Hemmant Archives - Morningside News

Hemmant Copper Theft Suspect Faces 30 Charges After Nine-Month Alleged Spree

A Thorneside man is facing 30 charges over a string of alleged copper thefts from an Anton Road property in Hemmant, with police alleging the incidents played out across nearly nine months last year and into 2026.

Queensland Police say the 50-year-old allegedly entered the site without authorisation on seven separate occasions between 8 September 2025 and 8 June 2026, each time making off with copper wiring. The stolen material was then allegedly sold to a separate business — a detail that forms the basis of several fraud-related charges against him.

The full charge sheet is a weighty one: ten counts of entering premises to commit an indictable offence, six counts of fraud relating to refunds for stolen goods, and five counts of stealing. He has been remanded in custody and is due before the Cleveland Magistrates Court on 2 July 2026.

The case comes as copper theft continues to be a persistent problem across Queensland. Queensland Police have recorded around 200 copper theft cases since early 2025, a figure that prompted the state government to act. Legislation tabled in Parliament earlier this year proposes tighter controls on the scrap-metal trade, including mandatory dealer registration and a ban on cash transactions to prevent anonymous sales.

Under the proposed laws, two new offences would be created — one for attempting to steal metal and another for possessing metal reasonably suspected to be stolen — and all transactions involving scrap metal would need to be recorded in a register, with dealers required to ask for photo ID.

The push for reform has been backed by local governments grappling with the financial toll of repeated theft. Moreton Bay City Council Mayor Peter Flannery has described copper theft as a “criminal scourge” that has repeatedly plunged streets and sporting clubs into darkness, with millions of dollars in ratepayer funds spent on repairs.

Anyone with information about suspicious activity can contact Policelink via the online form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting, available around the clock. To report anonymously, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Published 1-July-2026

Murarrie Generated More Pothole Reports Than Any Other East Brisbane Suburb During the City’s Biggest-Ever Road Blitz

Cr Steven Toomeyy/Facebook

Murarrie residents logged more calls about road damage than any other suburb in Brisbane’s east during a record five-day pothole repair blitz, with 39 potholes fixed across Murarrie and Hemmant combined as crews tore through more than 1,800 repairs citywide.

The “Big Fill” operation ran from 19 to 23 May, triggered by heavy rain on 18 and 19 May that opened fresh potholes across Brisbane’s 5,700-kilometre road network. At its peak on 21 May, crews filled 565 potholes in a single day, more than three times the usual daily average of 157. At that rate, a pothole was being filled somewhere in Brisbane every two minutes.

Murarrie generated 20 customer reports during the campaign, the highest contact rate of any suburb across Brisbane’s east. Hemmant added another 10 reports. Combined, the two suburbs saw 39 potholes filled across the five-day period, with Murarrie accounting for 32 of those repairs.

Why potholes appear after heavy rain

The damage pattern from mid-May’s wet weather follows a well-understood sequence. Water enters small cracks in the road surface during rainfall, weakening the pavement structure underneath.

Potholes repaired during the “Big Fill” blitz (May 19–23)

Suburb	Number of Potholes Repaired
Wynnum West	84
Gumdale	67
Murarrie	32
Wakerley	13
Ransome	13
Chandler	12
Wynnum	9
Hemmant	7
Manly	5
Manly West	4
Total	246

Heavy vehicles then fracture the weakened surface from above, opening a pothole that can appear seemingly overnight after a single downpour.

Roads that carry significant freight and industrial traffic, as many of Murarrie’s arterial streets do given the suburb’s mix of warehousing and logistics operations, tend to deteriorate faster under this cycle than quieter residential streets. The damage concentrates at the edges of wheel tracks, where repeated load impact is greatest.

