The Caboolture South store began trading on 12 August 2025, becoming the brand’s 81st location. The move replaces the former Morayfield Kiosk with a dual-lane drive thru format, part of Zarraffa’s shift towards convenience-focused sites. Located beside a service centre and close to local amenities, the store is designed to provide greater accessibility for busy commuters and families in the Moreton Bay region.
Ownership of the outlet is shared by experienced franchisees Ben Old, Terry and Jeanette Bambury, along with new primary franchisee Lyndsey Davies. Davies began her career with Zarraffa’s at 19 as a barista, progressing to co-owner of the Mango Hill and Morayfield Road stores before taking on the lead role at Caboolture South. She said the new store offers an opportunity to grow the community built at Morayfield Kiosk, while maintaining the same service standards and product quality.
Employment Opportunities and Staff Continuity
The transition from kiosk to drive thru has created more than 20 new local jobs through a dedicated recruitment and training program. Several staff from the Morayfield Kiosk have also joined the team to ensure a smooth experience for regular customers.
Photo Credit: Zarraffa’s Coffee
Customer Offering
The Caboolture South store serves Zarraffa’s signature coffee blends along with freshly baked in-store items, breakfast options, and savoury snacks. The site offers space for customers to take a seat or order on-the-go.
Commitment to Regional Growth
Zarraffa’s Coffee CEO Marnie Sheldon said the opening reflects the company’s ongoing investment in the Moreton Bay growth corridor. She highlighted the role of long-standing franchisees in the brand’s success, noting that Ben and Terry Bambury have been involved with the company for more than two decades. Sheldon said Davies’ appointment marks a milestone in her career, recognising her experience and long-term contribution to the brand.
Did you know that St Columban’s College in Caboolture has recorded its highest-ever Yr 9 NAPLAN writing results, after introducing an AI-powered writing program across the school?
St Columban’s College in Caboolture integrated the Writer’s Toolbox AI program into its Digital Innovation Strategy, which equips every student and teacher with a laptop. The initiative began in 2020 after a review found the school’s writing results were below the national average. The goal was to lift student performance to meet or exceed national standards.
Photo Credit: Writer’s Toolbox
Measurable Improvement in NAPLAN Performance
The Writer’s Toolbox program, adopted across Year 9 and other levels, led to the highest writing score in the school’s 10 years of NAPLAN testing. In less than 12 months, the average Year 9 writing result increased by 24 points. In 2024, students wrote more than 3.7 million words using the platform, reflecting higher engagement and confidence in writing.
Statewide Pilot Results
St Columban’s was one of eight Brisbane Catholic Education schools in a pilot program using Writer’s Toolbox. Collectively, participating schools improved their NAPLAN writing results eight times faster than the Queensland state average. While the state’s combined writing score across all years tested rose from 486 in 2023 to 488 in 2024, pilot schools recorded an increase from 490 to 555 over the same period.
Photo Credit: Writer’s Toolbox
About the Writer’s Toolbox Program
Writer’s Toolbox was developed from 25 years of research by Associate Professor Ian Hunter, combining historical teaching methods with AI-driven personalised feedback. The program is fully differentiated, allowing students to progress at their own pace while enabling teachers to track performance in real time. Studies involving 71 Australian schools and 78,000 students showed writing improvement rates between two and ten times the Queensland average.
Impact on Students and Teachers
Students benefit from instant feedback and tailored challenges, while teachers gain tools to support varied learning needs. The program is designed to make writing practice consistent across all ability levels while maintaining individualised progression.
Following the success of the pilot, schools including St Columban’s continue to use the AI program across year levels. The approach reflects a wider trend of integrating AI into classrooms, with schools weighing how best to balance technology with traditional teaching methods.
A $20 million motorsport park is about to be proposed near Caboolture, with plans for a multi-discipline venue capable of hosting local to international events.
Corbet’s Group, a Gympie-based family business, is proposing to develop the Moreton Motorsport Park on a 404-hectare block at Bloesch Road, Beachmere, between Bribie Island Road and Beachmere Road. The land, purchased in May 2023 for $2.6 million, is privately owned by the Corbet family, removing the risk of closure due to rising public land values. The site is located east of Caboolture and south of Bribie Island.
