Chelmer Archives - Over The Walter Taylor Bridge

Graceville and Chelmer Offer Affordable Access to Top Brisbane School Catchments

Families aiming to secure a place in elite Brisbane school catchments without spending millions on a house may find opportunity in Graceville and Chelmer. These suburbs offer some of the most affordable unit options within the catchment areas of two of Queensland’s highest-ranked secondary schools—the Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology (QASMT) and Indooroopilly State High School.

*Photo Credit: Indooroopilly State High School*

Property Prices in Elite School Catchments

New data from PRD highlights the growing financial challenge of buying property in Brisbane’s top-performing school zones. Most high-ranked catchments require house prices above $1 million, with some surpassing $2 million. However, Graceville and Chelmer remain entry points for families prioritising education, especially for those considering units.

Both suburbs fall within the catchments for QASMT—ranked Queensland’s top secondary school based on 2024 NAPLAN results—and Indooroopilly State High School, another highly sought-after school. While house prices in these areas are relatively high, unit prices offer a more accessible entry point into these competitive catchments.

Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology — *Photo Credit: QASMT*

Cost of Buying Into Graceville and Chelmer’s Best Schools

For house buyers, Graceville’s median house price is $1.4 million, while Chelmer’s is $1.58 million. These figures remain lower than other QASMT and Indooroopilly State High School catchment suburbs, such as Toowong ($1.71 million), Indooroopilly ($1.65 million), and St Lucia ($2.05 million).

Unit buyers, however, can access these catchments at a significantly lower cost. A $550,000 unit in Chelmer requires a $110,000 deposit, while a $670,000 unit in Graceville needs a $134,000 deposit. Both prices fall below Brisbane’s median unit price of $690,000, making these suburbs some of the most affordable within these top school zones.

For those unable to afford multi-million-dollar homes in Indooroopilly, Toowong, or St Lucia, the cheaper unit options in Graceville and Chelmer provide a practical alternative.

school catchment Brisbane — *Photo Credit: Indooroopilly State High School*

Affordability Trends in Brisbane’s Best School Zones

PRD research indicates that nearly all suburbs in Brisbane’s top 10 school catchments now have median house prices above $1 million. As housing supply remains limited and demand for school catchment properties continues to rise, affordability is expected to decline further.

However, unit prices in Graceville and Chelmer continue to provide cost-effective alternatives for those prioritising school access. Families struggling to afford houses in top primary school catchments may find greater flexibility in secondary school zones, which cover a wider geographic area and offer more property choices at varying price points.

Top Brisbane School Catchments — *Photo Credit: QASMT*

Future Considerations for Buyers

With growing demand and limited availability, affordable units in Graceville and Chelmer may not remain accessible for long. Families looking to secure a place in QASMT or Indooroopilly State High School may need to act quickly before price pressures increase.

For those committed to accessing a top-ranked school, the $550,000 units in Chelmer and $670,000 units in Graceville present a cost-effective alternative to Brisbane’s multi-million-dollar house market in elite school zones.

Published 18-Mar-2025

Street Spotlight: Leybourne St, Chelmer

Photo Credit: qimagery.information.qld.gov.au

Leybourne Street in Chelmer exemplifies the evolution of Brisbane’s riverside suburbs. Historical records from 1936 show only scattered properties along largely vacant lots, as evidenced in aerial photographs from that era.

Today, it stands as a tightly-knit community with 85% owner-occupancy and residents staying an average of nearly 12 years. The street’s transformation is reflected in its property values – a notable example being 156 Leybourne Street, which sold for $57,000 in July 1978, a stark contrast to current market values in this sought-after pocket of Chelmer.

