Oxley was among three outer suburbs represented in a University of Queensland study that found being car-free, even for just 20 days, is simply not realistic for most people living in Brisbane.
The ten participants were mostly inner-city residents living within two kilometres of the CBD, with the study also drawing participants from further afield in Oxley, Manly and Indooroopilly.
Urban planners from UQ’s School of Architecture, Design and Planning put together a group of ten volunteers, five men and five women, and asked them to go without their cars for 20 days. The study was led by Associate Professor Dorina Pojani and PhD scholar Sufian Almubarak, with Sara Alidoust also listed as a co-author on the published paper.
Photo credit: University of Queensland
Participants were provided with public transport cards and asked to go about their normal daily lives using buses, trains, cycling, walking, and shared micro-mobility options like e-scooters. Ride-share and taxi services were available only in genuine emergencies.
When the 20 days were up, every participant was glad to have their car back. Not one was willing to consider making the change permanent.
Dr Pojani said the feedback across the board was that Brisbane simply makes car-free living too hard. She pointed to the city’s low-density, spread-out urban form and the absence of well-connected transport alternatives as the root causes, and noted these were problems decades of planning decisions had created.
The mood among participants shifted noticeably over the course of the trial. Early enthusiasm gave way to frustration, and most described the experience as disorienting. Public transport experience was mixed, with major service gaps reported outside the inner city.
Parents felt the pinch most
Photo credit: University of Queensland
For participants with children, the trial created additional headaches. School runs and after-school activities could not be managed on public transport alone and had to be handed off to someone else with access to a vehicle. Wider family outings and trips out of town were simply put off until the trial was over.
The financial picture offered a partial upside. Across the 20-day period, participants saved roughly $300 in car-running costs, though alternative transport still set them back an average of $125 each. One participant said they had not appreciated until then how much ongoing expense their car represented. Dr Pojani noted that Queensland’s 50-cent fares had contributed to growing public transport use, but said the policy alone was not enough to make people feel they could rely on the network as a substitute for their car.
Four participants did commit to catching public transport for shorter inner-city trips going forward, but none were prepared to go further than that.
The study, published in the journal Transportation, compared the experiences of Brisbane participants with those from Al-Ahsa in Saudi Arabia, a city with a similarly car-dependent urban structure. Dr Pojani’s conclusion was direct: without serious investment in public transport, residents of sprawling cities like Brisbane cannot be expected to give up driving.
For those living in Oxley, where the car has long been less a lifestyle choice than a basic necessity, that conclusion will come as little surprise.
Early works are now underway at Brisbane Boys’ College’s Oxley sporting precinct site, following compliance approvals issued in 2025 that support sports and education facilities development under existing approvals.
The school is moving ahead with development on its Oxley property following the approval of two compliance assessments in 2025 for land fronting Cliveden Avenue and Oxley Road.
Property And Development Scope And Latest Approvals
The Oxley property is owned by Brisbane Boys’ College, whose main campus is located in Toowong. The land, previously used as a driving range and golf club, spans approximately 35 hectares and fronts 433 Cliveden Avenue and 980 Oxley Road.
Planning records describe the approved development as allowing education-related uses, indoor sport and recreation, parking areas, internal access roads and supporting infrastructure across the site.
Two compliance-related applications were approved in 2025 for the Oxley site. A construction management plan was approved on 14 October 2025, and an acid sulphate soils management plan was approved on 7 November 2025. For both applications, public notification is listed as not applicable in the planning register.
Earlier submissions and community materials outlined objections to the scale and placement of facilities on the Oxley land.
The site was described as flood-prone, with concerns that additional buildings, fill, vegetation clearing or changes to watercourses could increase flood impacts on nearby homes and local roads.
Objections focused on the inclusion of tennis courts and a multi-use indoor court near residential properties, particularly along the Cliveden Avenue frontage, citing potential impacts from noise.
Photo Credit: DA/A006860052
Concerns were also raised about stormwater management, waterways, biodiversity protection and vegetation management linked to the size and intensity of the proposed development.
Traffic and access were another focus, with references to increased vehicle movements affecting Cliveden Avenue, Oxley Road, Oxley Station Road and Cook Street.
Photo Credit: DA/A006860052
Planning History
A material change of use application was submitted in October 2010 to enable education purposes, indoor sport and recreation, and a medical centre on the Oxley land.
The application was publicly notified between 31 March 2011 and 20 May 2011 and was approved on 27 March 2013.
