Brookfield Road Archives

Kenmore Roundabout Back in Focus as Planning Takes Shape

Five years after plans to replace the Kenmore roundabout with traffic lights ran into overwhelming community opposition, the busy junction is back on the drawing board — this time alongside another Moggill Road intersection near Our Lady of the Rosary School.

Planning is under way for improvements at both the Moggill Road/Brookfield Road roundabout and the Moggill Road/Kenmore Road intersection, with a $75 million commitment covering the two locations.

Exactly what will change is still to be decided. Transport and Main Roads continues to list the project as being in the planning stage, with no preferred design publicly released and no construction start date announced.

For anyone who remembers the last proposal, that leaves one obvious question: what happens to the roundabout?

The Plan Kenmore Rejected

The previous attempt to substantially change the intersection went much further.

In 2021, TMR put forward a preferred design that would have removed the roundabout and replaced it with traffic lights. It also proposed on-road bicycle lanes, shared paths and signalised crossings, along with the loss of seven on-street parking spaces and partial resumption of some properties.

The response was emphatic. When TMR reported back on consultation, 94 per cent of respondents did not support replacing the roundabout with a signalised intersection, and the proposal did not proceed.

Queensland’s $12.5 million share of the then $25 million project was later redirected towards active-transport planning along Moggill Road.

That history gives the latest planning added local interest, but the old drawings should not be mistaken for what is being considered today. TMR has not revived the 2021 design or announced what form the roundabout could take, leaving its future unresolved while the current planning continues.

OLR Now Part of the Picture

This time, the work extends beyond the roundabout to the Moggill Road/Kenmore Road intersection beside Our Lady of the Rosary School.

TMR is considering both intersections under the same project, with the stated aim of improving traffic flow, network reliability and safety for road users. The current project map shows study areas around each junction, but not a proposed road layout.

That means there is not yet enough public detail to say how motorists, pedestrians or school families around OLR would be affected.

The two locations are also separate from the broader Moggill Road active-transport project, where planning between the Centenary Motorway and Kilkivan Avenue has been completed and part of the Chapel Hill section has progressed to detailed design.

A Bigger Commitment This Time

The $75 million commitment covering the two Kenmore intersections is considerably larger than the $25 million attached to the abandoned roundabout proposal, although it now covers two locations rather than one.

The 2026–27 Brisbane West budget plan again identifies investment to improve safety and congestion at the roundabout and the OLR intersection under the Safer Roads, Better Transport initiative.

For now, however, planning remains the operative word. TMR’s current project listing still gives the status as Planning, rather than detailed design, procurement or construction.

For Kenmore, the real milestone will be the release of a preferred design. That’s when residents should finally get a clearer picture of what is proposed for both intersections — and what it means for the roundabout itself.

Published 31-August-2026

Solidarity Walk Draws More Than 1,000 People to Brookfield

Photo Credit: DrChristianRowanMP/Facebook

More than 1,000 people gathered in Brookfield for a solidarity walk supporting a young woman who was allegedly sexually assaulted while walking in the suburb.

Families, residents, women and men joined the gathering on 23 August, walking through part of Brookfield in a public stand against violence and in support of people being able to feel safe in their own neighbourhoods. Published estimates of attendance varied, although multiple reports placed the crowd above 1,000.

The gathering followed the alleged sexual assault of the young woman while walking in Brookfield on the morning of Thursday, 20 August. A 32-year-old man has since been charged with multiple offences and remains before the courts.

Brookfield Residents Walk in Support of Young Woman

Crowds gathered in Brookfield before walking along Rafting Ground Road, an area regularly used by local walkers. Participants retraced part of the route the woman had been walking on the morning of the alleged assault, while residents attending the event spoke about safety in their suburb.

A Brookfield resident, who regularly walks in the area with her three daughters, said people were worried and scared following the alleged incident. She said seeing so many people turn out gave her hope that change was possible.

Organiser Draws a ‘Line in the Sand’ Against Violence

Event organiser Emily Hall said the walk was intended to highlight Brookfield’s community spirit while making clear that violence would not be accepted.

Hall said residents wanted to “put a line in the sand” and demonstrate that the community would not stand for violence, particularly violence against women. She also urged people to call out behaviour they considered inappropriate and to support others when incidents occurred.

