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Historic Shorncliffe Station Ready To Welcome Passengers Again

Shorncliffe station will welcome passengers back on Monday, 27 July 2026, after months of restoration work that has revived one of the bayside’s best-known heritage landmarks while making it more accessible for everyone.

Read: Inside the Shorncliffe Station Upgrade: Closure, Heritage Works and Reopening Plans

The station, the final stop on the Shorncliffe line, has been closed since November 2025 while crews carried out a major renewal project that combined heritage conservation with modern accessibility improvements. Originally built in 1897 as a resort station for holidaymakers travelling to the bayside, it remains an important part of Shorncliffe’s rail history.

Preserving A Piece Of Shorncliffe’s History

Preserving the station’s heritage was a central part of the project.

One of the project’s most delicate tasks involved temporarily relocating the original heritage station building onto temporary footings in the adjoining car park so restoration work could be completed. Once the upgrades were finished, the building was carefully returned to its original location, preserving the station’s historic appearance while allowing construction to take place beneath and around it.

Queensland Rail also shared a timelapse video documenting the transformation, showing the careful relocation of the heritage buildings before restoration work and accessibility upgrades were completed.

Modern Upgrades For Easier Travel

While preserving its heritage was a priority, the project was equally focused on improving access for all passengers. Around 90 metres of platform has been raised to create accessible boarding points, making it easier for customers using wheelchairs, mobility aids and prams to board trains. New hearing augmentation loops, tactile ground surface indicators, accessible ramps and an accessible toilet have also been added.

Passengers will also notice upgraded lighting, additional CCTV cameras, customer information screens, improved wayfinding signage and two new platform seats, helping create a safer and more comfortable station experience. The project combined station renewal works with accessibility upgrades to improve customer access and facilities.

Discoveries Beneath The Platform

Shorncliffe Station — Shorncliffe station was originally called Sandgate station when it was built in 1897 (Photo credit: Queensland Rail)

The project also revealed new insights into the station’s history.

Before construction began, archaeological investigations beneath the station’s ticket office uncovered hundreds of historical artefacts, including a steam-era slush lamp, metal tins, stamp handles and a sailor’s cap.

Several of those items will be permanently displayed in a purpose-built display cabinet at the station, giving passengers and visitors the opportunity to learn more about Shorncliffe’s railway history while waiting for their train.

Read: Shorncliffe Line Moves to 30-minute Services All Day

Queensland Rail Head of South East Queensland Neil Backer said the project reflected the organisation’s commitment to preserving rail heritage while improving the experience for customers. He said the restoration had returned the station to its original charm and that the upgraded landmark would continue serving and being enjoyed by the community for generations to come.

Published 21-July-2026

North Brisbane Area Sports Results 17-19 July 2026

AFL

Toyota AFL Premiership

Sat, July 18, 2026 (Optus Stadium, Perth • Whadjuk) – Toyota AFL Premiership – Men – Round 19

• West Coast Eagles 69 | Brisbane Lions 93

QAFL – TPIL Lawyers

Sat, July 18, 2026 (Graham Road / Automall Aspley Oval) – TPIL Lawyers QAFL – Men – Round 15

• Aspley QAFL Seniors 82 | Palm Beach Currumbin QAFL Seniors 110

Sat, July 18, 2026 (Hickey Park / Hickey Park) – TPIL Lawyers QAFL – Men – Round 15

• Wilston Grange QAFL Seniors 36 | Surfers Paradise QAFL Seniors 124

Sat, July 18, 2026 (Jack Esplen Oval / Jack Esplen Oval 1) – TPIL Lawyers QAFL – Women – Round 15

• Morningside QAFLW Seniors 24 | Aspley QAFLW Seniors 35

Sat, July 18, 2026 (Hickey Park / Hickey Park) – TPIL Lawyers QAFL – Women – Round 15

• Wilston Grange QAFLW Seniors 46 | University of Queensland QAFLW Seniors 21

FQPL

Sat, July 18, 2026 (Briggs Road Sporting Complex (Ipswich FC)-Field 1) – FQPL1 – Men – Round 19

