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New Scooter Park in North Harbour Puts Adventure in Motion

A new patch of North Harbour is being handed over to wheels, climbing frames and family play, with a 6,000-square-metre Scooter Park set to become the latest recreation space at the Morayfield development. Built around a purpose-designed riding track, the park also includes adventure play equipment, shaded areas and facilities aimed at encouraging families to stay and make a day of it.

The park will officially open on Saturday, 5 September, with a free community event running from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The celebration falls on Father’s Day weekend and will combine live entertainment, food, a sporting meet-and-greet and an outdoor movie screening.

An afternoon built around riding, food and a film

Families will be encouraged to bring scooters and bicycles and try the track before the afternoon program moves towards an evening screening of Minions & Monsters at 6:00 p.m. Free popcorn, fairy floss and ice cream will be available during the event, adding a carnival flavour to the park’s first official outing.

Live music, giant bubbles and a rollerblading roving entertainer are also on the program. Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf is scheduled to meet families during a special appearance, while local children will take part in the ribbon-cutting that formally opens the park.

Quarter pipes, domes and a track made for more than scooters

Scooters may give the park its name, but the riding track has been designed for skateboards, bikes and rollerblades as well. A quarter pipe turn, drop-in platform and rideable domes are among the features incorporated into the course, with the layout intended to help users develop balance, coordination and confidence.

Away from the track, the park broadens into a more traditional adventure-play space. A ninja course, climbing tower, slides and swings sit alongside a dedicated area for younger children, while public toilets, barbecue facilities, shaded picnic tables and generous shade provide practical facilities for longer visits.

New park adds another gathering place for local families

North Harbour Project Director Bryan Finney said the new park formed part of the development’s focus on creating places where people could spend time outdoors and be active together. He described the Scooter Park as another addition for local families and said the Father’s Day weekend timing was chosen to make the opening an event the whole family could enjoy.

The park also forms part of North Harbour’s continued investment in parks, open space and community infrastructure. Organisers say the recreation area is intended for both residents and the wider community, adding another outdoor space to the growing development.

Display village expansion continues alongside park opening

Visitors attending the event will also be able to explore North Harbour’s growing Display Village, where homes from Metricon, Australian Building Co. and Brighton Homes are already open. More display homes from additional builders are expected to open during September.

The Scooter Park opening will be held at Scooter Avenue with free entry from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The outdoor screening of Minions & Monsters is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m.

Published 27-Aug-2026

Another 22 Homesites Coming to Lilywood as Waraba Takes Shape

Another 22 homesites are about to be released at Lilywood Landings, adding to the first stages of a new city expected to reshape this part of Moreton Bay over the next four decades.

The lots form the first release within a new section of Lilywood Landings known as River Bend and range from 294sqm to 463sqm, with prices starting at $495,000. Developer Lennium Group plans to release them from 9am on 29 August 2026.

While the release represents a relatively small addition to the local housing market, it is part of a much larger development taking shape across what was formerly known as the Caboolture West growth area.

Lilywood is the first suburb to emerge within Waraba, which was declared a Priority Development Area in August 2024 and covers about 2,900 hectares between existing and emerging communities to the east, the D’Aguilar Highway to the north, Caboolture River Road to the south and the low hills along Old North Road to the west.

Current Economic Development Queensland planning envisages Waraba developing over approximately 40 years to accommodate about 25,000 homes and 65,000 residents, as well as approximately 17,000 jobs across employment and activity centres.

The scale of the project means the progress of individual neighbourhoods such as Lilywood is tied closely to the much broader question of how housing growth will be matched by roads, schools, water, sewerage and other community infrastructure.

Earlier government planning for the Caboolture West growth area indicated a community of this scale could require up to nine new primary schools and four high schools, as well as health, emergency and other community facilities.

Some of the infrastructure needed to support Waraba’s early growth is already under way or funded.

An initial $38.5 million water and wastewater infrastructure program was announced in 2024 to enable development of the first 2,500 homes at Lilywood. The Queensland Government subsequently committed $71 million towards upgrading Caboolture River Road West between Grant Road and Morayfield Road, including widening the road to two traffic lanes in each direction and providing cycling and pedestrian paths on both sides.

