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Cyclone Alfred Aftermath: Urgent Flood Warnings Issued for Kenmore Residents

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is a developing story. Last update: 10 March 2025 10:00 a.m.

An emergency alert has been issued for Kenmore amid fears that the Gubberley Creek Detention Basin could severely overflow, sending dangerous floodwaters into surrounding streets and forcing residents to prepare for evacuation as the crisis escalates across Brisbane.

Kenmore, along with multiple suburbs across Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, and the Gold Coast, has been severely impacted by the aftermath of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Despite the recent heavy rainfall, locals said that Gubberley Street remains clear, with the creek flowing steadily but staying well below the Cedar Crossing bridge.

Traffic, including small sedans, continues to move through the area without issue. Longtime residents note that flooding was not a concern on Gubberley Street even during the 1974 floods. Additionally, conditions on Akuna Street have improved as water levels have receded.

However, in some areas, the storm dumped over 300mm of rain, causing widespread flooding, power outages, and emergency rescues. Traffic, including small sedans, continues to move through the area without issue.

Floodwaters Overwhelm South East Queensland

Since Sunday morning, 9 March, South East Queensland has been inundated by extreme rainfall, triggering major flood warnings for the Logan, Albert, and Bremer Rivers, as well as Warrill and Laidley Creeks. Streets, homes, and businesses in Kenmore, Oxley, and Indooroopilly have been swallowed by rising water, with some residents forced to evacuate in the middle of the night.

The severe weather has also wreaked havoc on infrastructure, with more than 220,000 homes and businesses losing power and emergency services responding to over 3,600 calls for assistance. The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services have carried out multiple swift water rescues.

Premier David Crisafulli said authorities were working around the clock to assist affected communities, urging residents to stay connected and prepared. He warned that while the worst of the system was moving south, conditions remained dangerous, and flash flooding was still possible.

Drinking Water at Risk as Floods Impact Treatment Plants

In addition to the immediate dangers posed by floodwaters, water quality concerns have emerged across Brisbane and surrounding regions. Seqwater has warned that flood events can introduce sediment, organic waste, and industrial pollutants into the water supply, making treatment more difficult.

While Brisbane’s 30+ water treatment plants remain operational, authorities have assured residents that any significant water safety concerns would prompt a boil water advisory. Residents have been advised to store clean drinking water ahead of future severe weather events and to report any unusual changes in their water’s colour, taste, or smell.

Massive Recovery Effort Underway

With rainfall easing but floodwaters still dangerously high in some areas, recovery efforts have begun. Energex crews are working to restore power to thousands of homes, with extra workers from northern Queensland arriving to assist. Emergency teams are also assessing damaged roads, infrastructure, and homes, while residents begin the difficult task of cleaning up their properties.

Authorities have urged people to remain cautious, avoid driving through floodwaters, and stay informed as conditions continue to evolve. For Kenmore residents and others in flood-affected areas, the priority remains safety, preparedness, and staying informed as the region braces for the lasting impacts of yet another major weather event.

BRISBANE EMERGENCY DASHBOARD

Evacuation Centres Open for Residents Affected by Flooding

Updated: 10 March 2025

Council has opened evacuation centres for residents needing to leave their homes due to flooding.

Evacuation Centres Now Open:

Sleeman Sports Complex (Chandler Arena) – 757 Tilley Road, Chandler, 4155 (access via Old Cleveland Road, Car Park 3)
Kedron Wavell Services Club – 21 Kittyhawk Drive, Chermside, 4032
Community-led Evacuation Centre: Riverlife Community Centre – 47 Jennifer Street, Seventeen Mile Rocks, 4073

Safety Reminders:

Check alerts and road conditions before evacuating.
Leave early and avoid driving through floodwaters.
If stopping, avoid parking near trees, creeks, or drains.

What to Bring:

Essential items – mobile phone, charger, spare clothing, toiletries, towel, important documents (e.g., insurance papers, passports, medical prescriptions).
Medication and infant supplies – formula, nappies, or any special medical needs.
Bedding – pillows and blankets are recommended.
Before leaving: Inform neighbours, turn off electricity and gas, and lock your home.