Leybourne St, Chelmer Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 128
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 85%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 11 years, 11 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 35%

Leybourne St, Chelmer – As It Looked in 1936

Leybourne St, Chelmer in 1936

SOME RECENT SALES ON LEYBOURNE ST, CHELMER

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
182 Leybourne, Chelmer	$3,260,000	Sep 2024
133 Leybourne, Chelmer	$1,300,000	Sep 2024
166 Leybourne, Chelmer	$2,812,000	Aug 2024
89 Leybourne, Chelmer	$1,550,000	Jul 2024
52 Leybourne, Chelmer	$1,410,000	Jun 2024
1 Leybourne, Chelmer	$1,000,000	Jun 2024
12 Leybourne, Chelmer	$1,074,000	Apr 2024
135 Leybourne, Chelmer	$1,172,000	Jan 2024
180 Leybourne, Chelmer	$3,160,000	Jan 2024

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON LEYBOURNE ST FROM YESTERYEAR

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
156 Leybourne, Chelmer	$57,000	Jul 1978
109 Leybourne, Chelmer	$31,500	Jan 1980
07 Leybourne, Chelmer	$31,000	Feb 1981

SUBURB PROFILE

The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Chelmer in 2024 was $1,398,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Chelmer in 2020 was $775,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM HOUSE IN CHELMER SINCE 2020 : $623,000

The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Chelmer in 2024 was $1,750,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Chelmer in 2020 was $1,275,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4 BEDROOM HOUSE IN CHELMER SINCE 2020 : $475,000

The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Chelmer in 2024 was $2,520,000
The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Chelmer in 2020 was $1,593,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 5 BEDROOM HOUSE IN CHELMER SINCE 2020 : $927,000

If you know Leybourne St, Chelmer well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

Fresh Players in Chelmer’s Food Scene: Fair Play Kitchen Opens at Sherwood Magpies AFC

Chelmer has welcomed its latest culinary destination – Fair Play Kitchen, a gastropub that’s already creating buzz since opening its doors last week at the Sherwood Magpies AFC.

Read: Starts at 60: Brewing Connections One Meetup at a Time

Behind this exciting venture are familiar faces Reagan Nongkhlaw and Urvik Bhalani, the dynamic duo known for their success at Method to the Madness in Kenmore. Their latest project at 41 Chelmer St East brings their signature blend of creativity and hospitality to a new community, with a sophisticated dining destination at a local sporting club.

Photo credit: Fair Play Kitchen/Facebook

The menu is where Fair Play Kitchen truly shines, offering clever twists on pub classics and breakfast favourites. Their golden mushroom croquettes have already become a talking point – crispy on the outside, impossibly creamy within, and elevated by a house-made tomato relish and generous shavings of parmesan.

Breakfast pushes boundaries with their standout okonomiyaki, a Japanese-inspired creation featuring sweet potato and crispy cabbage, dressed with the traditional trio of kewpie mayo, tonkatsu sauce, and nori flakes, all crowned with a perfectly fried egg.

For those seeking a morning pick-me-up with a twist, their breakfast tacos strike an innovative balance between savoury and sweet, combining smoky bacon and creamy avocado with an unexpected hero – house-made pineapple jam.

The beverage program holds its own with an impressive lineup of craft beers on tap and a carefully curated wine list showcasing premium Australian labels. Health-conscious patrons haven’t been forgotten, with a selection of fresh, unfussy smoothies completing the offering.

Read: Cheap Fruit and Veg Draw Crowds to Oxley Greengrocer

Fair Play Kitchen seems poised to become more than just another venue – it’s shaping up as Chelmer’s new community hub, where morning coffee runs seamlessly transition into afternoon drinks and everything in between. As the owners settle into their new neighbourhood, they’re not just serving meals; they’re creating a space where good food, great drinks, and local connections flourish under one roof.

Follow them on Facebook for updates.

Published 18-November-2024

Family Home of Olympic Champion Ariarne Titmus Makes a Golden Sale in Chelmer

Photo Credit: Domain

The Chelmer residence once owned by the family of Olympic gold medalist Ariarne Titmus has recently sold for a remarkable $2.41 million, a month after her triumphant performance in the Paris pool.

The sale price, secured on August 16th, falls comfortably within the initial asking range of $2.35 million to $2.55 million, proving the enduring appeal of this prestigious property.

