Carseldine-Area Beams Road Upgrade Addresses Daily Traffic Snarls and Future Demands

With over 20,000 vehicles currently navigating it daily and a significant population growth forecast for areas like Carseldine, Beams Road is undergoing a major upgrade to ease congestion and improve safety for Brisbane’s northern communities.



The next stage of this vital infrastructure project is now underway, focusing on the stretch between Carselgrove Avenue and Handford Road.

Major Upgrade Underway

Beams Road
Photo Credit: BCC/ Youtube

This current phase follows the successful completion of the section from Lacey Road to Balcara Avenue. The expanded project aims to deliver a range of significant improvements, including the construction of a brand new underpass designed for pedestrians and cyclists, offering safer and easier access to the Cabbage Tree Creek cycleway. The road itself will be transformed into a wider, safer four-lane carriageway with a consistent median separation, promising faster trips and reduced traffic congestion for local commuters.

The Beams Road corridor plays a crucial role in connecting northern Brisbane communities and provides a key route to major arterial roads such as Gympie Road. With substantial population growth predicted in the Carseldine, Fitzgibbon, Taigum, and Zillmere areas, Council is proactively upgrading the road to manage current congestion and prepare for future demands. 

This upgrade is jointly funded by the Australian Government, contributing $50 million, and Council under the Better Roads for Brisbane Program. Beyond road widening, the project also involves extending culverts across Cabbage Tree Creek, upgrading sections of the shared path along Beams Road, and improving two bus stops.

What to Expect During Construction

Beams Road
Photo Credit: BCC/ Youtube

Initial works for this stage will involve establishing the site compound, setting up necessary traffic management, conducting survey works around the area, undertaking initial demolition, and clearing vegetation and trees within the project footprint. During construction, motorists should expect traffic to be reduced to one lane in each direction between Carselgrove Avenue and Handford Road. 

Residents and motorists may notice temporary traffic disruptions, an increase in construction activity including noise, dust, and vibrations, and temporary bus stops as works progress. Night works will also be required at times. Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the construction period, though there will be occasions where detours to the other side of the road may be necessary, with clear traffic control and signage present on site.

Community Perspectives and Ongoing Concerns

Beams Road
Photo Credit: BCC/ Youtube

While the upgrade is welcomed by many, some community members have raised concerns about related traffic matters in the wider area and offered feedback on previously completed stages. Residents have inquired about the status of traffic lights at the Cowie Road intersection, suggesting they would help deter “rat-running” through local streets and improve safety. 

There have also been calls for upgrades to Linkfield Road to ease congestion in that area, particularly the need for the road over the wetland/river to be two lanes. Questions have also been posed regarding whether the Beams Road project encompasses a level crossing removal.



Reflecting on earlier works, some residents expressed dissatisfaction with the previous upgrade of the Lacey Road to Balcara Avenue section, noting the replacement of a roundabout with traffic lights and a perceived lack of improvement at the Lacey Road congestion point. 

The Beams Road and Lacey Road intersection, in particular, has been described by some as poorly designed, contributing to significant bottlenecks. Council aims for this current stage of the Beams Road upgrade to build upon previous efforts and deliver substantial, lasting improvements for all road users.

Published Date 12-Jun-2025

Petition Launched To Save Bridgeman Downs Wildlife Corridor

A patch of bushland in Bridgeman Downs, home to koalas and other native wildlife, is under threat after plans emerged to divide the property into residential lots, prompting a growing call from residents for Brisbane City Council to step in and protect the land.



Community Pushes Back On Housing Plans

In 2023, a developer proposed dividing a 9613-square-metre site at 440 Beckett Road, Bridgeman Downs, into 14 residential lots. Each lot would range from 368 to 474 square metres. An ecological report identified the land as core koala habitat, with mature trees and native vegetation supporting local wildlife. 

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

However, due to local zoning, the area is not protected under current state laws. This has frustrated residents and environmental groups, who say inaction could permanently damage vital habitat in a rapidly growing suburb.

Petition Aims To Stop Further Development

Residents have launched a petition urging Brisbane City Council to buy the Bridgeman Downs site through its bushland acquisition program. They say the land is a vital wildlife corridor that allows native animals, including koalas, to move safely. The petition is still gathering signatures and has become a focal point for community concern. 

