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CCTV Captures Masked Teen Prowlers Striking Upper Caboolture Street

A realtor in Upper Caboolture was left shaken after a group of three masked teenagers prowled his street last week, stealing from his vehicle and attempting to break into a nearby home.

Read: Caboolture Police Calls for Creative Minds: A Community Mural Project

The footage, captured at 3:57 a.m. on March 25, showed the teens approaching the realtor’s car and quickly snatching a bag from inside before fleeing the scene. Just moments later, the same group can be seen attempting to force entry into a neighbouring house whilst the female resident was in the shower.

The realtor expressed frustration over the incident, stating that it was extremely inconvenient and disappointing after working so hard, only to fall victim to the high rate of youth crime, which gave the impression that absolutely nothing was being done to address it.

Upper Caboolture — Photo credit: Rafael Classen rcphotostock.com/Pexels

Since sharing the story on social media, the realtor has been inundated with messages from others in the area who have fallen victim to similar crimes. One woman’s footage shows the same group of teens approaching her front door and successfully breaking in to steal her handbag.

The brazen acts have left the community on edge, with many calling for increased security measures and a stronger police presence to deter would-be offenders and keep their neighbourhoods safe.

2024 Youth Crime Crackdown

As part of a strategy to combat youth crime in 2024, Queensland’s newly appointed Acting Assistant Commissioner for Youth Crime, Andrew Massingham, said earlier this year that identifying and swiftly dealing with the most violent juvenile offenders would be a top priority. However, he acknowledged that arrests alone cannot solve the issue.

Massingham’s comprehensive plan involves early intervention and prevention initiatives, victim support services, and specific measures to prevent repeat offences by young criminals. He hopes to instil confidence in the community that juvenile crime will be brought under control, whilst still utilising diversion programs for at-risk youth who don’t meet the criteria for harsher actions.

Currently, there is a trial underway using GPS monitoring devices on six juvenile offenders across the state. Massingham believes this electronic monitoring, which requires court orders and suitability assessments by Youth Justice, could prove valuable. The technology allows authorities to gather intelligence and receive alerts if public safety is potentially compromised.

Social media usage emerged as a major area of concern discussed by Massingham. He revealed that dozens of analysts are tasked with scrutinising online platforms to track youth crime trends.

Read: Justice Served in Caboolture: A Reckless Drive Ends in Catastrophe and Consequences

As the community awaits the impacts of these measures, ongoing evaluation and adjustments may be necessary to address the complex issue of juvenile offending like what happened in Upper Caboolture recently.

Featured image credit: Dom J/Pexels

Published 2-April-2024

St. Columban’s College Aero Club Commemorates Successful Student-Built Aircraft Flight Test

Students at St. Columban’s College in Caboolture have achieved a remarkable feat by inventing the VANS RV 12iS, an aircraft that has defied gravity and soared, showcasing years of dedication and innovative creativity.

After five years of hard work, the two-seat plane was finally unveiled at Caboolture Aerodrome on Friday, 22 March 2024, to cheering crowds. This achievement, planned and built by students working with Flight Youth Engineering, is a major turning point for the school and Australian educational aviation programmes.

The students showed off their skills and hard work by building the VANS RV 12iS, the first of its kind to be built by an Australian school as part of the Flight Youth Engineering programme. It has now been flown for more than 25 hours.

Plans are in place to store the plane at Redcliffe Aerodrome so anyone can use it. On the other hand, Flight Youth Engineering will sell the plane and use the money to fund a trust. These funds will be set away to help St. Columban’s students build planes in the future, keeping education and aviation moving forward.

Photo Credit: Facebook/St. Columban’s College

Flight Youth Engineering was very helpful in getting the aeroplane kit from the U.S. and gave important advice and support throughout the project.

Mentors Paul Reddish, Ashley Miller, Michael Allen, and Richard Raymond played big parts. They helped students figure out how to build aeroplanes and encouraged a culture of learning and creativity.

“We’re trying to turn them into their own manufacturing plant for this kind of product, and along the way, they’re getting experience they would never get,” Paul Reddish said about how the programme had changed his life.

Mr Reddish talked about the successes of similar schemes in the United States, where students who worked on building aeroplanes had better chances of doing well in school and the workplace.

Principal Michael Connolly expressed immense pride in the students’ accomplishments, emphasising that their achievements surpassed mere aircraft construction. He highlighted the significance of the project as an educational journey, engaging young minds through practical, hands-on learning experiences.

