Annerley Residents Push for Safer Clive Street Crossing

Concerned residents in Annerley are pushing for urgent safety improvements at the Clive Street crossing, a notoriously dangerous intersection off Ipswich Road, where speeding vehicles and poor design put pedestrians, cyclists, and wheelchair users at constant risk.


Read: Residents Raise Safety Concerns Over Slip Lane in Dutton Park


The street, which sits in the heart of the Annerley high street, spans up to 22 metres at its widest point, more than double the width of nearby crossings like Dudley Street. This excessive width allows cars to turn in and out at high speeds, making it difficult for drivers to notice and stop for pedestrians in time. A recent serious hit-and-run incident near the crossing has intensified calls for immediate action.

Clive Street
Photo credit: Google Street View

Community group Active Travel for Annerley is leading the campaign and urging Council to implement simple, cost-effective upgrades to make the area safer.

“Clive Street in Annerley is in the heart of the Ipswich Rd Annerley high street, but crossing it is absurdly dangerous for anyone walking, riding a bike or in a wheelchair,” the petition reads. “Almost all Annerley residents, including those who drive, ride or take public transport to the post office, shops or chemist need to cross Clive St at some point.

Clive Street
Photo credit: Google Street View

“Clive St is one of the most dangerous side streets on the Ipswich Rd high street. Pedestrians using the kerb ramps need to cross 16m of road, and it’s 22m at the widest point. The crossing at nearby Dudley St is just 9m, or 11m at the widest point.”

The group is calling for two main changes:

  • A raised “wombat” crossing to slow down traffic and improve visibility
  • Kerb extensions to narrow the intersection to 9 metres—matching nearby Dudley Street—while still allowing room for two-way traffic and cyclists

According to the group, these changes could be implemented quickly and cheaply without removing any traffic lanes or parking spaces.

To help make the project a reality, Active Travel for Annerley has launched a petition encouraging local support. Residents have until 2 November 2025 to sign and voice their backing.


Read: Annerley Aquarium Damaged in Shocking Hit-and-Run


For more details or to sign the petition, locals are encouraged to visit www.epetitions.brisbane.qld.gov.au/petition/view/pid/1467.

Published 21-July-2025

Annerley Aquarium Damaged in Shocking Hit-and-Run

A beloved Annerley business faces a major clean-up after a driver in a white Holden ute lost control and smashed into the Annerley Aquarium, destroying a structural pole and bringing the building’s front awning crashing down before speeding away from the scene.



The shocking incident was captured on camera at 5:50 p.m. on Saturday. The footage shows the vehicle drifting across the front of the Ipswich Road store before colliding with the pole, which shattered on impact. The Holden, sustaining only a dent, was then seen driving off along Old Cleveland Road.

Sandra “Sandy” Ponting, who has co-owned the local aquarium with her husband Peter since 1983, said the damage will require a significant repair effort. “They’ll have to pull down the awning structurally rather than prop it up,” Ms Ponting explained. “It will be a building site, I guess.”

In a stroke of luck, the store was empty at the time of the crash, and the vehicle narrowly avoided the main display window, home to a 20-year-old Gourami fish valued at $1500.

Showing true community spirit, the Annerley Aquarium team opened for business on Sunday, directing loyal customers to use the back entrance while the front of the shop is assessed.



Police are now appealing to the public for help. They urge any witnesses or anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage of a white Holden ute in the area around the time of the crash to come forward.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Published Date 06-July-2025

Annerley Braces for a Blast of Extreme Metal with Ulthar and Jarhead Fertilizer

Heavy music fans in Annerley are in for a rare treat when two of America’s loudest underground metal bands, Ulthar and Jarhead Fertilizer, bring their raw, intense sound to The Back Room on Ipswich Road.



The show is set for 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 8 at the intimate local venue, as part of the bands’ joint headline tour through Australia this winter. The run includes stops in Ballarat, Frankston, Melbourne, Wollongong, Sydney and wraps up in Brisbane’s southern suburb of Annerley.

