A teenager has died in hospital following a collision between his e-scooter and a truck in Caboolture. The incident occurred on Friday, October 4, 2024, at approximately 7:20 PM at the intersection of George St and Mill Rd.
The teenager sustained life-threatening injuries when his e-scooter collided with a Hino 300 truck. He was immediately transported to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, where he fought for his life for five days before succumbing to his injuries on Wednesday, October 9.
Police reported the boy’s death on Wednesday night. The occupants of the truck involved in the collision were assessed by paramedics at the scene but did not suffer any physical injuries.
The Forensic Crash Unit of the Queensland Police Service is currently investigating the incident.
Caboolture River Road is set for a significant upgrade after securing $71 million in funding to improve traffic flow and support the burgeoning Waraba Priority Development Area (PDA).
This investment forms part of the South East Queensland (SEQ) City Deal, which aims to accommodate the region’s rapid growth. Over the next four decades, Waraba is projected to provide approximately 30,000 new homes for an estimated 70,000 residents and 17,000 jobs across various sectors.
The Caboolture River Road upgrade will be crucial in managing increased traffic and providing essential access to this growing community.
The upgrade will see the existing road between Grant Road and Morayfield Road transformed into a four-lane carriageway featuring two lanes in each direction. Additionally, new cycling and pedestrian paths will be constructed on both sides of the road, promoting active transport and enhancing safety for all road users. This project is part of Queensland’s $100-million contribution to the SEQ City Deal Growth Areas Compact (GAC).
The GAC focuses on providing vital infrastructure to support new and existing communities in growth areas like Waraba. Last month, $13 million in GAC funding was allocated towards wastewater infrastructure in Lilywood, the first suburb within the Waraba PDA.
State Development and Infrastructure Minister Grace Grace emphasised the importance of investing in infrastructure to meet the growing community’s needs. She highlighted that the upgrade will benefit Waraba and improve traffic flow and road safety for existing residents in Morayfield and Caboolture.
Morayfield MP Mark Ryan acknowledged the challenges of managing growth and stressed the importance of efficient and safe transport infrastructure. He expressed his strong support for the project and its potential to improve the quality of life for residents.
Acting Mayor of Moreton Bay Jodie Shipway welcomed the funding and highlighted the importance of the SEQ City Deal in supporting the region’s development.
She acknowledged the need for critical infrastructure investment to keep pace with the city’s rapid population growth. She expressed the council’s commitment to working with the Queensland government on future planning and infrastructure projects.
However, the planned upgrade has also sparked concern among residents about its impact on koala habitats. A petition circulating in Morayfield has gathered over 300 signatures, calling on the council to reconsider a development application at 116-140 Caboolture River Road, which residents believe poses a threat to koalas, who rely on the trees in the area for shelter and sustenance.
The petition highlights Queensland’s significant decline in koala populations over the past 20 years, primarily due to habitat loss. With koalas already facing an uphill battle for survival, residents are urging the council to prioritise the protection of these vulnerable animals and their habitat.
Troy Gordon Shields, a 34-year-old glazier from Caboolture, appeared via video link from Woodford Prison in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Friday. He pleaded guilty to eight charges stemming from a February 21 incident where he crashed a recently purchased vehicle into a creek bed in Nambour.
The court heard that Shields, a father of three, had bought the car from Facebook Marketplace shortly before the incident. According to his defence lawyer, Breanna Bowtell, Shields claimed the brakes weren’t working properly when he was driving the vehicle.
However, witnesses reported hearing loud revving along Image Flat Road in Nambour before two distinct bangs. Police investigations revealed that Shields had sideswiped a parked car and hit a guardrail, causing his vehicle to flip onto its roof in a nearby creek bed.
The situation was further complicated by the fact that the car was uninsured, unregistered, and bore paper plates. Shields himself was unlicensed at the time of the incident. Subsequent tests showed positive results for methamphetamine, alcohol, and amphetamine in his system.
Acting Magistrate Anna Smith noted that the car had a modified muffler, accounting for the loud noises reported by witnesses. Police determined that Shields lost control of the vehicle after hitting the edge of a roundabout, with skid marks found leading up to the crash site.
Shields, who has previously struggled with alcohol and methamphetamine addiction, hopes to return to his profession as a glazier upon release from custody. He has been sentenced to eight months in jail, suspended immediately for 15 months, and disqualified from driving for 12 months.
This major event, scheduled for 19 and 20 October at the Big Fish Tavern, is expected to draw in dozens of skilled players across Australia, all vying for a share of the impressive $5,000 prize pool.
