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Plans Revealed for New Shopping Centre ‘Rose Creek Village’ in Elimbah

Elimbah may soon see an addition to its shopping options, with plans lodged for a new centre called ‘Rose Creek Village’ on Beerburrum Rd.

Read: GemLife to Build $428m Over-50s Resort in Elimbah

The development application, submitted to the City of Moreton Bay, proposes a 2000sqm supermarket, six specialty stores, four food and beverage outlets, and a central mall.

Photo credit: Moreton Bay DA Tracker/Architecture HQ

Designed by Architecture HQ, it also outlines plans for a welcoming public space featuring an indoor–outdoor dining hub and a pedestrian-friendly main street designed to encourage connection and social interaction.

The proposal includes a linked pedestrian network that ties into existing footpaths, with seating provided along the way to create a comfortable, walkable environment that promotes physical activity. The site would feature 191 car parks, 20 bicycle spaces, and a new bus stop on Beerburrum Rd, along with a road connection to Soldier Rd.

Council documents say the project will “fill an identified existing gap” in the area’s retail options, with the centre expected to cover just under half of the 8.82-hectare site.

“The shopping centre will include a supermarket, retail uses, and food and drink outlets and will fill an identified existing gap in the market. The overall site layout enhances connectivity across the wider area, with a new bus stop proposed on Beerburrum Road, as well as a road connection through to Soldier Road,” planners added.

A community engagement report shows local support is strong, with residents keen for a major supermarket chain, takeaways, a bakery and a coffee shop. Many also welcomed the chance to shop closer to home, the promise of new jobs, and potential improvements to public transport.

“Of the feedback received, there was general support for the creation of jobs of locals, dining and shopping options, a place for people to meet and hang out, retention of vegetation, and provision of a supermarket,” planners said.

Read: Elimbah Community Wins Fight Against Highway Development

“The concerns raised during community engagement regarding potential traffic on Beerburrum Road, potential flood mitigation, and scale of the development have been further addressed by the proposed layout which provides dual access to Beerburrum Road and Soldier Road, ensures that the development area avoids area of flood risk, and proposes a reduced overall scale and footprint.”

If approved, Rose Creek Village would trade seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Featured image-Artist’s impression of proposed shopping centre in Elimbah (Photo credit: Moreton Bay DA Tracker/ Architecture HQ)

Published 21-August-2025

Wastewater Blockages Surge in Caboolture and Neighbouring Suburbs

Caboolture has emerged as one of Moreton Bay’s worst-hit suburbs for wastewater blockages, with more than 130 incidents recorded in the past year and neighbouring communities also under pressure to curb what goes down their drains.

New figures from Unitywater show Caboolture ranked second across its service region for the number of blockages reported during 2024/25, accounting for 134 of the utility’s 4,395 incidents. Other suburbs on the list included Redcliffe, Clontarf, Narangba and Deception Bay, highlighting a widespread challenge for households across the Moreton Bay area.

Unitywater reported that blockages are most often caused by items such as wet wipes, nappies, sanitary products, paper towels, and cotton tips. These combine with fats, oils, and food scraps to create hard blockages in household pipes, neighbourhood wastewater lines, and even pumps.

The consequences can be severe, ranging from sewage backing up into homes to public overflows in streets that carry health and environmental risks.

Practical Advice for Households

The utility emphasised that only urine, faeces, and toilet paper should ever be flushed. Unlike wipes and tissues, toilet paper is designed to break down quickly in water. To protect kitchen pipes, residents are advised to scrape food scraps into bins, wipe pans before rinsing, and store used cooking oil in jars for disposal with household rubbish. Sink strainers can also help keep scraps and coffee grounds from entering pipes.

Caboolture is not alone in facing challenges. Unitywater’s figures show that 1,011 blockages came from just ten suburbs in the Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and Noosa regions.

With Unitywater investing $2 billion over the next five years to strengthen water and wastewater infrastructure for more than 800,000 people, the organisation has stressed that avoiding preventable blockages is an essential step in supporting reliable services.

Unitywater’s Top 10 Suburbs for Wastewater Blockages (2024/25)

Rank	Suburb	Number of Blockages	Region
1	Buderim	237	Sunshine Coast
2	Caboolture	134	Moreton Bay
3	Nambour	105	Sunshine Coast
4	Redcliffe	92	Moreton Bay
5	Maroochydore	92	Sunshine Coast
6	Clontarf	90	Moreton Bay
7	Tewantin	90	Noosa
8	Narangba	89	Moreton Bay
9	Deception Bay	82	Moreton Bay
10	Noosaville	73	Noosa
	Total	1,011	—

Published 19-Aug-2025

Volunteer Marine Rescue Transitions to MRQ at Bribie Island

Volunteer Marine Rescue Bribie Island has formally transitioned into Marine Rescue Queensland, marking a significant change for the island’s long-standing rescue service.

Transition to Marine Rescue Queensland

Volunteer Marine Rescue Bribie Island has become the 17th unit of Marine Rescue Queensland. The move was marked on 14 August 2025 and reflects the integration of more than 100 local volunteers into the state-funded service.

The Bribie Island unit operates across a 500-square-mile area, responding to numerous calls for assistance each year. Volunteers dedicate more than 22,000 hours annually to patrols, radio operations, training, and rescue services.

Background of the Bribie Island Unit

The service was established in 1970 through the Bribie Island Boating and Fishing Club, later becoming Bribie Island Air Sea Rescue in 1982. It adopted the name Volunteer Marine Rescue Bribie Island in 1997.

Over more than five decades, the unit has relied on community support and volunteer commitment to maintain its operations. It has consistently provided a 24/7 search and rescue service, along with daily radio monitoring from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Role in Community Safety

In addition to emergency responses, the unit delivers training and education programs to promote safe boating practices. Volunteers also provide support at community events, offer safety boat coverage, and work closely with police, ambulance, and fire services during emergencies and major search and rescue operations.

The unit emphasises that its focus is on the safety of people at sea rather than the recovery of property, with salvage operations excluded except in life-threatening circumstances.

*Photo Credit: Marine Rescue Bribie Island/Facebook*

Continuing Services under MRQ

While the Bribie Island unit now operates under the Marine Rescue Queensland identity, its services remain unchanged. The transition includes updated uniforms and branding. The commitment of its volunteers to supporting the boating public across Pumicestone Passage and Moreton Bay continues.

Marine Rescue Queensland currently consists of 17 units and more than 760 volunteers across the state. Further units are expected to join during 2025.

Published 16-Aug-2025

Photo Credit: QPS

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