A Kangaroo Point man is among two Brisbane men charged after police allegedly uncovered dozens of 3D-printed firearms during a vehicle interception at Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast.
Container in Vehicle Leads to Major Firearm Seizure
Police intercepted a Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and conducted a search of the vehicle, locating a black plastic container in the boot. Inside, officers allegedly found 34 Glock-style 3D-printed handguns along with approximately 800 rounds of nine-millimetre ammunition. The items also included handgun magazines, rifle magazines, plastic rifle trigger guard assemblies, and a hard drive containing blueprint material for manufacturing firearms.
The driver, a 43-year-old man from West End, and a 39-year-old man from Kangaroo Point were taken into custody and transported to Southport Watchhouse. Both men were refused bail and later appeared before Southport Magistrates Court.
Photo Credit: QPS
Kangaroo Point Property Searched As Investigations Continue
Search warrants were executed at properties in West End and Kangaroo Point as part of ongoing investigations. Authorities have not indicated whether additional items were located during those searches.
The two men have been charged with multiple offences, including supplying and possessing Category H firearms, unlawful possession of weapons, possession and distribution of blueprint material for firearm manufacturing, possession of short firearms in a public place, and possession of dangerous drugs. Investigations remain ongoing as police continue efforts to address the alleged possession and supply of unlawful firearms.
Photo Credit: QPS
Police Highlight Risks Linked to 3D-Printed Firearms
The investigation follows broader concerns raised by police about the use of 3D printing technology to produce unlawful firearms. Authorities have indicated that intelligence-led operations are being used to disrupt access to these weapons and associated materials.
The Kangaroo Point connection forms part of the current investigation, with officers focusing on the alleged movement and possession of firearms identified during the vehicle search.
Brisbane riders are set to descend on Kangaroo Point this Wednesday, 1 April, for a snap protest ride to Parliament House, pushing back against proposed Queensland laws that would significantly tighten restrictions on legal pedal-assist e-bikes and e-scooters.
The ride, organised by the Story Bridge Active Travel Alliance and supported by Bicycle Queensland, will gather at Raymond Park in Kangaroo Point at 5:00pm, with a 5:30pm departure along a route that crosses the Story Bridge before arriving at Parliament House. Organisers say the choice of route is deliberate.
Kathryn Good of the Story Bridge Active Travel Alliance argued that state officials were holding back everyday riders rather than investing in safe infrastructure, adding that if riders were being pushed onto the roads, then that is exactly where they would go.
Photo credit: Facebook/Bicycle Queensland
The protest is a direct response to a Bill introduced by the LNP that would require riders to hold a valid Australian driver’s licence to operate a legal pedal-assist e-bike or e-scooter, ban their use by anyone under 16, and impose a 10km/h speed limit on footpaths and shared paths across the state.
State officials have stated the 10km/h limit is designed to “deter” people from riding on shared paths, pushing them onto what they describe as “high quality” infrastructure. But riders argue that network does not actually exist for most people. As Good put it, “For most people, it’s not a choice between a separated bikeway and a footpath — it’s a choice between a footpath and fast, hostile traffic.”
The route over the Story Bridge is intended to put that argument in plain view. Under the proposed laws, legal pedal-assist riders crossing the bridge would face a choice between travelling at 10km/h on its footpaths or riding alongside motor vehicles in traffic.
Bicycle Queensland, the state’s peak cycling advocacy body, has come out strongly against several elements of the Bill. The organisation has raised particular concern about the driver’s licence requirement, warning it would cut off access to e-bikes for people who depend on them most.
“Any reforms must protect the right of Queenslanders to ride safe, legal bicycles and e-bikes without unnecessary barriers — this is not the time to make safe cycling harder or less appealing,” said Bicycle Queensland CEO Dr Matthew Burke.
The group points out that some Queensland suburbs have households without a licensed driver making up around 30 per cent of the population, and that e-bikes serve as a critical transport option in those areas. Seniors, people living with disability, and those who have lost their licence for other reasons are among those who rely on e-bikes to get around or get to work.
