The accident occurred just after 6am at the intersection of Clark Road and Summerstone Boulevard in Morayfield, when a Nissan Navara towing a trailer hit the 68-year-old man. The 19-year-old driver, a Morayfield resident, remained at the scene following the collision.
According to police, initial investigations indicate the Petrie man was standing beside his parked car when the eastbound Nissan struck him. Queensland Ambulance Service treated the victim for chest injuries at the scene before transporting him to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in critical condition.
The Forensic Crash Unit is now investigating the circumstances of the accident, which occurred on local Morayfield roads during the morning commute.
Authorities are calling for anyone with information or dashcam footage from the Morayfield area around the time of the incident to contact Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The incident occurred around 3:16 PM Sunday when paramedics were called to treat the man in his 30s who suffered a snake bite to the ankle. He was rushed to Caboolture Hospital where he remains in critical condition.
This case highlights a concerning trend across Queensland, with seven people hospitalised for snake bites over the weekend alone. The spike in incidents has prompted health officials to issue fresh warnings to residents in Caboolture and surrounding areas.
According to Queensland Ambulance Service data, 24 snake bite reports were recorded in the week leading up to February 10, with concentrations in the Gold Coast, Cairns and Hinterland, and Darling Downs regions. The monthly figures show a dramatic increase from 88 incidents in November 2024 to 129 in December, with 128 cases in January 2025.
Snake catcher David Voss noted that this has been an unusually active period. “It’s been a busy summer,” Voss explained. “Snake season started a little earlier than usual following a warm winter last year.”
The surge isn’t limited to the Caboolture area. Rockhampton has experienced a notable increase in hospitalisations for snake bites between November 2024 and January 2025. Last November, 16-year-old Beau Horan died following a snake bite in Wurdong Heights.
Safety Warnings from Health Officials
Queensland Ambulance Service Rockhampton acting operations supervisor Joseph O’Donnell advised: “If you see a snake, leave it alone. We assume every snake bite is a venomous bite.”
Health officials warn that snake bite symptoms can range from vomiting and diarrhoea to significant pain at the bite site. However, bites aren’t always immediately noticeable – they may not be visible or felt right away, with symptoms potentially taking an hour or more to appear.
What To Do If Bitten
Queensland Health advises:
Don’t panic, run, or try to catch the snake
Move to a safe place and remain still
Don’t wash, suck, or cut the bite site
Call triple-0 immediately
Lie down to prevent movement until an ambulance arrives
Residents seeking specific information on treating bites based on location can consult the Queensland Health website.
The Caboolture region’s warm climate and diverse environments make it an ideal habitat for various snake species. As temperatures remain high, authorities urge residents to remain vigilant, particularly when outdoors in bush areas or when working in gardens and sheds.
To ensure accurate water bills and a reliable supply in the new year, Unitywater is replacing water meters across Burpengary and Morayfield this January.
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.
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.
The Morayfield Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) is currently the busiest in Queensland, treating an average of 89 patients per day over the past six months since it joined the Medicare Urgent Care Clinic Program in July 2024.
This high volume of patients highlights the critical role these clinics play in providing accessible healthcare to the community.
On 1 August 2024, the Health Hub Morayfield’s Minor Accident and Illness Centre officially became part of Australia’s Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) Program under a two-year agreement with Brisbane North Primary Health Network.
This initiative strengthens access to bulk-billed, high-quality healthcare for Morayfield, Caboolture, and North Moreton Bay residents while alleviating pressure on hospital emergency departments. Over 60% of surveyed patients indicated they would have visited a hospital emergency department if the clinic was unavailable.
The UCC provides urgent care for non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses via a dedicated team of doctors, nurse practitioners, and nurses. Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., 365 days a year, the clinic ensures timely, cost-free care close to home.
Queensland’s network of 16 free urgent care clinics is experiencing significant demand. They treat an average of 568 patients daily, and this demand has surged by 15% over the recent Christmas and New Year period. Weekends are particularly busy for clinics.
More than 25% of patient visits occur after 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, indicating a strong need for after-hours care. The clinics effectively reduce pressure on hospital emergency departments and satellite hospitals by offering an alternative for those with urgent, but not life-threatening, conditions.
Since opening, Queensland’s UCCs have recorded over 186,500 patient visits. The most frequent reasons for visiting include lacerations, upper respiratory tract infections, coughs, and ear infections. Notably, over a quarter of the patients are under 15 years old. While Morayfield is the busiest, the newest clinic in Oxley, which opened in November, treats an average of 17 patients daily.
The Federal Health Minister, Mark Butler, has acknowledged the positive impact of the UCCs, stating that they are making a real difference in communities. He acknowledged that access to healthcare remains a challenge and expressed a commitment to further strengthening Medicare. However, Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls emphasised the need for increased federal funding for general practice through higher Medicare rebates.