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Support has grown amid news that no bushland was purchased by the council last year, the first time in 35 years. This has raised wider questions about how environmental priorities are being handled as development pressures increase.

Council Under Community Pressure

Council representatives have requested a revised submission from the developer to address environmental concerns more thoroughly. While this may slow the process, residents say it still falls short of what’s needed to protect the land. 

Many in the community believe the council should take stronger, proactive steps now rather than wait for planning decisions to play out. So far, there has been no commitment from the council to purchase the land. Locals worry that delays increase the risk of losing green space that supports native wildlife and cannot be easily restored.

Bigger Picture: Growth Vs. Green Space

The Bridgeman Downs proposal highlights a broader issue across south-east Queensland, where housing developments are spreading into semi-rural and bushland areas. Residents see this as part of a wider trend that threatens wildlife and reduces green space. With koala populations declining, many are calling for stronger protections and faster action from local councils. 



Petition supporters say the council should use its bushland acquisition fund to buy and protect important habitat. They believe doing so would show that preserving natural areas is still a priority as urban growth continues.

Published 12-June-2025

Village Heart Retail and Apartments Progress in Carseldine

A major retail and residential development in Carseldine is progressing, with the Village Heart precinct now partially pre-leased and Stage 2 approved for construction.



Retail Hub Gains Momentum in Carseldine

The Village Heart project in Carseldine is advancing, with its first stage under construction and 75 per cent of retail space now pre-leased. The development, led by Deluca Corporation, is located on the site of the former QUT campus at 502 Beams Road.

Confirmed tenants for the retail centre include a supermarket, fitness centre, swim school, medical services, and liquor retail. These include IGA, Bottlemart, Jetts Fitness, Aquatic Achievers, Carseldine Medical Centre, and Dental on Beams. Once complete, the centre is expected to support 140 ongoing jobs.

Construction began in late 2024, with completion of Stage 1 scheduled for 2026. The centre has been designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating energy-efficient features such as LED lighting, passive solar orientation, landscaped communal areas, and is targeting a 5-Star Green Star rating.

The Village Heart
Photo Credit: Village Heart

Residential Stage Approved

Stage 2 of the project has received development approval, allowing for the construction of a new eight-storey apartment building on the corner of Beams Road and Plaza Parade. The building will include 70 two-bedroom apartments and ground-floor retail.

The project design by Architectus and Conrad Gargett includes larger balconies and a communal rooftop area. Recent changes to the plans have increased the number of build-to-sell apartments while reducing the share of affordable housing.

Background to the Carseldine Village

The Village Heart forms part of Economic Development Queensland’s 15-hectare Carseldine Village precinct. Planning for the broader community began in 2009.

The precinct is set to deliver 606 net-zero homes, an aged care facility, childcare services, bushland, playgrounds, and sporting fields. The former university buildings have been retained on-site.

Deluca Corporation was appointed to lead the project based on its track record in commercial and sustainable development.

Carseldine village
Photo Credit: Carseldine Village/Facebook

Next Phase in Planning



A third stage, involving further residential construction, is anticipated to proceed in the coming year. Meanwhile, the retail hub remains on track for its expected opening in early 2026.

Published 12-June-2025

Grit, Growth, and Gumption: Live Scenes From Mahalia Robinson’s Playbook

Before she was helping investors grow their portfolios at LJ Hooker Aspley & Chermside, Mahalia Robinson was performing with Hugh Jackman in “The Boy From Oz.” That’s not a metaphor. She really did share the stage with the Wolverine himself.



It’s just one chapter in a life that’s seen Mahalia move from musical theatre and makeup artistry into property management, bringing with her a flair for people, performance, and purpose.

Now 30 years old, Mahalia serves as the New Business Manager for Investments and Growth at LJ Hooker Aspley & Chermside. Her path to real estate had not exactly been linear.

Photo Credit: Supplied

“I had someone telling me for years I’d be good at it,” she laughs. “When COVID hit, I was in a call centre job I couldn’t stand. I saw a receptionist role at a real estate agency, applied that morning, interviewed that afternoon, and three days later, I was in.”

It turned out to be a perfect fit. With a background in full-time dance, vocal lessons, and a natural ability to connect with people, Mahalia found that her performing arts skills translated seamlessly into the relationship-driven world of real estate.

