Emergency services conducted three controlled detonations in Denham Street on Friday afternoon after discovering suspicious powder at a vacant residential property.
The Queensland Police bomb squad, supported by Queensland Fire Department officers, carried out the explosions at 4pm, 4.11pm and 4.20pm as part of an operation that had been underway since Thursday.
Local residents received advance warning about the detonations, with authorities informing neighbours they would hear loud noises that could shake nearby homes. Sirens sounded before each controlled explosion to alert the community.
Police confirmed they had located suspicious powder inside the residence, which necessitated the controlled disposal through detonation. Following the operation, authorities assured residents that no further detonations were planned and there was no ongoing threat to public safety.
According to a local resident who spoke to media, the property has been vacant for approximately 18 months since the owner relocated to a retirement home. The resident noted that family members had been gradually clearing belongings from the property over the past year.
“The bomb squad were here yesterday afternoon with the robot, but they didn’t tell us they were going to detonate until about 3pm today,” the neighbour said.
The nature of the suspicious powder and the circumstances of its discovery have not been disclosed by police. No injuries were reported during the operation.
Residents in the immediate area were able to return to their normal routines following confirmation from authorities that the situation had been resolved safely.
Annerley Road has a posted 60 km/h speed limit, despite a string of crashes recorded over the past five years. Between 2019 and 2024 there were 43 reported crashes along the route, which runs between Dutton Park through Annerley towards Fairfield.
In some sections the road narrows to a single lane in each direction and is lined with driveways, bus stops and shops. Many residents and parents say the speed feels out of step with the area’s suburban character and local pedestrian and cycle traffic.
Photo credit: Google Street View
Traffic monitoring data from Brisbane in March 2024 showed average weekday speeds along parts of the road ranged between 37.8 km/h and 45.4 km/h—well below the 60 km/h speed limit. Yet despite the crash history and observed driver behaviour, there is no formal speed-limit review currently under way for Annerley Road.
By comparison, Ipswich Road, which connects to Annerley Road, had its limit reduced to 50 km/h in 2020–21 after community requests and a formal review. Gladstone Road was also reduced to 50 km/h after a speed-limit review prompted by local concerns. Annerley Road, however, remains an exception.
BCC is conducting a study to investigate potential future active-travel design options for the corridor, but this project is not a formal speed-limit review. Any change to the posted limit would require further assessment and sign-off by Council, the Queensland Government and the police.
Residents Push for Safer Design
Photo credit: Google Street View
As part of the study, community feedback gathered via an online interactive map revealed strong local concern. Residents called for more pedestrian crossings, removal of slip lanes, protected bike lanes and traffic-calming measures to prevent rat-running through side streets.
Several noted that crossing between Ipswich Road and Annerley Road can take multiple traffic-light cycles and is difficult for older pedestrians or those with mobility challenges. Some reported cars preparing to turn queue across crossings at the Fanny Street intersection when pedestrian lights turn green.
Parents participating in local “bike-bus” programs, which help children ride safely to Yeronga, Junction Park and Dutton Park state schools, say the current road design and high speed limit make independent cycling impossible for younger riders. Organisers say the community-led rides have helped build children’s confidence on bikes, but they stress infrastructure and lower speeds are key to long-term safety.
Broader Push for Lower Urban Speeds
Queensland’s default urban speed limit was reduced to 50 km/h in 1999, a change shown by research to reduce crash severity. Studies by RMIT University and Bicycle Queensland indicate that lowering limits further to 30 km/h on residential streets could significantly improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians while adding only minimal time to car trips. Some Australian cities and local areas, including parts of Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast (Cotton Tree), are trialling or implementing lower-speed zones.
For advocates in Annerley the examples provide a roadmap. They argue that aligning Annerley Road with neighbouring corridors would not only save lives but also encourage more people to walk or cycle.
While Brisbane continues to gather data and community feedback, residents say they hope Annerley Road’s future will reflect its changing character, prioritising safety over speed. Until any change is approved, the 60 km/h signs remain in place on a road that residents say is not yet designed to comfortably accommodate prams, school groups and cyclists.
A local resident has launched an e-petition calling for urgent safety upgrades at Mackenzie Place Park in Annerley, where locals say crossing the road remains dangerous despite the area’s popularity with families.