Customer reports received during the blitz

Suburb	Number of Customer Reports
Murarrie	20
Tingalpa	14
Hemmant	10
Wakerley	9
Wynnum West	8
Manly West	7
Chandler	6
Wynnum	6
Lytton	4
Manly	4
Gumdale	3
Lota	1
Ransome	1
Total	93

The heavy rain of 18 and 19 May came on top of an already active repair season. Brisbane had filled 47,645 potholes city-wide between January and the end of April alone, and the mid-May event added more than 1,800 to that total in just five days. Around 100 tonnes of asphalt was used during the blitz.

The broader picture across east Brisbane

Across all east Brisbane suburbs combined, 246 potholes were fixed during the Big Fill period. Wynnum West led the Bayside area with 84 repairs, followed by Gumdale with 67. Murarrie ranked third across the east with 32 repairs.

Summary

Metric	Number
Total potholes repaired citywide during blitz	1,800+
Record repairs in one day (May 21)	565
Bayside potholes repaired	246
Bayside customer reports	93
Resident reports citywide	1,134
Asphalt used	100 tonnes
Potholes repaired citywide by end of April 2025	47,645
Average daily repairs before blitz	157

Tingalpa generated 14 community reports during the campaign, the second-highest in the area after Murarrie’s 20. Wakerley, Wynnum West, Manly West, Chandler and Wynnum all recorded between six and nine reports each, while Lytton, Manly, Gumdale, Lota and Ransome added smaller numbers to the total.

The community reporting made a measurable difference. More than 1,134 reports came in across the city during the five-day operation, helping crews locate and reach damaged roads faster than standard patrol schedules allow. The Big Fill was described as the largest pothole repair operation Brisbane had ever conducted.

How to report a road problem

The repair blitz has ended, but the reporting line remains open. Potholes and road surface damage can be reported around the clock by calling 3403 8888 or by lodging a request online.

Published 8-June-2026

Hemmant Ford Falcon Fire Leaves Four Injured After Alleged Hooning Incident

Photo Credit: QPS

A Hemmant hooning allegation has returned to focus after police detailed an earlier Brisbane east incident in which a blue Ford Falcon allegedly caught fire during burnouts, leaving four people seriously injured.

Hemmant Fire Followed Alleged Hooning Activity

A Brisbane east hooning case remains before the courts after an alleged Hemmant burnout incident left four people seriously injured earlier this year.

Police allege that, in the early hours of 8 March, several vehicles were involved in hooning activity across the Brisbane and Moreton areas before gathering at an industrial area in Hemmant.

A blue Ford Falcon was allegedly performing burnouts when the vehicle became engulfed in flames while four occupants were inside. All four occupants sustained serious injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.

Among those injured was a 20-year-old Woolloongabba man, who sustained a critical leg injury during the fire. He remained in hospital for a month and required multiple surgeries.

Hemmant hooning case — Photo Credit: QPS

Charges Laid After Brisbane East Incident

Following investigations, a 24-year-old Woombye man was charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing grievous bodily harm, driving while disqualified by court order, and unlawful conduct involving participation in hooning group activity.

Police allege the man was driving the vehicle at the time of the Hemmant incident. He is due to reappear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on 25 May.

A 20-year-old Kingston man was also charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and driving without a driver licence. He is expected to reappear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on 18 May.

The charges relate to an incident police have used to highlight the serious risks linked to alleged hooning behaviour, particularly when vehicles are used for burnouts in public or industrial areas.

Hemmant Case Cited Amid Wider Hooning Crackdown

The Hemmant incident was raised alongside Operation X-Ray Antler, a separate long weekend police operation that disrupted an alleged hooning event across Brisbane and Ipswich between 2 and 3 May.

That operation resulted in eight people being charged, 66 traffic infringement notices being issued and two Ford Falcons being seized. Police said the more recent operation was part of ongoing efforts to detect, disrupt and take enforcement action against hooning offences.

While the Hemmant case is separate from the long weekend operation, it provides a stark example of the injury risks police associate with alleged hooning activity.

Investigations connected to the wider hooning enforcement work remain ongoing, with police continuing targeted action across Brisbane and nearby districts.

