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First Land Release in Waraba Marks Major Milestone

A massive new city called Waraba, set to house 70,000 residents over the next 40 years, has broken ground in the Moreton Bay region, marking a significant milestone in addressing the lack of housing in South East Queensland.

The first sod was turned on 9 February 2024, signalling the start of construction at Lilywood Landings, the largest new residential community in Waraba’s first suburb, Lilywood.

Background of Waraba

Waraba, formerly known as Caboolture West, is a long-term development project aimed at creating a self-contained city. “Waraba” (pronounced wa-ra-ba) is borrowed from the Kabi Kabi language and means “burn.” This name refers to traditional land management practices carried out by the Kabi Kabi People as they care for the country. Traditional burning brings new life and enhances the health of the land and its people. The new city aspires to offer residents a fresh beginning where people care for each other and for the country.

Key Features of the Development

Population and Housing:

– Expected to house around 70,000 people
– Plans for approximately 30,000 homes
– Comparable in size to Mackay

Infrastructure and Amenities:

– Schools, parks, and sporting fields
– A town centre
– Extensive green spaces and conservation areas

Lilywood: The First Suburb

Lilywood, Waraba’s first suburb, draws its name from the Blue Flax-lily (Dianella caerulea), an evergreen perennial that flourishes along the waterways, including the Caboolture River. These native plants, known for their blue-green leaves, star-shaped blue flowers, and edible deep blue to purple berries, symbolise the aspirations for the new community: attractive, vibrant, hardy, resilient, and well-connected.

Lilywood Landings, developed by Lennium Group, serves as the gateway to the new city of Waraba. Spanning about 70 hectares, this project will provide a total of 705 lots, offering a range of housing options for the growing region. The development boasts 1.74 kilometres of Caboolture River frontage and over 23 hectares of parks and open spaces, creating a blend of natural beauty and urban living. Plans also include convenient amenities such as a local convenience store and childcare centre, catering to the daily needs of future residents.

Sod turned at Lilywood Landings Waraba — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Affordability and Market Response

In response to the housing crisis, Lilywood Landings offers affordable land options, starting from $280,000 for a 315 square metre block. These lots are suitable for building 3-4 bedroom family homes, providing an accessible entry point into the new home market. The development has already generated significant interest, with Lennium Group reporting 1,000 registrations of interest from potential buyers. The first land release, known as Merryvale, is being offered to VIP customers through a special pre-launch opportunity, highlighting the strong demand for housing in the area.

Construction Progress and Timeline

Construction of Lilywood Landings is progressing rapidly, with work on the first 228 blocks of land well underway. The developers anticipate that the first homes will begin construction by early 2025, marking a swift transition from planning to reality. Looking ahead, a display village is planned to showcase 30 new homes from 17 different builders, providing inspiration and options for future residents. This display village is scheduled to open in 2025, further cementing Waraba’s position as a growing residential hub.

Lilywood Landings places a strong emphasis on creating a balance between urban development and environmental preservation. The project features a 3.25-hectare central green spine and 20 hectares of parklands along the Caboolture River, offering residents ample green spaces for recreation and relaxation. The riverfront areas will provide opportunities for activities such as kayaking while also serving to protect the region’s biodiversity and habitat values.

In a nod to the area’s history, the Merryvale precinct takes its name from the Merryvale Jersey Stud, a farm owned by the pioneering Newton family. This approach of honouring the local farming legacy will continue across the nine planned precincts, creating a strong sense of place and community connection within Waraba.

Published 22-July-2024

Caboolture Family Still Searching for Answers 12 Years After Disappearance

A quest for closure continues for a family in Caboolture as they call for a full coronial inquest into the mysterious disappearance of Sandrine Jourdan. The family has launched a change.org petition, pressing for a deeper investigation into her case’s events.

Sandrine Jourdan in Caboolture — *Photo Credit:* *Missing Sandrine Jourdan Facebook Group*

Nakita Bull, who was only 12 when her mother vanished, has been a driving force behind the renewed push for answers. The Queensland coroner’s office has reopened the case, evaluating whether new evidence warrants a full inquest. This decision has rekindled hope for the family, who urge anyone with information, however minor it may seem, to come forward.

The case has gained renewed attention thanks to a podcast by Redcliffe’s Graeme Crowley, a retired police detective, and an “Under Investigation” episode with Liz Hayes aired earlier this year. These platforms have played a crucial role in encouraging individuals to share information, adding new leads to the investigation.