The proposal follows decades without a dedicated speedway in the Caboolture area since the Moodlu dirt track closed in the 1980s.
If approved, the venue would accommodate up to 10,000 spectators and feature a speedway circuit, motocross track, BMX-style track, driver training area, and facilities for various motorsport disciplines, including sprint cars, dirt track, solos, dirt karts, super sedans, and modified vehicles.
Corbet’s Group intends to privately finance the project, estimated at $20 million, with the aim of catering to both entry-level participants and international professionals. Preliminary designs have been developed, but the layout and track specifications will be refined through consultation with the motorsport community.
Addressing Facility Shortages
The developers have highlighted a shortage of motorsport facilities in South-East Queensland following the closure of tracks such as Archerfield Speedway, Acacia Ridge Speedway, Coolum Pines MX, Parklands MX, Motoland, and North Brisbane Junior Motorcycle Club.
Industry figures indicate there are more than 1,400 Speedway Australia-registered and nearly 2,300 Motorcycling Australia-registered participants in the region who lack convenient access to accredited facilities. The proposal also aims to address safety issues caused by illegal riding in forests and dangerous on-road behaviour.
Economic Impact and Development Timeline
Consultants estimate the facility could deliver $13 million annually to the local economy, excluding larger one-off events, with around 109 full-time jobs created during construction and 42 ongoing positions once operational.
The timeline for the project depends on the approval process, which is expected to take two to three years. Noise testing, flood assessments, and ecological studies are underway to ensure compliance and minimise environmental impacts.
Community Feedback
Public response has been largely supportive, with many citing tourism benefits, improved opportunities for young drivers, and reduced travel distances for competitors. Suggestions from the community include adding a state-of-the-art go-kart track and ensuring the site is far enough from residential areas to minimise noise complaints.
Some concerns have been raised about potential future objections from nearby residents once the venue is operating, as well as the environmental footprint.
No development application has yet been lodged. Corbet’s Group is seeking community input via the Moreton Motorsport Park Facebook page before finalising the design. The group’s stated goal is to create a long-term home for Queensland motorsport that meets community needs while supporting the local economy.
Operation Xray Grader, a targeted police operation addressing crime and anti-social behaviour in Caboolture’s CBD, has been extended through to the end of 2025 following successful outcomes during its first three months.
The operation which began on 29 April this year, has resulted in 123 people being charged with 168 offences across the central business district, including the King Street precinct and train station area bounded by Elliott Street, George Street and Bertha Street.
The extension comes after positive community feedback about increased police visibility in the area, according to Moreton District Officer Chief Superintendent Adam Guild.
Police have conducted comprehensive enforcement activities during the operation’s initial phase, completing 1,694 street checks and issuing 99 traffic infringement notices alongside the charges laid. The operation combines high-visibility patrols with covert surveillance, utilising foot patrols, mobile units, bicycle officers and metal detection operations.
Drug-related offences comprised the largest category of charges, with 36 people facing drug charges during the three-month period. Police also charged 15 people with theft offences and five individuals with weapons-related charges. Two people were charged with assault, while other charges included unlawful entry, public nuisance, trespassing and obstructing police.
Chief Superintendent Guild emphasised that community safety remains the operation’s primary focus, noting that both residents and business owners have responded favourably to the increased police presence.
The success of the current operation has prompted police to develop a longer-term strategy for the precinct, with input being sought from 150 local businesses invited to provide feedback on future crime prevention approaches.
According to Queensland Police Service reports, the operation has maintained its focus on “detection, prevention, and disruption of crime” while prioritising positive community engagement.
Regular police patrols continue to supplement the enhanced operations, with officers maintaining direct contact with businesses and community members throughout the extended timeframe.
The operation represents part of broader Queensland Police Service efforts to address crime and anti-social behaviour in high-traffic public areas, with similar initiatives operating across various districts throughout the state.
A Caboolture couple has criticised the state’s building regulator after their parents’ $300,000 granny flat project was left with dozens of defects and no regulatory pathway to rectification available through the QBCC.
Major Construction Defects Uncovered in Caboolture
Emily Moore and her husband Ian Moore raised concerns after a granny flat built in their Caboolture backyard for Emily’s parents was found to contain 28 construction defects. The project, contracted to Leverage Projects in February 2021, also included demolition of a shed to create additional space.
