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Traffic Delays on Bruce Highway Spark Calls for Urgent Upgrades

Heavy traffic delays on the Bruce Highway are leading Moreton Bay community leaders and residents to call for urgent upgrades to address the worsening congestion affecting daily commutes.

Community Struggles with Congestion

Residents in suburbs such as Griffin, Elimbah, Caboolture West, Morayfield South, Pine Valley, and Petrie regularly experience long delays on the Bruce Highway, especially during peak travel times.

According to an RACQ study published in September 2024, the Bruce Highway through Moreton Bay was recently ranked as Queensland’s most despised road.

Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery pointed out that the growing community, which had a population of over 510,000 as of last year, relies heavily on the Bruce Highway for daily commutes, with congestion only expected to worsen as the population is predicted to reach over a million within the next 30 years.

Mr Flannery highlighted the need for new solutions, suggesting the current plans for widening the highway are not enough to address the high levels of traffic in the area.

He added that the existing highway infrastructure doesn’t just serve as a thoroughfare to other parts of Queensland but as an essential route for local residents, who often feel sidelined in infrastructure planning discussions.

Proposed Solutions and Ongoing Planning

Planning is underway for the Bruce Highway Western Alternative, also known as the Moreton Motorway, to address these issues.

Jointly funded by federal and state governments, this alternative route is part of a broader plan to reduce pressure on the highway. This new corridor would provide a bypass to the west of the Bruce Highway, helping to ease congestion and improve connectivity for suburbs from Beerburrum to north Brisbane.

The planning is being completed in stages. Stages 1 and 2, covering the route from Moodlu to Narangba, have been finalised, while Stages 3 and 4 are still under investigation and involve consultation with local communities. Feedback on potential routes, including alternatives west of Elimbah, is continuously being sought.

However, Mr Flannery insists on the need to fast-track both the Bruce Highway upgrades and the Bruce Highway Western Alternative to prevent the region from turning into what he described as a “car park” each morning and afternoon.

Looking to the Future

The initiative also includes a Brisbane to Sunshine Coast Rail Corridor Strategy, which aims to address long-term transport needs in the area by improving the North Coast rail line. This strategy is part of a broader plan to enhance transport options and support ongoing development in South East Queensland, as identified in the SEQ Regional Plan. Both projects are intended to ease travel, improve safety, and support economic growth in the region.

The planning department acknowledged that as population growth drives demand, balancing transport upgrades with community and environmental needs remains a priority. While some property impacts are expected as part of the future Moreton Motorway, the department is working closely with affected landowners and local communities to address concerns as planning progresses. Further updates are expected as planning continues into early 2025.

Published 29-Oct-2024

Caboolture Nurse Still Traumatised in Highway Road Rage Incident

A Caboolture nurse still recalls the moment she became a victim of road rage on the Bruce Highway, when the driver of a white Toyota began driving dangerously at her in what she described as a targeted attack. Dashcam footage captured the moment the car slammed into her vehicle.

The alleged attack lasted more than half an hour. A year later, Nurse Evans continues to deal with the aftermath.

“Out of nowhere the white Toyota came up beside me and, yeah, just road raging me, slamming into my side doors,” she recounted.

“Very terrifying, I still have dreams about it,” she said. “Mentally, it’s destroying me, because I can’t go to work … I’m still in a sling, my shoulder’s not healing.”

RACQ’s latest Safety Survey shows 86 percent of people think road rage is getting worse, according to RACQ head of public policy Dr Michael Kane.

“We’re clearly seeing it on our major motorways, and we often see it in high-speed environments,” Kane said. “7.6 percent of people admit to carrying a weapon in their car, and obviously that’s a concern.”

Recent incidents have included metal poles and beer bottles being thrown in anger, people being punched, and vehicles being used to damage other vehicles.

The survey revealed:

Nearly 50 percent of road users have experienced tailgating
34.2 percent have experienced excessive honking
28.2 percent have experienced rude hand gestures
24.9 percent have been cut off only for that person to slow down

Published 28-October-2024

Caboolture Childcare Centre Fined After Leaving Child on A Bus

Kanga Enterprises, a childcare centre trading as Cooinda Early Learning in Caboolture, has been fined $28,000 after leaving a two-year-old child on a bus in October 2022.

The Caboolture Magistrates Court heard the child had been collected from home and was subsequently left unattended in the bus at the centre. Staff only discovered the child was still on the bus after receiving a phone call from a parent wanting to pass on a message.

