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Caboolture Community President Steps Down After Years of Dedicated Service

Cecil ‘Cec’ Kenny has stepped down from his role as President of the Caboolture Neighbourhood Centre after nearly nine years of dedicated service to the local community.

Last month, Mr Kenny received a Community Recognition Award from Member for Morayfield Mark Ryan, who presented him with a medallion acknowledging his outstanding contributions to the area.

James Keong, CEO of the Caboolture Neighbourhood Centre, paid tribute to Mr Kenny’s leadership and compassionate approach to supporting vulnerable members of the community.

Mr Keong described Mr Kenny as community-focused and knowledgeable, highlighting how he drew on his military and education background to develop strategic plans that helped build the centre’s various services.

The CEO noted that Mr Kenny’s approach made the centre feel open and welcoming rather than maintaining a corporate office environment, which proved crucial in reaching those who needed support most.

Under Mr Kenny’s leadership, the centre expanded its services to meet growing community needs during challenging socioeconomic times, extending its reach to assist more local residents.

Mr Kenny brought considerable experience to the role, having served 23 years in the military where he attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Following his military career, he worked as a health and safety officer before transitioning into education, where he taught science, maths and manual arts at primary school level for five years.

He joined the Caboolture Neighbourhood Centre as a member in 2016 and assumed the presidency in 2018. Throughout his tenure, he focused on ensuring the centre remained accessible and responsive to the needs of Caboolture residents.

Mr Kenny’s retirement marks the end of a significant chapter for the organisation, which has grown substantially under his guidance. The centre continues to provide essential services to the local community.

Published 8-October-2025

Bribie Island Seniors Expo Draws Strong Local Participation

Residents from Bribie Island came together for the 2025 Seniors Expo, an event that celebrated community connection and showcased services available for older residents and their families.

Community Engagement at the Bribie Island Seniors Expo

The 2025 Bribie Island Seniors Expo attracted a large number of locals who took part in a day of learning, socialising, and exploring support options for seniors. The event featured a variety of stalls offering information on health, wellbeing, and community programs available in the region.

Adding a family-friendly touch, the expo included entertainment, food and coffee stalls, and a petting zoo that received positive feedback from attendees. The combination of community spirit and practical resources made the day a success for both visitors and organisers.

Background and Event Overview

The Bribie Island Seniors Expo formed part of a series of community events held across the Longman region in late September 2025. It was designed to connect residents with local organisations that provide support to older Australians.

The initiative continues to expand annually by introducing more activities and encouraging family participation. The inclusion of interactive features such as the petting zoo and children’s activities helped make this year’s event accessible to all ages.

Appreciation for Community Support

Organisers expressed gratitude to all stallholders who participated, acknowledging their contribution in making the expo both informative and accessible. Local service providers, volunteer groups, and businesses collaborated to deliver information and resources to attendees.

All stall proceeds were directed to a local community group, reinforcing the event’s community-focused purpose.

Caboolture Seniors Expo — *Photo Credit: Ariana Doolan MP/Facebook*

Community Response and Future Plans

The response from Bribie Island residents was highly positive, with many attendees highlighting the value of the information sessions and the approachable setting. Organisers have already indicated plans to expand future expos with more stalls and activities to meet growing public interest.

The success of the 2025 Bribie Island event followed the previous week’s Caboolture Seniors Expo, marking continued community engagement across the region.

Looking Forward

The 2025 Bribie Island Seniors Expo provided a platform for residents to connect, learn, and support one another. Plans are underway to make next year’s expo larger, continuing to strengthen community ties and promote inclusivity for all ages.

Published 7-Oct-2025

Photo Credit: Ariana Doolan MP/Facebook

Celebrate Culture and Country at the 2025 Bribie Island Nature Festival

The Bribie Island Nature Festival is returning this month, promising a weekend filled with art, culture and community spirit. From October 17 to 19, locals and visitors are invited to explore the island’s natural beauty and rich heritage through a diverse line-up of events and activities.

