A workplace tragedy unfolded in Hemmant this morning when a crane operator lost his life after the equipment he was operating toppled and became caught in power lines.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:25am at the intersection of Youngs Road and Hemmant-Tingalpa Road. The driver, a 58-year-old man from Albany Creek, was declared deceased at the scene.
Emergency services faced a complex rescue operation as the overturned crane had become entangled in live electrical lines. Queensland Police Senior Sergeant Steve Watterson described the situation as quite challenging, noting that first responders had to wait for power to be shut off before they could safely access the victim.
The power outage affected approximately 340 properties in the surrounding area. Energex crews worked to restore electricity to local homes and businesses once emergency services had secured safe access to the accident site.
Queensland Police’s Forensic Crash Unit attended the scene and deployed drone technology to assist with their examination of the incident. Workplace Health and Safety Queensland inspectors are also conducting their own investigation in partnership with police.
Senior Sergeant Watterson confirmed that investigators are working to determine the circumstances that led to the crane toppling. The investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant footage to come forward. Information can be provided to Policelink at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or by calling 131 444. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au, quoting reference number QP2600387707.
The tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the risks faced by workers in the construction and heavy equipment industries.
A piece of Brisbane river history is in danger of being lost forever after the Kookaburra Queen I was found partially submerged at her mooring in Hemmant, raising urgent questions about the future of one of Queensland’s most recognisable vessels.
The beloved paddleboat, a fixture on the Brisbane River for nearly four decades, is sitting on the bottom near her dock on the eastern stretch of the river, not far from the Morningside and Hemmant foreshore. Efforts to pump water from the hull were reportedly underway, but those familiar with the vessel say the task ahead is daunting, and time may already be running out.
Mystery deepens over how she came to sink
Photo credit: Facebook/Aussie Vibes Daily
Last September, she was listed for auction through Grays auction house and sold for $550,000 to a Gold Coast buyer. Her new owner’s plans for the vessel were never made widely known. That sale, completed just four months ago, is part of why those close to the vessel are so puzzled by what has happened.
A previous owner of the Kookaburra Queen I said he was shocked by the vessel’s condition, telling the media the boat had a solid, quality hull and that he had been on board as recently as a month before the sinking. He said caretakers had been living on board and keeping watch over her, and everything had appeared to be in order. The sudden appearance of the vessel sitting on the riverbed, having apparently been moved from her regular berth, struck him as deeply mysterious.
He described the situation as sad and costly, suggesting that once a wooden hull like hers becomes fully submerged, recovery becomes an enormous and expensive undertaking and may not be feasible.
Maritime Safety Queensland also announced that the vessel was unlikely to pose a threat to other river traffic and was not expected to sink any further. However, authorities had not yet confirmed what kind of salvage operation, if any, might be possible, leaving the boat’s fate firmly up in the air.
About the Kookaburra Queen I
Photo credit: Google Maps/Kookaburra River Queens
Built at Bulimba in 1986 and launched in 1987, the Kookaburra Queen I was originally purpose built to serve as a floating attraction for World Expo ’88, the landmark world’s fair that put Brisbane firmly on the international map. She quickly became a favourite on the river, spending the following decades hosting weddings, corporate events, birthday parties, and tourist cruises for Queenslanders and visitors alike.
At 30.5 metres in length, she was no small operation. The vessel could accommodate more than 300 guests across two main decks, with an observation deck for a further 30 passengers. She boasted two independent dance floors, a commercial grade kitchen with cold room, eight bathrooms, and a PA system, everything you needed for a proper Brisbane celebration on the water.
The Kookaburra Queen I proved resilient over the years. She survived the catastrophic 2011 Queensland floods and continued operating in the years that followed. But the 2022 floods dealt a more serious blow, and the vessel was forced to cease commercial operations following that damage.
A community landmark in uncertain waters
For residents of Morningside, Hemmant, and the surrounding suburbs, the Kookaburra Queen I is more than a boat. She is a memory, the venue for a first date, a wedding reception, a retirement party, a school formal. Seeing her partially swallowed by the Brisbane River is difficult to watch.