He believes this is crucial to ensure the sustainability of primary care services. Nicholls also highlighted the federal government’s responsibility in funding primary care and emphasised the need for faster-aged care and NDIS assessments, which would help alleviate pressure on emergency departments.
A heartfelt initiative has been launched to help the family of Jordan Law, a 33-year-old Morayfield man who was reported missing on Boxing Day and subsequently found dead in Bundaberg after a widespread search-and-rescue operation.
Mr Law, who had been reported missing on Boxing Day, was found dead after a significant search and rescue operation in the Bundaberg area.
Photo credit: Queensland Police Service/Facebook
Organised by Merle Fisher, the initiative aims to support Jordan’s family in covering the unexpected costs of his funeral.
“We are all devastated by Jordan Law’s loss and were not prepared for the high cost of a funeral service,” Merle shared. “We want to give Jordan the memorial he deserves, to honor his memory and say our last goodbyes. Please consider donating, as any amount will truly help our family during this difficult time.”
The outpouring of tributes and support for Mr Law has been overwhelming. Jordan’s relative, Melanie, expressed gratitude for the kindness shown by strangers and the Bundaberg community during the challenging search.
“The Bundaberg community are truly such a beautiful community to be a part of. Thank you to those lovely people who have dropped food and drinks off and sent their love and prayers,” she said. Jordan’s grandmother, Caroline, echoed these sentiments, adding, “Complete strangers opening their hearts up, bringing food, helping search up and down the river, and sending their love and prayers.”
Burnett River (Photo credit: Robert Goh/Google Maps)
Jordan Law was last seen near Boat Ramp Drive at the Burnett River in Bundaberg around 7:20 p.m. on December 26. Despite extensive efforts by police and community members, his body was later recovered, leaving his family and friends heartbroken. A report is being prepared for the coroner.
Tributes have been flooding social media, reflecting the impact Jordan had on those who knew him.
“Rest in the Dreamtime, brother. My condolences and thoughts go out to the family and community,” wrote Paul in a Facebook post. Jordan’s nieces and nephews knew him as their favorite uncle, always offering love and support. His loss has created a void that will be deeply felt by his family and community.
A significant development in Morayfield’s housing market has unfolded. The Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) has approved the sale of 12 Lendlease estates to Stockland and its Thai affiliate, Supalai.
One of the estates included in this $1.3 billion deal is Kinma Valley in Morayfield. This transaction marks a strategic shift for Lendlease, as the company focuses on high-rise projects and transitions away from single-dwelling homes.
The sale, expected to be finalised in the second quarter of this financial year, is subject to landowner consent. The sale of Forest Reach addressed the ACCC’s initial concerns regarding potential impacts on competition and housing prices, particularly in the Ipswich and Moreton Bay regions.
Stockland’s expanded portfolio, which now includes Kinma Valley, is anticipated to address Queensland’s housing crisis by increasing the supply of new homes in high-demand areas.
The Property Council of Australia has expressed concerns about state tax policies that may hinder international investment and housing delivery.
In a stunning turn of events at the 2024 Grand National Youth Eliminator, junior bowlers Brianna Walsh and Lachlan Howse delivered standout performances to triumph over their senior counterparts at Caboolture Bowl, marking an exciting shift in youth bowling.
The tournament’s opening phase was a showcase of exceptional talent across both divisions, Matt Stevens of Tenpin Bowling Australia reports. Western Australia’s Emma Blunden dominated the women’s division, amassing a total pinfall of 2,127 with an outstanding 212.7 average. Her stellar performance included a remarkable 284 in her second game, securing a commanding 172-pin lead heading into Stage 2.
In the men’s division, Queensland’s Lachlan Howse displayed impressive consistency. Despite a modest 186 in his opening game, he delivered nine consecutive scores above 200, finishing with a total pinfall of 2,269. National Training Squad members Luke Doyle (2,258) and Justin Dinham (2,203) kept the pressure on throughout qualifying.
Shocking eliminations at Caboolture Bowl
The competitive intensity of the event was evident in the qualifying cut, which saw several favourites bow out early. Defending champion Tamika Pettigrew narrowly missed advancement by just two pins, while Nicholas Rajkovic’s 13th-place finish brought his campaign to a premature end.
Bracket finals sees junior uprising
Caboolture Bowl manager Brian Bates with Lachlan Howse. Photo Credit: Facebook/Tenpin Bowling Australia
The tournament’s McIntyre system finals produced compelling matchups. Top-seeded Howse faced early adversity, losing to Victorian bowler William Zaccaria 430-399. However, his resilience shone in the elimination rounds as he edged out Jackson Buckingham 204-202 and clinched the title with a decisive 207-188 victory over Australian World Cup team member Seth Gray.