Sandrine Jourdan was last seen on July 13, 2012, at a property owned by a friend on Tomlinson Rd, Caboolture. Twelve years later, her family remains steadfast in their search for truth. Nakita and her older siblings, Sam and Jessie, and other family members continue to seek closure.

Missing: Sandrine Jourdan in Caboolture — *Photo Credit:* *Missing Sandrine Jourdan Facebook Group*

A 2016 coroner’s report delivered an open finding suggesting Sandrine’s disappearance was likely a suicide. Her family, however, strongly disputes this conclusion. Despite Sandrine’s mental health struggles, Nakita insists her mother was planning for the future and would not have willingly left her family behind.

The Jourdan family’s resolve is evident as the anniversary of Sandrine’s disappearance approaches. They implore the public to come forward with any details that might shed light on what happened. Nakita’s belief in the power of community support is unwavering, and the family remains hopeful that new information will surface.

article on Sandrine Jourdan — *Photo Credit:* *Missing Sandrine Jourdan Facebook Group*

Nakita describes her mother as a free spirit; Nakita recalls Sandrine’s friendly nature and deep dedication to her children. Despite her struggles, Sandrine was organised, keeping detailed journal entries until her disappearance. Nakita emphasises that mental health issues do not define a person entirely, and it is inconceivable to her family that Sandrine would have taken her own life.

Sandrine Jourdan’s family’s journey for answers continues as they strive to uncover the truth and the closure they desperately seek.

Published Date 18-July-2024

Burpengary Butcher to Carve Up Competition in World Butcher Wars

Gary Thompson, a renowned butcher from The Squealing Pig in Burpengary Plaza, is set to showcase his skills on the international stage at the World Butcher Wars.

Read: Local Alicia Melton Lauded at 25th Queensland Ladies Classic

This prestigious competition, part of the Smoke and Fire Festival at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, UK, will take place from 20-21 July 2024.

With over four decades of experience under his belt, Thompson will face off against 23 other contestants from 18 countries in a high-stakes challenge. He and Sydney butcher Brett Laws will be the sole representatives from Australia.

World Butcher Wars — Photo credit: The Squealing Pig/Facebook

Competitors will have just 30 minutes to transform a saddle of pork and a side of lamb into as many products as possible, testing their creativity, technique, and speed under pressure.

Photo credit: The Squealing Pig/Facebook

The judging panel boasts industry heavyweights, including Keith Fisher, CEO of the Institute of Meat, and Stuart Louttit, a site operations manager overseeing the production of 1.4 million kilos of retail-ready meat weekly.

They will be joined by Luciana Berry, an ambassador for Brazilian cuisine in the UK, Shannon Walker, an Australian butcher and cookbook author, and Alana Empson, a butcher and meat enthusiast.

Thompson’s journey to the world stage hasn’t been without its challenges. When he opened The Squealing Pig in Burpengary Plaza back in 2017, the shop’s name initially raised a few eyebrows. However, Thompson’s skill and dedication have since won over the community, which is now rallying behind him for this international competition.

“For me, the best part of competitions is the camaraderie of the contestants, the knowledge you gain, and the friendships you make along the way. They will last a lifetime!” Thompson shared, highlighting the personal growth that comes with these events.

The Burpengary butcher’s ambitions don’t stop at the World Butcher Wars. Thompson has also secured a spot in the World Butcher Challenge in Paris next year.

Read: Gather and Feast Wins Best Caboolture Business at Pumicestone Awards

As Gary Thompson prepares to carve out his place on the global stage, the entire Burpengary Plaza community is cheering him on. His participation not only showcases his individual talent but also puts Burpengary on the map in the world of artisanal butchery.

Featured image credit: The Squealing Pig/Facebook

Published 17-July-2024

Caboolture Sports Club Unveils New Cricket Nets

The Caboolture Sports Club has officially opened its new cricket nets at the Grant Road Sports Complex, marking a significant improvement in local cricket facilities. This development is expected to enhance participation opportunities for the community.

The project, which replaced the old 3-lane outdoor nets with new 5-lane outdoor nets, was made possible through a $250,000 grant from Round 1 of the Queensland’s Minor Infrastructure Program (MIP). The funding aimed to improve the quality and safety of cricket facilities at the club.

The MIP, administered by the Department of Tourism and Sport, is designed to support Queensland’s active industry in delivering new, upgraded, and end-of-life infrastructure projects. In its first round, the program distributed a total of $16.36 million across 91 shovel-ready projects throughout the state.