The walk also included handwritten messages intended for the woman and her family. People attending were given an opportunity to send personal messages of support following the alleged assault, adding a more private expression of solidarity to the public gathering.

Photo Credit: JontyBush-MemberforCooper/Facebook

Community Leaders Back Brookfield’s Response

Moggill MP Christian Rowan said it was encouraging to see Brookfield residents come together. He said addressing sexual violence against women, along with other forms of violence, required communities to stand united.

One attendee said the gathering was also prompting conversations with partners, children and neighbours about safety and violence. She acknowledged that a community walk could not change what had allegedly occurred but said starting those conversations was important.

Man Remains Before Court Over Alleged Assault

Police allege the woman was assaulted while walking in Brookfield on the morning of 20 August. A 32-year-old man was arrested later that day and subsequently charged.

He faces six counts of rape and one count each of stalking, assault with intent to commit rape, assault occasioning bodily harm and deprivation of liberty. He remains in custody and is expected to return to court on 18 September.

The charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.

Published 24-Aug-2026

Man Charged Over Alleged Brookfield Sexual Assault After Police Appeal

A 32-year-old man has been charged with multiple offences, including six counts of rape, after a 23-year-old woman was allegedly attacked while walking near Brookfield Road Bridge in Brisbane’s west on Thursday morning.

Detectives from the Ferny Grove Criminal Investigation Branch investigated the incident, which occurred on the morning of 20 August.

Police initially said the woman was walking along Brookfield Road near the bridge at about 6.33am when she was approached and assaulted.

Police Detail Alleged Brookfield Attack

Police allege the 32-year-old approached the woman while she was walking and forced her into bushland near Brookfield Road Bridge, where the alleged offences occurred.

He has since been charged with six counts of rape, one count each of stalking, assault with intent to commit rape, assault occasioning bodily harm and deprivation of liberty.

Detective Superintendent Andrew Massingham described the alleged attack as a horrific random incident and said police would allege the man had no connection to Brookfield and was travelling to work at another location that morning.

Police allege the incident lasted for a period of time before the man left Brookfield and continued to his workplace.

Police Search Leads to Arrest

Police said the woman crossed a nearby creek to escape the area where she had allegedly been held. She then made her way through bushland and emerged at the Brookfield Showgrounds Oval, where she called for help and contacted Triple Zero.

The woman was taken to hospital for treatment following the alleged assault and later returned to her family. Police said she suffered injuries and received medical treatment following the alleged assault.

As part of the investigation, police searched the area around the bridge, including dense bushland and a gully beneath the bridge.

Detectives and specialist police were also deployed to the Brookfield area. Local general duties officers also conducted increased patrols following the incident.

Police said officers identified a vehicle of interest, followed it and intercepted the driver. The man was subsequently arrested and charged.

Police Continue Appeal for Information

Investigators initially asked anyone who was driving or walking along Brookfield Road between 5.45am and 6.45am on Thursday, 20 August, to come forward.

In particular, police sought anyone who may have dashcam footage from the area during that period.

Police have also urged members of the public who were in or around the Brookfield Showgrounds and Greater Brookfield area between 5.30am and 7am, and who have not yet spoken to investigators, to contact them.

The man appeared in court following his arrest. No application for bail was made, and the matter was adjourned to the sexual assault court on 18 September.

The charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.

Investigations are continuing.

FROM QUEENSLAND POLICE

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au or call 131 444.

If you’ve experienced sexual assault, it is not your fault and you are not alone. There are multiple ways to report what has happened to you depending on your situation.

If there’s an immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000). You can also report online via: https://forms.police.qld.gov.au/launch/SexualAssault, over the phone or face to face at a police station.

There are also Alternative Reporting Options available depending on your situation.

For confidential information, counselling and support, call the State-wide Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 010 120 or 1800 RESPECT for 24-hour help.

Quote this reference number for this case: QP2601619252

Published 20-August-2026

2026-2027 Budget Brings Upgrades Across Kenmore

Residents across Kenmore and the communities nearby can expect a range of local improvements over the next year after Brisbane City Council unveiled its 2026–27 budget.

