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Series of Break-ins at Burpengary Shopping Centre

On June 17, 2024, a local shopping centre on Buckley Road, Burpengary fell victim to a series of break-ins, resulting in significant property damage and theft. Queensland Police are currently investigating three separate incidents that occurred around 3 am at the location.

According to police reports, the alleged offender was captured on CCTV footage at the scene. The perpetrator gained access to the rear of the shops through a wooden gate and attempted to conceal their actions by covering a CCTV camera with a mop. In a calculated move, the suspect then cut power to all external lighting by manipulating switches in the outdoor electrical box.

Three businesses were targeted in the break-ins:

The first store suffered damage to its rear door. Once inside, the offender disabled the power and proceeded to damage the cash register and printer, stealing employee tip money.
A second business had its rear timber door damaged in an attempted entry. When this proved unsuccessful, the perpetrator resorted to smashing the front glass door to gain access. Four bum bags containing cash floats for delivery drivers were stolen from this location.
The third target was a vacant store, where the rear door was damaged to facilitate entry.

Local business owners are now grappling with the aftermath, facing considerable repair costs in addition to the stolen cash.

Queensland Police are urging anyone with information to come forward. Individuals can contact Policelink by submitting details through the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or by calling 131 444. For those wishing to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers can be reached at 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Investigators have assigned the following reference numbers to these cases: QP2401025590, QP2401025514, and QP2401026414.

Published 21-June-2024

Construction Begins on Burpengary East Shopping Centre

Construction has officially begun on the new Burpengary East Shopping Centre, with the developers marking the occasion with a sod-turning ceremony on June 13.

Read: Fast-Growing Moreton Bay Seeks More Infrastructure to Handle Population Growth

In a recent social media post, the Lancini Property Group shared their excitement, stating, “Over the coming weeks and months look out for the site to really start to take shape with concrete pouring now underway and construction of the roof planned to begin around August.”

Photo credit: Burpengary East Shopping Centre/Facebook

Situated at the corner of Buckley and Uhlmann roads, Burpengary East Shopping Centre will feature a full-line Woolworths supermarket as its anchor tenant, supported by 12 specialty stores. The design and amenities of the centre are tailored to meet the needs of the community, including:

Al fresco dining area
Children’s play space
238 car spaces
Landscaped plaza and community meeting place
Centre amenities, including a Parent’s Room and disabled facilities.
Free Centre Wi-Fi

The Woolworths store will offer a Direct to Boot drive-through service, allowing customers to have their groceries picked, packed, and delivered directly to their cars by Woolworths staff.

The construction and subsequent operation of the shopping centre are expected to create approximately 260 jobs, significantly boosting the local economy. The centre will also offer opportunities for new businesses and services, with proposed spaces for food and beverage operators, retail services, and health or wellbeing services.

Accessibility and Traffic Management

Proposed Masterplan (Photo credit: burpengaryeast.com.au)

Lancini Property Group has proposed access arrangements designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing local road network. In collaboration with the Moreton Bay Regional Council, improvements and upgrades to the intersection will be made to ensure efficient traffic flow and safe access for all users.

Read: Investor Snaps Up Carl’s Jr in Caboolture for $5.1M

The shopping centre represents a $20 million investment in the community. Construction is expected to be completed by late 2025.

Published 20-June-2024

Moreton Police District Honours Officers for Exceptional Service and Bravery

The Moreton Police District held its annual Medal Presentation today at Sports Central in Caboolture, recognising outstanding bravery and long-term exceptional service of several officers.

The ceremony, attended by the Minister for Police and Community Safety, the Honourable Mark Ryan, showcased the dedication and bravery of Queensland’s law enforcement personnel.

Two officers, Senior Constable Amy Dallimore and Senior Constable Randall Jurd, were awarded the prestigious Queensland Police Valour Medal for their exceptional bravery during a dangerous incident in 2019. The officers responded to a stabbing call at Endeavour Caravan Park in Deception Bay on March 18, 2019, where they encountered an armed offender. Despite the high-risk situation, which resulted in Senior Constable Jurd sustaining a knife wound, the officers’ courageous actions protected the community and residents of the caravan park.

Senior Constable Jurd expressed his pride in receiving the award, stating, “You don’t join the police service for recognition, but to protect your community and I am proud that our efforts were able to do so that day and every day.”

