HomepageNews Archives - Page 44 of 57

Caboolture Police Calls for Creative Minds: A Community Mural Project

The Caboolture Crime Stoppers is inviting the local community to help turn a plain shipping container, located at the back of the Caboolture Police Station, into a captivating piece of public art.

Previously used only for storage, the container will symbolise unity and creativity in the Moreton Bay area.

The shipping container measures 5.9 meters in length and 2.39 meters in height. Those interested in contributing their artistic vision to this project can submit their designs via email to Moreton.media@police.qld.gov.au, with entries closing on 5 May 2024.

Residents of the Moreton Police District are encouraged to let their imaginations run wild and submit mural designs. The focus is on the side of the container facing the new Caboolture PCYC, which is currently under construction.

The winning design, chosen by a panel of judges, will earn its creator recognition and bragging rights and prizes.

Bunnings Caboolture and Dulux will contribute to this communal project by providing the necessary materials to bring the winning mural to life. This gesture underscores the community spirit and the collaborative effort to enhance the local landscape.

The mural’s theme, “Making our community safer,” reflects the aspirations of the Caboolture community. Participants are encouraged to draw inspiration from the PCYC ethos and its commitment to building safer, healthier communities. Additionally, the roles of Crime Stoppers in crime prevention and community safety are suggested as potential sources of inspiration.

Published 28-March-2024

Popular Woodpecker Bar & Grill Sold for Major Redevelopment

Woodpecker Bar & Grill, a popular watering hole in the fast-growing Burpengary Meadows area between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, has been sold to pub giant Australian Venue Co for $48.6 million as part of a four-property portfolio deal.

Australian Venue Co purchased Woodpecker and three other pubs — Hotel Allen in Townsville, Ball Court Hotel in Melbourne’s Sunbury, and Royal Mail Hotel in Noosa’s Tewantin — from landlord Hotel Property Investments (HPI). The total sale price matched the $48.6 million book value.

The acquisition paves the way for Australian Venue Co to undertake major redevelopment works at Woodpecker and the other venues. With over 200 pubs and $1.1 billion in revenues, AVC has a “proven track record” of enhancing properties through strategic investment, according to CEO Paul Waterson.

“We are confident that the capital investment program announced today with our landlord, HPI, will deliver material operational improvements and transform these venues into modern properties that become the cornerstone of local communities.” Waterson said of the company’s renovation plans.

In the deal with HPI, the landlord agreed to simultaneously reinvest sale proceeds into upgrading several of its retained Queensland and South Australian hotels to the tune of $50 million. This includes $23.7 million being immediately put into properties like The Strand, Berserker Tavern and Brighton Hotel in Queensland.

“Despite challenging capital markets conditions, we remain committed to implementing initiatives to further enhance HPI’s market leading portfolio and drive long-term securityholder returns,” said HPI’s Acting CEO Blair Strik, calling the pricing on the four pubs “attractive.”

For the booming Burpengary Meadows region, the redevelopment of Woodpecker could elevate the area’s dining and entertainment offering. The suburb’s population has swelled in recent years as a key northern growth corridor for Brisbane.

The Woodpecker acquisition comes after private equity firm PAG recently took a controlling stake in Australian Venue Co from KKR earlier this year. It marks AVC’s first major move since that deal.

Settlement on the Woodpecker and Royal Mail Hotel sales are expected within 12 months, while the other two pubs will change hands imminently.

Published 25-March-2024

Teenage Girl Rushed to Caboolture Hospital After Suffering Multiple Snake Bites

A teenager was rushed to Caboolture Hospital after suffering multiple snake bites to her foot at a private residence in Dayboro, earlier this week.

Read: Zero-Tolerance Policy Over Dog Attack in Morayfield That Left Four People Injured

Emergency services were called to the rural town in the Moreton Bay region just before 11:30 p.m. on Monday, March 18.

Queensland Ambulance paramedics found the girl, in her mid-teens, had sustained multiple bites to her foot from an unknown snake species. She was transported to Caboolture Hospital in a stable condition.

snake bites — Photo credit: Glenn Batten/Google Maps

In a separate incident this week, a man has tragically died after being bitten by a highly venomous snake near Townsville. Reports indicate the snake was likely an eastern brown snake, however the exact species has not been confirmed. The man was rushed to hospital in critical condition but did not survive the venomous bite.

