A long-promised, multi-billion-dollar road and tunnel project is now advancing, designed to finally ease chronic congestion along the Gympie Road corridor, with preliminary works already underway as the state prepares to formally take full control of the bypass connecting Kedron to Carseldine.
For northside residents who have watched the project become a political football for years, the sight of drilling rigs and construction trucks marks a significant step forward. The engineering works are part of an initial phase to test earth and groundwater conditions, which will help determine the best construction methods for the massive undertaking. This preliminary work, managed by North Brisbane Infrastructure (NBI), is expected to wrap up later this month.
The proposed tolled tunnel aims to deliver faster travel times for commuters and return parts of Gympie Road to local traffic, cyclists, and public transport users. However, the project’s future has been secured under a major shift in management.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is set to take full responsibility for the project from NBI. This transition will be officially completed on 1 July 2025, a move the government says will allow the tunnel to be better integrated with the broader transport network and its capital works program.
With an estimated cost exceeding $14 billion, funding has been a key issue. The former Labor government had allocated around $300 million for these early works in its 2024 budget, on top of $35 million from the previous year to study the tunnel’s viability.
The project is not without its challenges. The 9km-long North West Transport Corridor, originally set aside in the 1980s, has since flourished into a valuable urban green space and wildlife haven. This has fuelled considerable community opposition to any potential surface road, pushing the focus towards a tunnel.
Brisbane City Council had previously floated two tunnel options, but the proposals were rejected by Infrastructure Australia for not adequately considering a cheaper surface route. Now, with TMR at the helm, the community is watching closely to see how the state will navigate these complex issues to deliver on its congestion-busting promise.
Carseldine is set to receive a major intersection upgrade and benefit from nearby policing enhancements as part of Queensland’s 2025–26 Budget allocations.
Road Network Overhaul to Ease Traffic in Carseldine
A key feature of the 2025–26 State Budget is a significant upgrade to the intersection of Gympie Road and Beams Road in Carseldine. This intersection carries more than 80,000 vehicles daily and is a critical junction in Brisbane’s northern corridor.
In addition to the Budget announcement, BCC is progressing with a broader Beams Road upgrade between Carseldine, Fitzgibbon, Taigum and Zillmere. The corridor currently accommodates over 20,000 vehicles each day, and traffic volumes are expected to increase due to forecast population growth in the area.
The upgrade is being delivered in two stages:
Stage 1A (Lacey Road to Balcara Avenue) was completed in January 2025 and included new traffic signals at Dorville Road, road widening between Cowie Road and Balcara Avenue, a shared path from Lacey Road, and service upgrades by Energex and Telstra.
Stage 1B (Carselgrove Avenue to Handford Road) is now underway and involves widening the road to a four-lane median-separated carriageway, building a pedestrian underpass near Cabbage Tree Creek, upgrading shared paths, and improving two bus stops.
The $50 million project is under the Better Roads for Brisbane Program. Works include culvert extensions, vegetation clearing, and night construction. During this period, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction and temporary detours will be in place for pedestrians. Environmental improvements, such as new tree plantings and upgraded creek infrastructure, are also included in the project scope.
Nearby Policing Upgrades to Support Local Safety
While not located within Carseldine, the Boondall Police Station—which services Brisbane North including Carseldine—is set to undergo a $52 million upgrade. The nearby Ferny Grove station will also be improved. These projects are backed by $147.9 million in statewide investments into police resources, including new tasers, radios and body-worn cameras. A recruitment target of 1,600 new officers by 2028 has also been set.
The upgrades are part of a broader $5.2 billion commitment aimed at improving community safety through early intervention, stronger laws, and investment in police facilities.
Though Carseldine is not the direct site of a health facility upgrade, the suburb is positioned near the Prince Charles Hospital in Chermside. The hospital is included in the Hospital Rescue Plan, which outlines upgrades for emergency departments, paediatrics and operating theatres. Statewide, the $18.5 billion plan will deliver more than 2,600 additional hospital beds and 4,500 new health workers.
Public Transport and Cost Relief Measures
The Wave Project—a public transport corridor from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast Airport—may enhance connectivity for Carseldine commuters. Additionally, residents will benefit from the State’s new 50-cent flat fare across all Translink public transport services, aimed at reducing household costs.