The Department of Education prosecuted the centre for:

Failing to provide adequate supervision
Failing to protect children from harm and hazard
Failing to have written authorisation for children being transported
Having an inadequate risk assessment

Magistrate Kurt Fowler ordered the centre to pay the fine plus $1,500 in costs to the department.

The case follows a 2020 incident where a three-year-old died after being left in a bus outside a childcare centre, which resulted in criminal and civil action as well as regulatory reforms.

Published 25-October-2024

Caboolture North BP Undergoes Major Transformation

Motorists travelling through Caboolture North will now encounter a vastly improved BP service centre designed to enhance the customer experience with new amenities and services.

The site now boasts a new wild bean café, an expanded food selection, and a modernised truck drivers’ lounge. This extensive upgrade is part of BP’s Australia-wide initiative to modernise over 300 company-owned service stations and cater to drivers’ evolving needs.

Lisa Archbold, BP’s Vice President of Mobility and Convenience in Australia and New Zealand, emphasised the importance of providing a positive experience for all visitors to the Caboolture North location. She highlighted that the redesign considered the diverse needs of various customers, from families on road trips to daily commuters, truck drivers, and shift workers.

Highlights Of The Revamped Site

New Wild Bean Café: Offering freshly prepared food, a wide array of grab-and-go items, and barista-made coffee.

Upgraded truck drivers’ lounge: This provides a comfortable space to rest and relax, with showers, laundry facilities, and entertainment options.

Archbold acknowledged the shifting landscape of mobility and the growing popularity of electric vehicles. She anticipates that customers will spend more time at BP locations in the future, utilising amenities like the café and in-store offerings while their cars charge.

Gary McCartney, Founder and Director of McCartney Design, the agency responsible for the new store concept, explained the design process. He stated that the agency focused on understanding the various customer journeys within a busy travel centre.

The layout and aesthetics of each area were designed to reflect these journeys, with high-energy zones for convenience and grab-and-go, calming areas for restaurant seating, and an efficient, appealing design for the wildbean café.

Published Date 21-October-2024

Photo Credit: Google Map

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

A new koala-saving initiative in Toorbul has seen the installation of a special one-way doggy door that allows koalas to escape from busy roads and safely return to their bushland habitats.

Life-Saving Initiative in Moreton Bay Region

The doggy door, officially called the Fauna Escape Hatch and developed by Endeavour Veterinary Ecology (EVE) and trialled in Toorbul, has been designed to reduce the number of koalas hit by vehicles. This device, featuring suspended aluminium or stainless-steel prongs, creates a passage for koalas to push through but prevents them from returning to dangerous roadways.

Sixteen hatches have already been installed in the Moreton Bay area, with plans for more.

Koala Doggy Door in Toorbul — *Photo Credit: Endeavour Veterinary Ecology/Facebook*

The trial began in 2023 and involved over 85 koalas who had completed treatment at EVE’s intensive care clinic. These koalas consistently used the escape hatch over traditional methods like escape poles.

According to EVE’s CEO, Michael Hornby, the hatches offer a solution for koalas and other wildlife to move between habitats while avoiding roads.

Koala Behaviour and Safety

EVE researchers have observed that koalas instinctively push under barriers rather than climb over them, making the ground-level hatch a natural fit for their behaviour. EVE’s scientific manager, Deidre de Villiers, noted that koalas easily detect the break in the fence and move through the hatch.

Cameras monitor the hatch, and early footage shows koalas using it successfully to avoid re-entering the road.

The hatches have already proven useful. One instance was captured on video, where a koala made multiple attempts to return to the road but was stopped by the hatch. The device effectively kept the animal out of harm’s way.

Plans for Expansion

With vehicle strikes responsible for killing an average of 300 koalas each year in South East Queensland, this project has drawn interest from other councils and wildlife conservation groups.

Transport and Main Roads Queensland is collaborating with EVE to expand the project. The goal is to trial the hatches in more locations across the state and eventually nationwide.

The current trial received funding from the Commonwealth to offset the environmental impacts of infrastructure projects like the Coomera Connector, which runs through koala habitats. The Fauna Escape Hatch is a practical and innovative solution to protect wildlife and motorists from collisions.

Mr Hornby explained that the faster these hatches are installed across road corridors, the greater the reduction in risks for both animals and humans.

Koala breeding season, which runs from July to December, sees increased movement of koalas as they search for new habitats and mates, further emphasising the need for widespread use of this device. With promising early results, communities and conservationists alike hope the trial leads to long-term success in protecting Australia’s koala population.

