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Investigators: Radio Issues in Plane Led to Caboolture Airfield Crash

A preliminary report by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) says they are investigating to confirm if radio issues and a third plane could have inadvertently contributed to a midair collision that killed two people at the Caboolture Airfield last July.

Read: Caboolture Satellite Hospital Opens & Welcomes First Patients

The accident occurred when a Cessna 172 student pilot taxied onto the runway as a Piper Pawnee tow plane was attempting to land.

The Piper aborted its landing, colliding shortly after with a Jabiru J430 that was taking off from an intersecting runway. The Jabiru’s occupants, local pilot David Maddern and his wife Jan, were both killed in the crash.

According to the ATSB report, the student pilot had turned down his radio volume to conduct engine run-ups and did not restore the volume before taxiing. As a result, he did not hear Piper’s communications. Investigators believe this led the Piper pilot to abort the landing, putting it on a collision course with the Jabiru.

caboolture airfield — Photo credit: atsb.gov.au

ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell stated the investigation is ongoing, as analysts examine radio recordings, CCTV footage, witness accounts and the crash site itself to fully understand the sequence of events. He noted investigators are looking into a range of factors that may have contributed.

“Not all radio calls at Caboolture were recorded and our analysis of witnesses’ recollections of radio calls is continuing, so we are still building our understanding of the nature of the calls made, and giving consideration to a range of other potential factors,” said Mr Mitchell.

According to aviation experts, communication issues on busy runways can quickly create hazardous situations. The incident highlights the critical importance of pilots maintaining situational awareness through radio contact and visual scanning.

Read: Moreton Bay Waives Some Development and Infrastructure Fees To Boost Housing Sector

The ATSB expects to issue a final report once all factors surrounding the collision at Caboolture Airfield have been thoroughly examined. In the meantime, officials say valuable safety lessons are already emerging from the tragic incident.

Featured image credit: Australian Transport Safety Bureau/Facebook

Published 12-September-2023

Caboolture State High Students Win Ekka Student Made Cheese Competition

Year 11 students from Caboolture State High School won multiple top honours at the Ekka Student Made Cheese Competition Awards, besting cheese entries from 25 different schools across Queensland.

Read: Nature-Themed Playground Added to Burpengary’s Greenspace in Multi-Million Dollar Upgrade

The competition took place at the 2023 Royal Queensland Show in the Brisbane showgrounds on September 8.

In the Class 2 – Mould Ripened Cheese – Blue category, Caboolture SHS students Ashlee H and Archie H took first and second place respectively. Their winning entries were called “Bluey” and “Notes.”

Third place in the category went to Beerwah State High School for their cheese “Blue Ribbon Buddies – The Blue Wheel of Fortune.”

The Caboolture State High School students’ wins demonstrate their dedication to excellence in cheesemaking.

Overall, the judges were incredibly impressed with the quality of the cheeses entered in the competition this year. “The cheeses were better than we’ve ever judged in this competition,” said chief judge and dairy expert Russell Smith.

Smith and fellow judge Mark Livemore found it hard to believe how good the student-made cheeses were, even scoring many higher than commercial cheeses they evaluated earlier this year.

About the Student Made Cheese Competition

The annual Student Made Cheese Competition offers students a unique opportunity for hands-on education about where their food comes from.

For primary school students, the competition introduces the basics of cheesemaking and the dairy industry. Secondary students can apply their knowledge of chemistry, biology, and technology while crafting cheeses to enter in the competition.

The competition builds on the free cheesemaking workshops for educators led by international dairy judge Russell Smith. These workshops give teachers the skills to lead their own curriculums on cheesemaking, which intersects with science subjects students are already studying.

The program is the only one of its kind in Australia that allows classrooms to incorporate cheesemaking into their lesson plans. Through their creations, students gain an appreciation of the dairy industry along with pride in crafting their own food from start to finish.

Read: Toorbul Proposes Renaming Park After Late Community Member John Van Peype

The cheese competition was part of the larger Ekka dairy awards, which also included a beverage category. In total, students entered 129 cheeses and 49 beverages from 25 schools across Queensland.

Featured image: Caboolture State High School students Zyla Rubie (L) and Ashlee Hope with their awards (Photo supplied)

Published 11-September-2023

Caboolture West Affordable Housing Boom: 2,000 New Blocks Announced

Four new residential communities bringing a total of 2,000 affordable housing blocks will be built in Caboolture West over the next two years, developers announced.