The licence requirement could also affect Queensland’s tourism and gig economy sectors. E-bike hire schemes such as Lime’s Gold Coast operations, food delivery workers, and international tourists visiting during the 2032 Olympics could all be impacted if the laws pass as proposed.
On the question of age restrictions, Bicycle Queensland has acknowledged some form of age threshold may be reasonable, but argues 16 is too high. “A 16 and higher limit impacts families who use legal, safe e-bikes for recreation and transport, including the journey to school,” the organisation noted, pointing to New South Wales, which is currently working through an expert process to determine an appropriate minimum age between 12 and 16.
Concerns have also been raised about the practicality of a 10km/h footpath speed limit. Bicycle Queensland has noted that many of Queensland’s shared riverside paths, foreshore routes, and long-distance rail trails may technically qualify as footpaths under existing legislation, meaning the speed cap could effectively apply statewide. The organisation also notes that riding at 10km/h can itself be physically difficult, potentially increasing wobble and reducing rider stability.
Organisers of Wednesday’s ride have stressed the event is for legal pedal-assist e-bikes and standard bicycles only. Illegal e-motorbikes, which have been at the centre of separate community safety concerns, are explicitly not part of the ride. The protest will operate as a legal group ride, with all participants expected to follow road rules.
Those who cannot attend are being encouraged to write to the e-mobility parliamentary committee or contact their local state MP and councillor.
The ride departs Raymond Park, Kangaroo Point, at 5:30pm this Wednesday, 1 April.
Thousands are set to hit Brisbane’s streets this weekend as Run Army returns, bringing one of the city’s largest participation events to the inner city.
By early morning on Sunday, 29 March, participants will line up alongside Australian Defence Force personnel, veterans and first responders, coming together for an event centred on fitness and recognition of service. Some 9,000 runners take to the streets, gathering along Grey Street and the Cultural Forecourt.
The day begins before sunrise, with race pack collection opening from 4:30 a.m. at South Bank Piazza, followed by the race village from 7:00 a.m. The 10km event starts at 6:45 a.m., the 5km run and walk at 7:45 a.m., and the 2.4km junior dash at 8:45 a.m.
Through the city streets
Runners will set off from Grey Street in South Brisbane, moving through inner-city streets and riverfront sections before returning to South Bank. A course checkpoint will separate 5km and 10km participants prior to George Street, with marshals, police and volunteers positioned along the route to support safety and flow.
Participants are grouped into self-seeded start zones based on pace, allowing both competitive runners and walkers to move comfortably through the course. Medical teams will be stationed near the finish and along the route, while those still on course after 9:30 a.m. will be directed to footpaths to complete their run.
In the lead-up to race day, organisers and health partners are encouraging runners to resist the urge to overtrain.
Advice provided through event partner GO2 Health indicates that reducing training load in the final days can help avoid injury and fatigue. Scaling back strength work, focusing on mobility and allowing the body to recover are recommended approaches ahead of the start line.
Participants experiencing even mild discomfort are advised to prioritise rest, while more significant pain should be assessed by a physiotherapist before race day.
Nutrition timing also plays a role. Guidance suggests a carbohydrate-focused meal two to three hours before the event, followed by a lighter snack closer to the start if needed. Easily digested options such as fruit, toast or simple carbohydrates can help provide accessible energy without placing strain on digestion.
Guidance provided by Brisbane-based healthcare provider GO2 Health, the event’s official health partner, advises runners to reduce training load in the final days, focus on mobility and prioritise recovery ahead of race day.
Photo Credit: Supplied
A growing community event
Run Army has expanded steadily, with organisers noting this year marks its sixth cycle and a milestone as fundraising approaches $1 million for organisations supporting service families.
The program now includes a 2.4km event aimed at younger participants and families, alongside additional challenge formats for those taking on longer distances.
The 2026 event also coincides with the 125th anniversary of the Australian Army, adding further significance to the run.