A revised application was lodged in September 2016 and approved in July 2017, retaining the same categories of use under a different assessment pathway.
With the original approvals and the 2025 compliance assessments in place, works on the Oxley property may proceed in line with the recorded conditions and management plans associated with the Brisbane Boys’ College site.
Brisbane Boys’ College has apologised to nearby residents after sudden works were noticed along Cliveden Avenue in early 2026, despite the broader Oxley sporting precinct plans having been approved years earlier. Residents felt “blindsided” after construction fencing and signage appeared and trucks began arriving, with concerns raised about the lack of community notice and the absence of updated environmental impact studies following major floods since the initial approvals.
The school expects the current works to finish by mid-year and describes the activity as phase 1a of the overall development plan, including a car park and rowing sheds to be used by BBC and Stuartholme School. It also notes the site continues to operate as the Corinda Golf Course and Oxley Driving Range and is designated as a mixed-use sports zone, while longer-term plans beyond the initial stage remain an ongoing goal.
We’ve combed Corinda, Graceville, Graceville East, Oxley, and Sherwood for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!
Peter Bill ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I went to watch the test cricket at the tavern. I had spaghetti Bolognese, which was a lunch special. Good lunch sized portion, very nicely cooked with garlic bread on the side. The garlic bread was incredibly soft and tasty. The staff were very professional and friendly and very helpful. I hardly drink alcohol, but I thought I would have a drink. I asked one of the staff for a drink recommendation. I took up her suggestion. I asked for extra lemon, which I got. I went and watched the cricket on the massive screen they have and I left after a few hours. I’m not good to be around when I’ve had a few drinks, so I left before the truth serum set in. I highly recommend Oxley tavern. It was going to become one of my go to places for food and drink, however my circumstances have changed.
Craig Riley ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The girl who served us was AMAZING (wish I remembered her name). Friendly, personable and always with a smile. I raved about her exceptional customer service and was just blown away by her everything. Nice work to her. She said she usually works Mondays so lucky for us she was working on a Tuesday as well. I gave her a nice little tip $$$. Food was alright (we all had burgers for dinner). Couldn’t finish it I was that full. Chips and gravy and onion rings were very nice.
Sue Folliott ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We had a very impromptu family dinner last night for my Nephews birthday. We had a lovely time. Great food, and staff very helpful. Even the music playing was great. Pity for such a great menu that it was a small bistro area, It was a bit overshadowed by the “sports bar” section and the pokies at the end. Compliments to the chef and the team.. to the novice coffee maker, it was great. 🙂
Dede boon ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I ordered 3 dishes. Pad Kee Mao is my favorite dish or so-called Dunken Noodle. It’s really great. This dish is really full of flavor. If you like Thai spicy food, I recommend it. I’ll try the iced tea today. I like that the shop opens during the day.
Filippo ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Have been to Bann Sian Thai restaurant numerous times. This Thai never fails when eating here. Their food is absolutely delicious! Chicken Penang is my favourite dish. My wife loves the Drunken Noodles! This family business never is wavering with true values of what food and service is about! The service is always so good, with a genuine welcome when we arrive. Can’t recommend this Thai any stronger!
Lilian Nguyen ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hosted dad’s bday dinner here and every dish we ordered was flavourful and delicious, super well seasoned and authentic flavours in the dishes. Would definitely recommend the massaman curry, pineapple rice, pad thai and the satay chicken entree. Every staff that helped us was so lovely and kind!
Louraine Monedero ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We came in like 7mins before kitchen closes but they still accommodated us 🥹🙏🏻 Staff are so friendly and food was amazing! Cheese katsu is the best! We’ll definitely be back and recommend to friends! 🤩🤩🤩🤩
Noppamas Sutthanun ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Second time visiting this place and the taste is just as great as the first time. Fresh, high-quality ingredients and excellent tonkatsu at a very reasonable price. Highly recommended! Easy to get to — only a 1-minute walk from Sherwood Station if you’re not driving.
laura kwon ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great food and excellent service! Not only is the food always delicious, but the staff go above and beyond. We didn’t even know we left our baby’s pacifier once, but they kept it safe and remembered to return it to us on our next visit. Truly thoughtful!
Kirsten Olyott ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Went for lunch, beautiful Xmas decorations and great atmosphere. Had Sunday roast and Chicken Parmi and both were delicious. Coffee and lemon meringue and brownie to finish and served beautifully and fast service. Friendly staff and a great meal. Thanks all.
