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Supreme Court Halts Plan to Clear Kallangur Homeless Encampment

Photo Credit: Labor True Believers, Political Analysis and Satire/ Facebook

A Supreme Court decision to temporarily protect a homeless camp in Kallangur has placed the legality of the policies in place on rough sleeping under intense scrutiny following a human rights challenge.

Court Halts Demolition

A group of twelve people living in a bush reserve on Goodfellows Road were granted a temporary reprieve after lawyers secured a joint injunction. In a court hearing on Wednesday, City of Moreton Bay agreed to halt any action to clear the encampment. The agreement allows the residents to remain until the matter returns to court on 24 July, preventing a repeat of a recent camp demolition at Eddie Hyland Park where an excavator was used to clear tents and personal belongings.

The legal action was spearheaded by Basic Rights Queensland, with pro bono support from Hall & Wilcox and other law firms, who argue that destroying the possessions of people with nowhere else to go is a violation of their basic human rights.

Residents’ Rights at Forefront

Lawyers for the residents painted a grim picture of their clients’ reality. The court heard that the group includes a pregnant woman and many who suffer from severe anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder. It was stated that none of the individuals have been offered public housing, despite some being on waiting lists for many years amidst a severe cost of living crisis. Their legal counsel, Matthew Hickey KC, stressed that these are people with no other options who had already lost what little they owned in the previous camp clearing.

Council Cites Safety and Public Interest

Council’s barrister, Felicity Nagorcka, argued that the injunction prevents Council from enforcing its local laws and fulfilling its obligations to public health and safety. She informed the court of concerns regarding fires and rubbish at the site, as well as reports of loud screaming, though evidence was not provided during the hearing.

City of Moreton Bay CEO Scott Waters described the court hearing as a diversion of ratepayer resources from the primary goal of finding housing for the individuals. He also noted that one of the rough sleepers involved in the case had accepted a housing offer just last week. Mr Waters also criticised community charities for what he termed “facilitating” rough sleeping in public parks by providing food and other assistance.

Broader Legal Challenge Looms

This injunction is the first step in a wider legal battle. The case is set for a judicial review in November which will examine the legality of Council’s decision earlier this year to repeal its “Persons Experiencing Homelessness Camping Framework.” The removal of this framework in February effectively outlawed all camping on public land across the City of Moreton Bay.

Legal representatives for the homeless residents stated the court outcome was a success for vulnerable people in the region and that homelessness should not be treated as a crime. The conditions of the temporary stay require the residents to keep the site clean and safe and not impede access for council officers or the public. Council has stated it will conduct daily patrols to ensure compliance.

Published Date 6-July-2025

Street Spotlight: Wallace St, Bray Park

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

The quiet residential character of Wallace St today belies the dramatic transformation this part of Bray Park underwent in the 1970s. Before the street bore its name, this area was part of what locals simply called Strathpine West—undeveloped land waiting for the suburban expansion that would reshape the entire district.

When Bray Park was officially gazetted as a suburb on 1 April 1970, it marked the beginning of planned housing developments that would carve out streets like Wallace from former rural holdings.

The transition wasn’t immediate. Even by 1975, some directories were still listing parts of Bray Park under neighbouring Lawnton, reflecting how gradually the new suburb’s identity took hold. But the infrastructure followed steadily: Bray Park State School opened in 1973, the railway station in 1986, and the high school in 1987. Wallace Street and its neighbours were part of this wave of development—quiet residential pockets that transformed Strathpine West into a established community.

Wallace St, Bray Park Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 8
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 90%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 15 years and 5 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 40%

Wallace St, Bray Park – As It Looked in 1936

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON WALLACE ST FROM YESTERYEAR

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
8 Wallace Street, Bray Park	$421,000	Sept 2016
6 Wallace Street, Bray Park	$43,000	Dec 1999
4 Wallace Street, Bray Park	$45,000	Dec 1997

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

If you know Wallace Street, Bray Park well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

Published 6-July-2025

Infrastructure and Services Expansion in North Lakes, Dakabin and Deception Bay

Photo Credit: QLD Gov

North Lakes, Dakabin and Deception Bay are set to receive targeted investments in health, education, policing, and infrastructure under the 2025–26 Queensland Budget.

Investments Target Key Growth Corridors

The 2025–26 Queensland Budget allocates funding to major infrastructure, education and community projects in North Lakes, Dakabin and Deception Bay, aligning with broader development plans across Moreton Bay. The Redcliffe Hospital, which services residents in these suburbs, will undergo a significant expansion, while additional upgrades to police and transport services are also included.