Eastern brown snake (Photo credit: environment.des.qld.gov.au)

Snake bite incidents, whilst relatively rare, can potentially be life-threatening if anti-venom is not administered promptly. Residents in rural and bushland areas are reminded to be cautious and seek immediate medical attention if bitten by a venomous snake.

Snake bites are always considered medical emergencies, prompting the Queensland Ambulance Service to urge calling Triple Zero (000) immediately if one occurs. The Ambulance Service stresses the importance of not delaying medical treatment when snake bite incidents happen.

Snakes in Queensland

According to the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation, Queensland is a veritable hotspot for snake species, with around 120 different kinds found across the state.

A staggering 65 percent of these snakes are venomous, including the extremely dangerous front-fanged elapids like brown snakes and taipans, as well as some rear-fanged colubrid varieties.

Red-bellied black snake (Photo credit: Queensland Museum)

The department notes that snakes are frequently drawn into residential areas unintentionally when homeowners provide sources of food and shelter. Brown snakes and taipans, which feed on rodents, may be lured to garden sheds, barns, or other outbuildings inhabited by rats and mice.

Pythons routinely enter chicken coops and aviaries to hunt the birds housed within, and have also been known to take up residence in roof spaces whilst hunting small mammals like possums.

Northern tree snake (Photo credit: Queensland Museum)

The brown tree snake specialises in raiding aviaries after making its way inside to consume caged birds. At night, these arboreal serpents also hunt geckos around windows and other entry points into homes. Even the generally innocuous common tree snake can find its way indoors whilst pursuing frog prey around garden areas.

Read: Caboolture Satellite Hospital Easing Pressure on Main Hospital, Early Reports Say

With such an abundance of venomous serpents found throughout Queensland’s urban and suburban environments, authorities urge residents to exercise extreme vigilance and immediately seek emergency medical treatment if bitten.

Featured image credit: Peter Baskerville/Google Maps

Published 21-March-2024

Justice Served in Caboolture: A Reckless Drive Ends in Catastrophe and Consequences

A man was sentenced to six years in prison for reckless driving that resulted in a catastrophic collision with a police van in Caboolture, severely injuring three officers and underscoring the perilous risks law enforcement faces alongside the dire outcomes of hazardous driving behaviours.

On March 18, 2024, David James Nichols, a 30-year-old driver, was sentenced to six years in prison by DC Judge Ian Dearden in Brisbane District Court. Nichols pleaded guilty to several charges, including dangerous driving that caused grievous bodily harm.

His history of assaulting authority figures and his actions leading up to the collision painted a troubling picture of his disregard for law and order.

On the afternoon of 12 March 2022, the tranquillity of a residential area in Caboolture was shattered when Mr Nichols, driving a ute at alarming speeds, collided head-on with a police van. The dashcam footage, capturing this harrowing moment, depicted Nichols’s vehicle hurtling down the wrong side of the road, showing no signs of braking or attempting to avoid the impending disaster.

The Aftermath: Injuries and Consequences

The collision left a male officer trapped within the wreckage for an excruciating thirty minutes, subsequently spending weeks in intensive care. He sustained kidney damage and extensive injuries to his limbs.

A female officer sustained sternum injuries, whilst another male officer was left with a concussion and facial wounds. These injuries had physical ramifications and deeply affected their personal and professional lives.

Mr Nichols himself did not emerge unscathed; he also suffered grievous injuries from the crash, now facing a lifetime reminder of his actions through the constant use of crutches or a wheelchair. His defence barrister, Colin Reid, highlighted Nichols’ remorse and the unwavering support of his family, noting Nichols’ heartfelt apology to the victims during his court appearance, expressing a wish to undo his reckless actions.

The Bigger Picture: Safety and Respect for Authority

As Mr Nichols serves his sentence, he will be eligible for parole in July 2025. This case has had a profound impact on the victims, their families, and the wider community. It serves as a stark reminder of the risks that police officers face and the dire consequences of dangerous driving.

The incident highlights the need for respect towards those in authority and the critical importance of adhering to traffic laws to ensure the safety of all members of the community.

