Brisbane news live: The road rules changing on Tuesday; Buranda train station reopens; ‘Smooth sailing’ on the Metro despite Go Card issues

3 days ago 14

Key posts

1 of 1

The road rules changing tomorrow

By Nine News

Queensland will reduce speed limits from 50km/h to 40km/h in some busy areas and increase fines and car registration by 3.4 per cent on Tuesday, July 1.

The illegal mobile phone use fine – which was $1209 – will rise to $1250 on Tuesday.

And drivers distracted by smartwatches could also incur hefty penalties.

The fine for not having proper control of a vehicle is increasing to $389 (from $376) on July 1.

A fine for driving without due care and attention will rise from of $645 to $667 (and three demerit points) from tomorrow.

And in the event of a crash, a driver may be charged with dangerous driving and could risk court-imposed fines of up to $33,380 from July 1, or three years’ prison time.

7.52am

‘Smooth sailing’ on the Metro despite some Go Card glitches

By Marissa Calligeros

Councillor Ryan Murphy was up before dawn to catch the first bus service on the new Metro route which officially opens today.

You can read all about it, here.

Murphy told ABC Radio this morning the council expects it will be “smooth sailing” on the Metro today, although he said there had been issues with Go Card readers on some buses.

7.46am

Buranda train station reopens after 18-month-long upgrade

By Marissa Calligeros

It is not just a big day for Brisbane’s bus network, Buranda train station has reopened after undergoing an 18-month-long accessibility upgrade.

The station, on Brisbane’s southside, has reopened with a new covered footbridge with lift access, improved accessible parking and full-length high-level platforms.

The upgraded Buranda train station reopened on Monday.

It is the last of five station upgrades to be finished. Banyo, Morningside, Lindum, Bundamba and Burpengary stations have also been upgraded.

Queensland Rail chief executive Kat Stapleton said the accessibility upgrades centred on equality, safety and customer experience.

“Queensland Rail has delivered six stations, our biggest ever upgrade series, and we’re so thrilled to
have Buranda station back in service for our customers,” Stapleton said.

“Whether you’re rolling onto the platform with a pram and toddler in tow, or navigating the station in a wheelchair, these upgrades mean you can travel with greater ease, confidence and dignity.”

7.31am

Brisbane man charged with murder on Gold Coast

By Cloe Read

Police have charged a Brisbane man with murder after a man was found unresponsive with head injuries in a vehicle on the Gold Coast at the weekend.

The alleged victim, a 44-year-old Gold Coast man, suffered head injuries after he was allegedly assaulted at a property on Beale Street about 9.30pm on Saturday.

When emergency services arrived at the scene, they found the man unresponsive in a vehicle.

He was rushed to the Gold Coast University Hospital, where he later died.

On Sunday, police charged a 28-year-old Stafford Heights man with murder.

He is scheduled to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court today.

Police appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

7.23am

The road rules changing tomorrow

By Nine News

Queensland will reduce speed limits from 50km/h to 40km/h in some busy areas and increase fines and car registration by 3.4 per cent on Tuesday, July 1.

The illegal mobile phone use fine – which was $1209 – will rise to $1250 on Tuesday.

And drivers distracted by smartwatches could also incur hefty penalties.

The fine for not having proper control of a vehicle is increasing to $389 (from $376) on July 1.

A fine for driving without due care and attention will rise from of $645 to $667 (and three demerit points) from tomorrow.

And in the event of a crash, a driver may be charged with dangerous driving and could risk court-imposed fines of up to $33,380 from July 1, or three years’ prison time.

7.13am

Wet, wet, wet way to start the week

A wet day will start the week in Brisbane, with the bureau predicting that up to 30 millimetres could fall in the River City today.

But at this stage it isn’t looking set to stay, with only a 20 per cent chance of precipitation on an otherwise sunny day tomorrow, and dropping even further later in the week.

Here’s the seven-day outlook:

7.07am

While you were sleeping

6.39am

The top stories this morning

Good morning, welcome to Brisbane Times’ live news coverage for Monday, June 30. Today we can expect a rainy day, with a top temperature of 19 degrees.

In this morning’s local headlines:

The new M1 Metro starts today and the city’s bus network gets its most significant shake-up in years, with more than 150 routes changing. The new system will add 160,000 services a year, with Brisbane City Council hoping faster and more reliable trips will support the city’s increasing population. But many commuters are angry at the changes. Here’s what you need to know.

The new M1 Metro route from Eight Mile Plains to Roma Street officially opens today.

Brisbane Roar is embroiled in a legal stoush, taking one of its major sponsors to court over claims promotional payments of more than $130,000 are overdue.

A major announcement from the nurses and midwives union is planned for today, as months-long negotiations with the LNP state government over pay and conditions continue.

Former Queensland Labor minister Rod Welford died at the weekend, with Labor colleagues paying tribute.

It was a super Saturday double-header for local teams at Suncorp Stadium with both the Brisbane Broncos and Dolphins posting victories.

And Queensland coach Billy Slater is set to spring two more Origin selection shocks as he recalls Josh Papalii out of representative retirement and hands out a surprise Maroons debut for Wednesday’s series decider.