Northgate Ward

Families are now able to safely access the popular rock wall fishing spot on Kedron Brook at Nudgee Beach.

The purpose built jetty is designed to enable families with small children and people in wheelchairs to safely enjoy the delights of recreational fishing, without the danger of scrambling over the rocks at this location. Formed steps with hand rails have also been provided for access to the beach at low tide.

Northgate Ward Councillor Kim Flesser said, “As a keen angler, I’m pleased that the Council agreed with my idea to encourage families and disabled people who don’t normally fish, to take up the pastime.” While the Kedron Brook waterway suffers environmentally from a large urban catchment area, reasonable catches of whiting, bream, flathead and crabs are caught in season.

Recreational Asset

The fishing platform will have the added benefit of luring visitors to Kedron Brook, rather than adding to the mounting ‘people pressure’ at the Nudgee Beach Reserve and foreshores.

Cr Flesser is looking forward to other nearby initiatives. “I predict that the 550 Ha of Kedron Brook land that is now controlled by Council (formally owned by the airport), will eventually become a wonderful recreational asset for Brisbane”, he said. A management study for the land is currently being conducted and $110,000 has been allocated towards other new recreational facilities.

Mr Bill Turner, Secretary of the North Moreton Branch of Sunfish, said that he was delighted with the Brisbane City Council’s commitment to providing disabled access to recreational areas. “Being wheelchair dependant myself, I look forward to the completion of the platform so that I can try my luck in Kedron Brook”, he said.

A hint for those people wanting to wet a line, is that fishing in the waterway tends to be more productive during the warmer months. Early morning and late afternoon are always the best times.

Cr Kim Flesser helping the Grade 8 Banyo High School fishing class at the platform.