Pet Guidelines:

Sleeman Sports Complex & Riverlife Community Centre – Pets allowed but must be crated, leashed, and securely transported. Owners must bring food and litter trays.
Kedron Wavell Services Club – No pets allowed, except for registered service animals.

Brisbane Council Service Updates Following Cyclone Alfred

As of 10 March 10:00 a.m.

Council has adjusted its services and facility operations due to Alfred’s impact.

Closures Until Further Notice:

Cemeteries, City Hall, Community Halls, Libraries, Pools, and Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
Five Council Customer Service Centres (North & South Regional Business Centres, Indooroopilly, Carindale, Brisbane Square)
Golf Courses and Off-Street Parking (King George Square & Wickham Terrace)
Mountain bike tracks at Gap Creek and Mt Coot-tha Reserve
All Council-run playground water play areas
CityCat, KittyCat, and most bus services
Story Bridge footpaths

Service Suspensions:

Brisbane Greeter tours, Immunisation Clinics, Active & Healthy classes (until 11 March)
Visible Ink youth hub (until 11 March)
Council Cabs and Personalised Public Transport services
Kerbside large item collection and bin repair services

Open Facilities & Services:

Chandler and Ferny Grove Resource Recovery Centres (offering free green waste drop-off)
Regular bin collections (yellow and green bins resume 10 March)

For more information, visit brisbane.qld.gov.au or call 07 3403 8888. For public transport updates, visit translink.com.au or call 13 12 30. Traffic information is available at QLDtraffic.qld.gov.au or 13 19 40.

Published 10-March-2025

Is Kenmore as Safe as It Seems? A Closer Look at Local Crime

Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

Kenmore is known as a quiet, family-friendly suburb in Brisbane’s west. It has a reputation for being safe, but recent crime data shows a more detailed picture. Between March 2024 and March 2025, there were 240 recorded offences, mostly related to theft and property damage. While Kenmore is safer than many other areas, crime is happening regularly.

Crime in Kenmore: What the Numbers Say

Between March 2024 and March 2025, 240 crimes were reported in Kenmore. The most common offences were:

Theft (excluding unlawful entry): 101 cases
Unlawful entry: 31 cases
Property damage: 30 cases
Traffic-related offences: 14 cases
Assault: 14 cases

Violent crime is low, but property-related crimes are a concern.

Brisbane crime rates — *Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook*

When and Where Does Crime Happen Most?

Crime in Kenmore follows clear patterns:

Time of Day: Most crimes happen between 10 p.m. and midnight. Mornings and afternoons see less activity.
Days of the Week: Crime is highest on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Saturdays have the least incidents.
Seasonal Trends: Crime peaked in March 2024, with other spikes in October, November, and January before dropping in February 2025.

How Kenmore Compares to Other Brisbane Suburbs

Kenmore has fewer crimes than major hotspots like Brisbane City and Fortitude Valley:

Brisbane City: 816.87 crimes per 1,000 people
Fortitude Valley: 577 crimes per 1,000 people
Kenmore: Crime is significantly lower but still occurs steadily

Kenmore’s crime patterns are similar to North Lakes’s. Property-related offences are rising due to urban growth. This creates more opportunities for theft.

What’s Being Done to Keep Kenmore Safe?

To help reduce crime, law enforcement and the community are taking action:

Neighbourhood Watch programs encourage crime reporting and prevention
Increased police patrols in high-risk areas
Crime prevention campaigns teaching residents how to secure their homes
More CCTV surveillance as part of a crime prevention strategy

Kenmore crime — *Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook*

Will Kenmore Stay a Safe Suburb?

Kenmore is still one of the safer suburbs. However, theft and property crimes remain an issue, especially late at night. Police and community efforts are working to keep the suburb secure. How well these strategies work will determine if Kenmore continues to be a safe and family-friendly place in the future.

