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Bogged 4WD on Bribie Island Draws Crowd, Raises Environmental Concerns

A 4WD motorist became bogged while attempting a water crossing on Bribie Island, during the busy New Year holiday period.

Read: Bribie Island 4WD Drivers Warned: Night-time Beach Driving Threatens Turtle Survival

The incident attracted a crowd of onlookers and was later shared anonymously in the Facebook group “I got bogged at Bribie Island,” a community dedicated to chronicling similar off-road experiences.

Photo credit: I got bogged at Bribie Island/Facebook

Drone footage captured the moment the driver found themselves stuck in tyre-deep flowing water. As the vehicle struggled to move, a bystander stepped in to help, eventually freeing the bogged 4WD. The dramatic rescue was met with cheers from spectators gathered along the beach, a common sight during peak holiday times on the island.

This incident is just the latest in a string of similar occurrences on Bribie Island, which has become a hotspot for 4WD enthusiasts. However, such mishaps often serve as a reminder of the challenges posed by the island’s dynamic terrain, including its soft sands and unpredictable water crossings.

Rising Tourism Sparks Environmental Concerns

While Bribie Island’s growing popularity as a tourist destination brings economic benefits, it has also raised concerns about overcrowding and environmental degradation. Once a tranquil getaway, the island now attracts tens of thousands of visitors annually, with beaches often crowded with vehicles during peak periods.

The Facebook post documenting the latest bogging incident prompted lively discussions among group members and beyond. Many expressed frustration at the sheer number of vehicles on the island and questioned the impact on its natural environment.

Turtles on Bribie Island (Photo credit: Alex Alex/Google Maps)

“How can people think that this number of vehicles on Bribie Beach isn’t doing any harm to the beach?” one commenter wrote, echoing the sentiments of others worried about the strain on the fragile ecosystem.

“They need to limit the amount of people going on there, before it is destroyed for good, and the time WILL come, just wait and see,” another commenter said.

Environmental advocates have pointed to the potential harm caused to local wildlife, particularly during the turtle nesting season from November to April. Recommendations for minimizing impact include driving only on hard sand, avoiding nighttime trips, and limiting vehicle activity in sensitive areas.

Read: Koala ‘Doggy Door’ Trials in Toorbul Aim to Save Wildlife from Roads

As the popularity of Bribie Island continues to rise, discussions are underway about how best to balance tourism with environmental preservation. Authorities and community groups are exploring strategies to manage visitor numbers while safeguarding the island’s unique ecosystem, ensuring it remains an iconic destination for years to come.

Featured image credit: I got bogged at Bribie Island/Facebook

Published 3-January-2025

Caboolture Woman Mistakenly Catches Deadly Eastern Brown Snake

A woman in Caboolture is recovering in hospital after being bitten by a highly venomous eastern brown snake she mistook for a harmless species.

The incident occurred at a private property in Upper Caboolture. The 70-year-old woman and her sister attempted to capture what they believed to be a brown tree snake. They tried to place the snake into a container, but during the attempt, the woman was bitten.

Her sister immediately contacted a local snake catcher, Dan Rumsey from Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers 24/7, and sent him a photo of the snake. Mr Rumsey quickly identified it as a deadly eastern brown snake and advised them to call triple-0 for an ambulance.

A Dangerous Misidentification

Eastern brown snakes are responsible for the most snakebite deaths in Australia. They are the second most venomous land snake in the world. Their venom is incredibly strong and can cause paralysis and heart failure.

Mr Rumsey, who attended the scene, stressed that even if you are almost certain, you know the type of snake, it’s crucial to stay safe and contact a professional for identification. He said it’s always best to leave snake catching to the experts.

Community Warning

This incident serves as a critical reminder for the Caboolture community about the dangers of handling snakes. With the recent hot weather, snake sightings have increased, leading to more encounters between residents and these reptiles.

Professional snake catchers warn that brown snakes are easily agitated and defensive. Catching or removing a wild snake without a proper licence is illegal.

Recovery and Advice

Paramedics took the woman to Caboolture Hospital, where she received anti-venom treatment. She is now in stable condition and recovering. This close call highlights the importance of caution and awareness when dealing with snakes, especially during the warmer months when they are more active. Remember—if you see a snake, keep a safe distance and call a professional snake catcher.

Published Date 02-January-2025

Photo Credit: Australian Museum

Funding Extended for Caboolture Watch House Amid Ongoing Concerns

Funding for the Caboolture Watch House has been extended to keep it operating as a temporary holding facility for young people, despite ongoing concerns about its suitability.

