2 April 2026
Recently I had the opportunity to view the progress on the straightening of Minnie Street in Upper Kedron.
The $3.9 million provided by the Miles Government for this project was part of the record round of grant funding provided to Queensland’s local councils in 2024.
The straightening of Minnie Street was something locals wanted fixed for some time, so it is great to see progress on this local project .
Some people have asked me what goes into a project like this and why there is such a high price tag for such a seemingly small stretch of road.
In December 2021, Cr Toomey formally approached me for assistance to straighten Minnie Street so it could carry Brisbane City Council (BCC) Buses.
The Councillor requested the Department of Transport and Main Roads transfer land it owned to BCC at no cost to the Council.
At an on-site meeting with Cr Toomey in early 2022 the Councilor explained the location of the project was on a flood-prone area and would require extensive civil works to complete.
I advised him I supported the project completely as it was what the Ferny Grove/Upper Kedron Residents Association had asked for and that I had spoken to the Minister personally to express my support for the project.
I further advised him that, unfortunately, departmental guidelines prohibit transfers of land for free – however I believed BCC planners could liaise with the Department to come up with a workable solution.
BCC planners, working with the Department, did come up with a solution and applied to the State for $3.9 million funding to deliver the project.
On the last day of the Labor Government, on 30 September 2024, before caretaker provisions were enacted, the Miles Government approved a record round of funding for 600 Local Council Projects all over Queensland – including the $3.9 million requested by BCC to deliver the Minnie Street Project.
Civil works are expensive, there is no question, but I am proud to work with community groups, residents, technical personnel, and the local Councilor, to deliver an outcome which will improve amenity in our community.