• Ipswich FC 3 | North Star 2

Sat, July 18, 2026 (Albert Bishop Park (Virginia United FC)-Field 1) – FQPL1 – Women – Round 14

• Virginia United 1 | Mitchelton FC 4

Sat, July 18, 2026 (Wolter Park (Moreton City Excelsior)-Field 1) – FQPL1 – Women – Round 14

• Moreton City Excelsior 0 | Grange Thistle 1

NPL

Sat, July 18, 2026 (AIS Arena (Rochedale Rovers FC)-Field 1) – NPL – Men – Round 19

• Rochedale Rovers 2 | Brisbane City 3

Sat, July 18, 2026 (Wolter Park (Moreton City Excelsior)-Field 1) – NPL – Men – Round 19

• Moreton City Excelsior 2 | Peninsula Power 2

Sun, July 19, 2026 (Goodwin Park (Olympic FC)-Field 1) – NPL – Men – Round 19

• Olympic FC 3 | Brisbane Roar B 1

Sat, July 18, 2026 (Luxury Paints Stadium (Lions FC)-Field 1) – NPL – Women – Round 23

• Lions FC 1 | Brisbane City 0

QRL

Sat, July 18, 2026 (Venue: Premiers’ Park, Brisbane) – QRL – Hostplus Cup – Men – Round 18

• Norths Devils 20 | Northern Pride 14

Sat, July 18, 2026 (Premiers’ Park, Brisbane) – QRL – BMD Premiership – Women – Round 7

• Norths Devils 28 | Northern Pride 18

Roll With The Punches Tour Heads To Boondall

Photo Credit: Bryan Adams/Facebook

Bryan Adams will perform at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Boondall as part of his Roll With The Punches tour, with Natalie Imbruglia joining the Australian dates as special guest.

Brisbane Entertainment Centre Concert

The concert is scheduled for Monday, 1 March 2027, with a listed start time of 7:45pm that remains subject to change. It will be an all-ages event, and every patron must hold a valid ticket.

Patrons aged 15 or younger must be accompanied or supervised by an adult. The same condition applies to patrons in that age group attending the general admission standing floor.

The Brisbane Entertainment Centre concert is one of five Australian dates on the tour. Adams is scheduled to perform at RAC Arena in Perth on Tuesday, 23 February, Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney on Friday, 26 February, the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Thursday, 4 March and Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on Friday, 5 March.

Auckland and Christchurch shows are also planned during the New Zealand leg in March.

Roll With The Punches tour — Photo Credit: Bryan Adams/Instagram

Four Decades Of Touring

The Canadian singer-songwriter has toured internationally for more than four decades and has released 16 studio albums. His catalogue includes Summer of ’69, Run to You, (Everything I Do) I Do It for You and So Happy It Hurts, while his songs have reached number one in more than 40 countries.

His honours include a Grammy Award, multiple American Music Awards and 18 Juno Awards. He has also received three Academy Award nominations and five Golden Globe nominations for songwriting connected with films.

Adams’ work beyond his studio albums includes songs for Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron and Pretty Woman: The Musical. He established his own label, Bad Records, in 2024.

The current tour is named after Roll With The Punches, his latest album. The album reached top-10 chart positions and generated radio hits in countries around the world.

The tour began in January 2025 and continued through 2026, with the Australian and New Zealand dates extending the schedule into 2027. Adams played 140 shows worldwide during 2025, followed by European and North American touring in 2026 before the Australasian dates.

Natalie Imbruglia will appear as the special guest at each Australian show. Her career honours include eight ARIA Awards and two Brit Awards, along with three Grammy Award nominations.

Tickets And Venue Entry

Frontier Touring and artist presales are listed from noon on Friday, 17 July until noon on Sunday, 19 July. General public tickets are scheduled to go on sale through Ticketek at noon on Monday, 20 July.

