Nudgee Archives - Nundah News

Nudgee Angler Lands Monster Fish During Aussie Junior Fishing Classic

“Time spent fishing is time well spent” has become a guiding motto for Nudgee teenager Nate Willcox, whose love of Brisbane waterways is now leading to big catches in a national junior competition.

The 15-year-old recently landed several standout catches during the April round of the Aussie Junior Fishing Classic, including a 122 cm threadfin salmon and a 105 cm jewfish caught in local waters.

Run by Queensland organisation 2 Bent Rods, the competition gives young anglers aged between 3 and 17 the chance to fish anywhere in Australia while competing across multiple categories.

Growing Up Around Nudgee’s Waterways

Nate said he has loved fishing for as long as he can remember, with many of those early experiences happening alongside his mum, stepdad and relatives.

“My whole family loves going fishing,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter if we catch anything or not, it’s always good to spend time together and have a bit of rivalry on who catches the biggest fish.”

Fishing trips around Nudgee Beach and the Port of Brisbane eventually turned into something more serious as Nate began targeting larger species including jewfish, threadfin salmon and giant trevally.

He said the Port of Brisbane remains one of his favourite places to chase jewfish and threadfin, while Nudgee Beach is his preferred spot for whiting and flathead using yabbies and soft plastics.

Monster Catches During National Competition

During the April competition, Nate reeled in a 122 cm threadfin salmon using live herring and 20 lb leader. On the same night, he also hooked a 105 cm jewfish while chasing cod using live tailor bait.

Photos shared from the event also show Nate holding an 85 cm flathead caught in shallow water near Bribie Island, along with a giant trevally landed on a topwater stick bait.

His favourite species, however, remains the mulloway, also known as jewfish.

“My favourite fish to catch is the Mulloway/Jewfish, especially when they get over that metre-10 mark,” he said.

Junior Fishing Event Continues to Grow

The Aussie Junior Fishing Classic started as the Queensland Kids Fishing Classic before expanding into a national competition over the past two years. According to 2 Bent Rods, the event was created to encourage young people to spend more time outdoors while building confidence through recreational fishing.

The competition now includes categories covering fish species, crab catches and environmental activities such as rubbish collection while fishing.

Organisers say the event has attracted families from across Australia as interest in youth fishing continues to grow.

Photo Credit: Supplied

More Than Just Catching Fish

While Nate’s catches have attracted attention online, he said one of the best parts of the competition is the chance to spend more time outdoors with mates and family.

“I can’t wait for the next AJFC so I can have an excuse to go fishing more but also to spend time with mates and get off screens,” he said.

Another quote that has stayed with him is simple: “Chase fish, not drama and attention.”

The next Aussie Junior Fishing Classic will run from June 27 to July 12. The competition allows young anglers aged between 3 and 17 to fish from almost anywhere in Australia, provided they are fishing legally within local rules and regulations.

Participants can enter catches across 15 categories, including species divisions, crab catches, most species caught and even a rubbish collection category designed to encourage care for waterways and the environment.

The event began as the Queensland Kids Fishing Classic before rapidly expanding into a national competition as more families joined from across the country. Organisers say the competition was created to give young people a fun and supportive way to enjoy the outdoors, spend time with family and build confidence through recreational fishing.

More information is available through the 2 Bent Rods website and the AJFC Facebook group.

Published 25-May-2026

The Creek That Runs Through Nundah and Nudgee Has the Most Plastic of Any in Brisbane, New Research Finds

Wikimedia Commons

Kedron Brook, the waterway that winds through Brisbane’s north before emptying into Moreton Bay at Nudgee Beach, carries the highest plastic microparticle load of any creek studied in the city, according to new research from Queensland University of Te chnolo gy.

The finding comes from a year-long study published in the journal Environmental Pollution, which examined microplastics in the sediment of three Brisbane creeks: Kedron Brook, Bulimba Creek and Enoggera Creek.

For residents in Nundah, Nudgee and the suburbs along the brook’s lower stretches, the results put into scientific focus something many may have long suspected: the waterway that runs through their backyards is carrying the weight of decades of urban runoff.

Kedron Brook recorded a median abundance of approximately 4,400 plastic microparticles per kilogram of dry sediment, the highest of the three waterways. Bulimba Creek came in second at roughly 4,100 items per kilogram, while Enoggera Creek recorded the lowest load at approximately 2,800 items per kilogram.

