Murarrie Archives - Morningside News

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

The sale of the Kookaburra Queen I for $550,000 at a Murarrie auction presents a unique opportunity for businesses looking to invest in Brisbane’s tourism and event sectors.

Historic Brisbane Paddleboat Sold

The Kookaburra Queen I, a historic paddleboat once known for its Brisbane River cruises, has found a new owner. It sold for $550,000 at an auction in Murarrie, Queensland, on September 30, 2025.

The vessel, built for the 1988 World Expo, had been a staple of Brisbane’s river cruises, offering dining and event services for decades. After years of inactivity, it was listed for sale by Grays Auctioneers, attracting significant interest from potential buyers.

A Glimpse into Brisbane’s Maritime History

Built in 1987 by Millkraft Thompson Boatyard, the Kookaburra Queen I stretches 30.5 metres along the water. Its timber hull and fibreglass decks reflect solid local workmanship. Licensed to carry 378 passengers, the vessel includes two lively dance floors, a full commercial kitchen with cold storage, and an open observation deck for 30 guests.

The vessel operated as a popular venue for weddings, dinners, and sightseeing cruises until its last commercial operator ceased operations in 2022.

Decline and Auction Details

The Kookaburra Queen I had been moored at Colmslie Beach Reserve in Murarrie, Brisbane, for several years. The vessel experienced some water damage during the 2022 Brisbane floods and required relocation due to impending construction works in the area.

Despite these challenges, the boat was described as “ready to operate” and “fully capable of commercial operation” by the seller.

Future Prospects

The sale of the Kookaburra Queen I offers a new chance for tourism, event, or hospitality groups to own a piece of Australian maritime history.

With its rich heritage and potential for restoration, the vessel could once again become a prominent feature on the Brisbane River, offering unique experiences to locals and visitors alike.

Published 3-October-2025

Recognition and Reach: Rosies’ Lacee Honoured as Group Expands South Brisbane Hub

Rosies Friends on the Street is celebrating a milestone, with Head of Fundraising Lacee recognised in the “40 Under 40 Awards for 2025.” The honour highlights not just her creativity and bold storytelling in reimagining fundraising, but also the impact Rosies continues to have across the state in offering friendship and hope to Queenslanders doing it tough.

From its street vans serving hot drinks and warm conversations in Murarrie to its newly established South Brisbane hub, Rosies has built a reputation for turning compassion into action. Volunteers and supporters rally around the organisation’s mission: making sure no one feels unseen or alone, whether they’re experiencing homelessness, social isolation, or unexpected hardship.

Murarrie is one of several Brisbane suburbs where Rosies is active, with street vans bringing hospitality and companionship directly to those in need. The outreach model is simple but powerful: offer a drink, a snack, and a genuine chat. Many who visit Rosies describe the sense of being seen and heard as life-changing.

While the spotlight has recently been on Rosies’ new South Brisbane hub, the Murarrie branch continues to play an equally important role. Volunteers here know the faces and stories of their community, building relationships that extend beyond one night of service.

The South Brisbane hub has already started to strengthen Rosies’ work across the city. By providing a base for supplies and coordination, the hub ensures Murarrie teams are well-supported when they head out on their shifts. The mural by artist Jake Moss, unveiled at the opening, serves as a reminder that many volunteers and participants alike share lived experiences of hardship — making Rosies’ work deeply personal.

Like in South Brisbane, demand in Murarrie has grown sharply in the past year. Volunteers report more new visitors to their sessions, including people who never expected to need help. Some are holding down multiple jobs yet cannot keep up with rent or grocery costs. Others are older residents struggling with isolation. For each, Rosies provides not just assistance but also dignity.

The Murarrie team is also backed by Rosies’ community sponsors, who help fund essentials like coffee, tea, milk, and the fuel to keep vans running. These partnerships remind locals that Rosies’ mission is shared — it takes both volunteers and supporters to keep the service alive.

Individual volunteer stories continue to highlight the impact of Rosies’ work. One feature on Rosies’ social media captured a volunteer’s reflections on how giving a few hours each week not only helps others, but also brings meaning and perspective to their own life.

As Rosies celebrates its 35 years of service across Queensland, Murarrie stands as an example of what community-driven compassion looks like. The volunteers here are proof that even the smallest gesture — a smile, a shared story, or a cup of tea — can change the course of someone’s day.

