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Burpengary Mourns Passing of Moreton Bay Lions Coach Steve Hallett

The Burpengary community is grieving the death of Moreton Bay Lions under-13 girls coach Steve Hallett. His passing has left a deep impact on players, families, and club members.

Background and Club Role

Hallett died in the early hours of 10 August 2025. He coached the Moreton Bay Lions under-13 girls team, which plays out of Burpengary. He stepped into the role when the side needed a leader and quickly made the team his own.

Before joining the Lions, Hallett played more than 50 games for the Pine Rivers Swans. He was part of their 2008 premiership-winning side.

Impact on Players and Families

Parents and players said his influence extended well beyond teaching football skills. He encouraged teamwork, resilience, and a genuine love for the sport. His daughter Ruby played in the team he coached. Club leaders said his approach balanced athletic development with personal growth.

The Lions will pay tribute to Hallett during Friday evening’s finals match. Ruby and her teammates are expected to take the field in his memory.

Community Tributes

Moreton Bay Lions chairman Geoff McDonnell said Hallett reflected the club’s strong sense of community. He noted Hallett’s willingness to take on the role and the positive effect he had over the years.

Condolences have come from across the Queensland football community. The Pine Rivers Swans and other clubs shared messages of sympathy. Parents and fellow coaches remembered him as supportive, approachable, and respectful in both victory and defeat.

Broader Legacy

Hallett’s sudden death has sparked reflection on the role of grassroots sport in building community connections. Members said they were grateful for his time, guidance, and commitment to the players. Many believe his legacy will live on through the young athletes he mentored and the example he set.

Published 15-Aug-2025

Zarraffa’s Opens New Drive Thru in Caboolture South

Zarraffa’s Coffee has opened a new drive thru store in Caboolture South, relocating its Morayfield Kiosk to a more accessible site at 8 Frank Street.

Strategic Relocation

The Caboolture South store began trading on 12 August 2025, becoming the brand’s 81st location. The move replaces the former Morayfield Kiosk with a dual-lane drive thru format, part of Zarraffa’s shift towards convenience-focused sites. Located beside a service centre and close to local amenities, the store is designed to provide greater accessibility for busy commuters and families in the Moreton Bay region.

drive thru coffee — *Photo Credit: Zarraffa’s Coffee*

Established Franchisees and New Leadership

Ownership of the outlet is shared by experienced franchisees Ben Old, Terry and Jeanette Bambury, along with new primary franchisee Lyndsey Davies. Davies began her career with Zarraffa’s at 19 as a barista, progressing to co-owner of the Mango Hill and Morayfield Road stores before taking on the lead role at Caboolture South. She said the new store offers an opportunity to grow the community built at Morayfield Kiosk, while maintaining the same service standards and product quality.

Employment Opportunities and Staff Continuity

The transition from kiosk to drive thru has created more than 20 new local jobs through a dedicated recruitment and training program. Several staff from the Morayfield Kiosk have also joined the team to ensure a smooth experience for regular customers.

Zarraffa's Coffee — *Photo Credit: Zarraffa’s Coffee*

Customer Offering

The Caboolture South store serves Zarraffa’s signature coffee blends along with freshly baked in-store items, breakfast options, and savoury snacks. The site offers space for customers to take a seat or order on-the-go.

Commitment to Regional Growth

Zarraffa’s Coffee CEO Marnie Sheldon said the opening reflects the company’s ongoing investment in the Moreton Bay growth corridor. She highlighted the role of long-standing franchisees in the brand’s success, noting that Ben and Terry Bambury have been involved with the company for more than two decades. Sheldon said Davies’ appointment marks a milestone in her career, recognising her experience and long-term contribution to the brand.

National Expansion Plan

The Caboolture South opening is part of Zarraffa’s broader strategy to expand to more than 200 stores nationally ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

Published 14-Aug-2025

Photo Credit: Zarraffa’s Coffee

AI Writing Program Lifts NAPLAN Results at Caboolture School

Did you know that St Columban’s College in Caboolture has recorded its highest-ever Yr 9 NAPLAN writing results, after introducing an AI-powered writing program across the school?