Lindona’s expertly constructed weatherboard home displays the builder’s distinctive Hamptons style. It boasts a range of luxurious amenities, including a sparkling in-ground pool with app-controlled waterfall features, spa jets, and coloured lighting. An accompanying gazebo provides the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the Queensland sunshine.

The ground floor is designed for entertaining, seamlessly connecting to a spacious deck and manicured garden, while the second level houses the bedrooms and a second living area. The main bedroom has a private balcony, a walk-in robe leading to the ensuite bathroom, and a luxurious soaking tub.

The property’s location in Chelmer undoubtedly contributed to its appeal. Chelmer offers a desirable blend of excellent schools, convenient transport links, and proximity to the Indooroopilly Shopping Centre. The suburb’s median house price has increased 24.6% over the past 12 months, reaching $1,825,000, underscoring its growing popularity.

Ann-Karyn Fraser of Place New Farm handled the sale and expressed her delight at the outcome, stating it was a privilege to market the beautiful property for the Titmus family.

*Photo Credit: Ariarne Titmus/ Instagram*

She noted that the home attracted considerable interest from families drawn to the area’s top-tier schools, including Indooroopilly State High and St Peter’s Lutheran College, which Ariarne attended. The property was sold to a family relocating from interstate for work opportunities.

Ariarne Titmus, though narrowly missing out on gold in the women’s 200-metre freestyle final in Paris, brought home an impressive haul of one gold and two silver medals. Her achievements have solidified her status as a national sporting hero, and selling her family home marks another chapter in her inspiring journey.

Published Date 03-September-2024

Bridging Opinions: Walter Taylor Temporary Closure Reveals Divided Vision for Brisbane’s Future

The Walter Taylor Bridge, a crucial link between Chelmer and Indooroopilly, is set for a temporary closure this month, reigniting discussions about its future.

Read: Walter Taylor Bridge Closes for Maintenance: Chelmer Commuters To Face Detours

As the structure prepares to shut down from September 13 to 30 for maintenance, stakeholders are divided on how to address the growing traffic demands in this bustling corridor.

Michael Kane, head of public policy at RACQ, suggested that traffic modelling indicates a need for bridge duplication by 2041, if not sooner.

Walter Taylor — Photo credit: Peter Kaye/Google Maps

Mr Kane acknowledged that such a project would be complex and costly for the council, and given its local nature and competing priorities, substantial state or federal funding seems unlikely. He advocates for more detailed modelling to refine traffic forecasts and potential upgrade timelines.

Former transport minister Mark Bailey argued for a more urgent approach. He contends that a replacement bridge is needed much sooner than 2041, describing the current structure as one of Brisbane’s worst bottlenecks due to its single lane connecting the inner city to the Centenary suburbs.

Despite these calls for action, plans for duplication have stalled. Cr Andrew Wines, the council’s civic cabinet chair for infrastructure, attributes this to a lack of support from state and federal governments. In response, Transport Minister Bart Mellish stated that the responsibility for the bridge’s future lies with the local government, as it is a council asset.

Alternative solutions are also being proposed. Greens MP Michael Berkman suggests reopening the Tennyson rail line as a potential alternative to a new river crossing.

Meanwhile, Cr Nicole Johnston advocates for a more comprehensive approach, proposing an extension of the City Cat ferry service further upriver to provide an alternative transport option for university students and others.

Read: Bridge Strike Causes Major Delays for Corinda Rail and Bus Commuters

With stakeholders divided and funding uncertain, the future of this vital river crossing remains unclear. As the city evolves, finding a solution that satisfies all parties while meeting the area’s long-term needs will be crucial to keeping Brisbane moving forward.

Published 3-September-2024

Walter Taylor Bridge Closes for Maintenance: Chelmer Commuters To Face Detours

Walter Taylor Bridge, a crucial link between the suburbs of Indooroopilly and Chelmer, is set for a complete closure lasting two weeks.