Published 20-March-2024

Caboolture Sawmill Expansion Marks Strategic Investment Success

The Caboolture Sawmill Expansion Project is now complete, with double the site’s original production capacity, support for over 800 jobs in the area, and improved efficiency of timber recovery from the resource.

An acoustic barrier was installed as part of the extension, creating a more favourable atmosphere for the neighbourhood and production. There has been very little disturbance as a result of the smooth transition to a two-shift business.

By using state-of-the-art technology and strategic modifications and with the site’s production capacity practically doubled, Associated Kiln Driers Pty Ltd (AKD) says that 370,000 cubic metre of sawlog that was sourced locally is currently being processed.

Operational improvements have led to the creation of more than 100 new skilled manufacturing positions that are permanent. Furthermore, according to REMPLAN modelling, it is anticipated to sustain an extra 763 jobs in the area economy.

Acoustic Barrier wall — Photo Credit: Website/Associated Kiln Driers Pty Ltd (AKD)

AKD Greenmill Operator Tony Watts, Hon Catherine King MP and AKD CEO Shane Vicary — Photo Credit: Website/Associated Kiln Driers Pty Ltd (AKD)

The Australian Government provided a $10-million grant, which made the $41 million project possible. AKD contributed the remaining $31 million.

Hon Catherine King, Min of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development said, “The Caboolture Sawmill Expansion embodies our dedication to supporting thriving communities through sustainable economic growth,” underscoring the government’s commitment to promoting local economies and employment creation.

Hon Anthony Chisholm, the Asst Min for Regional Development emphasised the project’s importance in supporting Queensland’s building sector and lowering dependency on imported lumber. “In the long run, our investment will boost Queensland’s economy by ensuring local firms and skills have a sustainable future,” the speaker said.

Shane Vicary, CEO of AKD, thanked everyone for their support and noted how important each and every stakeholder was. He highlighted the teamwork that made the project possible by saying, “This project secures the future of the Caboolture sawmill, ensuring continued employment and growth opportunities for the region.”

Published 19-March-2024

Photo Credit for the Featured Image: Website/Associated Kiln Driers Pty Ltd (AKD)

Urgent Appeal: Seeking Witnesses to Bruce Highway Altercation Near Caboolture

A concerning incident involving a white 2015 Holden Colorado travelling southbound on the Bruce Highway from Gympie to Caboolture, with a 4-year-old girl seated in the rear passenger seat, has the Queensland Police asking for the public’s help.

Near the on-ramp from the Sunshine Motorway at Sippy Downs, the driver of the Colorado encountered a light workman’s truck carrying concreting equipment in the right lane, including a wheelbarrow and cement mixer.

Attempting to merge into the right lane, the Colorado driver signalled his intentions to the truck driver. However, upon merging, the truck allegedly collided with the rear end of the Colorado, forcing the driver back into the left lane to avoid further danger.

The situation escalated when the truck driver purportedly accelerated and cut off the Colorado, preventing them from passing. Subsequently, the Colorado driver decided to pull over into what he believed was an emergency stopping bay north of the Palmview exit just before reaching Caloundra. The truck followed suit, pulling over in front of them.

The truck driver reportedly brandished weapons and vandalised the Colorado, damaging the headlights and bonnet, and subsequently shattering the rear passenger window where the driver’s daughter was seated.

Authorities urge anyone with information or who may have witnessed the incident to come forward. Whether you spotted the vehicles involved or possess dash cam footage, your assistance is invaluable in resolving this matter.

Please contact Policelink on 131 444 if you can provide any details. Any information, no matter how small, could prove crucial.

To report information anonymously, you can also contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or submit a report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated in helping ensure the safety of our community.

Published 18-March-2024

Caboolture Hospital Welcomes Leap Year Baby: A Rare Celebration

On a day that arrives only every four years, Caboolture Hospital recorded the birth of its lone Leap Year baby for 2024, Emerson, the pride and joy of parents Kelley and Roy Mahoney.

Born on 29 February 2024, Emerson’s arrival was a joyful surprise for the couple, who had anticipated a March 6 delivery. Roy expressed feelings of joy because it’s pretty special to have a baby born on “such a unique day.”