Jaida Wienert ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Took the family for their Mothers Day buffet and what a truly beautiful experience! The absolute love and care poured into the set up was incredible, the tables where stunning with beautiful fresh flowers, candles and nametags, obviously not a regular day but the effort of it all was outstanding! The staff were charming and so lovely, they even had little tea gifts for the mothers of the day! If the atmosphere and staff are even half as amazing on other days this place is absolutely worth a visit! The food was amazing, all of it was kept wonderfully warm and was absolutely delicious! The mini Sausages were particularly delightful! I truly can’t wait to come back for a dinner experience and hope to update my review then!
Donna Bake ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Had a group for dinner the food was great. Had pizza and cheese bread, lamb shanks, and steak. All served in good time and was really good food. Lots of kids for a Wednesday night so don’t site next to the kids play area is you don’t want to hear loud kids all night.
Anceliana Maria Ramos ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I recently visited Roma Roma Pasta Bar and was thoroughly impressed with their fun and satisfying pasta concept. The ordering system is simple but effective — pick your protein, veggies, pasta style, sauce, and cheese, then watch it all come together in a generous bowl. Everything arrived fresh and steaming hot, with bold flavours that hit the spot. The pricing is excellent for the portion size—around $18.90 for a fully loaded bowl, which felt like great value given the quantity and quality. Their sauces ranged from creamy Alfredo to zesty tomato and spicy arrabbiata, with vegan options readily available. Service was friendly and efficient, and the atmosphere was casual and welcoming—perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or even pick-up.
Silvana Sparkles ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love this incredible Pasta Bar with delicious Italian inspired pasta you can customise anyway you like woth a variety of sauces, toppings and cheeses. Enjoyed the delicious gnochi with chorizo, green goddess pasta, linguini with prawns. We also ordered the delicious truffle fries made with flavour filled truffle and parmeson cheese and the delicious truffle arancini balls which melt in your mouth. So much variety to choose from and fun way to get together with family and friends to create and enjoy a delicious meal. 10/10. Will be back 🍝😋
Thomas Copp ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The suburbs have been needing something like this place for so long. A make your own pasta bar, so cool. Lovely fresh pasta that you can make to your liking. Great prices too. A liquor licence would really take this place to another level as well. Will be back!
The Brisbane Dog Squad, based in Oxley, is mourning the loss of retired Police Dog (PD) Leroy, a Labrador whose career blended forensic skill with gentle comfort. Leroy passed away peacefully of old age with his handler, Sergeant Darren Breuer, by his side.
Born on 31 December 2012, Leroy was one of the last Labradors bred through the Queensland Police Service (QPS) program. He retired from operational duty in 2021 and spent his retirement living with Sergeant Breuer, who had been his handler since graduation. The closeness of their relationship, often described as hand to paw, was evident to colleagues and the public alike.
Photo credit: QPS
Leroy’s place in Queensland policing is unique. The QPS describes him as the state’s first dog trained to detect cash, firearms and drugs, a rare triple-specialist. Over his years in the Brisbane Dog Squad he located millions of dollars in illicit funds, recovered firearms and uncovered large quantities of illegal drugs. One memorable find cited by the service was a kilogram of cocaine that had been buried and concealed; such discoveries underline how detection dogs and handlers disrupt serious criminal activity.
His abilities were no accident. Leroy came from a line of working dogs: his grandfather PD Asco worked in drug detection and his father PD Pezz served as a bomb detection dog. His mother was Fern; PD Flipa, who was related to Fern, was an early kennel mate. In retirement he kept company with PD Turbo, his half-brother, and PD Ice, sharing early morning bush walks and the rhythms of life off-duty.
Photo credit: QPS
Leroy’s contribution to policing was matched by his softer role in the community. In retirement he became the QPS’s first comfort dog, visiting sick children in hospital and offering relief to officers in high-stress units such as communications and teams handling child-harm matters. He also appeared at community events — at Christmas he was affectionately known as “Santa Leroy” — showing how working dogs can be both operational assets and sources of calm for the public.
Those who cared for him recall little rituals that made retirement special. Each morning, often before dawn, he joined his kennel mates for a bush walk. He could be slow to climb into the van on dark winter mornings, but a cookie before the team set off was almost always enough incentive.
