Long before it became a commuter corridor lined with established homes, Old Gympie Rd carried a different kind of traffic. In its earlier days, this stretch through Dakabin was a quiet country route, where the occasional farmer’s truck might rumble past paddocks and the rhythm of life moved at a slower pace. That rural character has gradually given way to something more suburban, though traces of the area’s pastoral past can still be glimpsed in the larger blocks and mature trees that line portions of the road today.
The transformation didn’t happen overnight. Through the 1990s and early 2000s, Old Gympie Road remained relatively undeveloped, with properties changing hands at prices that reflected the area’s semi-rural status. A parcel at 379 Old Gympie Road sold for $1 million in March 1997, whilst just a few years later in October 2000, number 313 traded for $90,000. By October 2003, number 315 had sold for $210,000, capturing a moment when Dakabin was beginning its shift from country fringe to residential neighbourhood.
The surrounding infrastructure has evolved too. What was once a straightforward country road has gradually absorbed the pressures of suburban growth—school drop-offs, commuter traffic, and the everyday movement of families who’ve chosen to make Dakabin home. The road itself has become a marker of how outer Brisbane suburbs have matured, balancing accessibility with the spaciousness that first drew residents to the area.
Old Gympie Rd, Dakabin Residents
NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 14 houses, 6 others % OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 100% AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 13 years and 4 months % OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 50%
Old Gympie Rd, Dakabin – As It Looked in 1936
SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON OLD GYMPIE RD FROM YESTERYEAR
Property Address
Sale Price
Sale Date
379 Old Gympie Road, Dakabin
$1,000,000
Mar 1997
315 Old Gympie Road, Dakabin
$210,000
Oct 2003
313 Old Gympie Road, Dakabin
$90,000
Oct 2000
SUBURB PROFILE
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Dakabin in 2025 was $825,000 The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Dakabin in 2021 was $470,000 TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4 BEDROOM HOUSE IN DAKABIN SINCE 2021: $355,000
Every morning in Narangba starts the same way for Haley Riches: packing school bags, loading the car, and hoping she won’t hit the rail crossing at the wrong time. But more often than not, she does. Like many locals, she finds herself stuck behind the boom gates, watching train after train pass, while the clock ticks and kids grow restless in the back seat. It’s not unusual for the wait to stretch past 10 minutes. Some days, it happens four times.
“It’s not uncommon to sit waiting for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, just to cross the train line. Multiply that by four trips a day, and it adds up to hours every week lost in our cars,” the mum said.
For Haley—and for hundreds of other families, workers and commuters in this growing Moreton Bay suburb—the crossing at Main Street and Mumford Road, and the nearby one at Burpengary Road and Mackie Road, has become more than just a delay. It’s a daily frustration, and some say, a looming safety hazard.
From Frustration to Action
It was after yet another long wait and another close call at the intersection that Haley decided to do something. In early 2025, she launched a petition asking officials to take action. The request was simple: find a safer, more efficient way for traffic to cross the railway line—whether through an overpass, underpass, or upgraded crossing system.
The response from the community was swift. Signatures started to pour in, and stories from other residents echoed her concerns. Parents juggling school drop-offs, workers trying to get to jobs on time, and visitors who dreaded the delays all backed the cause.
“I’m not an engineer,” Haley said. “But I know this isn’t working—and it hasn’t been for years.”
Photo Credit: Google Maps
A Growing Town, a Growing Problem
New housing estates in Narangba Heights and Kinma Valley are set to add more than 3,000 homes to the area. That’s thousands of new cars, more school traffic, and more pressure on the same old crossings. Moreton Bay has already secured $10.1 million in funding to upgrade the Young Road and Oakey Flat Road intersection, just west of the rail line. That work is due to start later in 2025.
But Haley said the real pressure point remains the crossings—and the people who are stuck at them every single day. In the past, plans for an overpass were reportedly dropped after locals pushed back, but community attitudes may now be shifting.
“The roads are way busier than they were back then,” said one resident on social media. “It’s not just a delay anymore. It’s a risk.”
Taking the Fight to Officials
Her petition quickly gathered traction, leading to a face-to-face meeting with MP Shane King. For nearly two hours, they discussed the rail line, the nearby roads, and how the town’s rapid growth was putting more pressure on old infrastructure.
King said he would take the petition to Parliament and explore state funding options. He also committed to following up on reports that heavy quarry trucks were using Narangba Road illegally, crossing the train lines and adding to congestion. Cr Mark Booth voiced his support too, and Haley is now preparing for meetings with local council representatives, including Acting Cr Tony Latter, to keep the issue moving.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Data, Evidence and Determination
Haley is now collecting dashcam footage and police reports to show just how serious the problem has become. In one rainy week this July, there were already two crashes near the crossing. She’s also had to pay for extra childcare so she can attend meetings—just one of many small sacrifices she’s making to keep the issue on the agenda.
While not everyone agrees on what the fix should be, there is broad support for the idea that something needs to happen soon. Some locals have suggested extending nearby roads or widening key routes. Others point out that with train frequency set to increase thanks to the Cross River Rail project, the delays will only worsen if nothing is done.
Haley said she understands any major upgrade will take years, but believes that’s even more reason to start now.
With another round of meetings coming up in early August, Haley hopes to reach at least 3,000 signatures—and maybe more. She said the goal isn’t to push blame or demand the impossible. It’s simply to make sure her town doesn’t get left behind.
“Narangba is growing, and it deserves better,” she said. “I just want to make it safer, and easier, for all of us to get where we need to go.”
Rugby league is set to play a central role in a new initiative to steer young people in Moreton Bay away from crime and back into education and community life.
The program, delivered by Indigenous Mana and backed by the Dolphins NRL club, uses sport as a vehicle to engage at-risk youth, particularly those from Indigenous and Polynesian backgrounds.
The Indigenous Mana Academy will lead the delivery of a $300,000 Kickstarter Grant-funded program aimed at supporting at-risk youth aged 10 to 17 over a 12-month period. The initiative includes rugby league training and mentorship, cultural camps, and family engagement sessions designed to strengthen identity and community ties. It will also involve partnerships with First Nations businesses and Elders, ensuring the program is culturally grounded and community-led.
Photo credit: Steve Jacob/Google Maps
Young participants will be referred through police and local co-responders, and progress will be tracked through school attendance and a commitment to staying out of trouble.
The Moreton Bay Junior Rugby League Football Club, based in Deception Bay, is supporting the program by providing access to its fields on Government Street. The Dolphins will also contribute coaching support, with players involved in mentoring and development.
Indigenous Mana Founder and Managing Director Tania Goldsmith said the funding would play a vital role in changing young lives by tackling the underlying causes of disadvantage and helping youth access pathways to growth and success.
“We are excited to bring our program to the Moreton Bay region, which has a growing population of First Nations cultures and Polynesian young people,” Ms Goldsmith said.
“At Indigenous Mana we believe reconnecting young people with their culture will drive their intrinsic motivation to make positive changes to their lives and create a brighter future.”
The initiative is being rolled out across the Moreton Bay region, where organisers hope it will create lasting change by combining sport, culture and community support to help young people build a better future.
A large and well-positioned block in Rothwell, which was formerly home to the Frawleys Tennis Club, is now on the radar of developers, with interest building around its potential for residential and low-intensity commercial use.
Located at 56 Coman Street South, the 9825sqm site sits just 1.4 kilometres from Rothwell train station and within close reach of major amenities, including Westfield North Lakes and Redcliffe Hospital, which is currently undergoing an expansion. Its proximity to Deception Bay Road adds further appeal, providing easy arterial access for future residents or visitors.
Photo credit: Google Street View
Despite its central location, similar-sized parcels with development potential are scarce in the surrounding area. Nearby retirement living facilities are limited to Levande Newport, Ballycara Residential, and Bolton Care Seabrook, highlighting the site’s rare opportunity for new senior accommodation or alternative residential uses.
The property, which was home to the tennis club until 2017, already has development approval from Moreton Bay City Council for a 97-unit retirement village. The approved plans include 63 two-bedroom, 21 three-bedroom, and 13 one-bedroom units, with buildings reaching up to three storeys and offering 147 car parking spaces.
Photo credit: Google Street View
Zoned as a specialised centre under the Moreton Bay Regional Plan, the site also allows for other uses, such as a medical centre, quick-service retail, or alternative residential developments, subject to council approval.
“Occupying a prominent and accessible position, there are no surrounding parcels of land that offer the same scale as 56 Coman Street to developers in the market,” the listing reads.
“However, the current approval for the site has set an envelope for alternative residential development outcomes which could be accommodated on the site under the Centre zoning (STCA).
Tucked away in the heart of Bray Park, Edward St represents the kind of quiet, established residential pocket that defines much of this northern Brisbane suburb. With just seven homes lining its length, the street has maintained a close-knit character over the decades, where neighbours know each other and families put down roots for the long term.
The commitment of residents to Edward Street is reflected in the numbers: 85% of properties are owner-occupied, and those who call it home have stayed an average of 15 years and 1 month. It’s a street where stability matters, where more than half the residents—60%—have been part of the community for a decade or more. In an era of increasing mobility, Edward Street stands as a reminder of the value many still place on community connection and familiarity.
The surrounding suburb of Bray Park itself was named after John Sanders Bray, who served as Pine Rivers Shire councillor and Shire Chairman from 1950 to 1973. The area’s transformation from rural farmland to established suburbia occurred gradually through the latter decades of the 20th century, with streets like Edward Street emerging as part of this residential development. Today, these quiet residential streets form the backbone of a community that balances suburban convenience with a relaxed, neighbourhood atmosphere.
Edward St, Bray Park Residents
NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: % OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 85% AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 15 years and 1 month % OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 60%
Edward St, Bray Park – As It Looked in 1936
SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON EDWARD ST FROM YESTERYEAR
Property Address
Sale Price
Sale Date
1 Edward Street, Bray Park
$330,000
Sept 2010
4 Edward Street, Bray Park
$267,000
Jan 2007
6 Edward Street, Bray Park
$145,000
June 2002
SUBURB PROFILE
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Bray Park in 2025 was $807,000 The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Bray Park in 2021 was $470,000 TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM HOUSE IN BRAY PARK SINCE 2021: $337,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Bray Park in 2025 was $862,000 The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Bray Park in 2021 was $505,000 TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4 BEDROOM HOUSE IN BRAY PARK SINCE 2021: $357,000
A childcare centre has been proposed for a new neighbourhood hub development in Joyner, alongside retail and health services near a major bridge upgrade.
Retail and Services Expansion Near Youngs Crossing Bridge Site
Plans for a neighbourhood centre in Joyner have been expanded to include a new childcare facility, following a recent milestone in a major nearby transport project.
The 11-hectare site at 274 Youngs Crossing Road is already approved for shops, a service station, food and drink outlets, and a healthcare facility. The proposed change adds a dedicated childcare centre to the development.
The original application for the neighbourhood centre received approval in 2022. The development area sits roughly 200 metres from the construction site of a new bridge over the North Pine River, part of ongoing upgrade works on Youngs Crossing Road.
Current structures on the land include a house, sheds, stables, storage facilities, and horse paddocks. These are expected to be cleared for the development.
Proposed Changes to Site Use
The proposed childcare centre would accommodate up to 160 children and employ around 30 staff. It is positioned near the entrance of the site.
The wider development also features a 570sqm space for healthcare use and 125 parking bays, including five for people with a disability. Discussions have taken place with Absorbent Minds Montessori Early Education regarding the childcare service.
Photo Credit: DA/2025/2335
Infrastructure Works at Youngs Crossing Progressing
The neighbourhood centre is located near one of the largest road upgrades in the region. The Youngs Crossing project spans more than one kilometre, from Protheroe Road to Dayboro Road, and includes a new 200-metre bridge west of the existing river crossing.
The transport corridor is being upgraded to improve flood resilience, traffic safety, and capacity, in response to population growth and increased vehicle demand. Construction activities began in July, with a principal contractor engaged to carry out major works valued at $86 million.
Total investment in the project exceeds $66 million in combined contributions.
If approved, the childcare centre would complete the neighbourhood precinct. Both the centre and transport upgrades are expected to support access to services and improve movement across Joyner.
A team of local basketball and business experts is set to open MyCOURT, a new, state-of-the-art basketball centre in North Lakes equipped with the same elite shooting technology used by every team in the NBA.
The new membership-based facility, located at 2/10 Torres Crescent, is designed to provide professional-level resources to the wider community. The centrepiece is a custom court surface matching the specifications of the FIBA 3×3 World Championship, configured as a full-size court with two additional shooting lanes for a total of seven hoops. Included in the membership is access to a functional fitness gym, built specifically to help players improve their on-court performance.
A key feature is the Gun10K shooting machine, a piece of advanced equipment used by all 30 NBA teams and the vast majority of top-tier US college programs, which will be available for members to use. The facility also includes a mezzanine Players Lounge, an area for players to recover and for spectators to watch over the court. The centre will operate daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Beyond its physical resources, the organisation has a strong focus on player growth and community connection. The founders state that a primary goal is to make a positive impact on the community. Membership allows players to sign up for a range of development programs suitable for those just starting out as well as experienced representative players.
This focus on mentorship is driven by the leadership team, with co-founder Alyce Chang-Chien leading initiatives to support girls in basketball and improve access for underrepresented youth. Her professional background of over 20 years in early childhood education informs the centre’s strengths-based coaching philosophy, which aims to empower young people through sport.
MyCOURT was founded by four partners with deep roots in local sport and business. The team’s varied expertise combines extensive basketball experience with professional management skills. Co-founder Grant brings over 20 years of experience in basketball club management and coaching, complemented by a career in engineering and network design. Business Director Jenny is a certified Lead Auditor with 25 years of experience in quality and risk management, bringing a focus on professional operations and compliance.
The on-court programs are directed by co-founders Peter and Alyce Chang-Chien. Peter is a former ABA player and respected coach with over 30 years of leadership experience at clubs including Northside Wizards and Petrie Pythons. Alyce is also a dedicated coach and former representative player who leads coach development at Petrie Pythons, championing an inclusive approach to youth sport.
The altercation unfolded just after 6 p.m. on Saturday, 28 June, on Bailey Road, Deception Bay. A 54-year-old man was allegedly stabbed in the abdomen while trying to break up a family dispute and was taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in critical condition.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Police also found a 33-year-old man with a head injury, who has been accused of carrying out the stabbing. A 20-year-old man was reportedly involved and later found with dangerous drugs and drug utensils. Witnesses told police they saw someone run toward the property with a crowbar around the time of the incident.
Charges and Court Dates
The 33-year-old man has been charged with acts intended to maim, disfigure or disable and is currently in custody after treatment for a minor head injury. He is due to appear in Caboolture Magistrates Court on 22 August. The 20-year-old man was charged with assault, drug possession, and possession of drug utensils.
He remains in custody and is set to face Redcliffe Magistrates Court on 23 July. Police say the individuals involved are known to each other, and the attack was not random.
Public Asked to Assist
Detectives are asking anyone who may have dashcam or CCTV footage from Bailey Road between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m. that evening to contact them. Footage or information from the public could help investigators understand exactly what led to the violent escalation.
Authorities are continuing to piece together the moments before and during the fight, and further updates are expected once court proceedings begin.
Community Impact
The stabbing has stirred fresh concern in Deception Bay, adding to a growing list of violent incidents reported in the past year. While police say the people involved knew each other, locals are unsettled by the rise in public fights involving weapons.
Officers have stepped up patrols in response, targeting drug activity and knife-related crime. Community leaders are now calling on residents to stay alert and speak up. They say stronger neighbourhood awareness is key to preventing further violence.
Petrie is set to house what may become the largest mass timber venue of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as plans progress for a major indoor sports facility.
A major indoor sports centre proposed for Petrie could become the largest mass timber venue built for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The facility, known as the Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre, has entered procurement with design tenders now open. If delivered as planned, it will stand out as a key example of sustainable stadium construction in South East Queensland.
Located within the Mill Precinct in Petrie, the project is being overseen by the Games Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) in collaboration with the Queensland and Australian governments, as well as the City of Moreton Bay. Early works have already started at the site, and the venue has been formally included in the 2032 Delivery Plan announced in March 2025.
The venue will feature mass timber elements across its two-hall layout, accommodating 12 indoor courts for basketball, netball, volleyball, gymnastics, futsal, pickleball, badminton, and wheelchair rugby. It is expected to seat up to 10,000 spectators. During the Games, the centre is earmarked for boxing events and may be used for other indoor competitions.
Officials have been working on the timber-focused design for over a year, aligning the venue with broader sustainability goals for Olympic infrastructure. The City of Moreton Bay will retain ownership of the facility, which is also intended to address long-term community demand for indoor sports space.
Photo Credit: QLD Gov
Timeline and Local Contribution
The project is moving into its detailed design phase, with procurement for the Principal Design Consultant underway. Major construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with completion expected in 2029. Legacy operations for the local community will commence shortly after, with a transition to post-Games use in late 2032.
The City of Moreton Bay has contributed the land and enabling works, with the broader $7.1 billion Olympic infrastructure package receiving $3.4 billion in federal support. The facility’s construction within Petrie reinforces the suburb’s growing role as a regional hub and reflects a trend towards incorporating engineered timber in major venue designs.
A group of 12 talented young baseballers from Brisbane North Regionin Narangba will represent Australia on the global stage after winning the national championship.
The team, comprising players aged 10-12, secured their “once-in-a-lifetime experience” by claiming the Australian Little League Championship in Blacktown, NSW.
This victory means they will now represent the Australian Region at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, which runs from August 13-24. Their opening match is scheduled for 13 August at 5:00 p.m. U.S Eastern time in Volunteer Stadium against Vacamonte from the Panama Region.
The team, which draws players from Division One teams at Redcliffe Padres and Narangba Demons, has brought immense pride to their local communities. The Brisbane North Region Baseball Association, with its address at PO Box 316, Narangba, QLD, 4505, has played a pivotal role in fostering the talent that led to this national triumph.
Head coach Keith Land, a founding member of Redcliffe Padres, stated that this opportunity would be a truly unique experience for the players, noting the significant media attention and the excitement of a street parade involving 20,000 people. He encouraged the players to bring their passports, prepare to sign autographs, and embrace their Australian accents, which he believes are well-liked overseas.
The Brisbane North squad showcased remarkable skill and determination during the Australian Championships. In Pool A, they secured impressive victories over Melbourne Rangers (11-0) and NT Buffaloes (14-0), along with wins against Eastern Phantoms (5-3) and Ryde Red (7-3). Their only pool loss was to Macarthur (9-5).
Finishing second in their pool behind Ryde, the team demonstrated their mettle by convincingly defeating Pool B winners Manly 5-0 in the semi-finals. The final saw Brisbane’s pitchers deliver another dominant performance, shutting out Ryde Red 6-0 to secure their World Series ticket. Coach Land expressed his delight with the team’s performance, particularly highlighting their ability to concede no runs in both the semi-finals and final, stating that doing the “little things right” was key to their success.
The Little League World Series is a major international event, featuring 10 US teams and 10 international teams. It attracts crowds exceeding 25,000 spectators and television audiences of over one million on ESPN. The Brisbane North team includes Monica Arcuir, Braxton Black, Josh Campbell-Manfield, Porter Cox, Averey Griffin, Issei Hamano, Cameron Holden, Harper Lokeni, Preston Reid, Xander Reid, Ryder Smith, and Floyd Staines. The coaching staff comprises Keith Land, Eli Jones, Darren Holden, and Sally Reid.
Having previously guided the first Brisbane North team to the World Series in 2022, Coach Land acknowledged that the upcoming tournament would be a step up in standard, but affirmed the team’s commitment to giving their best and enjoying every moment. The squad was given a week off training after their national victory and will return to prepare before departing for the US in early August.