Mr Connolly emphasized that nurturing students’ skills and knowledge in such a dynamic manner is a powerful educational approach.

Despite the challenges, such as COVID-related delays in supplies from the US and health restrictions in Australia, the St. Columban’s programme persevered. Principal Connolly commended the students and teachers for their resilience, emphasising that the lessons learned from this initial aircraft build will pave the way for smoother future projects.

Published Date 01-April-2024

Photo Credit: St. Columban’s College

Construction Chaos in Caboolture: Family’s Close Call with Dangerous Debris

A simple residential expansion at Connor Crescent in Caboolture has become a prolonged nightmare for locals, particularly for Quinton Reeves and his family.

The alarming incident, amidst an ongoing residential development that has been disrupting local life since 2020, underscores the escalating tensions between residents, the local council, and developers over safety and environmental concerns.

For over four years, the Reeves family has been engulfed in a maelstrom of construction-related chaos, culminating in a harrowing incident on 16th March 2024, when metal shards, propelled at high velocity, invaded their front yard, narrowly missing causing severe injury.

In a moment of alarming negligence, contractors lost control of a pressure hose, causing it to eject metal shrapnel into the Reeves’ property at dangerous speeds. This incident, captured in vivid detail through footage and photos, underscores the family’s peril.

Construction chaos Caboolture — *Photo Credit: Quinton Reeves/YouTube*

Remarkably, no injuries were reported, but the event has significantly escalated the family’s concerns and their disputes with the Morton Bay Regional Council and the developers responsible for the housing project.

“I have recovered at least five [debris] that are approximately 5 cm in length. I did witness the plumber at the time; he was trying to cover up the incident, so he went around picking it up,” he told Peter Gleeson of 4BC Drive.

“I saw him pick up at least four pieces up his end of the area. And here’s the thing, mate: they didn’t notify workplace health and safety. They tried to cover it up, and there’s been no consequences for it.”

A Community’s Cry for Change

With the challenges of living on disability, Mr Reeves has become an outspoken advocate for public safety and legislative reform. His ordeal since the inception of the adjacent construction project has been marked by blocked driveways, unmonitored heavy machinery perilously close to residential areas, and a general disregard for the community’s well-being.

The incident has only fueled his determination to seek justice and drive changes to prevent similar occurrences.

The response has been tepid despite Mr Reeves’ concerted efforts to engage with local government bodies, the Ombudsman, and the Human Rights Commission over the past three years. In a statement, the Morton Bay Regional Council pointed to the discretionary nature of enforcement action under the Environmental Protection Act (EP Act), revealing a reluctance to intervene decisively.

In the wake of this alarming incident, the call for legislative reform and enhanced accountability from both council and developers has never been louder.

Published 1-April-2024

Caboolture Police Calls for Creative Minds: A Community Mural Project

The Caboolture Crime Stoppers is inviting the local community to help turn a plain shipping container, located at the back of the Caboolture Police Station, into a captivating piece of public art.

Previously used only for storage, the container will symbolise unity and creativity in the Moreton Bay area.

The shipping container measures 5.9 meters in length and 2.39 meters in height. Those interested in contributing their artistic vision to this project can submit their designs via email to Moreton.media@police.qld.gov.au, with entries closing on 5 May 2024.

Residents of the Moreton Police District are encouraged to let their imaginations run wild and submit mural designs. The focus is on the side of the container facing the new Caboolture PCYC, which is currently under construction.

The winning design, chosen by a panel of judges, will earn its creator recognition and bragging rights and prizes.

Bunnings Caboolture and Dulux will contribute to this communal project by providing the necessary materials to bring the winning mural to life. This gesture underscores the community spirit and the collaborative effort to enhance the local landscape.

The mural’s theme, “Making our community safer,” reflects the aspirations of the Caboolture community. Participants are encouraged to draw inspiration from the PCYC ethos and its commitment to building safer, healthier communities. Additionally, the roles of Crime Stoppers in crime prevention and community safety are suggested as potential sources of inspiration.

Published 28-March-2024

Popular Woodpecker Bar & Grill Sold for Major Redevelopment

Woodpecker Bar & Grill, a popular watering hole in the fast-growing Burpengary Meadows area between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, has been sold to pub giant Australian Venue Co for $48.6 million as part of a four-property portfolio deal.