The QPS paid tribute to Leroy’s service and the comfort he offered throughout his life. The poem The Police Dog by Tim Beard — lines that speak to devotion and sacrifice — was shared in his honour and echoed the sentiments of handlers who have lost canine partners.
Leroy’s story is one of skill, loyalty and companionship. His work helped keep people safer; his visits and presence helped keep officers and community members steadier. As colleagues and residents reflect on his passing, they remember not just the contraband and crime he helped uncover but the steady, reassuring presence he offered every day.
Published 30-September-2025. Updated 6-October-2025
Police have seized multiple dangerous weapons from local train stations as part of intensified scanning operations across Brisbane’s suburbs, with incidents occurring at both Corinda and Oxley stations in recent weeks.
On 24 August, Sherwood police officers conducting weapons detection operations at Corinda train station allegedly discovered an axe and shears in the possession of a 42-year-old local man. The individual has been charged with two counts of possessing a knife in a public place and will appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on 15 September.
Just days earlier, on 20 August, police conducting similar operations at Oxley train station detected an axe being carried by a 42-year-old Oxley resident. That individual was issued an adult caution for possessing a knife in a public place.
The seizures were part of Operation Marshall, the state-wide police initiative utilising Jack’s Law – legislation named in honour of Queensland teenager Jack Beasley who was stabbed and killed on the Gold Coast in 2019.
The law allows police to use hand-held metal detectors to identify and seize weapons from people in all public places, and became permanent across Queensland on 18 July this year.
Since the legislation’s expansion in July, Brisbane police have conducted more than 4,900 weapons scans, resulting in over 70 people being charged with nearly 140 offences. During this period, 28 weapons including axes, knives, knuckledusters and other dangerous items have been located and confiscated.
The weapons detection operations have been conducted across various locations including Safe Night Precincts, shopping centres, licensed venues, sporting facilities, public transport hubs and public areas extending to the Bay Islands.
In a separate incident on 22 August, Fortitude Valley police seized a flick knife during proactive patrols in the Fortitude Valley Safe Night Precinct. A 24-year-old Toowong man was charged with unlawful possession of weapons and will appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on 9 September.
Police also conducted scanning operations on Russell Island over a two-week period, checking 65 people across public transport hubs and public spaces. Officers reported no edged weapons were discovered during the Bay Island deployment.
Jack’s Law was introduced in response to the tragic stabbing death of 17-year-old Jack Beasley in 2019, initially as a trial program on the Gold Coast before being expanded statewide. The original trial conducted between May 2021 and November 2022 resulted in 241 weapons being taken off the streets.
Brisbane police have indicated they will continue conducting proactive patrols and weapons detection operations to identify and remove dangerous items from public areas whilst educating the community about the risks of unlawfully carrying edged weapons.
The scanning operations use handheld metal detectors and typically take only a minute or two to complete, requiring no physical contact between police and members of the public.
The Bunnings warehouse in Oxley is preparing to reopen in September, three years after the store was destroyed in the devastating 2022 floods. The new $60 million facility has been purpose-built with flood-resilient design features to better withstand future disasters and reduce the risk of long-term closures.
The original Oxley warehouse was left unrepairable following the 2022 deluge, which caused widespread damage across south-east Queensland.
Extensive black mould and structural issues forced the demolition of the site, which had already suffered significant damage in the 2011 floods. Since then, customers have relied on a nearby Rocklea outlet that was brought back online after its own flood clean-up.
The new Oxley store has been designed to prevent a repeat of the past. It sits 4.5 metres higher than the previous building and includes flood-protection measures such as reinforced flood doors at the main entrance and nursery. Power supplies, travelators and lifts have all been raised well above expected flood levels, ensuring the store can reopen more quickly once waters recede.
Spanning two storeys, the rebuilt warehouse will also be larger, offering an additional 4250sqm of floor space to accommodate a wider range of products and services. Staff from Rocklea, which has served as a temporary base for the past three years, are expected to transfer to the upgraded Oxley site once operations begin.
Photo credit: Ruth Dennien/Facebook
The Rocklea store is scheduled to close at the end of August, ahead of Oxley’s reopening. The building itself has a history of repeated flooding and will not be used as a retail outlet again. Instead, it is set to be leased to logistics and industrial tenants, with strong demand anticipated due to the site’s proximity to the Ipswich and Pacific motorways.
For local residents, the return of Bunnings Warehouse to Oxley marks the end of a long wait. The project delivers not just a larger warehouse, but one designed to cope with Queensland’s unpredictable weather, providing reassurance that future flooding is less likely to disrupt service for extended periods.