Ticket packages include reserved seating, merchandise, commemorative laminates and selected vinyl editions of Roll With The Punches. The Life Is Beautiful package also includes early entry, a production tour and access to a question-and-answer session with Adams featuring one acoustic song.

The venue has advised patrons not to buy from unauthorised resale websites because tickets may be invalid or fraudulent.

Published 15-July-2026

North Brisbane Area Sports Results 10-12 July 2026

Toyota AFL Premiership

Sun, July 12, 2026 (Gabba, Brisbane • Yuggera – Turrbal) – Toyota AFL Premiership – Men – Round 18
• Brisbane Lions 149 | Essendon 59

TPIL Lawyers QAFL

Sat, July 11, 2026 (Powenyenna Oval / Powenyenna Oval 1) – TPIL Lawyers QAFL – Men – Round 14
• Sherwood QAFL Seniors 83 | Aspley QAFL Seniors 102

Sat, July 11, 2026 (Salk Oval / Stalagmite Oval) – TPIL Lawyers QAFL – Men – Round 14
• Palm Beach Currumbin QAFL Seniors 179 | Wilston Grange QAFL Seniors 80

Bond University QAFLW

Sat, July 11, 2026 (Graham Road / Automall Aspley Oval) – Bond University QAFLW – Women – Round 12
• Aspley QAFLW Seniors 74 | Broadbeach QAFLW Seniors 7

Sat, July 11, 2026 (Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex / Red Rooster Park 1) – Bond University QAFLW – Women – Round 12
• Moreton Bay QAFLW Seniors 2 | Wilston Grange QAFLW Seniors 143

FQPL1

Fri, July 10, 2026 (Whites Hill Reserve (Holland Park Hawks FC)-Field 1) – FQPL1 – Men – Round 18
• Holland Park Hawks 0 | North Star 0

Sat, July 11, 2026 (Nudgee Recreation Reserve-Field 1) – FQPL1 – Men – Round 18
• Redlands United 1 | Capalaba FC 1

Sun, July 12, 2026 (Teralba Park (Mitchelton FC)-Field 1) – FQPL1 – Women – Round 13
• Mitchelton FC 2 | Palm Beach 0

Sun, July 12, 2026 (Albert Bishop Park (Virginia United FC)-Field 1) – FQPL1 – Women – Round 13
• Virginia United 0 | Grange Thistle 5

NPL

Fri, July 10, 2026 (Nudgee Recreation Reserve-Field 1) – NPL – Men – Round 18
• Brisbane Roar B 4 | Rochedale Rovers 1

Sun, July 12, 2026 (Croatian Sports Centre (Gold Coast Knights)-Field 1) – NPL – Men – Round 18
• Gold Coast Knights 0 | Brisbane City 0

NBL1

Sun, July 12, 2026 (Northside Indoor Sports Centre) – NBL1 North – Men – Round 13
• Northside Wizards 88 | Brisbane Capitals 100

Sun, July 12, 2026 (Northside Indoor Sports Centre) – NBL1 North – Women – Round 13
• Northside Wizards 88 | Brisbane Capitals 60

QRL

Sat, July 11, 2026 (Harry Kirby Park, Aspley) – QRL – Women – Round 6
• Norths Devils 30 | Sunshine Coast Falcons 8

Sun, July 12, 2026 (Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby) – QRL – Men – Round 17
• Papua New Guinea Hunters 24 | Norths Devils 30

Sandgate Readies for the 34th Annual Einbunpin Festival

Sandgate’s historic lagoon will play host to thousands of locals this month as the 34th annual Einbunpin Festival returns to celebrate the unique culture and mythical legends of our bayside suburb.

The Einbunpin Festival serves as the quintessential gathering for the Sandgate district, blending local history with a vibrant modern-day fair. While the event has grown significantly since its inception in 1992, the core mission remains the same: to honour the unique spirit and character of the bayside community.

The namesake of the festival, Bunpin, is a legendary creature believed to reside within the lagoon, and his presence remains a focal point for the day’s celebrations. Organisers have focused on highlighting the area’s distinct local identity, bringing together hundreds of business owners and volunteer community groups to showcase the best of the region.