Background on St Columban’s Initiative

St Columban’s College in Caboolture integrated the Writer’s Toolbox AI program into its Digital Innovation Strategy, which equips every student and teacher with a laptop. The initiative began in 2020 after a review found the school’s writing results were below the national average. The goal was to lift student performance to meet or exceed national standards.

Measurable Improvement in NAPLAN Performance

The Writer’s Toolbox program, adopted across Year 9 and other levels, led to the highest writing score in the school’s 10 years of NAPLAN testing. In less than 12 months, the average Year 9 writing result increased by 24 points. In 2024, students wrote more than 3.7 million words using the platform, reflecting higher engagement and confidence in writing.

Statewide Pilot Results

St Columban’s was one of eight Brisbane Catholic Education schools in a pilot program using Writer’s Toolbox. Collectively, participating schools improved their NAPLAN writing results eight times faster than the Queensland state average. While the state’s combined writing score across all years tested rose from 486 in 2023 to 488 in 2024, pilot schools recorded an increase from 490 to 555 over the same period.

Caboolture NAPLAN results — *Photo Credit: Writer’s Toolbox*

About the Writer’s Toolbox Program

Writer’s Toolbox was developed from 25 years of research by Associate Professor Ian Hunter, combining historical teaching methods with AI-driven personalised feedback. The program is fully differentiated, allowing students to progress at their own pace while enabling teachers to track performance in real time. Studies involving 71 Australian schools and 78,000 students showed writing improvement rates between two and ten times the Queensland average.

Impact on Students and Teachers

Students benefit from instant feedback and tailored challenges, while teachers gain tools to support varied learning needs. The program is designed to make writing practice consistent across all ability levels while maintaining individualised progression.

Future Outlook

Following the success of the pilot, schools including St Columban’s continue to use the AI program across year levels. The approach reflects a wider trend of integrating AI into classrooms, with schools weighing how best to balance technology with traditional teaching methods.

Published 13-Aug-2025

Photo Credit: Writer’s Toolbox

Planning Underway for Caboolture West and Burpengary East Schools

Two new state schools are on the horizon for the Moreton Bay region, with sites in Caboolture West and Burpengary East earmarked for future campuses to cater to growing communities.

Read: Plan for New Caboolture West Primary School Revealed

The Queensland Education Department has confirmed both schools are in the planning stage. Caboolture West Primary School is slated to open sometime between 2028 and 2030, with the exact date to be linked to student enrolment growth in the area. The project was originally intended to be delivered earlier, but officials say population and housing growth in the suburb will guide the final schedule.

Work is underway to identify a suitable location for the Caboolture West campus. Once a site is secured, the department will move to award a design contract and finalise plans. As part of the process, assessments will be carried out to examine traffic impacts, vegetation and environmental considerations, stormwater management, and noise. The goal is to ensure the new school is both accessible and designed to serve as a central hub for the local community.

Burpengary East State School remains at an even earlier stage of planning, with no investment decision made. Education planners are monitoring population trends to determine when demand will justify construction. Timing for the project will be based on detailed analysis of enrolment forecasts, housing developments, and local infrastructure capacity.

Both proposed schools are part of Queensland’s broader strategy to deliver modern, well-resourced education facilities in areas expected to see significant growth. The Moreton Bay region, which includes Caboolture West and Burpengary East, has been flagged as a key growth corridor, with new housing estates and infrastructure projects planned over the next decade.

Read: New Childcare Centre Proposed Beside Future School Site in Morayfield

Once complete, the schools are expected to help relieve future enrolment pressures on existing campuses, reducing the need for temporary classrooms and long travel times for students. While families in the region may still have several years to wait before the doors open, the planning work being done now is aimed at ensuring the schools can meet the needs of their communities from day one.

Published 11-August-2025

$20M Motorsport Park Proposed Near Caboolture

A $20 million motorsport park is about to be proposed near Caboolture, with plans for a multi-discipline venue capable of hosting local to international events.