Read: The $20m Question: Can Human Engineering Save Bribie Island from the Sea?

The festival brings together the Bribie Island Environmental Protection Association (BIEPA), Pumicestone Indigenous Education and Employment Council, Bribie Island Community Arts Centre, Bribie Island Library and CSIRO, each contributing to a program that highlights the island’s unique environment and cultural identity.

Photo credit: Facebook/Bribie Island Nature Festival

Festival Producer Libby Anstis encouraged residents and visitors to secure their spots early, noting that several activities reached full capacity last year. She said many of the festival’s activities have limited places, as events are held across multiple venues on the island.

This year’s festival places a special focus on Bribie’s celebrated artist Ian Fairweather, with a workshop at the site of his former home and a concert honouring his legacy. Fairweather: A Musical Journey, held on Saturday, October 18 at the Bribie Island Recreation Hall, will feature original compositions by Queensland composer Erik Griswold, narration by award-winning author Rodney Hall, and visual art by Glen Henderson. The performance is supported by Arts Queensland.

Bribie Jazz (Photo credit: bribieislandnaturefestival.com.au)

The opening event, A Conversation of Hope, sets the tone on Friday, October 17 at the Bribie Island Community Arts Centre. A panel of experts will explore the idea of reintroducing emus to the island by restoring native woodlands where pine plantations once stood. The discussion will be followed by a post-show function where guests can continue the conversation.

Returning favourites include Bribie Jazz, an afternoon of classic and contemporary tunes performed by the JMI ensemble and vocalist-trumpeter Alyssa Sinclair. The event will also take place at the Bribie Island Recreation Hall on October 18, offering a relaxed setting with wine available for purchase.

Read: Bribie Island Secures Multi-Million Dollar Boost in State Budget

Nature lovers can join the Tree Trail: Yarun’s Woodland Heritage tour on Sunday, October 19. The half-day experience invites guests to discover Bribie’s most significant trees and learn about their ecological and cultural importance, with lunch included.

From thought-provoking discussions to art, music and guided walks, this year’s Bribie Island Nature Festival invites everyone to celebrate the island’s landscapes, stories and community. Visit the festival’s website for more details.

Featured image: ‘A Conversation of Hope’ (Photo credit: bribieislandnaturefestival.com.au)

Published 7-October-2025

The $20m Question: Can Human Engineering Save Bribie Island from the Sea?

A massive and costly effort to rebuild the storm-battered northern end of Bribie Island has begun, sparking an urgent community debate about whether the $20 million project is a vital defence for the coast or a hopeless fight against the power of nature.

The emergency project, which involves large-scale sand dredging, started this week. It represents a significant intervention aimed at protecting the mainland. On-water dredging will happen around the clock, while land-based construction will run seven days a week from 6 am to 6 pm. Officials expect to close two major sea breakthroughs by late November next year, with all restoration work scheduled for completion by the end of April 2026.

A Plan to Hold Back the Tide

The goal of the project is to strengthen Bribie Island’s northern tip to protect communities along the Pumicestone Passage. For years, residents in Golden Beach and Caloundra have watched as erosion and changing tides have eaten away at the coastline. Officials state the work is critical for safeguarding homes, public infrastructure, and the safety of thousands of residents, especially with the annual storm season approaching.

According to the Coordinator-General, Gerard Coggan, these emergency works are essential to prevent further damage to the internationally recognised Ramsar wetland. He acknowledged that the constant construction will cause temporary disruptions but stressed the importance of protecting the area for future generations. The project is not just about moving sand; it’s seen by planners as a necessary defence to protect the local economy, lifestyle, and the unique coastal environment that defines the Sunshine Coast.

A Rising Tide of Scepticism

Despite the project’s clear goals, many locals are not convinced. A flood of online comments reveals deep scepticism within the community. The most common view is that the $20 million is being thrown into the sea, as nature will simply reclaim the sand with the next big storm. Many feel it’s a short-term fix for a permanent problem.