The petition, now with 87 signatures, argues that Sarah Street, which separates the park from nearby shops and cafes, poses a daily risk for children, parents with prams, and older residents trying to access the playground.
Photo credit: Google Street View
Supporters said the stretch of road is particularly unsafe because of parked cars blocking sight lines, the absence of kerb ramps for wheelchairs and scooters, and cars often travelling well above the 50 km/h speed limit.
Alternative routes to reach the park involve crossing up to three separate roads, with no traffic lights or zebra crossings, leaving many pedestrians to take the most direct but unsafe option – walking across Sarah Street outside the popular Billykart Kitchen.
The petition calls on Brisbane’s local officials to consider two main options for a safer connection. One is the installation of a raised “wombat crossing” built into a speed hump, which would lower traffic speeds and prioritise pedestrians. The other is creating a “shared zone” between Eric Crescent Park and Clifton Street, where vehicles are restricted to 30 km/h and paving signals pedestrian priority.
Photo credit: Google Street View
Residents backing the move say the issue goes beyond safety, arguing that a well-designed crossing could also enhance the precinct. Linking the upgraded playground with Billykart and nearby businesses would provide a more attractive community space, encouraging families to linger and boosting local trade.
Concerns about the possible loss of parking are addressed in the petition, which notes that disability bays, bus zones and short-term customer parking could remain in place. It also argues that weekend church crowds would still have ample parking within easy walking distance.
The petition closes on 4 January 2026. Locals say that with the playground already drawing strong community use, the next step should be making sure everyone can reach it safely and with less stress.
New figures from Brisbane showed Annerley is among the suburbs most affected by abandoned and unregistered vehicles, with thousands of cars left on the streets in the past financial year.
A total of 10,994 vehicles were removed across the city, with almost half unregistered and more than 4,000 officially deemed abandoned. Annerley joined Coorparoo, New Farm, Moorooka, Nundah, and Sunnybank Hills as suburbs where abandoned cars were most commonly reported.
While tourist towns such as Cairns and the Gold Coast have long dealt with backpackers leaving old vehicles behind, Brisbane has seen the issue grow. In Annerley and neighbouring suburbs, vehicles are often left for weeks in residential streets, creating safety risks and taking up valuable parking space.
Photo credit: Google Street View
The process of removing unregistered vehicles in Brisbane can take more than a month as authorities first attempt to trace owners. In some cases, vehicles are reunited with owners, but many end up impounded and later sold at auction. Logan City Council, for example, recently raised about $100,000 by selling 55 such vehicles.
Airports and private carparks have also been affected. At Brisbane Airport, dozens of vehicles are abandoned annually, often by overseas tourists leaving the country. In the city centre, a car left in a Queen Street Mall shopping centre carpark has accumulated theoretical fees of more than $70,000 since 2022.
A vehicle is considered abandoned if it is unregistered and left for more than 24 hours in a short-stay bay or more than seven days in unrestricted parking. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious vehicles by phoning Council on 07 3403 8888 so they can be investigated and removed if necessary.
Native bird and mammal populations in Annerley are being displaced as urban planting practices create favourable conditions for dominant species like the noisy miner.
Vegetation changes across Brisbane suburbs, including Annerley, are contributing to the rise of aggressive bird species and the decline of smaller native wildlife. This issue was the focus of a recent BrisScience public lecture held on 2 June 2025 at The Edge, State Library of Queensland.
Presented by Professor Martine Maron and hosted by The University of Queensland, the session detailed how clearing undergrowth and planting tall, nectar-rich trees create favourable conditions for noisy miners and butcherbirds, while reducing shelter for honeyeaters, finches, and small mammals. The BrisScience series has been delivering accessible science talks to the Brisbane public since 2005.
Impact of Noisy Miners on Local Biodiversity
The noisy miner, Manorina melanocephala, is a native honeyeater species known for its aggressive territorial behaviour. According to the Australian Museum, noisy miners often form large colonies and exclude most other bird species—even larger ones such as kookaburras—from areas they occupy. Their breeding season spans from July to December, during which they become especially active and defensive.
These birds thrive in open areas with tall trees and little understorey, conditions increasingly common in suburban parks and gardens. Annerley Park has been identified as a local example where vegetation choices have contributed to these imbalances.
BCC recognises the impact of noisy miners and advises against feeding or disturbing them, particularly during nesting season. BCC encourages residents to support local biodiversity by planting shrubs that provide cover and food for a wider variety of species.