In Murarrie, as across Brisbane, Rosies’ message is clear: no one should feel left out or disconnected. Through conversation, connection, and compassion, the Murarrie branch continues to bring that promise to life.

Published 19-Sept-2025

State Funeral Confirmed as Murarrie Bridges Carry Sir Leo’s Name

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Sir Leo Hielscher, the long-serving public servant whose name is carried by the bridges at Murarrie, will be honoured at a state funeral in Brisbane.

Sir Leo’s Public Service Career

Sir Leo Arthur Hielscher AC was born in Eumundi in 1926. He joined the Queensland Public Service in 1942 and went on to serve as Deputy Under Treasurer for a decade before becoming Under Treasurer for 14 years between 1974 and 1988.

From 1988, he was appointed Chairman of the Queensland Treasury Corporation Advisory Board, which later became the Queensland Treasury Corporation Board. He held the role until his retirement in June 2010. Over almost seven decades, his work was recognised as shaping Queensland’s modern financial structures.

Sir Leo Hielscher — *Photo Credit: Wikipedia*

Recognition and Awards

Sir Leo’s contribution to public administration was acknowledged through several honours. He received an Eisenhower Fellowship in 1973, was knighted in 1987, and awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia in 2004. He also held an Honorary Doctorate from Griffith University and a Fellowship from the Finance & Treasury Association.

Bridges Bearing His Name in Murarrie

The most prominent landmark associated with Sir Leo is the pair of bridges at Murarrie. Formerly known as the Gateway Bridge, the original crossing opened on 11 January 1986 at a cost of $92 million, with a duplicate span added in May 2010 for $350 million. Both were renamed the Sir Leo Hielscher Bridges in 2010.

Together they form one of Brisbane’s key motorway links, carrying the Gateway Motorway over the Brisbane River. They remain the most eastern Brisbane River crossing and connect Murarrie with Eagle Farm.

Sir Leo Hielscher Bridges — *Photo Credit: Wikipedia*

State Funeral and Farewell

Sir Leo Hielscher died on 4 August 2025, aged 98. His family accepted the offer of a state funeral, which will be held at 2 p.m. on 28 August 2025 at Brisbane City Hall.

An online condolence book has been opened for members of the public to leave messages.

Published 27-Aug-2025

Community Appeal Launched for Return of Missing Murarrie Statue

Photo Credit: myPolice South Brisbane

Police are calling on the Murarrie community to help solve the mystery of a missing bronze statue that disappeared from the local recreation reserve more than four months ago.

The sculpture, which depicts a skateboarder performing a handplant manoeuvre, was taken from Murarrie Recreation Reserve on Wynnum Road around 1 April this year. The distinctive bronze artwork shows a skater balanced on one hand while gripping their skateboard with the other—a classic skateboarding trick that would be familiar to many users of the park’s popular skate facilities.

Murarrie Recreation Reserve, located on Wynnum Road approximately 6 kilometres east of Brisbane’s city centre, is home to a well-used skate park that serves the local skateboarding and cycling community. The facility includes skate park features alongside cycling tracks, basketball courts, and other recreational amenities, making it a hub for active recreation in the area.

The skate park has undergone recent improvements, with an extension approved in 2022 that added approximately 732 square metres of additional skating area and features. The broader recreation reserve is also set to house Brisbane’s new international-standard cycling facility as part of preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The theft has left a noticeable gap in the park’s landscape, removing what was likely an important piece of community art celebrating the skateboarding culture that thrives at the venue. Bronze sculptures are particularly vulnerable to theft due to their material value, but this piece also held cultural significance for the skating community.

Queensland Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the theft or has information about the statue’s whereabouts to come forward. They are particularly interested in hearing from people who may have relevant CCTV footage or dashcam recordings from around the time of the incident.

Detective investigations are continuing under reference number QP2500729645. The delay between the theft and the public appeal suggests police have been pursuing other investigative leads before reaching out to the broader community for assistance.

Community members with information can contact Policelink through the online suspicious activity form available 24 hours a day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting, or by calling 131 444.

For those who prefer to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers can be contacted on 1800 333 000 or through their online reporting system at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Published 12-August-2025

Road Safety Enforcement in Morningside & Murarrie Targets Holiday Drivers

Photo Credit: QPS

Morningside and Murarrie were among several Brisbane suburbs targeted in a recent large-scale road safety operation conducted during the school holidays.