Two Bands, One Relentless Night

California’s Ulthar, formed in 2014, are known for their complex mix of black and death metal. Reviewers described their 2023 double album Anthronomicon and Helionomicon as a dark, mind-bending ride that pushes metal’s limits with sharp riffs and strange, layered sounds. Members Steve Peacock, Shelby Lermo and Justin Ennis have each played in other respected extreme acts like Pale Chalice, Vastum and Mutilation Rites. Critics say Ulthar’s live shows deliver intense drumming, crushing guitars and vocals that feel like they’re pulled from a nightmare.

Photo Credit: Ulthar/Facebook

Jarhead Fertilizer comes from Maryland’s underground scene, sharing members with the well-known grindcore outfit Full of Hell. Led by drummer Dave Bland, the band mixes grind, crust and death metal into short, fierce songs that often speak about crime and harsh realities. Their latest album, Carceral Warfare, was recorded under challenging circumstances, according to Bland’s interviews, and brings an even grittier sound to their live shows. Fans and reviewers alike describe their sets as brutally loud and fast, turning small venues into sweat-soaked pits of energy.

Annerley concert Jarhead Fertilizer
Photo Credit: United Front

Community and Chaos Collide

While extreme metal may not be for everyone, shows like this bring together people from diverse backgrounds who share a love for music that pushes the limits. The Back Room, popular for its close connection to the local live music scene, will allow fans to stand just metres from the bands. For Annerley, this means a night where local metal fans can connect, hear rare international acts up close, and see how a small corner of Brisbane can echo with noise heard around the world.

How to Get There

The Back Room sits along Ipswich Road, making it easy to reach by bus or car. Doors open before 7:30 p.m., and tickets are available through Oztix and Bandsintown. For residents nearby, the event will be hard to miss — both for the music and the loyal crowd it draws.



Published 4-July-2025

Yeronga to Gain 75 New Social and Affordable Homes

A six-storey residential project delivering 75 social and affordable housing units is under construction at Park Road, Yeronga.



Background and Context

Construction is underway on 75 social and affordable housing units at Park Road, Yeronga. The project is part of the broader commitment to increase social and community housing supply across Greater Brisbane. Brisbane Housing Company is delivering the development, supported by funding aimed at addressing long-standing housing needs.

This Yeronga project forms part of more than 720 social and affordable homes either under construction or contracted across the region, including sites in Chermside, Stones Corner, Woolloongabba, South Brisbane and Windsor.

Brisbane Housing Company
Photo Credit: DEV2023/1367

Project Details

The Yeronga development, approved under application DEV2023/1367, comprises a six-storey building with 18 studio apartments, 45 one-bedroom units, 11 two-bedroom units, and a manager’s residence. Designed by UltraLinea Architecture, the building includes communal indoor and outdoor spaces, private balconies for all dwellings, and landscaped areas.

The site, located at 70 Park Road, includes 48 undercroft car parking spaces and 94 bicycle spaces. Vehicular access is provided via Maidenhair Place, with pedestrian entry at ground level. The design addresses all surrounding public frontages and incorporates setbacks and landscaping to reduce visual impact.

Government Investment and Housing Pipeline

The development is supported by funding from the government’s Securing Our Housing Foundations Plan. The 2025–26 Budget allocates $8.1 billion for housing initiatives, with $5.6 billion directed towards social and community housing over four years. From 2029–30, baseline funding of $500 million per year is planned to ensure a consistent pipeline of new homes.

Community and Sector Impact

The Yeronga project aims to provide secure housing for essential workers and lower-income households. The project aligns with the state’s broader effort to create stable and inclusive communities, with additional funding supporting homelessness services and head leased properties for vulnerable Queenslanders.

Yeronga housing
Photo Credit: DEV2023/1367

Future Outlook



Tenants are expected to move into the Yeronga homes by mid-2027. The project reflects a long-term approach to meeting housing needs, with the government and community housing providers planning further developments across Brisbane.

Published 4-July-2025

Yeronga Rates Fall as Brisbane Budget Reveals Diverse Financial Impact

Residents in Yeronga are set to experience a slight reduction in their rates, a notable outcome in the new budget that presents a varied financial outlook for homeowners across the city.



Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner handed down the budget on Wednesday, 18 June 2025. The changes are effective from October 1 for some new property owners and 30 June 2025, for land valuations.

Yeronga’s Rates Dip

rates reduction
Photo Credit: CrNicoleJohnston

While many Brisbane suburbs face higher costs, some, like Yeronga, will see a small percentage drop in their rates. This reduction, specifically 0.38 per cent for Yeronga, along with Tennyson (0.93 per cent down) and Mount Ommaney (1.87 per cent down), is attributed to recent changes in land valuations. This provides a minor financial reprieve for residents in these areas.

City-Wide Rate Changes and New Charges

Across Brisbane, the average owner-occupier residential rate increase is set at 4.7 per cent, translating to an additional $60 annually or $1.14 per week. The minimum increase is 3.87 per cent. Despite some land valuations jumping by up to 20 per cent in certain areas, rate increases will be capped at no more than 7.5 per cent. Suburbs experiencing the maximum rate increase include Algester, Bowen Hills, the CBD, Chermside, Fortitude Valley, Karawatha, Newstead, Robertson, South Brisbane, Stones Corner, and Taigum.

Fees and charges are broadly increasing by 4 per cent. A significant change for inner-city Brisbane unit buyers after October 1 is an additional $100 per year in rates, or $25 per quarter. This applies to properties within the “CBD frame,” encompassing areas such as Toowong, Milton, West End, Highgate Hill, South Brisbane, New Farm, Newstead, Teneriffe, Albion, Bowen Hills, Kangaroo Point, Herston, and Kelvin Grove. Council anticipates this change will generate approximately $1.4 million in extra revenue from around 7,000 unit sales annually. 

Lord Mayor Schrinner stated that 90 per cent of the city’s ratepayers paid only the minimum general owner-occupier rate, and it was considered unfair that many owners of luxury inner-city units also paid this minimum.

A new city-wide rollout of green bins is also part of the budget. Ratepayers will be charged an extra $49.52 per year for these bins, even if they choose not to receive one or already possess one. This will increase the “universal” waste fee (covering red, yellow, and green bins) to $512.96 annually. 

Council aims to divert waste from landfills to reduce payments to the state government, which the Lord Mayor described as a “large scale tax avoidance scheme” against a state government “bin tax.” Approximately 170,000 households, or half of all eligible properties, currently have a green bin.

Infrastructure and Community Spending

rates reduction
Photo Credit: Stephens Sub-branch RSL/ Facebook

Significant funding is allocated to the Story Bridge, with $18 million for the next year. This includes $6.7 million for a new footpath deck, with hopes of reopening at least one path before the end of the year, $6 million for urgent repairs, and the remainder for a business case to upgrade the bridge.

In terms of community support, the on-time payment rates discount will continue, benefiting about 273,000 people and saving them a collective $47 million. The pensioner rebate is increasing by $50 to $1298, and the popular $2 Summer Dips council pool entry will also continue. Council notes $69.5 million for Brisbane Libraries and $33.4 million for Botanic Gardens. A key commitment is that 85 per cent of the $4.1 billion budget will be invested in the suburbs.

Locally, for Yeronga, the budget includes road resurfacing projects on Orlando Road, Orsova Road, and Utzon Street, along with ongoing restoration of the Yeronga Memorial Park Memorial Wall.

Community Concerns and Transparency

Despite some positive announcements, the budget has drawn criticism for its perceived lack of transparency and minimal investment in certain essential local projects. Council’s Labor Leader Jared Cassidy stated that Council seemed to “sneak through new taxes” to boost its finances and that increasing costs for apartment living made affordable housing harder in Brisbane. 

He also pointed out that Council “gloated” about $470 million in spending cuts, which he claimed led to hundreds of staff losses over two years, while senior councillors reportedly took expensive overseas trips. A Council spokeswoman, however, indicated a net reduction of 142 staff since last July, disputing Mr. Cassidy’s estimate of up to 480 job losses.

