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Construction Tender Awarded For Caboolture Clubhouse Upgrade

New clubhouse facilities at Caboolture Rugby League Club are moving closer after a construction tender was awarded for a staged redevelopment of the club’s facilities.

From Render To Tender

In a September 2025 update, City of Moreton Bay committed to helping deliver a new clubhouse for the Caboolture Snakes Rugby League Club, with plans described as set to kick off in early 2026.

By 16 December 2025, a tender had been awarded for the project, which is valued at $14.5 million and will be delivered across two stages.

Caboolture Rugby League Club — *Photo Credit:* *Caboolture Snakes Junior Rugby League Club*/Facebook

What The Build Will Include

The staged redevelopment is set to deliver a range of new facilities. The December 2025 project scope includes club offices, change rooms, public amenities, kitchen and canteen facilities, and tiered outdoor seating for spectators.

Earlier plans released in September 2025 also detailed stage one works including a main operations building with changerooms, first-aid space, referee room, club offices, a retail store, and a modern score and media booth.

Stage two was described as including a kitchen and clubroom, an internal formal seating area with a game-day viewing platform, and an outdoor alfresco area.

Infrastructure And Shared Use

The December 2025 update states the project includes water and sewer infrastructure upgrades, intended to benefit co-located clubs and enable future expansion of the precinct.

The same update indicates the upgraded amenities and other facilities are expected to benefit not only the rugby league club, but also other local sporting groups that use the site, including table tennis and boxing.

*Photo Credit:* *Caboolture Snakes Junior Rugby League Club*/Facebook

Accessibility Features

The December 2025 project description includes accessibility measures intended to support people with disability, including accessible public amenities, seating, kitchen facilities and a scoring booth.

The redevelopment also includes fully accessible change rooms described as better catering for female teams.

Funding And Timeframes

The project includes $3 million in funding through the Investing in Our Communities (IiOC) program. Stage 1 is due for completion in early 2027, while Stage 2 is expected to be finished in mid-2028, weather permitting.

What Happens Next

With the tender awarded, the December 2025 updates indicate construction will soon begin on the new clubhouse facilities in Caboolture.

Published 19-Dec-2025

Photo Credit: AdamHain/Facebook

Major Roadworks to Transform Morayfield State School Frontage

A major funding injection will see Caboolture River Road widened to four lanes and Morayfield State School receive a brand new car park to tackle local congestion.

Upgrading School Safety

The changes at Morayfield State School aim to fix long-standing issues with the ageing car park. City of Moreton Bay Council has confirmed that the school will receive a transformed facility to help families navigate the busy morning and afternoon periods. The plan includes a new car park with 60 spaces and a dedicated zone for student drop-offs and pick-ups. Planners have designed the area to include an internal zebra crossing and a new path, ensuring that children and parents can walk to their vehicles without dodging traffic.

Adam Hain, the councillor for Division 3, noted that it was practical to include the school upgrades within the broader road project. He explained that widening the road meant repurposing some land along the school frontage, which created an opportunity to fix the parking situation at the same time. Hain highlighted that the new design includes accessible parking bays and tactile indicators for the vision impaired, making the school more inclusive for all families.

Wider Road Improvements

Beyond the school gates, the project targets congestion on a 1.2-kilometre stretch of Caboolture River Road. The upgrade will widen the road from two lanes to four between Grant Road and Morayfield Road, adding a central median strip to separate traffic. This section of road is a key route for locals, and the expansion is designed to handle the increasing number of vehicles in the area.

Changes to traffic flow are also part of the plan. Crews will install new traffic lights at the intersection of Amy and Kenneth Streets and upgrade the existing signals at Grant Road and Morayfield Road. Drivers using Ben Street and Lorebury Drive will see access changes, with turns restricted to left-in and left-out only. To support active transport, new paths for cyclists and pedestrians will be built on both sides of the road.

Funding and Future Growth

This infrastructure boost is a joint effort between the Queensland Government and the City of Moreton Bay. The state government is contributing $71 million, while the council is adding $10 million. Jarrod Bleijie, the Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, stated that the government is backing the project to support the rapid population growth in the region. He emphasised that local communities need infrastructure that keeps pace with development.

The project was described as a crucial update for the city’s road network. The council and the Department of Education worked together to ensure the school transit facility meets modern standards. Safety around the school was a main priority during the design process, and the feedback from the school community helped shape the final plan.

Construction timeline

Work on the project is scheduled to begin in December 2025. Contractors plan to use the summer school holidays to complete as much of the school car park construction as possible, aiming to finish that portion by early 2026.

