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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

Caboolture Soldier Loses Lower Leg in Ukraine Landmine Blast

A 38-year-old man from Caboolture, has suffered devastating injuries while serving as a volunteer soldier in Ukraine.

Casey Gadaleta, a former construction worker, lost his lower leg after stepping on a landmine during military operations in Kursk, Russia, on 8 December 2024.

Caboolture soldier recovering after Ukraine landmine injury. — *Photo Credit: Help Casey Gadaleta Come Home To Heal/GoFundMe*

Queenslander Answers a Call to Action

Mr Gadaleta departed Australia for Ukraine in March 2024. Despite lacking any military background, he was driven to take action after seeing the war’s impact through news reports. With a strong resolve to effect change, he enlisted in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, completing several months of rigorous military training.

He described his motivation as a desire to support “humanity and freedom,” committing himself to the cause despite the significant risks involved.

The Incident and Its Aftermath

The landmine explosion occurred while Mr Gadaleta was engaged in operations near Kursk, a city on Russian territory. Following the blast, he was left stranded in sub-zero temperatures for more than 20 hours without immediate medical assistance.

The extended wait led to serious issues, such as blood loss and hypothermia. By the time he arrived at medical care, his foot had succumbed to necrosis, leading to the need for an amputation halfway up his leg. Medical professionals have suggested that his hand, which sustained significant injuries, might also require amputation.

Caboolture man injured in Ukraine. — *Photo Credit: Help Casey Gadaleta Come Home To Heal/GoFundMe*

Frustration with Support Systems

Currently hospitalised in Ukraine, Mr Gadaleta awaits medical clearance to return to Australia. His family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover medical expenses and facilitate his evacuation.

There are growing concerns about Mr Gadaleta’s current medical treatment, which many are calling inadequate given the seriousness of his injuries. Mr Gadaleta has expressed his frustration with local authorities, pointing out the delays in assistance from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Australian Embassy in Poland.

Caboolture soldier injured — *Photo Credit: Help Casey Gadaleta Come Home To Heal/GoFundMe*

Commitment to the Cause

Despite the life-changing injuries, Mr Gadaleta remains committed to the Ukrainian cause. Speaking from his hospital bed, he shared his intention to return to the frontline after recovering and obtaining a prosthetic leg.

His determination reflects the sacrifices made by foreign volunteers fighting in Ukraine, even in the face of personal loss and adversity.

Community Support in Caboolture

Back in Caboolture, Mr Gadaleta’s story sparked an outpouring of support. Donations to the family’s crowdfunding campaign are helping to cover his ongoing care and medical evacuation costs.

The local community continues to support him, sending messages of encouragement and solidarity.

Next Steps

The family of Mr Gadaleta is determined to secure the urgent care he requires. His condition highlights the difficulties encountered by Australians volunteering in overseas conflicts, prompting crucial discussions on the best ways to support those serving in such perilous situations.

Photo Credit: Help Casey Gadaleta Come Home To Heal/GoFundMe

Published 15-Jan-2025

Chloe Jade Mason Death: Brothers Claim Self-Defence in Caboolture Shooting

A solicitor representing one of two brothers charged with the murder of 23-year-old Chloe Jade Mason in Caboolture has claimed his client acted in self-defence.

Ken Mackenzie, a lawyer for Kaine Raymond Thomson-Gleeson, 32, alleged that Ms Mason arrived at his client’s home armed with a rifle and that Thomson-Gleeson was protecting his home and family when the shooting occurred on 2 December 2024..

Brothers Face Murder Charges

Chloe Jade Mason — *Photo Credit:* *GoFundMe*

Thomson-Gleeson and his brother, Codye Ian Thomson, 29, appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 7 January, facing one count each of murder. Police allege that Ms Mason was involved in an altercation at a Caboolture address where she suffered a fatal gunshot wound.

Police Investigation

Police had searched for the brothers in northern New South Wales since the incident. Detective Inspector David Harbison stated that investigators worked tirelessly to locate the accused and appreciated the assistance received from the community.

The vehicle the men allegedly travelled in, a white Holden Commodore station wagon, has not yet been found. Mackenzie also disputed the police’s account of his client’s arrest, stating that Thomson-Gleeson was near a police station and about to surrender when he was apprehended.

Community Remembers Chloe Jade Mason

Ms Mason’s family is devastated by her death. Her sister, Hannah McKone, launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral costs, sharing that the family had no savings to give her a proper farewell. Another sister, Danni Mason, remembered Chloe as a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. The community has expressed shock and sadness over the incident.