While grevilleas are common in urban gardens, they are highly accessible to noisy miners. Alternative options such as smaller varieties of native bottlebrush are recommended. Pete’s Hobby Nursery in Lowood is among the nurseries providing suitable plant species and biodiversity-focused guidance.
All native birds and mammals in Brisbane are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. Removing nests or feeding wildlife is discouraged due to its potential to further disrupt ecological balance.
Photo Credit: UQ BrisScience/Facebook
Community Engagement and Ongoing Awareness
Residents are encouraged to support conservation efforts by adjusting garden planting choices and participating in habitat-focused initiatives such as the Land for Wildlife program.
Public lectures like BrisScience aim to expand community understanding of these challenges. As concerns about declining native species persist in areas like Annerley, coordinated efforts between residents, scientists, and local authorities remain central to ecological restoration.
A resident from Annerley who has been dealing with long-term illness is now set to travel overseas after learning he had secured a prize worth more than $100,000.
The prize was won through a national draw held on 14 May 2025, where the man held the 1st Prize entry. In addition to the main prize, a smaller consolation amount was also awarded, taking his total winnings to $102,000.
The winning entry consisted of ten consecutive numbers and was purchased at Junction News & Casket Agency, situated at Shop 2, 500 Ipswich Road in Annerley.
This marks a significant moment for the winner, who said he had not travelled abroad in years due to his health.
Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only Photo Credit: Pexels
Local Retailer Welcomes Major Prize Sale
The outlet that sold the winning ticket, Junction News & Casket Agency, had not seen a major prize win since its current ownership began two years ago.
Its owner expressed excitement at the sale, noting it brought hope and positivity to the area. The team took time to verify the notification before confirming it was a valid result.
They extended their well-wishes to the winner and his family, expressing hopes it would be a memorable experience.
Holiday Plans Back on the Table
The winner shared that he had won minor prizes in the past but never expected something on this scale.
With improved circumstances, he and his wife are now looking at planning an overseas trip, a milestone they had put off due to his health challenges.
Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only Photo Credit: Pexels
The prize has now made those plans more realistic and achievable.
Prize Draw Background
The recent draw was part of an ongoing prize series that awarded over $52.2 million in 1st Prize and Jackpot wins nationally in 2024.
Aubigny Street in Annerley stands as both a residential thoroughfare and a poignant reminder of Australia’s military history. This quiet street, tucked away in Brisbane’s inner south, has maintained a stable community presence while honoring an important connection to World War One.
With 65% of properties being owner-occupied and residents staying an average of 13 years and 1 month, the street demonstrates significant community stability. This commitment to the area is further evidenced by the fact that 50% of residents have called Aubigny Street home for more than a decade. The street’s history of property transactions provides fascinating insights into Brisbane’s property evolution, with 47 Aubigny Street selling for just $143,000 in December 1998 – a figure that highlights the remarkable transformation of the area’s real estate market over the decades.
Remembrance Connection
Aubigny Street is one of Brisbane’s significant Streets of Remembrance, named to honor the Anzac spirit and Queensland’s service personnel. The street commemorates Aubigny-en-Artois, a town on the Somme in France that played a crucial role during World War One. Initially positioned in the area of the French Tenth Army, Aubigny became an important Allied base from 1916 onward. The area was home to the 1st Australian Division Battery Park, the 1st Australian Dermatological Hospital, and the 42nd Casualty Clearing Station, which provided critical first aid services.
The Aubigny British Cemetery in France contains 95 World War One burials, including one unidentified soldier. Additionally, an extension created by Australian units in 1918 contains 2,771 Commonwealth burials, underscoring the significant Australian presence and sacrifice in the region. Through its name, Aubigny Street ensures that the memory of these contributions and sacrifices remains woven into the fabric of Brisbane’s suburban landscape.
