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Brisbane Finishes Aerial Mosquito Spray in Pinkenba Ahead of Summer

The suburban area of Pinkenba was part of a wide-ranging aerial mosquito-control operation across Brisbane’s suburbs after a recent spring rainfall triggered early salt-marsh mosquito hatching.

The treatment involved helicopters covering around 500 hectares after entomologists identified a salt-marsh mosquito emergence. Ground crews continued their year-round efforts, having treated up to 2,400 known freshwater breeding sites during the year. In the previous season, the council undertook 12 aerial treatments covering more than 16,000 hectares, underlining the scale of the effort.

Focus on Pinkenba and surrounding suburbs

Pinkenba and nearby suburbs—including the Port of Brisbane, Tingalpa, Hemmant and the Bulimba–Tingalpa creek corridor—were targeted because of their proximity to tidal marshland where salt-marish mosquitoes breed rapidly after rain.

The mosquito-control program is backed by an uncapped budget and guided by two in-house entomologists—a structure unique among Australian local offices.

Council officials stressed that while the aerial spray has been completed, residents still have a key role in reducing mosquito numbers. They were asked to empty water-holding containers, screen doors, windows and rain-water tank openings, keep gutters free of debris, and when outdoors during dawn or dusk to wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and use insect repellent.

Mosquito peak season

Peak mosquito season typically runs from December through March, when heat, heavy rainfall and king tides combine. With the aerial program now complete, ongoing ground treatments will continue—and residents are urged to maintain vigilance through the coming months.

Published 5-Nov-2025

Upcycling Encouraged Ahead of Kerbside Collection in Nundah

Photo Credit: BCC

Residents in Nundah are preparing for the suburb’s annual kerbside collection, with reminders encouraging households to upcycle or donate usable items before placing them on the footpath.

Annual Cleanup Returns to Nundah

The next kerbside collection in Nundah is scheduled for the week commencing Monday, 10 November 2025. Residents are advised to place items on the kerb no earlier than Sunday, 9 November 2025, following the suburb-specific collection guideline.

The free annual service is available to all Brisbane suburbs and operates for one week in each area. It assists households in disposing of large or heavy items that cannot be placed in standard wheelie bins.

What Items Can Be Collected

Acceptable items include furniture, white goods, electronic waste, small household appliances, bicycles and sporting equipment, carpet and rugs, and wood products less than 1.5 cubic metres. Piles larger than 2 cubic metres—roughly a small box trailer load—will not be collected.

Residents are reminded to keep piles neat, remove doors from refrigerators and cupboards, and ensure all items can be safely lifted by two people. Unacceptable items include batteries, tyres, garden waste, hazardous materials, glass, gas bottles, and commercial or construction waste.

Any prohibited material not removed within seven days of the notified collection period may result in an illegal dumping fine.

Brisbane waste management — *Photo Credit: BCC*

Encouraging Upcycling and Reuse

Households are urged to upcycle or donate usable items to friends, family, or local charities to reduce waste and support community reuse. This practice helps extend the lifespan of valuable materials while reducing the amount sent to landfill.

For ongoing waste management, the yellow-lid bin is used for recycling materials such as glass, paper, cardboard, and firm plastics; the green-lid bin is for garden waste like grass and branches; and the red-lid bin is for general waste that cannot be reused or recycled.

Nundah kerbside collection — *Photo Credit: BCC*

Reporting Illegal Dumping

Leaving items outside the collection period or near charity bins is considered illegal dumping. Residents can report dumped waste to Council online or by calling 07 3403 8888.

Fines begin at two penalty units ($333) for small offences, with higher penalties and potential prosecution for larger volumes or repeat offenders. Illegal dumping can harm the environment, spread pests, and increase cleanup costs for ratepayers.

Promoting a Cleaner Community

By sorting waste correctly, avoiding illegal dumping, and donating reusable goods, Nundah residents help maintain a cleaner and more sustainable suburb. The annual kerbside collection continues to support responsible waste disposal and environmental awareness across Brisbane.