Hospital and Healthcare Upgrades

A key investment includes the expansion of Redcliffe Hospital, adding at least 210 new overnight beds as part of the Hospital Rescue Plan. The project is intended to improve healthcare access for suburbs such as North Lakes and Deception Bay. Additional parking facilities are also planned to support patients, carers and staff.

Caboolture Hospital will undergo a $367.7 million redevelopment, with a further $15 million allocated for a new paediatric outpatients area.

Community Safety Measures in Place

To enhance law enforcement capabilities in the region, the POLAIR aerial police operations will be extended to include Moreton Bay. This initiative is supported by a broader $100 million expansion. A new State Emergency Service depot will also be delivered in Deception Bay, backed by a $3.75 million commitment.

Statewide policing resources will grow with the addition of 1,600 new recruits and upgrades in equipment, which will support local units operating in suburbs such as Dakabin and North Lakes.

Bruce Highway upgrade — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Road and Rail Improvements

Residents of Deception Bay and North Lakes are expected to benefit from upgrades to the Bruce Highway, which forms a major commuter route through the region. These works are part of a $9 billion program aimed at improving traffic flow and safety.

Planning for the Wave Project — a proposed passenger rail connection between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast — has received an additional $40 million. This project is expected to improve future connectivity for Dakabin and North Lakes as part of the Moreton Bay corridor.

Education and Skills Development

A new special school is planned for Moreton Bay South, which is expected to serve families in Dakabin and North Lakes. Pine Rivers State High School will receive $9.6 million to deliver new specialist classrooms.

Young residents across the region will benefit from statewide education support programs, including the $100 Back to School Boost and $200 Play On! vouchers. Free apprenticeships across 130 priority courses will also be available for locals under 25.

Moreton Bay Budget — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Environmental and Housing Commitments

The “Zero Litter to the Bay by 2030” initiative will receive $35 million to upgrade stormwater infrastructure, aiming to reduce litter entering Moreton Bay. The region is also targeted in the broader $5.6 billion social and community housing program, with 487 homes under construction and funding flowing through the $2 billion Residential Activation Fund.

Regional Training Hub and Support Services

Dakabin will host the new $15 million Moreton Bay Wildlife Hospital and Education Hub. Additionally, the Moreton Bay TAFE Centre of Excellence will receive $60 million to strengthen trade and skills training for local residents, including those in Deception Bay and North Lakes.

Published 27-June-2025

Charity Comedy Night Raises Funds in North Lakes

Photo Credit: EJ Mann/Instagram

A charity comedy event will be held in North Lakes to support Variety – The Children’s Charity, combining stand-up acts, raffles, and motorcycles.

Community Event Aims to Raise $4000 for Children’s Charity

North Lakes will host a charity event called Posties & Punchlines, featuring some of Brisbane’s best comedians, community sponsors, and a motorcycle show ‘n’ shine to raise funds for children in need. The event is organised by local comedian and musician EJ Mann, who is set to take part in the six-day Variety Postie Bike Dash across rural Australia.

Background on the Fundraiser

The fundraiser will be held at Thirsty Chiefs Brewing Company on Saturday, 28 June, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Proceeds from the event will go to Variety – The Children’s Charity NSW/ACT, which supports children who are sick, disadvantaged, or have special needs. Ms Mann aims to raise $4000 through ticket sales, raffles, and sponsorships.

North Lakes charity event — *Photo Credit: EJ Mann/Instagram*

Event Line-up and Activities

The night will feature stand-up performances by a selection of comedians from Brisbane’s comedy scene. Attendees can also view a motorcycle show ‘n’ shine and take part in raffles and lucky door prizes. Comedy begins at 6 p.m., with Papagano Wood Fired Pizza on site and a range of beers on tap from the venue.

Posties & Punchlines — *Photo Credit: EJ Mann/Instagram*

Major Prizes and Community Sponsors

Raffle prizes include gift cards from JB Hi-Fi and Bunnings, Dolphins v. Cowboys match tickets, wine packs, float therapy, trampoline passes, and comedy club experiences. Contributors include Suncorp Stadium, Crafted Taste Brewing Supplies, Good Chat Comedy Club, City Cave North Lakes, and Revolution Sports Park.

EJ Mann’s Postie Bike Journey

Ms Mann will participate in the Variety Postie Bike Dash on a repurposed Australia Post Honda CT110. The ride covers multiple days across regional Australia to raise funds for children supported by Variety. To prepare, she has been seen riding through Mt Mee and D’Aguilar National Park, getting familiar with off-road conditions.