Her sister vessel, the Kookaburra Queen II, features a classic paddlewheel more reminiscent of 19th century Mississippi and Murray River steamers. Its current operational status was not confirmed at time of publishing.
Whether she can be salvaged, restored, or whether this week marks the quiet end of a forty year chapter on the Brisbane River, remains to be seen. For now, she rests on the riverbed at Hemmant, and the community is waiting for answers.
A Hemmant industrial site is set to transform into a high-tech riverside village under a new proposal that combines boat storage with community lifestyle spaces.
Frank Developments, led by developer Frank Licastro, recently lodged plans for the project known as Brisbane Marina. The proposal targets a three-hectare area zoned for general industry that sits along a 430-metre stretch of the Brisbane River.
The project aims to shift the focus of the eastern riverfront from strictly industrial work to a mix of business, technology, and leisure. The site is located about 15 minutes from both the Brisbane CBD and the Port of Brisbane.
The development plans introduce advanced marine technology to the area. If approved, the marina would be the first in the city to feature autonomous berthing, which allows vessels to dock without manual steering. The scheme also includes a dedicated landing bay for drones and a marine hub equipped for electric vehicles.
Boating facilities are a central part of the design. The precinct is set to offer more than 70 private berths designed for boats ranging from 15 to 20 metres in length. These wet berths will be supported by a ship lift, onsite fuel, and access to shipmaster services 24 hours a day. The site also includes parking for 288 cars to support visitors and workers.
The vision for the site moves away from the look of a standard shipping yard. The design firm BYculprit created a plan that borrows from the style of classic boatsheds. The buildings will feature sawtooth rooflines, bronze-coloured panels, and natural timber to create what the developers call a luxury industrial look.
Frank Licastro noted that the project is designed to be a working village where people can work and relax in the same place. He explained that the city’s waterfronts are evolving into active precincts rather than just industrial edges. To support this lifestyle approach, the plans include 67 workstores of various sizes. The precinct will also feature wellness zones with gyms and saunas, event spaces, and public boardwalks along the river to connect the work areas with the water.
Brown and Hurley expanded its operations with a new full-service facility in Hemmant, supporting transport operators working near the Port of Brisbane.
The dealership group opened a new branch at 21 Inghams Place, Hemmant, on Monday, 1 September 2025. The site became a complete destination for truck sales, servicing, and parts. Brown and Hurley described the move as a step that would make its services more accessible to freight operators moving goods through the Port of Brisbane precinct.
Strategic Location
The Hemmant site is positioned just off the Port of Brisbane Motorway (M4) and only three minutes from Junction 102. This location provided straightforward access for heavy vehicles travelling to and from the port, one of Australia’s busiest gateways for freight and logistics. The positioning was highlighted as a key factor in reducing travel time for operators who rely on efficient turnaround to meet delivery schedules.
The facility was established to include a stocked parts department with genuine components, a service centre staffed by experienced technicians, and truck sales with full aftersales support. By offering these services under one roof, the Hemmant branch was set up to provide what the dealership described as a “one-stop destination” for transport businesses.
Photo Credit: Brown and Hurley/Facebook
Business Context
Brown and Hurley has maintained a strong presence across Queensland for decades, and the Hemmant branch added to this network. The group said the expansion showed its focus on investing in areas with high demand, particularly logistics corridors that play a central role in the state’s freight movement.
According to Brown and Hurley, the new Hemmant facility was more than just an additional branch. The company said it reflected a longer-term commitment to transport operators by improving access to parts and services where they were most needed. By opening in the Port of Brisbane precinct, the dealership aimed to build stronger ties with customers and provide reliability and convenience for businesses operating in one of the state’s busiest freight hubs.
Canberra Street in Hemmant carries a profound maritime legacy, serving as a lasting tribute to one of Australia’s most significant naval vessels from the Great War era. This Brisbane street of remembrance stands as a testament to the courage and sacrifice of those who served aboard His Majesty’s Australian Transport ships during World War I.
With 70% of properties being owner-occupied and residents staying an average of 11 years and 8 months, the street demonstrates strong community attachment despite being shorter in tenure compared to some Brisbane streets. This commitment to the area is reflected in the fact that 45% of residents have called Canberra Street home for more than a decade, creating a stable neighbourhood foundation that honours its commemorative heritage.