The game of cornhole, which involves tossing beanbags onto a sloped board with a hole, has experienced a remarkable surge in popularity globally, and Australia is no exception. Dean Drumm, the organiser, attributes this rising trend to increased exposure through televised American games and online platforms. He also highlights the game’s inclusive nature.
growing cornhole community in the region. Drumm plans to make this an annual fixture and emphasises the event’s accessibility, inviting everyone to participate or enjoy the action as spectators. Drumm plans to live-stream the tournament on Facebook and YouTube for those who cannot attend in person.
For those unfamiliar with the game, cornhole is straightforward to grasp. Teams of one or two players take turns throwing beanbags, aiming to land them in the hole or on the board for points. The first team to reach 21 points emerges victorious.
The Big Fish Tavern hosts weekly gatherings for aspiring players every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Two leagues in the Moreton Bay area are also available for those interested in forming a team and competing regularly.
While the tournament promises fierce competition and thrilling moments, it also underscores the camaraderie and social aspect that cornhole fosters. More than just a sporting event, the Caboolture Cornhole 5000 aims to celebrate a game that unites people and showcases the vibrant community spirit of Caboolture.
The initial offering of 150 land blocks at Lilywood Landings in Waraba, formerly known as Caboolture West, has sold out within weeks of release. This swift sellout has prompted developers to accelerate their plans for future stages to meet the overwhelming demand.
Construction of Waraba, Queensland’s newest city, commenced in early 2024 and is making rapid progress. The initial infrastructure is well underway, with the first community streets already taking shape.
Aerial view of Lilywood Landings (Photo supplied)
Lennium Group launched the first stages of land to VIP customers in late July, with prices starting at an attractive $280,000. The blocks ranged in size from 315 to 995 square metres, catering to a variety of buyer preferences. The developer reported approximately 1,500 registrations of interest prior to the launch, resulting in dozens of blocks being sold in the first week alone.
Ian Worthington, Development Manager at Lennium Group, expressed his excitement about the strong response: “It’s not every day that people get the chance to buy the very first land in a brand-new city, and we are delighted with the strong response received.”
Diverse Buyer Profile
While a significant portion of purchasers were first-time homebuyers, the development also attracted interest from those looking to upgrade to a new home in Waraba. The first stage is on track for completion by the end of the year, with construction of the first homes expected to begin in early 2025.
Among the successful buyers were first-time homeowners Isabella Spurdle and Oliver Dorofaeff, both 25. The couple, currently renting in Bray Park, north Brisbane, are looking forward to moving into their new four-bedroom, two-bathroom home in Lilywood Landings around June next year.
Isabella shared her excitement: “We’re renting at the moment, so it’s going to be fantastic to start paying our own mortgage rather than someone else’s. Lilywood is somewhere we can settle down and grow into. We are planning to have kids one day, and it looks like a lovely place to raise a family.”
Photo supplied
The couple’s decision was aided by Queensland’s first home owner grant, which provides eligible first-time buyers with $30,000 towards buying or building a new home in Queensland.
Lilywood Landings, situated on Caboolture River Road at the entrance to Waraba, is set to provide over 700 new homes in the coming years. The development boasts an impressive 1.74 kilometres of Caboolture River frontage and more than 23 hectares dedicated to parks and green open spaces.
Residents will benefit from everyday services such as a convenience store and childcare centre. Additionally, Lilywood Landings will feature the region’s first display home village, showcasing more than 30 designs from various local, state, and national builders.
Infrastructure Progress
Recent months have seen a focus on trunk sewer and stormwater construction, ensuring the community is equipped with essential services. The development of services and minor streets is also well underway, paving the way for easy access and connectivity throughout Lilywood Landings.
With the first stage nearing completion, including finished kerb and channel work and ongoing lot preparation, buyers will soon be able to see their future home sites taking shape.
As demand continues to surge, Lennium Group is working diligently to bring forward the next stages of development. Potential buyers interested in calling Lilywood Landings home are encouraged to register their interest in future releases as soon as possible.
Caboolture is taking the initiative to enhance road safety for its senior residents with a series of informative forums scheduled in time for Queensland Seniors Month.
The Moreton Bay region will host three road safety forums, including one in Caboolture, to ensure the well-being of elderly drivers.
Senior Constable Ricky Blanckensee from Moreton Police highlighted that the forums are strategically timed to align with Queensland Seniors Month. He encouraged local seniors to attend the Seniors Road Safety Forums, featuring guest speakers, exhibitors, and complimentary morning tea.