Read: Reimagining Caboolture: New Blueprint Unveiled to Revitalise City Centre

The four new neighbourhoods will offer a range of affordable housing options, including land lots starting at 300 sqm for custom builds, turnkey homes that are move-in ready, and combined house and land packages.

The first display village showcasing model homes and land lots will open by mid-2025 near the entrance to the masterplanned community.

Developers AVID Property Group, Baycrown Property Group, Lennium Group and Orchard Property Group, which received approval from the Moreton Bay Regional Council in August 2023, will begin work on infrastructure like water, sewerage, roads and intersections starting in mid-October.

“Caboolture West’s first precinct – the new suburb of Lilywood within the Waraba area – will comprise about 70 hectares of greenspace, pedestrian and bike paths stretching 4.5km along the Caboolture River, a new state primary school, sporting fields, local parks and a town centre featuring shopping and other amenities,” AVID stated.

At the same time, they will also start subdivision works to create the first registered blocks of land, which will be available for purchase later this year and completed by October 2024.

City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said he was pleased to see the development moving forward.

“Well-planned communities like Caboolture West don’t happen overnight and are the result years of detailed land use and infrastructure planning and collaboration between all stakeholders,” Cr Flannery said.

Mayor Flannery stated that the future residents will be the ultimate winners, benefiting from the diverse affordable housing options, walkable neighbourhoods, local parks, a district-scale sports facility, a new primary school, shopping facilities, and at least 70 hectares of green space with pedestrian and cycle paths along the Caboolture River.

Read: Nature-Themed Playground Added to Burpengary’s Greenspace in Multi-Million Dollar Upgrade

Originally known as Caboolture West, the area has been renamed Waraba by developers. Over the next 40 years, it is expected to be transformed into a thriving community home to approximately 70,000 residents and 30,000 homes.

Featured image credit: avid.com.au

Published 7-September-2023

Reimagining Caboolture: New Blueprint Unveiled to Revitalise City Centre

The City of Moreton Bay has unveiled Reimagining Caboolture: Revitalisation Vision, a blueprint to reimagine and revitalise Caboolture’s city centre.

Read: ‘Bay Cats’ Could Ease Bruce Highway Congestion and Boost Tourism in Moreton Bay

The blueprint represents a concerted effort to redefine Caboolture’s image and character, positioning it as a dynamic, adaptable and sustainable urban hub.

Over the next five years, Council will invest $44 million in transformative projects aimed at catalysing industry investment and growth in Caboolture. Major investments include $18.2 million for active transport upgrades connecting Elliot Street to the Caboolture River, $12.5 million for Centenary Lakes and sports complex renewals, and $3 million for a new water park and play space.

Reimagining Caboolture — Photo credit: www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au

Additional projects in the pipeline are pathway improvements, drainage and road upgrades, a safer bridge crossing over the Caboolture River, and streetscape enhancements – all aimed at better connecting residents to the River and CBD.

According to Mayor Peter Flannery, the strategy signifies a deliberate shift towards building a polycentric city that champions equity and sustainability.

“Supporting our centres and linking them together will ensure equitable access to housing, employment, services and lifestyle. The latest census shows we are making some inroads, with a higher percentage of residents now having the option to work locally and more choosing to do so,” said Mayor Flannery.

“By embracing growth and collaboration, we can foster sustainable urban expansion and economic prosperity, while going green as we grow.”

The renewed focus on transforming Caboolture comes at an opportune time, with the area primed for reinvigoration given its untapped potential. Cr Adam Hain welcomed the strategy, noting that as a major hub, Caboolture is ripe for redevelopment.

Reimagining Caboolture: Revitalisation Vision aims to catalyse new business opportunities and jobs for locals, foster a vibrant café and dining culture, improve connections to the river, and deliver upgraded pedestrian-friendly streetscapes.

Read: Nature-Themed Playground to Grace Burpengary’s Greenspace in Multi-Million Dollar Upgrade

In August, Council sought industry feedback on the strategy to gauge commercial interest and viability of prospective partnerships to bring the vision to life. The market sounding process closes September 27, with major projects slated to commence thereafter. Email major.projects@moretonbay.qld.gov.au to take part in the market sounding.