Ticket Information

Tickets are $15 and available via ejmann.com. All funds raised will be donated directly to Variety – The Children’s Charity. The event promotes community engagement and provides a chance for locals to support a cause while enjoying an evening of entertainment.

BUY TICKETS

Published 25-June-2025

Street Spotlight: Walsham St, Bray Park

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

Walsham St tells the story of a quiet residential pocket that has transformed dramatically in recent years. Where single homes once stood on generous blocks, medium-density townhouse developments now define much of the streetscape. This shift reflects broader changes across Bray Park, where established suburban character has given way to higher-density living arrangements designed to accommodate the region’s growing population.

The street’s evolution is perhaps best illustrated by its property mix: today, Walsham Street is home to 37 townhouses, 12 traditional houses, 1 unit, and 34 other dwellings. This composition marks a significant departure from the street’s earlier incarnation as a traditional low-density residential road, where detached homes on quarter-acre blocks were the norm.

Evidence of this recent transformation can be seen in the turnover statistics. The average owner-occupier on Walsham Street has lived there for just 3 years and 6 months, and only 2% of residents have been in place for 10 years or more. These figures paint a picture of a street in transition, where established residents have largely been replaced by newcomers drawn to modern, more affordable housing options.

Walsham St, Bray Park Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 1 unit, 37 townhouses, 12 houses, 34 others
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 85%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 3 years and 6 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 2%

Walsham St, Bray Park – As It Looked in 1936

SOME RECENT SALES ON WALSHAM ST, BRAY PARK

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
33/24 Walsham Street, Bray Park	$715,000	Aug 2025
2/24 Walsham Street, Bray Park	$700,000	Jul 2025
25/24 Walsham Street, Bray Park	$725,000	Jun 2025
8/24 Walsham Street, Bray Park	$665,000	Jan 2025

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON WALSHAM ST FROM YESTERYEAR

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
41 Walsham Street	$347,400	Jan 2021
7 Walsham Street	$335,000	Jan 2012
1 Walsham Street	$110,000	Aug 1996

SUBURB PROFILE

If you know Walsham Street, Bray Park well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

Published 22-June-2025

Road Upgrades, Safer Crossings Coming to North Lakes and Surrounds

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook

Residents in North Lakes, Dakabin and Kallangur will soon notice a wave of street upgrades, with millions of dollars set aside to improve pedestrian crossings, parks and major road links in the 2025–26 City of Moreton Bay budget.

Community Safety Takes Priority

North Lakes families, particularly those around local schools, will benefit from new raised pedestrian crossings designed to calm traffic and make it safer for children walking or riding to school. This includes work near North Lakes State College, where increased pedestrian activity has made safety upgrades a key concern.

Council also flagged upcoming improvements to nearby Griffin and Mango Hill, which share infrastructure with North Lakes. These works are part of a broader $21 million investment across the city to support walkable neighbourhoods. In parallel, lighting at Kallangur Town Memorial Park will be upgraded, adding better visibility for after-hours use.

In Dakabin, a raised pedestrian crossing is planned for Marsden Road. The suburb will also receive outdoor gym equipment at Blue Gum Park, encouraging locals to get active in their own community.

Old Gympie Road Set for Major Upgrade

A standout infrastructure project for this corridor is the Old Gympie Road upgrade. Spanning across Dakabin and Kallangur, this seven-year project carries a price tag of $142.5 million. Design and early works will begin during this financial year.

The project aims to address long-standing congestion and improve safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. For Dakabin, this will include a redesign of Alma Road to remove a sharp bend and replace it with a roundabout, with construction starting in 2026.

Kallangur will also benefit from a new zebra crossing on Goodfellows Road, further adding to efforts to slow traffic and protect foot traffic in busy local areas.

Investment in Local Spaces

Beyond roads, North Lakes and nearby suburbs are seeing attention to green and active spaces. Council plans to install new outdoor exercise stations at key parks, including North Ridge Circuit Park (Deception Bay) and John Oxley Reserve in Murrumba Downs, which services Dakabin and Kallangur residents.

A new 3,000 square metre green space is also in development at John Oxley Reserve, with barbecue facilities, seating and paths. This is part of the city’s broader $80 million investment into parks and open spaces.

Balancing Growth With Liveability

Moreton Bay is growing by around 12,500 people each year, adding pressure to roads, parks and schools in suburbs like North Lakes, Dakabin and Kallangur. These areas, close to Brisbane, are now key targets for upgrades under the city’s $1 billion 2025–26 budget.

Mayor Peter Flannery said the focus remains on practical improvements that make a real difference day to day. Over $400 million will go toward capital works including roads, public spaces and safety projects. Locals can expect to see early upgrades by mid-2026, with major roadworks extending to 2031.