The festival grounds will transform into a bustling hub of activity, featuring an array of market stalls where artisans sell their wares and local groups host interactive displays. For families, the day offers a variety of entertainment options, ranging from live music performances across multiple stages to dedicated rides and games for children.

The food selection aims to reflect the diversity of the area, offering everything from international flavours to traditional festival snacks. It is a day built on the collaboration between local businesses and residents, designed to provide a high-energy, inclusive environment for all ages.

The festivities are scheduled to take place on Sunday, 26 July 2026. Visitors can enjoy the full program of events from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm at Einbunpin Lagoon Park on Brighton Road. Entry is entirely free, ensuring the day remains accessible for the entire community.

Given the high attendance expected for the event, those travelling by car should plan for potential traffic and allow extra time to secure a spot in the local street parking. For those travelling with pets, dogs are welcome to join the fun as long as they stay on a leash. The site features accessible walkways, though the scale of the gathering means the area will be quite busy throughout the afternoon.

Published Date 14-July-2026

Photo Credit: Einbunpin Festival/ Facebook

Benson Boone Brings ‘Wanted Man’ tour to Boondall

Global pop phenomenon Benson Boone will bring his high-energy Wanted Man world tour to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Boondall this November, delivering three nights of live music to his dedicated Australian fanbase.

A Grounded Approach to Fame

It is rare to see an artist reach such dizzying heights so quickly. After his 2024 breakout track “Beautiful Things” dominated airwaves across the globe, the 24-year-old found himself navigating the sudden pressures of superstardom. Rather than letting the spotlight change his perspective, he has spoken candidly about his struggle to keep his ego in check.

To him, the title of “global superstar” feels premature; he still identifies as an up-and-coming artist focused on refining his craft rather than chasing the title of being the most famous person in the room.

From the Screen to the Spotlight

His journey toward these major arena shows began with an unconventional detour. After deciding that a reality singing competition was not the right path to express his artistic identity, he walked away from the screen to forge his own way through social media. This pivot caught the eye of Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds, who quickly brought him into the fold at Night Street Records.

Since then, the singer has transformed into a dynamic performer known for a theatrical flair that routinely includes mid-song backflips and high-stakes stunts—an evolution that eventually earned him an opening slot on Taylor Swift’s massive Eras Tour.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Benson Boone (@bensonboone)

The Queensland Connection

This upcoming series of concerts serves as a victory lap for his sophomore record, American Heart. The album struck a chord with listeners throughout this country, hitting the number-one spot on the charts shortly after its release. For local fans, these shows are the first opportunity to experience that material in a live setting alongside his earlier platinum-certified ballads.

Boone will perform at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Boondall on Friday, 6 November, Saturday, 7 November, and Sunday, 8 November. Following these performances, the tour shifts to Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena from 12 to 14 November, before wrapping up with three shows at Sydney’s Afterpay Arena from 17 to 19 November.

BUY TICKETS

Published Date 13-July-2026

Photo Credit: Benson Boone/ Instagram

Sandgate Woman Helps Friends Become Parents Through Surrogacy at 48

For Sandgate real estate agent Jacqui McKeering, helping close friends become parents has become one of the most significant experiences of her life.

Read: 2026-2027 Council Budget: Sandgate and Brighton See Rates Rise Above Brisbane Average

The 48-year-old recently gave birth to baby Oliver as a surrogate for Mark Fullerton and Aaron McGillivray, describing the experience as “the most beautiful gift I could ever imagine giving.”

Oliver arrived earlier than expected at 33.5 weeks, transforming months of careful planning into a fast-paced trip to hospital and a one-hour labour. Reflecting on the birth in an Instagram post, Ms McKeering wrote: “Almost this exact time last week, I gave birth to the most beautiful gift I could ever imagine giving… baby Oliver.”