Featured image credit: www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au

Published 1-September-2023

Nature-Themed Playground Added to Burpengary’s Greenspace in Multi-Million Dollar Upgrade

An innovative, nature-themed playground will soon begin construction at the Caboolture Region Environmental Education Centre (CREEC) in Burpengary, with $1.5 million funding allocated for the project.

Situated on a sprawling 18-hectare greenspace along the Burpengary River, the playground is slated to commence construction in late 2023, with an anticipated completion of its first phase by early 2024.

The site’s objective is to offer children an active learning experience within the backdrop of Moreton Bay’s stunning natural environment. Mayor Peter Flannery expressed his enthusiasm for the upgrades, highlighting their potential to draw visitors from across the region and beyond.

“The new play space will attract visitors from across Moreton Bay and wider, improving our ever-growing tourism offering and bringing additional trade to local businesses,” Mayor Flannery emphasized.

Nature-themed playground in Burpengary — Photo Credit: MBRC

The initial phase of the project will see the installation of custom play equipment that takes inspiration from the local natural surroundings. These imaginative nature-themed playground is intended to seamlessly blend with the existing landscape and offer children a unique and engaging play experience.

The development aims to create a signature park destination for the City of Moreton Bay, bolstering its reputation as a hub for outdoor recreation and environmental education.

CREEC, renowned for its nature walk trails, a community nursery, native beehives, “nocturnal room,” and café, serves as a key centre for environmental education and recreational activities for the community. This project aligns with Council’s commitment to fostering a deep connection between the residents and the natural assets of the Moreton Bay area.

Furthermore, the future phases of the initiative include comprehensive upgrades to the centre, the creation of a new picnic hub complete with seating, shelters, and tables, additional parking facilities, and enhanced accessibility for the existing trails.

LEARN MORE: Caboolture Region Environmental Education Centre Draft Master Plan

Councilman Tony Latter, representing Division 12, underlined the project’s significance in preserving the region’s rich natural heritage while providing a space for families to enjoy.

“Not only is the CREEC a great place for an affordable family day out, it’s helping Moreton Bay residents and visitors to care for our natural assets through education and awareness,” he stated.

The ongoing works will have minimal impact on the access to existing CREEC facilities located at 150 Rowley Road, Burpengary, ensuring that visitors can continue to enjoy the site’s offerings throughout the construction period.

Published 30-Aug-2023

Petersen Road Sports Ground and Rob Akers Reserve Upgrades: How Moreton Bay Leads the Way for Women in Sport

Following the opening of the Petersen Road Sports Ground in Caboolture last July, the Rob Akers Reserve has also been upgraded. The Pine Rivers Swans Australian Football Club unveiled a $3.1-million upgrade at the reserve, a move that will hopefully increase women’s participation in the sport, particularly in light of the success of the Matildas on the international stage.

Read: Local Boxer and ‘Hunted Australia’ Contestant Taylah Robertson to Fight Back-to-Back Matches

Supporting women in sport

In a move that local officials said will bring “… a 50-year-old club into the 21st century,” the upgrades at Rob Akers Reserve, which include a new clubhouse and change rooms, have been made possible thanks to joint funding from the council, the State Government and AFL Queensland.

“We want to be able to give everyone a go, no matter what your ability or background, and we’re doing that by providing the best possible community sports facilities for our residents to enjoy,” Mayor Peter Flannery said.

Mr Flannery highlighted the Council’s commitment to supporting women’s sport, noting that Moreton Bay has been delivering vital infrastructure to support women’s sports for year.

He noted that the city has opened nine sports facilities with unisex changing facilities in the last 18 months. This includes hosting the 2022 NRLW Grand Final and building a new home for the Brisbane Roar Women.

Petersen Road Sports Ground launched in July

Together with the Caboolture Sports Club, Council also provided support for a $6.4-million upgrade of Petersen Road Sports Ground in the second quarter of 2023.

The new clubhouse, tiered seating and viewing decks will benefit the nearly 2,000 local players who use the ground.

Sports Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the upgrade would encourage more women and girls to play rugby and touch football.

“Right now, Queensland is witnessing phenomenal growth in the number of females getting involved in sport, including traditionally male-dominated codes.”

Read: Long Wait Times and Staffing Concerns Plague Caboolture Satellite Hospital

The upgrades will provide modern, inclusive facilities to support the region’s growing demand for sporting participation. Taken together, the new facilities represent a major boost for women’s sport in Moreton Bay.

