Queensland Police Archives - Morningside News

Road Safety Enforcement in Morningside & Murarrie Targets Holiday Drivers

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

Family Escapes Unharmed from Cannon Hill House Fire

Photo Credit: Brisbane Incident Alerts

A Cannon Hill family is counting their blessings after escaping a fierce house fire that erupted on Sunday afternoon.

House Fire in Cannon Hill — *Photo Credit:* *Queensland Police Service*

The two-storey home on Gatling Road was significantly damaged when a fire broke out shortly after midday, quickly engulfing the upper level.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFD) crews responded at approximately 12:05 p.m., finding the house well alight. Fortunately, the residents who were home at the time managed to evacuate safely before fire crews arrived. Paramedics assessed the occupants and confirmed they were unharmed and did not require further treatment.

Firefighters battled the blaze and successfully extinguished it by 12:45 p.m. While the top floor of the residence sustained extensive damage, the ground floor remained largely unaffected. Neighbours who had been temporarily evacuated as a precaution were given the all-clear to return to their homes.

Authorities are now working to determine the cause of the fire, with investigations by both QFD and Queensland Police underway. Preliminary findings suggest the fire originated in an upstairs bedroom before spreading rapidly throughout the top level of the house.

Published Date 13-Jan-2025

Further Weapons Offence Charges in Morningside

Queensland Police has arrested two more individuals in connection with an ongoing investigation into a firearm discharge incident in a Morningside car park in July this year.

On July 20, at around 4:30 pm, police responded swiftly to a report from concerned citizens regarding an armed man in a car park at the intersection of Redfern Street and Wynnum Road. The area was secured, and a man was apprehended by 5:12 pm. A subsequent search of his utility vehicle unveiled a disturbing find: a substantial machete, a handgun, and illicit drugs including cocaine, GBL, and methylamphetamine.

The 27-year-old Carindale resident faced an array of charges, including dangerous conduct with a weapon, possession of a knife in a public place, possession of dangerous goods, unlawful possession of weapons, stealing, possessing relevant substances, as well as multiple counts of receiving tainted property and possessing a dangerous drug.

His first court appearance took place in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on July 21, marking the beginning of legal proceedings.

As the investigation progressed, more individuals potentially linked to the incident were identified. On July 23, a 24-year-old woman from Hawthorne was arrested and charged with dangerous conduct with a weapon and possession of dangerous goods. Her case was presented before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on July 24, adding depth to the ongoing inquiry.

Subsequently, on July 29, detectives apprehended a 29-year-old Redland Bay man, who faced a series of charges. These included dangerous conduct with a weapon, possession of dangerous goods, possession of explosives, fraud, and two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm while in company. His appearance before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on July 31 marked another pivotal moment in the case’s progression.

Thankfully, there were no reported physical injuries resulting from the incident. Queensland police are urging individuals with relevant information to come forward. Residents can provide tips and information to Policelink via the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting, accessible around the clock.

Those wishing to provide information anonymously can do so through Crime Stoppers. The toll-free number 1800 333 000 and the online reporting platform www.crimestoppersqld.com.au are available for reporting crime information while maintaining personal privacy.

The ongoing case continues to unveil more details, emphasising the interconnected nature of these events. It underscores the determined efforts of law enforcement to ensure community safety. As additional information emerges, the public remains vigilant, informed, and engaged in the pursuit of justice.

Published 11-August-2023

Morningside On Alert: Shooting Incidents Spark Safety Fears in Once-Peaceful Suburb

Public safety concerns have been raised in Morningside, once considered one of the safest suburbs in Brisbane, following two shooting incidents that occurred within a span of a week last month.

Read: Morningside Shooting Possible Case of Mistaken Identity, Leaves Residents Unhurt but Shaken

The first incident took place on 20 July, when police were called to a KFC restaurant on Redfern and Wynnum Road after reports of a man wielding a firearm. A search of the suspect’s vehicle uncovered a machete, handgun, rifle and illegal drugs. Police allege the man fired a shot before fleeing the scene.

Just three days later, on 23 July, multiple shots were fired into a home on Greendale Street around 9:40 p.m. Five impact points were found on the front of the house. Seven residents were home but no injuries were reported.

Police have not alleged any connection between the two shootings, which remain under investigation. Officers are still seeking information from the public regarding the Greendale St incident.

Police urge anyone with information related to the recent shootings to contact Policelink. Information can be provided 24/7 using the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or by calling 131 444.

Those who wish to report crime information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Read: Cannon Hill Home Changes Hands After 80 Years of Family History

Prior to the recent shooting incidents, Morningside was actually considered one of Brisbane’s safest suburbs. It is part of the 4170 postcode, which also includes Cannon Hill, Norman Park and Seven Hills. From 2016 to 2019, not a single home insurance claim was lodged in 4170 for theft, vandalism or malicious damage, according to RACQ.

According to Queensland’s online crime map, Morningside saw 62 total offences between 3 July 2023 and 2 August 2023. Among these were four weapons charges, three counts of property damage, two disorderly conduct charges and 18 thefts.

For now, Morningside finds itself grappling with a new unease. Only time will tell whether the once quiet suburb can regain its standing as one of Brisbane’s most secure places to live.

Published 3-August-2023