Though her early real estate days were in Brisbane’s inner city, the pull of home eventually brought her back to the 4034 postcode, specifically Boondall, where she has lived since she was eight.

“I loved the inner city,” she says, “but I wanted to return to my roots. This is where I grew up.”

Those roots run deep. Her family were long-time foster carers, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Hers was a home full of diversity, compassion, and community—values that continue to shape her professional and personal life.

“We were really involved with the Department of Child Safety growing up,” Mahalia recalls. “Coming back into this area now, I want to reconnect with that side of the community again.”

That human-first approach is something that she believes is rare in the often task-driven world of property management. “You don’t often find a BDM who carves out time for community involvement,” she says. “But LJ Hooker has always been about relationships, and that’s what drew me to them.”

Mahalia Robinson

Outside of work, Mahalia still finds time for the arts, often attending or participating in community theatre, and maintaining her long-standing love of movement through Pilates. “Pilates connects me back to my dance days,” she explains. “But it’s also about wellbeing. If I’m not okay, I can’t give my best to others.”

Her passions extend beyond performance. A self-professed “avid shopper,” Mahalia also collects high-end perfumes and quality wines.

“I’ve got a bottle of Penfolds St Henri I’m saving for my wedding day,” she says. She’s partial to Pinot Noir and rosé, especially from boutique, family-run vineyards. In fact, she has added a visit to Stanthorpe’s wine region to her bucket list.

Photo Credit: Creative Commons/ Helena Lopes

Among her quieter causes is an issue close to her heart: menstrual product accessibility for homeless women. “We can’t always house everyone,” she says, “but at the very least, we can offer dignity. I’d love for people to know they can … pick up a pack. No questions asked.”

Share the Dignity
Photo Credit: Facebook/Share the Dignity

A rom-com enthusiast (with “Anyone But You” and “Crazy Rich Asians” topping her list), Mahalia also makes time for rewatching “The Office,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” or “Gilmore Girls.”

Amongst her varied interests, the real joy in her life comes from the friendships she’s built in adulthood.

“Most of my close friends came into my life after I turned 21,” she shares. “We chose each other based on values—how we communicate, how we show up. Your energy is so valuable as a human being. You need to use it well.”

Photo Credit: Supplied

And that’s exactly what Mahalia Robinson seems to do — whether it’s helping investors grow their portfolios, reconnecting with her community roots, or simply offering a safe space to someone in need. With heart, hustle, and a touch of theatrical sparkle, she’s turning every role she plays in her life into a starring one.

Published 10-June-2025



Six Aspley Hornets Players Named in 2025 Queensland Women’s Squad

Aspley has stamped its mark on state footy, with six of its women’s players selected to represent Queensland in the upcoming match against Tasmania in Latrobe. The Hornets are one of the most heavily represented clubs in the 31-woman state squad, a strong showing that highlights the club’s rising presence in the QAFLW competition.



Aspley Strength Shines Through Selection

Queensland will face Tasmania on Saturday, 5 July, 2025, aiming for a third consecutive win in the annual state clash. The squad features standout performers from the 2025 Bond University QAFLW season, including both experienced and emerging players.

Aspley’s Emma Pittman and Jessica Stallard return after representing Queensland last year, with Stallard having led the league in goals in 2024. They are joined by Holly O’Flaherty, Jasmine Kawa, Katie Day and Lucy Pengelly, whose strong seasons have earned them selection. The Hornets’ six-player contribution highlights the club’s growing reputation for developing high-level talent.

Building Through Local Clubs

Aspley’s strong presence in the Queensland squad highlights the vital role local clubs play in developing top-level talent. The Hornets’ focus on both performance and player growth is reflected in the mix of returning and first-time state selections. 

Kawa and Day have been key in defence and midfield, while O’Flaherty’s impact around the contest stood out to selectors. Emerging talent Lucy Pengelly has impressed with her energy and sharp decision-making.

Community Pride and Support

The Aspley community is celebrating as six Hornets earn state-level honours, bringing pride to supporters and families alike. The club shared the news on social media, congratulating the players and urging fans to show support ahead of the July 5 match. 

Queensland’s state clash offers more than individual recognition, it’s a chance for local communities to back their own. For Aspley, the selections reflect the effort and commitment happening behind the scenes.

Focus Turns to July

Training has begun for the Queensland squad, with six Aspley players preparing to face Tasmania. Their inclusion boosts Queensland’s depth as the team aims for a third straight win in the annual match. 