“We want to see more Queenslanders staying active and healthy as part of a lasting community sport legacy from the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” he said.

Published 30 August 2023

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

Local Boxer and ‘Hunted Australia’ Contestant Taylah Robertson to Fight Back-to-Back Matches

St Columban’s College graduate Taylah Robertson, 25, is preparing for her next fight on the undercard of the IBO World Cruiserweight title fight between Floyd Masson and Yves Ngabu. Robertson, an orthodox fighter standing at 164cm, will take on Harma Yesti in a super flyweight bout. The fight follows her recent appearance on reality show Hunted Australia, where she went into hiding with Glenn Azar but was eventually captured.

Read: Local Boxer Ben Hussain Beats Koen Mazoudier in Thrilling ‘Fight of the Year’ Contest

Taylah Robertson, bronze medallist

Robertson is no stranger to high-profile matches. In 2018, she represented Australia at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast. Though she lost her lone bout to England’s Lisa Whiteside, a series of events led to Robertson claiming the bronze. With only seven entrants, Robertson received a first-round bye due to random selection. After her semi-final defeat, she still earned a bronze thanks to the rule awarding medals to both losing semi-finalists.

With a professional record of 8-1-0, including 2 KOs and 6 unanimous decision wins, Robertson will be looking to please her fans with a yet another decisive victory over Yesti.

Reality show appearance precedes back-to-back fights

Boxer duo Taylah Robertson and Glenn Azar. Photo Credit: Instagram/Taylah Robertson

Robertson recently appeared as a contestant on Hunted Australia, a reality show in which fugitives have to evade expert hunters for 21 days. She teamed up with fellow boxer and military veteran Glenn Azar to test their survival skills against the hunters.

The duo used clever tactics such as planting decoy bags and swapping getaway vehicles to stay off the radar. But Azar’s friend Luke, an ex-Special Forces soldier nicknamed ‘Blue’, eventually tracked them down and eliminated them from the competition on Day 6.

Just over a month after this experience, Robertson is thrust back into competition with two fights booked a month apart.

On September 9, she takes on Harma Yesti on the undercard of the IBO Cruiserweight World Title match. Then, incredibly, Robertson has another fight lined up on October 7.

Read: Long Wait Times and Staffing Concerns Plague Caboolture Satellite Hospital

Prior to this busy schedule, Robertson had not fought since March when she took on Mexican Jaqueline Mucio Munoz, meaning she had been out of the ring for over 5 months. The back-to-back fights will test the 25-year-old’s conditioning and stamina.

With only a few weeks to recover and train between fights, Robertson will need to be at her best to take two wins and prove that her stint on the reality show has only sharpened her skills.

Published 26 August 2023

Photo Credit: Instagram/Taylah Robertson

Long Wait Times and Staffing Concerns Plague Caboolture Satellite Hospital

Queensland’s first satellite hospital in Caboolture, touted as an innovative solution to alleviate pressure on main hospital facilities, is facing criticisms from patients due to excessively long wait times and staffing issues.

The satellite hospital, located in close proximity to the main Caboolture Hospital, opened in late July 2023 with the promise of providing timely medical care for minor injuries and illnesses. However, recent incidents have raised concerns about its effectiveness.

On a recent Monday, 21 Aug 2023, frustrated patients like Brooke and Kendra Young experienced an unexpectedly prolonged wait at the satellite hospital. Kendra, who suffers from a condition that can cause her throat to close when she’s sick, waited for nearly four hours alongside only 12 other patients to receive medical attention for a viral infection. Much to their disappointment, only one doctor was on duty at the facility during their visit.

“We arrived at 10.30 and in total 12 others walked through the doors,” Ms Young said. “We weren’t seen for four hours. It was absolutely ridiculous. There would be no way I would come here again, I just don’t understand it.”

Despite its intended purpose, the level of care and resources available at the facility were reportedly lacking. However, some patients have had relatively efficient experiences

The opposition has also been critical of the satellite hospital program, arguing that the lack of overnight beds disqualifies these facilities from being labeled as hospitals. Additionally, budget overruns have raised concerns about the program’s financial sustainability.

Despite the challenges faced by the Caboolture satellite hospital, Queensland’s Health Minister Shannon Fentiman remains committed to the concept. A third satellite hospital was recently opened in Redlands, with plans to cater to up to 1000 patients a week once fully operational.