Published 7-May-2026

Hemmant Recycling Facility Fire Contained After Evacuations and Road Closures

Photo Credit: Pexels

A large fire at a recycling facility in Hemmant in Brisbane’s east forced evacuations, triggered smoke warnings, and prompted a major emergency response before being contained within a shed.

Fire Breaks Out Inside Hemmant Facility

Emergency services responded to reports of a structural fire at a commercial recycling site on Lytton Road in Hemmant just after 3 p.m., with the blaze starting inside a large shed within the facility’s storage and processing area.

The site handles scrap metal and various battery types, including household, lead-acid, and smaller quantities of lithium batteries. The fire spread across multiple storage sections, affecting three of the shed’s four bays as flames took hold within the area.

More than a dozen fire crews were deployed to the Hemmant site, with fire trucks and machinery used to bring the situation under control.

recycling facility — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Thick Smoke Prompts Evacuations

Large volumes of smoke rose from the structure, prompting immediate evacuations of workers at the facility and surrounding businesses. The smoke posed a hazard, leading to warnings for nearby areas including Tingalpa and Wynnum West.

Residents in affected areas were advised to remain indoors and keep windows and doors closed as a precaution. Despite the scale of the incident, the building’s structural stability was not considered at risk during the response.

Road Closures And Ongoing Response

Lytton Road was closed in both directions, including sections near Doboy Bridge and Poppy Street, to allow emergency crews to manage the fire safely. The closure was later lifted as conditions improved.

Firefighters worked to contain the blaze within the shed while using machinery to separate burning debris. Crews remained on site into the evening as they continued efforts to extinguish the fire.

Environmental monitoring was also carried out, with attention given to nearby waterways to ensure no hazardous materials entered surrounding areas.

Fire Contained As Crews Continue Work

By later in the evening, the fire had been largely contained within the affected storage areas, though crews continued operations to fully extinguish the blaze.

One firefighter required treatment for heat-related symptoms, with no other injuries reported.

Fire investigators are expected to examine the cause of the Hemmant fire as inquiries continue into how the incident occurred.

Published 17-Apr-2026

Crane Operator Dies After Equipment Toppled Over Power Lines

Photo Credit: myPolice Queensland Police News

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.

Published 27-February-2026

Iconic Brisbane Paddleboat Kookaburra Queen I Found Partially Submerged at Hemmant

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.

Read: Historic Kookaburra Queen I Paddleboat Sells for $550,000 at Murarrie Auction

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.

Read: Hemmant Riverfront Set for Major Change with New Marina Village

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.

Published 24-February-2026

Hemmant Riverfront Set for Major Change with New Marina Village

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.

Tech Meets Tradition on the Water

Hemmant — *Photo Credit:* *Brisbane Marina*

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.

Design and Community Spaces

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.

Published Date 06-December-2025

Hemmant Facility Expanded Brown and Hurley Network

Photo Credit: Brown and Hurley Network

Brown and Hurley expanded its operations with a new full-service facility in Hemmant, supporting transport operators working near the Port of Brisbane.

Facility Opened

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.

*Photo Credit: Brown and Hurley/Facebook*

Facility Features

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.

Brisbane logistics — *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.

Future Outlook

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.

Published 4-Sep-2025

Street Spotlight: Canberra Street, Hemmant

Photo Credit: qimagery.information.qld.gov.au

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

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.

Parents Urged to Stay Alert Over Japanese Encephalitis Risk in Hemmant

Photo Credit: Pexels

Health authorities have identified Hemmant as one of several Queensland locations at increased risk of the Japanese encephalitis virus due to recent flooding.

Increased Virus Threat Ahead of School Holidays

Queensland Health has issued a public warning as the school holidays begin. They urge

Japanese encephalitis Hemmant — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

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.

How the Virus Spreads and Who’s at Risk

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.

Ongoing Precautions and Monitoring

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.

Published 10-Apr-2025