Residents in North Lakes can help shape the future of Old Petrie Town as public consultation begins on a long-term plan for the historic village at Whiteside, moving beyond ongoing building repairs to consider how the precinct could be used in the years ahead.
The consultation, which opened on 29 October 2026, will run until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, 27 November. Feedback will inform a draft structure plan covering the precinct’s future uses, facilities, public spaces and opportunities for community activities.
North Lakes residents can complete the survey online or collect a printed copy from North Lakes Library. Council is also seeking feedback from existing businesses, community organisations and visitors who use the historic site.
The consultation marks a new stage in the revitalisation of Old Petrie Town, which has been undergoing building assessments and repairs since council assumed responsibility for managing the property in July 2025.
While restoration has focused on keeping existing buildings safe and usable, the latest planning process asks a broader question: how should the historic village function as Moreton Bay continues to grow?
From Building Repairs to Long-Term Planning
Old Petrie Town has been undergoing a gradual transition since council took over management from Y Queensland, which had operated the precinct for more than 25 years.
In June 2025, council endorsed a $2.5 million commitment towards revitalising Old Petrie Town, including improvements to ageing buildings and infrastructure. Restoration was to proceed in stages to minimise disruption to businesses, community groups and visitors.
Some buildings had deteriorated sufficiently to require closure, with work prioritised to address safety concerns while allowing other parts of the precinct to continue operating.
In May 2026, council announced that the Heritage Hotel and Function Centre would close for refurbishment following the retirement of long-term operator Peter Hempsall. At the same time, repairs to three vacant buildings were expected to be completed within three months.
Council’s latest consultation confirms that building assessments and repairs remain under way while longer-term planning begins. The structure plan will provide a framework for considering how Old Petrie Town could be used and improved over time.
A Village Designed for More Than Sunday Markets
Old Petrie Town is known for its collection of historic buildings, weekly markets and museums, but the precinct also supports businesses, volunteer organisations and community activities throughout the year.
Its attractions include the Pine Rivers Heritage Museum, Queensland Fire Museum, Murrumba District Scout Museum and the Queensland Steam and Vintage Machinery Society.
The precinct also accommodates cafes, arts and gift businesses, clothing and wellness operators, alongside organisations that use the village for meetings, workshops and heritage activities.
Sunday markets remain one of its best-known attractions, drawing visitors for food stalls, local produce, entertainment and shopping within the historical setting.
Council’s revitalisation ambitions extend beyond maintaining those established activities. Its consultation material identifies an opportunity to consider how the precinct could attract visitors at different times of the week while retaining its heritage and community functions.
However, any future changes must operate within the site’s planning restrictions.
The Moreton Bay planning framework identifies Old Petrie Town as a place with a distinctive character and role. Council’s current project material describes appropriate uses as including community facilities, recreation, open space, tourism, events and compatible commercial activities that support the precinct.
The consultation does not propose a residential redevelopment or identify a final set of new attractions.
Existing Businesses and Heritage Groups Part of the Discussion
The future of Old Petrie Town has been a concern for businesses and community organisations since the transition away from Y Queensland’s management was first considered.
Before council assumed responsibility, questions had been raised about lease arrangements, building conditions and whether existing operators would be able to remain.
A council taskforce examined the site’s management and infrastructure before recommending that Old Petrie Town continue to serve community purposes. Lease arrangements and safe use of existing facilities were among the matters considered during the transition.
Council subsequently committed to working through arrangements with commercial tenants and community organisations while proceeding with staged building improvements.
The latest consultation continues that engagement, with council confirming it is working directly with businesses and groups already based at the precinct.
Their involvement will form part of the broader planning process, particularly where future land uses, building improvements and public activities may affect how existing spaces operate.
Council has not identified specific tenancy changes or the removal of existing community facilities in its current consultation material. It says it is continuing to work with businesses and community groups already operating at Old Petrie Town.
Structure Plan Will Guide Future Development
The central outcome of the consultation will be a draft structure plan, rather than an immediate construction program.
A structure plan establishes a framework for how a precinct may develop over time. For Old Petrie Town, it could address land uses, pedestrian and vehicle movement, open spaces, infrastructure and principles for future improvements.
Council distinguishes this process from a master plan, which would show how an agreed planning framework might be translated into physical improvements. Further investigations, concept planning and detailed design would be required before specific projects could proceed.
No overall construction timetable or budget for improvements emerging from the new structure plan has been announced.
North Lakes Library Among Survey Collection Points
Residents have several ways to contribute before submissions close on 27 November.
The online survey is available through the Your Say Moreton Bay Old Petrie Town revitalisation project page. Participants must register for a free Your Say Moreton Bay account before completing the survey.
Printed surveys are available at North Lakes, Strathpine and Albany Creek libraries, providing an alternative for residents who prefer not to submit feedback online. Copies can also be obtained from the Strathpine Customer Service Centre.
Council will also have a consultation presence at Moreton Bay Eco-Fest at the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Petrie campus on Saturday, 7 November, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Written submissions can be emailed to yoursay@moretonbay.qld.gov.au or posted to the Community Engagement Team, City of Moreton Bay, Reply Paid 159, Caboolture Qld 4510.
Published 2-Nov-2026
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