Waraba has since been included in the Australian and Queensland governments’ $2.4 billion Infrastructure Activation Fund. Economic Development Queensland says infrastructure delivered through the program is expected to support approximately 16,845 new homes within the Waraba PDA by mid-2034, including 6,738 supporting first-home buyers.

Against that broader backdrop, Lilywood Landings continues to expand.

The River Bend section is planned near future river parklands and will eventually connect with the walking and cycling network proposed for Lilywood Landings. Lennium Group says the development is planned to include around 30 kilometres of walking and cycling paths, while green spaces around the river are intended to retain and enhance habitat for local wildlife.

Lennium Group Development Director Ian Worthington said River Bend was intended to broaden the range of homesites available as Lilywood Landings developed.

“As Lilywood Landings grows, we want to continue broadening the choice available to buyers and creating distinct neighbourhoods that offer their own character and appeal.”

River Bend follows other early developments at Lilywood Landings, including the establishment of Waraba’s first display village.

The first River Bend release comprises 22 homesites and is scheduled to begin at 9am on 29 August 2026.

Published Date 26-August-2026

Caboolture Hospital Set to Get Specialist Mental Health Nurses

Caboolture Hospital is among the Queensland hospitals where recruitment has started for specialist mental health nurses in emergency departments, as part of a $93.1 million plan to strengthen mental health support.

Read: Caboolture Hospital Launches Queensland-First Post-Discharge Support Service

The rollout will see 53 new specialist mental health nursing positions introduced in emergency departments across Queensland, with recruitment also underway at Cairns, Nambour, Bundaberg and Rockhampton hospitals.

Most hospitals involved in the rollout are receiving the equivalent of 3.5 full-time specialist mental health nurses through Mental Health Levy funding. Redcliffe Hospital was among the first facilities to recruit, alongside Redlands and Hervey Bay. It currently has 2.94 full-time equivalent mental health nurses in its emergency department and is still recruiting.

The new roles are intended to help people experiencing mental health concerns receive prompt assessment and be connected with appropriate care.

Health Minister Tim Nicholls said seeking mental health support in an emergency department can be a stressful experience. He said the specialist nurses would provide additional support to help people receive assessment and connect with suitable care as early as possible.

At Redcliffe Hospital, one of the nurses involved in the rollout is Angus Hannon, a Nurse Practitioner Candidate. His path into nursing was influenced by his own experience as a patient. Hannon was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 20 and underwent chemotherapy at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. The care and compassion shown by nurses and other staff left an impression on him and influenced his decision to pursue nursing.

His experience also shaped his desire to support people during difficult periods in their lives. Hannon has described nursing as a profession that involves both compassion and finding answers for patients. During his first nursing placement, he realised he wanted to help people through particularly difficult experiences while providing care with warmth and compassion.

Photo credit: Google Maps/Peter Baskerville

Working in emergency care also means dealing with different situations every day. Hannon has welcomed the prospect of more Nurse Practitioners working in emergency departments and believes the additional roles could help reduce waiting times and pressure on emergency services.

The wider funding package includes $28.5 million each year after the initial $93.1 million allocation to continue mental health support in emergency departments. For Caboolture Hospital, recruitment has now started for the new specialist roles. The positions will bring additional specialist mental health expertise into its emergency department.

The initiative is intended to strengthen mental health support in emergency departments and help patients connect with appropriate care.

Read: New Delirium Prevention Toolkit Rolls Out At Caboolture Hospital As National Trial Begins

The new roles are also being described as part of a wider increase in Queensland’s public health workforce, with more than 10,000 additional health workers reported across public hospitals and health services since the current administration was elected.

The recruitment will add specialist mental health nursing positions to Caboolture Hospital’s emergency department as the statewide rollout continues.

Featured image credit: Google Maps/Glenn Batten

Published 26-August-2026

North Harbour PDA Breaks Ground: First 249 Homes Underway in Burpengary East

Photo Credit: edq.qld.gov

A dual surge of large-scale residential master planning and essential utility upgrades is set to reshape the northern reaches of Moreton Bay. Centred across Burpengary East, Burpengary, and Morayfield South, initiatives are laying the groundwork for thousands of new homes aimed at absorbing one of South East Queensland’s fastest-growing population surges.