Building on the success of Round 1, Queensland combined Round 2 of the MIP with the $30 million Inclusive Facilities Fund, resulting in a substantial $45 million investment in community sport and active recreation infrastructure projects.

This initiative aligns with the 10-year Activate! Queensland strategy, which aims to encourage more Queenslanders to engage in physical activity more frequently.

The completion of this project at the Caboolture Sports Club represents a positive step towards achieving the strategy’s goals, providing improved facilities that may inspire increased cricket participation in the local community.

Published 12-July-2024

Calab Law from Caboolture: Sprinting Towards History, Cathy Freeman as Inspiration

At just 19, Calab Law is a young athlete with a meteoric rise in Australian athletics. The Caboolture native, hailing from the Wakka Wakka tribe near Cherbourg, burst onto the scene in 2022, shattering records and solidifying his place as Australia’s premier 200m sprinter.

Law’s journey started when he was a young child, spurred on by Cathy Freeman’s legendary victory at the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Sharing Freeman’s Indigenous heritage, Law found hope and motivation in the Olympian’s achievements, fueling his own Olympic aspirations.

Initially drawn to track and field through family connections, Law’s natural talent quickly became evident. He advanced quickly under the guidance of his aunt and coach Andrew Iselin, dominating the junior ranks and, at the age of 18, earning a spot on the Australian senior team.

2022 proved to be a breakthrough year for Law. He achieved a remarkable bronze medal at the World Under-20 Championships in Cali, Colombia, clocking an impressive 20.42 seconds—tantalisingly close to the Australian record. This victory marked the first global medal for an Australian male in the 200 m for three decades.

Law’s success continued as he secured qualification for the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, becoming the youngest Australian male in 11 years to achieve this feat. He showcased his immense potential by reaching the semi-finals, setting a personal best in the process.

Despite facing setbacks, including a stress fracture in early 2023, Law’s determination remained unwavering. He bounced back with gold medals in the 100m and 200m at the Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands, carrying his form into 2024 with a national 200m title victory and securing Olympic selection as part of the Australian 4x100m relay team.

Law’s impact extends beyond the track. He is a proud ambassador for the Share a Yarn initiative, connecting athletes with First Nations communities to foster cultural understanding and share knowledge within the sporting world.

With the Brisbane 2032 Olympics on the horizon, Law’s ambition is clear: to emulate Cathy Freeman’s success on home soil and etch his name in Australian sporting history.

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Calab Law’s story is one of talent, determination, and cultural pride. It’s a story that resonates with Australians, showcasing the power of inspiration and the unwavering spirit of a young athlete chasing his Olympic dreams. As Law continues to make strides on the track, his journey promises to be one to watch for years to come.

Published Date 11-July-2024

Photo Credit: Calab Law/ Instagram

Ella Connolly: Sprinting Sensation from Burpengary Heading to Paris Olympics

The pride of Burpengary, Ella Connolly, a 23-year-old sprinting star, has secured her place in the Australian team for the Paris Olympics, showcasing her impressive talent and determination.

Early Beginnings

Ella Connolly was born in Rockhampton and raised in Burpengary. She began her athletics journey at the age of 10 and quickly made a name for herself by winning the 100m at the 2010 National Primary School competition. After joining Deception Bay Little Athletics, Ella’s passion for the sport flourished.

In her teenage years, Ella’s speed caught national attention. She won multiple national junior sprint titles and represented Australia at the 2017 Youth Commonwealth Games in the Bahamas, earning medals in the 200m and 400m events. Her performance in the 400m, with a time of 52.72 seconds, was faster than Cathy Freeman at the same age. This achievement led to her selection for the Australian senior team at the 2017 World Championships in the 4x400m relay.

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A post shared by Ella Connolly (@ellaconnollyyy)

Overcoming Setbacks

Ella faced a significant challenge in 2018 when a hamstring injury prevented her from competing in the Commonwealth Games. Despite this setback, she bounced back later that year, finishing fourth in the 400m at the World U20 Championships.

Focusing on the 100m and 200m events in recent years, Ella achieved remarkable times, including personal bests of 11.25 seconds in the 100m and 52.28 seconds in the 400m in 2021. She consistently performed well, winning both national titles in April 2022 and representing Australia at the World Championships and Commonwealth Games.