A waterway shaped by what surrounds it

The research team, led by PhD candidate Heshani Mudalige from QUT’s School of Chemistry and Physics, sampled six sites on each creek from their upstream headwaters down to estuarine level, repeating the process four times across a full year to capture seasonal variation.

*Photo Credit: CC BY-SA 4.0/Q8682/Wikimedia Commons*

The results point squarely to land use as the driving force behind Kedron Brook’s elevated plastic load. The brook passes through commercial and industrial areas along its journey to Moreton Bay, including the Brisbane Airport precinct, where ongoing construction, single-use plastic disposal, food packaging waste and adjacent recreational areas all add to the plastic burden washing into the waterway.

Stormwater runoff from residential households, sports fields and parks further upstream in suburbs including Mitchelton, Stafford and Grange contributes to the accumulation.

“Kedron Brook has extensive flat areas surrounded by impervious surfaces which favour depositing of microplastics through runoff and the retention of them,” Mudalige said.

The dominant plastic types found across the waterways included polyethylene, polypropylene and polymethyl methacrylate, with Kedron Brook specifically showing high levels of polyethylene alongside polypropylene and polystyrene.

These are, in other words, the everyday materials of suburban life, broken down into particles small enough to travel undetected through stormwater drains and into the creek system.

Mudalige found that seasonal variation played a significant role in the plastic load. Kedron Brook’s levels peaked in March, driven by high-flow periods from summer rains that deposit and trap particles in the sediment. By September, its load had dropped to its lowest point.

The brook’s path to Moreton Bay

Kedron Brook originates in the Upper Kedron and Ferny Grove area before winding through Keperra, Mitchelton, Everton Park, Stafford, Grange, Lutwyche, Wooloowin, Clayfield and Hendra. In its lower reaches, it becomes the Kedron Brook Floodway, passing through Nundah and Nudgee before discharging into Moreton Bay at Nudgee Beach.

The brook’s relatively flat gradient in these lower suburban stretches means plastic particles slow down and settle into the sediment rather than flushing through.

Associate Professor Prasanna Egodawatta, from QUT’s School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and a co-researcher on the study, described highly urbanised creek catchments in South-East Queensland as major contributors to microplastic pollution in Moreton Bay.

“This study is a first step towards quantifying land-based microplastic inputs to Moreton Bay via the stormwater pathway,” Professor Egodawatta said. “The hydrologic and hydraulic characteristics of a creek, shaped by its morphology and longitudinal profile, dictate microplastic transport processes within the system.”

Enoggera Creek’s comparatively lower plastic load came with an explanation of its own. The Enoggera Dam sits upstream, regulating flow and trapping a significant portion of the plastic load before it travels further downstream, effectively acting as an unintended filter.

A first step, not a final answer

The research team, which also included Professor Godwin Ayoko from QUT’s School of Chemistry and Physics and Professor Ashantha Goonetilleke from Civil and Environmental Engineering, framed the study as foundational groundwork rather than a complete picture.

Understanding how much plastic reaches Moreton Bay through the stormwater pathway is still being mapped, and this study provides the first comparative data set across three catchments with distinct land-use profiles.

For Nundah and Nudgee residents who swim, fish or simply walk along the brook’s final stretches, the research underlines the connection between what ends up in street drains kilometres away and what accumulates in the waterway that passes their suburb before reaching the bay.

The full study, Catchment characteristics and land-use influence on microplastics distribution in freshwater sediments, is available through the journal Environmental Pollution.

Published 25-May-2026

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

New Road Safety Cameras Planned in Nudgee

Photo Credit: Pexels

Nudgee will be part of Queensland’s new road safety enforcement measures, with point-to-point speed cameras planned for the Gateway Motorway North upgrade.

Rising Road Toll

Queensland has recorded 189 road deaths so far this year, two more than the same period last year. In 2023, 302 lives were lost, the highest toll since 2009. Speeding was a factor in almost one-quarter of those fatalities.

Safety Measures at Nudgee

As part of the Gateway Motorway North upgrade, point-to-point speed cameras will be installed in the Nudgee corridor. These cameras track average speeds over longer distances, targeting persistent speeding behaviour. They will undergo testing before enforcement begins in mid to late 2026.

