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Burpengary Bus Company Embraces New Seatbelt Warning Systems

Kangaroo Bus Lines in Burpengary is getting ready for a big change. New seatbelt warning systems are set to become mandatory in buses across Australia.

These new rules, announced by Assistant Minister Anthony Chisholm, require all new buses built from 1 November 2026 to have seatbelt warning systems installed. Existing buses must also be retrofitted with these systems by 1 November 2027. The government hopes this change will encourage more passengers, like in cars and planes, to buckle up.

A Safer Future for Bus Travel

Kangaroo Bus Lines in Burpengary — *Photo Credit:* *Kangaroo Bus Lines/ Facebook*

Chisholm stressed the importance of working with the bus industry to improve safety. He explained that too many tragedies have happened on Australian roads, and the government is committed to making bus travel as safe as possible for everyone. Tony Hopkins, Chair of the Bus Industry Confederation, echoed this sentiment. He welcomed the new rules and said the industry is keen to work with the government to implement these changes.

Overcoming the Hurdles

While the new seatbelt warning systems are a positive step, there are some challenges. Retrofitting older buses can be expensive, costing around $2,500 per bus. Some buses might not even be able to be retrofitted because of how they were built. Another issue is that buses can stay in service for a long time – up to 25 years in some cases. This means it will take quite a while for all buses to have these new safety features.

Is This Enough? The Debate Continues

The announcement also sparked discussion about whether even more safety measures are needed. Some people believe all buses, even older ones, should have seatbelts. There’s also debate about whether bus drivers should be responsible for ensuring everyone is buckled up.

Lessons from Hunter Valley

The push for better bus safety comes after the tragic Hunter Valley bus crash. The government says it is working with the families of those affected and is committed to learning from this terrible event.

Buckle Up for Change

These new seatbelt warning systems will make a real difference. The government wants bus seatbelt use to become as automatic as it is on planes. By working together, the government and the bus industry believe they can make bus travel safer for all Australians.

Published Date 28-Jan-2025

Photo Credit: Kangaroo Bus Lines/ Facebook

Travelling Jackaroo Donates Iconic Tractor to Caboolture Historical Village

A young man from Maleny, known as the Travelling Jackaroo, has donated his trusty tractor to the Caboolture Historical Village after completing a record-breaking journey around Australia.

Sam Hughes handed the keys to his bright orange 1957 Chamberlain 9G tractor, affectionately nicknamed “Slim”, to the Historical Village. The 21-year-old made headlines after driving Slim over 27,000 kilometres around the country, raising over $270,000 for rural charities and highlighting the challenges those living in the bush face.

Across the Outback for a Cause

*Photo Credit:* *The Travelling Jackaroo/ Facebook*

Mr Hughes’s epic adventure began in 2021 as a gap year project. He initially set out to raise a few thousand dollars for charity, but his journey quickly gained momentum, turning into a three-year odyssey. He travelled at 40 kilometres per hour, becoming a familiar sight on Australian roads with his distinctive orange tractor, which towed a trailer carrying an aeroplane fuselage and a gyrocopter.

Mr Hughes’s mission was to raise awareness about mental health and reduce suicide rates in rural areas. He believes more needs to be done to support the physical and mental health of people living in the bush.

Hero’s Welcome and a New Home

On Sunday, Mr Hughes returned to his hometown of Maleny to a hero’s welcome. Hundreds of people lined the streets to cheer him on as he drove Slim the final stretch home. He expressed his gratitude for the support, stating that seeing the town come out to welcome him back felt fantastic.

Mr Hughes’s sister, Isobel, spoke of her pride in her brother’s achievements. She admitted that while the family always believed in him, they never imagined his journey would become so significant.

Slim Takes Centre Stage in Caboolture

Slim has now been moved to the Caboolture Historical Village, where it will be displayed for the community to enjoy. Mr Hughes said he was pleased Slim had found a good home and encouraged everyone to visit. The Caboolture Historical Village, a beloved local institution, will showcase Slim as a symbol of Hughes’s remarkable journey and his commitment to rural communities.

The Road Ahead

After a well-deserved rest, Mr Hughes plans to continue his work promoting bush history by establishing a mobile museum. He hopes to have this project on the road by 2026. In the meantime, he will enjoy some quiet time on the farm with his dog, reflecting on his incredible adventure and his positive impact on rural Australia.