Background and Location

Corbet’s Group, a Gympie-based family business, is proposing to develop the Moreton Motorsport Park on a 404-hectare block at Bloesch Road, Beachmere, between Bribie Island Road and Beachmere Road. The land, purchased in May 2023 for $2.6 million, is privately owned by the Corbet family, removing the risk of closure due to rising public land values. The site is located east of Caboolture and south of Bribie Island.

The proposal follows decades without a dedicated speedway in the Caboolture area since the Moodlu dirt track closed in the 1980s.

Project Details and Facilities

If approved, the venue would accommodate up to 10,000 spectators and feature a speedway circuit, motocross track, BMX-style track, driver training area, and facilities for various motorsport disciplines, including sprint cars, dirt track, solos, dirt karts, super sedans, and modified vehicles.

Corbet’s Group intends to privately finance the project, estimated at $20 million, with the aim of catering to both entry-level participants and international professionals. Preliminary designs have been developed, but the layout and track specifications will be refined through consultation with the motorsport community.

Addressing Facility Shortages

The developers have highlighted a shortage of motorsport facilities in South-East Queensland following the closure of tracks such as Archerfield Speedway, Acacia Ridge Speedway, Coolum Pines MX, Parklands MX, Motoland, and North Brisbane Junior Motorcycle Club.

Industry figures indicate there are more than 1,400 Speedway Australia-registered and nearly 2,300 Motorcycling Australia-registered participants in the region who lack convenient access to accredited facilities. The proposal also aims to address safety issues caused by illegal riding in forests and dangerous on-road behaviour.

Economic Impact and Development Timeline

Consultants estimate the facility could deliver $13 million annually to the local economy, excluding larger one-off events, with around 109 full-time jobs created during construction and 42 ongoing positions once operational.

The timeline for the project depends on the approval process, which is expected to take two to three years. Noise testing, flood assessments, and ecological studies are underway to ensure compliance and minimise environmental impacts.

Community Feedback

Public response has been largely supportive, with many citing tourism benefits, improved opportunities for young drivers, and reduced travel distances for competitors. Suggestions from the community include adding a state-of-the-art go-kart track and ensuring the site is far enough from residential areas to minimise noise complaints.

Some concerns have been raised about potential future objections from nearby residents once the venue is operating, as well as the environmental footprint.

Next Steps

No development application has yet been lodged. Corbet’s Group is seeking community input via the Moreton Motorsport Park Facebook page before finalising the design. The group’s stated goal is to create a long-term home for Queensland motorsport that meets community needs while supporting the local economy.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Published 11-Aug-2025

Photo Credit: Moreton Motorsport Park/Facebook

Operation Xray Grader Extended After Strong Results

Operation Xray Grader, a targeted police operation addressing crime and anti-social behaviour in Caboolture’s CBD, has been extended through to the end of 2025 following successful outcomes during its first three months.

The operation which began on 29 April this year, has resulted in 123 people being charged with 168 offences across the central business district, including the King Street precinct and train station area bounded by Elliott Street, George Street and Bertha Street.

The extension comes after positive community feedback about increased police visibility in the area, according to Moreton District Officer Chief Superintendent Adam Guild.

Police have conducted comprehensive enforcement activities during the operation’s initial phase, completing 1,694 street checks and issuing 99 traffic infringement notices alongside the charges laid. The operation combines high-visibility patrols with covert surveillance, utilising foot patrols, mobile units, bicycle officers and metal detection operations.

Drug-related offences comprised the largest category of charges, with 36 people facing drug charges during the three-month period. Police also charged 15 people with theft offences and five individuals with weapons-related charges. Two people were charged with assault, while other charges included unlawful entry, public nuisance, trespassing and obstructing police.

Chief Superintendent Guild emphasised that community safety remains the operation’s primary focus, noting that both residents and business owners have responded favourably to the increased police presence.