Large-Scale Traffic Enforcement Across Brisbane

Police carried out one of Brisbane’s largest simultaneous traffic operations during the June–July school holidays, deploying more than 200 officers across multiple suburbs including Morningside and Murarrie. The operation involved both highway patrol and general duties units and aimed to deter dangerous driving behaviours.

Brisbane road safety — Photo Credit: QPS

Focus on High-Risk Driver Behaviour

Authorities conducted 6,731 random breath tests and 454 roadside drug tests across the city. Eighteen drivers were found over the alcohol limit, while twenty-one returned positive drug readings. Enforcement sites were set up across key locations, including Morningside and Murarrie, as part of the broader effort to improve road safety.

The operation specifically targeted behaviours known as the “Fatal Five”: speeding, drink and drug driving, distraction, fatigue, and not wearing seatbelts.

Enforcement Results and Charges

In addition to impaired driving detections, officers issued 116 traffic infringement notices. Several individuals were also charged with offences including driving while disqualified, unlicensed, or in unregistered vehicles. A total of 33 notices to appear were issued, resulting in 62 charges.

Three notable incidents highlighted during the campaign involved high-range drink driving, including a 0.152% blood alcohol reading at Kangaroo Point, a crash at Mount Ommaney where a driver returned 0.141%, and a single-vehicle crash at Mount Coot-tha involving a driver with a 0.156% reading and an unregistered vehicle.

school holiday enforcement — Photo Credit: QPS

Morningside & Murarrie Part of Safety Push

Morningside and Murarrie were specifically included in the list of suburbs where targeted enforcement occurred. These locations formed part of the wider strategy to monitor traffic behaviour in both inner and outer suburbs, reinforcing the visibility of road policing across the region.

Reduced Road Fatalities

As of 10 July, Queensland recorded 142 lives lost on roads, compared to 149 at the same time in 2024. In Brisbane alone, 21 fatalities were recorded in 2025, down from 29 the previous year. Brisbane’s north saw a significant reduction from 18 to 6, while the south recorded a rise from 11 to 15.

Ongoing Enforcement Expected

Authorities say the operation reflects an ongoing commitment to reducing road trauma. Officers from both Brisbane’s north and south districts stated that enforcement efforts will continue as part of efforts to hold drivers accountable and prevent further incidents on local roads.

Published 14-July-2025

Eyes on the Move: Brisbane’s New Mobile Safety Cameras Hit the Streets

Brisbane has launched a new fleet of mobile safety cameras in a continued bid to crack down on youth crime, vandalism, and antisocial behaviour across the city.

Read: Security Enhanced: New CCTV Cameras Deployed at Minnippi Parkland

The rollout follows previous surveillance upgrades, including the installation of fixed CCTV cameras in locations such as Minnippi Parklands, Murarrie. This latest move adds 26 high-resolution, solar-powered mobile units to the city’s growing CitySafe network, which already boasts more than 3,800 fixed safety cameras.

Unlike traditional CCTV systems, the new mobile cameras are designed for flexibility. Each unit can operate for up to a week without recharging and streams live footage directly to the Council’s 24/7 security monitoring centre. The facility already oversees over 3,000 live camera feeds and will now integrate these mobile units into its real-time surveillance network.

Each of Brisbane’s 26 wards will receive one mobile camera, with units rotated between crime hotspots based on feedback from local police and community members. The cameras are also equipped with behavioural detection technology, alerting authorities to unusual activity — such as gatherings in parks during the early hours of the morning.

Photo credit: CrAdrianSchrinner/Facebook

The Queensland Police Service has backed the programme, noting that the added surveillance will assist in deploying resources more effectively and responding to incidents faster.

The final fixed CCTV camera under the current expansion plan is set to be installed this financial year on Boundary Street in West End — completing a key stage of Brisbane’s long-term urban safety strategy.

Read: Major Upgrade Announced for Jeremiah O’Toole Park in Morningside

Local officials say the new mobile cameras are not only about enforcement but also about creating safer, more liveable neighbourhoods. As Brisbane’s surveillance network becomes more dynamic and responsive, authorities hope it sends a clear message: public safety remains a top priority.