Detective Inspector Phil Hurst was honoured with the Queensland Police Exemplary Conduct Medal for his outstanding work as the Officer in Charge of the Sunshine Coast Child Protection and Investigation Unit (CPIU). His unwavering commitment to child protection and professionalism were noted as exceeding expectations.

The ceremony also recognised long-term service, with three officers receiving clasps for 30 years or more of service to the Queensland Police Service. Two 35-year clasps and one 30-year clasp were presented, along with second National Medals.

Additional recognitions included the Assistant Commissioner’s Certificate, Assistant Commissioner’s Certificate Detective Certificate and Badge, and the District Officer’s Certificate.

Minister Mark Ryan congratulated the recipients, saying, “We have heard some remarkable stories of bravery, ingenuity, and dedication today, where officers have put themselves and their safety second to the community serve.

“Every one of you should be incredibly proud of the role you have and will continue to play in your community.”

Published 19-June-2024

Caboolture Students Embrace Water Conservation Through Interactive Theatre

Caboolture East State School students learned the importance of water conservation through a lively theatre performance by Walter Smart and Friends.

On Friday, the 14th of June, the halls of Caboolture East State School were filled with excitement as the Walter Smart and Friends troupe took to the stage.

This unique educational experience, part of Unitywater’s ongoing Education Program, was designed to teach students the vital role of water efficiency in a fun and memorable way. The program is aligned with the Australian curriculum, ensuring the lessons are educational and applicable.

A Collaborative Effort for Water Awareness

The performance resulted from a collaboration between Unitywater, The Water Conservancy, and Gibber Education. Joshua Zugajev, Unitywater’s Executive Manager of Strategic Engagement, highlighted the investment in the program as a key strategy to engage young minds.

“We’ve chosen to bring ‘Walter Smart and Friends’ to our students because it introduces them to the value of water in our community and our environment in an enjoyable and effective manner,” he explained.

Expanding Reach Across Communities

Over three weeks, the program will visit 27 schools across the Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast, and Noosa regions, reaching a wide audience of primary school students. The initiative not only educates but also inspires students to become ambassadors of water conservation in their own homes.

Chris Philpot, CEO of The Water Conservancy, stated that the Walter Smart and Friends initiative began as a social media campaign to inspire young Australians to adopt water-efficient behaviours.

“Our objective with this program is to make all Australians conscious of their relationship with water, helping them to understand, value, and use it efficiently,” Mr Philpot noted.

Vicky Blackburn, Director of Gibber Education, mentioned the effectiveness of drama-based training to foster positive changes in attitude and behaviour towards water usage.

“Our performers are thrilled to deliver this bespoke production for Unitywater and engage with enthusiastic, water-wise students,” Ms Blackburn said.

The program’s innovative approach to environmental education is expected to have a lasting impact on the students and their families, potentially leading to more sustainable water practices at home. As Unitywater continues to support the region’s growth, such educational initiatives are essential in promoting long-term sustainability and community well-being.

Published 19-June-2024

Break-ins Hit Moreton Bay Businesses

In the early hours of Thursday, June 13, 2024, a series of break-ins struck three businesses across Moreton Bay, prompting a police investigation into possible connections between the incidents.

The first reported break-in occurred shortly after midnight at a tobacco shop on Morayfield Road, Morayfield. According to police, two individuals allegedly forced entry into the premises and made off with an undisclosed quantity of cigarettes and cash. The suspects reportedly fled the scene in a black sedan before authorities arrived.

Approximately 50 minutes later, at around 12:50 AM, police responded to another break-in at a service station along the D’Aguilar Highway in D’Aguilar. In this incident, three individuals allegedly entered the premises, stealing cash and technology items from the counter. Witnesses reported seeing the suspects leave in a black BMW sedan.

The third incident took place at 1:10 AM at a service station on King Street in Caboolture. Food and drinks were reportedly stolen from this location.

Given the proximity in time and location, as well as similarities in the modus operandi, police are investigating potential links between these three break-ins. Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any relevant information, especially those who may have CCTV footage or dashcam recordings from the surrounding areas between midnight and 1:30 AM on the night in question.

The string of break-ins has raised concerns among local business owners about security measures and the recent uptick in property crimes in the area.

As the investigation continues, police are working to identify and apprehend the suspects involved in these incidents. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the local police department or Crime Stoppers.

Published 13-June-2024

Mother and Baby Die in Horrible Caboolture River Road Car Crash

A three-month-old baby boy has succumbed to injuries sustained in a car crash on Caboolture River Road that claimed the life of his mother, Amy Maher, two days earlier.

