Caboolture Archives - Page 2 of 11

Bruce Highway in Caboolture: A Major Crash Hotspot in Moreton Bay

The Bruce Highway in Caboolture is one of the most dangerous roads in Queensland, with crash numbers continuing to rise. This highlights growing road safety concerns in both Caboolture and the wider Moreton Bay area.

In 2024, Queensland recorded a total of 302 road fatalities, marking the highest toll since 2009. Over the past five years, Moreton Bay has seen 95 road deaths, and this busy stretch of Caboolture is a major trouble spot with heavy traffic and congestion. AAMI’s crash index report ranks Caboolture in the top five most dangerous areas, blaming high traffic and risky driving.

Why Are There So Many Crashes?

The most common crash type in Caboolture is nose-to-tail accidents, which make up 25% of all crashes in the past decade. The most dangerous times are in the afternoon, especially during school pick-up hours, and Fridays see the highest number of crashes.

In Moreton Bay, 18 people lost their lives on the roads in 2024, compared to 20 in 2023, 16 in 2022, 21 in 2021, and 20 in 2020. Even though cars are getting safer, bad driving habits are still causing accidents.

The Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) says tougher rules and penalties are needed to stop dangerous driving and improve road safety.

The biggest causes of serious crashes continue to be the ‘Fatal Five’: speeding, fatigue, distractions (like using mobile phones), not wearing seatbelts properly, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Officials warn that speeding is getting worse every year and urge drivers to slow down and drive safely.

Major crash hotspot in Moreton Bay — *Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook*

What Is Being Done?

Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and road safety groups such as RACQ are trying to improve road safety. They are advocating for tougher sanctions and increased public awareness to promote safer driving in congested locations such as Caboolture.

Recent efforts include bringing back the Bruce Highway Advisory Council to focus on key safety issues and making it a priority to secure more funding from the federal government to speed up improvements.

The Moreton Bay region, especially Caboolture, is a key focus for road safety efforts. Authorities ask drivers to stay alert, follow the rules, and help reduce preventable crashes.

Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

Published 24-Jan-2025

Caboolture Historical Village Hosts Australia Day Celebrations

Caboolture Historical Village, a unique historical setting, will hold an Australia Day event featuring live music, vehicle displays, and traditional activities. The event will provide a relaxed setting for the local community to enjoy while celebrating the nation’s heritage.

Attendees can explore historical exhibits, enjoy local entertainment, and participate in well-loved Australian pastimes. With a mix of activities for all ages, the event aims to bring together families, history enthusiasts, and motoring fans for fun and cultural appreciation in a unique historical environment.

Australia Day Caboolture — *Photo Credit: Caboolture Historical Village*

Australia Day at Caboolture Historical Village

Caboolture Historical Village has hosted Australia Day events for several years. The event showcases local history and provides activities for all ages. Visitors explore heritage buildings each year, enjoy entertainment, and participate in classic Australian pastimes.

This year, the focus will be on music and motoring, with several attractions spread across the site.

What to Expect

This year’s event embraces a laid-back Aussie Sunday vibe, with music and motoring as the central themes.

Attendees can look forward to a diverse lineup of live performances by local talents, including Play Itt live delivering old-school rock & roll, Blarney Stone blending Australian classics with Celtic vibes, Zedd Charles bringing smooth blues melodies, and Hinterland d’Amore offering an urban country music experience.
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Beyond the music, visitors can immerse themselves in the village’s rich heritage by exploring 70 historical buildings filled with local artefacts. Enthusiasts can also browse motoring exhibits featuring vintage cars, motorcycles, and machinery, while families can take part in traditional Australia Day activities such as thong tossing and toad racing.

To make the most of the relaxed atmosphere, attendees are encouraged to bring camp chairs or picnic blankets.

Caboolture Historical Village celebrates Australia Day 2025 — Photo Credit: *The Travelling Jackaroo/Facebook*

Event Details

Date: Sunday, 26 January 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Parade at 1:00 p.m.)
Location: Caboolture Historical Village

Entry Fees:

Adults: $15
Children (6-16 years): $5
Children 5 and under: Free

Tickets:

Tickets are available online via TryBooking or at the gate on the day.

GET TICKETS

Parking:

A gold coin donation is required for parking, with proceeds supporting the Caboolture & District Woodcrafters Inc.

Looking Ahead

The event provides a unique opportunity for locals and visitors to connect with the area’s history. Organisers expect strong attendance and encourage participation in traditional games and hands-on experiences.

The organisers also plan to build on the success of past events by considering additional features in future celebrations. Feedback from attendees will help shape upcoming events.

Photo Credit: Australia Day 2025/TryBooking

Published 20-Jan-2025

Unitywater Upgrades Meters in Burpengary and Morayfield

To ensure accurate water bills and a reliable supply in the new year, Unitywater is replacing water meters across Burpengary and Morayfield this January.

Read: Morayfield Urgent Care Clinic the Busiest in Queensland

This initiative is part of the organisation’s annual water meter replacement program, which focuses on swapping out older meters to maintain the highest standards of service for the community.

Unitywater prioritises replacing meters that have reached the end of their lifespan due to age, those that have measured high volumes of water over time—for example, in larger households or properties with extensive gardens—or those showing signs of wear and tear, leaks, damage, or inaccurate readings.

Unitywater executive manager Mike Basterfield says that this program is all about making sure the water meter readings and customer bills are as accurate as possible.

Unitywater to Ensure Smooth and Efficient Process

The replacement process is designed to be quick and cause minimal disruption to residents. Unitywater crews expect each meter replacement to take between 30 minutes to an hour. Residents whose meters are scheduled for replacement will receive a notification card in their letterbox at least 48 hours before the work begins.

To help residents keep track of their water usage, Unitywater crews will also leave a card with the final reading from the old meter. This allows customers to compare the reading against their next Unitywater bill for added peace of mind.

Read: Caboolture Soldier Loses Lower Leg in Ukraine Landmine Blast

This program is just one of the ways Unitywater is working to maintain and improve water infrastructure in the region. For more information on Unitywater’s maintenance programs, residents can visit their website here.

Photo Credit: Supplied

Published 20-January-2025

Caboolture Soldier Loses Lower Leg in Ukraine Landmine Blast

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

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

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

Queenslander Answers a Call to Action

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

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

The Incident and Its Aftermath

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

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

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

Frustration with Support Systems

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

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

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

Commitment to the Cause

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

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

Community Support in Caboolture

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

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

Next Steps

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

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

Published 15-Jan-2025

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

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

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

Brothers Face Murder Charges

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

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

Police Investigation

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

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

Community Remembers Chloe Jade Mason

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

Court Proceedings

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

Published Date 07-Jan-2025

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

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

Meter Reading Challenges

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

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

Hidden Leaks and High Costs

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

Checking for Leaks and Ensuring Access

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

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

Published Date 03-January-2025

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