From the perspective of Tennyson Ward Councillor Nicole, the 2025-26 budget is “lacklustre,” with minimal funding for crucial city-wide projects beyond basic infrastructure, such as only $13 million for the Story Bridge. She expressed concern over the lack of detailed program and project figures in the budget for the second consecutive year, suggesting a troubling lack of transparency. 

Councillor Nicole highlighted specific “lowlights” for Tennyson Ward, including no new funding for new footpaths (city-wide), road upgrades, intersection upgrades, traffic calming, kerb and channel work, community street tree plantings, or new bikeways. She also noted only one dog off-leash upgrade, one new playground, and one park facility upgrade planned for the ward.



Financial Overview

The $4.1 billion budget for this year is projected to achieve a $298 million surplus, with net debt expected to decrease to $2.9 billion by 2028-29. Deputy Mayor Fiona Cunningham stated that assets have risen to $45.2 billion. She also claimed that rates would have increased by 30 per cent if Labor and the Greens had been elected last year, citing $3.5 billion in unfunded promises and no identified savings. 

Ms Cunningham acknowledged that Queensland councils have been underfunded by state and federal governments for years and noted soaring construction costs, including a 40 per cent increase for concrete and 26 per cent for other building materials.

Published Date 24-Jun-2025

Woolloongabba Bridge Crash Highlights Urgent Safety Crackdown

A delivery truck was crushed against a rail bridge in Woolloongabba after the driver misjudged the vehicle’s height, one of dozens of similar crashes that have made the suburb a focus in a major transport safety campaign.



A Suburb in the Spotlight

A delivery truck crash on Annerley Road in Woolloongabba earlier this year, caught on CCTV, has become a key warning in Queensland Rail’s new bridge strike prevention blitz. Launched in June, the campaign is a joint effort by Queensland Rail, the Queensland Police Service and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator. 

Woolloongabba is now one of the state’s top hotspots, with 38 bridge strikes recorded at that location in 2024 alone. The crash peeled the truck’s roof open on impact, forcing rail services to pause while safety checks were carried out. 

No one was injured, but the disruption affected both traffic and train schedules. Queensland Rail released the footage to raise awareness about the risks for drivers and the wider community.

A Statewide Problem with Local Consequences

Across Queensland, there were 397 bridge strike incidents in 2024. By April 2025, more than 120 had already been recorded. In most cases, the driver either didn’t know their truck’s height or took a route that hadn’t been properly planned.

Every time a truck hits a bridge, train services are stopped, often for hours, until safety checks are complete. Some crashes have even sent debris flying onto nearby footpaths or roads, putting pedestrians and cyclists at risk. These delays also add costs to freight operators and inconvenience to rail passengers.

Education, Enforcement, and a New Message

The prevention blitz combines education and enforcement to reduce bridge strikes. Police and transport officers are stationed at sites like Woolloongabba to check vehicle heights and speak with drivers. 

They’re handing out items with the message: “Know your truck, know your height, know your route.” Real crash footage is also being used in videos and posters to highlight the risks. Queensland Rail hopes the campaign will lower incident numbers in hotspots like Woolloongabba.

Safety for a Growing Suburb

With the Cross River Rail project bringing more transport infrastructure and increased traffic to Woolloongabba, keeping rail bridges safe has become even more urgent. The new Woolloongabba underground station is expected to open in 2026, and local roads are already under pressure from construction activity and regular traffic.



As the suburb continues to grow, authorities say preventing bridge strikes is not just about protecting trucks and trains, it’s also about making sure everyone on the road stays safe.

Published 24-June-2025

Street Spotlight: Riverview Place, Yeronga

Riverview Place in Yeronga represents a fascinating example of post-war suburban expansion and Brisbane’s evolving streetscape. While the established neighborhood framework was already taking shape by 1936 with Rhymdara Street and Kadumba Street well-established, Riverview Place had yet to extend from these foundation streets, marking it as part of a later wave of suburban development.