After the finish
The finish area leads into a recovery zone at the Cultural Forecourt, where water, fruit and post-race support will be available. Presentations are scheduled from 9:00 a.m., bringing the morning’s events to a close.
Participants are encouraged to share their experience using #RunArmyBrisbane, extending the event beyond the course and into the wider community.
With streets set and thousands preparing to take part, South Bank is ready for a morning shaped by movement, preparation and shared effort.
Bradfield Highway at Kangaroo Point will face 11 days of traffic disruptions in April as Brisbane carries out essential maintenance on the Story Bridge, including a 16-hour full closure of the 85-year-old structure.
Closures on the Story Bridge and Bradfield Highway are scheduled from 9pm Thursday, 2 April to 5am Monday, 13 April 2026, covering a combination of single-lane closures and a complete bridge shutdown. The full closure runs from 9pm Saturday, 11 April to 1pm Sunday, 12 April. BCC has timed the works to coincide with the Easter school holiday period, when traffic volumes are typically lower, and with the planned bridge closure for the Tour de Brisbane cycling event.
Photo credit: BCC
Photo credit: Google Street View
BCC reports the bridge handles more than 100,000 vehicle movements daily, in addition to roughly 4,000 pedestrians and cyclists, and is classified as part of the national highway network.
Cr Ryan Murphy, Chair of Infrastructure for BCC, has indicated the current round of maintenance is expected to cost approximately $5 million. Works include concrete slab repairs under the road deck, not visible to road users, as well as general bridge inspections and minor maintenance.
Senior Engineer Guy Connew has outlined additional works covering joint and drain cleaning, steel wash-downs to prevent contaminant build-up, and servicing of the bridge’s thousands of individual greasing points.
The April maintenance works are distinct from the longer-term Story Bridge Restoration project, which remains in the business case development phase. BCC’s website indicates full restoration works are not expected to begin until 2028, subject to funding. A $4.6 million business case is currently being developed jointly with federal authorities, with Cr Murphy advising it is around 70 per cent complete. BCC expects to present it to the federal authorities and Infrastructure Australia by June 2026, after which it will be made public.
The Story Bridge’s footpaths were closed in March 2025 due to safety and structural concerns, though BCC has since completed new footpath decking works, with both footpaths now open. Over the past two decades, Brisbane has invested more than $120 million in maintenance on the structure.
During the April closure period, the eastern footpath will also face temporary night-time closures, with detour signage in place to direct pedestrians, cyclists, and e-mobility riders. Residents planning travel during this period are advised to use the QLDTraffic app, visit qldtraffic.qld.gov.au, or phone 13 19 40 to check conditions before heading out.
Brisbane inner city drivers are paying close to $2.50 a litre for petrol while fuel remains available across most suburbs, even as shortages spread across parts of Queensland and other states.
Across Fortitude Valley, New Farm, Newstead and surrounding inner-city suburbs, petrol prices are now sitting between about 239 and 249 cents per litre, with diesel pushing close to or above 290 cents. The variation between nearby stations can be as much as 10 cents, even within a short drive.
Kangaroo Point and the inner south, including South Bank and West End, are showing similar trends, with petrol mostly around the mid-240s and diesel nearing the $3 mark. These prices reflect a sharp rise over the past week, with national averages also climbing significantly.
Figures from industry data show the average petrol price across Australia rose to about 238 cents per litre, while diesel jumped to more than 282 cents. That has added roughly $9 to $18 to a standard 50-litre fill, placing extra strain on households and small businesses.
Area
U91 Range
Diesel Range
Notes (as of 23 March)
Fortitude Valley
239–249
292–296
widest variation
New Farm / Newstead
238–249
295–299
some cheapest + some expensive
Kangaroo Point
~239
289–292
most stable
South Bank / West End
239–245
290–298
typical inner-south
Source: Petrol Spy
Supply Pressure Felt, But CBD Holding
Despite rising costs, there is no widespread fuel outages in Brisbane’s inner city. Most stations across the CBD and nearby suburbs continue to operate, though some may temporarily run low on certain fuel types.