A new generation of police dogs has officially joined the Queensland Police Service following a graduation ceremony held at the Dog Squad facility in Oxley.
The ceremony marked the end of a rigorous 12-week training program for 23 canine recruits and their handlers—eight general purpose dogs and 15 detection dogs trained in sniffing out drugs, firearms, and explosives, as well as tracking offenders. The graduating teams are set to be deployed across Queensland, including Brisbane, Townsville, and Bundaberg.
The event also honoured the legacy of former service dogs, with 47 memorial stones laid in remembrance of those that served in major investigations and high-risk incidents.
Photo credit: QPS
Officer in Charge of the Dog Squad, Acting Senior Sergeant Ash Purvey, said the day was about celebrating both achievement and legacy.
“Today we celebrate the future of canine policing in Queensland, while also recognising the dogs who paved the way with their service,” he said. “Each of the stones represents our partners and protectors—who have become part of our family.”
Photo credit: QPS
Police and Emergency Services Minister Dan Purdie described the graduation as a significant milestone for the Service and a strong reflection of ongoing efforts to support frontline safety.
Superintendent David French from Operations Support Command praised the graduating teams and highlighted the need for continued support and resources for specialist policing roles.
“These teams represent our commitment to innovative, adaptable and effective frontline policing,” Superintendent French said.
“By continuing to invest in our Dog Squad, we are equipping our officers, both human and canine, with the tools to meet the complex demands of modern policing.”
The Queensland Police Dog Squad, established in 1972, has significantly expanded over the decades and now includes 71 general purpose dogs and 20 specialist detection teams.
The graduation comes amid wider efforts to strengthen frontline policing across the state, with new equipment and technology being rolled out to support officers and improve community safety.
Parts of Oxley, alongside 17 other Brisbane suburbs, are set to see buildings increase to five storeys in height from the current two or three, as authorities aim to tackle a severe housing affordability crisis by adding 6,000 new dwellings in the next five years.
The Lord Mayor announced the review on Wednesday, indicating that community consultation would begin soon, with the goal of implementing changes within a year.
Brisbane is currently ranked as the 13th least affordable city globally, a situation largely attributed to a significant lack of housing supply. In the low-to-medium residential (LMR) density zones, which cover 14 per cent of the city, dwelling approvals plummeted to just 445 two years ago, a sharp drop from the previous 10-year average of over 1,110 homes built annually in these areas.
Boosting Housing Supply
Photo Credit: Pexels
The proposed changes will allow for higher height limits and smaller lot sizes, potentially shrinking from a minimum of 400 square metres to 300 square metres. These adjustments are specifically targeting areas close to essential infrastructure, such as shopping centres, bus and train stations, and major roads.
Lord Mayor Schrinner stated that increasing housing supply is the most realistic solution to affordability issues, dismissing ideas like limiting short-stay accommodation or taxing vacant properties as overly simplistic and potentially harmful. He emphasised the need to “get more homes faster” and improve the feasibility of development to expand housing choices for residents, including first-home buyers.
Oxley’s Role in Development
Oxley, located approximately 11 kilometres southwest of the Brisbane CBD, is considered a prime location for increased density due to its proximity to the Oxley railway station and major transport corridors. The existing Darra—Oxley District Neighbourhood Plan already aims for growth in residential choice and multiple dwellings, especially around public transport.
Furthermore, the 19-hectare Oxley Priority Development Area (PDA), declared in 2018, is specifically designed to facilitate economic development and new homes. Projects like “Songbird” within this PDA align with the vision for a new residential community, including retirement living and community facilities.
The ongoing $100 million Oxley Creek Transformation project, which revitalises the creek corridor with green spaces, is also seen as supporting higher-density living by enhancing local amenity.
The announcement has been largely welcomed by the property development industry, including the Property Council, which called it a “welcome move” during the ongoing housing crisis. Urban design and planning experts also supported the initiative, stressing that thoughtful design is crucial to achieve positive outcomes while increasing housing supply. They believe that traditional Queenslander homes and character areas in suburbs like Paddington and Auchenflower are unlikely to be impacted.
However, concerns have been raised about the capacity of the construction sector to meet the demand for new homes. Master Builders Queensland stated that there is an insufficient number of qualified workers to build the required homes for Brisbane’s growing population, which added 73,000 people in 2023-2024 alone.