This schedule is intended to reduce disruption for students and teachers. Following the school upgrades, service relocation works will take place in the first half of the next year. The major road construction is expected to start in late 2026, with a target completion date in 2028.

Published Date 18-December-2025

Story Dogs Program Supports Young Readers In Burpengary

Children attending Burpengary Library are taking part in a literacy support program that pairs young readers with a trained dog, offering a calm and supportive environment to practise reading aloud.

A Supportive Reading Environment In Burpengary

The Story Dogs program has been operating through libraries across the region, focusing on children who may struggle with reading or lack confidence. The program encourages children to read aloud to a trained dog, helping reduce anxiety and create a more relaxed reading experience.

At Burpengary Library, the program has attracted strong interest from families, with sessions regularly reaching full capacity. The approach is designed to support literacy development while making reading a positive and enjoyable activity.

Burpengary Library Story Dogs — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

How The Sessions Work

Each Story Dogs session runs for 15 to 20 minutes and is delivered on an individual basis. Children are given the opportunity to read at their own pace while sitting alongside the dog, without pressure or judgement.

Scout, a five-year-old Border Collie, takes part in the sessions. He has been trained to remain calm and attentive, allowing children to focus on their reading while interacting with him. The sessions are often booked weeks in advance, reflecting ongoing demand from families.

At the conclusion of each session, children are able to choose a Story Dogs bookmark and a Scout sticker as a small keepsake.

Experience Beyond The Library

Scout began his Story Dogs journey in June at Narangba Valley State School, where he supported students during reading activities. He is also a regular visitor to aged care facilities and a disability home, experiences that have helped him remain comfortable in busy and varied settings.

His familiarity with children extends to school pick-up environments, where he has been present since he was a puppy.

Program Availability

Story Dogs reading sessions are currently offered at Burpengary, Bribie Island, Deception Bay and North Lakes libraries. The program continues to provide families with an additional literacy support option in a welcoming library setting.

Published 17-Dec-2025

Photo Credit: Pexels

Caboolture Waterways Reveal Thriving Platypus Population

Recent environmental testing has confirmed that the elusive platypus is thriving in unexpected numbers across the Caboolture region and surrounding urban waterways, proving these unique animals are more resilient than experts initially believed.

Widespread Discovery

A thorough monitoring project focused on local water catchments has changed the way environmentalists view the local platypus population. Through the use of Environmental DNA, also known as eDNA, researchers identified the presence of these animals in the Caboolture, North Pine, South Pine, Stanley, and Maroochy River catchments. This advanced testing method allows scientists to detect the animals by testing water samples during breeding season, which occurs in July and August. This approach is preferred because it does not disturb the animals or their habitat.

The scope of the platypus population has surprised local officials. Mayor Peter Flannery noted that the results indicate the species is much more widespread than the council first anticipated. The study found positive results in at least 37 creeks and rivers across all major water catchments.

Surviving in the Suburbs

What makes these findings particularly interesting for residents is where the animals are choosing to live. The data shows that platypuses are persisting in highly urbanised environments, not just in secluded bushland. Positive DNA samples were returned from Conflagration Creek, which is located near a major industrial area. This suggests the species has a strong ability to adapt to city living and man-made waterways.

Beyond the scientific data, physical sightings have backed up the laboratory results. There have been reports of platypuses in farm dams and residential areas. In one instance, a council environment officer observed a platypus crossing Forest Hills Drive near Morayfield. While eDNA is highly effective, it is not the only tool used. Camera traps and reports from the community have confirmed the animal is present even in some locations where the water samples came back negative.

Tracking for the Future

The monitoring program has grown significantly over the last two years. A pilot version of the project ran in 2023, where 36 out of 84 sites tested positive for platypus DNA. In 2024, the program expanded to 155 sites, yielding 71 positive detections. In the most recent round of testing, that number rose again to 90 positive results.

While the numbers are higher, officials are cautious about claiming the population is definitely growing. The Mayor stated that it is too early to determine if the population is increasing, but described the results as promising for the region. The primary goal of this ongoing work is to help the council protect platypus habitats. By establishing a baseline now, they can track trends over time and manage the environment to support the long-term survival of the species.

Published Date 11-December-2025

Changing Places Network Plan Guides New Facilities in Caboolture and Nearby Suburbs

An award-recognised accessibility plan is guiding new Changing Places facilities across Caboolture, Burpengary, Bribie Island and South Pine to support residents with higher support needs.