Other Leap Year Births in Brisbane

In 2020, Tahlia Field, a young mother, also from Caboolture, experienced the special joy of giving birth to her son on 29 February, which also happened to be her own leap year birthday. This rare coincidence, with odds of 1 in 2,134,521, created a unique bond between mother and son, who will celebrate their actual birthdays only every four years.

On 29 February 1940, the Brisbane Women’s Hospital in Herston added to the leap year festivities by welcoming twelve leap year babies.

Caboolture Hospital — *Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland*

This group of leaplings, consisting of nine boys and three girls, joins the exclusive club of individuals celebrating their birthdays quadrennially. The phenomenon of leap year births brings a mix of amusement and practical considerations for families, as they navigate the celebration of birthdays in non-leap years.

*Photo Credit: National Library of Australia*

Celebrating Leap Year Birthdays

Leap year babies, often referred to as “leaplings,” find themselves in a unique position, celebrating their actual birthdays only once every four years. This rarity makes their birthdays special and poses exciting challenges and opportunities for celebration. Families and leaplings often choose either 28 February or 1 March for off-year celebrations, maintaining a sense of continuity while embracing the uniqueness of their situation.

Leaplings share their birthday with about 5 million other people worldwide, making it the rarest birthday with a 1 in 1,461 chance of being born on the 29th of February.

Today is 29 February, this day only occurs every four years and is the rarest birthday in Australia. 568 people were born on this day in 2020. Tag a leap year baby! 👇🎂🎉 pic.twitter.com/95sWmSyT8d
— Australian Bureau of Statistics (@ABSStats) February 29, 2024

The purpose of leap years is to synchronize the months with the Earth’s orbit around the Sun and its annual events such as solstices and equinoxes. The Earth takes around 365.2422 days to orbit the Sun, which is slightly longer than our calendar year by about a quarter of a day. As a result, the calendar drifts away from the seasons over time, and leap years are added to adjust the calendar and align it with the astronomical year.

Leap years are not exclusive to the Gregorian calendar, as they have been utilized in various calendars throughout history, including the ancient Roman calendar. The additional day is added to the end of February, which was the last month in the original Roman calendar.

Published 5-March-2024

Caboolture Crash: School-Aged E-Scooter Rider Seriously Injured in Vehicle Collision

A young boy is in serious condition after a collision between an e-scooter he was riding and a car on Tuesday morning, 27 February 2024.

Read: Young Girl’s Visit to Caboolture Station Honours Officers’ Life-Saving Efforts

The incident occurred at the intersection of Charles Street and Hayes Street in Caboolture at approximately 9:07 a.m.

According to a Queensland Ambulance Services spokeswoman, paramedics were dispatched to the scene following reports of the crash. Upon arrival, they found the school-aged boy had sustained serious injuries from the collision with the vehicle whilst riding his e-scooter.

The boy was promptly transported to the Queensland Children’s Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment and remains in a serious condition. The identity of the boy has not been disclosed to the public at this time.

Local authorities are investigating the cause of the accident, and it is not yet clear whether any charges will be filed in connection with the incident.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety, particularly when it comes to the growing popularity of e-scooters. Authorities urge all road users, including drivers, cyclists, and e-scooter riders, to exercise caution and adhere to traffic laws to prevent such tragic accidents from occurring in the future.

Read: Caboolture Connection Road Safety Project Wraps Up With Final Improvements

E-Scooter Regulations in Queensland

Queensland has legalised the use of electric scooters, subject to a few important regulations aimed at ensuring the safety of riders and other road users.

Age Restrictions

To operate an e-scooter in Queensland, individuals must be at least 16 years old. However, children aged 12 and above may ride an e-scooter under the supervision of an adult. These age restrictions are in place to ensure that riders have the necessary maturity and judgement to navigate roads safely.

Mandatory Education Program

Before taking to the streets on an e-scooter, riders aged 16 and above are required to complete a competency-based education program. This program is designed to equip riders with essential knowledge of road safety rules, responsible riding practices, and the proper handling of e-scooters.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with any of these regulations may result in a fine of $154. This penalty serves as a deterrent to ensure that e-scooter riders adhere to the rules and prioritise their own safety as well as that of others on the road.

By following these regulations, e-scooter riders in Queensland can enjoy the convenience and fun of this mode of transportation whilst contributing to a safer road environment for all.