Streets of Remembrance
Canberra Street honours the SS Canberra, one of His Majesty’s Australian Transports (HMAT) ships that played a crucial role in Australia’s World War I military operations. The SS Canberra was part of a specialised fleet of transport ships leased by the Commonwealth government for the specific purpose of transporting Australian Imperial Force formations to their overseas destinations. When not committed to military transport duties, these vessels served the war effort by carrying commodity exports to Britain and France.
The SS Canberra was a substantial vessel, weighing 7,707 tonnes with an average cruise speed of 16 knots (31 kilometres per hour). Owned by Australian Steamships Ltd (Howard Smith) of Melbourne, it was among the fleet comprising both British ships and captured German vessels repurposed for Australia’s war effort. These transport ships were instrumental in moving Australian forces across the globe, connecting our shores to distant battlefields and ensuring our military personnel could answer the call to serve alongside Allied forces.
Canberra St, Hemmant Residents
NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 42 (12 houses, 30 others) % OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 70% AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 11 years, 8 months % OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 45%
Canberra St, Hemmant – As It Looked in 1936
Canberra St, Hemmant in 1936
SOME RECENT SALES ON CANBERRA ST, HEMMANT
Property Address
Sale Price
Sale Date
97 Canberra Street, Hemmant
$1,100,000
Dec 2024
SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON CANBERRA ST FROM YESTERYEAR
Property Address
Sale Price
Sale Date
111 Canberra Street, Hemmant
$470,000
Aug 2002
11 Canberra Street, Hemmant
$280,000
Sep 1996
105 Canberra Street, Hemmant
$30,000
Jun 1994
SUBURB PROFILE
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Hemmant in 2025 was $815,000 The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Hemmant in 2021 was $500,000 TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3-BEDROOM HOUSE IN HEMMANT SINCE 2021: $315,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Hemmant in 2025 was $1,016,000 The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Hemmant in 2021 was $557,000 TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4-BEDROOM HOUSE IN HEMMANT SINCE 2021: $459,000
If you know Canberra St, Hemmant well and you have some anecdotes or details to add about this street of remembrance, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.
Health authorities have identified Hemmant as one of several Queensland locations at increased risk of the Japanese encephalitis virus due to recent flooding.
parents to remain vigilant over mosquito-borne illnesses, particularly Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). Hemmant has been identified as a key location where the virus has been detected in mosquito samples.
Mosquito surveillance and testing have intensified across the state. The virus has also been confirmed in humans, including a Brisbane man who died in hospital last month, making it Queensland’s second JEV-related death this year.
Floodwaters Create Breeding Grounds
Heavy rainfall and flooding across Queensland have led to extensive stagnant water. Stagnant water is ideal for mosquito breeding. Experts warn that increased mosquito activity increases the likelihood of virus transmission.
JEV is spread by mosquitoes that have fed on infected pigs or waterbirds. It does not transmit between people or through eating pork but can cause serious illness. Symptoms may include fever, vomiting and headaches. In some cases, brain inflammation may occur.
Parents planning outdoor activities or camping with their children over the holidays should take precautions. DEET or Picaridin repellents, protective clothing, and mosquito-proof sleeping arrangements are highly recommended. Queensland Health has tested over 1,500 mosquito traps since July as part of its surveillance program.
Free Vaccine Access for Hemmant Residents
Free vaccinations are now available for eligible individuals living in, working in, or planning to visit the suburb. Vaccines are accessible at more than 100 providers across Queensland, including certain GPs, pharmacies, and community clinics. Although the vaccine is free, some clinics may charge a consultation fee.
Japanese encephalitis is less common than other mosquito-borne viruses, but its impact can be severe. With more families spending time outdoors during the break, health officials are urging heightened awareness and preventive action.
Health authorities issued warnings and increased surveillance after the potentially deadly Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) was detected in mosquitoes in Hemmant.
Health Authorities Confirm First JEV Detection in Brisbane
Queensland Health has confirmed that routine mosquito surveillance programs detected the presence of JEV in Hemmant. The discovery has raised concerns about the spread of the virus, particularly following the recent wet conditions brought by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
JEV virus spreads through mosquito bites. The virus is transmitted to mosquitoes after they feed on infected pigs or wading birds. Once infected, mosquitoes can pass the virus to humans through a bite.