Broader Housing and Education Initiatives
While no new social housing developments or school infrastructure projects were specifically named for Carseldine, the suburb may benefit from statewide programs including the $5.6 billion investment in social and community housing and a $2 billion Residential Activation Fund to unlock housing supply.
First-home buyers across Queensland will receive deposit assistance under the $165 million Boost to Buy scheme, and stamp duty will be abolished on new home purchases. In education, Carseldine families are expected to benefit from statewide initiatives such as a $100 school supply voucher and a $200 sports voucher for eligible students.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Economic Outlook and Broader Context
Queensland’s Gross State Product is forecast to grow by 2.75 per cent in 2025–26, supported by strong public investment and stabilising employment. While the Budget projects an operating deficit of $8.6 billion, it outlines a path towards fiscal repair while maintaining commitments in infrastructure, housing, safety, and health.
The intersection upgrade and nearby police station improvements are part of broader statewide infrastructure and safety plans. Construction timelines and detailed project schedules are expected in the coming months as the Budget commitments transition into delivery phases.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Carseldine detectives seized more than $150,000 in suspected stolen power tools and related property following coordinated search operations in Scarborough and Kippa Ring.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
More than 500 vehicles parked at Zillmere and Carseldine train stations were checked by police during a large-scale patrol aimed at reducing theft and protecting property in the area.
The proactive sweep took place on Thursday, 8 May, as part of a North Brisbane police operation focused on public transport hubs. Officers inspected vehicles to check if they were locked, secure and free from valuables. After checking, police left an assessment card on each car to inform owners about the condition of their vehicle.
Alongside this, car owners were given “Empty Car Notice” stickers. These can be placed inside the windscreen. From the outside, the sticker tells would-be thieves that no valuables are inside the car. On the inside, it also serves as a helpful reminder about when the vehicle registration is due.
Residents who missed the patrol but would like a sticker can contact the Gateway District Crime Prevention office by email at Gateway.DCPC@police.qld.gov.au.
Photo Credit: QPS
A Focus on Prevention
Police said that most car thefts in Queensland are opportunistic. Thieves often target cars that are easy to access or have valuables in plain sight. Stolen vehicles are usually used for short-term gain like transport, joyriding or committing further crimes.
The patrols are designed to raise awareness and remind the public about simple actions that can prevent crime. These include locking car doors and windows, keeping items out of view, and using secure off-street parking when available. While engine immobilisers are one of the most effective tools against car theft, police warn that they offer little protection if thieves can easily get hold of the keys.
Helping the Community Stay Safe
Sgt Jodie Murray from North Brisbane Police said these types of operations are part of ongoing efforts to keep the community informed and reduce property crime. While the patrols covered Zillmere and Carseldine stations this time, residents in other areas can expect similar checks in the future.
Community members are encouraged to report any suspicious behaviour or information through the Policelink website at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting. Anonymous tips can also be shared with Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or visiting www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
Carseldine commuters were among the most affected by Brisbane’s widespread bus cancellations over the past year, with Route 340 reporting one of the highest disruption rates in the city.
Brisbane’s public transport network recorded nearly 8000 service cancellations in the 12 months leading to February 2025. Among the worst affected was Route 340, running between Carseldine station and the CBD, with 295 services cancelled.
Staff Shortages and Congestion Contribute to Disruptions
TransLink data showed the primary reasons for cancellations were staff availability and traffic congestion. In Brisbane alone, 1996 services were cancelled due to traffic delays, while mechanical issues accounted for another 750. Staff shortages were widespread, with around 1200 services cancelled in the six months to February, including 343 in November and 320 in October.
Route 100 (CBD to Forest Lake) experienced the most cancellations at 487, followed by Route 60 (CityGlider from West End to Newstead) with 345. Route 340, servicing Carseldine, followed closely.
Caption: Route 340 (Carseldine station to the CBD) Photo Credit: Translink
Peak Periods of Disruption
The month of November 2024 saw the highest number of bus service cancellations in Brisbane at 875, followed by July with 826 and October with 710. The single worst day was 10 December 2024, with 166 services cancelled. Data also pointed to significant disruption throughout October and January.
Network Response and Capacity Claims
BCC stated that despite the cancellations, over 99 per cent of scheduled bus services were still delivered. More than 500 new bus operators were recruited in 2024, with 146 added in early 2025. TransLink reported that driver absences often triggered multiple cancellations and that drivers were frequently reassigned from urban routes to meet school transport priorities.