Recognition for Regional Accessibility Planning

City of Moreton Bay’s Changing Places Network Plan was publicly acknowledged in November 2025 for its approach to improving access for people with high support needs. The plan was developed through consultation with community members, service providers and specialists and is the first of its kind prepared by a local government in Australia.

Changing Places facilities — *Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay*

Why These Facilities Matter

Changing Places amenities support people who cannot use standard accessible toilets. Each facility includes specialised features such as a height-adjustable adult change table, ceiling hoist, peninsular toilet, privacy screen and, in some instances, a shower.

The facilities address concerns including restricted fluid intake, prolonged use of soiled clothing, changing on bathroom floors and unsafe manual lifting, which may affect both individuals and carers. Findings from national reporting highlight higher rates of social isolation, loneliness and access difficulties among people with disability, reinforcing the need for appropriate public amenities.

disability access — *Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay*

Existing Network Including South Pine

As of July 2024, three Changing Places locations were operating across the region: South Pine Indoor Sports Centre, Redcliffe Library and Albany Creek Aquatic and Leisure Centre. These form the base of a long-term rollout guided by the network plan.

New Facilities for Caboolture, Burpengary and Bribie Island

Several future locations have been identified:

Burpengary Regional Aquatic and Leisure Centre, with completion planned for 2026
Woorim Beach on Bribie Island, proposed to open by late 2025
Caboolture Pool and Fitness Centre
Caboolture Regional Environmental Education Centre

Additional future facilities are planned for Centenary Lakes, Pine Rivers Park and Suttons Beach.

Changing Places Caboolture Burpengary — *Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay*

Planning for Future Demand

The plan responds to a projected increase in residents with profound or severe disability, with estimates reaching 52,000 people by 2041.

Expanding access in Caboolture, Burpengary, Bribie Island and South Pine supports long-term participation in sport, recreation, education and community events.

Next Steps

The network plan will continue to guide staged delivery of new facilities, with Bribie Island’s Woorim Beach site scheduled for completion in late 2025 and Burpengary following in 2026. Caboolture locations remain in development as part of broader accessibility upgrades across the region.

Published 11-Dec-2025

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

Caboolture Child Injury Case Ends In Guilty Verdict For Mother

A mother has been found guilty in a District Court ruling over a Caboolture child injury case after the court determined she caused serious harm to her seven-month-old daughter while the infant was in her care.

Judge Finds Force Caused Infant’s Injuries In Caboolture

A Caboolture mother has been found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm to her seven-month-old daughter after a four-week judge-only trial. The incident occurred on 24 July 2015 at Caboolture, when the baby was alone in her mother’s care.

The court found that a deliberate accelerative and decelerative force was applied to the infant’s head, consistent with violent shaking. Extensive medical evidence showed the child suffered a subdural haemorrhage and retinal haemorrhaging as a result of that force.

infant brain injury — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Medical Response At Caboolture Hospital And Lady Cilento

The mother took the baby to Caboolture Hospital just after 4:10 p.m. The child was described as pale, breathing fast and shallow, and unresponsive to stimulus. Scans revealed skull fractures and a subdural haemorrhage.

The infant was transferred to Lady Cilento Hospital, where a consultant paediatric neurosurgeon operated on her. The judge found the child would likely have died without the medical intervention by staff at both Caboolture Hospital and Lady Cilento Hospital.

Court Rejects Alternative Explanations

In reaching the verdict, the judge rejected suggestions that an unknown person may have harmed the baby while the mother inspected potential rental accommodation earlier in the day. The court also dismissed the possibility that ambulance officers or hospital staff caused or contributed to the injuries.

The judge concluded the infant had no pre-existing abnormality, disease or disorder that may have caused or contributed to the subdural haemorrhage. The mother’s partner, the child’s two-year-old sister and any accidental or self-inflicted mechanism were also excluded as possible causes.

Community Reaction To Caboolture Child Injury Case

Social media users have responded strongly to the Caboolture child injury case. Commenters expressed anger and distress over the baby’s injuries, questioned why help was not sought earlier, and raised concerns about the mother’s fitness to care for children. Many called for significant penalties and emphasised the vulnerability of infants in such situations.

Sentencing To Follow In December

The mother has been remanded in custody pending sentence on 19 December. The District Court’s decision formally confirms that the child’s injuries were caused by deliberate force applied while she was in her mother’s care in Caboolture.

Published 11-Dec-2025

Photo Credit: Pexels

Beachmere Foreshore Updates Aim to Balance Recreation and Shorebird Protection

The Beachmere foreshore has been a popular place for dog walkers, horse riders and families, and from 1 December 2025, updated recreation zones took effect to better balance everyday use with environmental protection.

