Moreton Bay Archives - Page 2 of 3

Break-ins Hit Moreton Bay Businesses

In the early hours of Thursday, June 13, 2024, a series of break-ins struck three businesses across Moreton Bay, prompting a police investigation into possible connections between the incidents.

The first reported break-in occurred shortly after midnight at a tobacco shop on Morayfield Road, Morayfield. According to police, two individuals allegedly forced entry into the premises and made off with an undisclosed quantity of cigarettes and cash. The suspects reportedly fled the scene in a black sedan before authorities arrived.

Approximately 50 minutes later, at around 12:50 AM, police responded to another break-in at a service station along the D’Aguilar Highway in D’Aguilar. In this incident, three individuals allegedly entered the premises, stealing cash and technology items from the counter. Witnesses reported seeing the suspects leave in a black BMW sedan.

The third incident took place at 1:10 AM at a service station on King Street in Caboolture. Food and drinks were reportedly stolen from this location.

Given the proximity in time and location, as well as similarities in the modus operandi, police are investigating potential links between these three break-ins. Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any relevant information, especially those who may have CCTV footage or dashcam recordings from the surrounding areas between midnight and 1:30 AM on the night in question.

The string of break-ins has raised concerns among local business owners about security measures and the recent uptick in property crimes in the area.

As the investigation continues, police are working to identify and apprehend the suspects involved in these incidents. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the local police department or Crime Stoppers.

Published 13-June-2024

Moreton Bay Community Rallies as Young Mum Battles Terminal Brain Cancer

A young mother of a one-year-old child was recently diagnosed with terminal Stage 4 brain cancer, prompting an outpouring of community support in Moreton Bay as she confronts this life-threatening challenge.

Brie Huhse, 28, and her family are grappling with a dire prognosis after a sudden and unexpected brain surgery revealed an apple-sized tumour, initially diagnosed as Stage 3 Anaplastic Astrocytoma. This devastating situation worsened when the diagnosis escalated to Stage 4 Glioblastoma, drastically reducing her expected lifespan to just 12-18 months.

Brie begins an intensive treatment regimen, including daily chemotherapy and radiation five days a week in six-week cycles.

This news has rallied her family and the wider community to ensure she can focus on her family rather than financial burdens.

The Huhse family’s life has been turned upside down. Brie, her husband, Sean, and their one-year-old son, Mack, have moved back to Sean’s parental home in Caboolture for additional support.

Sean, a concrete pumper with unpredictable hours, now shoulders the full financial responsibility after Brie lost her job due to her condition. The family, known well throughout the Moreton region, faces not only the emotional and physical challenges of Brie’s illness but also the escalating medical and living expenses.

The local and online communities have come together to support the Huhse family through a GoFundMe campaign organised by Kasanndra Rotolone, Brie’s sister-in-law. The campaign aims to alleviate the financial pressures so the family can focus on making memories and managing Brie’s intensive treatment regimen.

Donations can be made through their GoFundMe page, and sharing their story within your networks can also make a significant difference. There is no fixed goal for the fundraising; the primary aim is to provide as much support as possible to allow Brie, Sean, and Mack to cherish their time together.

Published 25-April-2024

$7-M Expansion Underway at Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex

In an exciting development for the local community, Stage 2 of the Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex in Burpengary is now underway.

Read: New PCYC Caboolture Facility Underway, Set to Finish in Mid-2025

This $7-million project will bring significant improvements to the complex, including the creation of three brand new fields, enhanced field lighting, and the addition of more car parking spaces.

The project is being funded through a 50/50 partnership between the Federal Government’s Investing in Our Communities (IiOC) Program and the City of Moreton Bay, with each entity contributing $3.5 million.

The Caboolture Sports Football Club has experienced a dramatic increase in membership since moving to the Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex. The club’s registration numbers have more than doubled, growing from 525 players in 2018 to over 1,100 registered players across 90 teams in 2024. The club has also expanded its staff, now employing four full-time employees.

The expansion of the Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex is a significant investment in the local community, providing enhanced sports facilities and opportunities for residents to stay active and engaged. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the region, contributing to the overall well-being and quality of life for residents.

Earlier this month, a ceremony was held to mark the occasion, with Mayor Peter Flannery, Hon Kristy McBain MP (Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories), Peter Dutton (General Manager – Football, Caboolture Sports FC) and Craig Thomas (CEO, Caboolture Sports Club Group) in attendance, along with Cr Mark Booth.

*Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook*

Read: Shovels Hit the Ground at Sage Burpengary

Cr Mark Booth expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Recognised as one of the premier Football facilities in QLD by FIFA, who selected the grounds to host the Brazilian Women’s team during their World Cup Campaign in 2023, the additional 3 fields will not only help elevate the club further but also provide much needed additional space for their growing membership base and helping kids stay healthy and active!”

Featured image credit: moretonbay.qld.gov.au

Published 18-April-2024

Fast-Growing Moreton Bay Seeks More Infrastructure to Handle Population Growth

Moreton Bay is pleading for infrastructure investment from Queensland authorities as it grapples with booming population growth.

Read: New Development in Caboolture: A Modern Motel Experience

This comes as the region expects to add 240 new residents per week over the next 25 years. As one of the fastest growing areas in Australia, Moreton Bay urgently requires upgraded roads, public transport, water facilities and other infrastructure to meet the needs of new residents.

Currently ranked the fifth fastest growing local government, the population influx is placing strain on existing infrastructure.

Mayor Peter Flannery highlighted that the pressure on Bruce Highway from this growth has spilled over, resulting in unbearable east-west delays across the region. He added that infrastructure west of Bruce Highway will be particularly important, as it will contain 70 percent of future development.

population growth — Mayor Peter Flannery (Photo credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook)

Affordable housing is also an issue, with rents consuming 38 percent of incomes for renters in northern Moreton Bay. Mayor Flannery suspects the region has been short-changed on infrastructure funding from the state government across the board.

The Moreton Bay Regional Council estimates approximately 92 new homes must be constructed weekly to house the anticipated population. This year, the council already approved a massive development in Waraba (formerly Caboolture West) that will eventually accommodate 70,000 residents.

Residents have also complained about rapidly declining mobility, with some trips now taking 15 minutes longer even outside of peak times. The lack of public transport is also resulting in increased traffic congestion, according to the council.

As Moreton Bay continues on its population growth trajectory, the council will continue appealing to the state government for a fair share of infrastructure investment. Upgrades to transport, utilities, and community facilities are urgently required to maintain livability and mobility for new and existing residents alike.

Read: Caboolture West Growth Continues with Proposed 24/7 Service Station, Shops in Lillywood

Moreton Bay hopes the needs of Queensland’s fastest growing area will not be overlooked during this period of rapid expansion.

Featured image credit: Moreton Bay Regional Council

Published 18-December-2023

Caboolture Christmas Carols To Bring Festive Joy At Centenary Lakes

The holiday season is shining brighter as the Caboolture Christmas Carols return to Centenary Lakes Park from 4-8 pm on Saturday, December 9, 2023.

**Caboolture Christmas Carols 2023 Event Details**
Photo Credit: Facebook / What’s on Morton Bay

As the sun sets, the park illuminates with twinkling festoon lights, guiding visitors through charming twilight markets. Local artisans showcase their crafts, offering a variety of unique gifts. Meanwhile, food trucks stand ready to cater to every culinary craving, ensuring no one goes hungry.

Santa’s Village beckons, a hub of excitement for children. Here, little ones eagerly await their moment with Santa, sharing their Christmas wishes and capturing cherished photos. The North Pole Express Letterbox awaits children’s letters, promising replies from Santa himself.

*Photo Credit:* Faceb o ok / Christmas City of Moreton Bay

Sesame Lane presents Santa’s Workshop, a creative haven offering holiday-themed crafts and complimentary face painting, inviting children to unleash their creativity.

At 8 pm, a dazzling fireworks display presented by Ray White Wamuran lights up the sky, marking the grand finale of the evening.

**Fireworks display from Caboolture Christmas Carols 2022**
Photo Credit: Facebook / Christmas City of Moreton Bay

Residents are encouraged to join the Ausbuild Main Stage Program, where local artists and community groups will serenade attendees with beloved Christmas carols, inviting everyone to partake in the joyous melodies.

Parking is available onsite, but early arrival is advised as spaces are limited. Overflow parking at Caboolture Town Square multi-story carpark ensures access for all.

Supported by sponsors like Moreton Bay Regional Council, Ausbuild, Sesame Lane, and others, the Caboolture Christmas Carols at Centenary Lakes Park promises an unforgettable evening, fostering community spirit.

Caboolture residents, mark your calendars! This event, filled with music, laughter, and holiday warmth, aims to create lasting memories for families and friends, celebrating the true essence of Christmas in Moreton Bay.