The projects include funding for new sporting facilities, upgrades to local roads, improved access around Akuna Oval and continued support for much-loved community events. They form part of Council’s broader suburbs-focused budget, which says more than 80 per cent of spending will be directed towards suburban communities.

New clubhouse planned for Kenmore Bears

One of the biggest local investments is funding towards replacing the Kenmore Bears Junior Australian Football Club clubhouse and changerooms at Akuna Oval.

Council has committed to contributing towards the project over the next two years, helping modernise facilities used by hundreds of young players, volunteers and visiting teams throughout the football season.

While Council has confirmed funding support, detailed designs and construction timelines are expected to be announced as the project progresses.

Accessible walkway to improve connections at Akuna Oval

Visitors to Cubberla Reserve will also benefit from a new 150-metre disability-compliant walkway linking the existing car park with the proposed University of Queensland Football Club facility.

The pathway is expected to improve accessibility for players, spectators and people with mobility needs on game days. Outside sporting events, it will also provide a safer walking connection between the Park and Ride car park and Hepworth Street for local residents using the popular walking circuit around Akuna Oval. The project aims to make the precinct easier to navigate while supporting its growing use as both a sporting and community recreation area.

Other nearby suburbs will also benefit from the budget’s park improvements, with playground upgrades planned for Booker Place Park in Bellbowrie and additional park improvements elsewhere in the ward.

Road upgrades planned across Brookfield, Upper Brookfield and Kenmore

Several local roads are included in Council’s suburban works program for the coming financial year.

Scheduled upgrades include:

Brookfield Road, Brookfield
Haven Road, Upper Brookfield
Marshall Lane, Kenmore
Hoana Place, Kenmore
St Baliol Street, Kenmore

Council has also allocated funding for road construction works on Lake Manchester Road.

The budget documents do not yet specify the exact scope or timing for each road project, with further details expected as works are scheduled throughout the year.

New community storage to support local volunteers

Community organisations in the western suburbs are also set to benefit from a new storage facility at Moggill District Sports Park.

The secure storage space is intended to house equipment regularly used by community groups, including marquees, barbecues and sporting equipment.

For many volunteer-run organisations, shared storage can reduce the need to keep equipment at private homes while making it easier to prepare for sporting fixtures, festivals and community events.

Funding continues for popular local events

The budget also includes ongoing support for several well-known community events across the western suburbs.

Funding has again been allocated for:

Brookfield Show
Brookie Bush Christmas
Kenmore Christmas Carols

These events attract thousands of residents each year and are organised largely through local volunteers, community groups and sponsors. Continued Council funding helps support their delivery while maintaining traditions that have become fixtures on the local calendar.

The budget brings a mix of practical improvements that touch everyday life. From upgraded sporting facilities and safer pedestrian access to smoother roads and continued support for community events, the projects aim to strengthen the local places where people live, play and gather.

Updated 6-July-2026

A Century Strong at Historic Upper Brookfield Mango Farm

Roadside trays of fresh mangoes have become a familiar sight for drivers along Brookfield Road, but behind the seasonal fruit stall lies a story stretching back nearly a century. As one Upper Brookfield family prepares to celebrate 100 years on their land, they are reflecting on their legacy while navigating the modern challenges facing small local farms.

The Mohr Mountain Farm has been part of the Upper Brookfield landscape for generations. First established in the mid-1920s, the property has remained in family hands ever since, evolving alongside changes in farming, the local community and consumer demand.

Now, as preparations begin for a centenary celebration with extended family members, the farm represents both a proud history and a hopeful future.

A mango tree in full bloom
*Photo Credit: Mohr Mango Farm/Facebook*

A legacy shaped by the land

Over the decades, the farm has adapted to changing conditions and markets. Earlier generations grew a range of produce, reflecting the farming trends and economic pressures of their time. Today, the focus has shifted to mangoes, custard apples and several varieties of avocados.

*Photo Credit: Mohr Mango Farm/Facebook*

The farm continues to operate as a family enterprise. While Jenny Mohr and her husband remain actively involved in daily operations, the next generation has assumed primary responsibility for running the business.