Read: Bridge Strike Causes Major Delays for Corinda Rail and Bus Commuters

The shutdown, announced with only one month’s notice, is scheduled to begin at 9:00 p.m. on September 13 and continue until 5:00 a.m. on 30 September 2024. This closure is part of essential maintenance work on the 90-year-old structure.

About the Walter Taylor Bridge Road Resurfacing

The maintenance project is comprehensive, involving full removal and replacement of road asphalt, concrete repairs to the bridge deck, waterproofing, and steel node maintenance. The work will require the use of heavy machinery and power tools, which is likely to cause noise, dust, and increased vehicle movements in the area.

The heritage-listed bridge, which serves over 35,000 users daily, plays a critical role in Brisbane’s traffic flow. Its closure is expected to cause significant disruption, forcing motorists to take substantial detours or switch to public transportation. The only vehicles permitted to cross during this period will be emergency vehicles under six tonnes and those no wider than 2m, using the adjacent Jack Pesch cycle and pedestrian link.

Local road closures

Road detour map – Walter Taylor Bridge resurfacing works (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)

Local road closures will accompany the bridge shutdown. In Chelmer, Wharf Street between Rosebury Terrace and Honour Avenue will be closed, as will the northbound lane of Honour Avenue from Bridge Street onwards. The official detour route will direct traffic via Oxley Road, Seventeen Mile Rocks Road, and Centenary Highway.

Brisbane City Council has assured residents that measures will be in place to manage the changed traffic conditions, including police presence, traffic control, and signage. However, the short notice and extensive nature of the closure have raised concerns among local residents and businesses about potential disruptions.

Commuters are advised to plan their journeys in advance using the QLDTraffic app or website, or by calling 13 19 40 for up-to-date information. While the closure will undoubtedly cause inconvenience, the maintenance work is crucial for ensuring the longevity and safety of this important piece of Brisbane’s infrastructure.

Read: Uncharted Waters: The Top 10 Moments of John Oxley’s Historic 1823 Expedition to the Brisbane River

As the Walter Taylor Bridge approaches its centenary, this maintenance project underscores the ongoing challenges of maintaining ageing infrastructure in growing urban areas. The temporary pain of closure is balanced against the long-term gain of preserving a vital transport link for future generations of Brisbane residents.

Published 12-August-2024

Chelmer Ninja Warrior Playground Faces Setback, New Location in Sight

span style="color:#999999;font-size:85%;font-style:italic;padding-left:5px;">Photo Credit: Facebook/ NicoleJohnston

A highly anticipated ninja warrior playground in Chelmer has hit a snag, but local authorities have a promising alternative in the works.

Construction came to an abrupt halt in April when an unrecorded tip site was unearthed during the demolition of the old playground. While posing no health risk, the discovery prevents building on the site, as remediation costs are prohibitive.

*Photo Credit: Facebook/ NicoleJohnston*

This setback comes on the heels of budget cuts that removed funding for a separate remediation project at Gordon Thompson Oval, exacerbating the lack of available recreational spaces in the area.

In a bid to salvage the project, council officers are exploring the feasibility of relocating the ninja warrior course to Graceville Memorial Park, less than a kilometre away. This central location would serve both Chelmer and Graceville residents, maintaining the project’s accessibility.

While the old playground site will be grassed over and the swings will remain in place, the discovery has added the site to the contaminated land register.

Despite the disappointment, the project remains on track with sufficient funding allocated for installation at Graceville Memorial Park, pending heritage approvals. This unexpected turn of events highlights the challenges of urban development and the importance of thorough site assessments, but local authorities remain committed to delivering a new recreational facility to the community.

Published Date 23-May-2024

Brisbane and QLD Communities Raise $1.78M at Women’s Day Fun Run

The 2024 International Women’s Day Fun Run was a resounding success, with a tidal wave of support sweeping across Brisbane and numerous regional communities in Queensland. This remarkable event rallied thousands of participants, united in their mission to combat breast cancer, raising an astonishing $1.78 million for the cause.