Published 30-Oct-2025

Operation Voltair Targets High-Risk Driving in Nudgee Ahead of Christmas

Photo Credit: Queensland Police

Police have launched Operation Voltair in Nudgee and across Brisbane’s north to target drink and drug driving, speeding, fatigue, distraction, and failure to wear seatbelts in the lead-up to Christmas.

Operation Overview in Nudgee

Operation Voltair began on 17 October 2025 under the North Brisbane District, focusing on the “Fatal Five” — key risk factors responsible for serious and fatal road crashes. These include speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seatbelts, fatigue, and distraction.

On the first night of the operation, officers conducted 855 roadside breath tests and 11 drug tests, resulting in 16 drivers being charged. Offences included six cases of drink driving, three of drug driving, and several incidents of unlicensed driving. Police also issued 28 traffic infringement notices.

Operation Voltair Nudgee — *Photo Credit: Queensland Police*

Targeted Enforcement Along Gateway Motorway

In Nudgee, a 26-year-old Griffin man was stopped along the Gateway Motorway just after 7:30 p.m. and allegedly returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.170 — more than three times the legal limit. His licence was suspended on the spot, and he is expected to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on 17 November.

Another driver, a 47-year-old Mount Nebo man, was intercepted for testing on Mount Nebo Road, Enoggera Reservoir, on 19 October. He allegedly returned a reading of 0.121 and was charged with driving over the middle alcohol limit. He is due to appear in court on 5 November.

Fatal Five Focus and Road Safety Data

According to the Queensland Police Service, serious crashes can be significantly reduced when drivers avoid the Fatal Five behaviours. Research by the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety – Queensland (CARRS-Q) shows that:

Speeding increases the likelihood of a casualty crash, even at just 5 km/h over the limit.
Drink driving contributes to around 30 per cent of fatal crashes nationally.
Drug driving carries similar crash risks to a blood alcohol level between 0.1 and 0.15 per cent.
Failure to wear a seatbelt makes drivers and passengers eight times more likely to die in a crash.
Fatigue and distraction remain leading causes of severe accidents.

Road Fatalities in 2025

By late October, the North Brisbane District had conducted more than 202,100 roadside breath tests this year. The district recorded ten road deaths in 2025, down from twenty in 2024.

Across Queensland, 243 lives have been lost so far this year, compared with 237 at the same time last year. The Brisbane Region reported 36 fatalities, a slight decrease from 38 in 2024.

Community Response

Community feedback on social media following the operation’s launch was mixed. Some residents supported the increased police presence and called for more patrols along busy corridors such as Gympie Road and the Bruce Highway. Others questioned the consistency of enforcement and urged greater visibility of police vehicles in suburban areas including Nundah and Nudgee.

Continued Safety Enforcement

Operation Voltair will continue through the remainder of 2025, with police maintaining proactive patrols and roadside testing across Brisbane’s north. The Queensland Police Service reiterated that preventing fatalities depends on shared responsibility among all motorists.

Published 25-Oct-2025

$72-M Geebung Industrial Estate Acquisition Marks Gateway Capital’s Queensland Debut

Geebung’s industrial precinct has caught the attention of national logistics investor Gateway Capital, which has secured a $72.5 million property in Brisbane’s north as part of its expansion into Queensland.

Read: Brisbane Airport Industrial Precinct Set to Become Global Quantum Hub

The acquisition, located at 405 Newman Road, marks Gateway Capital’s first investment in the state and forms part of its Industrial & Logistics Partnership, backed by an Asian sovereign wealth investor. The partnership’s assets now total around $259 million, with a longer-term target of $800 million in core industrial and logistics holdings across Australia.

The newly acquired Geebung estate spans 22,248 square metres of net lettable area on a 3.5-hectare site and was completed within the last two years. It comprises 12 units, and 91 per cent of the space is already leased to nine tenants.