Aubigny St, Annerley Residents
NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 46 (5 townhouses, 30 houses, 11 others) % OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 65% AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 13 years, 1 month % OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 50%
Aubigny St, Annerley – As It Looked In 1936
Aubigny St, Annerley in 1936
SOME RECENT SALES ON AUBIGNY ST, ANNERLEY
Property Address
Sale Price
Sale Date
1/34 Aubigny Street, Annerley
$850,000
Feb 2025
57 Aubigny Street, Annerley
$1,250,000
Aug 2024
SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON AUBIGNY ST FROM YESTERYEAR
Property Address
Sale Price
Sale Date
30 Aubigny Street, Annerley
$210,250
Nov 2001
20 Aubigny Street, Annerley
$193,000
Mar 2001
47 Aubigny Street, Annerley
$143,000
Dec 1998
SUBURB PROFILE
The median price of a 2 Bedroom House in Annerley in 2025 was $1,130,000 The median price of a 2 Bedroom House in Annerley in 2021 was $638,000 TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 2-BEDROOM HOUSE IN ANNERLEY SINCE 2021: $492,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Annerley in 2025 was $1,230,000 The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Annerley in 2021 was $783,000 TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM HOUSE IN ANNERLEY SINCE 2021: $447,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Annerley in 2025 was $1,560,000 The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Annerley in 2021 was $871,000 TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4 BEDROOM HOUSE IN ANNERLEY SINCE 2021: $689,000
The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in Annerley in 2025 was $650,000 The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in Annerley in 2021 was $360,000 TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 2 BEDROOM UNIT IN ANNERLEY SINCE 2021: $290,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom Unit in Annerley in 2025 was $895,000 The median price of a 3 Bedroom Unit in Annerley in 2021 was $569,000 TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM UNIT IN ANNERLEY SINCE 2021: $326,000
More than half of secondary school students living in Annerley are enrolled in state schools, reflecting a growing preference for public education in the inner-south Brisbane suburb.
Annerley has recorded a significant inclination towards government high school education, with 53.2 per cent of secondary students in the suburb attending state schools. This trend aligns with a broader pattern seen across parts of Brisbane’s southside, where access to high-performing public schools is influencing family decisions on where to live and educate their children.
Brisbane South State Secondary College Relieves Pressure
The nearby Brisbane South State Secondary College (BSSSC) in Dutton Park was opened in 2021 to alleviate enrolment pressures on Brisbane State High School (BSHS), which continues to exceed its capacity. In 2024, BSSSC enrolled 968 students, with a capacity for 1524, and 62 per cent of those students lived outside its catchment area.
BSHS, located within reach of Annerley, had 3521 students enrolled last year—well over its designated capacity of 3000. Nearly half of its student population resided outside the catchment zone, gaining admission through academic, sporting or cultural merit programs.
Photo Credit: Brisbane South State Secondary College
State Schools Outpace Private in Several Suburbs
Annerley’s trend is echoed in suburbs such as Mansfield and Wishart, where over 79 per cent of students attend government high schools. Mansfield State High, for example, had an enrolment of 3651 students last year, with 29 per cent coming from outside its designated zone. The school is recognised for its specialised programs, including French immersion.
In contrast, some of Brisbane’s wealthier suburbs, like Ascot and East Brisbane, lean heavily towards independent schooling, with more than 40 per cent of students in these areas attending private schools.
The appeal of top-performing state schools, particularly BSHS, has led to rising housing demand in their catchment areas.
In West End, 83.8 per cent of students opt for state education, and the BSHS catchment has become a key real estate drawcard. In response, the school has implemented strict enrolment policies, including proof of residency and statutory declarations, to address enrolment fraud.
While Annerley is not within the BSHS catchment, its proximity to schools like BSSSC has contributed to the area’s steady public school enrolment rate.
Photo Credit: Brisbane State High School
Future Planning and Infrastructure Considerations
To accommodate rising student numbers in Brisbane’s inner south, the Queensland schools planning reference committee has flagged the potential need for a new primary school in the South Brisbane, West End and Highgate Hill area within the next decade. This follows a $34 million expansion of West End State School in 2022, increasing its capacity to 1730 students.
Community groups have raised concerns about the pressure on schools, particularly as council-led high-density developments progress across the Kurilpa peninsula.
A dilapidated 1940s cottage in Annerley has been spectacularly transformed into a luxury five-bedroom home, highlighting both the owners’ dedication and the suburb’s dramatic rise in property values.
41 Cosker Street. Annerley before it was renovated by the Grestes. Photo Credit: Ray White
Lydia and Brendan Greste purchased the rundown property at 41 Cosker Street for $675,000 in February 2021, when they were just 26 years old. At that time, Annerley’s median house price was $782,500. Four years later, that median has skyrocketed to $1.29 million—an increase of over $500,000.
