HomepageNews Archives - Caboolture Today

$17.5M PCYC Caboolture Project Brings Sport And Support Togethe

A brand-new PCYC Caboolture is rising in the heart of King Street, offering young people in the region a modern place to connect, play sport and take part in life-changing programs. Built beside the suburb’s newly completed police station, the $17.5 million centre will become a vital space for health, support and activity, especially for youth doing it tough.

Construction Underway With Joint Support

Construction began in 2024 and is expected to finish by mid-2025, replacing the decades-old Toovey Street PCYC. The $17.5 million project is jointly funded by all levels of government, including $10 million from the Albanese Government.

*Photo Credit: PCYC Queensland/Facebook*

Federal and state authorities say the centre will help young people stay active, feel safe, and get the right support at the right time. Moreton Bay City Council described the project as a meaningful way to back the next generation with real-world programs and facilities that are close to home.

Focus On Youth, Safety And Support

The project focuses on supporting at-risk and disadvantaged youth through dedicated spaces for programs like Braking the Cycle, After Dark and Drop In. These initiatives aim to build confidence, leadership and stronger connections between young people and local police.

The centre’s design puts accessibility and safety first, with secure lighting and facilities that aim to meet the needs of a wide mix of ages, backgrounds and abilities. Local leaders say the new build will help bring the community together through shared space and stronger relationships.

Sports And Health At The Core

The new PCYC will feature a 24/7 Gym+Fitness area, an outdoor basketball court, upgraded boxing and gymnastics zones, and rooms for group classes and events. These facilities are intended to promote both physical and mental wellbeing and give families and young people a healthier, more positive outlet for their time and energy.

Construction teams recently installed the first structural tilt panels on site, marking a major step forward in the project’s progress. Around 103 direct jobs have been created through the construction phase, and 11 long-term roles will support ongoing operations once the facility is complete.

Built For A Sustainable Future

The Caboolture build includes solar panels, battery storage and full insulation, with a plan to meet a five-star green rating once complete. These additions are part of an effort to reduce long-term costs and make the facility more environmentally sustainable.

As the walls rise, local government and community organisations say the new PCYC will be more than just a building, it will be a place where young people find guidance, belonging and a better path forward.

Featured Image Credit: PCYC Queensland/Facebook

Published 27-May-2025

Caboolture Youth Residential Rehabilitation Service Offers 24/7 Mental Health Support

The newly opened Caboolture Youth Residential Rehabilitation Service is offering young people a fresh chance at recovery through 24/7, community-based mental health support in a safe and home-like setting.

Read: A Home Designed with Dignity: Caboolture Apollo Apartments Give Disability Housing a Heart

Purpose-built to support young people aged 16 to 21 living with complex mental health challenges, the $5.3 million facility provides a vital residential option for those who are not yet ready to live independently. The service allows individuals to stay for up to 12 months, receiving psychosocial support tailored to their recovery journey while developing essential life skills.

The facility includes four private bedrooms, shared communal areas, a kitchen, living room, garden spaces, and overnight accommodation for staff, creating a comfortable environment that promotes healing and personal growth.

Youth Residential Rehabilitation — Photo credit: ArianaDoolanMP/Facebook

Operated by Mind Australia, a leading provider of psychosocial mental health services, the Caboolture service works in partnership with Metro North Hospital and Health Service to deliver both clinical and community-based support.

“This crucial new service will make an enormous difference to the lives of young people living with mental illness in Caboolture and Redcliffe communities,” said Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls. “Making sure young Queenslanders can get specialist support and care close to home and when they need it will ensure they can live happier and healthier lives.”

Part of a broader network of Youth Residential Rehabilitation Services across Queensland—including Cairns, Townsville, Everton Park, and Greenslopes—the Caboolture facility is accessed through a single referral point managed by Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, with applications reviewed by a statewide panel.

Read: Bolton Clarke Fernhill Connects Generations Through Play In Caboolture

Gill Callister, CEO of Mind Australia, highlighted the long-term impact of early mental health intervention. “By supporting young people to develop key life skills at a crucial time in their development, they can prevent life-long mental health challenges,” she said.

With its focus on recovery, community, and stability, the Caboolture Youth Residential Rehabilitation Service is set to become a cornerstone of youth mental health support in the region—providing not just care, but a real sense of hope.