The lead-up to 5 July is drawing close attention from Aspley’s players, coaches and supporters. Regardless of the result, the club has already made a strong impression beyond its home ground.

Published 3-June-2025

Don’t Wait for Disaster to Strike — Learn to Prepare at the EmergencyRedi Workshop in Zillmere

What would you do if a flood or fire struck tomorrow? The Australian Red Cross is inviting Brisbane’s northside residents to find out — and get prepared — at the free EmergencyRedi workshop in Zillmere on Wednesday, 4 June 2025.


Read: Smart Flood Warning Systems Installed in Flood-Prone Locations in Zillmere and Nearby Suburbs


This interactive session is based on the Red Cross’s award-winning RediPlan, designed to help individuals and households understand their local risks, prepare both mentally and practically, and build a personalised emergency plan. The goal is to help participants feel calm, connected, and capable when crisis strikes.

Photo supplied

Importantly, emergencies don’t just refer to major natural disasters like bushfires, earthquakes, or floods. A fall at home that leads to an unexpected hospital stay, a serious illness, or even a car accident can also cause significant disruption and stress. This workshop recognises the wide range of events that can upend everyday life—and provides tools to prepare for them all.

All attendees will receive:

  • A free copy of the RediPlan
  • A 5-litre dry bag, courtesy of NRMA Insurance’s HELP Nation Initiative

Why Attend EmergencyRedi?

The workshop offers a flexible duration, typically running between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours, and is adapted to suit the needs and schedule of each group. Each session features customised content, ensuring the information is relevant to the local area and specific to the types of risks residents may face.

With convenient scheduling and accessible locations, the workshop is designed to make participation easy for all community members. Attendees can expect a relaxed and informal atmosphere, where real-life stories, interactive activities, and open discussion help bring the content to life in a meaningful way.

The EmergencyRedi workshop takes a holistic approach, combining practical preparation with psychological strategies to boost resilience. It complements existing hazard-specific plans, like bushfire or flood plans, by offering a broader framework for readiness.

The workshop is suitable for individuals, families, and households who want to be better prepared for the unexpected.


Read: Financial Assistance Offered to Aspley and Other Suburbs After Cyclone Alfred


Workshop Snapshot

Date: Wednesday, 4 June 2025
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Zillmere Community Centre – 54 Handford Rd, Zillmere (North-East Community Support Group Inc.)
RSVP: Book via Eventbrite

Everyone’s welcome — bring your friends, family, or neighbours and take the first step toward peace of mind. For more information, contact: QldEmergencyRedi@redcross.org.au

Published 28-May-2025

Carseldine Wintertide Wonderland Returns for a Cosy Community Celebration

The Carseldine Wintertide Wonderland will turn Brisbane’s northside into a European-style winter market, with over 200 stalls, live music, and bonfires at 133 Dorville Road.



Community at the Centre

The Carseldine Wintertide Wonderland returns on Saturday, 14 June (4 – 10 p.m.) at 133 Dorville Road with a $3 entry, promising a festive evening for all ages. Families can enjoy Keely’s Face Painting, Tiny Riders, and Old Macdonald’s Travelling Farm, while adults explore handmade goods, artisan homewares, and gourmet treats.

Pet lovers won’t miss out either, with stalls like K9 Cakes and Pawsome Parcel Co offering dog-friendly delights. With Alpine decorations, twinkling lights, and magical roving performers, the atmosphere will be truly immersive. Organisers credit the event’s growing popularity to its strong community vibe and cosy winter market magic.

Food, Drinks and Winter Comforts

The Swiss-Alps Pop-Up Bar will serve traditional Glühwein, a warm spiced blend perfected over five years, alongside seasonal drinks. Visitors can feast on German sausages, smoky brisket, and a variety of eats from top Southeast Queensland vendors, including The Feel Good Foodie and La French Crepes Brisbane.

Crackling bonfires throughout the site will create cosy gathering spots and add to the festive vibe. Most vendors accept card payments, and onsite parking is available.

Music and Live Entertainment

Two live stages will provide a rolling soundtrack of local music throughout the night, spanning genres to suit a broad audience. Roaming performers, including stilt walkers and fire twirlers, will add to the festival feel, creating surprise encounters and entertainment throughout the grounds.