The facility features full-height concrete panels, internal clearances of approximately 12.2 metres and loading awnings of about 12.5 metres — design attributes suited to modern logistics and warehouse operations.

Average tenancy size is around 2,400 square metres, offering a diversified tenant base. Industry commentary notes the asset supports current income and offers the potential for medium-term rental uplift.

The transaction was handled by Cushman & Wakefield’s Gary Hyland on behalf of vendor QIC, the funds house that sold the asset.

Gateway Capital’s co-founder and chief investment officer, Peter McDonald, said the Geebung acquisition aligns with the firm’s focus on well-located, prime-grade logistics properties. He noted that tight supply of high-quality industrial space in the region and strong occupier demand strengthened the long-term investment case.

Geebung, located about 12 kilometres north of Brisbane’s CBD, is recognised as one of the city’s tightly held industrial hubs. It lies close to Sandgate Road, Gympie Road and the Gateway Motorway, providing efficient access to Brisbane Airport, the Port of Brisbane and the wider metropolitan network.

The suburb has attracted national and international occupiers including Australia Post, Knauf, Linfox Transport and Boeing Australia, demonstrating its status as a logistics and manufacturing base.

Market commentary suggests the Gateway Capital acquisition reflects ongoing investor confidence in Brisbane’s north-side industrial market, where limited land supply and evolving logistics trends are intensifying demand for modern warehousing.

Read: Brisbane City Plan Update: Nundah Avoids Height Increase but Faces Housing Review

For the local area, observers say the deal may signal growing investor interest in the Nundah–Geebung corridor, which continues to experience demand for well-connected industrial and commercial property. As Gateway Capital strengthens its Queensland presence, its Geebung purchase highlights the suburb’s emerging role in Brisbane’s logistics network and reinforces its appeal as a long-term industrial investment destination.

Published 20-October-2025

E-bike Enforcement Steps Up Near Nundah During School Holiday Patrols

Even in quiet suburbs like Nundah, the hum of e-bikes is drawing attention. North Brisbane police say enforcement remains a priority over the school holidays, especially along the nearby Kedron Brook Bikeway.

Read: Police Team Up With Youth Justice Workers To Guide Young People In Banyo, Other Northern Suburbs

Across North Brisbane, police have escalated their efforts during the school break to deter unsafe or illegal e-bikes and unregistered electric motorbike use. The Kedron Brook Bikeway corridor — not far from Nundah — has become a hotspot for both visible and covert patrols under operations such as Xray Stamp.

During these targeted operations, 15 people have been charged with 26 offences across the district. The offences have ranged from driving without a licence, operating an unregistered or uninsured vehicle, to dangerous operation of a vehicle.

Two recent local cases involved teenagers in Kedron and Nundah. On 10 September, a 14-year-old Nundah boy was arrested after allegedly riding an unregistered electric motorcycle recklessly along the bikeway while unlicensed. He faces charges under the Youth Justice Act for multiple offences, including dangerous driving, using an unregistered vehicle, and uninsured driving.

Earlier, on 29 August, a 14-year-old from Kedron allegedly fled officers along that same corridor while riding unlicensed and unregistered. An off-duty police officer helped make the arrest.

North Brisbane District Superintendent Simon Tayler has warned that ignorance of the law will not excuse risky behaviour. “If you are buying a device for your personal use, or for your child to use, you have an obligation to ensure its use complies with the law,” he said. “Ignorance is not an excuse — especially when the welfare of other public space users and the riders themselves are being put at risk.” He added that public spaces are for everyone to enjoy and recklessness will not be tolerated.

Police say the message is clear: understand the legal rules and ride safely. In addition to overt and covert patrols, officers have been speaking at schools, reaching out to parents, and running awareness campaigns.

Police say enforcement is necessary to protect pedestrians and other users of shared paths. The risk of collision is real, especially when modified or high-powered devices are used irresponsibly in public spaces.