The strategy pairs greenfield master-planning along the Caboolture River with targeted trunk infrastructure grants to resolve the utility bottlenecks that previously delayed private developments.

North Harbour PDA Breaks Ground on Multi-Thousand Lot Waterfront Precinct

At the centre of the region’s greenfield expansion is the North Harbour Priority Development Area (PDA) in Burpengary East. Construction is actively underway, with the first 249 homes breaking ground within a broader master-planned footprint declared for at least 3,700 additional residences, subject to ongoing statutory planning assessments.

The build-out follows a demographic shift in Burpengary East, where the local population has surged by 43 per cent since 2021. Managed under Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) planning frameworks, the declared PDA integrates long-term housing targets with marine, commercial, and open-space infrastructure along the Caboolture River.

Essential Utilities Unblock Stalled Burpengary and Morayfield Estates

While high-profile master plans capture headline figures, local housing delivery remains dependent on below-ground utility capacity. Across neighbouring Burpengary and Morayfield South, home construction in key subdivisions had reached a standstill due to network limitations in local wastewater management.

To clear the backlog, state funding via Round One of the Residential Activation Fund delivered a $2.35 million capital injection into the Adsett Road Sewage Pumping Station.

The targeted upgrade resolved flow constraints across the local catchment, directly unlocking more than 1,000 lots across the broader sub-region. Crucially, the works enabled immediate progression for subsequent stages of LHPP’s 125-lot residential development, including stages two and three, which had been contingent on trunk capacity.

Policy Tools Target Entry-Level Buyers

The regional surge in land supply aligns with specific state financial incentives aimed at keeping house-and-land packages within reach for first-home buyers. To offset rising construction and material costs, local buyers retain access to locked-in $30,000 First Home Owner Grants, stamp duty exemptions on new builds, and the state-backed Boost to Buy equity scheme.

For the expanding corridors surrounding Caboolture, Morayfield, and Burpengary, the combination of trunk infrastructure investment and buyer support reflects a coordinated push to maintain housing affordability along Brisbane’s northern growth arterial.

Published 20-Aug-2026

Upper Caboolture Koala Habitats Secure Vital Lifeline to Bridge Dangerous Bushland Gaps

Photo Credit: Ecollaboration

Vulnerable native koalas traversing the increasingly fragmented landscapes of Upper Caboolture are gaining a much-needed sanctuary as conservationists prepare to plant 1,200 specialised food and habitat trees to bridge treacherous gaps in the local bushland.

Securing Safe Passage

How do we stop these iconic animals from disappearing? The answer lies in targeted action. Announced in recent weeks as part of a state funding rollout, this grassroots project targets the exact travel routes our wildlife relies on.

By filling the hazardous voids between existing patches, ECOllaboration Ltd hopes to steer animals away from urban dangers. The Nambour-based non-profit is zeroing in on tree species that offer the perfect mix of diet and shelter.

A Broader Ecological Push

This hyper-local effort forms just one piece of a massive environmental puzzle taking shape across Queensland. Ten other organisations are sharing in a nearly $600,000 grant pool, collectively bringing more than 27,000 new trees to priority regions. Environment Minister Andrew Powell stressed the importance of these practical steps. Expanding these wildlife corridors, he noted, remains essential for ensuring future generations can still spot a koala resting high in the natural canopy.

Decades of Local Expertise

Tackling such an ambitious restoration requires deep roots in land management. Originally operating as Maroochy Water Watch, ECOllaboration brings over three decades of South East Queensland care experience to the table.

Their resume is extensive. From running widespread biodiversity assessments and the long-standing PlatyTracker monitoring program to breeding biological weed controls at their specialised facility, the team attacks conservation from every conceivable angle. They even cultivate their own stock in a dedicated native plant nursery.

Cultivating Community Champions

Yet, saving habitats means little without teaching people how to protect them. The group prioritises community education heavily, running marine science field trips and biology workshops for school students. Traineeships provide another crucial layer of support. By offering accredited work-based learning, the organisation creates inclusive pathways into the workforce while simultaneously boosting the volunteer manpower needed to keep local waterways clean and ecosystems thriving.