Published 18-June-2025

Late Deception Bay Local Neville Galbraith Receives Posthumous OAM for Dedicated Service

Photo Credit: Artillery History

The late Neville Galbraith, a cherished figure from Deception Bay, has been distinguished with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in profound recognition of his widespread contributions to both lawn bowls and the welfare of veterans.

This esteemed national honour acknowledges Mr. Galbraith’s lifelong dedication, placing him among a select few in the country specifically celebrated for their outstanding service to lawn bowls this year.

A Lifetime Dedicated to Service

The OAM for Mr Neville Galbraith is a tribute to his extensive and diverse service. He was a veteran himself, having served diligently in the Australian Army from 1962 to 1982, where he earned several service medals, including the Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 with Clasp Vietnam.

Following his military career, he tirelessly championed the causes of fellow veterans, holding numerous significant positions within the 105th Battery, Royal Australian Artillery Association. His roles included Former President, Vice-President in the 1990s, and Former Treasurer for 14 years, making him an Inaugural Member of the association from 1993 until his passing in 2023.

Pillar of the Bowls Community

Beyond his profound commitment to veterans, Mr Galbraith was an integral part of the lawn bowls community, shaping the sport at various levels for decades. He held a range of leadership positions within Bowls Queensland, serving as a Former Board Director, Former President of the Men’s Section, Former Committee Member of the Men’s Section, and Former Coordinator of the Match Committee.

His influence extended locally and regionally, as he was an Office Bearer for the Southeast Queensland Bowls Association for 16 years, and an Office Bearer for the Brisbane North District Bowls Association from 2002 to 2023. Importantly, he was a long-standing Office Bearer at the Deception Bay Bowls Club from 1997 until 2023, where his presence was deeply valued.

Enduring Community Legacy

Mr Galbraith’s posthumous recognition underscores the immense impact one individual can have on their community. His tireless efforts in both sports administration and veterans’ support forged stronger, more connected networks in Deception Bay and across Queensland.

The OAM serves as a formal acknowledgment of a life devoted to improving the lives of others, leaving behind a legacy of selfless contribution that continues to resonate within both the bowling greens and the veterans’ community he so passionately served.

Published Date 12-Jun-2025

Rothwell Development ‘Wellbrook’ Officially Launched, Promising Lifestyle-Focused Living

A new residential community is set to rise in Rothwell, with plans for 240 terrace homes as part of a $189 million masterplanned project designed to meet growing housing needs in Brisbane’s northern corridor.

Read: Landmark Housing Project for First Nations Elders in Deception Bay

Called Wellbrook, the development will occupy a site at 499–507 Anzac Avenue in Rothwell and aims to provide a mix of three- and four-bedroom homes across eight distinct floorplans. The project responds directly to increasing demand for attainable housing in a region experiencing rapid population growth and pressure on supply.

The developer behind the project, Queensland-based Azure, has placed a strong emphasis on combining thoughtful design with lifestyle integration. The homes will feature a blend of rustic charm and modern finishes, with the overall aesthetic aimed at being both functional and enduring. Azure’s in-house construction team, Azure Build, will deliver the project.

Beyond the homes themselves, Wellbrook will include a comprehensive range of resort-style amenities intended to foster community living and well-being. These include a large swimming pool with an integrated children’s play area, a covered pavilion with barbeque and dining spaces, day beds, and outdoor lounges.

The community will also feature wellness-focused facilities such as a gym, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, and a remote working hub to support flexible lifestyles.

According to Azure, the project was carefully designed to offer more than just residential dwellings — it is intended as an immersive lifestyle environment that reflects the way people live today. The company says it is continuing to invest in communities that support connection, balance, and future growth.

Read: Mango Hill Urban Village to Bring 23 Towers and Thousands of Homes to North Lakes

Construction is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2025. Wellbrook is one of seven active developments currently being undertaken by Azure across Queensland.

Published 12-June-2025

JAM Performing Arts Students from North Lakes Embark on Dream US Tour

Photo Credit: JAM Performing Arts/ Facebook

Twenty-one talented young dancers from JAM Performing Arts at North Lakes are preparing for an extraordinary three-week performance, training, and sightseeing tour across the United States.

The troupe, aged between 10 and 18, will depart on 29 June and return on 19 July, 2025. This marks the third time JAM Performing Arts has organised such an international experience for its students, providing valuable exposure to the American dance scene and culture.

A Journey of Growth and Opportunity

The itinerary for the dancers includes intensive workshops at renowned venues like the Millennium Dance Complex in Los Angeles and the Broadway Dance Centre in New York, offering them the chance to train with world-famous choreographers.