Nudgee road safety — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Statewide Road Investment

The installation forms part of a wider safety program. Over the next four years, $25.5 billion has been allocated to road projects, including $9 billion for the Bruce Highway program. Another $100 million has been set aside for the Country Roads Connect scheme, which aims to improve safety on rural and remote corridors.

Effectiveness of Point-to-Point Cameras

Research shows point-to-point cameras can reduce fatal and serious crashes by up to 85 per cent. Authorities describe them as preventative tools that deter speeding and support safer driving.

Gateway Motorway — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Calls for Stronger Enforcement

RACQ has backed the rollout of new cameras, noting that speeding remains the leading cause of road trauma, with three-quarters of motorists admitting to the behaviour. Road safety advocates have also urged greater use of enforcement, including roadside drug and alcohol testing, stronger penalties, and more police presence on high-risk roads.

Cost of Road Trauma

Between 2019 and 2023, there were 31,742 crashes causing death or serious injury in Queensland, at a social cost estimated at $35.7 billion. This figure includes medical expenses, vehicle damage, lost productivity, and the broader social impact on families and communities.

Next Steps

With enforcement scheduled to start from late next year, drivers travelling through Nudgee on the Gateway Motorway will face stricter monitoring. Advocates say reducing speeding and changing driving behaviour remain central to lowering Queensland’s road toll.

Published 3-Sep-2025

Railway Parade Connection Project Begins in Nudgee

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Preparations have begun for the construction of a new road connection between Railway Pde and Saint Achs St, aimed at improving local access and transport links.

Background to the Project

The works will connect Railway Parade with Saint Achs Street, contributing to improved connectivity within the local road network. Initial notices were delivered to residents earlier this year, with formal works beginning from 19 May 2025, subject to weather and ground conditions.

Railway Parade connection project — *Photo Credit: BCC*

What the Works Involve

A new segment of road will be built to establish a direct link between Railway Parade and Saint Achs Street. A pedestrian crossing will be installed on Saint Achs Street, along with new kerb ramps. BCC will also realign the kerb and extend the footpath network between Sheldon Street and Saint Achs Street. Additional features include lighting, signage, line marking, and landscaping within the project area.

To enhance visibility for drivers, yellow no stopping lines will be added on both Railway Parade and Saint Achs Street.

Nudgee road project — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Impacts on the Local Community

Residents and commuters in Nudgee can expect increased noise, vibration, dust, and construction vehicle activity while works are in progress. Traffic conditions will be adjusted to include reduced speed limits, and traffic management signage will be in place to guide pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.

The no stopping zones are being extended on key streets to maintain safe visibility and access throughout the work zone. While most activity will occur between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. from Monday to Saturday, night works may also be required with prior notice.

Nudgee road development — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Community Communication

Local residents have received updates via flyers and council notices. A formal Works Notice was distributed in early May, detailing timelines, scope, and contact details for further information. BCC has encouraged residents to follow project updates through their website or via direct contact.

Project Timeline and Next Steps

Construction is scheduled to conclude by late 2025, pending weather and site conditions. BCC has committed to minimising disruptions and completing the works as efficiently as possible to deliver benefits to motorists, pedestrians and cyclists travelling through the Nudgee area.

Published 9-May-2025

Nudgee Community Unites for Jonny Munro’s Cancer Battle

Photo Credit: GoFundMe

Jonny Munro, a Nudgee College graduate, is facing a life-changing battle. He was diagnosed with advanced Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. The local community unites to support him and his family as they navigate this challenging journey.

A Life Changed Overnight

Jonny Munro, 18, described as a fit and healthy young man, began experiencing pain in his leg a few weeks ago. After undergoing tests, specialists diagnosed him with advanced Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer that primarily affects young people.

Jonny, who graduated from Nudgee College in 2023, is a second-year apprentice. His diagnosis came as a shock to his family, friends, and the wider community. Jonny will undergo intensive chemotherapy and radiation for up to a year, with the possibility of reconstructive surgery.

The Nudgee community is uniting to support Jonny after his diagnosis, as it has profoundly impacted him and his family.

A Strong Support Network

Jonny is surrounded by his close-knit family, including his parents, Lucille and Steve, his two older brothers, and his supportive girlfriend. Despite the emotional and financial toll of the diagnosis, Jonny remains determined to fight the illness, especially now that his first chemotherapy session has commenced.