On Friday, June 7, 2024, at approximately 2:30 PM, emergency services responded to reports of a vehicle collision with a tree. The 33-year-old mother was pronounced dead at the scene. Her infant son, despite being in an approved baby seat, was critically injured after being ejected from the vehicle.

The baby was rushed to Queensland Children’s Hospital, where medical staff fought to save his life. Tragically, he passed away on Sunday afternoon, June 9, 2024.

Sergeant Greg Price of the Burpengary Forensic Crash Unit provided initial details about the incident on Saturday. “At this stage, investigations indicate the vehicle was travelling eastbound on Caboolture River Road near Tinney Road when it left the road, colliding with several large trees,” he stated. The vehicle reportedly suffered extensive damage in the crash.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the accident.

The police noted that most of the initial callers reporting the incident came upon the crash site after it had occurred and were not eyewitnesses to the event itself.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Published 10-June-2024

Caboolture Farewells Iconic Beecham Holden Signs After 37 Years

Did you know that the iconic, red Holden logo was inspired by a prehistoric fable of lions rolling stones that led to the invention of the wheel? Beecham Holden is preparing to remove the Holden signs that have graced Caboolture for 37 years, to make way for new Beecham Suzuki and Caboolture Nissan signages, marking the end of an era for “the lion and the stone.”

To commemorate this significant change, Beecham Holden is hosting a celebratory event on Saturday, the 8th of June, inviting Holden enthusiasts to join them in celebrating all things Holden.

Community Involvement

The Morayfield & District Lions Club will be hosting a sausage sizzle in the morning, with prices similar to Bunnings Sausage Sizzles: $2.50 for a sausage and $2.50 for a can of drink. After the signage is removed, a silent auction will be held, with proceeds going to the local charity Foodbank Queensland.

Attendees will be able to take their last photos with the iconic signage before it is removed in the following weeks. Holden car clubs are expected to attend, and individuals with Holden vehicles are encouraged to RSVP by contacting dp@beechammotors.com.au or calling 07 5495 1477 and asking for Lockie.

Business as Usual

Despite the signage changes, Beecham Holden assures customers that they will continue to offer certified Holden Servicing and genuine Holden Parts. The dealership remains a one-stop shop for Holden owners, with factory-trained technicians ready to serve their needs. The Holden pylon will be replaced by a new Beecham Suzuki pylon. In contrast, Caboolture Nissan and Beecham Suzuki will replace the Holden fascia as part of a general dealership facility upgrade.

Depending on contractor timings, the signs will not be removed on the day of the event but will be taken down in the following weeks. This event serves as a final celebration for Holden owners to gather, take pictures, and enjoy the day with like-minded enthusiasts. Individual photo opportunities with vehicles can be arranged by contacting the dealership for those unable to attend the event.

Date: Saturday, June 8, 2024
Time: 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Location: 29 Bribie Island Rd, Caboolture
(corner of Aerodrome Road)
Cost: Free

Published 6-June-2024

Taylor McKeown Returns Home: Olympic Lessons from Swimming Star

Taylor McKeown, the celebrated Olympic swimmer, has returned to her roots in Moreton Bay, where her remarkable journey in the world of swimming began.

Read: Meet Karen-Rose Dailly: Caboolture’s Four-Year-Old BMX Prodigy

Known for her dedication and resilience, Ms McKeown’s story is now inspiring the next generation as she travels through schools in South-East Queensland with the Australian Olympic Committee’s Olympics Unleashed program.

Last week, Ms McKeown visited the Southern Cross Catholic College in Woody Point, where she shared her journey filled with dreams, determination, and the highs and lows of competing at the world’s most prestigious sporting events.

Photo credit: Southern Cross Catholic College – Official/Facebook

Her narrative includes the heart-wrenching moment she missed qualifying for the 2012 London Olympics by just 0.01 seconds and the subsequent triumphs that followed: winning Commonwealth gold and Pan Pacific bronze in the 200m breaststroke.

Ms McKeown’s perseverance shone brightly at the Rio 2016 Olympics, where she entered the 200m breaststroke final as the fastest qualifier. Despite finishing fifth, she bounced back to win silver in the 4x100m medley relay alongside Emily Seebohm, Emma McKeon, and Cate Campbell.

Now 29, Ms McKeown is focused on inspiring young minds through Olympics Unleashed, a free educational program that brings Olympians and aspiring athletes into schools to share their personal stories.

