Brisbane River Archives - Kangaroo Point News

Children’s Hospital Injury Data Puts Green Bridge E-Scooter Risks in Focus

Photo Credit: Wikimedia/Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International

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.

Green Bridge identified as a local risk area

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.

Published 3-Feb-2026

Kangaroo Point Berths Turn Into Homes as Brisbane Rents Stay High

Photo Credit: Dockside Marina/Facebook

About a third of the boats tied up at Dockside Marina in Kangaroo Point are now lived in full-time, according to the marina’s manager, as some Brisbane residents look beyond apartments for a place they can afford close to the city.

Dockside Marina manager Ken Allsop has seen more people living at the marina in recent years, and he estimates around one-third of the docked boats are now used as permanent homes. Reports cited that residents are making use of shared marina facilities such as bathrooms, showers and laundry, which can help make long-term stays workable in small cabins.

Dockside Marina promotes its berths as an inner-city option at Kangaroo Point. One resident was described as moving from a house to an apartment, then onto a 1966 boat after deciding unit living did not suit him. His monthly marina fees included basics such as power and water. However, there are practical limits to boat life, including cramped space, low headroom, tight storage, and ongoing maintenance issues that can interrupt day-to-day routines.

Rents and Prices Remain High

New figures help explain why some people are exploring unusual housing choices. Domain’s Rental Report for the December 2025 quarter put Brisbane’s median rent at $670 a week for houses and $650 a week for units, with quarterly rises in both categories.

Cotality’s national rental analysis has also pointed to tight conditions, including low vacancy and strong rent growth over five years. While those figures are national, they reflect the broader strain many renters feel in high-demand markets.

Buying a home has not become an easy alternative for many households. Reports stated that Queensland’s housing market continued rising into December, with Brisbane values increasing while affordability stayed a challenge.

*Photo Credit: Dockside Marina/Facebook*

Boat Life Has Limits

Living aboard can reduce some weekly housing costs, but it can also bring extra work and unexpected expenses. Full-time boat living has its trade-offs, balancing potential savings with ongoing upkeep, including maintenance demands that can be heavier on older vessels.

In Kangaroo Point, boat living can be both practical and personal. Residents who saw the move as a lifestyle change as well as a way to manage costs, while also acknowledging the limits of space and the reality of repairs.

Living aboard is not the same everywhere. Some marinas set conditions and require approval for liveaboards, covering issues such as safety and the use of facilities.

Published 28-Jan-2026

Remembering the Gustnado on the Brisbane River One Year On

Photo Credit: Brisbane Live/YouTube screengrab

A swirling column of wind twisted briefly above the Brisbane River, capturing the attention of onlookers and weather watchers as a violent storm swept across the city. What many believed was a “mini tornado” turned out to be a small but complex weather event. It sparked debate among meteorologists and highlighted the power and unpredictability of Queensland’s storm season.

The dramatic scene unfolded on 1 November 2024, around 4:00 p.m., when a powerful supercell thunderstorm moved across South East Queensland, unleashing hailstones up to seven centimetres wide, uprooting trees, and injuring at least one person.

Amid intense rain and strong winds, a vortex appeared over the river near Kangaroo Point, twisting above the water as cameras captured the spectacle from multiple vantage points.

Storm Over Brisbane: A Violent Afternoon

The weather system responsible for the event was fuelled by a moist and unstable airmass, combined with a southeasterly wind change pushing up the coast. This created the conditions for a supercell thunderstorm, a type of storm with a rotating core that can generate some of the most severe weather in Australia.

By the time it reached Brisbane, the system had already produced 99 millimetres of rain in Cooroy in just 24 hours and caused damage across parts of the southeast.

As it swept into the city, strong winds felled trees and scattered debris. A man was injured when a falling tree struck him near the riverfront. Yet it was the swirling column of air over the Brisbane River that captured the city’s attention, prompting debate over what exactly had formed above the water.

Gustnado or Tornado? The Debate

While many observers initially believed they had witnessed a tornado, meteorologists at the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) concluded that the feature was most likely a gustnado, or a short-lived whirlwind generated by turbulent winds along the gust front of a thunderstorm.

According to BoM meteorologist Angus Hines, tornadoes develop when rotation inside the storm extends downward from the cloud base. At the same time, gustnados originate near the ground and are not directly connected to the storm’s main updraft. They tend to be brief and weaker than tornadoes but can still cause localised damage, as seen at Kangaroo Point.

However, some weather enthusiasts analysing footage of the event questioned whether it might have been a weak, anticyclonic tornado — a rare type that spins in the opposite direction to most Southern Hemisphere storms. They pointed to signs of rotation within the cloud base. They noted that the vortex appeared to form behind the rear flank downdraft (RFD) gust front, where tornadoes often develop, rather than on the leading edge, where gustnados typically occur.