Featured image credit: mindaustralia.org.au

Published 27-May-2025

Caboolture Sports Club Acquires Debt-Ridden Venue to Prevent Closure

Caboolture Sports Club has taken over operations of a long-running venue in the Glass House Mountains, ensuring its continuation despite significant financial challenges.

Financial Lifeline Secures Venue’s Future in Caboolture Region

A major operational shift has been confirmed for Club Glass House, following an overwhelming vote by its members to approve acquisition by the Caboolture Sports Club. The agreement ensures the 50-year-old venue avoids closure after a period of significant financial difficulty.

Background: Club’s Financial Struggles

Club Glass House faced potential insolvency after reporting a loss of $210,822 in the nine months to 31 March 2025. The club’s financial position deteriorated rapidly, with net assets totalling $265,084 and outstanding debts including $138,000 in poker machine GST.

An independent audit by MGI South Queensland confirmed that without immediate intervention, the club would not be able to continue trading beyond June. These findings led the board, appointed in December 2024, to seek urgent assistance.

Caboolture Sports Club — *Photo Credit: Club Glass House/Instagram*

Caboolture Organisation Steps In

After other efforts to gain financial backing through clubs, grants, or loans proved unsuccessful, Club Glass House was offered a solution through the not-for-profit CSC Group, which includes Caboolture Sports Club. CSC committed to clearing all existing debts and investing $1.5 million into immediate upgrades.

Improvements include resurfacing the car park, upgrading lighting, and refurbishing interior spaces. CSC has also committed to retaining all staff and maintaining a licence for the Glass House Country Bowls Club to continue operations at the site.

Alternatives Exhausted Before Vote

Before the acquisition, Club Glass House leadership explored multiple options. However, none were viable without financial guarantees. The membership ultimately voted 232 to 29 in favour of the acquisition by CSC. Board members stated that, without the agreement, they risked personal liability for debts and the club’s operations would have ceased within months.

Community Reaction and Reflections

Some members expressed frustration over the club’s financial decline, with concerns raised about budgeting practices, above-average wages, and loyalty program expenses. Others acknowledged the current board’s transparency and efforts in navigating the crisis.

Former management figures commented on the club’s past direction and financial handling, noting misalignment between reported growth and actual financial sustainability.

Future Outlook for the Venue

With the transfer now underway, Club Glass House will become the fourth licensed venue under the CSC Group. The group originated in 1994 through the consolidation of six local sporting clubs and now operates multiple venues across the Moreton Bay Region. CSC currently provides over $1.8 million annually in community support.

The finalisation of the transfer will ensure the club’s continuity, with investments aimed at stabilising operations and supporting the local community into the future.

Published 24-May-2025

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Caboolture Family Buys First Home After Gruelling Rental Ordeal

A Caboolture family was forced to pay up to $2,000 a week for temporary accommodation during the pandemic before securing their first home in the area.

Rob and Jacinta Orth, with their four children, faced immense pressure in the rental market on the Sunshine Coast when the pandemic hit. They found themselves priced out of their previous rental property and, at one point, resorted to staying in holiday apartments and Airbnbs, enduring significant weekly expenses.

The couple explained that they would have slept in their car if not for having a newborn baby at the time. Even after securing a house, they reported that the rent kept increasing, prompting their move to Caboolture to pursue more affordable housing while simultaneously saving for a deposit.

Securing a Home Amidst Soaring Prices

Last month, the Orth family purchased a “fixer-upper” in Caboolture for $640,000. Mr. Orth described the purchase as a complete fluke, stating they were simply driving by and decided to attend an open house, intending to practise the home-buying process. They made an offer without expectation, and to their surprise, it was accepted.

The biggest hurdle for the Orths was saving for a deposit in a continuously fluctuating market. They had started saving before the pandemic, but house prices relentlessly climbed. They felt compelled to enter the market when they did, believing that continued waiting would only necessitate saving even more money.

Hopes for Rate Cuts and Future Plans

Now facing a mortgage, the Orths are hopeful for an interest rate cut. Mr. Orth notes that paying interest alone costs them $750 a week. He said any savings from a rate reduction would be channelled back into reducing their loan principal.

Mr. Orth also expressed relief at having bought their home already, considering that a drop in interest rates might cause prices to surge further. He commented that if such an increase occurred, they would not have been able to afford a home in Caboolture, and he had been preparing to move even further out, to places like Kilcoy, commuting for work and changing his children’s schools.

As carpenters and electricians, Mr. Orth and his wife deliberately chose an older property on a larger block. They intend to add value to the home themselves, transforming it into their desired living space.