Read: Chelmer and Riverhills Mums Led Record-breaking Turnout for Brisbane Breast Cancer Fun Run

The streets of Brisbane’s CBD were awash with a “Sea of Pink” on March 10 as runners, walkers, and supporters donned pink outfits and accessories for the inspiring 5km and 10km events.

Thousands more joined in at 14 “virtual” fun run locations from Bowen to the Sunshine Coast organised by Mater Foundation.

Among the pink-clad masses were two incredibly inspiring women – Anna Finlayson and Anna Holland – both breast cancer survivors who embodied the event’s message of resilience, hope, and celebrating life.

Chelmer mother-of-two Ms Finlayson rallied her community from The Outdoor Club Graceville after receiving a shocking breast cancer diagnosis last year. Despite undergoing three surgeries including a mastectomy, her courage spurred them all to join the fun run.

Ms Holland, a teacher from Jamboree Heights State School, beamed with joy as she celebrated an incredible milestone – five years of being cancer-free after battling stage two HER2-positive breast cancer.

Her presence at this year’s Fun Run was a powerful testament to resilience in the face of adversity. Despite enduring a double mastectomy, gruelling rounds of chemotherapy, and radiation treatment, Ms Holland emerged as a true warrior, her spirit unbroken.

The record-smashing number of participants this year resulted in the event selling out within 25 days, despite organisers increasing the capacity by 3,000 spots to meet overwhelming demand.

Mater Foundation’s Chief Executive Andrew Thomas proclaimed this year’s International Women’s Day Fun Run as the largest in the event’s 33-year history.

“Queenslanders have supported this year’s fun run like never before – and we cannot thank them enough,” he said.

“Our supporters created a pink street party that stretched from South Bank to the Botanic Gardens – and beyond.

“It’s been a day of laughter and great memories – and a few tears too.

Read: New Fitness Opportunities in Sherwood Promote Health and Community

The $1.78 million raised through the fun run will bolster Mater’s efforts against breast cancer through funding critical medical research, procuring cutting-edge equipment, and offering more personalised patient services.

Published 14-March-2024

Safeguarding Chelmer: Residents Take Charge Against Youth Crime

Residents in the affluent Brisbane suburb of Chelmer, along with neighbouring suburbs like Graceville and Sherwood, have resorted to drastic measures to combat rising youth crime rates. They’ve employed the services of a private security guard and his highly-trained dogs, spending thousands of dollars weekly in their bid to protect their community.

Frustrated with what they perceive as a lacklustre response from the government and courts regarding youth crime, residents have initiated community efforts to enhance safety.

One local, a young father, spearheaded these actions after a disturbing incident involving juveniles allegedly armed with machetes breaking into a mother’s home in Sherwood. He expressed discontent with government inaction and emphasised the urgency of addressing the escalating problem.

Patrols and Surveillance

Under the guidance of ex-army reservist Dan Walker, Walker Security conducts patrols equipped with highly visible vehicles and trained protection dogs. Daily reports from these patrols keep residents informed of any suspicious activities.

The visible presence of security personnel and their vigilant monitoring have significantly deterred criminal activities, contributing to a notable decrease in reported offences, particularly in Chelmer, where property values are high.

When the locals took matters into their own hands in November 2023, the residents claimed that crime rates plummeted by as much as 80 per cent in their area.

Chelmer crime stats — Chelmer Crime Statistics Feb 2023 to Feb 2024
Photo Credit: QPS

Based on the Queensland Police Services statistics, the number of offences like robbery, unlawful entry, and theft have decreased in the suburbs.

Police Response and Strategies for 2024

While community-led initiatives strive to mitigate immediate concerns, law enforcement agencies still grapple with long-term solutions.

Queensland’s Acting Assistant Commissioner for Youth Crime, Andrew Massingham, outlines police strategies for 2024, emphasising the need for swift action against violent youth offenders. With a focus on early intervention and prevention, police aim to address the root causes of youth crime while utilising technologies such as GPS trackers to monitor offenders.