Minister Fentiman emphasized the need to provide quality healthcare to all Queenslanders, regardless of their location, while acknowledging the pressures on the healthcare system.

Published 24-Aug-2023

Local Boxer Ben Hussain Beats Koen Mazoudier in Thrilling ‘Fight of the Year’ Contest

Caboolture boxing hero “The Hype Beast” Ben Hussain emerged victorious last night in an instant classic that is already being hailed as the Aussie Fight of the Year. Facing Blacktown’s Koen Mazoudier in the super welterweight division, Hussain took a majority decision victory in a thrilling ten-round war.

Read: Toorbul Proposes Renaming Park After Late Community Member John Van Peype

All-out war from start to finish

Ben Hussain — Photo Credit: Instagram/The Hype Beast

There was no shortage of animosity between Hussain and Mazoudier in the build-up to the fight. The two exchanged heated words and almost agreed to a controversial $30,000 ‘winner takes all’ bet at a pre-fight press conference.

When the opening bell rang, it was clear that neither fighter was willing to take a step back. Hussain and Mazoudier traded heavy shots from the outset and fought at an incredible pace through all ten rounds. Commentators and fans alike were amazed by the relentless action.

“We’re seeing an all-out war,” said broadcaster Ben Damon. Fellow commentator Barry Michael called it “one of the best fights I’ve seen in a long, long time”.

Ben Hussain shows trademark toughness

In the hard-fought victory, the 188cm tall Hussain showed the toughness and will that has defined his professional boxing career. Back in 2020, he suffered a horrific broken jaw during a fight, but remarkably completed six rounds before the doctor stopped the fight.

“We thought it might have been a cut tongue or laceration inside the mouth. But it is a broken jaw and with that being said, Benjamin Hussain has shown he’s otherworldly tough,” commented Damon back then.

Local hero ekes out a win

When the final bell rang last night, most scorecards were too close to call. In the end, the judges awarded Hussain a majority decision victory (95-95, 96-94, 96-94). It was the first win of his career that was not by knockout or unanimous decision.

His record now stands at an impressive 10-2-0 with 6 KOs.

Read: ‘Bay Cats’ Could Ease Bruce Highway Congestion and Boost Tourism in Moreton Bay

After the fight, Hussain showed his opponent respect for the hard-fought contest. In a gracious moment, the two exhausted fighters embraced in a show of mutual admiration.

Published 24 August 2023
Featured Image Photo Credit: Instagram/No Limit Boxing

Toorbul Proposes Renaming Park After Late Community Member John Van Peype

A proposal aims to commemorate the life and service of John Van Peype, a beloved Toorbul community member by naming a local park after him.

Read: ‘Bay Cats’ Could Ease Bruce Highway Congestion and Boost Tourism in Moreton Bay

Mr Van Peype, who passed away in 2012, dedicated decades of his life to volunteering for various organisations in the Toorbul area, earning him the reputation as a local hero.

The proposal put forth by Moreton Bay Regional Council would name a park located at 107 The Esplanade in Toorbul as ‘John Van Peype Park’ to honour Mr Van Peype’s volunteer work and advocacy.

Mr Van Peype was one of the founding members of the Toorbul Rural Fire Brigade, the Toorbul & Donnybrook Seniors Club, and the Toorbul Fishing Club. He helped build the Toorbul Community Hall and spent years as a member of the Toorbul Progress Association in the 1970s and 1980s.

“It’s really important we can honour members of the community that have served their local community and naming a park after a great man like John is a small way we can show appreciation,” Mayor Peter Flannery said.

Councillor Brooke Savige, whose division includes Toorbul, agreed that dedicating the park to Mr Van Peype is an appropriate recognition of his service.

“John assisted in raising funds for the community, clubs and the ambulance service. He was also a volunteer with the local fire brigade and gave much of himself for others,” Cr Savige said.

Beyond his volunteer work, Cr Savige noted that Mr Van Peype was also a war veteran, with his name appearing on the local ANZAC Cenotaph that he helped construct.

Read: Vietnam Veterans Remembered in Burpengary on 50th Anniversary of Australian Withdrawal

Honouring selfless volunteers like John Van Peype is one small way the community can preserve the legacies of its local heroes. The dedication of a park in the area Mr Van Peype loved would be a fitting tribute to his spirit of service.

Featured image credit: Google Street View

Published 22-August-2023