Given the current market conditions, they believe this approach is necessary, as it allows them to acquire a property with a decent yard. Their ultimate goal is to increase the property’s value, ensuring they retain a good investment even if the market experiences a downturn.

Published Date 22-May-2025

Photo Credit: Pexels

Priority Development Area Planned for Burpengary East to Boost Housing Supply

A new North Harbour Priority Development Area (PDA) has been planned for Burpengary East in the City of Moreton Bay, unlocking a major residential expansion that supports Queensland’s broader plan to increase housing supply across the state.

Read: Thousands of New Homes Planned for Burpengary East in Major Development

Located 42 kilometres north of Brisbane, the North Harbour PDA is set to deliver more than 3,700 new homes, starting with an initial stage of 200. The development will offer a mix of housing options to meet the needs of a growing population—ranging from standalone homes to medium-density living—within one of southeast Queensland’s fastest-growing regions.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie stated that the declaration of the new PDA would streamline approval processes, helping to accelerate the delivery of new homes.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie announcing the new North Harbour PDA (Photo credit: North Harbour/Facebook)

By streamlining planning processes, the PDA framework allows the state government and local authorities to work together more efficiently, accelerating delivery and reducing red tape. This approach forms part of a targeted response to rising demand for housing in urban growth corridors like Moreton Bay.

The Deputy Premier has instructed Economic Development Queensland to draft a proposal for Governor in Council approval to establish Queensland’s latest Priority Development Area (PDA) at North Harbour in Burpengary East.

Following the formal declaration of the PDA, an Interim Land Use Plan (ILUP) will be introduced to guide development until the full Development Scheme is finalised. The ILUP will identify an Early Release Area, where development applications can be submitted and assessed immediately

The North Harbour precinct is already home to over 4,000 residents and features a recently launched business park, which has attracted strong interest and commercial investment. The proposed PDA will expand on this foundation, transforming the area into a more comprehensive residential and economic hub.

Future stages of the development also include a marina precinct, set to support the emergence of a local marine industry. Plans include facilities for boatbuilding, repairs, and related services—offering new job opportunities and adding long-term economic value to the region.

Read: New Over-50s Lifestyle Community Set to Open in Burpengary East

With the potential to support over 1,800 jobs and inject an estimated $450 million into the local economy, the North Harbour PDA represents a major milestone in the ongoing transformation of Burpengary East—providing housing diversity, economic opportunity, and a sustainable path for future growth.

Featured image credit: northharbour.com.au

Published 20-May-2025

Wildlife in Caboolture Area Get New Homes as Water Project Progresses

More than one hundred new nesting boxes are being put up in Pine Valley as part of Unitywater’s project to build better water services for the growing areas of Caboolture West, Morayfield, and Narangba.

This initiative aims to support local wildlife that rely on tree hollows for homes, as some trees need to be removed for the essential water infrastructure upgrades. The project includes a new fifteen-megalitre water storage and eight kilometres of pipelines to supply water to an expected 100,000 new residents in the next two decades.

Supporting Local Animals

Unitywater project — *Photo Credit:* *Unitywater*

Unitywater is taking steps to protect the environment while building the new water network. As part of their plan, for every tree that needs to be removed, at least six new trees that are native to the area will be planted. They are also trying to move hollows from the removed trees to new locations so animals still have places to live.

Mike Basterfield, who oversees sustainable infrastructure solutions at Unitywater, explained that they are dedicated to planting local tree types. He also noted that South East Queensland has many koalas, and Unitywater wants to help protect their homes while providing important water services.

Careful Planning for Installation

The process of putting up the nesting boxes has been carefully thought out. Seven different types of boxes, in various sizes and with different-sized openings, are being used to suit the wide range of animals in the area.

This includes owls, cockatoos, brush-tailed and ring-tailed possums, microbats, and small gliders. A qualified tree climber chooses the safest and best trees for each nesting box. Mr Basterfield stated that, like all their projects, they assess sites properly to ensure environmental impacts are kept as small as possible.

Meeting the Needs of a Growing Community

Unitywater operates in one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions, with the population expected to increase by twenty per cent by 2032. Mr Basterfield said Unitywater will continue to improve and invest in sustainable water network infrastructure to meet the needs of the expanding community.

The design and approval process for the current project was extensive to minimise any possible environmental harm and ensure that any necessary tree removal followed the rules set by the City of Moreton Bay and the State Government.

