holiday traffic all converging. The upgrade is aiming to tackle those long-standing congestion and safety issues through targeted improvements that will make travel more reliable and efficient.

Key features of the project include additional lanes on the Gateway Motorway, realignment of the motorway curve at Bracken Ridge to improve safety, and major upgrades to the interchange of the Gateway Motorway, Bruce Highway and Gympie Arterial Road just south of the Pine River.

These works form part of a broader plan to strengthen Brisbane’s northern transport network and to enhance connectivity between the city, Brisbane Airport, the Sunshine Coast and regional Queensland.

Joint investment to support future growth

The upgrades are jointly funded by Australia and Queensland, with more than $1.5 billion contributed federally and $389.6 million by the state. The funding is aimed at future-proofing a key transport corridor in South East Queensland.

The G2BU is part of a coordinated series of projects along the Bruce Highway and Gateway Motorway designed to support regional growth and improve the flow of people and goods across the state. The investment is expected to support local employment and opportunities for subcontractors and suppliers in the construction sector across Brisbane’s north.

A long-term investment in Brisbane’s future

Once completed, the upgraded Gateway Motorway and Bruce Highway connection will form part of a high-capacity route extending from Brisbane’s south-side through to the Sunshine Coast. The outcome will not only reduce travel times but also support Queensland’s broader economic goals by improving freight efficiency and regional connectivity.

Read: Bracken Ridge Welcomes New Ambulance Station to Support Growing Community

For local motorists who face heavy traffic at Bracken Ridge and Bald Hills, the contract award signals a meaningful step toward relief and long-term improvement in travel reliability.

Published 5-November-2025

Oyster Reefs Bring New Hope to Murrumba Downs and Griffin Waterways

Hundreds of special baskets filled with recycled oyster shells are creating a ‘living filter’ in the Pine River, giving the local ecosystem near Murrumba Downs and Griffin a much-needed boost.

The project, a first of its kind for Australia, began almost two years ago. It is a team effort between Unitywater, the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), OzFish, and Healthy Land and Water. The main goal is to see if shellfish reefs can naturally filter and reduce nutrients flowing into the waterway from the Murrumba Downs Wastewater Treatment Plant.

A ‘Living Filter’ Built by Volunteers

These new reefs are not grown entirely from scratch. Instead, they are built using special oyster baskets packed by OzFish volunteers. Each basket is filled with about 18 kilograms of oyster shells that have been recycled from local restaurants and commercial kitchens.

Before they can be placed in the river, the shells are left out in the sun for a full year. This process cleans them of any grit or sand. After cleaning, they are prepared for tiny young oysters, called spat, to attach before the baskets are installed in the riverbed.

Nature’s Hardest Workers

Once in the water, the shellfish get to work. According to Unitywater’s Mike Basterfield, the project measures success by checking the shellfish and the sediment around them. The oysters act as powerful natural filters, cleaning the water as they feed. They absorb nutrients like nitrogen, using it to grow their own bodies and shells, which locks those nutrients away so they don’t re-enter the waterway.

In the first six months of measuring, the trial reefs managed to remove a total of 7.24 kilograms of nitrogen from the water. Early results show just how powerful this idea could be. Mr Basterfield explained that a larger system of about 154 reefs, covering an area roughly the size of two rugby league fields, might be able to completely offset the nitrogen from a plant that services 10,000 people.

Restoring a Lost Ecosystem

This work is vital for the local environment. UniSC marine ecology expert, Associate Professor Ben Gilby, stated that Australia has lost more than 95 per cent of its natural shellfish reefs due to overharvesting and other human activities.

Historically, these reefs played a huge part in keeping waterways clean. Dr. Gilby’s team has confirmed the trial reef is successfully filtering the water, improving its quality, and storing nutrients. This finding is a significant boost for future restoration projects.

What’s Next for the Pine River

Following these positive results, the trial is set to grow. Unitywater has received approval to install two more reefs in the North Pine River, in the area between Lawnton and Murrumba Downs.

Mr Basterfield said these new sites will help the team test how well the reefs work in different conditions, such as different water depths and salt levels. This will provide a clearer picture of how to scale up the solution. The project is a key part of Unitywater’s goal to divert or offset all nutrients from wastewater by 2040, using innovative, nature-based solutions.

Published Date 04-November-2025

Bracken Ridge Tavern Begins $10 Million Transformation To Become Northside’s New All-Day Dining Hub

Bracken Ridge Tavern is undergoing a $10 million transformation that will turn the long-standing landmark into a modern community dining and social precinct for Brisbane’s northside.

A Reimagined Dining Experience

The venue will remain open as works progress and is positioning itself to serve locals across breakfast, family meals, date nights and large celebrations. The first stage of the redevelopment will launch in mid November 2025, and the project will finish in April 2026.