By 2023, the work had ceased. A Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) report from April 2024 confirmed the number of defects but stated that no rectification direction could be issued, as the builder’s company had entered voluntary liquidation.
The builder’s personal and company licences were later cancelled and excluded for three years following the liquidator’s appointment.
The granny flat, which cost nearly $300,000, was intended to accommodate Moore’s parents, Tony and Deb Jurott, during retirement. The family now claims the residence is substandard and the stress has negatively affected their health.
The builder, Craig Jack, could not be reached. The family also said they filed a formal complaint with the QBCC over its handling of the case, alleging a lack of understanding and poor communication.
Previous Case in Burpengary East Echoes Similar Concerns
In a separate matter months earlier, a Burpengary East couple reported delays and alleged neglect in their home extension project. Michelle Holmes and David McInnes had paid $97,000 under a fixed-price $164,000 contract with Tilson & Sons Building & Construction for a 6-by-9 metre extension, originally due by Christmas 2023.
Holmes, a veteran, said she used part of her disability payout for the project. She alleged the QBCC was unresponsive and dismissed her concerns, advising her to seek legal assistance after she filed complaints.
The QBCC later confirmed Tilson & Sons still held a low-rise builder licence and had received one direction to rectify work in 2024, which resulted in a fine and demerit points.
Both incidents have reignited discussion around the role and performance of the QBCC in handling building work complaints. The Commission is responsible for overseeing licensing, enforcing standards, and administering the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme.
Disputes involving defective or incomplete work are generally eligible for investigation or referral to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT). However, the regulator has stated it cannot intervene when builders become insolvent, as in the Caboolture case.
The QBCC said it operates under confidentiality obligations and could not provide individual case details but acknowledged the need to improve customer focus. A new CEO and Commissioner are currently overseeing internal reforms aimed at rebuilding trust and reducing regulatory friction.
Both households remain without full resolution. The Moores were told they could pursue the matter through QCAT, while Holmes has engaged a building compliance lawyer. Their experiences underscore growing community frustration with current dispute-handling mechanisms, particularly in cases involving financial loss and physical or mental health strain.
Published 1-Aug-2025
Photo Credit: PexelsCaption: For Illustration Purposes Only
Residents in Caboolture are seeing urgent change after a police raid and swift action addressed a disruptive tenancy, just as Queensland’s crisis housing program comes under threat from costly property damage.
Earlier this month, police raided a property in Caboolture after repeated complaints from neighbours about disruptive behaviour. The search uncovered stolen property and led to several arrests, which triggered an immediate response from the Department of Housing.
The tenants at the address received a final warning, and the department began proceedings to end their tenancy. This case was one of four in Queensland where households received first and final notices for dangerous behaviour in the first two weeks of July, but the Caboolture incident stood out for its impact on the local community.
Officials said their response was focused on protecting families, the elderly, and children who call the neighbourhood home. The crackdown followed a pattern of complaints and police presence, which put pressure on housing authorities to act fast and restore community trust.
Crisis Accommodation at a Crossroads
The events in Caboolture are part of a much broader challenge across Queensland.
New data revealed at the recent budget estimates hearing shows nearly 100 families were evicted from crisis motel accommodation in the past year, mostly for aggressive or abusive behaviour or breaching motel rules. The damage caused by a small minority of tenants has cost almost $600,000, putting the entire emergency housing program at risk, with some hoteliers considering withdrawing their support.
At present, nearly 4,000 people are living in 401 hotels and motels contracted by Queensland to provide temporary shelter as the state faces a cost-of-living crunch and a waitlist of more than 50,000 people for social housing.
Housing Minister Sam O’Connor and department director-general Mark Cridland both emphasised that the vast majority of tenants do the right thing, but a small number jeopardise the system for everyone. The minister said repeated incidents and costly repairs have already seen some hotel operators step away from the program, reducing options for vulnerable families and individuals who need emergency help.
The swift action in Caboolture highlights how Queensland’s new policy on managing antisocial behaviour in housing is playing out on the ground. Under these changes, tenants who breach the rules—especially through violent or illegal acts—can be given immediate warnings and even face eviction if there is a pattern of serious disruption.