The extension, set to last until the end of 2025, comes as authorities face delays in completing the Wacol Youth Remand Centre, which was initially expected to be operational by mid-2025.

Why Is This Happening?

Because of overcrowding in appropriate youth detention facilities, young people have been housed in the Caboolture Watch House as an overflow facility. Originally meant as a temporary fix, constant delays in building the Wacol Youth Remand Centre have extended their application.

Recent legislative changes have allowed authorities to extend detention periods for minors in watch houses, though the specific relationship to Queensland’s Human Rights Act remains a topic of debate among experts. This has sparked concerns from child advocates and legal experts.

Additionally, laws introduced under the banner of “adult crime, adult time” have been criticised by experts for their potential to increase youth incarceration rates. These changes included suspending Queensland’s Human Rights Act to allow children as young as ten to receive life sentences for certain crimes.

Reports have also highlighted troubling incidents within these facilities, including allegations of misconduct, inadequate access to healthcare, and prolonged stays for vulnerable young people.

Concerns from the Community

Community advocates and organisations have repeatedly raised concerns about the treatment of young detainees in facilities like the Caboolture Watch House. Incidents in Queensland watch houses, including reports of a 13-year-old Indigenous girl being restrained while in distress and a 17-year-old boy struck with a baton in another facility, have brought increased scrutiny to the system as a whole.

Local advocates say this can take a heavy toll on children’s wellbeing. One group mentioned the system is especially tough on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids, plus kids with a disability.

At one point, Maggie Munn, a First Nations Justice Director at the Human Rights Law Centre, said they wondered “how the Premier can sleep at night” because of how bleak the future seems for these youngsters.

Meanwhile, a local authority in charge of youth justice, Laura Gerber, said the new funding for Caboolture helps the corrections system deal with a backlog of projects. She argued that previous leaders’ “failure to deliver on critical infrastructure” amounted to “negligence of youth justice and the corrections system.”

Queensland apparently locks up more Indigenous children than any other state or territory in Australia. Lawyer Debbie Kilroy has slammed the practice of keeping kids in watch houses as a “gross violation of the human rights of children.”

Katherine Hyes, a child welfare advocate from the Youth Advocacy Centre noted that prolonged detention in unsuitable facilities can cause lasting trauma and increase the likelihood of reoffending.

Young detainees in temporary holding at Caboolture Watch House. — *Photo Credit: Google Maps Street View*

What Happens Next?

The Wacol Youth Remand Centre, currently under construction, is expected to open by mid-2025, according to official updates from authorities overseeing the project. Until then, watch houses will continue to be used as temporary detention spaces.

Authorities have promised improved oversight and transparency around conditions in these facilities. However, advocacy groups continue to call for stronger protections and immediate reforms to prevent further harm to young detainees.

Photo Credit: Andrew/Google Maps

Published 2-Jan-2025

Burpengary East Home Invasion: Former Private School Student Max Easton Holzgrefe Accused

A quiet neighbourhood in Burpengary East was shaken by a violent home invasion allegedly involving 21-year-old Max Easton Holzgrefe, leaving a young mother traumatised and sparking heightened concerns about safety in the community.

Mr Holzgrefe, a former student of an elite Brisbane private school, was arrested and charged in court with armed robbery and entering a dwelling with intent by break at night.

According to reports, Mr Holzgrefe and two accomplices forced their way into the residence in July 2024, where a young mother and her infant were present.

The intruders reportedly threatened the woman, demanding valuables while she pleaded for her child’s safety. The ordeal has left the victim and the local community shaken.

Legal Proceedings

Mr Holzgrefe was apprehended and has spent over four months in custody. During a bail hearing at the Brisbane Supreme Court, Justice Frances Williams granted bail under strict conditions.

Mr Holzgrefe is required to reside with his family in Kelvin Grove, wear a GPS ankle monitor, adhere to a curfew from 8:00 pm to 4:30 am, and work on a farm in Wamuran.

Additionally, he must report to the police twice a week, is prohibited from contacting his co-accused or any Crown witnesses, and cannot approach within one kilometre of the Burpengary East property. Interstate and international travel are also forbidden.

The 21-year-old is expected to be back at the Caboolture Magistrates Court on 14 January 2025 but his trial date has not been set.

The incident has raised concerns among Burpengary East residents, highlighting issues of safety and security in the area. Local authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.