Road to Paris

Ella’s dedication paid off in 2023 when she broke the national 60m record and helped the Australian 4x100m relay team secure a place at the Paris Olympics by breaking the 24-year-old national record. Her achievements continued as she claimed the Oceania 100m title in June 2023.

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A post shared by Ella Connolly (@ellaconnollyyy)

The Team Behind the Success

Ella’s journey to the Paris Olympics has been supported by a dedicated team. Her coach, Andrew Murphy, has been instrumental in refining her technique and preparing her for international competitions. Training alongside other elite athletes at her senior club in Epping, NSW, Ella benefits from a supportive and competitive environment.

The Australian 4x100m relay team, of which Ella is a key member, has shown remarkable synergy and determination. The team’s recent successes, including breaking national records and securing a spot in the Olympics, highlight their collaborative effort and hard work. The camaraderie and shared goals within the team have been vital in pushing each member to their best performance.

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) recently announced the selection of 55 track and field athletes, including Ella, for the Paris Olympics. This brings the total athletics squad to 75, making it the history’s second-largest Australian Olympic Athletics team. The team includes a mix of debutants and experienced athletes, all set to compete in various events.

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A post shared by Ella Connolly (@ellaconnollyyy)

Community Pride

From a young athlete in Burpengary to an Olympian who represents the spirit and determination of the Caboolture community, Ella’s achievements inspire local aspiring athletes and highlight the importance of dedication and resilience.

As Ella Connolly prepares to compete on the world stage in Paris, the Burpengary community stands proudly behind her, eager to see her shine and bring home glory for Australia.

Published 11-July-2024

Caboolture Among Moreton Bay Parks Receiving Life-Saving Defibrillators

Wallace Street Park in Caboolture is one of nine locations across the Moreton Bay region to receive a potentially life-saving Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) as part of a successful pilot programme.

The initiative, a collaboration between the City of Moreton Bay, Urban Play, and Stryker, aims to enhance community safety by providing readily accessible AEDs in public spaces.

Mayor Peter Flannery emphasised the significance of the programme, stating that the devices could significantly improve survival rates for individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, a condition affecting roughly 90 Australians daily, with 95% not reaching a hospital alive.

The 12-week pilot, which concluded successfully, saw AEDs strategically placed in various parks and outdoor areas, including Wallace Street Park, based on demographic factors such as age, health considerations, and proximity to hospitals. Thanks to the partnership with Urban Play and Stryker, the devices were installed at no cost to ratepayers and will remain accessible at the selected sites.

Mayor Flannery underscored the user-friendly nature of the defibrillators, highlighting their ease of use and safety, even for those with minimal training. Clear instructions, along with visual and voice prompts, guide users through the resuscitation process until professional help arrives.

Given the positive outcome of the pilot, the City of Moreton Bay is now exploring the possibility of extending the programme to new major park upgrades and existing district and regional parks with high visitor numbers.

This move aligns with Urban Play’s mission to create spaces that promote healthier and more active lifestyles and solidifies Stryker’s commitment to advancing medical technology for the betterment of public health.

Published Date 08-July-2024

Large Childcare Centre and Swim School Planned for Morayfield

Developers have lodged plans for a 150-place childcare centre and swim school at Oakey Flat Rd, Morayfield, to address the growing demand for childcare in Moreton Bay.

Morayfield Projects Pty Ltd has submitted a development application (DA/2024/1887) in May 2024.

The proposed site fronts a major thoroughfare and aims to serve children up to five years old. The centre will include a reception area, two nursery rooms, three spaces for children aged two to three, and three spaces for children aged three to five.

Additional facilities include an office, kitchen, laundry, staffroom, and service rooms. Operating hours are planned from Monday to Saturday, 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Swim School

The proposed swim school will feature a 25-metre swimming pool and related structures. It will be open Monday to Saturday from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Classes will include beginners, rehab, children’s swimming, water gymnastics, learn to swim, stroke correction, squad training, aqua aerobics, hydrotherapy, and occasional in-house competitions. Four to eight children per class are expected, with class times at 7:30am, midday, 3pm, and 6pm. The swim school will employ 15-20 staff.

Morayfield Childcare Centre — *Photo Credit: DA 2024/1887*

Design and Safety

The 1115-sqm childcare centre and swim school will be housed in single-storey buildings with 82 car spaces for both facilities. The design features large windows, weatherboard cladding, feature battens, and timber-look cladding to complement nearby houses on Jonkers Ct.