Further complicating the picture was the storm’s structure. The supercell’s core rotated cyclonically (clockwise), but the vortex spun anticlockwise. This rotation pattern aligns with gustnado dynamics but has also been documented in rare tornado cases. Research from the NOAA confirms that anticyclonic vortices can occur in cyclonically rotating supercells, though they are uncommon.

A Reminder of Queensland’s Storm Season

Whether gustnado or rare tornado, the Brisbane River vortex underscored the volatility of Queensland’s storm season and the need for awareness as the region moves deeper into spring and summer. Gustnados, while typically less intense than tornadoes, can form suddenly and without warning, posing risks to people and property.

Although Queensland is better known for tropical cyclones, supercell thunderstorms, and the dramatic phenomena they sometimes produce, are not unusual in the region.

Residents who saw the swirling column above the river said this was a striking reminder of nature’s power. Lasting only moments, it nevertheless became part of the city’s shared memory — a fleeting event that left scientists, storm chasers, and the community alike talking long after the skies had cleared.

Published 13-Oct-2025

Brisbane Couple Turns to Dockside Marina Living to Beat Rising Rents

Photo Credit: Dockside Marina/Facebook

During a conversation with Nat and Shirvo on Sunrise on Tuesday, Grant and Louise Cause recounted how they have found a way to sidestep the housing crisis by swapping a traditional apartment for life on a $250,000 houseboat, cutting their weekly housing costs by hundreds of dollars while enjoying river views and a close-knit community.

From Rising Rents to River Living

About 18 months ago, the couple moved onto a houseboat at the Dockside Marina, after rent increases across Queensland made city living too costly. They wanted a long-term solution that fit their budget and lifestyle.

After researching options, they decided to buy a houseboat as an affordable asset. Docked at Dockside Marina, they pay about $500 a week in mooring fees )which include electricity and water), plus maintenance and insurance. A comparable apartment nearby costs around $700 a week, giving them an annual saving of about $10,400.

Living on the Water

The Causes describe their houseboat as a two-bedroom home with modern amenities and laundry facilities. They said they have settled easily into life on the river and enjoy its peaceful rhythm.

The move has given them better access to public transport and city activities. Louise Cause said the marina community has been one of the best parts of their new lifestyle. They have formed friendships with neighbours who share the same appreciation for river living.

A Housing Market Under Pressure

The couple’s move comes as housing prices across Australia continue to rise. Property data shows national home values grew by 0.6 per cent in July, marking six straight months of increases. The median home price now sits at about $927,000 in capital cities and $689,000 in regional areas.

With recent rate cuts from the Reserve Bank, experts expect further price growth. In this climate, options like houseboats, tiny homes, and shared living are attracting more Brisbane residents seeking affordable housing.

Life at Dockside Marina

Dockside Marina sits on the Brisbane River and provides permanent berths with power, water, and waste services. Residents describe it as peaceful and convenient, with easy access to the CBD and Kangaroo Point.

For the Causes, living there has become more than a short-term fix. They plan to stay long-term, valuing the financial relief and strong community connection.

Source: 7NEWS. Click to find the original article here: ‘Brisbane couple reveal the creative way they save $10,000 a year in rent amid Australia’s housing crisis. (7-October-2025)’

Published 9-October-2025

Public Divided Over Kangaroo Point Flying Fox Proposal

Photo Credit: Vertigo

Public opinion is divided over a proposal to build a wheelchair-accessible flying fox across the Brisbane River, linking Kangaroo Point with the CBD.

Public Reaction and Background

The concept of a flying fox at Kangaroo Point is not new. Brisbane tourism operator John “Sharpey” Sharpe first floated the idea in 2004 and has continued to pursue it as part of the city’s tourism offerings. The plan has now been revived through the Destination 2045 Tourism Icons Investment Fund, which has $80 million set aside for approved projects.

The attraction would involve participants being harnessed to a dual-line system for a glide from the Kangaroo Point cliffs to the city, with the return trip via the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge, which opened on 15 December 2024. Sharpe has described it as the world’s first flying fox designed from the outset for wheelchair users, drawing on earlier adaptive systems used in his Vertigo dining experience.

While the proposal has been under development for years, the announcement that it could be ready ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games has reignited debate. Supporters welcomed the concept as a step toward positioning Brisbane as a leading adventure destination, while critics voiced concerns about its practicality and relevance.

flying fox proposal — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Community Sentiment

Supporters have praised the project as an exciting addition that would showcase inclusivity and create a unique tourism experience. Some online comments described it as “cool” and “awesome,” while others said they hoped it would go ahead.