As the legal process unfolds, the Burpengary East community remains attentive to developments in the case. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community vigilance and the need for robust support systems for victims of crime.

Published 31-Dec-2024

Photo Credit: Max Easton Holzgrefe/Facebook

Caboolture Homes Saved from Highway Bulldozer

Over a hundred homeowners in the Caboolture region can now breathe a sigh of relief with the cancellation of proposed plans for a controversial inland highway that would have required their properties to be resumed.

The scrapped route, Stage Four of the Bruce Highway Western Alternative (BHWA) or “Moreton Bay Motorway,” was slated to stretch 50km north of Brisbane, linking Beerburrum and Moodlu via Elimbah.

The project sparked outrage among residents late last year when they received letters from the then government outlining the proposed route and requesting feedback.

Despite assurances from the Department of Transport and Main Roads that there would be “no property impacts” during the planning phase, maps indicated potential routes cutting through areas earmarked for future development.

This led to a groundswell of opposition, with over 850 submissions flooding in during the 10-week consultation period. Community members rallied, organising petitions and online forums demanding a reconsideration of the route.

Community Pressure Pays Off

*Photo Credit:* *Transport and Main Roads*

The new administration has confirmed that the contentious Stage Four route is off the table. Transport and Main Roads Min Brent Mickelberg stated that investigations into alternative routes are underway and expected to be finalised in early 2025, with a detailed public update to follow. He emphasised the government’s commitment to creating an integrated and sustainable transport network that caters to Queensland’s growing population.

Relief for Residents

A resident, whose property was directly impacted by the initial proposal, expressed relief at the government’s decision. While only a small portion of her land would have been resumed, both her neighbours faced losing their entire properties.

Many locals actively participated in community efforts to overturn the proposed route and praised the government for listening to residents’ concerns.

Alternative Routes Under Consideration

The government revealed that most submissions focused on alternative route suggestions, including utilising existing roads. The public is encouraged to stay informed about the progress by subscribing to updates on the TMR website or contacting the project team directly.

Published Date 27-December-2024

Photo Credit: Transport and Main Roads

Community Rallies to Honour the Memory of Morayfield’s Jordan Law

A heartfelt initiative has been launched to help the family of Jordan Law, a 33-year-old Morayfield man who was reported missing on Boxing Day and subsequently found dead in Bundaberg after a widespread search-and-rescue operation.

Read: Family Appeals for Help After Fatal Shooting of Chloe Jade Mason in Caboolture

Mr Law, who had been reported missing on Boxing Day, was found dead after a significant search and rescue operation in the Bundaberg area.

Organised by Merle Fisher, the initiative aims to support Jordan’s family in covering the unexpected costs of his funeral.

“We are all devastated by Jordan Law’s loss and were not prepared for the high cost of a funeral service,” Merle shared. “We want to give Jordan the memorial he deserves, to honor his memory and say our last goodbyes. Please consider donating, as any amount will truly help our family during this difficult time.”

The outpouring of tributes and support for Mr Law has been overwhelming. Jordan’s relative, Melanie, expressed gratitude for the kindness shown by strangers and the Bundaberg community during the challenging search.

“The Bundaberg community are truly such a beautiful community to be a part of. Thank you to those lovely people who have dropped food and drinks off and sent their love and prayers,” she said. Jordan’s grandmother, Caroline, echoed these sentiments, adding, “Complete strangers opening their hearts up, bringing food, helping search up and down the river, and sending their love and prayers.”

Jordan Law was last seen near Boat Ramp Drive at the Burnett River in Bundaberg around 7:20 p.m. on December 26. Despite extensive efforts by police and community members, his body was later recovered, leaving his family and friends heartbroken. A report is being prepared for the coroner.

Tributes have been flooding social media, reflecting the impact Jordan had on those who knew him.

Read: Caboolture Couple Pam and Des Gunnis Marks 30 Years of Transforming Lives Through Foster Care

“Rest in the Dreamtime, brother. My condolences and thoughts go out to the family and community,” wrote Paul in a Facebook post. Jordan’s nieces and nephews knew him as their favorite uncle, always offering love and support. His loss has created a void that will be deeply felt by his family and community.

I WANT TO HELP

Featured image credit: Merle Fisher/GoFundMe.com

Published 30-December-2024

Caboolture Satellite Hospital to Undergo Name Change to Reduce Confusion

The Caboolture Satellite Hospital is set for a name change, following overwhelming feedback from health professionals that the term “satellite hospital” is causing widespread confusion about the services it provides.