Published 1-May-2025

Murarrie Sees New Townhouse Development Amidst Growth

Photo Credit: DA A006728863

Ten new high-end townhouses will soon be built on Oliphant Street in Murarrie, reflecting the area’s increasing popularity with developers.

New Housing Development

A property developer, linked to Sydney-based VIMG Australia, has submitted plans for a three-storey townhouse development at 19-21 Oliphant Street, Murarrie. The plan includes eight three-bedroom and two four-bedroom townhouses on a 1214sq m site.

The site, comprised of two lots, was bought in 2017 for $1.24 million and had earlier approval for a larger 23-unit development. Brisbane-based CPO Architects designed the new development, Monogram Murarrie.

Design and Features

The design aims to maximise local area views and fit well into the street. The architects focused on making the building look elegant and fit with the surroundings. Each townhouse will have its garden at the front. The plans show that that each townhouse will have a double garage, providing parking for 20 cars in total and three extra spaces for visitors.

The planning report notes that while there is no shared open space within the development, the site is about one kilometre away from Murarrie Recreation Reserve, Cannon Hill Shopping Centre, and public transport like the Cannon Hill interchange and Murarrie train station.

Area Growth

Murarrie, located about 10km southeast of Brisbane’s city centre, is seeing more interest from housing developers due to its location, relatively lower housing costs, and improvements to local infrastructure.

The suburb is surrounded by more expensive areas like Morningside, Bulimba, and Hawthorne, which may drive some interest in Murarrie.

Published Date 24-March-2025

Incitec Pivot Lists Gibson Island Facility in Murarrie for Sale

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Incitec Pivot Limited (IPL) has officially listed its 58-hectare Gibson Island facility in Murarrie for sale, marking a significant transition for the site, which ceased urea production in early 2023. The industrial property, featuring deepwater wharf access and extensive river frontage, is expected to attract strong interest from developers and logistics operators.

Located at 282 Paringa Road, Murarrie, the Gibson Island facility has played a crucial role in Australia’s fertiliser industry since 1969. The site was the nation’s only urea producer using domestic natural gas, with operations focused on ammonia, urea, and ammonium sulphate manufacturing.

However, the boom in Queensland’s gas exports made it increasingly difficult for the plant to remain profitable. In January 2023, IPL ceased fertiliser production at the site and later announced plans to divest its fertiliser business while retaining its Dyno Nobel explosives division.

Prime Industrial Land Hits the Market

The Gibson Island site spans 58 hectares and includes 1.165 kilometres of Brisbane River frontage with deepwater wharf access, making it one of the most sought-after industrial landholdings on the eastern seaboard.

Colliers Queensland, led by Simon Beirne, Rob Joyes, Peter Evans, and James Wilkie, is managing the sale, with expressions of interest closing on 13 March 2025. Mr Beirne emphasised the site’s strategic location within the Australia TradeCoast precinct, which is home to Brisbane Airport and the Port of Brisbane.

Why Developers Are Taking Notice

With Brisbane’s industrial land in high demand, the Gibson Island site is being positioned as the last large-scale development opportunity in the TradeCoast precinct. The region has seen a 136% increase in raw industrial land values over the past decade, with a 57% rise in just the last five years.

According to Colliers, capital values within Australia TradeCoast are 20-25% higher than other Brisbane industrial precincts due to superior infrastructure and proximity to key transport hubs. Rental rates also exceed those in other industrial zones by 5-15%, further underscoring the site’s value.

Market sources speculate that the property could fetch over $250 million, though no official price has been disclosed.

Gibson Island facility — *Photo Credit: Google Maps Street View*

What’s Next for Gibson Island?

Later this year, IPL will relocate its fertiliser distribution centre from Gibson Island to a third-party facility at the Port of Brisbane, solidifying the company’s shift away from on-site manufacturing.

With expressions of interest closing in March, the future of Gibson Island now rests in the hands of potential buyers—whoever acquires the site will be positioned to reshape Murarrie’s industrial landscape for decades to come.

Published 13-Feb-2025

Murarrie Homeowners Stunned by Hundreds of Baby Huntsman Spiders

A Murarrie home became the site of a shocking discovery when a couple found hundreds of baby Huntsman spiders invading their ceiling.