Published Date 28-Jan-2025

Caboolture Bus Services Get Back-to-School Makeover

Improved school bus services will smooth out journeys for students across the Moreton Bay region, including Caboolture, this year.

In partnership with 11 South East Queensland bus operators, Translink has rolled out a comprehensive program of changes designed to improve safety, reliability, and efficiency for young passengers. This includes the introduction of 33 new school routes, modifications to 833 existing routes, and the addition of four new buses to the fleet.

The changes are a direct response to community feedback, with new routes established in expanding areas like Pacific Harbour and Sandstone Boulevard in Caboolture and services adjusted to address concerns raised by students, parents, and schools. Caboolture Bus Lines alone has implemented 24 route changes, including new services to Elimbah State School and Pumicestone State School, and a new route to Morayfield High that eliminates a previously dangerous bus stop.

Kangaroo Bus Lines has introduced new services in Amity estate and North Harbour, reducing the need for students to walk along busy roads. A diversion into Narangba Valley State School eliminates a road crossing on Young Rd, further enhancing safety. In Caboolture, a new route to Morayfield High removes a previously dangerous stop.

Adjustments to services in Pacific Harbour, Caboolture, aim to improve trip times and overall efficiency. Multiple routes have tweaked their timetables to avoid congestion and ensure students arrive at school on time.

New bus services have been introduced in newly developed areas and expanded in the suburbs, which are experiencing growth across the Moreton Bay region. In Griffin, Thompson Bus Services has extended several routes to improve access for students north of the suburb.

Many of the changes directly result from feedback from students, parents, and schools. Service adjustments for Narangba Valley Primary School, for example, were made following concerns raised by parents.

Translink has encouraged students and their families to familiarise themselves with the changes before the start of the school year. The Translink website and app provide up-to-date information on routes and timetables, and the School Service Finder and Journey Planner tools can help plan the best travel options.

Students are also reminded to ensure their travel cards are valid, to familiarise themselves with their local bus stops and services, and to claim the School Transport Assistance Scheme (STAS) if eligible.

Published Date 27-Jan-2025

Caboolture to Host Revived Urban Country Music Festival in 2025

The Urban Country Music Festival is making its long-awaited return to Caboolture, bringing back live music and community spirit to the region after a nine-year hiatus.

Originally established to celebrate country music and foster community engagement, the festival has been a significant event for both residents and visitors. Organised by 121 Networks Ltd, a not-for-profit organisation, the event has previously drawn large crowds and contributed to local economic activity.

Event Details and Objectives

The festival aims to provide a family-friendly environment while showcasing Queensland talent. The event will take place on Saturday, 4 October 2025, at its original venue, the Caboolture Showgrounds, located off Beerburrum Road.

A free launch event will be held on Sunday, 9 February 2025, at the Caboolture Country Markets, featuring live performances and the official line-up announcement. Tickets for the main festival will also go on sale on the same day, with no prior bookings required for the launch.

Community Impact and Support

All proceeds from the festival will support the Angelus Community, a local organisation providing housing solutions for women over 55 facing homelessness in the Moreton Bay region.

According to 121 Networks Ltd, this demographic represents the fastest-growing group experiencing homelessness in Australia. The festival’s return is expected to raise awareness and much-needed funds to address this pressing issue.

Local leaders have expressed strong support for the festival’s return. City official Adam Hain of the City of Moreton Division 3 stated that Caboolture is where the city meets the country. He also added that this event always belonged in the suburbs, and it is great to see the community take ownership and bring it back.

Festival organiser Eric Whitehouse also highlighted the event’s importance, saying that the Urban Country Music Festival will be a great opportunity for Caboolture, and they are excited to announce the event, including the line-up, on 9 February.

Country music festival back in Caboolture — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Next Steps and Future Outlook

The festival is expected to attract music lovers from across the region and beyond, with organisers aiming to create a vibrant and inclusive event that balances entertainment with a charitable purpose.

Further details, including ticket pricing and performer schedules, will be available on the official Urban Country Music Festival website.

Photo Credit: Pexels

Published 26-Jan-2025

Caboolture’s Liam Wilson Eyes WBO Redemption

Local boxing star Liam Wilson might train in Lawnton and dream of fighting at Redcliffe, but it’s in Caboolture where the world-ranked super featherweight has made his home.