Survey Results Spark Change

The decision to rename Caboolture’s facility, along with six other satellite hospitals across Queensland, comes after a survey of over 2,700 healthcare professionals revealed that less than 5 per cent supported keeping the current name.

The survey results, collected in December, highlighted the community’s misunderstanding of the term “satellite hospital” and its services.

According to Queensland Health, the facilities are designed to handle minor injuries, outpatient services, and diagnostic testing, not emergency care. However, confusion has led to a surge in patients seeking critical care at these locations, straining resources and potentially delaying urgent treatments.

In Caboolture alone, one category one patient—classified as life-threatening—and 191 category two patients, requiring urgent care, sought assistance at the satellite hospital between July and September. Additionally, over 1,500 category three patients, who require semi-urgent care, visited during the same period.

Caboolture Satellite Hospital — *Photo Credit: Unsplash*

Proposed New Names

To address this issue, Queensland Health has convened a clinical advisory group to consider alternative names, with options including “community health hub,” “urgent care centre,” and “satellite health centre.” Health Minister Tim Nicholls stated that the change aims to ensure the public understands what services are available and where to seek appropriate care.

The estimated cost for renaming the satellite hospitals is over $1 million, with funds allocated from the existing $29 billion Queensland Health budget. Mr Nicholls has assured residents that the renaming process will not incur additional costs for taxpayers.

Community Response

Local reactions to the proposed name change have been mixed. Some residents welcome the clarity, believing it will improve access to appropriate healthcare and reduce strain on emergency departments. Others question whether the expense is justified, especially as the services provided will remain unchanged.

The Australian Medical Association of Queensland supports the renaming initiative, emphasising the importance of a public education campaign to ensure the community understands the new names and their purpose.

The clinical advisory group will review the survey findings and submit recommendations by 17 January 2025, with final decisions expected early in 2025.

Published 28-Dec-2024

Street Spotlight: Ann Maree Dr, Caboolture

Ann Maree Drive in Caboolture tells a compelling story of suburban transformation and community stability. Historical aerial photographs from 1955 reveal that this residential pocket was yet to be established, with only Beachmere Road serving as the main arterial through what was then undeveloped land.

Today, the street has evolved into a tight-knit community where an impressive 95% of properties are owner-occupied, with residents staying an average of 10 years and 8 months. This strong sense of belonging is further evidenced by the fact that 31% of homeowners have called Ann Maree Drive home for over a decade. The street’s evolution is reflected in its property values, with notable transactions such as number 13 selling for $256,000 in September 1994. With 33 properties now lining this established street, Ann Maree Drive stands as a testament to Caboolture’s residential growth and enduring appeal.

Ann Maree Dr, Caboolture Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 33
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 95%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 10 years and 8 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 31%

Ann Maree Dr, Caboolture – As It Looked in 1955

Ann Maree Dr, Caboolture in 1955

SOME RECENT SALES ON ANN MAREE DR, CABOOLTURE

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
65-67 Ann Maree Dr, Caboolture	$1,380,000	Aug 2024

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON ANN MAREE DR FROM YESTERYEAR

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
13 Ann Maree Dr, Caboolture	$256,000	Sep 1994
64-66 Ann Maree Dr, Caboolture	$225,000	Feb 1995
38 Ann Maree Dr, Caboolture	$210,000	Nov 1996

SUBURB PROFILE

The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Caboolture in 2024 was $630,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Caboolture in 2020 was $378,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM HOUSE IN CABOOLTURE SINCE 2020 : $252,000

The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Caboolture in 2024 was $730,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Caboolture in 2020 was $410,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4 BEDROOM HOUSE IN CABOOLTURE SINCE 2020 : $320,000

The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Caboolture in 2024 was $851,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Caboolture in 2020 was $568,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4 BEDROOM HOUSE IN CABOOLTURE SINCE 2020 : $283,000

The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in Caboolture in 2024 was $335,000
The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in Caboolture in 2020 was $225,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 2 BEDROOM UNIT IN CABOOLTURE SINCE 2020 : $110,000

The median price of a 3 Bedroom Unit in Caboolture in 2024 was $492,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom Unit in Caboolture in 2020 was $260,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM UNIT IN CABOOLTURE SINCE 2020 : $232,000

If you know Ann Maree Dr, Caboolture well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

Elimbah Community Wins Fight Against Highway Development

Elimbah residents have successfully stopped a plan to route the Bruce Highway Western Alternative Stage 4 through their community, marking a significant victory for local homeowners.