Chief Health Officer Dr Heidi Carroll has urged residents to take precautions against mosquito bites. She discussed that most JEV-infected individuals experience mild or no symptoms. However, severe cases can result in fever, headaches, vomiting, and, in rare instances, life-threatening neurological complications.
Increased Risk Following Recent Flooding
The detection of JEV in Hemmant follows concerns that Queensland’s recent flooding has created the mosquitoes’ ideal breeding conditions. Dr Carroll emphasised that pooled water from the floods has contributed to rising mosquito populations. Residents are urged to eliminate standing water around their homes.
JEV has previously been detected in the Goondiwindi and North Burnett regions. The recent positive mosquito samples were also recorded in the Darling Downs and Wide Bay areas.
Preventative Measures and Vaccination Efforts
Queensland Health is ramping up efforts to connect impacted residents with JEV vaccinations. City official David Crisafulli assured there is no immediate cause for alarm. He also confirmed that they are working with health authorities to determine vaccine eligibility for at-risk groups.
The JEV vaccine is available at over 100 vaccination providers across Queensland, including selected general practitioners, pharmacies, and community immunisation centres. It is free for eligible Queenslanders; however, some providers may charge a consultation fee.
At-risk individuals are encouraged to vaccinate. These include piggery workers, veterinarians, and transport workers handling pigs. Prevention remains the best defence. Residents are advised to use mosquito repellents with DEET or picaridin. Wearing protective clothing and using insecticide vaporisers or coils outdoors is highly recommended.
JEV vaccination announcement for Brisbane residents should come soon from Dr Carroll. In the meantime, health officials continue to monitor mosquito populations. They will also conduct further surveillance to assess the extent of the virus’s spread. For more information on JEV and vaccine eligibility, visit the Queensland Health website.
Did you know that Hemmant Cemetery is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year? Established in March 1874, this historic site has served as a final resting place for generations of Brisbane residents. Here’s a look back at the cemetery’s rich history.
The first burial at Hemmant Cemetery took place in 1875, in a section that reflected the aesthetic of the Victorian era. During this time, cemeteries were carefully designed with elaborate monuments that carried deep symbolism—broken columns signifying a life cut short, upside-down torches representing extinguished life, and wreaths symbolising eternal remembrance. Grieving women carved into stone watched over the deceased, adding to the mournful beauty of the site.
Spanning approximately 14.5 hectares, Hemmant Cemetery was thoughtfully laid out with 10 individual sections, each carefully kerbed and grassed. Roadways were flanked by lush green trees and selected shrubs, providing a serene atmosphere for visitors. The preservation of indigenous tree avenues between burial sections further enhanced the sense of solitude and reflection. A shrine of remembrance was later constructed, along with modern facilities to accommodate the needs of mourners.
A Place of History and Reflection
Photo credit: Brendan McBain/Google Maps
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the heritage-listed Hemmant Cemetery holds historical significance as one of the few surviving remnants of the area’s development in the late 19th century. It remains a highly visible landmark at Tingalpa Road, demonstrating the transition of cemetery designs from traditional burial grounds to the Victorian ‘mortuary park’ style. This particular cemetery design, developed throughout the Western world in the early 19th century, sought to create tranquil environments for remembrance and reflection.
For the first 55 years of its operation, respected members of the Brisbane community served as trustees, overseeing daily operations and future planning. The cemetery’s development took a new turn in 1930 when Council took ownership of all cemeteries within the city, including Hemmant.
By 1949, major changes were introduced, including two new sections designed to accommodate 3,000 graves. The ‘Garden of Rest’ was introduced in 1952-3, offering a peaceful, sylvan setting for burials.
The Hemmant Cemetery office, constructed in 1951, remains in use today, having undergone internal refurbishment in 2021. Despite modernisations, the cemetery continues to honour its historical roots while providing a dignified resting place for the people of Brisbane.
As Hemmant Cemetery marks its 150th year, it stands as a remarkable heritage site—bridging the past with the present, offering a place of solace, and preserving the legacy of those who came before us.