National figures show 166 service stations across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria have run out of fuel, including dozens in Queensland alone. However, these shortages are spread unevenly and are more common in regional areas than in major city centres.
The supply issue is largely driven by a surge in demand, with more drivers filling up earlier or more often than usual. This has created pressure on distribution networks, even though overall fuel supply into Australia remains steady for now.
As fuel prices climb, city leaders are encouraging residents to leave their cars at home where possible and use public transport instead. Across South East Queensland, fares have been set at an affordable 50 cents, making buses, trains and ferries a cheaper option for daily travel.
The low fare is designed to ease cost pressures on households while also reducing demand for fuel. With more commuters onto public transport, there is also hope it will help ensure supply remains available for essential industries such as farming and freight, which rely heavily on diesel.
Global Tensions Driving Local Costs
The sharp rise in prices has been linked to global supply concerns following conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted key oil shipping routes. About 20 per cent of the world’s oil passes through the affected area, and ongoing instability is pushing wholesale prices higher.
Officials have indicated that while supply is still flowing, prolonged disruption could continue to push prices up, with the possibility of petrol reaching $4 per litre if conditions worsen.
Yet residents are already feeling the impact. Higher fuel costs are affecting daily commutes, small business operations and trade work, where diesel use is high. Even without widespread shortages in the inner city, the rising cost of fuel is changing how and when people travel.
Did you know that Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park is one of the most in-demand sites under Brisbane’s revamped Food Trucks and Coffee Carts in Parks program? Since the scheme launched last year, the cliffs have recorded 68 bookings, placing it in the city’s top five most-frequented food truck locations.
Launched in July 2025, the initiative has expanded where food trucks and coffee carts can legally trade in Brisbane’s parks. Approved trading locations grew from 13 to 98 across the city in less than eight months. By early 2026, the program had logged nearly 2,900 vendor bookings and more than 17,000 hours of trade — figures Brisbane has highlighted in promoting the program.
Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park sits among the top most-booked locations citywide, alongside Wynnum Wading Pool, Elanora Park in Wynnum, Sandgate Foreshores Park, and Les Atkinson Park in Sunnybank.
Photo credit: Martin Wong/Google Maps
Some vendors say the expanded network has worked in their favour. One business owner said the program lets them bring food directly into neighbourhood parks, exactly where they want to be, and that the new booking website has made it easier to access a wider range of locations.
A dedicated platform features an interactive map so residents can find out who’s trading near them on any given day. The system also allows multiple vendors to trade at high-demand sites simultaneously, and includes drive-up sites on Brisbane-controlled roads for added flexibility.
Where It Gets Complicated
Despite the strong numbers, a number of operators say the program’s structure is not working for everyone.
The scheme runs on a three-tier fee model. Traders pay $450, $1,650 or $2,200 per year depending on the level of access they want, plus a $160 application fee that must be renewed annually. Those on the lowest tier have found the available sites are often poorly located, away from the playgrounds and activity hubs that generate foot traffic.
Booking security is another concern. Under the current setup, vendors can reserve sites no more than six weeks ahead of time, with a limit of one booking per site per week. For traders who rely on repeat customers at a fixed location, the model represents a significant change.
One food truck owner, who joined on the entry-level tier, eventually received a pro-rata refund on his licence after the poor quality of available sites became apparent. He noted that the booking system offers no guarantee a vendor can return to the same spot their customers have come to expect.
The website, too, has attracted feedback. Unlike the previous system, which allowed the public to browse all registered vendors at any time, the current site only shows who is trading on a given day. Brisbane has said it is working to incorporate a full vendor list.
A council spokesperson acknowledged the concerns and noted that further changes have already been made, including the addition of more drive-up sites, in response to vendor requests. Sixty-four operators have signed up since July 2025.
With 64 operators signed up and 98 locations now active, the program continues to expand. For locals at Kangaroo Point, the cliffs remain one of the program’s most active sites. Whether the operators behind the trucks feel the system is genuinely working for them may depend on what changes are still to come.