The announcement came on Friday, 20 December 2024, when officials confirmed that the controversial corridor options for the highway between Beerburrum and Moodlu had been permanently ruled out.

The decision follows a year-long campaign by the Elimbah community, which cited concerns about property loss, environmental impacts, and lifestyle changes.

Community Efforts Force a Change

The fight began in December 2023, when the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) shocked residents by proposing two routes that cut through the heart of Elimbah. Hundreds of locals quickly mobilised, launching petitions, organising public meetings, and submitting over 850 pieces of feedback.

Their efforts gained traction, prompting initial investigations into alternative routes earlier this year.

Key campaigners highlighted the community’s determination to protect their homes and the surrounding environment. Residents raised issues such as cultural heritage, natural preservation, and the impact on the local way of life. By May 2024, the TMR acknowledged these concerns and began exploring corridor options further west.

New Direction Confirmed

Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg stated that they listened to community feedback and ruled out the original routes. Investigations into a new alignment are expected to conclude in early 2025.

Officials emphasised the importance of balancing infrastructure development with the needs of established communities and Elimbah’s projected urban growth. In their statement, officials noted that 70 per cent of public submissions centred on concerns about property impacts and suggestions for alternative routes.

Many proposed utilising existing roadways to minimise disruptions. Moving forward, the project aims to improve regional connections while easing congestion across South East Queensland.

Residents Call for Accountability

While the announcement was met with celebration, some Elimbah residents remain cautious. Community leaders have called for continued transparency, swift communication of updates, and fair compensation for any future property acquisitions. Others expressed scepticism about the involvement of certain contractors in future planning, underscoring the need for careful oversight.

The new alignment for Stage 4 is part of a broader effort to support the region’s long-term growth under the South East Queensland Regional Plan. Elimbah’s expanded urban footprint is set to accommodate significant residential and employment developments over the next 25 years.

Further updates are expected in early 2025, and residents are encouraged to stay engaged with the project team for developments.

Published 26-Dec-2024

Family Appeals for Help After Fatal Shooting of Chloe Jade Mason in Caboolture

Family and friends are reeling after the tragic death of 23-year-old Chloe Jade Mason, known to loved ones as CJ, who was shot and killed in Caboolture early Sunday morning.

Her sister, Danni Mason, shared her heartbreak, describing Chloe as a beautiful young woman loved by many. Another sister, Hannah McKone, expressed her grief online, mourning the life Chloe “never got to have.” Ms McKone has also started a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the funeral costs for her sister.

Ms Mason was found unconscious and not breathing on Railway Parade around 12.10 am Sunday. Police and paramedics attempted to revive her, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police Suspect Targeted Attack

Detective Inspector David Harbison said police believe Ms Mason was assaulted and chased by two men who shot her at least once. Witness reports indicate that three to four gunshots were heard. While the investigation is in its early stages, police believe this was a targeted attack and not a random act of violence. They are urging the two men involved to come forward and “do the right thing.”

Remembering Chloe Jade Mason

Friends and family have taken to social media to express their grief and share memories of Chloe. One friend recalled playing rugby league with her in Beachmere when they were younger, while others remembered her as a stunning young woman and a good friend.

It has also been revealed that Chloe Jade Mason’s former partner, Kane Alexanderson, was tragically killed in a gang brawl on Australia Day in 2020. Mr Alexanderson’s mother, Bianca, shared that Ms Mason and her son had been together since they were young teenagers and described them as a beautiful couple. She expressed shock and sadness at the news of Ms Mason’s death.

Appeal for Information

Detective Inspector Harbison appealed to anyone who may have been in the area around midnight, witnessed any suspicious activity, or had dashcam footage to contact the police. No weapons have been located, and no one is currently in custody.

Queensland Police Minister Dan Purdie has reassured the community that there is no need for fear, as police believe the attackers were known to Ms Mason. He expressed confidence that the police would solve the case quickly. Mr Purdie urged anyone with information to contact the police and assist in bringing those responsible to justice.

A dedicated task force, Operation Whiskey Cortland, has been established with assistance from the Homicide Investigation Unit to investigate the circumstances surrounding Ms Mason’s death. Police are urging anyone with information, particularly those with dashcam footage from Railway Parade between 11.40 pm on Saturday and midnight, to come forward.

Published Date 24-December-2024

Photo Credit: GoFundMe