Photo credit: Instagram/Jacqui McKeering

She said the early arrival led to “a comedic drive to the hospital and a whirlwind one-hour delivery”, adding that her pain relief only took effect after Oliver had already been born. Despite the unexpected arrival, she said Oliver was “strong and healthy”.

“The days that followed in our hospital cocoon, the parents and I shared waves of incredibly raw emotions, navigating tears, pain, laughter, and most of all, love,” she wrote.

Ms McKeering said handing Oliver to his parents was an emotional moment before returning to work just days later.

“Returning to work yesterday was a completely surreal gear shift, stepping right back into my ‘old life’ and routine just days after being eight months pregnant feels like absolute twilight-zone whiplash. But I’m back at it with a strange rush of energy and an immense sense of pride in what we achieved.” She also wished Oliver “a lifetime of complete and eternal happiness”.

Surrogacy in Queensland

The birth shines a light on altruistic surrogacy, which is the only form of surrogacy permitted in Queensland. Under Queensland law, a surrogate cannot receive payment beyond the reimbursement of reasonable surrogacy-related costs, with arrangements centred on helping intended parents rather than commercial gain.

The process is carefully regulated and involves legal requirements, independent counselling and fertility treatment before a pregnancy can proceed. Intended parents must also apply for a parentage order after the child’s birth to transfer legal parentage from the birth parent to the intended parents.

Read: Sandgate Roadworks Bring Safer Crossings To Brighton Road

Although surrogacy remains relatively uncommon, it provides an important pathway to parenthood for people who cannot carry a pregnancy themselves or who need the assistance of a surrogate to build their family.

Now back at work in Sandgate, Ms McKeering says she is carrying with her “an immense sense of pride in what we achieved”, reflecting on a journey that has changed the lives of three adults and welcomed a new baby into the world.

Featured image credit: Instagram/Jacqui McKeering

Published 9-July-2026

Maroons Couldn’t Break The Blues’ Grip As Cleary Guides NSW To Origin Shield

Queensland had done the hard part.

After losing the series opener, the Maroons responded in Perth to force a State of Origin decider back to Suncorp Stadium, putting themselves within 80 minutes of retaining the shield. What they couldn’t do on Wednesday, July 8, was wrestle control of the contest away from Nathan Cleary and a New South Wales side that dominated territory, possession and the biggest moments on its way to a 30-12 victory.

Cleary scored two tries, kicked four conversions and a penalty goal before collecting the Wally Lewis Medal as player of the 2026 series, but his greatest influence came through his game management. Whenever Queensland looked capable of building pressure, the Blues halfback calmly steered the contest back onto New South Wales’ terms.

Queensland Lost The Territory Battle

The opening quarter was as tight as any Origin decider should be. Both teams spilled early possession, neither side found much attacking rhythm and there was little to separate them until New South Wales began winning the battle that shaped the rest of the night — field position.

The Blues completed 38 of their 44 sets at 86 per cent, while Queensland managed 31 completions from the same number of opportunities at 70 per cent. That gap flowed through the key statistics. New South Wales enjoyed 54 per cent possession, held the ball for nearly four-and-a-half minutes longer, ran for 1,457 metres to Queensland’s 1,260 and finished with 853 kicking metres compared with the Maroons’ 604.

Queensland’s effort in defence could hardly be questioned. The Maroons made 370 tackles but missed 47, compared with 34 by the Blues, while repeated defensive sets gradually allowed New South Wales to wear Queensland down.

Nine Minutes That Mattered

Queensland had defended strongly enough to stay in the contest until Cleary broke through for the opening try in the 14th minute.

The match then swung decisively.

Stephen Crichton’s line break created Cleary’s second try before Cameron Murray, only moments after entering from the interchange, burst through the middle after breaking the line himself to extend the lead to 18-0. In the space of nine minutes, an arm wrestle had become a chase.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow’s try shortly before halftime gave Queensland hope, but Sam Walker’s missed conversion left the Maroons trailing 18-4 rather than within two converted tries. It proved the first of three missed conversion attempts that ultimately left six points on the field.