The success of the current operation has prompted police to develop a longer-term strategy for the precinct, with input being sought from 150 local businesses invited to provide feedback on future crime prevention approaches.

According to Queensland Police Service reports, the operation has maintained its focus on “detection, prevention, and disruption of crime” while prioritising positive community engagement.

Regular police patrols continue to supplement the enhanced operations, with officers maintaining direct contact with businesses and community members throughout the extended timeframe.

The operation represents part of broader Queensland Police Service efforts to address crime and anti-social behaviour in high-traffic public areas, with similar initiatives operating across various districts throughout the state.

Police encourage community members to report any criminal activity or concerns to local officers or through official QPS channels.

Published 6-August-2025

From Morayfield to Mareeba: Steven Biggs Trains Next Generation of Humanitarian Pilots

Former Brisbane police officer and long-time Morayfield resident Steven Biggs has returned to his childhood passion—flying—not just for adventure, but to save lives.

Read: New Childcare Centre Proposed Beside Future School Site in Morayfield

Now based at the Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) training base in Mareeba, Biggs is helping prepare the next generation of humanitarian pilots for missions in some of the world’s most remote and challenging locations.

Steven Biggs, 51, once spent his weekends taking his young sons to cricket at The Gabba and playing soccer on the Morayfield State High recreation grounds near their home. These days, he’s more likely to be found mentoring new pilots or flying critical medevac missions for isolated communities.

MAF is the world’s largest humanitarian air service, operating in 24 low-income countries. Biggs has been flying with the organisation for over a decade, with assignments spanning Arnhem Land, West Africa, and now Queensland. His stories include airlifting children in medical emergencies, flying aid workers through lockdowns, and moving his own young family to the Indigenous community of Elcho Island in the Northern Territory.

Steven Biggs moved freight and passengers as the lockdown restrictions tighten in 2020, Liberia (Photo supplied)

“I’ve done medevacs for little kids all over the world,” Biggs said. “Watching a dad carry his sick child onto my plane and knowing I can fly them to safety—it’s one of the most powerful moments you can experience.”

Steven and his wife Margot moved to Arnhem Land in 2000 with their three boys under five, trading suburban life in Morayfield for homeschooling in the heat and helping support Yolngu communities. After returning to Brisbane in 2004, Biggs spent years as a police officer while raising his sons. He returned to MAF flying in 2019 after his children had grown and left home.

This Father’s Day, he’s supporting MAF’s “Fuel for Father’s Day” campaign, encouraging Australians to gift a symbolic jerrycan of aircraft fuel. The campaign helps fund life-saving flights around the world. “As I get older, I don’t need stuff,’ he said. ‘But getting fuel for MAF makes me and my boys feel like we’re really helping – and I can tell you that MAF aircraft really do make a difference!”

Despite the distance from his family, Biggs says his role as a training captain is deeply rewarding. One memory that stands out for Biggs happened in 2020 when he rescued a family stranded in rural Liberia just as the pandemic hit. It was his own son’s 21st birthday back in Queensland, but the heartfelt thank-you drawing from a little girl on that flight reminded him why he continues the work.

Landing in Tapeta, meeting people from the village (Photo supplied)

“I’ve kept Audrey’s drawing on my desk ever since as a reminder about why I choose to fly with MAF and help people make a difference in challenging and remote locations.’

Read: Priceline Morayfield Joins Over 300 Pharmacies Offering Free Diabetes Risk Checks

Through all the challenges, Biggs says being a father and a MAF pilot are the two roles he’s most proud of. “Watching my boys do a fantastic job as dads is incredible. But it’s also a privilege to help fathers across the world to have the best lives they can with the help of a small aircraft and great demonstration of love in action. I hope lots of dads receive a jerrycan of MAF fuel this Father’s Day.”

Published 4-August-2025

Trask Land Acquires 5.05ha Residential Parcel in Morayfield

A 5.05-hectare residential development site in Morayfield has been sold for $8 million to Trask Land, following a competitive expressions of interest campaign.