Read: Shape Kedron Brook for the Next 20 Years: Input Sought from Banyo Community

As the school holiday period continues, locals walking, jogging, or cycling near the Kedron Brook Bikeway should expect to see more foot and bike patrols. Riders, especially younger ones or those new to e-devices, are urged to verify that their device complies with legal specifications before stepping on the throttle.

If you observe suspicious or unsafe e-bike behaviour around Nundah or along the bikeway, Queensland Police encourage reports via Policelink or Crime Stoppers.

Published 8-October-2025

Solar Upgrades Power Community Facilities in Nundah

Photo Credit: Pexels

Three community organisations in Nundah are receiving solar installations through the energy efficiency program, designed to reduce electricity costs and support renewable energy use across local facilities.

Solar Investment Strengthens Nundah’s Community Network

Peach Tree Perinatal Wellness at Oxenham Park, Virginia United Football Club at Albert Bishop Park, and Northern Suburbs Rugby League Football Club on Franklin Street are among the local recipients of solar installations under stage two of BCC’s Community Facility Solar and Energy Efficiency Program.

Together with 23 other Brisbane sites, the projects share nearly $937,000 in funding this financial year and will deliver 505 kilowatts of additional solar capacity.

Nundah solar upgrade — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Background on the Solar Program

The initiative contributes to BCC’s target of cutting carbon emissions by 30 per cent by 2031–32 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The program provides solar panels, lighting upgrades, and heat-pump systems across council-leased community facilities to lower energy costs and improve efficiency.

Since the program began, BCC has installed over 7 megawatts of solar power across its facilities, including Kangaroo Point Bridge and the Brisbane International Cycle Park. Once stage two is completed, total solar capacity will reach 7.5 megawatts — enough energy to power more than 2,000 Brisbane homes.

Collaboration for Sustainable Outcomes

Stage two is jointly funded by BCC and the Commonwealth Government through the Community Energy Upgrade Fund. The installations are being coordinated with the Brisbane Sustainability Agency to ensure efficient delivery and lasting environmental benefits.

Brisbane community facilities — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Contribution of Nundah Sites

Peach Tree Perinatal Wellness will receive a 37.6-kilowatt system, while Virginia United Football Club and Northern Suburbs RLFC will each install 39.06-kilowatt systems. The upgrades will reduce operational costs for these organisations and help advance Brisbane’s renewable energy objectives.

Ongoing Impact on Brisbane’s Sustainability

Across the city, solar systems now reduce carbon emissions by more than 7,900 tonnes each year — the equivalent of taking 2,600 cars off the road — and generate about 10,700 megawatt hours of electricity, powering around 1,900 homes annually. The long-term outcome is a cleaner, more cost-efficient network of community facilities.

Looking Ahead

With the addition of the Nundah installations, Brisbane continues its progress toward sustainable energy goals. The solar upgrades deliver practical savings for local organisations while contributing to a greener city future.

Published 12-Oct-2025

Teacher Recognised for Excellence in Nundah

A teacher from Mary MacKillop College in Nundah has been recognised for his innovative teaching and commitment to student development, receiving the 2025 ACU Award for Excellence as an Early Career Teacher (Secondary) at the Brisbane Catholic Education Excellence Awards.

Passion and Purpose in the Classroom

Educator Adam Munro, who began teaching in mid-2023, has made a strong impact at Mary MacKillop College, Nundah. In less than two years, he has been acknowledged for transforming learning through creative teaching methods and active involvement in school life.

Recognition for Early Achievement

At the 2025 Brisbane Catholic Education Excellence Awards, Munro received the ACU Award for Excellence as an Early Career Teacher (Secondary). The recognition highlights his leadership in curriculum design and his ability to connect with students both in class and through extracurricular activities.