Court Proceedings

The brothers were remanded in custody. Thomson’s solicitor requested that the case be heard next on 13 January at Caboolture Magistrates Court to allow time for a full brief of evidence to be prepared. The Magistrate granted the request. Thomson-Gleeson’s case was also scheduled for a committal mention on 13 January at Caboolture Magistrates Court.

Published Date 07-Jan-2025

Free Family Fun Awaits at Bribie Island’s Australia Day Event

Bribie Island is gearing up to host a ripper Australia Day celebration, promising an afternoon of family fun, live music, and good times by the water.

Australia Day at Bribie Island — *Photo Credit:* *City of Moreton Bay*

Locals and visitors are invited to head to Brennan Park in Bongaree on Sunday, 26 January, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for the “Music in the Park” event.

This free community event offers something for everyone. Families can spread out a picnic rug and relax while enjoying the sounds of local musicians. Kids will be entertained with a range of activities designed just for them. And when hunger strikes, various food trucks will be on hand to satisfy any craving.

Organisers encourage attendees to bring water, sunscreen, and shade to prepare for a classic Aussie summer day.

The City of Moreton Bay proudly presents the event delivered by Moreton Bay Region Industry & Tourism. Corporate partners support the event, including Belgravia Leisure, Australian Trade College North Brisbane, and Epic Assist.

Published Date 07-Jan-2025

Photo Credit: Music in the Park Bribie Island

Leaky Pipes, Big Bills: Hidden Water Costs in Caboolture You Might Be Missing

Caboolture residents are urged to check their water meters regularly as Unitywater reveals that meter readers cannot access about 30 properties daily, leading to estimated bills and potential “bill shock” for customers.

Meter Reading Challenges

Unitywater, the local water utility, says that meter readers often face obstacles such as overgrown gardens, locked premises, and unrestrained dogs, preventing them from accurately recording water usage. According to Katherine Gee, executive manager of customer experience at Unitywater, Caboolture is one of the top locations where these “skipped reads” occur.

When a meter cannot be read, Unitywater estimates the bill based on the property’s previous water usage. This can be problematic, as a change in water consumption, such as a leak, may go unnoticed and result in a surprisingly high bill when an actual reading is eventually taken.

Hidden Leaks and High Costs

Ms Gee explained that identifying hidden leaks early helps to avoid bill shock and the associated expense. She highlighted a case where a homeowner had an undetected leak under their driveway. This resulted in a plumbing bill of $1,300 and a water bill of $250 to $8,800. She emphasised that the sooner a customer can identify a leak, the lower the bill increase.

Checking for Leaks and Ensuring Access

Unitywater recommends checking for leaks every two weeks. One way to do this is to look at your water meter. You might leak if the numbers are spinning when you’re not using any water. Residents can also help by ensuring their water meters are easily accessible. Keeping the area around the meter clear of obstructions like plants and dirt will allow meter readers to do their job correctly.

These simple steps can help Caboolture residents avoid unexpected costs and contribute to water conservation efforts. For more information on how to check for leaks, visit www.unitywater.com/leaks.

Published Date 03-January-2025

Seagrass Planting Project Making Waves in Caboolture River

A hands-on seagrass restoration project is underway in the Caboolture River, tackling nutrient pollution and habitat loss while giving local marine life a better chance to thrive.

Over years, the roughly 46-kilometer Caboolture River—which runs from the D’Aguilar Range to Moreton Bay—has suffered its fair share of environmental mishaps. Damage of habitat, nutrient runoff, and sediment build-up have all cost. Particularly badly hit are seagrass meadows, a vital food source for dugongs and turtles.

Seagrass Planting Caboolture River — *Photo Credit: Seagrass Watch*

Seagrasses are proper marine plants with roots, flowers, and strap-like leaves; they are not just seaweed. Growing in shallow coastal waters, they are vital for preserving underwater equilibrium. Seven varieties of seagrass, including Halophila ovalis and Zostera muelleri, are still clinging on in Moreton Bay despite the pressures.

What’s Happening in the Caboolture River?

The Caboolture River is one of seven spots across Moreton Bay chosen for Unitywater’s seagrass restoration project. Other locations include Beachmere, Bells Creek, Toorbul, Scarborough, Coochin Creek, and southern Bribie Island. The plan is simple but impactful—plant seagrass, monitor its growth, and measure how well it can filter out nasties like nitrogen and phosphorus.