These forums represent a collaborative effort between regional services, the Department of Transport and Main Roads, the Queensland Police Service, and senior residents across the Moreton District.
Attendees can expect a comprehensive programme covering various topics, including a road rule refresher, guidance on handling traffic crashes, safer living information, and an overview of available support services.
The Caboolture Sports Club, located at 19-27 Station Road, Morayfield, will host the first event on Thursday, 3 October, from 10:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Morning tea and refreshments will be provided.
This initiative underscores the community’s commitment to promoting road safety and ensuring senior drivers remain confident and informed on the roads.
Construction is set to begin on a new $17.5 million Police-Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) facility in Caboolture. The project, awarded to FKG Group, marks a major upgrade from the existing club built in the early 1980s.
Located adjacent to the new police station on King St, the facility is scheduled to open in mid-2025. It will feature a dedicated youth space, multipurpose sport and recreation areas, a gymnastics facility, 24/7 gym, and an outdoor basketball court.
PCYC Queensland CEO Phil Schultz emphasised the importance of the new club for Caboolture.
“This club will be the real heart of the community — accessible to all, welcoming everyone in and addressing a range of community needs,” Schultz stated. He highlighted that the facility will continue to host vital youth programs such as Braking the Cycle, After Dark, and Drop In programs.
Local impact is expected to be significant, with the current PCYC boasting around 1,000 members.
Police Minister and Member for Morayfield Mark Ryan expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “It’s great that our local community will have a brand new PCYC facility, but it’s even better that the new facility will help support the delivery of PCYC’s grassroots, community focused programs.”
The new PCYC is designed with sustainability in mind, featuring solar panels and batteries to achieve a five-star green rating. It will also be fully insulated for heating, cooling, and sound, setting a new standard for community facilities in the region.
The project has garnered support from all levels of government. The Federal Government has contributed $10 million, with an additional $5 million from the State Government and $2.5 million from the City of Moreton Bay.
The local community is grieving the untimely passing of Chay Hayman, a cherished member of the Burpengary Jets’ inaugural premiership-winning Open Men’s Team. Hayman died a few weeks before his 34th birthday, leaving behind a legacy of sportsmanship and camaraderie.
The news of Hayman’s passing sparked an outpouring of emotion on social media, with family members, friends, and fellow club members sharing heartfelt tributes and fond memories. His sister, Kia, announced the tragic news on Facebook, describing Chay as “a source of love, strength, and joy” in their lives.
Photo credit: Kia Porter/Facebook
“It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our beloved brother Chay Hayman,” Kia wrote. “As we grieve this profound loss, we take comfort in the cherished memories we hold dear.”
The family held a funeral for Hayman on 13 September.
Hayman’s impact on the local football community was significant. As a member of the Jets’ inaugural premiership-winning Open Men’s Team, he played a crucial role in establishing the club’s reputation for excellence. His teammates and opponents alike will remember him for his skill on the field and his sportsmanship off it.
Photo credit: Burpengary Jets JRLFC/Facebook
In response to this tragedy, the community has rallied around the Hayman family. A GoFundMe campaign was quickly established to assist with funeral arrangements and other expenses. The campaign description poignantly notes that Chay left this world “33 years young, just a few weeks shy of his 34th birthday.”
The Hayman family, touched by the outpouring of support, has announced that any funds not used for immediate expenses will be donated to The Black Dog Institute, a gesture that speaks to their generosity even in times of personal loss.
As the community comes to terms with this loss, many are finding solace in shared memories and the lasting impact Chay had on those around him.
Chay Hayman’s passing is a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community. His memory will undoubtedly live on through the lives he touched, the games he played, and the love he shared with family and friends.
Burpengary commuters are celebrating the reopening of their newly upgraded train station, which is now fully accessible to all passengers. Following a major refurbishment in January, the station boasts new features designed to make travel more accessible for everyone.
The highlight of the upgrade is the addition of lifts, an overpass, and raised platforms. This ensures that individuals with wheelchairs, prams, or luggage can seamlessly navigate the station. The commitment to inclusivity extends further with upgraded customer facilities such as accessible toilets and a disability-compliant ticket window.
Enhanced Passenger Experience
The station’s transformation doesn’t stop at accessibility. Passengers will also benefit from hearing augmentation loops, tactile floor indicators, and rubber fillers to minimise the gap between the platform and the train. New wayfinding signage, information screens, and upgraded CCTV and lighting enhance the travel experience.