Ms McKeown, who attended St Paul’s Lutheran Primary School and Grace Lutheran College in Caboolture, said that for her, “it’s about resilience, overcoming obstacles, and continuing to push through, doing your best and enjoying the journey.”

Reflecting on her 10-year international career, which ended in 2022, she admits she misses the camaraderie and competition, though not the stress of racing. Her fond memories include meeting tennis legend Rafael Nadal and sitting with Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, on a bus back to the athlete’s village in Rio.

As the countdown to the Paris 2024 Olympics intensifies, she remains a passionate advocate for dreaming big and setting goals. She sees a bright future for the Australian swim team, with her younger sister Kaylee, poised to be a key figure.

Ms McKeown’s return to Moreton Bay and her ongoing work with Olympics Unleashed underline her commitment to giving back to the community that launched her into the international spotlight.

Her message to students is clear: “Dream big and have things you can tick off along the way to achieving those goals.”

Read: Caboolture Boxer Liam Wilson Eyes Title Shot Once Again

By sharing her journey and the lessons learned along the way, Taylor McKeown continues to inspire and motivate, proving that with resilience and determination, the dreams nurtured in places like Moreton Bay can lead to the world stage.

Featured image credit: Southern Cross Catholic College – Official/Facebook

Published 5-June-2024

Waraba Development: New Brisbane Satellite City Confronts Soaring Infrastructure Costs

Two additional major developers have publicly highlighted the severe impact of skyrocketing infrastructure costs on Waraba, a new satellite city north of Brisbane anticipated to rival the size of Mackay.

This follows a recent withdrawal by developer AVJennings, which abandoned plans for 3,500 affordable housing lots in the area, citing excessive costs and lengthy approval delays.

Developers Call for Government Intervention

Brent Hailey, Managing Director of Orchard Property Group, urged the government to assist with substantial infrastructure projects, deeming them too costly for individual developers. He explained that developers in Waraba face dual financial burdens: local council charges and state government fees, as the area is designated a Priority Development Area (PDA).

Mr Hailey noted that PDA charges surpass local government fees, adding significant expense.

The pandemic brought unexpected hikes in costs, further complicating infrastructure development. Mr Hailey detailed how Orchard invests heavily in essential utilities like water and sewerage for its $43 million Lilywood estate in Waraba.

*Photo Credit: Lilywood Landings in Waraba*

Despite these challenges, he affirmed Orchard’s commitment to its projects, which contrasted with AVJennings’ decision to exit.

Meanwhile, Lennium Group remains optimistic about its Waraba ventures, having commenced significant earthworks earlier this year. Ian Worthington, Lennium’s Development Manager, reported substantial progress on their largest community, Lilywood Landings, which will offer 228 affordable housing lots. He acknowledged the hurdles faced due to escalating infrastructure costs but confirmed that these would not deter their ongoing developments.

Local Government and State Responses

The City of Moreton’s Mayor, Peter Flannery, criticised the State Government for the infrastructure cost escalations. In response, Local Government Minister Meaghan Scanlon pointed to a forthcoming $100-million infrastructure support package for Councils to alleviate some financial pressures.

As Waraba’s development continues, the dialogue between developers, local councils, and the state government remains pivotal in addressing the affordability and feasibility of expanding Brisbane’s northern corridor.

Published 2-June-2024

Burpengary Man Charged with 75 Offences Following Motorcycle Seizures

A 24-year-old man from Burpengary has been charged with 75 offences, and three motorcycles were seized after a police operation targeting hooning in Moreton.

In a major crackdown against motor vehicle offences, Senior Constable Jo Arthur from Moreton Highway Patrol detailed that the charges resulted from a targeted search operation.

The police action on the 27th of May 2024 was prompted by ongoing community complaints about dangerous hooning behaviour. Officers executed a search warrant at a Phillip Street residence early on the 23rd of May, seizing three motorcycles found at the location.

The Burpengary man faces multiple charges, including 15 counts each of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, unlicensed driving, driving an unregistered and uninsured vehicle, and driving a defective vehicle.

Additionally, he has been charged with two counts of hooning-related offences, wilful damage, public nuisance, and using a mobile phone while driving. Two of the motorcycles involved in the incident are set to be forfeited, while the third has been impounded for 90 days.

Authorities continue to urge the public to report any suspicious or illegal activities. Information can be safely submitted to Policelink using the online suspicious activity form available at any time or by contacting Crime Stoppers anonymously to report any crime-related information.

Published 1-June-2024