Read: Murarrie Driver Shocked by Venomous Snake Under Car Bonnet

Michael Davis, a carbon market specialist at the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Australia, had an unexpected encounter with an infestation of spiders while in his Murarrie home’s garden. His partner, Fatima, rushed outside screaming for him to come inside, causing him to initially assume their 18-month-old son was in danger.

However, when they entered the house, Fatima was pointing at a massive spider infestation, with the mother spider being one of the largest Davis had ever seen—about the size of a palm.

His experience quickly went viral after the video clip was shared on WWF’s Instagram and Facebook pages, amassing nearly 100,000 views. Despite humorous suggestions from followers to sell the house or burn it down, Davis safely relocated the spiders to the backyard.

While Huntsman spiders are commonly found in Australia, this particular incident has brought attention to the fact that Brisbane seems to be a hotbed for these creatures. The sudden influx of baby Huntsman spiders follows a previous report from Wynnum last year, where a couple found a giant Huntsman spider lurking in their bathroom sink.

What You Need to Know About Huntsman Spiders

Huntsman spiders, a part of the Sparassidae family, are widely distributed in Australia and other warm climates. Often mistaken for tarantulas due to their large, hairy appearance, these spiders can be unsettling when they scurry across walls or ceilings. The baby Huntsman spiders discovered in Murarrie are just the latest example of the species’ frequent indoor encounters.

These arachnids are not dangerous despite their intimidating looks. While their bites can be painful and cause localised swelling, nausea, or headaches, they are not considered lethal. In fact, Huntsman spiders play a beneficial role in homes by helping with pest control, as they feast on smaller insects.

Read: Murarrie-based Axiom Holographics Wins Gold at Prestigious Edison Awards

They are commonly found in outdoor environments, such as under loose bark on trees, crevices in rock walls, and logs. Huntsman spiders sometimes enter houses, often hidden behind curtains, or may even take up residence in cars, where they can be spotted scuttling behind sun visors or across the dashboard.

Their sudden appearances are a reminder that Huntsman spiders are a part of life in Brisbane, helping to maintain a natural balance, even if they occasionally send homeowners into a panic.

Published 27-January-2025

Murarrie Driver Shocked by Venomous Snake Under Car Bonnet

Photo Credit: Australian Museum

A driver in Murarrie had quite the fright after an eastern brown snake was spotted poking out from under his car bonnet while out on a recent shopping trip.

The unexpected encounter happened recently when something unusual was noticed under the bonnet. Recognising it as one of Australia’s most venomous snakes, professionals were quickly called in to handle the situation.

Eastern Brown Snakes: Common but Dangerous

Murarrie snake incident — *Photo Credit: Snake Catchers Brisbane & Gold Coast/Facebook*

Eastern brown snakes (Pseudonaja textilis) are well-known around Australia for their venom and quick reflexes. They are often spotted in dry, open spaces but aren’t strangers to suburban areas either, especially during warmer months.

While their venom is highly dangerous, these snakes usually avoid humans unless they feel cornered. Experts recommend staying calm, backing away slowly, and calling a professional snake catcher if one is spotted.

Why Do Snakes End Up in Cars?

It’s not unheard of for snakes to sneak into car engines, especially when seeking warmth or shelter. The engine bay offers a cosy hideaway, and snakes can climb up from the underside of vehicles without being noticed.

In most cases, they will move on by themselves, but attempting to remove them without help can be risky.

Snake Catcher Luke to the Rescue

Snake Catchers Brisbane & Gold Coast was called to handle the situation. It was snake catcher Luke who arrived on the scene to manage the removal. The eastern brown snake was carefully extracted, with the snake catcher confirming it had likely climbed up from underneath the car’s engine.

The snake was safely relocated to a more suitable environment, ensuring no harm came to either the driver or the snake.

Eastern brown snake under car bonnet in Murarrie — *Photo Credit: Snake Catchers Brisbane & Gold Coast/Facebook*

How to Avoid Snake Surprises in Car

Regular inspections are advised by snake experts particularly in cases where vehicles have been parked close to grassy areas or bushland. A quick visual check under the bonnet and around tyres will help to prevent unanticipated interactions.

Should a snake be ever seen in or close to a vehicle, the best course of action is to remain calm, maintain a safe distance, and immediately call a qualified snake catcher.

This event in Murarrie reminds people that wildlife interactions can occur unexpectedly.

Published 7-Jan-2025