*Photo Credit: Rohrig Constructions/Facebook*

The redesign is led by KP Architects, the Brisbane firm responsible for Eatons Hill Hotel and The Belvedere. Stage one introduces a new Italian restaurant with a casual but refined atmosphere, built around an open kitchen designed for transparency and connection.

The tavern’s original steakhouse is also being redesigned to deliver a more elevated experience while keeping its familiar identity for loyal guests. A new garden terrace will offer outdoor dining surrounded by greenery, making it suitable for relaxed lunches and evening gatherings.

Built With Families And Locals In Mind

The redevelopment places a strong focus on everyday community use rather than special-occasion traffic alone. Plans include a dedicated indoor kids’ playroom and grassed outdoor areas where families can stay longer and dine comfortably.

Management says the tavern is being refined to remain a familiar local favourite while stepping up its offering to meet how locals dine now, casual, flexible and family-friendly.

New Laneway And Entertainment Upgrades

A new laneway will run through the heart of the venue to connect the dining areas and bring a more open and energetic atmosphere.

The gaming room is being overhauled at the same time. It will take on a modern, entertainment-driven feel. The design models itself on high-energy venues built to make adults stay longer and return more often.

Stage Two To Expand Sports And Events Offering

Stage two is expected in 2026. It will introduce The Captain’s Sports Bar with large screens and group seating for major sporting moments. It will also add a new purpose-built function space for birthdays, community gatherings and private events.

The second phase will complete the tavern’s evolution into an all-day, multi-purpose destination catering to both regular locals and larger hosted occasions.

Published 28-October-2025

Featured Photo Credit: Rohrig Constructions/Facebook

Bracken Ridge Motorists to Benefit from Gateway-Bruce Upgrade

Motorists in Bracken Ridge are set to see one of Queensland’s busiest transport corridors transformed, following the confirmation of a Gateway to Bruce Upgrade (G2BU) worth $2 billion. The project will widen lanes, ease bottlenecks at Pine River, and improve safety for more than 150,000 daily motorists travelling between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

Project Timeline and Scope

According to the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), construction is due to begin in 2026. Stage 1 covers the Bruce Highway between the Gateway Motorway and Dohles Rocks Road, adding six lanes in each direction, new ramps, and collector-distributor roads. Stage 2, now in detailed design, will deliver two new bridges over the Pine River, dedicated active transport paths, and improved flood resilience.

Residents in Bracken Ridge and surrounding suburbs can expect reduced congestion and safer connections to local roads once the works are complete. TMR notes the upgrade is designed to separate local and through traffic, which will cut the risk of crashes and reduce time lost in traffic. Local access routes such as Gympie Arterial Road and Bracken Ridge Road are expected to see smoother traffic flow.

Bracken Ridge sits about 18 km north of the Brisbane CBD and is a growing suburb with nearly 17,500 residents. The area’s daily traffic funnel through the Gateway Motorway, merging with the Bruce Highway — a route used by commuters, freight trucks and local drivers alike. This patchwork of road users often leads to bottlenecks and weaving, especially around the Bracken Ridge curve and surrounding interchanges. Without improvements, travel times are set to worsen as traffic climbs more than 50 per cent by 2041.

Stages of the Upgrade

Community consultation has been underway since 2023, with feedback collected from residents, businesses, and commuters. Concerns about property resumptions, noise, and environmental impacts have been addressed in part through design adjustments. TMR has published a property impacts fact sheet and consultation summary online, while ongoing updates are available through its Have Your Say portal.

Planning has wrapped up and procurement is underway for a design‑and‑construct contract. The project includes two linked upgrades:

Bracken Ridge to Pine River: This segment will add extra motorway lanes, improve connections with Bracken Ridge Road and the Deagon Deviation, reshape the sharp Bracken Ridge curve for a safe 100 km/h design, build the Wyampa Road bridge, and introduce pedestrian‑bike paths on the motorway’s northern side.
Gateway Motorway to Dohles Rocks Road (Stage 1 & 2): Initially, extended north‑facing ramps will be built from Dohles Rocks Road to Anzac Avenue. Stage 2 includes collector–distributor roads on both sides of the Bruce Highway, two new bridges over the Pine River, an active transport path across the river, and wildlife‑friendly underpasses.

TMR says it is considering noise barriers and design adjustments. Emergency services stations in Bracken Ridge and Sandgate will be relocated locally to keep response times steady. Environmental protections, particularly near the Tinchi Tamba wetlands, include fauna fencing and possible underpasses.

Funding and Delivery

Australia and Queensland jointly fund the project as part of the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program. Procurement planning has already begun, with contract details listed on the Infrastructure Pipeline. Construction contracts are set to be awarded before the start of works.

Published 25-Aug-2025