According to Queensland Police Service media, the incident occurred around 1.20pm on 23 January when a 16-year-old boy allegedly rode an e-motorcycle through the tunnel and crashed. The rider was transported to hospital with minor injuries, and no other injuries were reported.
Police allege the teenager was part of a group of juveniles riding e-devices throughout inner Brisbane shortly before the crash occurred.
The incident prompted search warrants at two residential addresses in the following weeks. On 29 January, officers from the Brisbane City Tactical Crime Squad executed a warrant at a Scott Road property in Herston, where they seized a non-compliant e-bike and a mobile phone.
A 15-year-old Herston boy was subsequently charged with publishing material about particular offending behaviour (known as a ‘post and boast’ offence), unlicenced driving, and driving an unregistered and uninsured vehicle. He was dealt with under the Youth Justice Act.
A second search warrant was conducted on 1 February at a Wexford Street address in Kenmore Hills, resulting in the seizure of another allegedly non-compliant e-bike.
The 16-year-old involved in the Clem 7 crash was charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, unlicenced driving, and driving an unregistered and uninsured vehicle. He was also dealt with under Youth Justice Act provisions.
North Brisbane District Inspector Matt Blunn said the seizures send a clear message to both parents and young riders about the consequences of road offences.
“Every guardian and rider have an important obligation to ensure any device ridden is compliant and being used in a safe manner,” Inspector Blunn said in the police statement.
He expressed concern about juveniles operating devices classified as unregistered electric motorcycles on major roads, describing such behaviour as “deeply concerning”.
Inspector Blunn warned that police take these offences seriously and will continue enforcement, engagement and education efforts regarding e-mobility device safety, stating that those who break the law can expect police to follow up.
Information about e-mobility device compliance and safety requirements is available through the Queensland Government’s StreetSmarts website.
Anyone with information about similar incidents can contact Policelink through the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
A dramatic incident unfolded in Kangaroo Point on Friday afternoon when a 31-year-old man allegedly stole two vehicles in quick succession, causing significant traffic disruption on the Story Bridge.
According to Queensland Police, the Woolloongabba man is accused of stealing a black Toyota Yaris from a business on Logan Road in Eight Mile Plains around 11pm on Thursday evening. The vehicle was reportedly driven dangerously through several Brisbane suburbs, including Toowong, Greenslopes and the CBD, before crashing on MacDonald Street in Kangaroo Point at approximately 3pm on Friday.
Police allege that just ten minutes later, the man approached a red Toyota Corolla on Main Street in Kangaroo Point and forcibly removed the 43-year-old female driver from Mango Hill from her vehicle. He then allegedly fled in the stolen Corolla, driving erratically onto the Story Bridge where the vehicle struck multiple other cars before rolling onto its side.
The incident occurred during the afternoon peak hour, causing major traffic delays. Northbound lanes of the Story Bridge remained closed for more than an hour, only reopening around 4.20pm. Traffic congestion persisted well into the evening as motorists sought alternative routes.
The crash timing coincided with school pick-up, affecting students at All Hallows School. Staff moved students to a classroom as a safety precaution, with parents advised to contact their daughters by mobile phone so teachers could coordinate safe collection.
Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics assessed two people at the scene. The alleged offender was detained by police and transported to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital with minor injuries.
The man has been charged with two counts each of unlawful use of a vehicle, driving without a licence, and dangerous operation of a vehicle while affected by an intoxicating substance, along with one count of armed robbery involving violence. He was expected to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Saturday.
New children’s hospital data from South Brisbane showing a sharp rise in serious e-scooter injuries has renewed safety concerns in Kangaroo Point, where residents say busy Green Bridge paths are becoming one of the city’s most dangerous pinch points for riders and pedestrians alike.