Bates with Brianna Walsh. Photo Credit: Facebook/Tenpin Bowling Australia
In the women’s division, Blunden maintained her momentum through the semifinals, defeating Tahlia Corbett 172-155. However, Brianna Walsh rose to the occasion in the final, securing her first national title with a commanding 217-200 victory.
As the curtain closes on this successful event at Caboolture Bowl & Mini Golf , the triumphs of Walsh and Howse herald a bright future for Australian youth bowling, showcasing the sport’s emerging talent at both local and national levels.
Published 20-November-2024
Featured Image Photo Credit: Facebook/Tenpin Bowling Australia
A severe storm has caused widespread damage, with ceilings collapsing in several businesses and flash flooding affecting streets and homes in Morayfield.
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.
A new campaign to address the alarming frequency of bridge strikes across the state has been launched. The initiative, dubbed “Truckload of Trouble,” comes in response to recurring incidents, with the William Berry Drive / Visentin Road connection in Morayfield identified as one of the most frequently struck bridges in the 2023/24 financial year.
The low rail bridge at William Berry Drive, with its 2.8m road clearance, has been a particular concern. In 2020, a vehicle collision with this bridge led to the suspension of all train services between Morayfield and Caboolture, highlighting the severe disruptions such incidents can cause.
Photo credit: Google Street View
There were 369 rail bridge or protection beam strikes recorded in the 2023/24 financial year and in 2023 alone, bridge strikes caused over 200 hours of rail delays.
The most frequently struck bridges in the 2023/24 financial year are:
• Logan Road, Buranda
• North Street, Willowburn
• Bergin Street, Booval
• Oxley Road, Corinda
• William Berry Drive / Visentin Road connection, Morayfield
Joanna Robinson, General Manager of Land Transport Safety and Regulation at TMR, emphasised the dangers associated with bridge strikes.
“Bridge strikes are dangerous. They’re dangerous for the driver of the over-height vehicle, they’re dangerous for train drivers and the passengers and they’re dangerous for other road users.
“Falling debris from the bridge can damage other people’s cars, or in worst case scenarios, serious injury, cause a road crash or kill someone.
The “Truckload of Trouble” campaign, a collaborative effort between TMR, Queensland Rail, and the Queensland Trucking Association, aims to increase driver awareness about the consequences of bridge strikes. It encourages drivers to be mindful of their vehicle’s height and load, and provides practical solutions for route planning to avoid low clearance bridges.
Queensland Rail’s Acting Head of SEQ, Rob Hill, highlighted the operational impacts of these incidents. “When there’s a bridge strike, rail traffic is halted, and our teams carefully inspect it to ensure it’s safe for trains to operate,” he said.
Gary Mahon, CEO of the Queensland Trucking Association, called for increased education within the industry.
“Awareness about truck and bridge heights should be included in pre-start check lists, toolbox talks and trip planning. Truck drivers who are newly licenced, new to driving around the city or hiring a truck, must be provided with information on bridge and truck heights to avoid these preventable incidents.”
While low clearance bridges are equipped with warning signage and various protective measures, including protection beams and height chimes, the campaign stresses that ultimate responsibility lies with drivers to know their vehicle’s dimensions and plan accordingly.
Queensland Childcare Services (QCCS) is setting a new standard for early learning with its innovative Beach Kindy programme, which is currently offered at QCCS’ Prince Charles and Morayfield locations.
The programme fosters a deep connection with nature and a commitment to conservation in young children. It utilises the beach as a dynamic classroom, providing unique opportunities for children to explore, learn, and grow.
Through activities like collecting shells, observing marine life, and understanding the intricacies of the tidal ecosystem, children develop a profound appreciation for the natural world. This hands-on approach cultivates environmental awareness and enhances essential life skills like adaptability, problem-solving, and motor development.
This programme’s timing aligns perfectly with International Coastal Cleanup Day, highlighting early education’s vital role in shaping a generation of environmentally conscious individuals. QCCS invites the community to witness the inspiring work of its Beach Kindy programme at either the Prince Charles or Morayfield Education Centres.
Picture a scene of young children, vibrant with energy, contributing to the well-being of their coastal home by collecting colourful recyclable items—a powerful testament to the impact even the most petite hands can make.
QCCS’ Beach Kindy programme exemplifies the transformative power of experiential learning and underscores the importance of instilling a sense of environmental responsibility from an early age.
As these children grow, they carry the memories of joyful beach days and the values and knowledge to protect and preserve our precious coastal ecosystems.