This has led to a heated discussion about priorities. Some residents have pointed out that the funds could be used for other urgent needs, such as upgrading the busy roads between Maroochydore and Noosa, air-conditioning schools, or improving public transport. The sentiment among many is that the money is being spent to fix a problem that should have been addressed a decade ago, when a smaller breach could have been repaired for a fraction of the cost—one person estimated it at just $1 million.

Man vs. Nature or a Man-Made Problem?

While the debate is often framed as a battle against Mother Nature, some community members offer a different perspective. One detailed local observation suggests the erosion isn’t a purely natural event. The finger is being pointed at past development, specifically the creation of the Pelican Waters canal estate, which drastically changed the flow of water—the hydrology—of the Pumicestone Passage over the last 30 years.

This view suggests that the current crisis is the long-term result of human changes to the environment, not just a random act of the sea. Another theory blames deep channel dredging for causing sand to slip away from Bribie’s east coast. As the dredgers work to pump sand back onto the island, the community remains deeply divided, watching and waiting to see if this engineering feat will hold or if the sea will ultimately have its way.

Published Date 05-October-2025

Caboolture Gymnasts Shine at National Clubs Carnival

Gymnasts from PCYC Caboolture displayed exceptional skill and dedication at the National Clubs Gymnastics Carnival, representing PCYC Queensland in trampolining events and earning strong results against competitors from across the country.

Caboolture Athletes Make Their Mark

Over four days of competition, athletes from PCYC Caboolture joined 23 gymnasts representing PCYC Queensland at the National Clubs Gymnastics Carnival, hosted by Gymnastics Australia in early October 2025. The carnival served as the first qualifying event for the 2026 Australian National Championships, giving participants a valuable opportunity to compete at an elite level.

Caboolture’s trampoline athletes achieved outstanding results, with several gymnasts marking their first appearance at the national competition. Among them were Alyssa, Charlie, Maddi, and Sophie, who all made a strong debut. Sophie earned a podium finish, placing third overall in the Level 4 Female division—a result celebrated by the local club and supporters.

The achievements reflect the growing strength of PCYC Caboolture’s gymnastics program and its commitment to developing talent through safe, structured, and affordable training.

Caboolture gymnastics — *Photo Credit: PCYC Caboolture/Facebook*

Redcliffe and Caboolture Represent PCYC Queensland

Gymnasts from both PCYC Redcliffe and Caboolture represented PCYC Queensland in the trampolining events. The team’s success was highlighted by PCYC Redcliffe’s Harry Tedford, who was selected to represent Australia at the Junior World Age Championships for Tumbling and Double Mini Trampoline. The selection marked a major milestone for the club’s gymnastics community and demonstrated the high standard of coaching and athlete development across PCYC Queensland.

A Strong Community Legacy in Caboolture

Established in 1982, PCYC Caboolture has been a longstanding part of the local community, offering sports and recreation programs designed for all age groups—from toddlers to seniors. The gymnastics program, led by qualified coaches and affiliated with Gymnastics Queensland, has become one of the club’s cornerstone activities, helping athletes progress from local training to national competition.

Beyond gymnastics, the club also runs youth and community programs that promote active and healthy lifestyles. A new facility is planned to open by early 2026, which will allow PCYC Caboolture to expand its offerings and support more athletes and families in the region.

The strong results from the National Clubs Gymnastics Carnival underscore the commitment and progress of Caboolture’s athletes, coaches, and community—continuing a legacy of sporting excellence built over four decades.

Published 1-Oct-2025

Photo Credit: PCYC Caboolture/Facebook

Street Spotlight: Pumicestone Rd, Caboolture

Once a quiet stretch linking Caboolture’s rural edges, Pumicestone Road has long carried the pulse of a changing community. In the 1980s, locals remember its railway crossing — a simple timber-lined stop where farm trucks waited for cane trains to pass. Back then, paddocks stretched on both sides, and evenings brought the scent of wet grass after summer rain.