Hani Watson, a 41-year-old powerlifter from Hemmant, is set to debut for the green and gold in the weightlifting meet of the Paralympic Games in Paris.
Watson will compete in the women’s over 86kg category on 8 September at 10:00 p.m. local time at La Chapelle Arena.
While her immediate goal is to secure a golden finish at Paris 2024, she has aspirations that go beyond a single competition. Looking ahead, she also aims to compete at the home Paralympic Games in Brisbane 2032.
The competition in the women’s over 86kg category will be fierce. Watson will face off against some of the strongest women in the world, including Nigeria’s Folashade Oluwafemiayo, who holds the Elite World Record with a lift of 165kg, and the defending Tokyo gold medallist Xuemei Deng of China.
About Hani Watson
Hani Watson, born with bilateral metaphyseal dysplasia, has faced significant challenges from a young age. This condition caused her leg bones to bow, leading to multiple surgeries throughout her life. Her resilience was deeply influenced by her late mother, who encouraged her with the words, “Don’t give up,” before passing away from metastatic breast cancer. This advice has been a guiding force for Hani, especially as she trained intensely for the Paralympics.
Her training was supported by her high school principal, who provided her with keys to the gym, allowing her to maintain focus and direction during difficult times. Hani, alongside Ben Wright, marks a significant moment as they are the first Australian powerlifters to compete in the Paralympic Games in over a decade.
The journey to Paris has been long and challenging, but Watson’s sights are firmly set on bringing home gold and making her mark in Paralympic powerlifting history.
With the Paralympics in full swing, schedule changes remain possible. For the latest updates and information, check out the official Paralympics website.
As the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games approaches, Australia’s para-athletes are gearing up for their moment on the world stage. Among them is Hemmant resident Hani Watson, a rising star in para-powerlifting who has quickly become a force to be reckoned with in the sport.
Para-powerlifting, also known as para-lifting, is an adaptation of powerlifting for athletes with disabilities. In Paralympic competition, the discipline focuses solely on the bench press, showcasing incredible upper body strength and technique.
Photo credit: Hani Watson/Facebook
Watson’s journey to the Paralympics is nothing short of remarkable. Born with bilateral metaphyseal dysplasia, a condition that affected the development of her leg bones, she underwent multiple surgeries throughout her childhood. However, it was her father Charlie, a bodybuilder, who instilled in her a love for strength training and a belief in her abilities.
Photo credit: Hani Watson/Facebook
Rapid Rise to International Competition
This mindset propelled Watson into competitive powerlifting in 2018. Under the guidance of Australian para-powerlifting coach Simon Bergner, she made rapid progress. In 2021, just three years after beginning her competitive journey, Watson was representing Australia on the international stage at the World Championships in Georgia, breaking an Oceania record and finishing eighth overall.
Photo credit: Hani Watson/Facebook
Watson’s breakthrough moment came at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. There, she ended Australia’s 16-year medal drought in the sport, claiming bronze in the women’s heavyweight division with an impressive lift of 127 kg – nearly 30 kg more than her own body weight. This achievement echoed the last Australian medal in the sport, won by Darren Gardiener at the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games.
Eyes on Paralympic Glory
Photo credit: Hani Watson/Facebook
Now, with the Paris Paralympics on the horizon, Watson has her sights set on the ultimate prize. The para-powerlifting events are scheduled for September 4-8, and Watson is determined to make her mark.
Watson’s rapid rise in the sport is even more impressive considering she balances her training with a full-time career as a hospital manager. Her dedication and success serve as an inspiration to aspiring para-athletes across Australia and beyond.
As the Paralympic movement continues to grow, Watson’s story highlights the evolving landscape of para-sports. Weightlifting first appeared as a Paralympic event in Tokyo in 1964, with powerlifting making its debut 20 years later. It wasn’t until the Sydney Games in 2000 that women’s powerlifting was finally included in the Paralympic program.
When the cauldron is lit on 28 August 2024, at the Place de la Concorde in Paris, Hani Watson will be among the 4,400 athletes from around the world ready to showcase their talents. Her journey from Brisbane to Paris is a testament to the power of perseverance, family support, and the transformative nature of para-sports.