Published Date 13-August-2026

Push Grows For Funding To Build Burpengary East Primary School

The long-planned Burpengary East primary school is back in focus, with a push for construction to begin in FY 2027–28, as planning for the future school continues.

Read: Planning Underway for Caboolture West and Burpengary East Schools

The proposed state primary school would be built on land at the corner of Buckley Road and Fraser Drive, providing a local schooling option for families in the growing Burpengary East and North Harbour communities.

The school remains in the planning stage. The latest Queensland Budget did not allocate funding to begin construction, while work on a Detailed Business Case and Concept Master Plan is underway to help inform future investment and delivery decisions.

School site already secured

The proposed school site was secured in 2024 after several years of efforts to acquire land. Three lots at the corner of Buckley Road and Fraser Drive were acquired by Education Queensland in September 2024 for a future state primary school serving Burpengary East and North Harbour.

The acquisition followed a campaign for a local school site, including a petition launched in 2020. With the land secured, planning work is now underway.

The Education Department has confirmed that a Detailed Business Case and Concept Master Plan are being prepared for a new primary school in Burpengary East, alongside similar planning work for a school in Waraba.

Those studies will help inform future investment decisions and potential delivery timeframes, including when the schools could open.

Capacity and future demand

The department says the existing school network is expected to have sufficient capacity to meet forecast enrolment demand until at least 2030. It said future investment decisions will be informed by planning work, enrolment trends, population growth, and development sequencing.

The campaign is seeking residents’ views through an online survey about safe, local schooling options and transport connections.

Read: Learning at Their Own Pace: Caboolture Montessori School and the Rise of Alternative Education in Queensland

For Mr Whiting, the immediate goal is a funding commitment that would allow construction to commence in 2027-28.

For the Education Department, the project remains in the planning stage, with business case and master planning work to inform decisions about investment and delivery.

Published 11-August-2026

Caboolture Locals Eye a Show Holiday for Bayside and Museum Fun

The show holiday in Caboolture will give families a handy long weekend on Monday, 9 August 2027. Moreton Bay Council has adopted the date as the region’s Show Holiday, and that means an extra day for residents and workers to slow down and enjoy the area.

Caboolture already has a strong place in the region’s visitor story. Queensland Tourism describes Caboolture as just under one hour from Brisbane and as a gateway to mountain scenery and charming country villages. That makes the show holiday in Caboolture a good fit for people who want a break without a long trip.

Centenary Lakes Park in Caboolture
Photo Credit: Queensland.com

Bayside air within reach

For many locals, Moreton Bay Marine Park will be an easy choice for the day. The park stretches across water, islands, wetlands and beaches. It also offers boating, fishing, sailing, snorkelling and bushwalking.

Moreton Marine Bay Park
Photo Credit: Queensland.com

That mix gives families plenty of room to plan their own day. Some may head out early and enjoy the coast. Others may stay close to home and keep things simple. Either way, the show holiday in Caboolture creates a chance to enjoy the region without much fuss.

Caboolture’s location also puts Bribie Island and the wider Moreton Bay area within easy reach. That helps make the long weekend feel useful rather than rushed.

History close to home

If the weather turns, the Abbey Museum offers another local option. The museum holds around 4,500 objects and spans more than a million years of human history. It also welcomes more than 10,000 students each year.

That gives the museum real value for families looking for an indoor outing. It offers school holiday programs, tours and a café, which makes it a practical stop during the show holiday in Caboolture.

Caboolture also has the Caboolture Historical Village, which gives visitors another way to spend the day close to home. Together, these attractions show why the area works well for a local break.

Photo Credit: Caboolture Historical Village

Spending locally, staying nearby

Council wants the holiday to encourage people to support local cafes, shops and attractions. That often happens when families choose to holiday close to home. They still spend money. They still explore. And they often discover places they have meant to visit for ages.

For Caboolture and surrounding suburbs, that makes the show holiday in Caboolture a useful one. It brings a break from routine while keeping the focus on local experiences.