Australian Venue Co purchased Woodpecker and three other pubs — Hotel Allen in Townsville, Ball Court Hotel in Melbourne’s Sunbury, and Royal Mail Hotel in Noosa’s Tewantin — from landlord Hotel Property Investments (HPI). The total sale price matched the $48.6 million book value.

The acquisition paves the way for Australian Venue Co to undertake major redevelopment works at Woodpecker and the other venues. With over 200 pubs and $1.1 billion in revenues, AVC has a “proven track record” of enhancing properties through strategic investment, according to CEO Paul Waterson.

“We are confident that the capital investment program announced today with our landlord, HPI, will deliver material operational improvements and transform these venues into modern properties that become the cornerstone of local communities.” Waterson said of the company’s renovation plans.

In the deal with HPI, the landlord agreed to simultaneously reinvest sale proceeds into upgrading several of its retained Queensland and South Australian hotels to the tune of $50 million. This includes $23.7 million being immediately put into properties like The Strand, Berserker Tavern and Brighton Hotel in Queensland.

“Despite challenging capital markets conditions, we remain committed to implementing initiatives to further enhance HPI’s market leading portfolio and drive long-term securityholder returns,” said HPI’s Acting CEO Blair Strik, calling the pricing on the four pubs “attractive.”

For the booming Burpengary Meadows region, the redevelopment of Woodpecker could elevate the area’s dining and entertainment offering. The suburb’s population has swelled in recent years as a key northern growth corridor for Brisbane.

The Woodpecker acquisition comes after private equity firm PAG recently took a controlling stake in Australian Venue Co from KKR earlier this year. It marks AVC’s first major move since that deal.

Settlement on the Woodpecker and Royal Mail Hotel sales are expected within 12 months, while the other two pubs will change hands imminently.

Published 25-March-2024

Teenage Girl Rushed to Caboolture Hospital After Suffering Multiple Snake Bites

A teenager was rushed to Caboolture Hospital after suffering multiple snake bites to her foot at a private residence in Dayboro, earlier this week.

Read: Zero-Tolerance Policy Over Dog Attack in Morayfield That Left Four People Injured

Emergency services were called to the rural town in the Moreton Bay region just before 11:30 p.m. on Monday, March 18.

Queensland Ambulance paramedics found the girl, in her mid-teens, had sustained multiple bites to her foot from an unknown snake species. She was transported to Caboolture Hospital in a stable condition.

snake bites — Photo credit: Glenn Batten/Google Maps

In a separate incident this week, a man has tragically died after being bitten by a highly venomous snake near Townsville. Reports indicate the snake was likely an eastern brown snake, however the exact species has not been confirmed. The man was rushed to hospital in critical condition but did not survive the venomous bite.

Eastern brown snake (Photo credit: environment.des.qld.gov.au)

Snake bite incidents, whilst relatively rare, can potentially be life-threatening if anti-venom is not administered promptly. Residents in rural and bushland areas are reminded to be cautious and seek immediate medical attention if bitten by a venomous snake.

Snake bites are always considered medical emergencies, prompting the Queensland Ambulance Service to urge calling Triple Zero (000) immediately if one occurs. The Ambulance Service stresses the importance of not delaying medical treatment when snake bite incidents happen.

Snakes in Queensland

According to the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation, Queensland is a veritable hotspot for snake species, with around 120 different kinds found across the state.

A staggering 65 percent of these snakes are venomous, including the extremely dangerous front-fanged elapids like brown snakes and taipans, as well as some rear-fanged colubrid varieties.

Red-bellied black snake (Photo credit: Queensland Museum)

The department notes that snakes are frequently drawn into residential areas unintentionally when homeowners provide sources of food and shelter. Brown snakes and taipans, which feed on rodents, may be lured to garden sheds, barns, or other outbuildings inhabited by rats and mice.

Pythons routinely enter chicken coops and aviaries to hunt the birds housed within, and have also been known to take up residence in roof spaces whilst hunting small mammals like possums.

Northern tree snake (Photo credit: Queensland Museum)

The brown tree snake specialises in raiding aviaries after making its way inside to consume caged birds. At night, these arboreal serpents also hunt geckos around windows and other entry points into homes. Even the generally innocuous common tree snake can find its way indoors whilst pursuing frog prey around garden areas.