Doctors at Queensland Children’s Hospital in South Brisbane had recorded a steep increase in children admitted with serious e-scooter injuries, including head trauma and fractures requiring surgery or intensive care. While the study focused on hospital admissions, clinicians warned the injuries reflect how e-scooters are being used across Brisbane, particularly in high-traffic shared spaces.
Doctors involved in the hospital research said many injured children were riding without helmets or using devices not suited to their age. The injuries they reported were often consistent with high-speed impacts rather than low-level falls, raising broader concerns about how scooters interact with pedestrians in crowded areas.
Those concerns have already surfaced in Kangaroo Point. In June 2025, a Queensland Police data and a parliamentary inquiry into personal mobility devices referenced a submission that specifically mentioned the Green Bridge and the surrounding Kangaroo Point paths. The submission raised issues about fast-moving scooters, limited space on shared paths and devices being left in ways that obstruct walkways.
The Green Bridge has become a key link for commuters, walkers and cyclists, increasing the volume of traffic through narrow riverside paths. Residents say the mix of pedestrians, families and riders travelling at different speeds has heightened the risk of serious crashes.
Injury trend continues despite existing rules
In 2024, emergency department presentations linked to e-scooters were rising across Queensland, even after safety rules were introduced. Doctors warned that falls at speed can cause life-changing injuries, particularly when riders are not wearing helmets or riding in crowded areas.
Police data included in that coverage showed thousands of infringement notices issued for offences such as riding without helmets and carrying passengers. Health experts said enforcement alone has not yet reduced the number of serious injuries presenting at hospitals.
National reporting has echoed concerns that hospital and police data may understate the true scale of e-scooter injuries because not all crashes result in formal treatment or reporting. Doctors believe incidents go unrecorded, particularly near busy urban corridors.
For Kangaroo Point residents, the combination of rising hospital admissions and local warnings about the Green Bridge has sharpened calls for safer behaviour on shared paths. Community members say slowing down in crowded areas, wearing helmets, and keeping footpaths clear would go a long way toward reducing risk before more riders end up in the hospital.
School zone monitoring data has identified Leopard Street in Kangaroo Point as the leading location for speed compliance, with 1.66 million vehicle movements recorded within the posted school zone limit during the most recent reporting period.
The figures were captured as speed awareness monitors, known as SAMs, returned to operation around schools across Brisbane as students resumed classes. The monitors aim to influence driver behaviour by displaying speed feedback in active school zones rather than issuing penalties.
Kangaroo Point Performance
The Leopard Street result stands out among monitored locations, placing Kangaroo Point at the top of compliance outcomes during the reporting period. The data was collected between April and September last year, when traffic volumes were assessed across school-adjacent roads.
Over the same six months, more than 82 million vehicles were recorded citywide. Around half of drivers travelling above the speed limit reduced their speed after encountering monitoring signage.
Dedicated school zone SAMs were first introduced in 2021. There are now 100 units operating near schools, forming part of a broader network of 287 monitors across Brisbane.
Since “Slow for SAM” signage was introduced in 2013, more than 1.4 billion vehicles have passed monitored locations. The program reports an average speed reduction of 6.3 km/h across monitored roads.
The most significant speed improvement during the reporting period occurred on Frasers Road in Ashgrove, where average speeds dropped by 9 km/h in a 50 km/h zone. The highest recorded speed captured through monitoring was 187 km/h in a 60 km/h zone on Nudgee Road, Nundah.
Data collected through the program is not used for enforcement but contributes to road safety planning and driver awareness initiatives.
Photo Credit: BCC
Broader School Safety Measures
Speed awareness monitoring operates alongside other school safety measures, including flashing signs, high-visibility road markings and targeted infrastructure upgrades.
Active travel programs are also continuing, with almost 17,000 students from 30 schools expected to participate in walking and riding initiatives in 2026. Safer School Precinct upgrades are planned or underway across several suburbs, focusing on pedestrian safety, traffic calming and improved connectivity around schools.
Recent monitoring results place Kangaroo Point among the strongest performers for school zone speed compliance, as safety programs continue during the return to peak school travel periods.