The Community’s Response

Jonny cannot work during his treatment. To help cover the medical expenses, a fundraising campaign has been set up. The GoFundMe campaign, organised by Tricia Steffen, has already raised $74,905 AUD. 801 donations have been made, exceeding the initial $60,000 target.

Nudgee cancer support — *Photo Credit: GoFundMe*

help jonny fight cancer

An Ongoing Battle

Jonny’s journey through cancer treatment is going to be long and difficult. The Munro family remains resilient. The family is thankful to everyone who has donated and sent messages of encouragement. Tricia Steffen shared that the family’s spirit remains strong despite the challenges. The community’s support means the world to them as Jonny fights for a healthy future.

Published 1-Apr-2025

New Townhomes Under $750k Launch in Nudgee for First-Home Buyers

Photo Credit: peet.com.au

In a welcome development for first-home buyers struggling with Brisbane’s soaring property prices, developer Peet has announced the launch of 82 new townhomes in Nudgee. The Little Eagle Nudgee community, located just 18km north of Brisbane’s CBD, offers three- and four-bedroom homes priced under $750,000, making them eligible for the Queensland First Home Owner Grant.

This launch comes at a crucial time for Brisbane’s property market, which has seen significant growth since the pandemic. PropTrack’s Home Price Index reports a 14% year-on-year increase in Greater Brisbane, with prices now surpassing those in Melbourne. Nudgee itself has experienced a dramatic 22.9% rise in median house prices over the past year, reaching $1.085 million.

Brendan Gore, managing director and CEO of Peet, emphasized the project’s affordability: “The townhouses at Nudgee are delivering an affordable alternative to the established housing market which is sitting at around $1.1 million.” Gore explained that Peet’s construction model allows them to offer homes at 70 to 80% of the area’s median house price.

The Little Eagle Nudgee development features high-quality finishes, including gabled roofs, stone benchtops, and stainless steel appliances. Community amenities include a pool, barbecue area, and play facilities. The project also incorporates sustainable elements, such as electric heat pump hot water systems to reduce power consumption.

Located near the Gateway Motorway, the new community offers easy access to Brisbane’s CBD, airports, and local shopping destinations. It’s also in proximity to Nudgee Beach Recreation Reserve and reputable educational institutions like St Joseph’s Nudgee College and Australian Catholic University.

The first 20 townhouses in Stage 1 are now available, with residents expected to move in before Christmas 2024. This development represents a significant opportunity for first-home buyers in Brisbane’s competitive market, potentially saving them an additional $30,000 through the First Home Owner Grant.

Published 23-September-2024

Cameron Smith to Compete in Queensland PGA at Nudgee Golf Club

Cameron Smith, the British Open champion and previously ranked second in the world of golf, is set to participate in the Queensland PGA Championship at Nudgee Golf Club.

Smith, a Queensland native, views the Queensland PGA Championship as an essential component of his readiness for the upcoming Australian PGA Championship.

The Queensland PGA Championship will be held from 31 October to 3 November, and the Australian PGA will occur from 21 to 24 November at Royal Queensland Golf Club in Eagle Farm.

The Queensland PGA Championship is a regional tournament, part of the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia, and is known for attracting both seasoned professionals and rising stars. While smaller in profile than the Australian PGA, the Queensland PGA still holds significance, especially for players like Smith, who are looking to sharpen their game ahead of more prominent events.

Smith believes that competing at Nudgee Golf Club will put him in a strong position heading into Royal Queensland, where he will face tough competition from defending champion Min Woo Lee and former world number one Jason Day. Both Lee and Day have represented Australia at the Paris Olympics, further raising the stakes for the Australian PGA.

A Return to Nudgee

For Smith, the Queensland PGA Championship at Nudgee marks a return to familiar territory. He has had a long history with the tournament, having finished as runner-up in 2015 and as the leading amateur in 2011. Now a three-time Australian PGA Champion (2017, 2018, and 2022), Smith continues to show strong support for golf in Australia and the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia.

The decision to play at Nudgee is part of Smith’s strategy to regain top form. In a statement, Smith expressed his excitement about playing in front of his home fans again, noting that returning to Queensland is a highlight of his year.

Ranking Points and LIV Golf

Although Smith has earned substantial prize money on the LIV Golf circuit this year, the Queensland PGA Championship offers vital ranking points, which Smith needs to maintain his standing in world golf. Smith’s current ranking has dropped to 91 due to LIV Golf’s lack of world ranking points, a factor that affects his entry into major tournaments.