Published 18-Oct-2024

Caboolture Woman Latest Victim in Spate of Dog Attacks Across Australia

A local woman is recovering after being knocked to the ground and injured by an unregistered dog while walking her dachshund in Caboolture.

This incident marks the latest in a string of dog attacks across Australia, raising concerns about public safety and responsible pet ownership.

On Sunday morning, Lee-Anne Shaw was walking her dog, Chelsea, when a dog, identified as an American Staffordshire cross named Loki, jumped the fence of its property and charged at them. The force of the attack knocked Ms Shaw to the ground, where she sustained injuries. She feared for the safety of her small dog, Chelsea, who narrowly escaped serious harm.

The dog’s owner, Jerimie Tipler, expressed remorse over the incident but maintained that his two-year-old dog was not dangerous and was merely reacting to the presence of another dog near his fence. However, City of Moreton Bay Council officers swiftly seized Loki and discovered the dog was unregistered.

Council officers are investigating the incident and have confirmed a zero-tolerance approach to serious dog attacks. The outcome of the investigation will determine what further action will be taken regarding Loki.

This attack comes on the heels of several other disturbing incidents across the country. Last Wednesday, a pet dog was fatally mauled during a walk in Carindale, Brisbane. Three dogs attacked a woman in Melbourne on Thursday, leaving her with critical injuries. And on Friday, a Townsville man’s dog severely injured his arm.

These incidents highlight the need for responsible pet ownership and raise questions about community safety. Ms Shaw believes that large, unrestrained dogs pose a significant threat and advocates for stronger measures to protect the public.

Published Date 14-October-2024

Photo Credit: Pexels

Severe Storm Brings Flooding, Hail, and Roof Collapses in Morayfield

A severe storm has caused widespread damage, with ceilings collapsing in several businesses and flash flooding affecting streets and homes in Morayfield.

Storm Causes Structural Damage

The wild storm, which struck on the evening of 9 October, caused ceilings at a Woolworths supermarket and a martial arts gym to collapse. Heavy rain caused the roofs to give way, flooding both businesses and causing closures and significant damage. Luckily, no one was seriously injured during the incidents.

At the Red Dragon Martial Arts centre in Morayfield, water burst through the ceiling during a class, prompting teachers and supervisors to evacuate families and students to safety quickly. Woolworths, located at the Supa Centre, also faced a similar issue, with panels falling from the ceiling and water surging through the store. Both businesses remain closed while assessments of the damage are being carried out.

Hail and Flash Flooding Add to Chaos

In addition to structural damage, the storm left Morayfield streets looking like a snowstorm had hit them as piles of hail accumulated. Roads were covered in large chunks of ice, and motorists faced dangerous conditions as the hail melted and mixed with rainwater, creating flash flooding across the area.

Flash flooding also affected parts of the Gold Coast, where over 100 millimetres of rain fell in just an hour. In some parts of Brisbane, more than 160 millimetres of rain was recorded, further complicating the clean-up efforts and contributing to traffic delays.

Delayed Alerts Anger Residents

Residents in Morayfield expressed frustration over delayed storm alerts, which left many feeling unprepared for the sudden downpour and hailstorm. A technical issue with the MoretonAlert system caused warnings to be delivered five hours late, with many residents only realising the severity of the storm when they saw the darkening skies.

The City of Moreton Bay is currently investigating the issue, stating that the alert system, which a third-party contractor manages, failed to send out timely warnings. Local politicians have raised concerns about the failure, calling for improvements to ensure residents receive timely alerts in future storms.

Traffic Disruptions and Power Outages

The storm also caused significant disruptions to traffic, with major delays reported across Brisbane due to flooded roads and power outages affecting traffic lights. Some areas faced up to 35-minute delays during peak hour, as the rain continued into Thursday morning.

Approximately 7,000 homes lost power, including nearly 3,000 in Morayfield. Emergency services responded to more than 90 calls for assistance, most of which related to structural damage and tarping.

As the clean-up continues, more rain is expected in the coming days, making recovery efforts challenging for businesses and residents alike. Local authorities are urging residents to stay safe and avoid flooded areas.

Published 10-Oct-2024

Caboolture Teenager Dies Following E-Scooter Collision with Truck

A teenager has died in hospital following a collision between his e-scooter and a truck in Caboolture. The incident occurred on Friday, October 4, 2024, at approximately 7:20 PM at the intersection of George St and Mill Rd.

The teenager sustained life-threatening injuries when his e-scooter collided with a Hino 300 truck. He was immediately transported to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, where he fought for his life for five days before succumbing to his injuries on Wednesday, October 9.