Published 16-November-2023

Nature-Themed Playground Added to Burpengary’s Greenspace in Multi-Million Dollar Upgrade

An innovative, nature-themed playground will soon begin construction at the Caboolture Region Environmental Education Centre (CREEC) in Burpengary, with $1.5 million funding allocated for the project.

Situated on a sprawling 18-hectare greenspace along the Burpengary River, the playground is slated to commence construction in late 2023, with an anticipated completion of its first phase by early 2024.

The site’s objective is to offer children an active learning experience within the backdrop of Moreton Bay’s stunning natural environment. Mayor Peter Flannery expressed his enthusiasm for the upgrades, highlighting their potential to draw visitors from across the region and beyond.

“The new play space will attract visitors from across Moreton Bay and wider, improving our ever-growing tourism offering and bringing additional trade to local businesses,” Mayor Flannery emphasized.

Nature-themed playground in Burpengary — Photo Credit: MBRC

The initial phase of the project will see the installation of custom play equipment that takes inspiration from the local natural surroundings. These imaginative nature-themed playground is intended to seamlessly blend with the existing landscape and offer children a unique and engaging play experience.

The development aims to create a signature park destination for the City of Moreton Bay, bolstering its reputation as a hub for outdoor recreation and environmental education.

CREEC, renowned for its nature walk trails, a community nursery, native beehives, “nocturnal room,” and café, serves as a key centre for environmental education and recreational activities for the community. This project aligns with Council’s commitment to fostering a deep connection between the residents and the natural assets of the Moreton Bay area.

Furthermore, the future phases of the initiative include comprehensive upgrades to the centre, the creation of a new picnic hub complete with seating, shelters, and tables, additional parking facilities, and enhanced accessibility for the existing trails.

LEARN MORE: Caboolture Region Environmental Education Centre Draft Master Plan

Councilman Tony Latter, representing Division 12, underlined the project’s significance in preserving the region’s rich natural heritage while providing a space for families to enjoy.

“Not only is the CREEC a great place for an affordable family day out, it’s helping Moreton Bay residents and visitors to care for our natural assets through education and awareness,” he stated.

The ongoing works will have minimal impact on the access to existing CREEC facilities located at 150 Rowley Road, Burpengary, ensuring that visitors can continue to enjoy the site’s offerings throughout the construction period.

Published 30-Aug-2023

New Regional City to Rise in Caboolture West

To address the population growth and housing demand in Moreton Bay, plans have been unveiled to facilitate the establishment of Caboolture West as a new regional city.

Read: Approval Granted: Caboolture West Takes Off with First Development

Over the next four decades, the Caboolture West growth area is expected to accommodate approximately 70,000 residents in 30,000 homes, transforming into a city comparable in size to Mackay. The development will include schools, housing, and other necessary infrastructure.

The future community of the new regional city will provide around 17,000 job opportunities in various sectors such as employment, industry, commerce, and other commercial activities.

Developers are committed to offering a diverse range of lot sizes and housing types in the new neighbourhoods, ensuring that consumers have choices to suit their lifestyle and budget requirements.

Major expansion area (Photo Credit: Queensland Government)

It is in response to the rapid population growth in the Moreton Bay Region, which also meant higher demand for housing.

According to the latest data from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office for the year 2023, the population of Moreton Bay-North is projected to increase from 268,995 in 2021 to 489,869 by 2046.

On the other hand, Moreton Bay South’s population could rise from 221,611 to 315,310 during the same period.

Caboolture West spans around 3,156 hectares and is recognised as a major expansion area. Its boundaries include the D’Aguilar Highway to the north, Caboolture River Road to the south, and the low hills along Old North Road to the west.

James Brown, the Chair of Caboolture/Redcliffe at the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ), emphasised that Caboolture West and Morayfield will serve as long-term future sources of land supply for the area.

Read: Names of New Suburbs in Caboolture West Reflect Indigenous Culture & Local Environment

Mr Brown further highlighted the current opportunities available in Morayfield and Caboolture, which are considered infill suburbs but do not currently have infill prices.

Featured Image Credit: Queensland Government

Published 29-June-2023

Moreton Bay Waives Some Development and Infrastructure Fees To Boost Housing Sector

Did you know that Moreton Bay Regional Council is the first Queensland Council to waive development and infrastructure fees as a way to boost housing construction amidst a growing housing crisis in the country?

The move is also aimed at helping at least 1,200 homeless locals in the region and will target areas like Albany Creek, Arana Hills, Burpengary, Caboolture, Deception Bay, Lawnton, Morayfield, Redcliffe and Strathpine.