In the first month of the new policy, housing authorities issued 545 antisocial behaviour notices statewide, with 42 linked to serious or dangerous conduct.
Officials said these tools are needed to keep neighbourhoods safe and make sure that help remains available for families genuinely in need. They acknowledged the support of local police and the community in raising the alarm and working together for a fair outcome.
Restoring Confidence
While the immediate focus is on restoring safety and confidence in Caboolture, the housing crisis remains a huge challenge for the state.
Queensland has committed $8.1 billion to build one million homes over 20 years, including 53,000 social and community dwellings. More than 6000 new social homes are already under contract, with hundreds confirmed in the week after the most recent state budget.
Officials stressed that selling off social housing remains a last resort for properties beyond repair, and no full-scale sales program has restarted. The department is still reviewing its portfolio to determine which homes may be too costly to maintain, particularly in the aftermath of fires, natural disasters, or severe damage.
The first home in the Waraba development in Caboolture has been completed and occupied, marking the beginning of residential settlement in the planned urban expansion area.
Initial Settlement Begins in Caboolture’s Waraba Estate
A newly built house in the Lilywood Landings estate has become the first occupied residence in the Waraba development located in the Caboolture region. The owners, Callum and Nina Richter, who relocated from Chermside West, received their keys on 28 July 2025.
Caption: The owners, Callum and Nina Richterwith their dog, Harper. Photo Credit: Supplied
Background: Waraba Development Framework
Waraba, previously referred to as Caboolture West, is a designated long-term growth area identified for urban development in Moreton Bay. The entire development spans approximately 3,480 hectares and is expected to include 30,000 dwellings upon completion. It is forecast to support a population of around 70,000 people over the next four decades.
Lilywood Landings is the initial residential neighbourhood within this broader plan. It is situated near the Caboolture River and has been identified as the entry point for staged housing delivery in the area.
Caption: The owners with Murray Reilly from Integrale Homes. Photo Credit: Supplied
Project Details and Broader Scope
Construction at Lilywood Landings is ongoing, with around 100 homes currently in development. The area is planned to include 70 hectares of public greenspace, 4.5 kilometres of shared paths, sporting fields, local parks, a new state primary school, and a town centre with retail and other amenities.
Future stages of the broader Waraba development will involve the delivery of multiple school sites, public transport links, and additional residential precincts. Regional projections estimate the Moreton Bay area will support a $40 billion economy and 240,000 jobs by 2041.
Caption: The owners, with Ian Worthington from Lennium Group and Murray Reilly from Integrale Homes. Photo Credit: Supplied
Construction and Delivery Partners
The first home at Lilywood Landings was delivered by Integrale Homes, with land development managed by Lennium Group. Representatives from both organisations were present during the handover process.
Construction remains active across adjacent lots, with additional families expected to move in over the coming weeks as dwellings reach completion.
Waraba is one of the largest planned residential growth areas in Queensland. Its scale and infrastructure planning are intended to meet increasing demand for housing in the Caboolture and Moreton Bay regions. The occupation of the first completed home signals the commencement of long-term residential settlement in the precinct.
Major infrastructure upgrades are progressing in Caboolture, focusing on the Bruce Highway and Caboolture-Bribie Island Road, with several projects in planning, design, or construction phases.
Infrastructure Expansion Across the Caboolture Region
The Caboolture area is undergoing multiple large-scale transport upgrades, with business cases, design plans, and construction efforts underway across key corridors. These projects aim to address capacity, safety, and network efficiency demands brought by sustained regional growth.
Photo Credit: Department of Transport and Main Roads
Background on Highway Upgrades
Planning is in progress to upgrade the Bruce Highway between Uhlmann Road, Burpengary and Caboolture-Bribie Island Road. This section forms part of a larger corridor improvement plan stretching from Anzac Avenue to Caboolture-Bribie Island Road. The business cases for the two consecutive sections are being developed under a single planning study to support long-term solutions for traffic congestion and flood resilience.
Collector-Distributor Roads Chosen for Bruce Highway Corridor
Planning assessments found that adding general highway lanes would offer limited benefits due to weaving and merging caused by multiple interchanges and access points. As a result, collector-distributor roads have been proposed as the preferred solution. These roads will run parallel to the highway, diverting short-distance traffic and easing congestion.