The Comeback Never Came

Queensland emerged after the break with renewed energy.

Consecutive set restarts finally pinned New South Wales inside its own half before Selwyn Cobbo crossed to reduce the margin to 18-8 and lift the Suncorp crowd.

The Blues answered almost immediately.

Bradman Best restored the three-score advantage after another polished attacking movement before Cleary converted. Jojo Fifita’s second-half try again gave Queensland a chance to build, but another missed conversion meant the Maroons still hadn’t fully capitalised on their opportunities.

The three missed conversions were costly, but they reflected a broader problem. Queensland never generated enough sustained pressure to make New South Wales uncomfortable. Thirteen handling errors repeatedly handed the initiative back to the Blues, whose kicking game and completion rate ensured the Maroons were constantly working out of their own end.

Blues Finish The Job

New South Wales also overcame setbacks that could easily have unsettled the side. Captain James Tedesco failed a head injury assessment late in the first half and did not return, while Jack Bostock also failed a head injury assessment after the break.

The Blues barely changed.

Their defensive structure remained intact, Cameron Murray’s impact from the bench strengthened the middle and Cleary continued to dictate the contest until a late penalty goal effectively sealed the result before Hudson Young crossed after the full-time siren.

Queensland will review a completion rate of just 70 per cent, 13 handling errors and a night spent chasing territory. New South Wales completed their sets more consistently, kicked more effectively and trusted Cleary to control the biggest moments. On a night when the Maroons needed to dictate terms at Suncorp, they never managed to do it, and the Origin shield is heading back to New South Wales.

Match Summary

Queensland Maroons 12 (Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Selwyn Cobbo, Jojo Fifita tries)

lost to

New South Wales Blues 30 (Nathan Cleary 2, Cameron Murray, Bradman Best, Hudson Young tries; Nathan Cleary 4/5 goals, penalty goal)

Halftime: New South Wales 18-4

Wally Lewis Medal: Nathan Cleary (New South Wales)

Published 8-July-2026

Massive Attack’s Australian Return Brings Brisbane Show To Boondall

Boondall is set to host Massive Attack’s Brisbane show as the British electronic group returns to Australia for its first tour here in 16 years.

Brisbane Show Set For Boondall

Massive Attack will perform at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Thursday, 06 August 2026, with the event listed for 8:00pm, subject to change.

The Brisbane concert forms part of a three-city Australian tour, with shows also scheduled for Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney and Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. The tour marks the group’s first Australian dates since 2010.

For audiences in Boondall, Albany Creek and Brisbane’s north, the concert brings the Queensland stop to a major northside venue. The Brisbane Entertainment Centre is located in Boondall, about 16 kilometres north of Brisbane’s CBD and about eight kilometres north of Brisbane’s domestic and international airports.

A Group Closely Linked With Trip-Hop

Massive Attack formed in Bristol in 1988 and became closely linked with the development of trip-hop, a sound shaped by hip-hop rhythms, soul influences, dub bass and atmospheric electronic production.

The group was founded by Robert “3D” Del Naja, Grant “Daddy G” Marshall, Adrian “Tricky” Thaws and Andrew “Mushroom” Vowles. It currently consists of Del Naja and Marshall.

Their debut album, Blue Lines, was released in 1991 and is often cited as a major work in the emergence of trip-hop. The single Unfinished Sympathy became one of the group’s best-known tracks, reaching number one on the Dutch Top 40.

Massive Attack followed with Protection in 1994. Their third album, Mezzanine, was released in 1998 and became their first number one album on the UK Albums Chart. It included Teardrop, later known to many listeners as the opening theme for the American television series House.

The group later released 100th Window in 2003 and Heligoland in 2010.

Boondall Concert Adds To A Long Catalogue

The Boondall concert gives Brisbane audiences a chance to see a group whose catalogue has remained prominent across electronic and alternative music.

Both Blue Lines and Mezzanine appear on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Massive Attack has also worked with recurring guest vocalists including Horace Andy, Shara Nelson, Tracey Thorn, Elizabeth Fraser, Sinéad O’Connor, Damon Albarn and Hope Sandoval.