Critics raised safety concerns, questioning what would happen in the event of a fall and pointing to the condition of the Brisbane River, with references to debris, water quality, and wildlife. Others said the proposal was unnecessary, arguing funds should instead be directed to infrastructure improvements such as roads and bridges.

Questions were also raised about why the idea, first proposed in 2004, had not been realised sooner.

Kangaroo Point flying fox — *Photo Credit: Space4cyclingbne/Facebook*

Accessibility and Engineering

Accessibility is central to the design, with features intended to allow wheelchair users to take part safely and comfortably. The plan builds on the success of adaptive systems developed for the Vertigo restaurant at Brisbane Powerhouse, where a liftable wheelchair was created to give mobility-impaired guests access to the suspended dining platforms.

Early engineering work has already been undertaken, including assessments to avoid vegetation removal along the Kangaroo Point cliffs. Sharpe has also outlined additional ideas for the precinct, including a climbing “sky ladder” and a high ropes course.

Timeline and Next Steps

The flying fox proposal will require consultation, environmental assessment, and statutory approvals before it can proceed. Sharpe has indicated he wants the attraction operating years ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Games, to ensure adequate preparation and operational experience.

Published 30-Sep-2025

Toll Considered as Story Bridge Faces Expensive Restoration

Kangaroo Point’s iconic Story Bridge could soon see tolls return for the first time in nearly 80 years, as the city faces a multi-million-dollar restoration challenge to keep the ageing structure safe for future use.

Read: Story Bridge Footpaths Closure Forces Thousands into Difficult Commute

An independent review has revealed the scale of the challenge ahead, suggesting that a full restoration is essential to keep the bridge safely operational for future generations. However, the price tag attached to this restoration is well beyond the financial means of Brisbane alone.

In response, several funding options are being considered, including a revival of tolls, which haven’t been seen on the bridge since the 1940s. Other ideas on the table include a coordinated funding approach between council, state and federal governments, the introduction of a special rates levy, or support from corporate sponsorship.

“In recent years, we’ve invested $80 million in critical restoration work. But with 42% of bridge traffic coming from outside Brisbane, it’s only fair that other levels of government pitch in,” said Cr Adrian Schrinner.

While the return of tolls would be unpopular with many commuters, it remains one of the few viable ways to fund the extensive works required.

The committee tasked with assessing the bridge’s condition also found urgent repairs needed for its pedestrian pathways. A recent structural review—conducted after a tropical cyclone—uncovered more severe damage than previously understood, with water seeping through parts of the concrete structure.

Despite years of ongoing maintenance, experts believe the bridge has reached a point where only a large-scale restoration can guarantee its future. The task ahead is not just one of engineering, but also of political and financial cooperation. Without a committed partnership across levels of government and community support, one of Brisbane’s most recognisable landmarks may face a very different future—possibly one with toll booths once again.

Read: Veteran Police Officer Injured on Story Bridge: Community Rallies with Fundraiser

As the city considers its options, the Story Bridge remains a powerful symbol—not just of Brisbane’s past, but also of the tough choices needed to secure its infrastructure for the years to come.

Published 13-May-2025

Kangaroo Point to Gain Clifftop Apartments Under New Proposal

Photo Credit: DA A006638536

A new eight-storey boutique apartment building proposal has been submitted for the development planned for 14 and 24 Paton Street. The proposal would build 18 units on a 963-square-metre site overlooking the Brisbane River.

Rodrigues Property Group is behind the project, which acquired the two adjoining lots in 2022 and 2023 for $4.5 million. Designs by HAL Architects show a mix of two- and three-bedroom apartments, with parking for 37 cars and 21 bicycles in the basement.

This new proposal replaces a previous plan for two smaller, five-storey buildings comprising only four apartments each. The developers have stated that the previous design was no longer financially viable due to rising construction costs.

While exceeding the current height limit for the area, the new design is being presented as a performance-based outcome that improves construction efficiency and site planning.

The developers argue that the project aligns with the Kangaroo Point Neighbourhood Plan and the Brisbane Housing Supply Action Plan, encouraging inner-city development to address housing shortages.

If approved, the development will replace two existing houses on the site.

Published Date 29-October-2024

Mysterious Mass Deaths Along Brisbane River: Kangaroo Point’s Perplexing Enigma

Hundreds of dead fish and crustaceans have mysteriously appeared along the banks of the Brisbane River, prompting concerns among residents and fish experts. This unsettling phenomenon was observed at various locations, including Kangaroo Pont, Milton, West End and Indooroopilly, casting a cloud of uncertainty over the river’s health.