As he prepares for his crucial 1 March rematch against Youssef Dib, Wilson’s presence has helped put Caboolture firmly on Australia’s boxing map.

Read: Bruce Highway in Caboolture: A Major Crash Hotspot in Moreton Bay

Local Hero Liam Wilson Making Waves

Living and raising his family in Caboolture while pursuing boxing glory, Wilson embodies the fighting spirit of Moreton Bay’s northern corridor. Ranked fourth by the WBO, his professional record of 14 wins (including eight knockouts) has turned national attention toward the region.

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Wilson’s upcoming bout at South Bank Piazza carries significant implications for his world title aspirations. He came agonisingly close to claiming the WBO world super featherweight title against Emanuel Navarrete last year in the controversial ‘28-second robbery’—a referee decision that many believe cost him the title. Since then, Wilson has remained laser-focused on regaining his shot at the crown.

His previous stoppage victory against Dib showcased the power Caboolture’s champion is known for. The eighth-round stoppage victory proved Wilson belongs among boxing’s elite, though Dib promises a different outcome in their rematch.

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The Showdown at the Piazza

The South Bank Piazza event features an impressive undercard, including rising stars Kirra Rushton, Jack Bowen, Floyd Masson, Paris Olympian Shannon Davey, and World Amateur Champion Cooper O’Connell. However, all eyes will be on Caboolture’s Wilson as he continues his quest for world championship glory.

“This time, I’ll make it even more decisive and prove there’s no question who’s the best,” Wilson states with confidence.

Read: New Over-50s Lifestyle Community Set to Open in Burpengary East

A victory on 1 March could pave the way for an even bigger opportunity for Wilson. No Limit Boxing is exploring the possibility of bringing a world title fight to the region, potentially at Redcliffe’s Kayo Stadium. Such an event would be a landmark moment for sport in the Moreton Bay Region.

Photo Credit: Instagram/allstarboxingacademy

Published 24-January-2025

Bruce Highway in Caboolture: A Major Crash Hotspot in Moreton Bay

The Bruce Highway in Caboolture is one of the most dangerous roads in Queensland, with crash numbers continuing to rise. This highlights growing road safety concerns in both Caboolture and the wider Moreton Bay area.

In 2024, Queensland recorded a total of 302 road fatalities, marking the highest toll since 2009. Over the past five years, Moreton Bay has seen 95 road deaths, and this busy stretch of Caboolture is a major trouble spot with heavy traffic and congestion. AAMI’s crash index report ranks Caboolture in the top five most dangerous areas, blaming high traffic and risky driving.

Why Are There So Many Crashes?

The most common crash type in Caboolture is nose-to-tail accidents, which make up 25% of all crashes in the past decade. The most dangerous times are in the afternoon, especially during school pick-up hours, and Fridays see the highest number of crashes.

In Moreton Bay, 18 people lost their lives on the roads in 2024, compared to 20 in 2023, 16 in 2022, 21 in 2021, and 20 in 2020. Even though cars are getting safer, bad driving habits are still causing accidents.

The Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) says tougher rules and penalties are needed to stop dangerous driving and improve road safety.

The biggest causes of serious crashes continue to be the ‘Fatal Five’: speeding, fatigue, distractions (like using mobile phones), not wearing seatbelts properly, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Officials warn that speeding is getting worse every year and urge drivers to slow down and drive safely.

Major crash hotspot in Moreton Bay — *Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook*

What Is Being Done?

Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and road safety groups such as RACQ are trying to improve road safety. They are advocating for tougher sanctions and increased public awareness to promote safer driving in congested locations such as Caboolture.

Recent efforts include bringing back the Bruce Highway Advisory Council to focus on key safety issues and making it a priority to secure more funding from the federal government to speed up improvements.

The Moreton Bay region, especially Caboolture, is a key focus for road safety efforts. Authorities ask drivers to stay alert, follow the rules, and help reduce preventable crashes.

Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

Published 24-Jan-2025

New Over-50s Lifestyle Community Set to Open in Burpengary East

A new over-50s lifestyle community is set to open in Burpengary East, offering a resort-style living experience for retirees and downsizers.

Read: Caboolture to Gain Officeworks and Major Storage Facility in New Development

The 12-hectare development, known as Halcyon Serrata, will feature 250 turnkey homes with a guaranteed nine-month build time, catering to the growing demand for quality housing for Australia’s ageing population.