The Australian Institute of Architects also highlighted the importance of good design to avoid public pushback, ensuring new developments contribute to liveable communities with adequate privacy, safe streets, and appealing aesthetics.
The Real Estate Institute of Queensland noted a shift in public sentiment, suggesting a growing understanding and acceptance that higher density is necessary to address the housing problem. Council’s Labor Opposition Leader, Jared Cassidy, however, argued that the housing shortage is partly a result of the current administration’s decision to ban new townhouse developments in low-density zones in 2020.
For Oxley residents, the changes could bring increased housing diversity and a revitalisation of local centres with new shops and services. However, concerns remain about potential increases in traffic congestion, strain on existing infrastructure such as schools and utilities, and changes to the traditional neighbourhood character.
Council encourages residents to stay informed through official platforms and participate in upcoming consultation processes to provide their feedback on these important planning changes.
Disadvantaged Queenslanders looking to improve their language, literacy, numeracy, and digital (LLND) skills will have an opportunity to do so when the Community Foundation Skills Training Program (CFS) arrives at the Oxley Senior Citizens Centre in March 2025.
The program aims to equip participants with the essential knowledge and confidence needed to thrive in today’s workforce and broader community.
Photo credit: Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels
Funded by Queensland as part of the Skilling Queenslanders for Workinitiative, CFS is one of eight programs which are dedicated to enhancing employment opportunities, skills development, and social inclusion for those facing barriers to workforce participation.
Photo credit: Kampus Production/Pexels
The initiative provides funding to community organisations to deliver training and support programs for up to 15,000 unemployed or underemployed Queenslanders. It focuses on several key groups, including young people, particularly those in or who have transitioned from out-of-home care.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are also a priority, along with individuals with disabilities and mature-age job seekers. The program supports women re-entering the workforce, as well as veterans, ex-Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, and their families. Additionally, it assists people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and those who have recently been released from prison.
Photo credit: Anamul Rezwan/Pexels
In 2025–26, Queensland has allocated $5 million in funding to support community-based, not-for-profit organisations across the state. These organisations will play a vital role in delivering tailored training and skills development programs, helping individuals gain the practical knowledge required to enter or re-enter the workforce successfully.
Local residents who may benefit from the Oxley-based training sessions are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this free opportunity to build their skills and improve their employment prospects.
For more information about the Community Foundation Skills Training Program or to check eligibility, visit the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work website.
The Oxley Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) is contributing to Queensland’s healthcare solution by providing free, bulk-billed urgent care services, averaging 17 patients per day and helping reduce pressure on public emergency departments.
The urgent care clinics in Queensland were introduced as a strategic response to the increasing demand on public hospital emergency departments. The Oxley Medicare UCC, one of several bulk-billed centres, opened on 26 November 2024. Located within the Canossa Hospital complex, it serves the south-west Brisbane community with accessible healthcare for non-life-threatening conditions.
Urgent care clinics across Queensland are treating an average of 568 patients daily, with demand spiking by 15% over the Christmas and New Year period. These clinics aim to divert minor medical cases from emergency departments, where lacerations, respiratory infections, and ear issues often account for significant patient loads. Over a quarter of the clinic’s patients are children under 15, highlighting its role in addressing family healthcare needs.
Oxley Clinic’s Role
The Oxley clinic sees an average of 17 patients daily and operates from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., offering walk-in services without appointments. It provides treatment for minor injuries and illnesses, such as fractures, sprains, mild burns, gastroenteritis, and respiratory issues. This service alleviates strain on larger hospitals while ensuring timely care for residents.
Photo Credit: Growlife Medical Centre & Doctors Oxley/Google Maps
Community Sentiment and Benefits
The south-west Brisbane community has responded positively to the clinic’s accessibility. Local families have noted the convenience of bulk-billed walk-in care, which reduces waiting times and financial barriers for treatment. The clinic’s strategic location within the Canossa Hospital complex adds to its appeal, providing a trusted, convenient setting.
Broader Challenges and Future Outlook
While the Oxley clinic is effectively supporting its community, its average daily attendance of 17 patients suggests room for increased capacity or greater outreach. The broader success of Queensland’s urgent care clinic initiative will depend on sustained investment and adaptation to growing healthcare needs.
The Oxley Medicare Urgent Care Clinic exemplifies how targeted healthcare services can address immediate community needs while alleviating pressure on emergency departments. Future adjustments to patient capacity and broader clinic networks will determine the long-term success of this initiative.