Read: Beachmere Water Meters Get Major Upgrade As Unitywater Moves To Improve Accuracy

The changes followed community feedback, environmental assessments and consultation with the Kabi Kabi People’s Aboriginal Corporation. Local officials said the updated layout aimed to safeguard important roosting and foraging areas for migratory shorebirds while still keeping the foreshore accessible for recreation.

One of the main updates was the introduction of a 13-hectare Dog Off-Leash Area (DOLA) at the southern end of Biggs Avenue. Moreton Bay said this dedicated year-round area formed part of a broader plan to reduce disturbance to sensitive habitat zones.

Photo credit: Darren Collier/Google Maps

A seasonal DOLA at Bayside Drive also came into effect. Dogs are permitted off-leash there from 1 May to 31 July each year, and the area becomes on-leash from 1 August to 30 April. Council said this seasonal approach reflected shorebird protection requirements, particularly during periods when migratory species use the foreshore.

Local officials noted that dogs can disturb shorebirds’ feeding and resting patterns, and the seasonal structure was designed with this in mind. The updated signage, installed ahead of 1 December, was intended to help clarify where dogs could be off-leash or on-leash.

Beachmere Foreshore — Photo credit: Sam Bailey/Google Maps

For horse riders, dedicated exercise areas between Beachmere Conservation Park and Louise Drive were retained. Council said this ensured continued access for riders while still supporting environmental protections in nearby areas.

On-leash dog recreation areas between Biggs Avenue and Prince Street were also maintained. Council described these sections as a middle ground that allowed families to bring their dogs while supporting the updated management approach along the foreshore.

The messaging around the changes emphasised practical reasons—particularly the importance of protecting endangered migratory shorebirds that travel long distances to reach Moreton Bay each year. Council said maintaining suitable habitat was essential for both the birds and the region’s environmental responsibilities.

City officials acknowledged the community’s role in shaping the final plan, noting that local feedback helped guide the size and position of the revised recreation areas. The City of Moreton Bay reported that consultation highlighted a desire for clearer boundaries and improved communication about environmental considerations.

Read: Facility Upgrades Support Growing Equestrian Community in Burpengary

Signage installation began ahead of the December changeover, and the City of Moreton Bay prepared community education activities to help residents and visitors understand the updated layout. The aim, according to the city’s officials, was to encourage a shared approach where recreation and conservation could coexist effectively along the Beachmere foreshore.

Featured image credit: Clement Briancon/Google Maps

Published 8-December-2025

Caboolture Man Burns Breakfast but Lands Million-Dollar Windfall

A Caboolture resident turned a routine morning of cooking breakfast into a life-changing event after claiming a division one prize worth one million dollars.

The massive win was part of a lucky streak for the Moreton Bay region, which saw two local households take home a combined total of $1.2 million recently. The million-dollar victory occurred during the Weekday Windfall draw on Tuesday, November 19, while a second win was recorded nearby in Bellmere the following Monday.

Breakfast Interrupted

The new millionaire from Caboolture was busy frying sausages when he received the call that would change his life. He admitted to officials that the shock of the news caused him to burn his breakfast, but he did not mind the culinary mishap. He described himself as the happiest person in the world after realizing he held one of the two nationally winning entries.

He plans to share the excitement with his local community immediately. The winner mentioned he is good friends with the owner of the newsagency where he purchased the ticket and intends to visit the shop to take a celebratory photo. His winning System 8 entry was secured at The Local Caboolture South at Market Plaza, with the lucky numbers being 43, 26, 35, 25, 42, and 13.

Regarding his plans for the money, the man has a clear vision for his future. He stated that he intends to spend approximately $50,000 to fix up his home. Additionally, he plans to adopt a dog to keep him company. Before getting started on the renovations, however, he told officials he would try to finish his sausages and enjoy a Red Bull to celebrate.

Family Celebration Shakes the Floor

Just days later, a woman in the neighbouring suburb of Bellmere experienced her own stroke of luck. She won $200,000 in a lucky draw, a surprise that arrived while her entire family was visiting. She recounted that the celebration was so intense, with everyone jumping and screaming, that they felt the house shaking beneath them.

The win arrived just in time for the holiday season. The mother explained that the funds would boost her bank account and help her family significantly. She plans to use part of the winnings to purchase a new car for her daughter as an early Christmas gift. Like the Caboolture winner, she also intends to use the remaining money to complete various small projects around her house. She admitted she was still in shock and would need time to calm down before making final decisions.

Published Date 05-December-2025

Rotary Club Funding Secures New Year’s Eve Event in Bribie

A community organisation on Bribie has secured multi-year support to continue delivering the island’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration.