Brisbane Concert — *Photo Credit: Massive Attack/Instagram*

The group’s awards include a Brit Award for Best British Dance Act, two MTV Europe Music Awards and two Q Awards. Its five studio albums have sold more than 13 million copies worldwide.

get tickets now

Tickets And Entry Details

Tickets for the Brisbane show are available through Ticketek. The venue has advised patrons to avoid unauthorised resale websites because tickets bought through those channels may not be valid.

The concert is listed as an all-ages event, with every patron required to hold a valid ticket. General admission standing floor patrons aged 15 years or under are recommended to be accompanied or supervised by an adult.

With Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne listed on the Australian tour schedule, the Boondall performance will be the Queensland stop for Massive Attack’s return after 16 years away from Australian stages.

Updated 8-July-2026

Photo Credit: Ticketek/Facebook

2026-2027 Council Budget: Sandgate and Brighton See Rates Rise Above Brisbane Average

Homeowners in Sandgate and Brighton are facing some of the highest council rate increases in Brisbane, with rises above 7 per cent under Brisbane City Council’s 2026-27 budget. The increases are well above the citywide average and place the bayside suburbs among the hardest-hit areas in the city.

The $3.9 billion budget includes major spending on roads, parks, community facilities and transport infrastructure, alongside residential rate increases that average 3.97 per cent across the city. For the typical owner-occupier, this amounts to about $63 a year, or roughly $1.22 a week.

While the citywide increase remains below 4 per cent, some suburbs are facing rises of more than 7 per cent, while others will see little change or even a slight reduction in their rates bill.

Brisbane rates remain among the region’s lowest

Brisbane City Council adopted its 2026-27 budget on 18 June, outlining spending plans for the year ahead as the city continues to deal with population growth, infrastructure demands and rising costs.

LM Adrian Schrinner said the budget was designed to balance investment in local services and infrastructure while keeping residential rates lower than many other councils in South East Queensland.

The budget retains the council’s $60 on-time payment discount for eligible ratepayers. Pensioners will also receive additional support, with the maximum pensioner rates rebate increasing to $1,350.

Council figures show the average owner-occupier rates increase across Brisbane will be 3.97 per cent.

Property values continue to influence rates outcomes

Although Brisbane City Council sets the overall rating structure, the amount paid by individual households can vary considerably between suburbs.

Differences in land valuations and rating categories can result in some areas experiencing larger increases than others. This year’s figures show a wide gap between the suburbs at the upper and lower ends of the scale.

Suburbs with more than 7% increase	Rate
Bulwer (Moreton Island)	7.50%
Cowan Cowan (Moreton Island)	7.50%
Lake Manchester	7.50%
Robertson	7.47%
Wakerley	7.47%
Runcorn	7.44%
Middle Park	7.43%
Mackenzie	7.42%
Algester	7.41%
Corinda	7.33%
Eight Mile Plains	7.32%
Sandgate	7.29%
Brighton	7.24%

Other areas such as Dutton Park, Fairfield and Enoggera Reservoir are expected to see slight reductions in rates, while suburbs including Kangaroo Point and Woolloongabba will experience increases of less than 1 per cent.

The variation means neighbouring suburbs can receive very different outcomes despite being part of the same council area.

What homeowners can expect next

Like councils across Australia, Brisbane is also facing higher construction and maintenance costs, as well as increased demand on local infrastructure as the city’s population continues to grow. These pressures have played a role in the council’s budget and rates decisions for the year ahead.

Updated rates notices will be issued to Brisbane property owners during the next billing cycle. Eligible owner-occupiers who pay on time will continue to receive the council’s $60 discount, while pensioners may qualify for the increased rebate support announced in the budget.

Residents seeking further information about how the changes affect their property can access detailed rates information and budget documents through Brisbane City Council.

2026-2027 BRISBANE BUDGET

Updated 7-July-2026

Featured Image Credit: Wikimedia/Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported