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Hai Tea Eatery & Café Opens Doors at Burpengary Plaza

Local chef James Zhao and his wife Lin have introduced Hai Tea Eatery & Café, inside the Burpengary Plaza food court. The restaurant serves a mix of modern Australian and Asian-inspired food.

New Local Owners

Chef James Zhao brings extensive experience to the new venture, with over 20 years in the hospitality industry, including ten years working as a chef in cafes and restaurants across New South Wales and Queensland.

He and his wife Lin relocated to Burpengary two years before opening the café. Mr Zhao stated that observing the suburb’s rapid growth inspired him to bring his distinct style, which combines modern Asian elements with Australian cuisine, to the Burpengary community.

Unique Menu Offerings

Hai Tea Eatery & Café’s diverse menu aims to provide options for everyone. According to Mr Zhao, a standout breakfast item is their Eggs Benedict, which features a house-made potato rosti base instead of bread, finished with freshly prepared hollandaise sauce and poached eggs. He recommends the Bao selection for lighter appetites, and the Gluten-Free Pad Thai is offered for a quick lunch.

Another feature is the seven-hour slow-cooked Beef Toasted Sandwich, served with fries. The menu includes Slow-Cooked Pork Eggs Benny, Chicken Bao, Smashed Avocado with Pistachio Nut Dukkah, and Chicken Karaage Burgers. Drinks range from fresh juices and smoothies to shakes and coffees.

Café Atmosphere and Name

The café is designed to have a modern and cosy feel, providing a relaxing space for customers. Mr Zhao shared the reasoning behind the name “Hai Tea.” He explained that “Hai” translates to “Yes,” signifying a positive attitude, while “Tea” helps create the image of a happy, relaxed place. The name intentionally sounds similar to the English term “High Tea.”

Mr Zhao also mentioned his and his wife’s focus on quality products and service, expressing enthusiasm about collaborating with skilled local baristas to serve Burpengary Plaza customers well.

Plaza Welcomes Addition

The shopping centre management has positively received the arrival of the new eatery. Burpengary Plaza Marketing Director Donna O’Neill described Hai Tea as a welcome and warm addition to the centre’s food court, which already hosts 18 other food retailers. She stated that the management looks forward to customers enjoying the fresh mix of Australian and Asian flavours offered by Mr Zhao.

Hai Tea Eatery & Café is open seven days a week. Operating hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sunday.

Published Date 17-April-2025

Street Spotlight: College St, North Lakes

Photo Credit: qimagery.information.qld.gov.au

The Lakes College sits on College St, so this short road reads like the school’s front yard — parents, staff and local hire-ups use it every school day. College St is a natural “first choice” for families wanting a short school run, and appeared early in the suburb’s growth story when the college opened in 2005.

The street’s character was shaped from the outset by its proximity to education. When The Lakes College opened in 2005, it quickly became a focal point for families moving into the fast-growing North Lakes masterplanned area — a factor that helped lift residential demand and values on nearby streets. College Street itself became synonymous with convenience, offering families the rare luxury of a five-minute walk to school gates.

The street’s early sales tell the story of a greenfield suburb finding its feet. In mid-2003, townhouses along College Street were changing hands for between $76,000 and $82,000 — modest entry points for young families and investors drawn to the promise of a brand-new community. These were the days when North Lakes was still more vision than reality, with Westfield North Lakes only newly opened and much of the surrounding area still under construction.

Over the following two decades, College Street evolved alongside the suburb. The completion of the town centre, improved transport links, and the growing reputation of The Lakes College transformed the street from an affordable starter address into a sought-after family precinct. By 2024 and 2025, those same townhouses that sold for under $85,000 in 2003 were fetching between $610,000 and $850,000 — a dramatic illustration of North Lakes’ maturation from masterplanned estate to established suburb.

College St, North Lakes Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 60 townhouses, 16 houses, 18 others
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 70%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 7 years and 4 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 31%

College St, North Lakes – As It Looked in 1936

SOME RECENT SALES ON COLLEGE ST, NORTH LAKES

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
36/15 College Street, North Lakes	$850,000	Oct 2025
19/15 College Street, North Lakes	$770,000	Oct 2025
73/15 College Street, North Lakes	$735,000	Dec 2024
53/15 College Street, North Lakes	$610,000	Dec 2024

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON COLLEGE ST FROM YESTERYEAR

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
57/15 College Street, North Lakes	$82,000	Jul 2003
58/15 College Street, North Lakes	$81,000	Jun 2003
52/15 College Street, North Lakes	$76,000	Jun 2003

SUBURB PROFILE

The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in North Lakes in 2025 was $770,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in North Lakes in 2021 was $455,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM HOUSE IN NORTH LAKES SINCE 2021: $315,000

The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in North Lakes in 2025 was $925,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in North Lakes in 2021 was $542,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4 BEDROOM HOUSE IN NORTH LAKES SINCE 2021: $383,000

The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in North Lakes in 2025 was $1,161,000
The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in North Lakes in 2021 was $778,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 5 BEDROOM HOUSE IN NORTH LAKES SINCE 2021: $383,000

The median price of a 3 Bedroom Unit in North Lakes in 2025 was $605,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom Unit in North Lakes in 2021 was $320,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM UNIT IN NORTH LAKES SINCE 2021: $285,000

If you know College St, North Lakes well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

Published 13-April-2025

Deception Bay Pump Track Part of $2.1M Moreton Bay Recreation Upgrade

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

Deception Bay residents will soon enjoy a new pump track, as part of over $2.1 million worth of improvements outdoor recreation projects for various wheeled sports in Burpengary, North Lakes, and Deception Bay.

Major Recreation Investment Underway

Council is delivering three significant projects in Burpengary, North Lakes, and Deception Bay to enhance outdoor activity options for the community. The combined investment exceeds $2.1 million, and the aim is to provide quality facilities for various wheeled sports.

Depending on weather and construction progress, all three projects are anticipated to be finished and open to the public around the middle of 2025.

Deception Bay Gains New Pump Track

A brand-new $530,000 pump track is set for Deception Bay. This marks the second such facility delivered by the Council in the region, with plans for more in the future.

It will provide a dedicated and safe area for children, teenagers, and adults to enjoy sports like bike riding, scootering, and skating, helping users build confidence and skills. Construction is planned to begin in mid-March 2025.

Burpengary Welcomes Mountain Bike Trails

*Lagoon Road Mountain Bike Trail*
*Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay*

Construction begins this April 2025 on Burpengary’s first Council-owned mountain bike trail system: the $700,000 Lagoon Road Mountain Bike Trails. A professional trail company has been engaged to design and build the 3-kilometre facility. Designed by experts, the trail system will feature different levels of difficulty, making it enjoyable for riders of all skill levels.

The new mountain bike trails will include:

Wooden berms
Boardwalks
Rollers
Dirt jumps and tabletops.

North Lakes Skate Park Upgrade

*North Lakes Skate Park*
*Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay*

In North Lakes, Aurora Boulevard Skate Park is undergoing a major $900,000 upgrade. Construction is already underway to transform the park into a modern, inclusive facility designed to enhance everyone’s experience.

The skate park upgrade aims to create more opportunities for healthy and active lifestyles and encourage social interaction and connection within the local community.

Reflecting feedback gathered during community consultation, the new skate park design includes:

An increased size to cater for local users.
An open-flow layout providing riders with a variety of trick lines.
Beginner-friendly elements alongside more challenging obstacles to accommodate skill progression.
Specific skate elements such as: a lower curved spine, a flatbank hip, 3-5 foot (0.9-1.5 metre) quarter pipes, and a quarter-to-kerb feature for grinding and sliding.

This significant investment in community recreation is jointly funded by City of Moreton Bay and the Australian Government, through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

Published Date 10-April-2025

Red Lock Escape Rooms Cast a Spell on North Lakes

Photo Credit: redlocknorthlakes/Instagram

Grab your wand and round up your mates, Red Lock Escape Rooms in North Lakes is now home to a spell-filled escape experience for wannabe witches and wizards.

A Spellbinding Local Experience

Red Lock Escape Rooms in North Lakes has launched The Wizard’s Apprentice, a family-friendly escape room for ages 8 and up. Set in a magical academy, players solve puzzles and cast spells to earn full wizard status and unlock the FELMAS 2000 broom.

*Photo Credit: redlocknorthlakes/Instagram*

Located in Westfield North Lakes, the escape room offers private sessions for 2–6 players, combining fun with teamwork and problem-solving, perfect for families and young adventurers.

Designed for the Community

With moderate difficulty, the escape room suits both newcomers and return players. Blending classic puzzles with interactive tech, it offers a fun, cooperative challenge for families, friends, and schools alike.

While the experience draws clear inspiration from the Harry Potter universe, Red Lock Escape Rooms does not use any licensed names or characters. Instead, it builds its own magical world with familiar themes to spark the imagination of fans without directly copying the source material.

The activity has become a drawcard in the area, offering something unique for Brisbane’s northern suburbs. With school holidays and weekend bookings filling fast, organisers recommend planning ahead to secure a spot. Sessions are available throughout the week, with flexible time slots to suit different group sizes and needs.

Access and Booking

Red Lock Escape Rooms is located at 1 North Lakes Drive, opposite Grill’d in Westfield North Lakes. Bookings can be made online through the venue’s official website. While the experience is not wheelchair accessible, the venue can accommodate various group requirements upon request.

BOOK HERE

As interest grows among Brisbane locals looking for new ways to connect and spend time together, experiences like The Wizard’s Apprentice offer more than entertainment. They help create shared memories rooted in teamwork and imagination.

Published 7-April-2025

North Lakes Shooting Update: Police Release Footage of Two Suspects

Photo Credit: myPolice Queensland Police News

In the aftermath of a shooting incident at a North Lakes car park last month, police have released CCTV footage of two male suspects believed to be connected to the investigation.

The shooting occurred on Monday, March 24, at approximately 9:40pm in a car park on Lakefield Drive, where a 42-year-old man was shot in the arm with the bullet also impacting his chest. The victim was transported to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in serious but stable condition following an altercation with a group allegedly consisting of three men and a teenage girl.

Authorities have already made two arrests in connection with the case. On March 25, a 17-year-old girl was taken into custody and charged with attempted murder, possessing dangerous drugs, unlawful possession of weapons, and authority required to possess explosives. She has already appeared in Ipswich Children’s Court.

Additionally, police arrested a 40-year-old man on March 27, who faces multiple charges including possession of dangerous drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of property suspected of being proceeds of an offence, possession of items used in the commission of a crime, and unlawful use of a motor vehicle. He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in Redcliffe Magistrates Court on May 16.

Despite these arrests, two suspects remain at large. Police have released descriptions of both men:

The first suspect, seen wearing a white T-shirt in the footage, is described as approximately 180 cm tall with a Pacific Islander appearance, black short hair, and brown eyes. He has distinctive tattoos on his neck and face, including a crown above one eyebrow and wording above the other eyebrow and across his cheeks and nose.

The second suspect, pictured in a black T-shirt, stands around 165 cm tall with a solid build, brown eyes, and brown shaved/short hair. He has extensive tattoos covering both arms, his neck, and right leg, including a prominent cross across the front of his neck.

Both men are believed to be in the Logan area. Although the investigation is ongoing, police have indicated there is no current threat to public safety.

Authorities are urging anyone who recognises these individuals or has information regarding their whereabouts since March 24 to contact police immediately.

Published 2-April-2025

New First Nations Mental Health Hub Opens in Deception Bay

Photo Credit: Brisbane North PHN/Facebook

A new headspace centre designed specifically for First Nations youth is set to open in Deception Bay, providing culturally safe mental health support for young people in the Moreton Bay region.

A Groundbreaking Initiative for First Nations Youth

A new headspace centre, named Staying Deadly | headspace Deception Bay, is set to open in Deception Bay, aiming to address the mental health needs of First Nations youth in the Moreton Bay region. As an Australia-first initiative, it will provide culturally safe support, care, and connection tailored specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

The new service, located on the lands of the Kabi Kabi people at 665 Deception Bay Road, will be operated by the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH). Expected to open during the 2025-26 financial year, it will be the first headspace in the country designed specifically for First Nations young people.

First Nations Mental Health Hub — *Photo Credit: Brisbane North PHN/Facebook*

Addressing Mental Health Challenges in the Community

The suicide rate among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is more than double that of the general community, highlighting the urgent need for culturally appropriate support. The Deception Bay service will offer a range of mental health support, focusing on increasing literacy, boosting help-seeking behaviours, and reducing suicidal and psychological distress.

To achieve this, the centre will employ care coordinators with lived experience, specialist mental health clinicians, and other health practitioners. The aim is to walk alongside the community, offering holistic support and guidance to help young people achieve their goals.

According to IUIH CEO Wayne Ah Boo, the Staying Deadly approach prioritises mental health “our way,” ensuring services reflect community goals and support healthy, resilient young people.

Community and Government Support

Local officials Malarndirri McCarthy and Emma McBride both emphasised the importance of having accessible, culturally safe mental health care for First Nations youth. They highlighted that the funding is part of a broader commitment to expanding headspace services nationwide.

The government have invested over $300 million to increase the number of headspace centres to 174 by 2026, including 91 in regional areas. The Deception Bay hub will join existing First Nations-focused headspace services in Mt Isa, Broome, and Alice Springs.

Deception Bay mental health — *Photo Credit: Brisbane North PHN/Facebook*

A Community-Driven Approach

Staying Deadly | headspace Deception Bay was shaped by community feedback, emphasising the need for a service that aligns with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values. It will also be part of the IUIH network’s integrated care system, aiming to foster strong, healthy children, families, and communities.

Next Steps for the New Service

The centre’s opening is slated for the 2025-26 financial year. It is expected to significantly impact the well-being of young First Nations people in the Deception Bay area. It aims to be a welcoming, supportive environment where youth can access mental, physical, and sexual health services, work and study support, and guidance on alcohol—and drug-related issues.

Online support will remain available through eheadspace for those who prefer remote assistance.

Published 2-Apr-2025

Street Spotlight: Endeavour Bvd, North Lakes

Photo Credit: qimagery.information.qld.gov.au

Endeavour Bvd has become one of the suburb’s stronger performing streets for family homes. A long-term sales record and current estimates show notable appreciation, illustrating how proximity to The Lakes College and local amenities pushed demand. When The Lakes College opened in 2005, it quickly became a focal point for families moving into the fast-growing North Lakes masterplanned area — a factor that helped lift residential demand and values on nearby streets like Endeavour Boulevard.

The boulevard emerged as part of the carefully planned residential expansion that followed the establishment of the North Lakes town centre. With Westfield’s opening in 2003 and subsequent redevelopments in 2007 and 2008, a town-centre effect took hold that raised demand across surrounding streets. Endeavour Boulevard, with its mix of townhouses and family homes, captured the essence of what North Lakes was becoming: a community where school-run convenience, retail access, and suburban comfort converged.

As the suburb matured, Endeavour Boulevard’s appeal only strengthened. The street became a natural choice for families wanting a manageable commute to The Lakes College, while also enjoying the amenity-rich environment that North Lakes offered. Properties that changed hands years ago now command substantially higher prices, reflecting the sustained growth trajectory of this well-positioned address.

Endeavour Bvd, North Lakes Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 44 townhouses, 25 houses, 640 others
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 90%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 14 years and 2 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 67%

Endeavour Bvd, North Lakes – As It Looked in 1936

SOME RECENT SALES ON ENDEAVOUR BVD, NORTH LAKES

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
63/59 Endeavour Boulevard, North Lakes	$770,000	Oct 2025
11/140 Endeavour Boulevard, North Lakes	$671,500	Jul 2025
59 Endeavour Boulevard, North Lakes	$607,500	Jan 2025
26/59 Endeavour Boulevard, North Lakes	$607,500	Jan 2025
6/59 Endeavour Boulevard, North Lakes	$550,100	Jan 2025
40/140 Endeavour Boulevard, North Lakes	$690,000	Jan 2025
9/140 Endeavour Boulevard, North Lakes	$675,490	Dec 2024

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON ENDEAVOUR BVD FROM YESTERYEAR

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
803/60 Endeavour Boulevard, North Lakes	$14,360,000	Feb 2007
65/60 Endeavour Boulevard, North Lakes	$14,360,000	Feb 2007
147/60 Endeavour Boulevard, North Lakes	$14,360,000	Feb 2007

SUBURB PROFILE

If you know Endeavour Bvd, North Lakes well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

Published 30-March-2025

Teen Charged with Attempted Murder After Shooting at North Lakes

A 17-year-old girl has been charged with attempted murder following a shooting incident at Lakefield Drive, North Lakes.

The incident occurred Monday night when emergency services responded to reports of a shooting in a car park on Lakefield Drive around 9:40pm. Upon arrival, they found a 42-year-old man with a gunshot wound to his arm that also affected his chest area.

According to Queensland Police, the victim was shot after an interaction with a group of four individuals – allegedly three men and the teenage girl. The man was transported to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital where he remains in serious but stable condition.

Police investigations moved swiftly, resulting in the arrest of the teenage suspect in Riverview around 2am Tuesday morning. The 17-year-old Windsor girl faces multiple serious charges:

Attempted murder
Possessing dangerous drugs
Unlawful possession of weapons
Authority required to possess explosives

The case was briefly mentioned in the Ipswich Children’s Court on Tuesday afternoon before being adjourned to the Brisbane Children’s Court for next Tuesday. The teen remains in custody and is expected to apply for bail at that hearing.

Queensland Police have indicated that the three male suspects allegedly involved in the incident remain at large. However, authorities have stated that investigations suggest there is “no threat to public safety.”

As part of their investigation, police have seized an Audi Q5 believed to have been driven by the alleged offenders.

The shooting has raised concerns among North Lakes residents, as the area is generally considered a relatively safe suburban community. The incident occurred in a commercial district that includes various retail outlets and restaurants.

Police are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward as investigations continue.

Published 25-March-2025

Woolworths Confirmed as Anchor Tenant for Freshwater Village in Griffin

Exciting developments are underway for Griffin’s Freshwater Village, with Wattle Run announcing Woolworths as the anchor tenant of the upcoming retail precinct.

Read: Deception Bay Gains New First Nations Youth Mental Health Service

The full-line supermarket is expected to open in late 2026, bringing a comprehensive grocery shopping experience to the growing community.

Woolworths will occupy a 3,314 sqm space, offering a full range of groceries, including fresh meat, bakery items, deli products, frozen goods, and fresh fruit and vegetables. Additionally, a BWS liquor store will be conveniently located at the foyer entry.

While the specific product range for this location is yet to be confirmed, Woolworths’ neighbourhood stores typically feature high-quality, locally produced fresh food alongside everyday pantry essentials.

Freshwater Village is designed to be a vibrant community hub, with more than just shopping on offer. In addition to Woolworths and BWS, the precinct will feature a Piazza for alfresco dining and entertainment, health services, a medical centre, and various everyday necessities.

Construction of Freshwater Village is set to begin in mid-2025, with an anticipated 18-month build. Wattle Run has hinted at more businesses joining the development, with further announcements expected soon.

Freshwater Village is part of the Freshwater Hub, a new community development set to launch at the corner of Brays Road and Arcadia Drive in Griffin. The development will also include residential lots, a farm, known as Freshwater Harvest, and a parkland called the Freshwater Park.

Read: Interns Find Their Footing at Unitywater Mango Hill

The arrival of Woolworths marks a significant milestone for Freshwater Village, reinforcing its role as a key retail and lifestyle destination for Griffin residents. Locals can look forward to a convenient, high-quality shopping experience right in the heart of their community.

Published 18-March-2025

Street Spotlight: Discovery Drive, North Lakes

Photo Credit: qimagery.information.qld.gov.au

Discovery Drive includes some of the larger allotments near The Lakes College — one substantial property on Discovery Drive sold in 2007 for more than $1.2m, showing that oversized blocks near the school attracted deep-pocket buyers even in the mid-2000s. That legacy helps explain why buyers still pay premiums for properties on streets within easy walking distance of the school.

The street emerged as part of the North Lakes masterplanned community, designed to accommodate families seeking modern living near quality education and retail amenities. When The Lakes College opened in 2005, Discovery Drive became one of the natural addresses for families wanting proximity to the new school, contributing to the area’s rapid residential growth during that period.

Today, Discovery Drive reflects the evolution of North Lakes from greenfield estate to established suburb. The street’s mix of townhouses, houses, and other dwellings showcases the diverse housing options that have made North Lakes attractive to both young families and investors. The area has matured significantly since those early sales, with improved infrastructure and amenities driving sustained interest in the neighbourhood.

Discovery Drive, North Lakes Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 1 townhouse, 9 houses, 121 others
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 40%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 6 years and 9 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 22%

Discovery Drive, North Lakes – As It Looked in 1936

SOME RECENT SALES ON DISCOVERY DRIVE, NORTH LAKES

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
11/12 Discovery Drive, North Lakes	$420,000	Jun 2021
2-10 Discovery Drive, North Lakes	$11,880,000	Mar 2017
9/14-18 Discovery Drive, North Lakes	$390,500	Nov 2009

SUBURB PROFILE

If you know Discovery Drive, North Lakes well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

Published 16-March-2025