Caboolture Archives - Page 12 of 21

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

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.

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

Caboolture Pensioner Scammed Out of $40,000, Faces Tent Living

A Caboolture disability pensioner has lost $40,000 and is weeks away from homelessness after falling victim to an international online romance scam.

Scam Began with Instagram Message

Tracey Skeates, 63, said the scam began in October 2023 when a woman claiming to be “Charlotte” from the United States contacted him via Instagram. She told him she was looking for companionship after a breakup. The relationship quickly escalated, with “Charlotte” requesting money to fix her phone within a week of contact.

Over the next 15 months, Skeates sent regular payments, often using his disability pension. He sold his car and pawned cherished items, including his guitars, to meet her repeated demands for funds. In total, he lost $40,000, which included a significant portion of an inheritance he had planned to use for retirement.

Repeated False Promises

Skeates described how “Charlotte” claimed she wanted to move to Australia and be his wife, but alleged misfortunes repeatedly thwarted her attempts to travel. She cited incidents such as being assaulted, falling into a coma, and being caught up in a heroin-smuggling setup. Each crisis led to more requests for financial assistance, which Skeates provided, believing her stories.

The communication was limited to Instagram messages and WhatsApp calls, with “Charlotte” claiming her phone camera was broken. Payments were made through untraceable methods, such as Apple gift cards and Bitcoin.

Caboolture grandpa romance scam — *Photo Credit: Unsplash*

Discovery of the Scam

Months into the relationship, Skeates performed a reverse image search of the photos “Charlotte” had sent. The search revealed the images were of a Colombian model with no connection to the scam. Despite learning the truth, Skeates said he continued to send money, citing the emotional manipulation he experienced.

“I lost the ability to think straight,” he said, adding that he now regrets not recognising the warning signs earlier.

Impact on Family and Life

The scam devastated Skeates financially and emotionally. He now faces the prospect of living in a tent, having depleted his resources. His relationship with his daughter, Tamika, became strained after she expressed concerns about the authenticity of the relationship. She described feeling frustrated when Skeates sold his car despite her warnings.

Despite the financial and emotional toll, Skeates’ grandsons have rallied to support him by setting up a GoFundMe campaign to replace his car, hoping to help him regain some stability.

Romance Scams on the Rise

According to ScamWatch, more than 27,000 Australians fell victim to romance scams in 2024, collectively losing nearly $20 million. In Queensland alone, 656 victims lost a total of $3 million. ScamWatch warns that such scams often spike during the holiday season when vulnerable individuals may be more susceptible to manipulation.

Experts advise anyone who suspects they are being scammed to seek help immediately and not feel ashamed. Authorities stress that scammers are skilled at exploiting human psychology to isolate victims from their support networks.

Raising Awareness

Skeates said he hopes his story will serve as a warning to others about the dangers of online scams. “If my experience can help just one person avoid this, it’s worth sharing,” he said.

Published 20-Dec-2024

Four-Lane Expansion to Transform Caboolture River Road

Plans to upgrade a key 4-kilometre stretch of Caboolture River Road into a four-lane carriageway are in motion as the Moreton Bay region experiences rapid population growth and increasing traffic congestion.

Community Concern Drives Major Project

The upgrade, which will enhance Caboolture River Road from Morayfield Road to west of Crome Court, comes in response to community concerns over traffic delays and safety issues. A survey conducted by the City of Moreton Bay revealed that nearly 50 per cent of residents identified traffic congestion as their top transport issue.

Local officials have prioritised this upgrade to ensure the road infrastructure meets the demands of the expanding community.

The first section of the upgrade, from Morayfield Road to Grant Road, is expected to commence construction in 2026, with a projected completion date in 2028. This part of the project includes widening the road to four lanes with a central median, adding dedicated cycling and pedestrian pathways, and upgrading key intersections.

A Multi-Stage Development

The project is being rolled out in three phases. The initial phase covers the 1.2-kilometre section between Morayfield Road and Grant Road, which will include new traffic signals at the intersection of Amy and Kenneth Streets, improved safety measures near Morayfield State School, and adjustments to side street access to streamline traffic flow.

The subsequent phases, covering Grant Road to Walkers Road and Walkers Road to Crome Court, are being managed through agreements with developers linked to new residential developments, including the emerging suburb of Waraba. These sections will also feature four traffic lanes, improved pedestrian and cycling facilities, and signalised intersections to handle the expected rise in local traffic.

Preparing for Caboolture’s Future

Caboolture River Road serves as a critical east-west transport corridor for a region experiencing significant urban expansion. Population projections indicate that the Waraba area, located west of Caboolture, will eventually become home to 70,000 residents.

To accommodate this growth, the road upgrades will provide increased traffic capacity, safer crossings for pedestrians and cyclists, and improved access to local amenities.

Council representatives emphasised the importance of aligning infrastructure with development. The upgrades will not only support future demands but also improve daily commutes for current residents, making travel safer and more efficient.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

The project includes provisions for environmental sustainability, such as tree and vegetation plantings along the upgraded sections. Additionally, design features like wider lanes, central medians, and dedicated turning lanes aim to enhance safety for all road users. Planners are also considering local wildlife needs to minimise environmental impact.

Preliminary works, including service relocations, are scheduled for 2025. Land acquisitions required for the expansion will proceed under the Acquisition of Land Act 1967, with council teams supporting affected stakeholders through the process.

Published 13-Dec-2024

Caboolture to Gain Officeworks and Major Storage Facility in New Development

A significant mixed-use development featuring a new Officeworks store, a large storage facility, and additional retail space is proposed for a prominent site on Pumicestone Road in Caboolture.

The development application, lodged by Bennett and Bennett Group, outlines plans for a two-building complex on the corner of Pumicestone Road and Eildon Street.

This major development in Caboolture will bring a new 1830-square-metre Officeworks store, a substantial three-storey storage facility spanning 3482 square metres, and a smaller 262-square-metre shop to the area. The contemporary design will incorporate various materials and colours to minimise visual impact, and the project includes 78 car parking spaces with designated areas for each development element.

The proposed site, currently largely cleared, sits within Precinct 1 of a broader mixed-use centre and has frontages to Pumicestone Road, Eildon Street, and Atherton Road. The planners argue that while a large retail showroom like Officeworks wasn’t specifically envisaged in the original SunGATE Masterplan for the area, the building’s scale and design align with other structures in the centre.

The storage facility, reaching a height of 11.4 metres, will utilise a variety of façade treatments, including precast concrete in different colours and metal cladding, to break up the visual bulk of the building. Access to the site will be primarily from Eildon Street via an existing easement.

If approved, this development promises to bring new retail options and convenient storage solutions to Caboolture residents while contributing to the ongoing growth and evolution of the SunGATE precinct.

Published Date 04-December-2024

Photo Credit: DA/2024/3191