Read: Caboolture Satellite Hospital Easing Pressure on Main Hospital, Early Reports Say

With such an abundance of venomous serpents found throughout Queensland’s urban and suburban environments, authorities urge residents to exercise extreme vigilance and immediately seek emergency medical treatment if bitten.

Featured image credit: Peter Baskerville/Google Maps

Published 21-March-2024

Justice Served in Caboolture: A Reckless Drive Ends in Catastrophe and Consequences

A man was sentenced to six years in prison for reckless driving that resulted in a catastrophic collision with a police van in Caboolture, severely injuring three officers and underscoring the perilous risks law enforcement faces alongside the dire outcomes of hazardous driving behaviours.

On March 18, 2024, David James Nichols, a 30-year-old driver, was sentenced to six years in prison by DC Judge Ian Dearden in Brisbane District Court. Nichols pleaded guilty to several charges, including dangerous driving that caused grievous bodily harm.

His history of assaulting authority figures and his actions leading up to the collision painted a troubling picture of his disregard for law and order.

On the afternoon of 12 March 2022, the tranquillity of a residential area in Caboolture was shattered when Mr Nichols, driving a ute at alarming speeds, collided head-on with a police van. The dashcam footage, capturing this harrowing moment, depicted Nichols’s vehicle hurtling down the wrong side of the road, showing no signs of braking or attempting to avoid the impending disaster.

The Aftermath: Injuries and Consequences

The collision left a male officer trapped within the wreckage for an excruciating thirty minutes, subsequently spending weeks in intensive care. He sustained kidney damage and extensive injuries to his limbs.

A female officer sustained sternum injuries, whilst another male officer was left with a concussion and facial wounds. These injuries had physical ramifications and deeply affected their personal and professional lives.

Mr Nichols himself did not emerge unscathed; he also suffered grievous injuries from the crash, now facing a lifetime reminder of his actions through the constant use of crutches or a wheelchair. His defence barrister, Colin Reid, highlighted Nichols’ remorse and the unwavering support of his family, noting Nichols’ heartfelt apology to the victims during his court appearance, expressing a wish to undo his reckless actions.

The Bigger Picture: Safety and Respect for Authority

As Mr Nichols serves his sentence, he will be eligible for parole in July 2025. This case has had a profound impact on the victims, their families, and the wider community. It serves as a stark reminder of the risks that police officers face and the dire consequences of dangerous driving.

The incident highlights the need for respect towards those in authority and the critical importance of adhering to traffic laws to ensure the safety of all members of the community.

Published 20-March-2024

Caboolture Sawmill Expansion Marks Strategic Investment Success

The Caboolture Sawmill Expansion Project is now complete, with double the site’s original production capacity, support for over 800 jobs in the area, and improved efficiency of timber recovery from the resource.

An acoustic barrier was installed as part of the extension, creating a more favourable atmosphere for the neighbourhood and production. There has been very little disturbance as a result of the smooth transition to a two-shift business.

By using state-of-the-art technology and strategic modifications and with the site’s production capacity practically doubled, Associated Kiln Driers Pty Ltd (AKD) says that 370,000 cubic metre of sawlog that was sourced locally is currently being processed.

Operational improvements have led to the creation of more than 100 new skilled manufacturing positions that are permanent. Furthermore, according to REMPLAN modelling, it is anticipated to sustain an extra 763 jobs in the area economy.

Acoustic Barrier wall — Photo Credit: Website/Associated Kiln Driers Pty Ltd (AKD)

AKD Greenmill Operator Tony Watts, Hon Catherine King MP and AKD CEO Shane Vicary — Photo Credit: Website/Associated Kiln Driers Pty Ltd (AKD)

The Australian Government provided a $10-million grant, which made the $41 million project possible. AKD contributed the remaining $31 million.

Hon Catherine King, Min of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development said, “The Caboolture Sawmill Expansion embodies our dedication to supporting thriving communities through sustainable economic growth,” underscoring the government’s commitment to promoting local economies and employment creation.

Hon Anthony Chisholm, the Asst Min for Regional Development emphasised the project’s importance in supporting Queensland’s building sector and lowering dependency on imported lumber. “In the long run, our investment will boost Queensland’s economy by ensuring local firms and skills have a sustainable future,” the speaker said.

Shane Vicary, CEO of AKD, thanked everyone for their support and noted how important each and every stakeholder was. He highlighted the teamwork that made the project possible by saying, “This project secures the future of the Caboolture sawmill, ensuring continued employment and growth opportunities for the region.”