“The development activates under-utilised land that forms the gateway to the residential estates on Oakey Flat Rd and the large format retail centres on Morayfield Rd,” according to the DA.

The DA acknowledges that the site is affected by flooding from Jonkers Creek, with the northwestern section falling within high and medium-risk flood hazard zones. Measures will be taken to mitigate flooding risks and ensure the safety of the facility.

Community Benefits

The development will utilise vacant land at the gateway to residential estates on Oakey Flat Rd and retail centres on Morayfield Rd.

“The vast open play area is oriented northwest to reduce noise on the neighbouring residential site to the south,” the DA stated.

The site’s strategic location near Morayfield Shopping Centre and Morayfield State High School will enhance economic and social activity. It is bordered by Jonkers Creek and Jonkers Creek Park, with easy access via Morayfield Rd and the Bruce Highway. Public transport is available from Morayfield train station.

Explore, Learn, Play: Adventure Park Opens at CREEC in Burpengary

Last week, Adventure Park, a $1.3 million playground that seamlessly blends natural beauty with cutting-edge play design, officially opened at the Caboolture Region Environment Education Centre (CREEC) in Burpengary.

Read: Construction Begins on Burpengary East Shopping Centre

This space, the first of its kind in Moreton Bay, has already captured the hearts of both young and old. Smiling faces abound as visitors explore the myriad features designed to engage, educate, and entertain.

At the heart of the playground stands an impressive embankment play area. Children race to conquer the peak using climbing ropes and sandstone blocks, their efforts rewarded with a unique macadamia nut-inspired play hut. This whimsical structure offers a panoramic view of the surroundings and features two curvy slides for a thrilling descent.

Photo credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook

For the more adventurous, an agility course winds through the space. It challenges visitors with balancing and climbing activities, interspersed with moments of relaxation on a swaying hammock. Adding to the local flavour, totem poles adorned with depictions of local flora and fauna bring the course to vibrant life.

The playground doesn’t stop there. In-ground trampolines invite bouncing fun, while swings sway gently in the breeze. Sand and water play areas offer tactile experiences, ensuring a diverse range of activities for all preferences. Importantly, interconnecting pathways throughout the space ensure accessibility for strollers and scooters, making it truly inclusive.

Safety hasn’t been overlooked, with ample shade sails protecting visitors from the Queensland sun.

SLR Consulting, the lead designers, aimed to create a harmonious relationship between fun, adventure, and nature. Their vision extends beyond mere play, promoting intergenerational interactions and supporting educational opportunities that complement CREEC’s mission.

Nikita Burns, Senior Play Consultant at Urban Play, which collaborated on equipment selection, emphasised the playground’s unique approach.

“Our goal was to create a nature playground that goes beyond the traditional ‘sticks and stones’ approach,” Ms Burns explained. “Each element was hand-picked to immerse children in nature and develop their physical, social, cognitive, and creative skills.”

Read: Youth Foyer Coming to Caboolture: Housing and Education Support for At-Risk Young People

The new Adventure Park at CREEC is poised to become a beloved destination for families, offering a perfect blend of education, adventure, and pure fun in the heart of Moreton Bay.

Published 5-July-2024

Former Caboolture Snakes Star Ryan Smith in Wallabies Squad

New Wallabies Coach, Joe Schmidt, has looked to youth to bring an impact in his first training squad and ex-Caboolture Snakes star, current Queensland Reds star, Ryan Smith has caught his eye.

Three July home games against Wales and Georgia on consecutive Saturdays will need a large squad, giving the uncapped Smith hope of running on in the green and gold.

Back in 2007 as a Caboolture Snake junior he was on the sidelines at Suncorp, dreaming of plying for the Reds which happened a decade later. He returned to the club a couple of years ago for a club function

and again in 2024:

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Having played for his school, St Patrick’s in the AIC, Smith stamped his authority as a leader when he captained the school swimming team and the track and field team.

In 2023, former Wallabies Coach, Eddie Jones, included Smith in a 33-man training squad at Sanctuary Squad.

His journey with the Reds had a massive start when he was voted Rookie of the Year in their 2021 Super Rugby Championship win. Having topped the tackle count ladder both for the Reds and amongst all Super Rugby Locks in 2024, Joe Schmidt may well give him a run to see if his intense defence may add an extra dimension to the Wallabies backrow.

The Reds Lock has already represented Australia A four times.

Published 22-June-2024