Kedron Brook Archives - Wavell Heights News

Wavell Heights Road Closure Reinforces Benefits of Automated Flood Alerts

The Automated Flooded Road Warning System (AFRWS) installed on Shaw Road, Wavell Heights, was crucial in preventing motorists from entering dangerous floodwaters following heavy rainfall from Cyclone Alfred. The system, designed to enhance road safety, ensures timely alerts and road closures, reducing risks during extreme weather events.

Wavell Heights flood warnings — *Caption: Shaw Road flooded due to ex-Cyclone Alfred.*
*Photo Credit: CrAdamAllan/Facebook*

Enhancing Safety with Real-Time Alerts

BCC has installed AFRWS across flood-prone locations, including Shaw Road. The system was tested following Cyclone Alfred, which caused significant flooding. The LED road signs are triggered automatically when water levels exceed a safe threshold. This effectively alerts motorists to the road closure, preventing potential hazards.

The system operates via solar-powered technology and is designed for high visibility. It ensures that alerts remain functional even during extreme weather conditions when power outages may occur. Some locations are also equipped with cameras for remote monitoring.

How the AFRWS Works

AFRWS is a solar-powered system that helps keep drivers safe from floodwaters. It automatically lights up LED signs when flooding occurs. Messages like “ROAD CLOSED AHEAD” or “ROAD CLOSED—NO ENTRY” appear when activated. The signs stay bright day and night, making sure drivers can see them even in bad weather.

Automated Flooded Road Warning System (AFRWS) — *Caption: Shaw Road flooded due to ex-Cyclone Alfred.*
*Photo Credit: CrAdamAllan/Facebook*

Shaw Road Flooding: A Timely Warning

Following heavy rainfall from Cyclone Alfred, Shaw Road became flooded, with warning signs activating as water levels rose. The traffic lights remained functional, assisting motorists as the situation developed rapidly. Other low-lying areas nearby also experienced flooding. This reinforces the need for automated flood warnings in vulnerable locations.

Future Expansion of AFRWS

BCC has committed to expanding AFRWS across additional flood-prone areas. More locations are being assessed as part of a broader strategy to improve road safety. This initiative complements other safety measures, including:

Wildlife Awareness Monitors (WAMs) – alerting drivers to potential wildlife hazards
Speed Awareness Monitors (SAMs) – helping reduce speeding in suburban areas

Community Response and Next Steps

Residents and drivers in Wavell Heights have embraced the AFRWS. However, even with the system, BCC reminds motorists to check road conditions regularly and always follow warning signs during severe weather.

For more information on the AFRWS initiative, motorists can contact BCC at 07 3403 8888.

Published 11-Mar-2025

Norths Rugby Club Avoids Serious Damage From Cyclone Alfred

Photo Credit: Facebook / Leanne Linard MP

Norths Rugby Club has avoided serious damage despite threatening floodwaters in Wavell Heights from ex-tropical cyclone Alfred.

The club, located at Hugh Courtney Oval near Kedron Brook, potentially faced a $50,000-plus recovery bill as water levels rose toward the crossbar of goalposts on Sunday. Director of Rugby Michael Bell witnessed the brook overflowing around 7:30-8:00 AM Sunday, with water advancing across the playing field within an hour.

“If it gets into the clubhouse we are in a lot of trouble,” Bell had said on Sunday, noting approximately $50,000 worth of newly ordered playing gear was at risk, along with irreplaceable club memorabilia.

**Kedron Brook**
Photo Credit: Facebook / Carolynne Berry

However, a Monday morning assessment revealed a more positive outcome for the Wavell Heights sporting facility.

“Out and about this morning checking on key areas that are often hit the hardest by extreme weather – our local clubs down at Shaw Road have debris on the roads leading in to their carpark and along fence lines but the Norths Rugby Club and cricket fields have avoided serious damage,” MP Leanne Linard reported.

This comes as significant relief for the Wavell Heights club, particularly given their difficult experience during the 2022 floods when water levels at the club reached just below the goalpost pads and came within 6 meters of the club concourse.

While some cleanup will be necessary to clear debris from roads and fence lines in the Shaw Road sporting precinct, the Wavell Heights facility appears to have escaped the worst-case scenario that officials feared when Kedron Brook’s banks first broke.

Published 10-March-2025

The Kedron Brook Lighting Restoration Works Commences

Photo credit: Google Maps

The Kedron Brook restoration works involving lighting restoration on Gympie Road to Shaw Road have commenced.

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Lighting restoration works between Gympie Road, Kedron to Shaw Road, Wavell Heights commenced in early February with completion of works expected by late March 2023.

The restoration works along Kedron Brook Bikeway between Gympie Road, Kedron and Shaw Road in Wavell Heights will include the installation of luminaires and poles, electrical cabling works, and adding topsoil and turf. However, restoration works will vary at each location depending on the level of damage at the light.

The lighting infrastructure along Kedron Brook was significantly impacted by the February 2022 floods. Sections of Kedron Brook were critically damaged by the flood waters. Restoration works across the brook are now underway.

Moreover, electrical infrastructure along the Kedron Bikeway was also significantly damaged following the severe weather event last year. Electrical inspections have already been carried out across the length of the bikeway and the lights have been switched on where it is safe to do so.

Following these inspections, however, a large number of poles, luminaries, electrical pits and cabling were identified to have been severely damaged and must be replaced as part of the restoration process.

Lighting restoration works are now underway along the Kedron Brook Bikeway, with works expected to progress throughout early 2023.

Residents who live or travel through the area may experience low-level noise, truck movements, vibration and dust during restoration works. The bike path will remain open with minimal disruptions expected. Council encourages road users to follow any signage on site.

For inquiries about the project, you may contact the Council’s City Projects Team at 1800 884 681 or email cityprojects@brisbane.qld.gov.au.

Published 5-March-2023.