Published 19-March-2024

Photo Credit for the Featured Image: Website/Associated Kiln Driers Pty Ltd (AKD)

Urgent Appeal: Seeking Witnesses to Bruce Highway Altercation Near Caboolture

A concerning incident involving a white 2015 Holden Colorado travelling southbound on the Bruce Highway from Gympie to Caboolture, with a 4-year-old girl seated in the rear passenger seat, has the Queensland Police asking for the public’s help.

Near the on-ramp from the Sunshine Motorway at Sippy Downs, the driver of the Colorado encountered a light workman’s truck carrying concreting equipment in the right lane, including a wheelbarrow and cement mixer.

Attempting to merge into the right lane, the Colorado driver signalled his intentions to the truck driver. However, upon merging, the truck allegedly collided with the rear end of the Colorado, forcing the driver back into the left lane to avoid further danger.

The situation escalated when the truck driver purportedly accelerated and cut off the Colorado, preventing them from passing. Subsequently, the Colorado driver decided to pull over into what he believed was an emergency stopping bay north of the Palmview exit just before reaching Caloundra. The truck followed suit, pulling over in front of them.

The truck driver reportedly brandished weapons and vandalised the Colorado, damaging the headlights and bonnet, and subsequently shattering the rear passenger window where the driver’s daughter was seated.

Authorities urge anyone with information or who may have witnessed the incident to come forward. Whether you spotted the vehicles involved or possess dash cam footage, your assistance is invaluable in resolving this matter.

Please contact Policelink on 131 444 if you can provide any details. Any information, no matter how small, could prove crucial.

To report information anonymously, you can also contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or submit a report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated in helping ensure the safety of our community.

Published 18-March-2024

Caboolture Hospital Welcomes Leap Year Baby: A Rare Celebration

On a day that arrives only every four years, Caboolture Hospital recorded the birth of its lone Leap Year baby for 2024, Emerson, the pride and joy of parents Kelley and Roy Mahoney.

Born on 29 February 2024, Emerson’s arrival was a joyful surprise for the couple, who had anticipated a March 6 delivery. Roy expressed feelings of joy because it’s pretty special to have a baby born on “such a unique day.”

Other Leap Year Births in Brisbane

In 2020, Tahlia Field, a young mother, also from Caboolture, experienced the special joy of giving birth to her son on 29 February, which also happened to be her own leap year birthday. This rare coincidence, with odds of 1 in 2,134,521, created a unique bond between mother and son, who will celebrate their actual birthdays only every four years.

On 29 February 1940, the Brisbane Women’s Hospital in Herston added to the leap year festivities by welcoming twelve leap year babies.

Caboolture Hospital — *Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland*

This group of leaplings, consisting of nine boys and three girls, joins the exclusive club of individuals celebrating their birthdays quadrennially. The phenomenon of leap year births brings a mix of amusement and practical considerations for families, as they navigate the celebration of birthdays in non-leap years.

*Photo Credit: National Library of Australia*

Celebrating Leap Year Birthdays

Leap year babies, often referred to as “leaplings,” find themselves in a unique position, celebrating their actual birthdays only once every four years. This rarity makes their birthdays special and poses exciting challenges and opportunities for celebration. Families and leaplings often choose either 28 February or 1 March for off-year celebrations, maintaining a sense of continuity while embracing the uniqueness of their situation.

Leaplings share their birthday with about 5 million other people worldwide, making it the rarest birthday with a 1 in 1,461 chance of being born on the 29th of February.

Today is 29 February, this day only occurs every four years and is the rarest birthday in Australia. 568 people were born on this day in 2020. Tag a leap year baby! 👇🎂🎉 pic.twitter.com/95sWmSyT8d
— Australian Bureau of Statistics (@ABSStats) February 29, 2024

The purpose of leap years is to synchronize the months with the Earth’s orbit around the Sun and its annual events such as solstices and equinoxes. The Earth takes around 365.2422 days to orbit the Sun, which is slightly longer than our calendar year by about a quarter of a day. As a result, the calendar drifts away from the seasons over time, and leap years are added to adjust the calendar and align it with the astronomical year.

Leap years are not exclusive to the Gregorian calendar, as they have been utilized in various calendars throughout history, including the ancient Roman calendar. The additional day is added to the end of February, which was the last month in the original Roman calendar.

Published 5-March-2024