Police reported the boy’s death on Wednesday night. The occupants of the truck involved in the collision were assessed by paramedics at the scene but did not suffer any physical injuries.

The Forensic Crash Unit of the Queensland Police Service is currently investigating the incident.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Quote this reference number: QP2401705615

The identity of the deceased teenager has not been released by the authorities.

Published 8-October-2024

Caboolture River Road to Receive $71-Million Upgrade Amidst Koala Habitat Concerns

Caboolture River Road is set for a significant upgrade after securing $71 million in funding to improve traffic flow and support the burgeoning Waraba Priority Development Area (PDA).

This investment forms part of the South East Queensland (SEQ) City Deal, which aims to accommodate the region’s rapid growth. Over the next four decades, Waraba is projected to provide approximately 30,000 new homes for an estimated 70,000 residents and 17,000 jobs across various sectors.

The Caboolture River Road upgrade will be crucial in managing increased traffic and providing essential access to this growing community.

The upgrade will see the existing road between Grant Road and Morayfield Road transformed into a four-lane carriageway featuring two lanes in each direction. Additionally, new cycling and pedestrian paths will be constructed on both sides of the road, promoting active transport and enhancing safety for all road users. This project is part of Queensland’s $100-million contribution to the SEQ City Deal Growth Areas Compact (GAC).

The GAC focuses on providing vital infrastructure to support new and existing communities in growth areas like Waraba. Last month, $13 million in GAC funding was allocated towards wastewater infrastructure in Lilywood, the first suburb within the Waraba PDA.

State Development and Infrastructure Minister Grace Grace emphasised the importance of investing in infrastructure to meet the growing community’s needs. She highlighted that the upgrade will benefit Waraba and improve traffic flow and road safety for existing residents in Morayfield and Caboolture.

Morayfield MP Mark Ryan acknowledged the challenges of managing growth and stressed the importance of efficient and safe transport infrastructure. He expressed his strong support for the project and its potential to improve the quality of life for residents.

Acting Mayor of Moreton Bay Jodie Shipway welcomed the funding and highlighted the importance of the SEQ City Deal in supporting the region’s development.

She acknowledged the need for critical infrastructure investment to keep pace with the city’s rapid population growth. She expressed the council’s commitment to working with the Queensland government on future planning and infrastructure projects.

However, the planned upgrade has also sparked concern among residents about its impact on koala habitats. A petition circulating in Morayfield has gathered over 300 signatures, calling on the council to reconsider a development application at 116-140 Caboolture River Road, which residents believe poses a threat to koalas, who rely on the trees in the area for shelter and sustenance.

The petition highlights Queensland’s significant decline in koala populations over the past 20 years, primarily due to habitat loss. With koalas already facing an uphill battle for survival, residents are urging the council to prioritise the protection of these vulnerable animals and their habitat.

Published Date 01-October-2024

Photo Credit: MoretonBay

Caboolture Glazier Guilty After Facebook Marketplace Car Ends in Creek Crash

A Caboolture glazier pleads guilty after his newly bought car from Facebook Marketplace took a dramatic crash in Sunshine Coast hinterland.

Troy Gordon Shields, a 34-year-old glazier from Caboolture, appeared via video link from Woodford Prison in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Friday. He pleaded guilty to eight charges stemming from a February 21 incident where he crashed a recently purchased vehicle into a creek bed in Nambour.

The court heard that Shields, a father of three, had bought the car from Facebook Marketplace shortly before the incident. According to his defence lawyer, Breanna Bowtell, Shields claimed the brakes weren’t working properly when he was driving the vehicle.

However, witnesses reported hearing loud revving along Image Flat Road in Nambour before two distinct bangs. Police investigations revealed that Shields had sideswiped a parked car and hit a guardrail, causing his vehicle to flip onto its roof in a nearby creek bed.

The situation was further complicated by the fact that the car was uninsured, unregistered, and bore paper plates. Shields himself was unlicensed at the time of the incident. Subsequent tests showed positive results for methamphetamine, alcohol, and amphetamine in his system.

Acting Magistrate Anna Smith noted that the car had a modified muffler, accounting for the loud noises reported by witnesses. Police determined that Shields lost control of the vehicle after hitting the edge of a roundabout, with skid marks found leading up to the crash site.

Shields, who has previously struggled with alcohol and methamphetamine addiction, hopes to return to his profession as a glazier upon release from custody. He has been sentenced to eight months in jail, suspended immediately for 15 months, and disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Published 27-September-2024