With an exceptional 95% of properties being owner-occupied and residents staying an average of 15 years and 5 months, the street demonstrates extraordinary community stability and homeowner commitment. This dedication to the area is reflected in the fact that 59% of residents have called Riverview Place home for more than a decade. The street’s property transaction history tells a remarkable story of Brisbane’s real estate transformation, with properties like 1 Riverview Place selling for $211,000 in March 1999 – a stark contrast to today’s multi-million dollar valuations that underscore the dramatic evolution of Yeronga’s premium residential market. Below, an aerial image from 1936 captures this area before Riverview Place’s development, offering a glimpse into Yeronga’s suburban growth story.

Riverview Pl, Yeronga Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 29
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 95%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 15 years, 5 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 59%

Riverview Pl, Yeronga – As It Looked in 1936

Riverview Pl, Yeronga in 1936

SOME RECENT SALES ON RIVERVIEW PL, YERONGA

Property AddressSale PriceSale Date
32 Riverview Place, Yeronga$2,800,000Jan 2025
12 Riverview Place, Yeronga$2,120,000Nov 2024

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON RIVERVIEW PL FROM YESTERYEAR

Property AddressSale PriceSale Date
1 Riverview Place, Yeronga$211,000Mar 1999
8 Riverview Place, Yeronga$162,000Feb 1999
5 Riverview Place, Yeronga$190,000Feb 1999

SUBURB PROFILE

The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Yeronga in 2025 was $1,133,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Yeronga in 2021 was $871,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3-BEDROOM HOUSE IN YERONGA SINCE 2021 : $262,000

The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Yeronga in 2025 was $1,460,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Yeronga in 2021 was $1,198,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4-BEDROOM HOUSE IN YERONGA SINCE 2021 : $262,000

The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Yeronga in 2025 was $1,778,000
The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Yeronga in 2021 was $1,456,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 5-BEDROOM HOUSE IN YERONGA SINCE 2021 : $322,000

The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in Yeronga in 2025 was $675,000
The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in Yeronga in 2021 was $430,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 2-BEDROOM UNIT IN YERONGA SINCE 2021 : $245,000

The median price of a 3 Bedroom Unit in Yeronga in 2025 was $852,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom Unit in Yeronga in 2021 was $575,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3-BEDROOM UNIT IN YERONGA SINCE 2021 : $277,000



If you know Riverview Pl, Yeronga well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

Jordan Petaia Lists Fairfield Home Ahead of NFL Move

Fairfield’s riverside charm and family-friendly appeal are on show as former Wallabies star Jordan Petaia puts his Brisbane home on the market ahead of his new chapter in the United States.


Read: Brisbane Metro to Begin Permanent Operations in 2025: What it Means for Commuters in Yeronga and Fairfield Areas


The 25-year-old athlete, who recently signed with the LA Chargers after earning 31 test caps with the Wallabies, has listed his renovated post-war property at 34 Brisbane Corso for sale. The home sits on a generous 647sqm corner block in one of Fairfield’s most desirable pockets, close to parklands, the Brisbane River, and key inner-south amenities.

Photo credit: Ray White Holland Park

Petaia purchased the three-bedroom, one-bathroom residence in 2020 and lived there during his professional rugby union career. Now, with a move to Los Angeles underway, he’s parting ways with the property, which is being taken to auction on June 28 by Ray White Holland Park agents Piers Crawford and Brad McMahon.

Jordan Petaia
Photo credit: Jordan Petaia/Instagram

Positioned for both lifestyle and investment appeal, the home falls within the catchment for Brisbane South State Secondary College and offers excellent access to the University of Queensland, hospitals, and cultural precincts in South Brisbane and West End.

The updated home features dark timber floors, split system air conditioning, solar panels, and a double garage with a multipurpose storage room. There are indoor and outdoor living spaces, including a rear entertaining area ideal for gatherings and a front patio perfect for quiet mornings or evening relaxation.

Jordan Petaia
Photo credit: Ray White Holland Park

Currently leased at $800 per week, the home offers investors immediate rental return with the potential for future development thanks to its size and corner positioning.