Carseldine’s Route 340 was identified as one of the most affected, reflecting broader challenges within Brisbane’s high-frequency routes. These services, often scheduled every 10–15 minutes, were the most susceptible to cancellations when staff or vehicles were unavailable.
BCC has committed to expanding services with the rollout of Brisbane Metro and expects further growth in network capacity. However, issues with driver retention and training delays continue to pose challenges for consistent service delivery, particularly in outer suburbs such as Carseldine.
Think snowflakes, sausages, and Swiss-style sips – all under a starry Queensland sky. Brisbane might not get snow, but that won’t stop the northside from embracing a frosty good time this June with the Carseldine Wintertide Wonderland Twilight Market.
On Saturday 14th June, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the Carseldine Wintertide Wonderland Twilight Market is set to transform 133 Dorville Road into a glittering celebration of all things winter – and you’re invited.
Photo supplied
For just $3 entry, you’ll step into a magical evening of European-style festivities, complete with live music, street performers, and over 200 artisan stalls to browse. Whether you’re shopping for handcrafted winter gifts or just chasing that perfect bite, there’s something for everyone.
Sip and Savour
Photo supplied
The night’s hero? Without a doubt, the Swiss-Alps Pop-Up Bar, where you can wrap your hands around a steaming mug of traditional Glühwein – the spicy, mulled wine known as “a hug in a mug.” Prefer bites to drinks? Expect an epic food line-up, from slow-cooked brisket at Kaysers Smoke Train to indulgent desserts at Choco Bliss.
Move to the Music
Photo supplied
Two live stages will keep the energy flowing, with tunes to get even the coldest toes tapping. And as you explore, roaming performers will dazzle with bursts of wintery whimsy and magic.
From handcrafted homewares to gourmet goodies, there’s a treasure around every corner. Whether you’re crossing off your winter wishlist or just soaking up the atmosphere, this market promises a night to remember.
So grab your coat, rally your crew, and RSVP to Brisbane’s cosiest night out: RSVP here.
The Carseldine Wintertide Wonderland Twilight Market is a special event proudly presented by Goodwill Projects – one of Queensland’s leading curators of markets and events – and part of the vibrant Carseldine Markets calendar, North Brisbane’s go-to destination for fresh produce, local artisans, and community spirit.
A woman who survived a brutal domestic violence attack in Carseldine is now advocating for stronger protections and early education around healthy relationships.
Forty-Five Blows in Carseldine: A Survivor’s Story
Brisbane mother-of-three Simone O’Brien continues to speak out more than a decade after a violent domestic violence incident in Carseldine left her with life-altering injuries. Ms O’Brien was struck 45 times with a baseball bat by her former partner, Glenn Cable, in an unprovoked attack after she ended their nine-month relationship in 2012.
Ms O’Brien was placed in an induced coma at the scene to survive the swelling on her brain. She later required full facial reconstruction and spent months in hospital relearning basic tasks such as walking and eating. Mr Cable was convicted of attempted murder in 2015 and sentenced to 15 years in prison. He becomes eligible for parole after serving 80 per cent of his sentence.
Ms O’Brien met Mr Cable online while raising three children as a single parent. Subtle red flags soon emerged—contacts disappeared from her phone, money went missing, and flowers arrived daily at her workplace in a pattern that felt unsettling rather than affectionate. After she ended the relationship, Mr Cable turned up at her Carseldine home and launched the violent attack.
The outcome was devastating: a shattered skull and jaw, vision loss in one eye, and loss of smell.
From Recovery to Advocacy
Ms O’Brien has since become a strong voice in the domestic violence space. She recently addressed a crowd of more than 600 at a local event, sharing her experience and educating young people about early warning signs in relationships. Her message was clear: early intervention matters.
She also appeared at the EmpowHer gala dinner, joined Victoria’s 16 Days of Activism campaign, and participated in an international session hosted by the Alaska Black Caucus. She spoke to the importance of recovery, respect, and solidarity across communities and cultures.
Photo Credit: Simone O’Brien/Facebook
A Push for Change: Parole and Prevention
With Mr Cable eligible for parole, Queensland Police Union president Shane Prior is calling for stricter control orders on high-risk offenders. Proposed measures include barring parolees from dating apps, monitoring phone usage, and restricting entry to venues.