Organisers say the entertainment has been curated to create a “rhythm and wonder” across the evening, encouraging people to stay longer and explore every corner of the market.

Why It Matters

The Carseldine Wintertide Wonderland is now one of the area’s most anticipated seasonal events, known for bringing the community together. From kids with painted faces to grandparents by the fire, it offers a night of simple, shared joy.



Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars, check “going” on the Facebook event page, and enter a competition to win a gourmet hamper. For northside families and friends looking to experience winter magic without leaving Brisbane, the Wonderland is set to deliver once again.

Published 27-May-2025

Grammy Winners RÜFÜS DU SOL Announce 2025 Boondall Concerts

Australian electronic music sensations and Grammy Award winners RÜFÜS DU SOL will bring their internationally acclaimed live show to Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Boondall as part of their upcoming national tour.



Homecoming Shows Detailed

The globally recognised electronic trio will perform on Tuesday, 25 November, and Wednesday, 26 November, 2025. These Australian performances, presented by Live Nation, Untitled, and Rose Ave, are part of the promotion for their fifth album, “Inhale / Exhale,” which was released on 11 October.

The information provided states that the shows will offer audiences a blend of new music and established fan favourites, enhanced by the group’s well-known immersive lighting and stage production.

Recent appearances, including a headline live set at San Francisco’s Portola Festival and a performance on Sydney Harbour, gave fans an early taste of their latest material. DJ sets at Coachella and Burning Man showcased the group’s musical curation.

A full world tour announcement is anticipated soon, following headline slots at Lollapalooza festivals in South America earlier in 2025. Organisers advise that the Boondall event is strictly for adults aged 18 and over. Valid identification will be necessary for entry, and no refunds will be provided for patrons unable to show ID.

The Story of RÜFÜS DU SOL

RÜFÜS DU SOL
Photo Credit: Rufus Du Sol/ Facebook

Originally formed in Sydney in November 2010, the group consists of Tyrone Lindqvist on vocals and guitar, Jon George on keyboards, and James Hunt on drums. They first gained attention in Australia under the name RÜFÜS.

Their sound is often described as alternative dance or indie electronic music, recognised for its atmospheric quality, driving rhythms, and thoughtful vocals, incorporating live instruments into their electronic setup.

After releasing early EPs, their debut album Atlas topped the Australian charts in 2013. Their second album, Bloom (2016), achieved similar success in Australia, featuring popular tracks like “You Were Right” and the extended piece “Innerbloom.”

Due to a name similarity with another band, they began using RÜFÜS DU SOL internationally around 2014 and formally adopted it worldwide by 2018. The band later moved to Los Angeles before releasing their third album, Solace (2018), which explored deeper themes and gained wider international notice. Their fourth album, Surrender, came out in 2021.



Global Success and Acclaim

RÜFÜS DU SOL’s international profile grew significantly, highlighted by winning the Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Recording in 2022 for their track “Alive” from the Surrender album. The group has received several other Grammy nominations throughout their career.

In Australia, they have collected numerous ARIA Music Awards, including honours for Best Group and Best Dance Release. They are highly regarded for their powerful live performances, which combine electronic production with live musicianship and impressive visuals. This has led them to headline major music festivals around the globe.

Published Date 27-May-2025

Stolen Tools and Motorcycles Recovered in Carseldine Police Operation

Carseldine detectives seized more than $150,000 in suspected stolen power tools and related property following coordinated search operations in Scarborough and Kippa Ring.



Extensive Search Uncovers Suspected Stolen Goods

A joint operation led by Carseldine Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) and the North Gateway Property Crime Team has resulted in the recovery of a substantial volume of suspected stolen property. Two search warrants were carried out on 12 and 13 May at separate addresses in Scarborough and Kippa Ring, leading to the discovery of various high-value items.

Carseldine police investigation
Photo Credit: QPS

Details of the Recovery

Items seized during the searches included approximately $150,000 worth of power tools from brands such as Makita, Milwaukee, and DeWalt. Among the items uncovered were seven motorbikes, eleven bicycles, a boat motor, various types of ammunition, and other property suspected to be stolen. Three snakes, allegedly kept without proper authority, were also found on-site.

Connection to Ongoing Property Crime

Police allege the items were taken from homes and businesses in Brisbane, Caboolture, and the Sunshine Coast within the past 12 months. While most of the goods have been returned to confirmed owners, a Harley-Davidson Breakout and a Rover Dirodi electric bike remain unclaimed.