Site Draws Intense Buyer Interest

The property at 74–80 Nairn Road, Morayfield was marketed by Colliers through an expressions of interest campaign that closed on 27 November 2024. The process attracted over 130 enquiries and 12 formal offers from various developers, reflecting the ongoing demand for development-ready land in South East Queensland.

The land was sold on behalf of a private landholder and purchased by Trask Land, which already owns adjoining parcels. This acquisition consolidates Trask Land’s holdings in a region considered one of the fastest-growing areas north of Brisbane.

Morayfield development site — *Photo Credit: Colliers*

Strategic Position in Northern Growth Corridor

Located 38 kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD and 41 kilometres from the Sunshine Coast, the Morayfield site is zoned ‘Emerging Community’ under the Moreton Bay Regional Council Planning Scheme. The site is situated within the Transition Precinct and the Next Generation Neighbourhood Place Type, indicating potential for future residential subdivision or townhouse development, subject to council approvals.

The property is surrounded by completed and ongoing residential developments, placing it within an established and expanding corridor supported by nearby schools, shopping centres, and transport infrastructure.

Limited Infill Land Driving Competition

According to the selling agents, infill parcels of this scale have become increasingly scarce across the region. The supply shortage has pushed developers to compete aggressively for limited land with subdivision potential.

Land values in Moreton Bay have set new benchmarks in recent years, and the Morayfield transaction adds to that trend. With infrastructure investment continuing across South East Queensland, sites positioned within growth corridors remain highly sought after.

Residential Supply Pressures in South East Queensland

The sale occurs against the backdrop of increasing housing demand in South East Queensland. Forecasts suggest that approximately 34,500 new dwellings are needed annually to accommodate population growth across the region. Properties such as the Nairn Road site are seen as crucial in contributing to future residential supply.

Future Implications for Morayfield

With the addition of this site, Trask Land strengthens its long-term position in the Morayfield precinct. Subject to approvals, future development on the site would support ongoing urban expansion and contribute to the broader residential supply pipeline in the northern corridor.

Published 4-Aug-2025

Photo Credit: Colliers

Caboolture Granny Flat Dispute Highlights Ongoing QBCC Complaints

A Caboolture couple has criticised the state’s building regulator after their parents’ $300,000 granny flat project was left with dozens of defects and no regulatory pathway to rectification available through the QBCC.

Major Construction Defects Uncovered in Caboolture

Emily Moore and her husband Ian Moore raised concerns after a granny flat built in their Caboolture backyard for Emily’s parents was found to contain 28 construction defects. The project, contracted to Leverage Projects in February 2021, also included demolition of a shed to create additional space.

By 2023, the work had ceased. A Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) report from April 2024 confirmed the number of defects but stated that no rectification direction could be issued, as the builder’s company had entered voluntary liquidation.

The builder’s personal and company licences were later cancelled and excluded for three years following the liquidator’s appointment.

Caboolture building dispute — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Health and Financial Fallout for Affected Family

The granny flat, which cost nearly $300,000, was intended to accommodate Moore’s parents, Tony and Deb Jurott, during retirement. The family now claims the residence is substandard and the stress has negatively affected their health.

The builder, Craig Jack, could not be reached. The family also said they filed a formal complaint with the QBCC over its handling of the case, alleging a lack of understanding and poor communication.

Previous Case in Burpengary East Echoes Similar Concerns

In a separate matter months earlier, a Burpengary East couple reported delays and alleged neglect in their home extension project. Michelle Holmes and David McInnes had paid $97,000 under a fixed-price $164,000 contract with Tilson & Sons Building & Construction for a 6-by-9 metre extension, originally due by Christmas 2023.

Holmes, a veteran, said she used part of her disability payout for the project. She alleged the QBCC was unresponsive and dismissed her concerns, advising her to seek legal assistance after she filed complaints.

The QBCC later confirmed Tilson & Sons still held a low-rise builder licence and had received one direction to rectify work in 2024, which resulted in a fine and demerit points.

granny flat defects — *Photo Credit:* *Pexels*

QBCC Dispute Handling Under Ongoing Scrutiny

Both incidents have reignited discussion around the role and performance of the QBCC in handling building work complaints. The Commission is responsible for overseeing licensing, enforcing standards, and administering the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme.