The message is simple. Stay local, look around and make the most of what is already here.

Published 11-August-2026

Cat Registration Data Reveals Moreton Bay’s Favourite Names

Luna has taken the top spot on Moreton Bay’s list of popular cat names, with registration data revealing the names, breeds, and suburbs with the highest numbers of registered cats.

Read: Robo Pets Bring Comfort and Connection to Caboolture Library Visitors Living With Dementia

Released for International Cat Day (8 August), the figures from the City of Moreton Bay show Luna is the most popular registered cat name, with 164 cats registered under the name.

Bella followed with 109 registrations, while Charlie came in third with 93. Milo, Coco and Simba rounded out the next three spots, followed by Cleo, Missy, Molly and Mia.

Caboolture and Morayfield lead cat registrations

Chris Clarke, of Dakabin, and his Domestic Short Hair cat Django (Photo credit: City of Moreton Bay)

Caboolture recorded the highest number of registered cats in the City, with 882. Morayfield was close behind with 869 registrations, while Dakabin had 840. Kallangur followed with 750 and Narangba recorded 679.

Across the wider Moreton Bay area, 12,308 cats are currently registered. Domestic Short Hair was by far the most commonly registered breed. There were 7,822 registered cats listed under the breed, making it by far the most common feline type in the region.

Domestic Medium Hair was next with 1,837 registrations, followed by Ragdoll cats with 1,235. Domestic Long Hair accounted for 422 registrations, while 295 Burmese cats were registered.

Registration helps reunite lost cats

The registration figures also highlight the role registration can play when cats go missing. According to the City, 327 lost cats were reunited with their owners during the last financial year, highlighting the role registration can play when pets go missing.

Mayor Peter Flannery said some residents may not realise cats are required to be registered, noting that rules can differ between Queensland.

“City of Moreton Bay has the same registration rules for dogs and cats, both wonderful pets which bring a lot of joy to their ‘paw-rents’.

In Moreton Bay, cats and dogs must be registered by 12 weeks of age, or within 14 days of being brought into the City. Registration requirements operate under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 and Animal Management Local Law 2023.

Cats and dogs must also be microchipped and wear an identification tag containing their owner’s contact details while outside the home.

Read: Silent, Elusive, and Endangered: How Moreton Bay Uncovered a Thriving Greater Glider Population

Registration renewals are due by 30 September, with renewal notices to be issued soon.

Luna currently holds the top spot among registered cat names in Moreton Bay. With 12,308 cats currently registered across the City, the data offers a snapshot of the region’s feline population and the names residents have chosen for their pets.

Published 8-August-2026

Young Burpengary Champion Riley Stevens Retains Queensland Jiu-Jitsu Title

Seven-year-old Riley Stevens from Burpengary has claimed back-to-back Queensland titles after successfully defending his crown at the 2026 Queensland Jiu-Jitsu Championships. The Year 2 student at St Eugene’s College will now turn his attention to the Australian Jiu-Jitsu Championships in Melbourne this August.

Read: Burpengary East’s Young Entrepreneur Turns Market Idea Into a Winning Success

Queensland State Championships 2026

The 2026 Queensland Jiu-Jitsu Championships attracted more than 2,000 entries, bringing together competitors from across Queensland.

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A post shared by QBJJC – Queensland’s premier Jiu Jitsu Circuit (@qbjjc)

Riley competed in both the Gi and Nogi divisions. According to competition records, he had seven opponents in the Gi division and five in Nogi. In a post after the event, he shared that both of his Nogi fights were won by armbar submission, helping him retain his Queensland title.

Before the championships, Riley said the preparation was complete and that he was looking forward to representing TDS Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. After claiming the title, he described the matches as hard-fought contests against strong competitors and said he was grateful for the win.

National Titles in Sight

Attention now turns to the Australian Jiu-Jitsu Championships in Melbourne on 16 August, with Riley training four times a week ahead of the event.

Despite being only seven years old, Riley has already compiled an extensive competition record. To date, he has recorded 188 wins and collected 88 medals, including 57 gold medals.

His achievements in 2025 included titles at the AFBJJ Australian Championships, the BJJOA National Championships, the NSW State Championships and the Moreton Bay Championships.