Carseldine CIB investigates property theft
Photo Credit: QPS

Police are appealing to the public for assistance in identifying the rightful owners. Proof of ownership, such as receipts, serial numbers, or detailed descriptions, is required to claim the remaining property.

Carseldine-Based Investigation Progresses

A Scarborough man, aged 37, is facing 48 charges linked to drug and property offences. He was remanded in custody and is scheduled to reappear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on 11 June. Investigations are continuing under the direction of Carseldine CIB.

Carseldine police lead property recovery
Photo Credit: QPS

Community Reaction and Public Involvement

Public comments on social media indicate strong support for police actions. Several individuals claimed potential ownership of some recovered tools, while others questioned the recovery and notification process for reported serial numbers. Some comments suggested the items may have been sold online through second-hand marketplaces.

Police have reiterated the importance of community information in solving property crime cases, encouraging anyone with relevant details to come forward.

Next Steps



Authorities are urging residents who may have had property stolen in the past year to contact Carseldine CIB. Community members can report information via Policelink or Crime Stoppers.

Published 24-May-2025

Hundreds of Brisbane Homes Remain Vacant—One in Bridgeman Downs for Nearly A Decade

Behind the leafy avenues and large blocks of Bridgeman Downs stands a five-bedroom house that has sat empty for nearly ten years. Once a picture of suburban prosperity, it’s now a symbol of a growing issue: prime properties lying idle whilst the state faces a deepening housing crisis.


Read: Petition to Stop Development Proposal at Bridgeman Downs Gathers Support


This home, located at 415 Beckett Road, isn’t alone. While not topping the list of Brisbane’s most vacant suburbs like South Brisbane or the CBD, Bridgeman Downs is part of a wider trend. Across Greater Brisbane, an estimated 6700 homes are sitting empty, and Bridgeman Downs’ spacious lots and development potential make it fertile ground for stalled subdivision plans, speculative ownership, or long-term vacancies.

The five-bedroom house in question has been the subject of multiple subdivision proposals, none of which have come to fruition. Neighbours have watched the property sit untouched for years, its potential never realised.

Why are homes being left empty?

Photo credit: Google Street View

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) highlighted a concerning trend across Brisbane’s more desirable postcodes. The bureau’s Personal Integrated Data Asset (PLIDA), combining electricity data with administrative records, found that 1.2 per cent of Brisbane homes were inactive as of mid-2021. That equates to roughly one in 100 homes.

In suburbs like Bridgeman Downs, known for larger properties, ageing homeowners, and increasing developer interest, homes are sometimes left empty due to estate disputes, lengthy planning approvals, or the high cost of development.

The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role. With projects paused and mobility limited, many homes that might have turned over remained in limbo. The ABS noted that the data is experimental and affected by the pandemic context, but the problem remains visible today.

The broader picture: non-primary residences and land banking

Photo credit: Ivan Samkov/Pexels

Across Brisbane, over 55,000 homes are classified as “non-primary residences.” These include holiday homes, short-term rentals, second homes, and properties held vacant while owners wait for favourable market conditions—a practice known as land banking.

In areas like Bridgeman Downs, the size and value of the land make it especially attractive to investors. Yet this speculation can come at a cost to housing availability.

Policy inaction and past proposals

In 2022, a proposed 5 per cent empty homes levy aimed to encourage owners to bring vacant properties into the rental market. The legislation failed to pass, but it sparked debate about how to address unused housing stock.

Meanwhile, Victoria has taken the lead, expanding its vacant residential land tax statewide. Properties unused for more than six months can now be taxed at 1 per cent of their value—unless exempt for reasons such as renovations or use as a genuine holiday home.


Read: Bridgeman Downs Reveals New Commercial Centre with a Conservation Twist


Queensland has yet to follow suit. The state has instead introduced measures like abolishing stamp duty for first home buyers on new builds and allowing them to rent out rooms, in an effort to free up more housing.

As Brisbane’s population grows and housing pressure intensifies, empty homes like this one in Bridgeman Downs are becoming harder to ignore. They represent not just private choices, but a public challenge, one that may demand a stronger policy response if Queensland hopes to make full use of the homes it already has.

Published 22-May-2025