Innovative Learning and School Podcast

Munro has been instrumental in launching the school’s podcast, Words of Wisdom, hosted by Principal Erin Wedge. The podcast features alumnae and staff discussing topics such as women in sport, mental health, and preparing students for life beyond school, helping strengthen ties with the broader school community.

Dedication Beyond the Classroom

Outside the classroom, Munro dedicates time to coaching volleyball and athletics, performing with the College choir, and assisting in school events. His focus on wellbeing and inclusion has contributed to a supportive learning environment.

A Full-Circle Journey

Having attended All Saints Primary School in Albany Creek, Munro said his own experience in Catholic education inspired him to give back to the system that shaped his early learning. Teaching English and Drama at Mary MacKillop College has allowed him to fulfil that goal.

Broader Contributions to Education

Munro serves as an Executive Committee member of the Australian Teachers of Media Queensland (ATOM QLD), helping develop the state conference, presenting workshops, and hosting the Queensland Youth TheatreSports competition, which unites students from across South East Queensland.

Community Support in Nundah

Mary MacKillop College shared its congratulations on social media, with messages of support from colleagues, students, and community members acknowledging Munro’s dedication and enthusiasm.

Recognising Teachers’ Impact

The BCE Excellence Awards coincided with Queensland World Teachers’ Day, an occasion that celebrates educators’ contributions and positive influence across the community.

Published 12-Oct-2025

WWII Medals Returned to Family After 40 Years at Damascus Barracks

Photo Credit: Australian Defence

At Damascus Barracks in Pinkenba, Tom Foster’s family finally received his WWII medals, missing since 1985 and returned after 40 years.

A Historic Handover

The medals, once awarded to Tom Foster for his service with the First Ambulance Brigade in Tobruk and the Middle East, were handed back to his grandson, Grant Tebbutt.

The return took place in September 2025, after decades of uncertainty since the medals went missing in 1985. The handover closed a chapter for the Foster family, who had feared the medals were gone forever.

The Journey of the Medals

The medals turned up at Army Headquarters with no explanation of where they came from. They were handed to Colonel Glyn Llanwarne, who noticed the service numbers and names etched into the metal.

*Photo Credit: Australian Honours and Awards/Facebook*

That small detail gave him a starting point to track their rightful owner. After weeks of research, he traced the medals back to Tom Foster’s family. Llanwarne has spent more than two decades returning lost medals, bringing pieces of history back into families’ hands.

A Family’s Relief

Grant Tebbutt, who works at Joint Logistics Unit South Queensland, received the medals on behalf of his family. He shared how his parents were devastated when they went missing decades ago.

Their return, he said, brought both relief and a sense of closure. His father, Ivan, had carefully kept old photos and records that now sit with the medals. At Damascus Barracks, the handover highlighted that these medals carry the weight of lived service and family memory.

Preserving Local Military History

Both Defence officials and the family acknowledged that interest in Australia’s wartime history is growing. Items like medals hold value not only for families but also for communities that remember the contributions of local service members.

The medals’ return underscored the importance of protecting these artefacts and ensuring they find their way home when lost. Families are encouraged to report found medals to Defence or veterans’ organisations, rather than selling them, so they can be properly researched and restored to their rightful place.

Published 2-October-2025

Golf Chipping World Record Attempt Set for Brisbane Airport

Photo Credit: Mick's Golf Challenge/Instagram

Brisbane golf enthusiast Mick McLoughlin will attempt a 24-hour golf chipping world record at Brisbane Airport to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Sporting Greats Support World Record Bid

High-profile sports figures including Sam Thaiday, Corey Oates, Josh McGuire, Robbie Dolan and Romy Teitzel have backed Mick McLoughlin by donating golf balls and joining him in practice ahead of his record attempt. The event, known as Chipping for Charity, will take place at Golf Central, Brisbane Airport, from midday Friday, 17 October to midday Saturday, 18 October.

golf chipping world record — *Photo Credit: Mick’s Golf Challenge/Instagram*

Background And Past Achievement

McLoughlin is no stranger to endurance golfing challenges. In 2021, he set a Guinness World Record by playing 2,001 holes in seven days. That effort raised $342,000, surpassing his target of $250,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities. The funds supported families of children receiving medical care, providing accommodation and meals.