Read: Grimes Family Legacy Lives on in Fairfield


Petaia is understood to be settling into life in Los Angeles and embracing the challenges and opportunities of the NFL. With his focus now on the American football field, his former Fairfield address is ready to welcome new owners seeking a foothold in one of Brisbane’s rising inner-south suburbs.

Published 20-June-2025

Residents Raise Safety Concerns Over Slip Lane in Dutton Park

Ongoing safety concerns at a slip lane in Dutton Park have prompted a resident to take matters into his own hands, because of what appears to be widespread confusion about a key road rule. 



Slip Lane Behaviour Triggers Resident Action

A slip lane at the corner of Noble Street and Annerley Road in Dutton Park has become the focus of local frustration, with repeated reports of drivers failing to give way to pedestrians and cyclists. In response, a resident recently attached a hand-painted sign to a traffic light, aiming to warn drivers of their legal obligation to give way.

Under Queensland road rules, vehicles turning left using a slip lane must yield to pedestrians, cyclists, and e-scooter riders already on or entering the lane. Despite this, incidents continue to be reported at the Dutton Park site, including near-misses involving children and families.

Dutton Park
Photo Credit: Google Maps

Official Signage Deemed Ineffective

Cross River Rail installed a regulatory “give way at slip lanes” sign in 2023, placed approximately 50 metres before the intersection. Residents argue the sign is too far from the corner to be noticed in time by turning drivers. Many report drivers navigating the corner without slowing or checking for pedestrians crossing the slip lane.

Local advocacy group Active Travel for Annerley described the location as hazardous, particularly with traffic travelling at 60 km/h. Residents crossing with children or using bikes have reported multiple instances where drivers failed to yield or even shouted at pedestrians to stay off the road.

 give way rules
Photo Credit: QLD Gov

Road Design and Rule Awareness Contribute to Risks

The Queensland Guide to Traffic Management discourages the construction of new slip lanes in urban areas, citing risks to non-vehicle road users. Where slip lanes exist, it recommends raised or signalised crossings. Dutton Park’s Noble Street corner currently lacks such features.

Road safety researchers note that slip lane design can lead to drivers looking right for oncoming vehicles rather than left for crossing pedestrians—contributing to the lack of compliance.

The broader Annerley Road corridor presents further challenges. Its winding layout, limited visibility, and inconsistent speed limits increase difficulty for drivers and vulnerability for pedestrians. A separate petition launched earlier in 2025 called for a review of Annerley Road’s speed limits, noting seven changes over a short distance and inconsistencies with nearby streets.

Dutton Park slip lane
Photo Credit: QLD Gov

No Agreement on Responsibility

BCC investigated upgrades for the Noble Street slip lane but advised that Cross River Rail declined to fund the BCC’s preferred intersection redesign. According to the BCC, the intersection lies within the impact area of the Dutton Park station project. Cross River Rail, however, stated the slip lane is outside its delivery scope.

As a result, any upgrade to the intersection would rely on future BCC budget allocations. Meanwhile, residents continue to report dangerous interactions between vehicles and pedestrians at the site.

slip lane safety
Photo Credit: QLD Gov

Community Campaign Expands Push for Safety

Active Travel for Annerley has called for a comprehensive redesign of Annerley Road, including separated cycling lanes and lower speed limits. Their campaign, supported by local school communities and elected representatives, also targets safer pedestrian crossings near Dutton Park Station.

While some intersections across Brisbane—such as in Indooroopilly and Kelvin Grove—have received modifications to improve pedestrian safety, the slip lane at Noble Street remains unchanged.

Looking Ahead



The hand-painted sign at Dutton Park has brought renewed attention to a little-known but critical road rule. Despite regulatory signage and resident advocacy, the situation at the Noble Street slip lane highlights gaps in rule awareness, enforcement, and cross-agency coordination. Calls for safety upgrades remain under consideration, with no confirmed timeline for resolution.

Published 18-June-2025

Woolloongabba Centre Powers Queensland’s Landmark Count of Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients

Queensland has achieved a significant milestone by officially recognising 3,863 women living with metastatic breast cancer, a pivotal step towards better understanding and supporting this community, with the comprehensive data collation efforts stemming from Cancer Alliance Queensland‘s headquarters in Woolloongabba.