Stockland’s Halcyon Serrata (Photo supplied)

Developed by Stockland, this marks the company’s third over-50s community in the Moreton Bay region. With one in three Australians now over the age of 50, Stockland’s research shows this demographic is projected to grow by 1.8 percent annually over the next decade, outpacing overall population growth. Queensland, in particular, is expected to see an even higher growth rate of 1.9 percent, driven by internal migration and the popularity of coastal and rural living.

Andrew Astorquia, Stockland’s Project Director, said, “As Baby Boomers retire, the land lease model stands out as a key affordable living solution to boost Australia’s housing supply. Halcyon Serrata has been designed to meet the growing demand for quality homes while offering buyers the opportunity to move in sooner, thanks to our guarantee that your home will be built and settle in just nine months.”

He added, “Halcyon communities allow buyers to right-size without compromise, settle faster, and enjoy a lock-up-and-go lifestyle. With the option of seven house designs, and premium fixtures and finishes pre-selected, buyers can relax and enjoy a streamlined build process. Residents will enjoy a clubhouse with captivating views to the koala habitat, a heated magnesium pool, pickleball courts, bowling green, a gold class-style cinema, sauna – and so much more.”

Halcyon Serrata’s amenities will include a 25m heated salt pool with spa, gym and sauna, arts and crafts studio, community gardens, pickleball courts, a bowling green, and a clubhouse with a fireplace, library, and lounge.

Read: First Community Facilities Approved for Waraba’s Lilywood Landings

Located approximately 50 km north of Brisbane, this new lifestyle community is easily accessible via the Bruce Highway and is a short drive to Brisbane International Airport. Expressions of interest are open, with the first release of six sites scheduled for March 2025.

A public information session will take place on 6 March, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m, at The North Lakes Hotel. For more information or to register, visit Halcyon Serrata’s website.

Published 24-January-2025

Caboolture Historical Village Hosts Australia Day Celebrations

Caboolture Historical Village, a unique historical setting, will hold an Australia Day event featuring live music, vehicle displays, and traditional activities. The event will provide a relaxed setting for the local community to enjoy while celebrating the nation’s heritage.

Attendees can explore historical exhibits, enjoy local entertainment, and participate in well-loved Australian pastimes. With a mix of activities for all ages, the event aims to bring together families, history enthusiasts, and motoring fans for fun and cultural appreciation in a unique historical environment.

Australia Day Caboolture — *Photo Credit: Caboolture Historical Village*

Australia Day at Caboolture Historical Village

Caboolture Historical Village has hosted Australia Day events for several years. The event showcases local history and provides activities for all ages. Visitors explore heritage buildings each year, enjoy entertainment, and participate in classic Australian pastimes.

This year, the focus will be on music and motoring, with several attractions spread across the site.

What to Expect

This year’s event embraces a laid-back Aussie Sunday vibe, with music and motoring as the central themes.

Attendees can look forward to a diverse lineup of live performances by local talents, including Play Itt live delivering old-school rock & roll, Blarney Stone blending Australian classics with Celtic vibes, Zedd Charles bringing smooth blues melodies, and Hinterland d’Amore offering an urban country music experience.
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Beyond the music, visitors can immerse themselves in the village’s rich heritage by exploring 70 historical buildings filled with local artefacts. Enthusiasts can also browse motoring exhibits featuring vintage cars, motorcycles, and machinery, while families can take part in traditional Australia Day activities such as thong tossing and toad racing.

To make the most of the relaxed atmosphere, attendees are encouraged to bring camp chairs or picnic blankets.

Caboolture Historical Village celebrates Australia Day 2025 — Photo Credit: *The Travelling Jackaroo/Facebook*

Event Details

Date: Sunday, 26 January 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Parade at 1:00 p.m.)
Location: Caboolture Historical Village

Entry Fees:

Adults: $15
Children (6-16 years): $5
Children 5 and under: Free

Tickets:

Tickets are available online via TryBooking or at the gate on the day.

GET TICKETS

Parking:

A gold coin donation is required for parking, with proceeds supporting the Caboolture & District Woodcrafters Inc.

Looking Ahead

The event provides a unique opportunity for locals and visitors to connect with the area’s history. Organisers expect strong attendance and encourage participation in traditional games and hands-on experiences.