Their son, alongside his wife, is leading the farm into its next chapter while balancing the realities of modern work and family life, with him operating a plumbing business and his wife working as a physiotherapist alongside managing the farm. Balancing farming with other careers is now a reality for many rural families. Together, they are raising three young children, adding another layer of complexity to maintaining the family enterprise.

“So now, it’s the fourth generation. Our son is running it with his wife. And my husband and I are helping,” Jenny told Brisbane Suburbs News Online.

Despite stepping back from full-time management, Jenny and her husband remain deeply connected to the land, helping with harvesting, packing and farm operations. Their ongoing involvement reflects the strong generational ties that have defined the farm for nearly 100 years.

Adapting to modern farming

Like many small-scale farms, the Mohr family has diversified its customer reach. While wholesale markets remain important, direct sales have become a significant part of the business.

Mango trays are sold roadside during the season, offering locals fresh produce straight from the orchard. The farm also sells fruit through local country markets, including the Brookfield Country Market, which features locally grown produce and handmade goods from regional vendors. Social media has also become a valuable tool, allowing the family to communicate with customers about harvest times and availability.

Modernisation is also occurring behind the scenes. Plans are underway to build a new packing shed to replace an ageing facility from the 1980s. The updated infrastructure aims to improve efficiency and ensure the farm can continue operating sustainably as the next generation takes over.

New challenges for long-standing farms

While the farm’s history reflects resilience and adaptability, new environmental and operational challenges continue to emerge.

One recent issue has been the discovery of fire ant nests on the property. The invasive species, which has spread across parts of South East Queensland, has added pressure on landholders managing large rural properties.

According to the family, fire ants were first identified on their land in 2024, particularly in bushland areas at the rear of the property.

“We had fire ant nests… and there were nearly 200.”

The treatment process involved multiple visits from authorities and ongoing monitoring over an extended period. While the family welcomed efforts to control the infestation, they described the process as lengthy and sometimes inconsistent, with different teams attending the property over time.

“There were big gaps between when they came and every time they came out, it would be someone different.”

As the conversation turned to fire ants and treatment programs, a neighbour offered a printed handout arguing that insect populations are under pressure and urging caution about pesticide use. While the sheet was a general commentary rather than a farm-specific report, it captured a sentiment heard across the district: that managing invasive pests is becoming entangled with wider community anxiety about chemicals, ecosystems, and water quality.

The issue highlights how invasive species and biosecurity threats are becoming a growing concern for farmers across the region. For long-established family farms, managing these risks adds to the already demanding nature of agricultural work.

Community connections remain strong

Despite the challenges, the Mohr family continues to enjoy strong ties with the Upper Brookfield community. Roadside mango sales often bring returning customers each season, many of whom have supported the farm for years.

Local markets also provide an opportunity to connect with residents and visitors seeking fresh, locally grown produce. These interactions reinforce the importance of maintaining small farms within the region.

The farm’s produce has even been used by local craft producers, further strengthening its connection to the local economy and food culture.

Thriving into the next century

The next generation’s involvement, combined with planned infrastructure improvements, signals a determination to keep the farm operating despite the challenges facing small agricultural businesses.

For the Mohr family, the land represents more than a workplace. It is a place shaped by family history, community relationships, and a deep connection to the natural environment. They hope their story reflects not only endurance, but also the evolving role of local farms in a rapidly changing world.

Published 4-Feb-2026

Controversy Surrounds Childcare Centre Development on Brookfield Road

A proposed development for a childcare centre in Kenmore has become a bone of contention and debates among residents, environmentalists, and city planners.

The development application (A004808456) for a two-storey childcare facility, designed by Alto Architects, received approval from Brisbane City Council in 2019. A few more applications involving minor changes were filed that were also approved.

A subsequent development application (A006367166), filed in September 2023, seeks a minor change to add an outdoor play area with a bridge and acoustic fencing. This change is argued to be minor and compliant with relevant planning schemes and acts.

The centre for 120 kids, planned within a rural zone, proposes the removal of three existing dwellings to make way for the development. With operational hours between 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday, the centre aims to cater to the growing needs of the Kenmore community.

Brookfield Road — Photo Credit: DA A006367166

Residents of Jessamine Court, a cul-de-sac near the childcare centre, also raised issues against the subdivision of the nearby property and the potential introduction of a new access point to their street. They fear that this could disrupt the quiet, safe nature of the cul-de-sac, impacting the community and local environment, including increasing traffic and affecting the safety of children playing in the area.