Over the decades, as the Moreton Bay region expanded, the road became a key route between new housing estates, farms, and the Bruce Highway.

Today, it hums with commuters, school runs, and semi-trailers heading toward industrial sites. Locals still share warnings online about potholes after heavy rain, proof that Pumicestone’s rural bones remain beneath the bitumen. Yet, in the quiet of dawn, when magpies call and the traffic eases, you can still glimpse the Caboolture that once was — steady, open, and stitched together by roads like this one.

Pumicestone Rd, Caboolture Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 130
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 85%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 8 years and 2 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 28%

Pumicestone Rd, Caboolture – As It Looked in 1936

SOME RECENT SALES ON PUMICESTONE RD, CABOOLTURE

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
123 Pumicestone Rd	$1.3 million	28 July 2025
132 Pumicestone Rd	$1.6 million	09 June 2025
114 Pumicestone Rd	$2 million	08 May 2025

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON COTTRILL RD FROM YESTERYEAR

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
373 Pumicestone Rd	$103,000	02 April 1992
97 Pumicestone Rd	$205,000	28 March 2006
365 Pumicestone Rd	$525,000	06 Sept 2018

SUBURB PROFILE

The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Caboolture in 2024 was $630,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Caboolture in 2020 was $378,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM HOUSE IN CABOOLTURE SINCE 2020 : $252,000

The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Caboolture in 2024 was $730,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Caboolture in 2020 was $410,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4 BEDROOM HOUSE IN CABOOLTURE SINCE 2020 : $320,000

The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Caboolture in 2024 was $851,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Caboolture in 2020 was $568,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4 BEDROOM HOUSE IN CABOOLTURE SINCE 2020 : $283,000

The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in Caboolture in 2024 was $335,000
The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in Caboolture in 2020 was $225,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 2 BEDROOM UNIT IN CABOOLTURE SINCE 2020 : $110,000

The median price of a 3 Bedroom Unit in Caboolture in 2024 was $492,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom Unit in Caboolture in 2020 was $260,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM UNIT IN CABOOLTURE SINCE 2020 : $232,000

If you know Pumicestone Rd, Caboolture well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

Published 30-Sept-2025

Waraba Welcomes First Residents as New City Takes Shape

The first pioneering families are officially bringing the massive new city of Waraba to life, settling into their brand-new homes in the Lilywood Landings community at the heart of the emerging Moreton Bay metropolis.

A Neighbourhood is Born

The sounds of construction are now mixing with the sounds of community life in Lilywood Landings, the first residential project within the new city boundaries of Waraba. With the initial four stages of the development now substantially finished, a steady flow of new residents is moving in, transforming empty streets into a living neighbourhood.

Demand for property in the area has been high, with initial land releases being fully subscribed. According to the developer, Lennium, a large percentage of the new residents are owner-occupiers, establishing a foundation for a long-term community. Prospective buyers have been advised to register for future land releases to be notified of availability, with the next stage scheduled for public release in early October.

Infrastructure for a Future City

Beyond the rows of new houses, foundational infrastructure for the future city is visibly progressing. Bulk earthworks across the site are being finalised, and construction is continuing on a central waterway system designed to be a key feature of the area. Environmental projects are also a priority, with rehabilitation work set to commence soon on the Green Network corridor along the Caboolture River.

The city’s first park is also close to completion. The public space includes a children’s playground, shelters, open fields for sports, and a half-court for basketball, all connected by a network of paths. These facilities are intended to provide residents with immediate recreational spaces as the community grows.

The 40-Year Vision

Formerly known as Caboolture West, the project was given the name Waraba, which means “burn” in the local Kabi Kabi language. This development is a significant 40-year undertaking in the City of Moreton Bay, planned to accommodate an eventual population of 70,000 people in around 30,000 homes. The projected size is comparable to that of the regional city of Mackay.