Amidst these efforts, academic voices like Associate Professor Troy Allard from Griffith University, advocate for a systemic rethink in approaching youth justice.

Criticising the current emphasis on deterrence, Dr Allard suggests a shift towards prevention-focused interventions, highlighting the need for holistic support systems involving therapy and family supervision. Such initiatives, he argues, could yield more meaningful and sustainable outcomes in addressing youth crime.

Police Commissioner Steps Down

Amidst growing tensions within police ranks and criticisms over the handling of recent incidents, Police Commisioner Katarina Carroll announced her decision to step down during a meeting with Police Minister Mark Ryan at Brisbane Airport on 20 February 2024. Her resignation follows heightened speculation and comes in the wake of concerns over the state’s response to youth crime.

Despite Premier Steven Miles’ previous support, Carroll emphasised the need to “clear the air” and allow the Queensland Police Service to focus on addressing critical issues. As discussions swirl around her departure, attention turns to the future leadership of the force and the ongoing challenges in tackling youth offending.

Commissioner Carroll’s last day will be on 1 March 2024, months out from when her contract was due to finish. She was appointed to the role in 2019, becoming the first woman in the position after serving as commissioner of the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service.

Published 20-Feb-2024

Chelmer Riverfront Mansion Sets New Real Estate Record

Photo Credit: Properstar

The Chelmer real estate market has made headlines with a breathtaking sale. Within mere days of being listed, a riverfront mansion at 116 Queenscroft St, Chelmer, has fetched an astounding $8.45 million, smashing records and setting a new real estate record for the suburb.

The sale now stands as the second-largest residential transaction in the history of Chelmer, showcasing the undeniable appeal of this picturesque riverside community.

**Dramatic entryway to the property**
Photo Credit: Properstar

The property, a spacious family home nestled on a sprawling 1923-square-meter parcel of land, has been part of Chelmer’s landscape since its acquisition in July 2010 for $5.35 million by the previous owners. Their decision to downsize has sparked this incredible sale, which underscores the vibrancy of Chelmer’s real estate market.

**One of the 5 bedrooms inside the property**
*Photo Credit:* Properstar

Local real estate agents Heath Williams and Ann-Karyn Fraser collaborated to market this property, and the results were nothing short of astonishing. A local family from the Chelmer area emerged as the successful buyer, securing the property just 12 hours after it was listed. Such swift action underscores the intense competition in the market, as two eager buyers submitted offers within days.

**The luxurious living room overlooking the view of a lake**
*Photo Credit:* Properstar

What makes this mansion truly exceptional are its features—a luxurious five-bedroom, five-bathroom layout, complete with an inviting infinity pool and lounge deck, a private pontoon, a wine cellar, and roomy garaging for four vehicles. Its north-facing orientation, immunity to flooding, and idyllic riverfront location undoubtedly contributed to its allure.

**View of the relaxing infinity pool and lounge deck**
*Photo Credit:* Properstar

According to Heath Williams, the limited availability of comparable properties in Chelmer, coupled with economic stability and stagnant interest rates, has motivated buyers to seize opportunities. “There’s limited stock, and I think everyone’s gotten tired of waiting for the world to collapse and are just getting on with it. There’s a lot of activity suddenly. Interest rates have been on hold for a while now, so people are seeing it as safe to wade back into the water.”

**The infinity pool and lounge deck at daytime overlooking the Brisbane River**
*Photo Credit:* Properstar

This record-breaking sale follows Mr. Williams’ previous success in the Chelmer market when he brokered the $8.8 million sale of 37 Morley Street two years ago. Additionally, a historic home at 44 Moreton St, New Farm, recently sold for a sum higher than its asking price of over $4.1 million.

**Floor plan of the whole property**
*Photo Credit:* Properstar

The ongoing success of Chelmer’s property market continues to captivate its residents and reaffirms the enduring appeal of this charming riverside community.

Published 08-October-2023