Funding Support for Bribie Event

The Rotary Club of Bribie Island Inc will receive $10,000 each year for the next three years to assist with staging the New Year’s Eve event. The support, announced on 5 November 2025, ensures that the long-running celebration will continue to operate without interruption.

The commitment includes a three per cent increase applied to the annual amount, acknowledging the rising operational costs faced by community organisations.

Over the years, the event has become a significant gathering for residents and visitors on Bribie, attracting thousands who participate in the end-of-year festivities. The multi-year arrangement provides the organisation with stability, allowing volunteers to plan with confidence and maintain the format that locals have come to expect.

Bribie New Year’s Eve — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Event Elements and Community Appeal

The New Year’s Eve celebration on Bribie typically features live music, markets, food stalls and a fireworks display. These elements form the core of an event designed to bring together people of all ages.

The Rotary Club views the celebration as an opportunity to offer a safe, inclusive space where the community can welcome the New Year. Feedback from attendees over past years has reinforced the event’s standing as a highlight on the island’s calendar.

About the Rotary Club of Bribie Island Inc

Established in 1988, the Rotary Club of Bribie Island Inc is made up of volunteers who contribute to both local and international initiatives. The organisation carries out service, fundraising and outreach activities, including supporting schools and aged care facilities, hosting markets and trivia nights, and participating in broader Rotary programs such as efforts to eradicate polio.

Community Response and Outlook

Representatives of the organisation expressed appreciation for the financial support, noting that it enables them to continue delivering a well-attended and community-focused event for Bribie. With the funding secured, preparations for future New Year’s Eve events will proceed with a focus on maintaining accessibility, safety and community participation.

Published 5-Dec-2025

Photo Credit: Pexels

Caboolture Students Take Top Honours at Queensland Aerospace Awards

Two students from St Columban’s College in Caboolture have secured major industry scholarships at a prestigious state-wide event recognising the best young talent in Queensland’s aviation sector.

The achievements were announced at the Aviation Australia 2025 Aerospace Industry Education Awards, where more than 40 finalists from across the state gathered to celebrate excellence in training. The event highlighted the hard work of students and teachers across 14 different categories, ranging from academic results to leadership and innovation.

Local Talent Leads the Way

St Columban’s College in Caboolture emerged as a key training ground for the future workforce. Student Bailey Buckle received the Spirit of Boeing Award, a significant recognition in the field. His peer, Francia Leoryn Villanueva, was also recognised for her potential, winning the Female Aerospace Scholarship.

These wins place Caboolture firmly on the map as a hub for aspiring aviation professionals. The awards aim to support students who show a clear dedication to their studies and a passion for the aerospace industry. Winners at the event received various prizes to help their careers, including behind-the-scenes tours, mentoring from industry experts, and financial support through scholarships.

Excellence Across the State

While Caboolture students stood out, the awards also recognised talent from other regions. Miami State High School was named the Aerospace Gateway School of the Year. One of its students, Eve Bowler, took home the Young Innovator Award.

Distance was not a barrier for Penny Colyer, a student with the Capricornia School of Distance Education. She was named a co-winner of the Future Aerospace Award alongside Faith Enoka from Marsden State High School. Penny pursues her studies while living away from major aviation centres, splitting her time with Moura State High School in Central Queensland.

Iona College also had a successful showing. Student Hayden Hookham won the Young Aviator Award. The judges noted that Hayden showed strong leadership and had reported on how low-cost carriers have changed the industry. His schoolmate, Harrison Medill, won the Aviation Enterprise Award.

In the teaching category, Marty Hollis from St Mary’s College Toowoomba was named the winner of the Teacher Excellence Award, with Sarah Loos from St Thomas More College recognised as the runner-up.

Focus on Skills and the Future

The awards ceremony served as a platform to discuss the broader state of vocational training in Queensland. The Crisafulli Government stated that the event is part of a plan to rebuild confidence in the training system. Government representatives indicated a focus on fixing skills shortages and ensuring that training leads directly to employment.

Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said that the awards shine a light on exceptional people in the system. She noted that the commitment shown by students like Hayden, Faith, and Penny suggests the industry is in safe hands. According to the Minister, these winners are role models who will help build a stronger economy.

Aviation Australia CEO Glenn Ryan AM said the organisation is proud of the students and schools involved in the Aerospace Gateway to Industry Schools project. He mentioned that more young people are choosing aviation careers every year. He also thanked the schools and industry partners for building pathways that connect classroom learning with real job outcomes.

Published Date 03-December-2025