Lennium Development Manager Ian Worthington stated that the construction progress over the last 18 months has been significant. He said that each new home and family moving in contributes to a growing sense of community on site. He added that Lilywood Landings is positioned to provide local families and first-home buyers a chance to acquire a home at an affordable price point while being part of a completely new city’s development from its earliest stages.

Published Date 29-September-2025

Photo Credit: Supplied

PDA Paves Way for Marina and Thousands of New Homes in Burpengary East

Burpengary East has been officially declared a Priority Development Area (PDA), unlocking the North Harbour marina precinct and setting the stage for thousands of new homes, local jobs, and the region’s largest riverfront parkland.

Read: Priority Development Area Planned for Burpengary East to Boost Housing Supply

The declaration, made by Queensland through Economic Development Queensland (EDQ), establishes a new planning framework for the suburb. The PDA status is designed to accelerate planning and streamline approvals, ensuring the $2.74 billion North Harbour masterplan can move forward at pace.

Housing supply and economic lift

At the heart of the PDA is a commitment to deliver more than 3,700 homes across a mix of housing types. Around 200 dwellings will be delivered first in an Early Release Area within the PDA.

The development is also expected to generate nearly 2,000 ongoing jobs, supported by construction, marine industries, retail and tourism. The precinct is forecast to add an estimated $456 million to the regional economy each year once fully operational.

This growth forms part of Queensland’s broader housing strategy, which aims to deliver one million new homes by 2044. The PDA designation allows streamlined planning and supports housing supply and job creation in a high-growth corridor.

Marina and lifestyle precinct

PDA — Photo credit: northharbourmarina.com.au

In addition to housing, the PDA includes planned lifestyle and recreation facilities. Plans feature a marina with 400 wet berths, a dry stack facility for 500 boats, and more than 500 private pontoons. The development also proposes retail spaces, dining, hotel accommodation and public waterfront areas.

The PDA also secures delivery of what is set to be the region’s largest riverfront parkland. The open space is intended to provide a balance between urban growth and environmental amenity, offering families new opportunities for recreation along the Caboolture River.

Planning framework

PDA — Photo credit: northharbourmarina.com.au

The PDA declaration applies to more than 420 hectares of land in Burpengary East, bounded by the Bruce Highway to the west and the Caboolture River to the north and east.

An Interim Land Use Plan (ILUP) now guides development while a more detailed Development Scheme is prepared. The ILUP divides the PDA into two precincts: one enabling the Early Release housing area, and another “investigation precinct” where development will be limited until further planning is complete.

The Development Scheme is expected to be finalised within 18 months. During this period, it will be publicly notified and open to community submissions, giving local residents and stakeholders a formal opportunity to have their say.

Local impact

The PDA is expected to bring growth to Burpengary East and surrounding suburbs such as Caboolture, Narangba and Morayfield. New homes, jobs and amenities including parklands, shopping and marine services are planned for the precinct.

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

The process of consultation will give the community a voice in shaping how this development unfolds. With the Brisbane 2032 Olympics on the horizon and ongoing population growth across Southeast Queensland, the North Harbour PDA is planned to support population growth and provide new housing and employment opportunities in Burpengary East.

Featured image credit: northharbourmarina.com.au

Published 29-September-2025

World Title Triumph for Caboolture Para-Swimmer “Lucky” Patterson

Caboolture resident Lakeisha “Lucky” Patterson has delivered one of the most emotional performances of her decorated career, claiming the gold title at the World Para Swimming Championships in Singapore from 21-27 September 2025.

The 26-year-old recorded her fastest time in six years to win the women’s 400m freestyle S9 world title for the third time, clocking 4 minutes 39.40 seconds to overtake Croatia’s Emma Mecic from the 200m mark.

Patterson, who competes with left hemiplegic cerebral palsy following a stroke at birth, has been a dominant force in para-swimming since launching her competitive career in 2013. The three-time Paralympian has amassed eight Paralympic medals across three Games, including gold medals at both Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.

Speaking after the race, the USC Spartans swimmer described the victory as particularly meaningful following a challenging 10-month period that included health issues. She credited her coach Harley Connolly, who is from Bribie Island, for supporting her through difficult times and helping modify her training programme to make it work.