Planned features include upgrades to the Caboolture-Bribie Island Road interchange, braided ramps to manage entry-exit weaving, and the construction of three new bridges over the Caboolture River. Lower King Street will also be upgraded, including signalisation at Mewett Street and expansion to four lanes.
Photo Credit: Department of Transport and Main Roads
These combined projects have received a total of $22 million in planning investment through joint federal and state funding, with construction timelines to be confirmed.
Dual Carriageway Expansions on Caboolture-Bribie Island Road
Design is underway to duplicate the section of Caboolture-Bribie Island Road from Hickey Road to west of King Johns Creek. This includes traffic signals at the Hickey Road intersection, a centre median, a shared path, and cycling infrastructure improvements. The project has a total investment of $59 million.
Separately, construction is ongoing between Old Toorbul Point Road and Saint Road. This stage involves upgrading to a 4-lane carriageway, intersection signalisation at Volz Road/Browns Road, and improvements to bike lanes and shared pathways. This project is funded at $48.23 million and complements a previously completed intersection upgrade in the same corridor.
Photo Credit: Department of Transport and Main Roads
Bribie Island Bridge Business Case Finalised
A business case has been completed for a new bridge between Sandstone Point and Bribie Island. The concept design outlines a two-lane eastbound structure with an active transport path. The existing 1963 bridge will be retained for westbound traffic. Additional works include road widening between Bestmann Road East and Benabrow Avenue, realignment of the Sylvan Beach Esplanade intersection, and traffic signals near Sandstone Point Hotel.
The $5.2 million planning stage was fully state-funded. Future timelines for design and construction remain under consideration.
Photo Credit: Department of Transport and Main Roads
Local Station Access and Western Bypass Planning
A transport study is in progress to enhance access to Caboolture, Morayfield, Burpengary, Narangba, and Dakabin train stations. The study aims to support active and multi-modal travel for the region’s growing population.
In addition, planning for Stage 4 of the Bruce Highway Western Alternative continues. The proposed 12.6-kilometre alignment between Moodlu and Beerburrum aims to reduce congestion on existing roads while avoiding rural residential zones. Feedback from public consultation closed in June 2025 and will inform final route protection.
Planning continues across all Caboolture-related infrastructure initiatives. Feedback on preferred options is currently under review, and design outcomes will guide future funding and construction timeframes. These works aim to support long-term growth and improve road and transport resilience across the region.
Caboolture will be a key site in one of the biggest highway upgrade plans in Queensland’s north, with the transport authority announcing a sweeping redevelopment of the Bruce Highway between Anzac Avenue and Caboolture–Bribie Island Road. The proposed upgrade aims to fix chronic traffic congestion and improve safety along a stretch used daily by thousands of commuters, freight vehicles and families.
The project covers 18.8 kilometres of highway and includes plans to widen lanes, redesign interchanges and add infrastructure for walkers and cyclists. The upgrade comes in response to years of traffic bottlenecks and increasing pressure from population growth in and around Caboolture and the Moreton Bay region.
The planned works are designed to support traffic growth well into the future while improving how local and long-distance traffic move through the area.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has confirmed that the first section of work will see the highway expanded from six to eight lanes between Anzac Avenue and Uhlmann Road. From Uhlmann Road to Caboolture–Bribie Island Road, instead of more lanes, the project will introduce multi-lane, one-way collector-distributor roads running alongside the highway. These roads are intended to handle local trips and service centre traffic, reducing the need for direct highway access and the dangerous weaving that currently slows traffic flow.
A Long-Term Fix for a Growing Region
The Bruce Highway is Queensland’s key transport corridor from Brisbane to Gympie, and the Caboolture section plays a critical role in the movement of goods and people. With the population of Moreton Bay expected to keep growing, the highway has struggled to cope with demand, particularly during peak hours. The project is expected to deliver not just smoother traffic but safer travel conditions by reducing merging points, limiting stop-start traffic, and building new bridges over Burpengary Creek.
The proposed collector-distributor roads between Uhlmann Road and Caboolture–Bribie Island Road are central to the plan. TMR ruled out simply adding lanes in this stretch, citing the close proximity of three major interchanges and two service centre entries as a key challenge. Instead, the new distributor roads will keep short trips separate from through traffic and connect directly to upgraded interchanges.