Ms O’Brien supports these ideas and continues pushing for broader reforms, including Clare’s Law—a proposal that would give individuals the right to know if a prospective partner has a history of domestic violence.
She’s also advocating for education to start as early as Prep, aiming to build awareness of what constitutes a healthy relationship from a young age.
Marching On: The Movement Grows
Community support has been strong at events where Ms O’Brien has spoken. From home owners clapping during DV marches to attendees lining up to thank her at forums, the response shows a growing desire for change. Ms O’Brien remains committed to speaking up, encouraging others to act on early warning signs.
Her ongoing message: “Any little red flag is a big red flag.”
Carseldine is set to benefit from a major public transport development, with plans advancing for the Brisbane Metro expansion. The project has received significant funding as part of a broader $200 million investment in Brisbane’s transport projects.
Of this, $50 million has been allocated to support the development of a business case for Brisbane Metro expansion. This funding will allow detailed planning and analysis to progress, ensuring the extension is well-integrated into the city’s transport network.
Photo Credit: QLD/BCC/Brisbane Metro
Brisbane will now proceed with a business case to extend the high-capacity Brisbane Metro system beyond its current routes, reaching Carseldine, Capalaba, Springwood, and Brisbane Airport. The expansion will also include a new Northern Metro Depot to support services in the northern suburbs.
Transport demand modelling has identified the corridor from Chermside to Carseldine as a key priority for high-capacity Metro vehicles. This expansion is expected to significantly enhance public transport options in Brisbane’s north, integrating seamlessly with existing busways and providing a more efficient, fully electric service.
The Future of Public Transport in Brisbane
Photo credit: CC BY-SA 4.0/John Robert McPherson/Wikimedia Commons
Brisbane Metro is a key part of the city’s future transport strategy, featuring fully electric, high-capacity vehicles designed to reduce congestion and improve travel times. Unlike other capital cities, where rail networks dominate, Brisbane relies heavily on bus services, making Metro expansion essential for meeting future demand.
Brisbane has experienced rapid growth over the past decade, with projections indicating a further 1.55 million residents by 2041. As the city prepares to host the 2032 Olympic Games, improved transport infrastructure will be crucial. During past Olympic Games, such as Sydney 2000 and London 2012, public transport usage surged by nearly one million trips per day, highlighting the importance of reliable transit options.
With construction set to progress in the coming years, residents in Carseldine and surrounding areas can look forward to faster, more sustainable transport solutions that will help shape Brisbane’s future.
The first stage of the Beams Road Upgrade in Carseldine is now complete, bringing a range of enhancements aimed at improving traffic flow, safety, and connectivity for all road users.
One of the most noticeable changes is the removal of the old roundabout, replaced by brand-new traffic signals. These upgrades have streamlined traffic movement, reducing congestion and making pedestrian crossings safer with signalised crossings.
Key sections of Beams Road between Cowie Road and Balcara Avenue have also been widened and separated by a median island. This allows for better traffic management and accommodates the new traffic signals, ensuring a smoother driving experience.
For pedestrians and cyclists, a new shared path along Beams Road now offers a dedicated and safe route for active travel. The project has also modernised power and communication services, supporting future growth and strengthening the area’s infrastructure.
The Impact So Far
Photo credit: BCC/brisbane.qld.gov.au
The first stage of the upgrade has already delivered significant improvements, including:
9,000 tonnes of new road asphalt laid for a smoother commute
Over 1.2km of new shared path constructed
235 new trees and ground cover planted to enhance the local environment
More than 5 km of underground services upgraded for power, water, and communications
What’s Next?
Handford Road intersection artist impression (Photo credit: BCC/brisbane.qld.gov.au)
With Stage 1 completed, planning for the next phase of the Beams Road Upgrade is well underway. The next stage, which focuses on the section between Carselgrove Avenue and Handford Road, was released for tender in early 2025, with construction expected to begin in mid-2025.
Upcoming works will include:
Widening the roadway from Carselgrove Avenue to Handford Road
Constructing a new shared path for pedestrians and cyclists along this section
Building a new pedestrian underpass at Cabbage Tree Creek to improve accessibility and safety
Additionally, Brisbane is continuing to collaborate with the Department of Transport and Main Roads to support the delivery of the rail level crossing removal project.
As work progresses, residents and commuters can look forward to a more efficient and safer Beams Road, with further improvements set to enhance the community’s transport infrastructure for years to come.