The organisers also plan to build on the success of past events by considering additional features in future celebrations. Feedback from attendees will help shape upcoming events.

Photo Credit: Australia Day 2025/TryBooking

Published 20-Jan-2025

Unitywater Upgrades Meters in Burpengary and Morayfield

To ensure accurate water bills and a reliable supply in the new year, Unitywater is replacing water meters across Burpengary and Morayfield this January.

Read: Morayfield Urgent Care Clinic the Busiest in Queensland

This initiative is part of the organisation’s annual water meter replacement program, which focuses on swapping out older meters to maintain the highest standards of service for the community.

Unitywater prioritises replacing meters that have reached the end of their lifespan due to age, those that have measured high volumes of water over time—for example, in larger households or properties with extensive gardens—or those showing signs of wear and tear, leaks, damage, or inaccurate readings.

Unitywater executive manager Mike Basterfield says that this program is all about making sure the water meter readings and customer bills are as accurate as possible.

Unitywater to Ensure Smooth and Efficient Process

The replacement process is designed to be quick and cause minimal disruption to residents. Unitywater crews expect each meter replacement to take between 30 minutes to an hour. Residents whose meters are scheduled for replacement will receive a notification card in their letterbox at least 48 hours before the work begins.

To help residents keep track of their water usage, Unitywater crews will also leave a card with the final reading from the old meter. This allows customers to compare the reading against their next Unitywater bill for added peace of mind.

Read: Caboolture Soldier Loses Lower Leg in Ukraine Landmine Blast

This program is just one of the ways Unitywater is working to maintain and improve water infrastructure in the region. For more information on Unitywater’s maintenance programs, residents can visit their website here.

Photo Credit: Supplied

Published 20-January-2025

Morayfield Urgent Care Clinic the Busiest in Queensland

The Morayfield Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) is currently the busiest in Queensland, treating an average of 89 patients per day over the past six months since it joined the Medicare Urgent Care Clinic Program in July 2024.

This high volume of patients highlights the critical role these clinics play in providing accessible healthcare to the community.

On 1 August 2024, the Health Hub Morayfield’s Minor Accident and Illness Centre officially became part of Australia’s Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) Program under a two-year agreement with Brisbane North Primary Health Network.

This initiative strengthens access to bulk-billed, high-quality healthcare for Morayfield, Caboolture, and North Moreton Bay residents while alleviating pressure on hospital emergency departments. Over 60% of surveyed patients indicated they would have visited a hospital emergency department if the clinic was unavailable.

The UCC provides urgent care for non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses via a dedicated team of doctors, nurse practitioners, and nurses. Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., 365 days a year, the clinic ensures timely, cost-free care close to home.

Surge in Demand for Urgent Care

*Photo Credit:* *Health Hub Doctors Morayfield*

Queensland’s network of 16 free urgent care clinics is experiencing significant demand. They treat an average of 568 patients daily, and this demand has surged by 15% over the recent Christmas and New Year period. Weekends are particularly busy for clinics.

More than 25% of patient visits occur after 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, indicating a strong need for after-hours care. The clinics effectively reduce pressure on hospital emergency departments and satellite hospitals by offering an alternative for those with urgent, but not life-threatening, conditions.

Common Ailments and Patient Demographics

Morayfield Urgent Care Clinic — *Photo Credit:* *Health Hub Doctors Morayfield*

Since opening, Queensland’s UCCs have recorded over 186,500 patient visits. The most frequent reasons for visiting include lacerations, upper respiratory tract infections, coughs, and ear infections. Notably, over a quarter of the patients are under 15 years old. While Morayfield is the busiest, the newest clinic in Oxley, which opened in November, treats an average of 17 patients daily.

The Federal Health Minister, Mark Butler, has acknowledged the positive impact of the UCCs, stating that they are making a real difference in communities. He acknowledged that access to healthcare remains a challenge and expressed a commitment to further strengthening Medicare. However, Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls emphasised the need for increased federal funding for general practice through higher Medicare rebates.

He believes this is crucial to ensure the sustainability of primary care services. Nicholls also highlighted the federal government’s responsibility in funding primary care and emphasised the need for faster-aged care and NDIS assessments, which would help alleviate pressure on emergency departments.

Published Date 15-Jan-2025

Photo Credit: Health Hub Doctors Morayfield