Under the Attraction of Affordable Social Housing Policy, applicants for the development of affordable social housing in priority areas may apply for a development application fee remittance by 100 per cent. There will be no cap on the remissions and it can be applied for mixed-use or residential projects.

Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said they want to give incentives to private-sector construction for affordable housing projects.

“We’re coming out of the gates first and sending a strong message to the private sector that we are willing to work with them, we’ve already slashed the usual red tape, and we’re willing to sweeten the deal further by saving them literally hundreds of thousands of dollars on construction,” Mr Flannery said during the press conference.

“There are no tricks, no gimmicks, no hidden costs here for developers. The facility will just need to be managed by a community housing provider, but the building can remain privately owned by the developer.”

UDIA Queensland Moreton Bay president Keith Cairns commended the proactive policy and hoped that other governments will follow. Encircle Community Services CEO Chris Stains said that the initiative will make a difference for community housing providers and non-profit organisations.

Published 23 March 2023

FIFA Women’s World Cup Team from Brazil to Train at the Caboolture Sports Club

It’s an exciting time for the Caboolture Sports Club, following the confirmation that the Cararinhas, Brazil’s FIFA Women’s World Cup team, will be calling Burpengary their home whilst training for the 2023 season.

Aside from training, the women will also be hosting community programs and holding open sessions for the fans.

Paul Shorter, the president of Caboolture Sports Club, said that they are looking forward to having “one of the best teams in the world” on their training grounds as this will be a huge boost to the club’s membership and the presence of women in sports.

The community will also be thrilled to cheer for the Cararinhas alongside the Matildas, FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand team, which will host the tournament from 20 July to 23 August 2023.

According to Mayor Peter Flannery, Moreton Bay Regional Council has long been in discussions with FIFA for this opportunity and he’s grateful to the Brazilian Football Confederation for picking Moreton Bay as their training ground. The arrangement is a testament that the Burpengary sports facility is of world-class standard.

It comes as Council has invested $103 million in local sports infrastructure that will help deliver more centres of excellence, especially in football.

The Cararinhas are due to face France, another sports heavyweight, during the Women’s World Cup in Brisbane on the 28th of July 2023. Tickets are already on sale online until March 2023.

Proposed Joyner Central To Include Massive Shopping Centre

A $29-million development called Joyner Central that includes a huge shopping centre with specialty shops, multiple al fresco dining options and medical services has been proposed.

Read: Moreton Bay to Start Transition from ‘Region’ to ‘City’ in 2022

Plans submitted by Lancini Property Group to the Moreton Bay Regional Council revealed the award-winning property development firm is planning to establish ‘Joyner Central’ in a vacant

20,470-sqm site at 29 Youngs Crossing Rd, Joyner. The subject site is located on the corner of Youngs Crossing Road and Gordons Crossing Road East.

Proposed Master Plan (Photo credit: www.joynercentral.com.au)

Joyner Central is planned to include a brand-new full line supermarket with contactless drive through, supporting specialty shops, café and dining options and medical services.

It will feature centre amenities, including Parents Room and disabled facilities; fee centre wifi; and landscaped plaza and community meeting place, with trees and communal seating.

If approved, Lancini Property Group will also provide approximately 275 free, shaded and on grade car parks as well as vehicle and pedestrian access off Gordons Crossing Road East and Youngs Crossing Road.

Render of cafe at Joyner Central (Photo credit: www.joynercentral.com.au)

“Enhancing the retail, leisure and entertainment offers available to residents now and meet the needs of the future population will assist to maintain the lifestyle of residents in the for the long term and provide options for retail services, competition for supermarket food and grocery prices and the introduction of new experiences,” Lancini Property Group stated in its website.

The applicant has noted that the shopping centre is expected to bring additional options for retail, dining, medical and community services to the Joyner area, where the local population is expected to increase by more than 2.4% from 2023 onwards.

Read: Unique Camping And Recreational Park Proposed For Caboolture

The development of Joyner Central will also create approximately 290 jobs for the local community, during both construction and upon completion.

“Overall, the proposed Joyner Local Centre provides a modern and purpose-built facility that is appropriate in size and scale within the context of the current centres hierarchy, serves the expanding urban area, and provides choice and convenience to consumers,” Ethos Urban stated in a report on behalf of the applicant.

Subject to approvals, the construction of the shopping centre is expected to commence in 2022 whilst trading is anticipated to start in 2023.

To learn more about the plans, visit Joyner Central’s website or see DA/2021/2207 at the Moreton Bay Regional Council’s DA tracker.

Featured Image Photo credit: www.joynercentral.com.au