Published Date 20-May-2025

Photo Credit: Supplied

A Home Designed with Dignity: Caboolture Apollo Apartments Give Disability Housing a Heart

When Marcus Pavlakis speaks about housing, he doesn’t talk about square metres or floor plans. He talks about dignity.

“For too long people living with disabilities have been treated differently in the SDA space. Properties are offered on a take it or leave it basis, without consideration for an individual’s unique needs and desires,” says Mr Pavlakis, co-founder of PNP Group. “We are changing that; we are giving back the respect and dignity that people living with disabilities deserve.”

That belief has taken shape in Caboolture, where a new housing development quietly challenges the norm. Opening its doors this May 2025, Apollo Apartments is a four-unit Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) complex that’s part of a broader movement toward participant-led housing.

But this is no ordinary housing project.

Apollo Apartments Caboolture — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Changing the Rules of the Game

Apollo Apartments is the flagship development of SDA B.O.O.T.S.™, an initiative by PNP Group and PNP Constructions. Unlike traditional SDA models, where homes are built and offered on a take-it-or-leave-it basis, this program places the participant at the centre of the process.

Tenants aren’t just handed keys; they’re invited into the design room. From the layout and flooring to the technology and security features, residents have a say in how their home looks, feels, and functions.

Caboolture SDA — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Many people with disabilities have spent years in housing that feels generic, institutional, and impermanent. PNP Group aims to change that by offering long-term homes that are co-designed with residents, giving them a place to live and belong.

The program also introduces a lease-for-life model, which provides long-term stability rarely seen in rental housing, particularly for people with high support needs.

A Space Built for Life

The apartments themselves are both practical and thoughtful. Each unit is fully accessible and includes assistive smart technology, high-end appliances, and outdoor areas that encourage community. There’s a gated entry, 24-hour security, and shared meals and conversation spaces. These are features standard in upscale developments, but not always available in disability housing.

Most importantly, the complex is designed to support independence, connection, and wellbeing.

Outside the new apartments in Caboolture — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Come and See It for Yourself

The local community is invited to tour Apollo Apartments during its open house event:

Friday, 23 May | 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, 24 May | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
40 Manley Street, Caboolture

Visitors can expect guided tours, a community barbecue, and a chance to learn more about what inclusive, person-led housing can look like.

Local NDIS providers, support workers, and families are especially encouraged to attend.

More Than Housing — A Shift in Thinking

While Apollo Apartments is just one development, the model behind it is a significant shift. It challenges assumptions about what people with disabilities should expect from housing, and what communities should demand for all their residents.

For PNP Group, the mission goes beyond constructing buildings. They focus on restoring respect, listening to individual needs, and recognising that people deserve more than shelter. They deserve a true home.

For more information, visit www.sdaboots.com, call 1300 767 462, or visit the open day to see it for yourself.

Thousands of New Homes Planned for Burpengary East in Major Development

Burpengary East is set to undergo a significant transformation. The Queensland Government has announced a new Priority Development Area (PDA), which is expected to deliver more than 3,700 new homes to the region.

This substantial project aims to increase the availability of housing options for Queenslanders and stimulate the local economy within the City of Moreton Bay.

Development Plans and Initial Stages

The newly proposed PDA in Burpengary East will build upon the existing North Harbour development, which is already home to 3,000 residents and is recognised as a key project in the City of Moreton Bay’s long-term economic strategy. The government has indicated that once the PDA is officially declared, the initial phase will involve the construction of approximately 200 homes in an early release area.

Simultaneously, more detailed planning for the remainder of the development will be undertaken through a collaborative effort involving City of Moreton Bay Council, local residents, and the project’s developers.

Government and Local Perspectives

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, stated that the declaration of this new PDA is intended to streamline the development process and accelerate the construction of much-needed homes in the rapidly growing City of Moreton Bay area. He suggested that this initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to address housing supply issues by unlocking land, investing in essential infrastructure, and providing stamp duty exemptions for first home buyers purchasing new builds.

Mr Bleijie also mentioned that this approach signifies a renewed partnership with local councils and communities to ensure housing is delivered in suitable locations, contrasting it with previous planning processes.

City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery strongly supported the PDA declaration in Burpengary East, highlighting its potential to inject millions of dollars into the local economy. He believes that constructing apartments and standalone houses will provide greater housing choices for individuals looking to reside in the City.