Mike Basterfield, Unitywater’s Executive Manager of Sustainable Infrastructure Solutions, reckons the Caboolture River is a key focus because of its history of environmental challenges and its close ties to urban areas. The project also lines up with Unitywater’s bigger goal: net-zero nutrient discharge into waterways by 2040.

Research support from the University of the Sunshine Coast, led by Dr Christopher Henderson, will help track how well the seagrass takes hold and how much of an impact it’s making on water quality.

Why Locals Should Care

Seagrass project in the Caboolture River — *Photo Credit: Seagrass Watch*

Everyone benefits from healthy seagrass, not just dugongs and turtles. These underwater meadows stabilise riverbanks, help to keep water clean, and stop algae blooms. They lock away extra nutrients and behave as organic filters.

This isn’t Unitywater’s first go at improving the Caboolture River. Their earlier Nutrient Offset Project managed to keep nearly 1900 kilograms of nutrients from ending up in the water. Surveys after the 2022 floods even showed some areas of intertidal seagrass in the river starting to bounce back.

What’s Next?

The seagrass planting in the Caboolture River is set to wrap up by mid-2025. After that, the hard work of monitoring and research will keep going. The results from this project won’t just benefit Caboolture—they’ll provide lessons for similar projects all across Moreton Bay.

Seagrass restoration in Caboolture River — *Photo Credit: Seagrass Watch*

For now, the signs are positive. If the seagrass keeps growing strong, the Caboolture River could become a shining example of how nature and science can work hand in hand to fix what’s been broken.

Photo Credit: Seagrass Watch

Published 3-Jan-2025

Bribie Island Bridge Upgrade: What Locals Need to Know

Bribie Island residents are facing ongoing transport challenges, with heavy reliance on cars due to limited public transport options and an ageing bridge infrastructure.

Why a New Bridge is Needed

The current Bribie Island Bridge, built in the 1960s, remains functional but struggles to keep up with growing traffic and safety demands. A new bridge is planned to handle eastbound traffic and include an active transport path for pedestrians, cyclists, and mobility devices. The existing bridge will continue to serve westbound traffic.

Community feedback highlighted issues such as misaligned bus and train connections at Caboolture Station, limited public transport hours, inadequate bus shelters, and traffic congestion at key intersections.

A recent study by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has outlined plans for a new bridge and road upgrades to address these concerns.

A business case for the Bribie Island Bridge duplication project had been completed and will be discussed in the coming weeks.

The project has been estimated at around $700 million, with the figure first announced in mid-2024. Funding and construction timelines are expected to follow further discussions.

What the New Bridge Will Look Like

The new bridge design includes:

Two eastbound traffic lanes.
A dedicated active transport path offering views of the Glass House Mountains.
Wider lanes and shoulders for improved safety.
Crossing points to allow traffic to shift between bridges during incidents.
Pelican perches over the water as a visual feature.

The new bridge will also sit up to 4 metres higher at its peak to accommodate structural requirements, drainage, and rising sea levels.

Community Feedback and Priorities

Over 3,600 residents participated in consultation in early 2023. Their top concerns included improving access, reducing congestion, and enhancing safety measures. Many supported the addition of an active transport path and reliable traffic management during incidents.

Proposed bridge upgrade featuring traffic lanes and pedestrian walkway. — *Photo Credit: Bribie Island Bridge/QLD Gov*

Suggestions also included repurposing the existing bridge for recreational activities such as fishing, markets, and community spaces, while preserving its heritage character.

Road Network Upgrades

The project includes widening Caboolture-Bribie Island Road to four lanes between Bestmann Road East and Benabrow Avenue, along with upgrades to key intersections such as Sylvan Beach Esplanade.

Benabrow Avenue, managed by the City of Moreton Bay, is also expected to undergo improvements to align with the bridge project.

Sustainable design features on Bribie Island bridge project. — *Photo Credit: Bribie Island Bridge/QLD Gov*

Environmental Sustainability and Impact

Sustainability is a priority. Using the existing bridge for westbound traffic reduces environmental impacts. Environmental management plans will guide construction to minimise disruption to local flora, fauna, and marine habitats.

The project remains in its early stages, with funding and timelines still to be finalised. Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg emphasised that no projects within his portfolio had been reprioritised but acknowledged the importance of managing costs across Queensland’s infrastructure commitments.

For now, residents can expect regular updates from TMR as the project progresses.

Photo Credit: Bribie Island Bridge/QLD Gov

Published 3-Jan-2025