The project also includes the reconstruction of key overpasses, such as Frawley Avenue and Arthur Drewett Drive, which will be raised and lengthened to accommodate the expanded highway footprint. These structures are being redesigned to increase safety and flood resilience — a major concern for the region.
Between 5 October and 20 November 2023, TMR invited the public to give feedback on the upgrade proposal. The response came from all corners of the community — homeowners, businesses, local councils and advocacy groups. More than 90 individual comments were collected, and over 95,000 project newsletters were distributed across the region.
Residents backed the idea of extra lanes, although some called for even more, suggesting five lanes each way. There was cautious support for the collector-distributor system, which many believed could take pressure off the main highway. Others raised concerns about the transition from four to three lanes at the Uhlmann Road interchange, fearing it might create a new bottleneck.
Property resumptions were another key issue. Many locals were worried about how the widened highway and new side roads might affect homes, businesses and community facilities. Others asked for more clarity on the construction timeline, detours, and potential delays during the build.
Feedback also highlighted the community’s growing demand for non-car infrastructure. Many called for wider footpaths, safer crossings and bike paths physically separated from traffic. Comments stressed the need for shaded, accessible pedestrian spaces, particularly for children and older residents. Several respondents also urged the government to invest in public transport improvements alongside road upgrades, pushing for a shift away from car-only planning.
Noise and environmental impacts were raised as well, with residents asking for more details about tree clearing, habitat disruption and the locations of proposed noise barriers. Some suggested specific sites where noise-reduction measures were needed, especially near residential zones.
Funding and Next Steps
The upgrade has a $34-million commitment to develop business. An additional $733 million has been allocated specifically to the section from Anzac Avenue to Uhlmann Road, which will fund detailed design and eventual construction.
Planning and business case development are expected to wrap up by early 2026. Once a construction contract is awarded, more detailed project timelines will follow. In the meantime, early works, landowner engagement and detailed design refinement are continuing.
TMR will prioritise conversations with affected landowners where property impacts can’t be avoided. The agency has committed to keeping the community updated through project newsletters, direct letters, the project website and public contact points. Feedback on the current preferred solution will remain open until 14 September 2025.
This upgrade is part of a broader state-wide strategy to strengthen Queensland’s major transport routes, but it also reflects the specific needs of a fast-growing community like Caboolture. Local voices have played an important role in shaping the preferred solution, and the final outcome will aim to balance highway efficiency with neighbourhood accessibility, safety and sustainability.
Residents can continue to have their say through the TMR project page or by contacting the department directly via email, phone or post. The department has encouraged anyone with accessibility requirements or who needs translation services to reach out for assistance in contributing to the planning process.
Brisbane Roar will begin their 2025–26 pre-season campaign in Caboolture, facing local club Caboolture Sports FC at Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex.
Brisbane Roar’s Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s squad is set to open its pre-season schedule against Caboolture Sports FC. The fixture, scheduled for Tuesday, 15 July, will be held at the Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex in Burpengary with a 7:30 p.m. kick-off. This match marks the first of over 10 planned pre-season games ahead of the 2025–26 campaign.
The pre-season opener in Caboolture follows the club’s community-focused strategy, continuing Roar’s tradition of regional engagement. The match coincides with the upcoming 20th anniversary of Brisbane Roar’s first-ever A-League fixture in August 2005.
Community Engagement Activities Planned
The fixture will involve several community-oriented activities. These include pre-game coaching sessions with Brisbane Roar players, a signing session, half-time entertainment, and a merchandise tent. Attendees will also be able to register for the 2025–26 club membership on-site.
Photo Credit: Brisbane Roar FC/Facebook
Facility and Local Club Support
Caboolture Sports FC has welcomed the opportunity to host the match, citing the event as a chance to promote its facilities at the Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex. The club views the event as a key moment to connect with members and the broader football community.
Wider Football Development Goals
Football Queensland, a partner in the fixture, has endorsed the event as part of its broader effort to link grassroots and professional football. The organisation emphasised the value of these fixtures in showcasing regional talent and deepening connections across Queensland’s football structure.
Following the Caboolture clash, Brisbane Roar will continue their pre-season against Holland Park FC on 23 July and St George Willawong on 29 July. Additional fixtures are expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