41 Cosker Street. Annerley before it was renovated by the Grestes. Photo Credit: Ray White
“We always knew we were going to turn this into something special because this is what Brendan does for a living,” said Lydia Greste. “He takes an old Queenslander and gives it new life, while keeping a bit of its original charm.”
The renovation journey took twice as long as expected, with the couple initially planning to complete the project in two years. Instead, they spent the first 18 months lifting the house and making a small portion liveable before embarking on major extensions and improvements.
What was once a time capsule with retro colours, stucco render, and newspaper-lined bathroom walls from 1941 is now an elegant “Hamplander” style home featuring:
The couple faced numerous challenges during the renovation, including battles with council to remove post-1945 stucco rendering and navigating the 2022 floods, which filled their newly dug pool hole with water. They also welcomed their baby, Evie, during the final year of construction.
“We went from going out every weekend to working every weekend. But this was one brief moment in our lives when we could invest four years – and so we did,” Lydia explained.
The property is now headed to auction on March 15, marketed by Pat Ivey of Harcourts Prestige, who describes the transformation as a “one-in-a-million masterpiece” in what has become a blue-chip suburb.
“House medians in the suburb have risen a few hundred thousand dollars since they bought it. And then if you add in the construction costs, you are getting a lot of value and equity with this property,” Ivey said. “I think there’s lots of growth still to come through in that corridor too as it has become a blue-chip pocket.”
The Grestes plan to undertake a similar project on a smaller scale now that they have a young child, recognising that today’s market conditions would make acquiring a similar property much more difficult.
Queensland Police officers will soon be equipped with personal tactical first aid kits following a critical shooting incident in Annerley. The move comes after an officer used a personally purchased tourniquet to save a colleague’s life when responding to a trespassing call.
The decision to introduce personal first aid kits follows an incident in Annerley, where Acting Sergeant Liam Bailey was shot in the leg while responding to a trespassing report. The event unfolded in the early hours when A/Sgt Bailey and Constable Boyd Harrington-Karaitiana attended a call in Tamar Street regarding a man behaving erratically.
During the confrontation, the 26-year-old man allegedly attempted to seize A/Sgt Bailey’s firearm. In the ensuing struggle, the weapon discharged, striking A/Sgt Bailey in the leg. Cst Harrington-Karaitiana then shot the man twice in the stomach before additional officers arrived and subdued him with a taser.
Both officers and the suspect were transported to Princess Alexandra Hospital, where A/Sgt Bailey underwent surgery and remains in stable condition. Cst Harrington-Karaitiana was treated for a bite wound and later discharged.
The Push for Tactical First Aid Kits
The shooting reignited calls from the Queensland Police Union (QPU) for frontline officers to carry personal tactical first aid kits, which will now be provided as part of a $5.4 million investment over the next five years. The kits will contain:
Tourniquets to control life-threatening bleeding
Specialised bandages for severe wounds
Trauma shears to cut through clothing and gear
Although tactical first aid kits have been available in police vehicles, they were not personally issued to officers. In A/Sgt Bailey’s case, retrieving the station-issued kit was not an option due to the urgency of the situation.
Queensland Police Minister Dan Purdie confirmed that officers will have the choice to carry the kits but will not be mandated to do so. Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski stated that officers had expressed a strong need for these kits, which could be used in high-risk situations involving both police and the public.
The Queensland Police Union (QPU) has been advocating for personal tactical first aid kits for officers, particularly following cases where emergency medical intervention was necessary. In this instance, Cst Harrington-Karaitiana’s decision to purchase his tourniquet saved A/Sgt Bailey’s life.
The union has welcomed the swift response from authorities, noting that similar proposals often take years of committee discussions before action is taken. The Annerley incident highlighted the immediate need for such resources, with medical professionals confirming that the timely application of the tourniquet played a crucial role in stabilising Bailey before further treatment.
Looking Ahead: Implementation and Training
The $5.4 million program will fund 12,500 tactical first aid kits over five years, with frontline officers as the priority recipients. While carrying the kits remains optional, police will undergo specialised training to ensure they can apply tourniquets and other emergency treatments effectively.
Authorities believe this measure will significantly improve survival rates in critical situations where officers or civilians sustain life-threatening injuries.