Furthermore, Mayor Flannery noted that the planned development of a marina at the site presents an opportunity to establish a new local marine industry, encompassing areas such as boatbuilding and repairs, which will generate valuable skilled employment opportunities for residents.

Economic Impact and Future Timeline

The development in Burpengary East is anticipated to have a considerable positive impact on the regional economy. Estimates suggest that the project could generate close to 2,000 jobs and contribute an estimated $456 million to the local economy. Following the Deputy Premier’s directive, Economic Development Queensland is now tasked with preparing a brief for Governor in Council approval to declare the new PDA officially.

Once this declaration is made, an Interim Land Use Plan (ILUP) will be implemented until the comprehensive Development Scheme is finalised. Under the ILUP, development applications for the early release area can be submitted immediately, signalling a swift commencement of the initial building phase. The overall development of the PDA is expected to unfold over the next 15 years.

Published Date 13-May-2025

Photo Credit: MPJarodBleijie/ Facebook

Water Meter Upgrades Underway in Burpengary

Unitywater has begun replacing water meters in Burpengary as part of a broader network renewal program across South East Queensland.

Background and Scope

Water meter upgrades are currently being rolled out in Burpengary, alongside similar works in Morayfield and Kallangur. This activity forms part of a five-year capital works initiative totalling $400 million, aimed at renewing and maintaining water and wastewater infrastructure throughout the region.

Burpengary water meter upgrade — *Photo Credit: Unitywater*

More than 9,000 water meters have already been replaced across the Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and Noosa areas since June 2024. The ongoing program is designed to identify and replace meters that are nearing the end of their expected lifespan, generally between ten and fifteen years.

Program Details and Execution

More than 11,000 meters are planned for replacement during the 2024–25 financial year. The current round of installations in Burpengary is intended to maintain accurate measurement of water use and ensure billing reflects real-time consumption.

Replacing each unit typically takes between 30 minutes and one hour. Unitywater has indicated that interruptions to service are minimal and should not significantly impact residents.

Households affected by the works receive a notice card at least 48 hours in advance. After installation, crews leave behind a card showing the final consumption reading from the old meter. This allows customers to cross-check it against their next bill for reference and transparency.

Purpose and Reasoning

Unitywater reports that most meters are being replaced due to age or significant use. Meters that have processed high volumes of water or reached the end of their functional lifespan may lose accuracy over time. The upgrade program is intended to address this risk and maintain service reliability as local infrastructure continues to support population growth.

What’s Next

The meter replacement program will continue in targeted suburbs throughout the financial year. Unitywater encourages all residents receiving a new meter to retain the old reading and monitor their upcoming bills for consistency.

Further information about the ongoing works is available on Unitywater’s official maintenance programs page.

Published 10-May-2025

Photo Credit: Supplied

Healthy Ageing Clinic Opens for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders in Moreton Bay

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healthy Ageing Clinic (HAC) has opened on Brisbane’s northside, providing culturally safe, specialised care for people aged 50 and over who are living with chronic or complex health conditions related to ageing.

Read: Caboolture Hub Tree Grows with Messages of Hope for DFV Prevention

The clinic is a collaborative initiative between the Moreton Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service (MATSICHS) and Metro North Health, designed to improve access to geriatric care for First Nations communities in the Moreton Bay region.

healthy ageing clinic — Photo credit: Moreton Atsichs/Facebook

Operating every Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m, the HAC alternates weekly between MATSICHS Caboolture (21 King St, Caboolture) and MATSICHS Strathpine. Services are offered in a culturally respectful environment, supporting the unique needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders and their families.

The clinic provides a wide range of geriatric services, including:

Cognitive and functional assessments
Restorative care assessments
Comprehensive geriatric evaluations
Dementia diagnosis and management
Falls risk assessment and prevention
Polypharmacy (multiple medication) reviews

In addition to direct patient care, immediate family members of eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients may also access support through the clinic. The Healthy Ageing Clinic represents an important step in ensuring older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people receive high-quality, culturally appropriate care that supports healthy, independent ageing.

By focusing on early identification of issues such as dementia, fall risks, and the risks of taking multiple medications, the clinic helps prevent hospitalisations and supports elders to maintain independence and quality of life for longer.

Read: Bolton Clarke Fernhill Connects Generations Through Play In Caboolture

Referrals are required from a general practitioner to Metro North Hospital and Health Geriatric Services. For more information or to enquire about appointments, community members can contact MATSICHS Caboolture on (07) 5428 5855.

Featured image credit: Metro North Health

Published 7-May-2025