Disputes involving defective or incomplete work are generally eligible for investigation or referral to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT). However, the regulator has stated it cannot intervene when builders become insolvent, as in the Caboolture case.

The QBCC said it operates under confidentiality obligations and could not provide individual case details but acknowledged the need to improve customer focus. A new CEO and Commissioner are currently overseeing internal reforms aimed at rebuilding trust and reducing regulatory friction.

Unresolved Outcomes and Consumer Challenges

Both households remain without full resolution. The Moores were told they could pursue the matter through QCAT, while Holmes has engaged a building compliance lawyer. Their experiences underscore growing community frustration with current dispute-handling mechanisms, particularly in cases involving financial loss and physical or mental health strain.

Published 1-Aug-2025

Photo Credit: Pexels Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only

Fast Response in Caboolture as Housing Program Faces Big Test

Residents in Caboolture are seeing urgent change after a police raid and swift action addressed a disruptive tenancy, just as Queensland’s crisis housing program comes under threat from costly property damage.

What Happened in Caboolture?

Earlier this month, police raided a property in Caboolture after repeated complaints from neighbours about disruptive behaviour. The search uncovered stolen property and led to several arrests, which triggered an immediate response from the Department of Housing.

The tenants at the address received a final warning, and the department began proceedings to end their tenancy. This case was one of four in Queensland where households received first and final notices for dangerous behaviour in the first two weeks of July, but the Caboolture incident stood out for its impact on the local community.

Officials said their response was focused on protecting families, the elderly, and children who call the neighbourhood home. The crackdown followed a pattern of complaints and police presence, which put pressure on housing authorities to act fast and restore community trust.

Crisis Accommodation at a Crossroads

The events in Caboolture are part of a much broader challenge across Queensland.

New data revealed at the recent budget estimates hearing shows nearly 100 families were evicted from crisis motel accommodation in the past year, mostly for aggressive or abusive behaviour or breaching motel rules. The damage caused by a small minority of tenants has cost almost $600,000, putting the entire emergency housing program at risk, with some hoteliers considering withdrawing their support.

At present, nearly 4,000 people are living in 401 hotels and motels contracted by Queensland to provide temporary shelter as the state faces a cost-of-living crunch and a waitlist of more than 50,000 people for social housing.

Housing Minister Sam O’Connor and department director-general Mark Cridland both emphasised that the vast majority of tenants do the right thing, but a small number jeopardise the system for everyone. The minister said repeated incidents and costly repairs have already seen some hotel operators step away from the program, reducing options for vulnerable families and individuals who need emergency help.

*Photo Credit: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic*

A New Approach to Community Safety

The swift action in Caboolture highlights how Queensland’s new policy on managing antisocial behaviour in housing is playing out on the ground. Under these changes, tenants who breach the rules—especially through violent or illegal acts—can be given immediate warnings and even face eviction if there is a pattern of serious disruption.

In the first month of the new policy, housing authorities issued 545 antisocial behaviour notices statewide, with 42 linked to serious or dangerous conduct.

Officials said these tools are needed to keep neighbourhoods safe and make sure that help remains available for families genuinely in need. They acknowledged the support of local police and the community in raising the alarm and working together for a fair outcome.

Restoring Confidence

While the immediate focus is on restoring safety and confidence in Caboolture, the housing crisis remains a huge challenge for the state.

Queensland has committed $8.1 billion to build one million homes over 20 years, including 53,000 social and community dwellings. More than 6000 new social homes are already under contract, with hundreds confirmed in the week after the most recent state budget.

Officials stressed that selling off social housing remains a last resort for properties beyond repair, and no full-scale sales program has restarted. The department is still reviewing its portfolio to determine which homes may be too costly to maintain, particularly in the aftermath of fires, natural disasters, or severe damage.

Published 1-Aug-2025