The opposition also mentions the potential environmental impact, including the removal of trees and effects on local wildlife and koala habitat.

Planners have assured that the proposed childcare centre’s footprint will not encroach on the mapped biodiversity area at the rear of the site, thus preserving environmental values.

Prior to the release of koala habitat maps in February 2020, development approvals were granted without referral to SARA. These approvals predate the regulatory maps and don’t interfere with koala habitat.

As of press time, the current DA is still under assessment with Council.

Published 24-Nov-2023

Speed Limit on Brookfield Road Reduced

The Council will finally cut the speed limit on Brookfield Road to 50km/h, nine years after the community petitioned for its reduction. The new speed limit, down from 60kmh, will take effect by the year-end as pavement markings and other signs and safety measures have yet to be set in place.

Pullenvale Councillor Kate Richards confirmed the speed limit reduction on Brookfield Road in a press statement. It comes after a hearing with the community, which also involved parents of the students attending the Brookfield State School.

Apart from enforcing the new 50km/h speed limit, the Council plans to install the following features along Brookfield Road and the stretch of Boscombe Road, where the school is located:

Speed Awareness Monitors (SAM), before school term one in 2020
Two flashing Horse Crossing Ahead signs, projected for early 2020
Pedestrian crossing near bus stops and between Brookfield and Boscombe Roads, subject to consultations and availability of funds

Unfortunately, Cr Richards said that Brookfield State School “did not the criteria for a school zone,” which commonly has a 40km/h speed limit.

Brookfield Road is a downhill slope, which makes it easier for motorists to speed. During the summer season, the cast of the western sun makes the road stretch quite difficult to see. Council is making these changes in the interest of public safety.

“We are committed to actions that improve safety for all road users and will continue to deliver projects to make Brisbane an even better place to live,” said Cr Richards.

New Kenmore Development Application Courts Controversy

A seven-storey development, including a cinema, has been proposed for 22-24 Brookfield Road in Kenmore.

A recent development application has put the cat amongst the pigeons by proposing a mixed-use development on a site bounded by Brookfield Road, Princeton Street and Bingham Street in Kenmore, just across the road from Kenmore Village Shopping Centre.

Location of the proposed multi-use development in Kenmore. (Photo credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

A five-screen boutique cinema is part of the proposal as well as 150 car parking spaces, 35 serviced apartments, offices and retail in over seven storeys. Restaurant, café and wine bar tenancies are envisioned to occupy the ground floor fronting Brookfield Road.

*View from Brookfield Road (Photo credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au)*

*Centre view from Bingham Street (Photo credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au)*

Centre activities could include serviced offices, strata-titled offices, educational facilities, which may be a private college, a dance studio or a yoga/Pilates studio. The centre may also be home to a medical facility and community facilities such as meeting rooms.

All in all, a gross floor area of 3,3044 square metres will be dedicated to centre activities.

Controversial Development

The DA submitted in March 2019 is already courting controversy for its size and potential traffic flow impact.

Brookfield Road Kenmore Development Application — *Conceptual pedestrian and vehicular flow going to and coming from the proposed centre. (Photo credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au)*

“Brookfield Road has become one of the worst rush hour bottle necks in the Western Suburbs, which then feeds into Moggill Road at the Kenmore Village roundabout, causing huge morning tail-backs for commuters and school drop off,” says Ken Ryan, a local town planner.

“The scale of this proposal greatly exceeds its need and has not included an Economic Needs Analysis.

“To me it’s grossly overdeveloped because of the excessive height, the bulk of the building, and the potential for impact of the 150 additional car parking spaces. This is on congested Brookfield Road and the side streets in Princeton Street are often parked on either side, and it’s my view that it’ll be a major adverse effect on the efficiency of that local area.”

The town planner says that locals interested in the future developments in the area can lodge objections. He also thinks that the council should advise the developer to limit the scale of the project to two or three stories.

It should also be proven that there is an economic need for such a centre development.

Ken has published a podcast episode about this development application. Listen to the discussion here.

Learn more about the Development Application (A005160079).