The Challenge Ahead

This time, McLoughlin is preparing to break a record that has stood since 2002, which required 10,392 successful chips in 24 hours. His goal is to chip at least 11,000 balls using a 3-wood, with training and preparation underway for more than 12 months. The idea was sparked by his son, who noticed his pace during practice.

Physical Strain And Determination

McLoughlin has spoken about the physical toll, citing tendinitis in both arms, tennis elbow, wrist and knee issues, and foot problems. Despite these challenges, he has committed to the attempt, motivated by the families supported by Ronald McDonald House Charities. He aims to once again raise several hundred thousand dollars through the event.

Mick's Golf Challenge — *Photo Credit: Mick’s Golf Challenge/Instagram*

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Community Involvement And Donations

More than 11,000 golf balls are required for the attempt. Collection bins have been placed at Golf Central at Brisbane Airport, Wynnum Golf Club and Nudgee Golf Club. Members of the public are encouraged to donate old balls, attend the event, volunteer, or make a contribution through the official Chipping for Charity website.

Fundraising Progress

Ahead of the record attempt, fundraising efforts have already reached over $11,000 towards a goal of $250,000. All proceeds will go towards Ronald McDonald Houses across Australia, helping provide accommodation and support for families of sick or injured children.

Next Steps

McLoughlin will begin his 24-hour challenge at Golf Central, Brisbane Airport, at 12 p.m. on Friday, 17 October, with the goal of finishing at 12 p.m. on Saturday, 18 October. The outcome of the record attempt will be determined by the number of successful chips into the target zone.

Published 3-Oct-2025

Sofie Formica Takes 100-Day Walking Mission onto Kedron Brook Path

Brisbane radio host Sofie Formica has committed to 100 days of walking, and her mission to get Brisbane moving while sparking meaningful conversations is quickly gaining momentum. Her Wednesday jaunts –free, accessible, open to all– will take her to the Kedron Brook Bike Path on October 8, near the Norths Rugby playing fields.

For Sofie, the idea is simple: take a half-hour each day to walk, breathe and reconnect — not in a gym or studio, but out in the open.

The idea behind the challenge

Sofie, known to listeners of 4BC’s Afternoons, is blending her radio work with a personal mission. For 100 days, she will walk for 30 minutes, highlighting local places and conversations along the way. Her walks are being shared with audiences on air and online, where listeners can follow her journey and hear stories of others doing the same.

The challenge comes at a time when rising costs make structured exercise programs harder to afford. Research from the Heart Foundation reinforces the value of brisk walking as one of the most effective and low-cost ways to maintain good health.

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Where the community can join

Each Wednesday at 4:00 p.m., the community is invited to meet Sofie and take part in a group walk. After Kedron, the route will travel across Brisbane — east to Wynnum Esplanade, south to Berrinba Wetlands, and west to Rocks Riverside Promenade. The paths have been chosen for easy access and suitability for walkers of all abilities.

100-Days-of-Walking Sofie Formica — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

No registration is needed. People can simply arrive and join in. The walks are designed to be short enough to fit into a busy afternoon yet long enough to make a difference.

A safe, familiar space for all ages

The Kedron Brook Path provides a familiar and central spot to join the movement, making the project more inclusive and accessible across the city, with easy access and a welcoming environment for people of all ages.

It’s well known to locals as a safe and open space for walking, cycling and gathering. Its flat terrain makes it suitable for different fitness levels, while nearby parking ensures the walks are convenient for families and older residents.

For Sofie, this is about more than individual exercise. It is about walking together — turning simple movement into a shared community experience. Locals can keep track of the weekly locations and updates on 4BC’s website, Facebook and Instagram.

Published 3-Oct-2025