The announcement was made on Wednesday by Queensland Minister for Women Fiona Simpson, highlighting a shift from decades of these patients being overlooked in official statistics. 

This new data represents all individuals diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between 1982 and 2024 who are currently living with metastatic breast cancer as of late 2024. Metastatic breast cancer is a treatable but incurable condition, and until now, women living with this life-limiting disease in Queensland were not officially counted.

Acknowledging the Invisible Community

breast cancer
Photo Credit: Pexels

Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) has praised the release of this vital information. The organisation stated that this recognition means every person living with metastatic breast cancer in Queensland is now seen and counted, a welcome change after years of advocacy. 

Vicki Durston, BCNA’s Director of Policy, Advocacy & Support Services, noted that this breakthrough is crucial for the Queensland health system to effectively plan services, direct resources, and invest in research that truly meets the specific needs of these women. She added that for too long, governments had forgotten that “incurable doesn’t mean invisible,” and this data proves their presence, their importance, and their right to be included.

Larissa Erzitech, a 43-year-old Brisbane mother of two living with metastatic breast cancer, expressed that being counted is the starting point for visibility. She explained that without being in the data, individuals are often not considered in decision-making processes. For Queenslanders with metastatic breast cancer, accurate data collection will lead to improvements in their longevity and quality of life.

Driving Better Care and Policy

Danica Cossio, Senior Director at Cancer Alliance Queensland (CAQ), added that this newfound visibility in data directly leads to visibility in policy and practice. She highlighted that Queensland’s approach establishes a new standard for recognising and supporting people living with metastatic breast cancer, ensuring their needs are finally addressed and potentially paving the way for similar reforms for other types of metastatic cancer.

Minister Simpson expressed pride in Queensland’s nation-leading role in improving dignity, recognition, and providing better care for metastatic breast cancer patients. She also noted the potential for greater access to life-extending treatments and clinical trials. Queensland is only the second state in Australia to implement this change in health data reporting, and early indications suggest previous national estimates significantly underestimated the true number of metastatic breast cancer patients.

Key Statistics and Demographics

The new data from Queensland provides a clearer picture of the metastatic breast cancer population:

  •     A total of 3,863 women are living with metastatic breast cancer in Queensland.
  •     The majority of these women are aged 60 or older, with 1,120 (29%) aged 60–69, 1,043 (27%) aged 70–79, and 579 (15%) aged 80 or older.
  •     However, the disease also impacts younger women, including 85 individuals under 40 (2%), 301 aged 40–49 (8%), and 734 aged 50–59 (19%).
  •     Among those counted, 88 are First Nations women, making up 2.4% of the total.

The Local Impact of Cancer Alliance Queensland

This achievement is the result of decades of advocacy by BCNA, combined with the efforts of clinicians, researchers, and women with lived experience. It forms part of a broader national movement led by BCNA to ensure all individuals in Australia are counted and supported.

Cancer Alliance Queensland, located at Level 1, B2/2 Burke Street, Woolloongabba, played a crucial role in gathering this data. CAQ leverages its extensive data capabilities through the Queensland Oncology Repository – one of Australia’s most comprehensive population-based cancer databases.



This repository identifies women diagnosed since 1982 and uses advanced data integration techniques to identify those living with metastatic disease. The Repository draws information from multiple sources, including the Queensland Cancer Register, the Queensland Hospital Admitted Patient Data Collection, and detailed treatment records, offering a precise view of the metastatic breast cancer population in the state.

Cancer Alliance Queensland combines the Queensland Cancer Control Safety and Quality Partnership, Queensland Cancer Control Analysis Team, and the Queensland Cancer Register. Working with the Department of Health, Metro South Hospital and Health Service, and various health facilities and external organisations, CAQ aims to support and promote clinician-led improvements in cancer services across Queensland. 

Their 2024-26 strategic plan focuses on engagement, leadership, and impact, committed to measurable success and providing clear insights into how the healthcare system performs to improve cancer care and patient outcomes for all Queenslanders.

Published Date 17-Jun-2025