Tag: Brisbane suburbs

Sherwood Barbecue Fire Leaves Brisbane Family Without Home

A family barbecue in Sherwood turned into a fast-moving house fire that tore through a two-storey Brisbane home, forcing residents to flee as thick smoke and loud explosions spread across the neighbourhood. Fire crews arrived to find the property heavily engulfed, while nearby residents gathered on the street watching firefighters battle flames that could be seen above surrounding homes.

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The fire broke out on Lance Street in Sherwood on 9 May, shortly after 1:30 p.m. Queensland Fire Department crews responded after a barbecue on an outdoor deck was believed to have caught alight before the flames spread into the house.

Emergency responders worked for about an hour to bring the blaze under control as smoke poured through the suburb’s residential streets. Video footage showed firefighters using aerial hoses while parts of the roof collapsed into the building.

Neighbours Heard Explosions as Fire Spread

Residents living nearby reported hearing shouting and several explosions as the fire intensified. Some neighbours rushed outside after seeing smoke rise above the property, while others watched emergency crews move quickly to stop the flames from spreading to nearby homes.

Early updates posted on a local community Facebook page stated firefighters were responding to reports of a barbecue fire that had spread from the back deck into the house. The property, described in multiple reports as a Queenslander-style home, suffered severe structural damage during the blaze. 

Sherwood Community Watches After Family Loses Home

Several reports stated six people were displaced by the fire as the home was left heavily damaged. Images from the scene showed blackened walls, collapsed sections of roofing and debris scattered around the property after crews extinguished the flames.

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While investigators continue examining the exact cause, emergency services believe the barbecue may have been left running before the fire started. Authorities have not reported any serious injuries linked to the incident.

Published 13-May-2026

Tennyson Receives Rate Cut and Access Upgrade in 2025-26 Budget

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Tennyson has been marked for a residential rates reduction and nearby infrastructure funding under the 2025 BCC budget.

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Budget Relief and Infrastructure Upgrade for Tennyson

Tennyson is among just three suburbs in Brisbane set to receive a decrease in owner-occupier rates as part of BCC’s 2025–26 budget. Additionally, nearby infrastructure used by Tennyson residents—the Walter Taylor Bridge between Chelmer and Indooroopilly—has been allocated funding for continued restoration.

Tennyson rates
Photo Credit: Google Maps

Suburbs-First Spending Confirmed

The $4.1 billion budget directs 85 per cent of spending into suburban areas. Tennyson residents will benefit from a 0.93 per cent decrease in their average residential rates due to changes in land valuations. By contrast, other suburbs will see rate rises of up to 7.5 per cent.

Walter Taylor Bridge Works Progressing

Although not located within Tennyson, the Walter Taylor Bridge serves as a key access point for the suburb. The bridge will undergo continued restoration works funded in this year’s budget. Planned works include structural repairs, rendering, and repainting, with completion expected ahead of the bridge’s 90th anniversary in February 2026.

Previous structural maintenance was undertaken last year, and this latest funding phase was confirmed following community concerns about the bridge’s condition.

Broader Budget Measures

Across Brisbane, owner-occupier rates will rise by an average of 3.87 per cent, with increases capped at 7.5 per cent. A new $100 annual surcharge will apply to inner-city unit owners purchasing after October 1. Meanwhile, a waste levy of $49.52 will be introduced citywide for green bins, even for those opting out of the service.

Brisbane budget
Photo Credit: Google Maps

Community Response and Implications

Residents in affected suburbs have raised affordability concerns due to increased rates and charges. In contrast, Tennyson’s combination of rate reduction and access to improved transport infrastructure has been regarded by some as a favourable outcome under this year’s budget.

Looking Ahead

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With residential rates set to fall and improved connectivity through planned bridge restoration, Tennyson is one of the few suburbs positioned to benefit from the BCC’s 2025–26 budget. While most areas brace for increased costs, the Tennyson community will see both financial relief and infrastructure investment in the year ahead.

Published 20-June-2025