Published 4-Mar-2025

Kenmore Village Shopping Centre Welcomes Shoppers with a Modern Makeover

Kenmore Village Shopping Centre has officially reopened, after more than a year of redevelopment, revealing a line-up new retail outlets, enhanced accessibility, upgraded amenities, and a refreshing, new aesthetic that still manages to preserve the Centre’s familiar charm.

Read: New Look For Kenmore Village Shopping Centre If Redevelopment Plans Push Through

The grand reopening was celebrated in true Carnival style, complete with stilt walkers, a hula hooper, and a magician to entertain visitors.

Photo credit: Kenmore Village Shopping Centre/Facebook

Photo credit: Kenmore Village Shopping Centre/Facebook

As part of the celebrations, Kenmore mum Bianca Harvey took home the major prize—a brand-new Haval Jolion SUV, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event. Cr Greg Adermann also attended the festivities, showing support for the revamped shopping destination.

A Modern Makeover with Familiar Charm

Visitors to the Centre will immediately notice the improved facilities, including easy-access parking, designated disability spaces, a new taxi rank, and upgraded toilet amenities.

Key upgrades include new car parks, covered walkways to the northern and western entries, and a completely refreshed interior.

One of the most significant changes to the Centre has been the demolition of the two-storey north mall, which allowed for the construction of a new ground-floor retail entrance and additional car parking spaces. The redevelopment aimed to blend modern features with the Centre’s original character, ensuring it remains a beloved community hub.

The all-new amenities area now boasts a well-equipped parent’s room, featuring adult and child toilets, a baby change bench, and private feeding booths. These additions reflect the Centre’s commitment to providing a comfortable and convenient experience for all visitors.

The extensive renovations focused on enhancing accessibility, convenience, and aesthetics while preserving the familiar charm of the Centre.

Read: Kenmore Community Bands Together to Deliver Hampers to Families in Need

The reopening also marks the arrival of new retail outlets, expanding the Centre’s offerings and bringing fresh shopping opportunities to the local community. More stores are set to open in the coming months, further enhancing the Centre’s appeal.

The refreshed space is now ready to welcome shoppers and families, offering a blend of convenience, entertainment, and an inviting shopping experience.

Published 27-February-2025

Brookfield Show 2025: Award-Winning Event Returns with New Attractions

Photo Credit: CrGregAdermann/Facebook

The Brookfield Show has been officially recognised as Brisbane’s Community Event of the Year 2025 at the Australia Day Awards, celebrating its ongoing significance as one of the city’s most cherished annual events.

Following this recognition, organisers have confirmed exciting new additions for the 2025 Brookfield Show, set to take place from 23 to 25 May.

Brookfield Show 2024: A Standout Success

Recognised as Brisbane’s “Best Little Country Show”, the Brookfield Show continues to be a highlight in the city’s event calendar. In 2024, it attracted over 30,000 attendees across three days, reinforcing its role in preserving Brookfield’s connection to its rural heritage.

Held from 17 to 19 May 2024 at the Brookfield Showgrounds, the event delivered a packed program featuring traditional competitions such as Horse, Horticulture, and Needle Craft, alongside newer attractions including LEGO displays. Visitors explored woodwork exhibits, pig races, trade stands, and a variety of food options, while Sideshow Alley provided a classic fairground experience. The Brookfield Museum added a historical touch, offering insight into the region’s rich past.

Family-friendly entertainment was a major drawcard, with magicians, puppet shows, reptile encounters, baby animals, and live music. The Mini Moshers band, roving performers, school bands, and the Talent Quest ensured lively daytime entertainment.

Brisbane Show 2024 — *Photo Credit: Boutique Street Entertainment/Facebook*

The event came alive at night with a daredevil rodeo, trick horse riders, and a Cirque Du Soleil-style circus show, showcasing some of Queensland’s top performers. Attendees enjoyed an evening cocktail bar and live music from Gold Creek Band, with the festivities culminating in spectacular fireworks displays across the weekend.

What’s New for Brookfield Show 2025?

With the 2025 Brookfield Show scheduled for 23 to 25 May, organisers have announced fresh highlights, particularly in the Horse Section:

Expanded Off The Track Show Jump classes, proudly sponsored by Queensland Off The Track
Shetland Pony Feature Show on Sunday
Junior and Senior Smartest on Parade on Open Day (Saturday), introduced due to popular demand

These additions reflect the Show’s commitment to evolving while maintaining its deep-rooted traditions.

Celebrating Community and Volunteers

The Community Event of the Year Award recognises the hard work of local volunteers and community groups. Their dedication has played a key role in the event’s success. Their contributions also ensure the Show remains a vibrant and inclusive experience for all attendees.

Brisbane's Coomunity Event of the Year — *Photo Credit: CrGregAdermann/Facebook*

The city officials have also been a long-time supporter, reinforcing the Show’s place as a major cultural and social event for Brookfield and Brisbane.

Brookfield Show 2025: Save the Dates

The Brookfield Show returns in May, promising a three-day program filled with competitions, entertainment, and community experiences. For details on event schedules, membership, or venue hire, visit the Brookfield Show website.

For general enquiries, contact secretary@brookfieldshowsociety.org.au.

Published 11-Feb-2025

Beyond the Award: How Shedder of the Year Graham Barnard Continues to Build Community in the Western Suburbs

Photo Credits: CrGregAdermann/Facebook

Kenmore and Bellbowrie Moggill Shed West founder Graham Barnard was named the inaugural Shedder of the Year at the National Shed Awards, but his work hasn’t stopped there. Months after receiving the recognition, he remains deeply involved in ensuring that Brisbane’s western suburbs have thriving Men’s Sheds that provide support, skills, and camaraderie.

For nearly two decades, Mr Barnard has played a central role in the Men’s Shed movement, creating spaces for men to connect, learn new skills, and support each other. His efforts led to the founding of Shed West Community Men’s Shed in Kenmore, a facility that has grown into a thriving hub for local men, as well as the establishment of the Bellbowrie Moggill Community Men’s Shed, which continues to grow.

Recognising his dedication, Mr Barnard was awarded Australia’s first Shedder of the Year at the National Shed Awards. The new category was introduced due to overwhelming support from men’s sheds nationwide, with Mr Barnard selected from a pool of 50,000 members for his contributions to Kenmore and the wider Brisbane community. But for Mr Barnard, the real reward isn’t the title—it’s the impact that these sheds have on their members and the wider community.

Australia Men's Shed Association — *Photo Credit: Australia Men’s Shed Association*

Building on a Legacy of Connection and Support

Mr Barnard’s involvement began when he joined discussions at the local RSL branch about establishing a men’s shed in Kenmore. By 2007, he was instrumental in securing a site and funding, leading to the official opening of Shed West in 2010. The shed quickly became a centre for woodworking, metalworking, computing, leatherwork, and community support activities.

Shed West also provides a space for social connection, offering daily morning teas and guest speaker sessions at the BCC Library. Members regularly gather for discussions on various topics, reinforcing the shed’s role as a support network.

During the 2011 Queensland floods, Kenmore and surrounding suburbs faced significant challenges. Mr Barnard and Shed West members played an active role in assisting residents with clean-up efforts, demonstrating the shed’s importance in times of crisis.

Today, while some changes have taken place, the legacy of these sheds continues to grow. The Bellbowrie Moggill Shed remains a thriving community hub, and Mr Barnard continues to be involved in mentoring new members, strengthening community ties, and advocating for resources to ensure the sheds’ long-term success.

Expanding the Men’s Shed Movement Beyond Kenmore

As Shed West’s membership grew, Mr Barnard recognised the need for additional facilities in Brisbane’s western suburbs. With support from the Lions Club, he helped secure temporary premises for a new shed in Bellbowrie in 2012, before successfully negotiating a long-term lease. By 2018, the Bellbowrie Moggill Community Men’s Shed was officially incorporated and continues to thrive.

Now, the Kenmore Community Centre—home to Kenmore’s Men’s Shed—is set for a major redevelopment. Under a $1.6 million plan led by the local council, the Men’s Shed will receive key upgrades, including a new dust extraction system and a refurbished kitchenette. The revamped community space will also feature a new communal meeting area, a tech hub, and additional amenities, ensuring that shed members have an improved and modernized environment.

With construction set to begin in early 2025, Mr Barnard and his fellow shed members are looking forward to these enhancements, which will provide even better facilities for woodworking, repairs, and social activities. These upgrades highlight the continued investment in the Men’s Shed movement and its importance to the local community.

A Lifelong Commitment to Shed West and Community

Mr. Barnard has worked tirelessly to ensure both sheds’ long-term success, securing vital funding and forming partnerships with local, state, and federal representatives, as well as Lions, Rotary, and the RSL. His leadership has helped maintain strong and financially stable men’s sheds.

*Photo Credit: Australia Men’s Shed Association*

Shed West and the Bellbowrie Moggill Shed offer a wide range of activities, including woodworking, toy making, vehicle restoration, computing, and community repair projects. Members also take part in monthly BBQs, excursions, and card games, creating a welcoming environment for all.

His efforts go beyond administration and funding—he actively checks in on members facing health challenges, providing support and ensuring they stay connected to their shed communities. The strong sense of mateship that defines these sheds is a direct result of his leadership.

A Well-Deserved Honour for a Kenmore Leader

Receiving the award was unexpected recognition for Mr. Barnard, who has always been focused on giving back to the community. His contributions to establishing and growing men’s sheds in Kenmore, Bellbowrie, and Moggill have made a lasting impact.

But for Mr Barnard, it’s not about past achievements—it’s about the future. With new infrastructure improvements on the horizon and a growing membership, he remains committed to ensuring that men in Brisbane’s western suburbs continue to have a place to connect, contribute, and thrive.

Published 5-Feb-2025

Volunteers Needed for Kenmore Clean Up Australia Day 2025

Photo Credit: Clean Up Australia

Kenmore locals are being urged to step up and volunteer for Clean Up Australia Day 2025, helping to remove litter and protect the local environment. Volunteers are needed in key areas, including Cubberla Creek and the space behind Kenmore Tavern Shopping Centre, where rubbish often accumulates.

For 34 years, Clean Up Australia has inspired communities across the country to take action against waste. More than 22 million Australians have contributed a combined 38.5 million hours to keeping public spaces clean and protecting local ecosystems.

The 2025 campaign continues this mission, calling on businesses, schools, and community groups to participate.

Join a Clean-Up Event in Kenmore

Business Clean Up Day – Tuesday, 25 February 2025
Schools Clean Up Day – Friday, 28 February 2025
Community Clean Up Day – Sunday, 2 March 2025

Each event targets different groups, with businesses encouraged to engage staff, schools provided with curriculum-linked lesson plans, and local groups invited to restore parks, streets, and bushland.

Kenmore Clean Up Australia Day — *Photo Credit: CrGregAdermann/Facebook*

Help Clean Up Cubberla Creek

City official Greg Adermann will join the Cubberla-Witton Catchments Network for their clean-up efforts on Community Clean Up Day. Volunteers are encouraged to help remove rubbish from Cubberla Creek and the area behind Kenmore Tavern Shopping Centre, where litter accumulation is a recurring issue.

Cleaning up the area behind Kenmore Tavern Shopping Centre is essential to prevent plastic, glass, and other debris from being washed into Cubberla Creek, which connects to Moreton Bay. Pollution from urban runoff can degrade water quality, harm aquatic ecosystems, and introduce microplastics into marine environments.

How to Get Involved

Volunteers can register a clean-up site or join an existing effort via www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au.

By signing up, Kenmore residents can directly impact their local environment and contribute to a cleaner, healthier community.

Published 5-Feb-2025

Woman Rescued After Car Crashes into Kenmore Roof

Emergency crews rescued a woman after her car crashed through the roof of a Kenmore home, leaving her trapped for an hour.

On 28 January 2025, the crash occurred around 5:00 p.m. on Kersley Road in Kenmore. The vehicle became wedged in the home’s roof, requiring emergency crews to stabilise it before freeing the driver. Queensland Police confirmed that the woman was uninjured but needed assistance safely exiting the vehicle.

Kenmore - car crashes into roof — *Photo Credit: Paul Turner/Facebook*

Queensland Fire Department crews worked an hour to free the driver from the damaged vehicle. A spokesperson said the home’s roof was not destroyed but sustained significant damage. After securing the scene, the car was removed using a crane at approximately 7:30 p.m.

A neighbour, who asked to remain anonymous, described hearing a loud bang before seeing the street fill with emergency service vehicles. The neighbour expressed relief that the driver was not seriously injured.

Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash. No further details about the circumstances leading to the incident have been released at this time.

Published 29-January-2025

Kenmore Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony Moves To Moggill State School

For many years the Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony has been held at the Old Lady of the Rosary School in the Assembly Hall. However, due to Australia Day falling on a Sunday in 2025, car parking became a challenge given the expectant congregation for the neighbouring Church. So in 2025, the event will be held at Moggill State School, which stepped in at late notice, to host the event, from 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 26.

The presiding officer will be local councillor, Greg Adermann. Local State MP Christian Rowan will attend on behalf of the Department for Home Affairs, welcoming approximately 60 new Australians who have already been through the citizenship tests.

Dave Patmore, President of Kenmore Rotary, will be the emcee for the event. Music will be provided by the Brisbane Citizens Concert Band and Kelsey Giarola, a wonderful local singing talent who has graced the event for many years and performs a rousing National Anthem, as well as some other songs in her repertoire.

Kenmore Rotary Citizenship Ceremony — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

In 2024, 51 conferees from 16 countries attended the ceremony, along with their family and friends.

The event is funded by the National Australia Day Council and hosted by Kenmore Rotary, whose volunteers are organised into a support team to enable the event to run smoothly.

A new venue will bring new demands to the running of the event, as the sound system will be different as well as other small details, though Kenmore Rotary has a long history of delivering professional service whilst raising funds for good causes. The club is always looking for new members to join the mission.

LEARN MORE ABOUT KENMORE ROTARY

Despite the difficulties of this year’s major fundraiser, the Christmas Raffle, the continued support of Kenmore Village and Kenmore Plaza as well as the support of residents proved to help the Club deliver a strong performance.

The 2024 Christmas Raffle raised $16,000 despite a slow start and the renovations at Kenmore Village. Lisa Jarrold, Kenmore Village Shopping Centre manager, provided a strong location for the raffle ticket sales, which the Kenmore Rotary members used to great effect.

“Kenmore Rotary wants to thank the support of our local community in purchasing the raffle tickets it is through this major fundraiser each year that support our many programs,” said Patrick Cook, a senior member of Kenmore Rotary.

“The good causes for 2025 include youth leadership & empowerment programs, such as mentoring programs at Kenmore State High School, the sponsorship of Year 11 students to the National Youth Science Forum, and the Solar Buddy program at local primary schools.

“We are also supporting victims of domestic violence through Women’s Crisis Support Service and food hampers collections in collaboration with Kenmore Village.”

Kenmore Rotary Club meetings are held every Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. at the venue below:

Published 21-January-2025

No More Knives on Shelves at Coles Kenmore and Other Coles Stores Nationwide

Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

Coles in Kenmore will be removing kitchen knives from its shelves, in keeping with a nationwide ban that Coles is implementing across all stores in the wake of a recent stabbing incident at Yamanto Shopping Centre.

Woolworths, a rival retailer, took similar steps after past untoward incidents. Over 60 Woolworths stores in Queensland no longer sell kitchen knives.

Kenmore Coles knife ban — *Photo Credit: Coles*

Ipswich Tragedy Sparks Nationwide Action

The decision was made after a serious incident on Monday, 13 January 2025, at Yamanto Central Shopping Centre in Ipswich. Claudia Campomayor Watt, a Coles employee, was allegedly attacked by a 13-year-old boy who used a knife taken from the store. The victim remains in critical condition at Princess Alexandra Hospital. Police have charged the boy with attempted murder.

Coles announced on Wednesday, 15 January 2025, that all kitchen knives would be pulled from shelves across the country. This precaution aims to prioritise the safety of staff and shoppers. Coles in Kenmore, located at Kenmore Village Shopping Centre on Brookfield Road, is part of the nationwide ban.

Kitchen knives removed from Coles shelves nationwide. — *Photo Credit: Reddit*

Safety Measures and Local Reactions

Coles stated the ban was implemented “out of an abundance of caution.” While SMEG-branded knives can still be redeemed at service desks until 21 January, all other kitchen knives have been removed indefinitely.

Residents have expressed mixed feelings. Some see the move as a vital safety measure, while others question its effectiveness in addressing the root causes of violence. Discussions on platforms like Reddit highlight concerns that banning knives might shift the problem to other tools rather than solve it.

Kitchen knives ban — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Looking at Alternatives

Suggestions have surfaced about locking knives in secure cabinets, similar to measures used for spray paint and cigarettes. Others believe tackling issues like youth crime and mental health is essential for long-term solutions.

What’s Next for Kenmore Coles?

Coles has confirmed the ban will stay in place while it reviews its knife sales policy. In the meantime, security measures have been tightened in stores, including Kenmore. Local police patrols have also been increased to reassure the community after the Ipswich attack.

As Kenmore adjusts to these changes, broader discussions continue about youth crime laws and how to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Published 15-Jan-2025

Colleges Crossing Closure Expected Due to Potential Flooding: Warning Issued for Kenmore and Surrounding Suburbs

Residents of Kenmore and surrounding suburbs should be aware of potential disruptions as persistent rainfall and dam releases threaten to inundate Colleges Crossing.

Read: Calls for Tougher Guidelines After PFAS Found in Mt Crosby Supply

Seqwater’s Flood Operations Centre was mobilised at 9 a.m. on Thursday, 2 January 2025, in response to persistent rainfall in the Wivenhoe and Somerset Dam catchments. Low-flow flood releases from Wivenhoe Dam, combined with river and creek flows downstream, caused water to rise over crossings, including Twin Bridges and Savages Crossing, by late Thursday.

By Friday morning, Colleges Crossing was fully inundated, rendering Mount Crosby Road impassable. The Bureau of Meteorology had forecast additional showers and thunderstorms, further complicating conditions for the region.

A Bridge Under Threat

Photo credit: CC BY-SA 3.0/Kgbo/Wikimedia Commons

Colleges Crossing is a low-level bridge over the Brisbane River at Chuwar in Ipswich. Opened in 1894 to replace a flood-damaged structure, it holds a significant place in local history. However, its low-level design makes it highly vulnerable to flooding—a challenge familiar to both residents and commuters in the area.

Colleges Crossing, which is traversed by Mount Crosby Road, becomes impassable during major floods or water releases from Wivenhoe Dam.

Impact on Kenmore Residents

For Kenmore locals who rely on Mount Crosby Road for travel to Ipswich or surrounding areas, this closure serves as a reminder of the importance of planning alternate routes. The flooding could also disrupt recreational visits, as Colleges Crossing is a popular spot for picnics and outdoor activities.

Community Preparedness

Residents are urged to monitor updates from Seqwater and the Bureau of Meteorology closely. Travelers should exercise caution and avoid attempting to cross flooded roads.

Read: New Flood-Resilient Mount Crosby Vehicle Bridge Enhances Connectivity in Kholo, Karana Downs, Anstead, Bellbowrie & Surrounds

Colleges Crossing is not just a vital transport link; it’s a bridge steeped in local history. As nature once again asserts its dominance, Kenmore residents and others in the region are reminded of the Brisbane River’s power and the importance of resilience in the face of such challenges.

Published 3-January-2025