Riley also hopes to compete internationally this year, with plans to enter the Irish Jiu-Jitsu Nationals, a competition in London and potentially other overseas events. He has also attended training camps organised through the Australian Jiu-Jitsu Futures Program, where young athletes train with visiting multi-time world champions.

Training at TDS Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Riley’s introduction to Brazilian jiu-jitsu came through the ninja program at TDS Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Burpengary.

Established in 2012 by head coach Todd Sparreboom, TDS Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers classes for children from the age of three through to adults. The academy teaches Brazilian jiu-jitsu and self-defence while aiming to develop confidence, self-discipline and respect.

Read: Burpengary’s Kangaroo Bus Lines to Transport World’s Top Softball Nations at 2027 World Cup Finals

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a martial art, combat sport and self-defence system based on grappling, ground fighting and submission techniques. With another Queensland title secured, Riley will next compete at the Australian Jiu-Jitsu Championships in Melbourne.

Published 7-August-2026

Burpengary East Residents Welcome New Community Hub

Residents of an expanding over-50s community in Burpengary East have celebrated the opening of a new clubhouse intended to support social connection, recreation and active living.

More than 140 homeowners attended the official opening of The Lodge at Stockland Halcyon Serrata.

Named by residents for its resemblance to a ski chalet, the clubhouse includes a 25-metre heated magnesium pool and spa, gym, pickleball courts, lawn bowling green, cinema, golf simulator and shared social spaces.

Close to 60 homes have settled at Halcyon Serrata, where more than 100 people now live.

First homeowners watch the community take shape

Stephen and Genevieve Pitt were the first homeowners to move into Halcyon Serrata late last year and have since watched the neighbourhood expand.

Photo Credit: Supplied/Renae Droop/RDW Photography

“We’ve watched Halcyon Serrata grow from a small, close-knit group before Christmas into the thriving community it is today,” Mr Pitt said.

“There are now too many names to remember, but there is always a friendly wave and a smile, and we’re sure the opening of The Lodge will help those friendships and connections continue to grow.”

The couple explored several over-50s communities before choosing Halcyon Serrata, with the planned clubhouse and recreational facilities forming a major part of its appeal.

Pool laps and Sunday footy become part of daily life

The Pitts said they expected the facilities to become part of their exercise and social routines.

Mr Pitt has already begun using the pool for morning laps and said the gym would also be high on their list because remaining active was important to them.

“The sports bar will also be a favourite for a few drinks and a game of pool with our new friends or watching the Sunday afternoon footy,” he said.

Other facilities include a sauna, function room, arts and crafts studio, library, lounge, communal kitchen and outdoor barbecue area.

Shared hub opens before development is complete

Stockland Development Director Andrew Astorquia said The Lodge had been designed as a place where homeowners could exercise, relax and spend time together.

“The Lodge is intended to be the social heart of Halcyon Serrata, providing a welcoming space for homeowners to exercise, relax, socialise and spend time together,” Mr Astorquia said.

He said opening the facilities before the wider development was complete meant existing homeowners could begin using them immediately.

The official opening featured live music, with City of Moreton Bay Division 2 Councillor Mark Booth joining homeowners for the celebration.

Local sculpture reflects surrounding wildlife

The celebration also included the unveiling of a kookaburra sculpture by Moreton Bay chainsaw artist Luke Sheehan.

Given to homeowners by Stockland, the sculpture has been placed near the reserve behind The Lodge and reflects the wildlife residents encounter around the community.

“We hear laughing kookaburras and curlews every day and watch possums make their way from the reserve each night, so the kookaburra is a wonderful representation of the nature surrounding us,” Mrs Pitt said.

More homes planned for Burpengary East site

Halcyon Serrata is being developed on a 12-hectare site centred around a nature reserve in Burpengary East.

The development is planned to deliver 250 low-maintenance homes within the over-50s community. It is about two kilometres from the Bruce Highway and approximately 50 kilometres north of Brisbane.

The Pitts said they hoped The Lodge would help friendships and connections grow as more homeowners moved into the community.

Published 6-Aug-2026