Beyond the classroom, they are scheduled to perform on international stages at popular attractions such as Disney World, Florida and Universal Studios Florida. Their tour will also feature attendance at the Velocity Dance Convention in Las Vegas, a significant event in the dance community.

Michael Edge, Creative Director of JAM Performing Arts, explained that the tour is designed to immerse the dancers in the professional dance industry. He stated that the experience is a journey of personal growth, helping the young participants build independence, resilience, and confidence through shared travel and cultural encounters.

Mr Edge added that the tour could open doors to future opportunities in performing arts, including full-time training, scholarships, auditions, and international networking.

JAM Performing Arts: A Community Pillar

Established in North Lakes in 2007, JAM Performing Arts has grown to become the longest-running performing arts school in the Moreton Bay region. The studio has garnered strong community support, having been voted “the most popular dance studio” in the area. Their Flinders Parade centre features four purpose-built, air-conditioned studios, providing an ideal environment for dance instruction.

The school is directed by the experienced husband-and-wife team of Michael and Danica Edge. Their philosophy centres on providing safe and enjoyable dance instruction for students of all levels within a nurturing family environment.

They aim to encourage students to “come out of their shells, play, imagine, and take risks.” JAM Performing Arts focuses on holistic development, teaching life skills such as confidence, creativity, resilience, and independence alongside dance technique. To ensure individual attention, class sizes are kept small, and teachers are specialists in their respective dance fields.

JAM Performing Arts offers a wide range of classes for all ages, from toddlers (aged 2-6) participating in the “READY SET DANCE” program, to juniors, pre-teens, teens, and pre-professionals.

Dance styles available include Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Ballet (including CSTD & RAD Syllabus for examinations), Tap, Contemporary, Musical Theatre/Song & Dance, and Acrobatics/Tumbling, taught by qualified coaches with a focus on safety.

Students have various performance opportunities, including an annual end-of-year showcase. For those seeking more challenges, performance teams compete in local eisteddfods across Queensland and engage with the community through different dance shows. The international tours are a key part of the unique training and performance experiences offered to their students.

Published Date 09-Jun-2025

Street Spotlight: Anzac Av, Rothwell

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

Anzac Av has long been a street where family homes anchor neighbourhood life. With dozens of properties lining its length, the avenue has become a natural destination for school-commuting families searching for their next home. The proximity to Mueller College, one of Rothwell’s largest educational institutions, has made Anzac Avenue a street where buyer interest consistently runs strong—particularly for those seeking three- and four-bedroom houses within easy reach of quality schooling.

The street’s appeal isn’t just about location. Anzac Avenue offers the kind of family-oriented housing stock that attracts owner-occupiers looking to put down roots. The numbers tell part of the story: with 80% of residents owning their homes and an average ownership period of nearly 16 years, this is a street where people choose to stay. Over half the residents have been here for more than a decade, creating the kind of stability that defines established suburban streets.

That stability has been rewarded with steady growth. A property at 569 Anzac Avenue sold for $730,000 in April 2025, a figure that would have seemed remarkable three decades earlier. In the early 1990s, homes on this street changed hands for well under $100,000—543 Anzac Avenue sold for $136,000 in 1994, while 565 and 551 Anzac Avenue both sold for less than $92,000 in 1993. The transformation from those modest beginnings to today’s market reflects not just inflation, but the growing recognition of Rothwell as a sought-after family suburb.

As school catchment areas continue to drive competition for housing, streets like Anzac Avenue demonstrate how proximity to educational facilities can elevate buyer demand across entire neighbourhoods.

Anzac Av, Rothwell Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 35 houses, 32 others
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 80%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 15 years and 9 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 54%

Anzac Av, Rothwell – As It Looked in 1936

SOME RECENT SALES ON ANZAC AV, ROTHWELL

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
569 Anzac Avenue, Rothwell	$730,000	Apr 2025

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON ANZAC AV FROM YESTERYEAR

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
543 Anzac Avenue, Rothwell	$136,000	Jun 1994
565 Anzac Avenue, Rothwell	$85,000	Sep 1993
551 Anzac Avenue, Rothwell	$91,000	Feb 1993

SUBURB PROFILE

The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Rothwell in 2025 was $770,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Rothwell in 2021 was $428,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM HOUSE IN ROTHWELL SINCE 2021: $342,000

The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Rothwell in 2025 was $840,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Rothwell in 2021 was $496,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4 BEDROOM HOUSE IN ROTHWELL SINCE 2021: $344,000

If you know Morris Rd, Rothwell well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

Published 8-June-2025