Smith has committed to playing in smaller Australian tournaments like the Queensland PGA and the New South Wales Open (November 14-17) to rebuild his ranking. These events offer him a chance to compete on home soil while gaining valuable points that could help his quest to enter future majors.

Boost for Local Golf

PGA of Australia CEO Gavin Kirkman highlighted the impact of Smith’s participation in local events, saying that Smith’s presence is a major boost for Australian golf. He noted that Smith’s popularity, particularly among young fans, helps grow the game in the country and brings large crowds to tournaments like the Australian PGA and Queensland PGA.

Kirkman added that securing Smith’s commitment to play at Nudgee and Royal Queensland was a significant win for both events, and local fans can expect a great show from the hometown hero as he competes on familiar turf.

Published 20-Sept-2024

Premier Touch Expands to Nudgee, Offering New Social Sport Option

Photo Credit: Premier City Touch Football

Premier Touch is bringing its social touch football competition to Nudgee, offering residents a new way to stay active and engage with the community. The organisation is now accepting team nominations for its upcoming season, set to kick off on August 5th at the recently constructed Nudgee Recreation Reserve.

This expansion marks Premier Touch’s first full season at the Nudgee venue, following a 7-week mini-competition held earlier this year which saw participation from five teams. The new location aims to fill a gap in social sports offerings in the area, with the next closest option being in Wavell Heights.

The competitions are designed for ages 14 and up, providing an opportunity for locals to keep fit while having fun. The upcoming season will run for 13 weeks, including 11 regular rounds and two rounds of finals. Teams can consist of mixed genders, with competitions held on Monday evenings.

Premier Touch has a long-standing history in Brisbane, having organised social touch football competitions since the 1980s. The organisation currently operates across six venues in the city, including Bardon, Bellbowrie, Fairfield, Mt Gravatt, and West End, in addition to the new Nudgee location. Over 80 teams participate across these venues in a season.

Early bird nominations, which close on July 8th, offer a $100 discount on the full competition fee of $950. Teams registering early will pay $850, which works out to approximately $77 per player for a team of 11.

For teams looking to participate from the start of the season, nominations must be submitted by August 1st to be included in the draw for Round 1. However, Premier City Touch welcomes late nominations throughout the season. Those who miss the initial deadline can still register, and the organisation will assist with late entry arrangements.

nominate your team here!

For those interested in participating, team nominations can be submitted through the Premier Touch website at premiercitytouch.com.au. The organisation welcomes players of all skill levels and encourages anyone looking for a way to stay active and connect with others in the community to get involved.

Published 23-July-2024

Nudgee Joins Brisbane’s Million-Dollar Club as Affordable Suburbs Dwindle

Brisbane’s reputation for affordable housing is fading fast, as Nudgee and six other formerly working-class suburbs cross the million-dollar median house price threshold, all within the past three months.

New data reveals the Queensland capital now boasts 73 suburbs where the median house price is seven figures or higher, a significant increase from 66 in December.

Brisbane's property market — *Photo Credit: Domain*

This surge in property values is attributed to the relentless demand for housing in Brisbane and the ongoing gentrification of traditionally blue-collar suburbs in the city’s middle and outer rings. Experts predict that Brisbane is on track to reach an overall median house price of $1 million within the next year.

Dr. Nicola Powell, Domain’s chief of research and economics, notes that even family-friendly suburbs once considered budget-friendly are now seeing million-dollar medians as high-end buyers are priced out of Brisbane’s most expensive areas.

“Brisbane’s property market is showing no signs of slowing down,” Powell said. “With just 8.2 percent more growth needed to reach a citywide median of $1 million, this milestone is well within reach in the coming year.”

Powell emphasises that gentrification is a key factor driving this trend. As prestigious suburbs like New Farm approach a $3 million median, and numerous others near $2 million, buyers are forced to seek more affordable options in previously overlooked areas.

“Even those at the higher end of the market are having to adjust their expectations and look for properties in the next tier down,” Powell explained. “Buyers who would have traditionally purchased in Hawthorne, for example, are now considering Balmoral due to the rising prices.”

The next suburbs predicted to join the million-dollar club are Scarborough, with a median already at $999,000, and Salisbury, currently at $986,750. Cornubia and Manly West are also expected to reach the seven-figure mark soon, with medians of $985,000 and $980,750 respectively.

Published Date 24-May-2024