The station’s car park has been reconfigured to accommodate nearly 500 vehicles, with 350 spaces currently available. Additional spaces will open upon completion of minor ongoing works. Accessible parking bays and pathways connect the car park to the platforms, and an upgraded permanent kiss ‘n’ ride zone is nearing completion. Cyclists can use a new security swipe access system for the existing 24-bike enclosure, and 102 bike lockers remain available across the station precinct.
Community Spirit
The station also showcases a touch of local artistry. Artwork by Brenden Hirst, a Burpengary resident who won Queensland Rail’s photography competition, adds a community feel to the project.
Burpengary Station is just one piece of a larger puzzle. It’s one of six Queensland Rail stations currently undergoing simultaneous accessibility upgrades, with works also progressing at Bundamba, Banyo, Buranda, Lindum, and Morningside. The Cross River Rail rebuild of Dutton Park station is also on track for completion by year’s end.
Government’s Commitment to Public Transport
These upgrades reflect the Miles Government’s dedication to expanding, improving, and modernising Queensland’s rail network. It’s part of a broader plan to meet the growing state’s demands and prepare for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish emphasised the importance of a modern and accessible rail network, especially during the 50-cent fare trial. He highlighted how upgrades like these make public transport a viable option for everyone, regardless of their mobility needs.
Member for Kurwongbah Shane King expressed his delight at the project’s completion, having campaigned for it in 2020. He acknowledged the community’s patience during the station’s closure and underscored the significance of affordable, accessible public transport, particularly in outer suburbs.
Member for Morayfield Mark Ryan emphasised the Caboolture line’s importance as a crucial transport infrastructure. He noted the upgraded Burpengary station’s positive impact on the community, especially with Moreton Bay’s rapid growth.
Queensland Rail CEO Kat Stapleton expressed pride in delivering the modernised station. She reaffirmed Queensland Rail’s commitment to continuous network improvement and highlighted Burpengary as the first of six stations to reopen following major accessibility upgrades.
The simultaneous upgrades at six stations represent Queensland Rail’s largest undertaking. Since 2017, Queensland Rail has completed 13 station upgrades across the state. These efforts, combined with Cross River Rail’s ambitious plans and other ongoing improvements, are transforming Queensland’s rail network, making it more accessible, comfortable, and secure for all passengers.
A new campaign to address the alarming frequency of bridge strikes across the state has been launched. The initiative, dubbed “Truckload of Trouble,” comes in response to recurring incidents, with the William Berry Drive / Visentin Road connection in Morayfield identified as one of the most frequently struck bridges in the 2023/24 financial year.
The low rail bridge at William Berry Drive, with its 2.8m road clearance, has been a particular concern. In 2020, a vehicle collision with this bridge led to the suspension of all train services between Morayfield and Caboolture, highlighting the severe disruptions such incidents can cause.
Photo credit: Google Street View
There were 369 rail bridge or protection beam strikes recorded in the 2023/24 financial year and in 2023 alone, bridge strikes caused over 200 hours of rail delays.
The most frequently struck bridges in the 2023/24 financial year are:
• Logan Road, Buranda
• North Street, Willowburn
• Bergin Street, Booval
• Oxley Road, Corinda
• William Berry Drive / Visentin Road connection, Morayfield
Joanna Robinson, General Manager of Land Transport Safety and Regulation at TMR, emphasised the dangers associated with bridge strikes.
“Bridge strikes are dangerous. They’re dangerous for the driver of the over-height vehicle, they’re dangerous for train drivers and the passengers and they’re dangerous for other road users.
“Falling debris from the bridge can damage other people’s cars, or in worst case scenarios, serious injury, cause a road crash or kill someone.
The “Truckload of Trouble” campaign, a collaborative effort between TMR, Queensland Rail, and the Queensland Trucking Association, aims to increase driver awareness about the consequences of bridge strikes. It encourages drivers to be mindful of their vehicle’s height and load, and provides practical solutions for route planning to avoid low clearance bridges.
Queensland Rail’s Acting Head of SEQ, Rob Hill, highlighted the operational impacts of these incidents. “When there’s a bridge strike, rail traffic is halted, and our teams carefully inspect it to ensure it’s safe for trains to operate,” he said.
Gary Mahon, CEO of the Queensland Trucking Association, called for increased education within the industry.
“Awareness about truck and bridge heights should be included in pre-start check lists, toolbox talks and trip planning. Truck drivers who are newly licenced, new to driving around the city or hiring a truck, must be provided with information on bridge and truck heights to avoid these preventable incidents.”
While low clearance bridges are equipped with warning signage and various protective measures, including protection beams and height chimes, the campaign stresses that ultimate responsibility lies with drivers to know their vehicle’s dimensions and plan accordingly.