Whilst government officials initially suggested alternative causes, renowned fish expert and University of Queensland associate professor Ian Tibbetts has raised concerns of a toxic spill as the more probable culprit.

Despite recent heavy rainfall and subsequent freshwater spillovers, the deceased species, which include mullet, bream, catfish, and even some mud crabs, are known for their resilience to freshwater conditions.

Professor Tibbetts emphasised, however, that this incident is “not directly related to the recent flooding.” This revelation has intensified worries about localised contamination or a toxic event in the area.

Passers-by and residents were the first to encounter this perplexing spectacle on Thursday 1 Feb 2024, as dead fish and crustaceans were found stranded amidst rocks and in the river waters. The incident has been reported to the authorities. The Department of Environment, Science, and Innovation is actively investigating these reports.

They suspect low dissolved oxygen levels due to recent heavy rain, possibly washing organic matter into the Brisbane River, as a potential cause for the deaths. However, the investigation is ongoing, leaving the mystery of the mass deaths unresolved for now.

In light of these events, authorities advise residents and fishers to exercise caution and avoid touching or consuming any of the deceased animals found along the riverbanks.

Published 6-Feb-2024

New Kangaroo Point Green Bridge: A Feat of Engineering

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council

The construction of the new Kangaroo Point Green Bridge has reached a significant milestone with the successful installation of a 95-metre-high tower mast.

The operation was carried out by Marr’s heavy-duty tower crane, a 330-tonne Favelle Favco M2480D, which was installed on a platform in the middle of the Brisbane River.

The crane, equipped with a 64-metre jib, can lift its maximum capacity at a 15-metre radius, or take 100 tonnes to a 45-metre radius with a hook height of around 130 metres. This impressive lifting capacity enabled it to hoist the 25-metre-high, 180-tonne prefabricated steel masthead to a height of 95 metres.

The mast is the heaviest lift to be undertaken on the project, where the crane has already completed more than 10 major lifts during the first 12 months of the job.

The contract to build the bridge was awarded in 2021 to Connect Brisbane, a Besix Watpac led consortium. The consortium involved Marr at an early stage in the design phase, to develop a lifting strategy that supported their preferred construction methods for the project.

Project director, Rowan Riggall, praised the in-house engineering team for identifying the M2480D as the most suitable crane in the Australian market capable of lifting the fully assembled masthead.

Managing director, Simon Marr, highlighted the benefits of modularised construction with fewer, heavier lifts, stating it not only helps to deliver a safer, more productive site, but also allows the client to share the economic benefit delivered by the project.

The new bridge, an initiative of Brisbane City Council, will be an iconic landmark destination connecting Brisbane’s Central Business District with the eastern suburbs. At a length of 460 metres, the bridge will be among the longest span cable stay pedestrian and cycle bridges in the world. Construction is due to be completed in 2024.

More than 240 metres of the Bridge’s spans have been installed, passing the halfway mark across the Brisbane River. The cost of the project was initially estimated at $190 million but has been revised a few times and is now $299 million.

This project represents a significant achievement in engineering and construction, and is a testament to the innovation and dedication of all parties involved.

Published 26-January-2024

GoBoat Picnic Boats Now Available in Kangaroo Point

Did you know that GoBoat has finally launched its fleet of new eco-friendly picnic boats at Dockside Marina in Kangaroo Point? The best part? They’re pet-friendly!

GoBoat, a boating company from Denmark, has finally released its series of Scandinavian-designed picnic boats across the Brisbane River, and now that they’re open to the public, all of Brisbane is invited to come give them a spin — no licence required.

Though construction isn’t finished for their upcoming permanent venue along Breakfast Creek, the company has opened a limited-time pop-up venue at Dockside Marina in Kangaroo Point to give Queensland a taste of what the vessels this Danish company has to offer.

These boats have been designed to be eco-friendly and environmentally sustainable. Their German electric engines do not produce any smog, nor do they make loud and disruptive noises — a combination which makes for a peaceful cruise down the Brisbane River.

Each boat stands 18 feet long, fashioned from recycled materials such as reclaimed wood and PET bottles. Shading will be installed to shield those aboard from the elements.

Those interested in renting the boats can do so for the price of $109 an hour, $189 for two hours, and $229 for three hours. Food, beer, and other beverages from outside can all be brought aboard these boats, and customers are allowed to bring their pets along for the ride. Up to eight passengers will be able to fit in a single vessel which makes these boats ideal for group picnics.

Though the official launch of GoBoat Brisbane in their permanent site at Breakfast Creek has yet to be announced, their pop-up placeholder is located at Dockside Marina at 44 Ferry St, Kangaroo Point. For more information, visit their website here. Follow their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and announcements concerning the upcoming picnic boats.