Featured Image credit: Markus Spiske/Pexels

Published 1-March-2024

Support Available for Caboolture Residents Impacted by Cyclone Kirrily

Did you know that the Community Recovery Hub have in Caboolture is ready to support residents impacted by Tropical Cyclone Kirrily through various personal hardship assistance grants?

Read: Over 800 Submissions Prompt Review of Bruce Highway Western Alternative Through Elimbah

The Caboolture Community Recovery Hub is operating out of the Caboolture Neighbourhood Centre at 9 George Street. The hub is open weekday afternoons on Monday to Wednesday from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM, and on Thursdays and Fridays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

The hubs offer face-to-face emotional support, assistance applying for grants, and referrals to other organisations.

Grants for residents affected by of Cyclone Kirrily

A number of personal hardship assistance grants are available to Caboolture residents affected by Cyclone Kirrily.

The Emergency Hardship Assistance grant provides up to $900 per family for immediate essential needs like food, clothing, or medical supplies.

The Essential Services Hardship Assistance grant offers up to $750 per family to help with urgent needs after losing essential home services for over 5 days.

The Essential Household Contents Grant provides up to $5,300 to replace destroyed essential household items.

For uninsured owner-occupiers, the Structural Assistance Grant offers up to $50,000 for repairs to make a damaged home safe and habitable again.

Read: Caboolture Boxer Liam Wilson Eyes Title Shot Once Again

Can I access support and apply for grants outside the Community Recovery Hub?

Residents can contact the 24/7 Community Recovery Hotline at 1800 173 349 to get support and apply for grants. The Queensland Government’s disaster help website also provides information on accessing support and grants here.

Free counselling and support are available through a dedicated Lifeline support line. Call Lifeline via 1800 116 671 8:00 am to 8:00 pm daily, or via 13 11 14 after hours.

Featured Image Credit: qld.gov.au

Published 24-February-2024

Over 800 Submissions Prompt Review of Bruce Highway Western Alternative Through Elimbah

A comprehensive review of community feedback on the proposed route for Stage Four of the Bruce Highway Western Alternative through Elimbah is now underway.

The consultation, which drew to a close on 9 February 2024, spotlighted the community’s active participation, with more than 800 submissions received, marking a significant phase in the project’s planning process.

The consultation period was initiated after TMR released detailed plans in December 2023, outlining two potential routes for the BHWA through Elimbah to Moodlu.

This announcement spurred a robust campaign from the residents of Elimbah, who rallied for a route that would circumvent the town, favouring paths through state forests or farmland to minimise the impact on the local community.

The community’s efforts included a petition that amassed over 10,000 signatures, numerous packed community meetings, and direct engagements with local councillors, state members, and ministers.

These actions underscore the residents’ strong desire to influence the route’s final selection, emphasising the importance of preserving the town’s integrity.

In response to the consultation’s closure, TMR has indicated that early feedback highlights a preference for a corridor option that lies further west of Elimbah township. This alternative aims to lessen the impact on residential properties and reduce community division.

The BHWA project, intended to span 50km as a dual motorway from Beerburrum to Bald Hills and passing through Moodlu, Morina, and the western side of Morayfield and Narangba, has already seen the route and land for its first two stages identified and secured.

Meanwhile, after months of grassroots campaigning and gathering nearly 11,000 signatures, community members concerned about the potential resumption of their homes for the Bruce Highway Alternative Route have secured a crucial meeting with State Transport Minister Bart Mellish on 23 February 2024.

Elimbah, Bruce Highway Western Alternative — Photo Credit: Elimbah Residents

The focus of the discussions will be on urging TMR to reconsider the proposed routes to minimise community impact and prioritise sustainable public transport and upgrades to existing infrastructure over new highway constructions.

Jason Smith, one of the lead petitioners against the TMR project, said the upcoming meeting as just the beginning of a prolonged effort to ensure a route selection that addresses long-term issues without disproportionately affecting the community.

As the government and TMR mull over the community’s submissions, with a response expected within four weeks, the collective effort of East Caboolture, Moodlu, and Elimbah residents stands as a significant movement towards achieving a more considerate and less intrusive highway development plan.

Published 23-February-2024