Kedron residents are rallying against plans to strip street parking from their neighbourhood as Brisbane City Council moves to ease congestion and hazardous driving around three schools, Brisbane Times reported. The council released the draft plan for its Kedron Safer School Precinct on Wednesday (14 October), and feedback closes at midnight on Sunday (1 November).

The precinct covers Padua College, Mount Alvernia College and St Anthony's Primary School, which have about 1,460, 950 and 670 students respectively, according to the council's community consultation report. Students travel to the schools from nearby Stafford, Wavell Heights and Chermside, and from as far as Nudgee, Samford and Dayboro, the council says.

Crossings and Roundabouts

The council's October 2026 project update proposes 2 raised zebra (wombat) crossings on Turner Road, 2 new crossings on Somerset Road, one on Cremorne Road and a new pedestrian crossing on Wood Street, along with new roundabouts at Turner and Somerset roads and new footpaths on Goodall Street between Cremorne Road and Strathmore Street.

It would make Broughton Road one-way between Wayland Street and Wood Street, which the council says will improve safety on the steep, narrow road and reduce rat running. The council says the current 50 km/h speed limit is appropriate for local roads, with the existing 40 km/h school zones to continue.

In its frequently asked questions, the council says changes to No stopping lines, No parking zones, 2-minute loading zones and 15-minute parking zones are included to improve safety and visibility around school entrances, bus zones and drop-off zones. It says it has prioritised safety, especially for children travelling to and from schools, but balanced this with consideration for on-street parking wherever possible.

Parking Exemptions

Tony Robertson, who lives in a property abutting one of the schools, said locals felt overlooked. "On paper the plans look harmless, however, in practice it is ironically going to make the area [less safe]," he said.

"The consultation team explained on Sunday that apart from a short period [immediately after] when the changes are made they won't be able to enforce it going forward," Robertson said.

Brisbane Times reported the parking restrictions would affect residents outside the school term and across weekends. Robertson, long-time local Deb Wood and other neighbours said they had asked council workers at consultation pop-up sessions about parking exemptions but were advised it was unlikely. Wood said she had been told visitors, including family and trades workers, would need to park in streets without the same restrictions.

Wood said she felt the project was "hijacked" by council. "They've created a divide between our community – between the schools and the residents," she said.

Getting the Balance Right

Infrastructure chair Ryan Murphy did not provide a direct response when asked whether the changes would come with more parking inspectors or a police presence. "Our priority is getting the balance right between safer streets for local families and the needs of residents who live in the area," he said.

"Community consultation isn't about asking people to agree with every proposal," Murphy said. "It's about listening to their concerns and making changes where needed."

The council's consultation report says more than 80% of people surveyed rated traffic congestion in the precinct as poor or very poor, and that parking pressure worsens through the year as more students get their provisional licences and drive themselves to school.

School Parking

Padua College does not provide on-site parking for students or families but offers 76 staff car parks and designated accessible spaces, Brisbane Times reported. "Designated drop-off and pick-up areas are available for families, but these are not parking facilities," a college spokesperson said. The plan gives Padua families new 2-minute loading zones on Jardine Street and Broughton Road, according to the council.

Mount Alvernia College opened 25 additional on-site car parks this year and expected to increase to 79 parks by March. "The college is also well serviced by public transport and has increased its private bus services to encourage greater use of bus transport to and from school," a spokesperson said.

Feedback Closes

The council's project page says it will consider feedback and finalise the plan after consultation closes, and will share the final plan and construction details before work starts. Works are scheduled to start from December 2026 with completion anticipated in mid-2027, depending on weather, site conditions and finalisation of the plan.