Photo Credit: Instagram / @lucky_patterson99

Patterson, who has trained at pools across the region including Southern Cross, Lawnton and Burpengary before joining USC Spartans, emphasised drawing on her extensive competitive experience to execute her race plan.

The world champion, who also lives with epilepsy and micrographia, was first introduced to Paralympic sport at a Paralympics Australia Talent Search Day in 2012, where she met three-time Paralympian Michael Anderson.

Her latest world title adds to an impressive international career that includes gold medals at the 2015, 2019 and now 2025 World Para Swimming Championships, as well as Commonwealth Games victories in 2018.

The performance represents a triumphant return to form following the Paris 2024 Paralympics, where Patterson claimed silver, and showcases the continued strength of para-swimming talent from the Moreton Bay region.

Published 26-September-2025

Heritage Plaza Dispute: Caboolture Developer Secures Partial Win in Land Fight

A long-running battle over the Heritage Plaza Shopping Centre in Caboolture has shifted again, with the Queensland Land Appeal Court finding that Genamson Holdings may be entitled to more compensation than first ruled — but not everything it had sought.

Read: Elimbah Community Wins Fight Against Highway Development

Genamson, which owns the popular Heritage Plaza, had sued Moreton Bay Regional Council after the latter allegedly issued two notices to resume land at the site for a proposed flood detention basin. The basin was proposed to temporarily hold stormwater during heavy rain and reduce flood risk in the surrounding area.

The notices were later withdrawn, but the dispute did not end there. Genamson claimed it had been left with significant costs, from disrupted development plans and lost tenancy income to higher holding charges. The company lodged a claim under the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 (Qld), arguing it should be compensated for losses caused by the resumption attempts.

In September 2024, the Land Court took a narrow view of what the developer could claim, limiting compensation to legal and professional fees incurred in preparing its case. Broader claims, including “disturbance payments” for financial losses, were rejected.

That prompted an appeal. The Land Appeal Court delivered its decision in Genamson Holdings Pty Ltd v Moreton Bay Regional Council [2025] QLAC 2. The higher court overturned the earlier ruling, finding that the lower court had applied too narrow an interpretation of section 16(1A) of the Act.

Heritage Plaza — Photo credit: Google Maps

The judges said that while “costs and expenses” were not broad enough to include losses like rent or tenant incentives, they did extend beyond strictly legal fees. As a result, the case has been sent back to the Land Court to decide what additional costs, if any, Genamson can recover.

The outcome has been described as a partial win for the developer, since the decision widens the scope for compensation but does not guarantee the full recovery of its claimed losses.

Despite that success, the Land Appeal Court made no order as to costs, meaning both sides must bear their own legal bills. In earlier stages of the dispute, director Geoff Lowe said legal costs had already exceeded $750,000.

The decision follows years of tension between the developer and the council, stretching back to 2016. Back then, Genamson’s bid to expand Heritage Plaza was knocked back. Two years later, council voted to resume more than half of the site for a detention basin. At the time, Mr Lowe warned that the move would damage tenants, threaten almost $15 million in economic activity, and force the company into further legal action.

Since then, Mr Lowe has also written to the council outlining a proposal to construct a private underground basin beneath the shopping centre itself. He compared the idea to a project beneath a mosque in Istanbul, suggesting that similar solutions could help balance commercial development with flood mitigation.

The debate comes as communities face increasing warnings about future flood risk. A new climate report by the Australian Climate Service projected that Brisbane could face more than 300 flood days each year by 2100 if global warming trends continue. The report stressed the need for proactive infrastructure investment to adapt to climate pressures already being felt across Queensland.

Read: Draft Plan Released for Centenary Lakes Sports Complex Upgrade

For now, the court’s decision opens the door to a broader reading of compensation rights under Queensland law, while leaving unresolved how future compensation claims will be handled.

Published 25-September-2025