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Proposed Narangba Precinct Changes Near Consultation Stage

Residents in Moreton Bay are set to have their say on a major industrial proposal, as plans for the Narangba Innovation Precinct move closer to public consultation.

The City of Moreton Bay is preparing a planning scheme amendment that would support new industrial activity within the precinct, with residents expected to be invited to provide feedback once consultation formally opens.

At this stage, no consultation dates have been announced, with Council still working through the next steps before the community is asked to have its say.

What needs to change

The proposed amendment focuses on a designated area within the existing Narangba Innovation Precinct, aiming to enable around 600 new “special industry” jobs. These industries typically include higher-impact operations such as chemical manufacturing, waste processing and other large-scale industrial activities that require strict regulation.

Photo Credit: Information Sheet/Narangba Innovation Precinct

Council says the changes could also contribute an estimated $129 million to the local economy while supporting employment closer to home for residents.

Mayor Peter Flannery said the proposal would help meet the needs of a growing population while making better use of existing industrial land.

“It’s important that our residents have opportunities to work close to home for lifestyle and affordability factors,” he said in a statement.

The precinct is already an established industrial area and that expanding its use for specialised industries would strengthen investment and job opportunities in the region.

Health and environmental safeguards

Alongside economic benefits, the proposal includes measures aimed at protecting nearby communities.

Planning documents indicate that industries operating in the precinct would need to meet strict standards around air quality, noise, human health and safety risks, particularly for surrounding residential areas. Extensive environmental health investigations carried out between 2020 and 2024 have informed the proposal, focusing on potential impacts such as emissions, noise and hazardous materials.

These safeguards are intended to balance industrial growth with the safety and amenity of nearby neighbourhoods.

Temporary planning controls to remain in place

In the meantime, Council has proposed extending the current Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) for a further 12 months.

The TLPI, which is due to expire in July 2026, sets interim rules for development in the area while a long-term planning solution is finalised.

Council will now prepare a report outlining the next steps in the formal planning scheme amendment process. This will include a statutory public consultation period, where residents and stakeholders will be able to review the proposal and provide feedback before any final decision is made.

Published 10-April-2026

North Lakes Drivers Face New High-Tech Parking Patrols

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

A sophisticated new patrol vehicle is now roaming North Lakes to catch drivers who overstay time limits using automatic number plate recognition and high-resolution cameras.

Starting this week, the council is changing how it monitors local streets to keep traffic moving and help shoppers find a spot. The white patrol car uses GPS and special sensors to scan the area, removing the need for officers to always walk the beat. This new approach targets busy hubs including Caboolture, Redcliffe, Strathpine, and Petrie. While traditional foot patrols will still happen occasionally, this vehicle can cover much more ground in a single shift.

Fair Access for Local Shoppers

The main goal of this technology is to make sure one person does not take up a valuable parking space all day. Local leaders explained that when cars overstay their time limits, it makes it harder for other residents to visit nearby shops and cafes.

By encouraging a higher turnover of parked cars, the council hopes to give the local economy a boost. They believe that if parking is easier to find, more people will be willing to visit town centres rather than heading elsewhere.

Digital Enforcement and Safety

The way drivers receive fines is also changing with this new system. Instead of finding a paper ticket tucked under a windscreen wiper, the vehicle captures a digital image of the car and the exact time it was spotted. If the data shows the car stayed longer than the signs allow, the information is sent to a council office for a final check.

Once a human officer confirms the rules were broken, the infringement notice is sent directly to the owner through the post. This method is considered much safer for council staff, as it reduces the chance of face-to-face arguments on the street.

Managing a Growing Community

As more people move into the Moreton Bay region, the demand for road space and parking spots continues to climb. Council representatives noted that the city is growing quickly and needs smarter ways to handle the extra traffic. Using data-driven tools allows the city to manage this growth without needing to build massive new car parks everywhere. The technology is designed to keep the streets accessible and ensure that the rules are applied fairly to everyone across the busiest suburbs.

Published Date 07-April-2026

Moreton Bay Wildlife Road Safety Network Wins National Recognition

City of Moreton Bay/Facebook

A wildlife road safety network spanning more than 3,800 kilometres of roads across the Moreton Bay region has received a national project award from the peak body for ecology and transportation research.

The Australasian Network for Ecology and Transportation (ANET) presented City of Moreton Bay with its Project Award for the Green Infrastructure Network Delivery Program, recognising over a decade of work to help native animals cross roads safely across suburbs including North Lakes, Narangba, Morayfield, Bribie and Everton Hills.

The programme has been running since 2014 and has grown into one of the most comprehensive wildlife road safety networks in the country.

What the Network Has Built Since 2014

The scale of the infrastructure is considerable. The programme has delivered more than 47 canopy bridges, 21 kilometres of wildlife exclusion fencing, 16 fauna escape hatches and 48 wildlife underpasses across the region. More than 150 vehicle-activated LED signs now provide real-time alerts to motorists in koala and kangaroo zones, raising awareness at the moments it matters most.

Green Infrastructure Network Delivery Program — Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook

A permanent 4G camera network monitors fauna crossing structures at 14 locations across the region. Since 2020, those cameras have recorded more than 80,000 crossings, capturing not just kangaroos and koalas but rarely seen species including the marsupial Brush-tailed Phascogale and the Feather-tailed Glider, recognised as the world’s smallest gliding mammal.

Connecting Habitats Across Busy Roads

For communities in North Lakes and Narangba, where residential development sits alongside bushland corridors, the programme addresses a daily reality. As population growth pushes new housing closer to reserves and parks, the pressure on wildlife to navigate roads to move between habitat patches increases alongside it.

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook

The network provides those animals with safer options, whether that is a canopy bridge allowing possums and gliders to move through the treetops above a busy road, or a wildlife underpass letting ground-dwelling species cross beneath it. The exclusion fencing channels animals toward these dedicated crossing points rather than onto the road surface itself.

ANET Chairperson Rodney Van der Ree noted that the programme demonstrated what becomes possible when different departments work together toward a shared outcome, and pointed to it as a model for local governments around the country.

The recognition from ANET follows the Australian Road Safety Foundation presenting the programme with its Local Government Programs Award at last year’s Australian Road Safety Awards, making it back-to-back national acknowledgements for the work.

Finding Out More

Residents who want to learn more about the Green Infrastructure Network Delivery Program or the fauna monitoring network can visit the City of Moreton Bay website. Sightings of injured or distressed wildlife on or near roads can be reported to RSPCA Queensland on 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) or Wildcare Australia on 07 5527 2444.

Published 02-April-2026

Joyner Manhunt Continues After Alleged Police Car Ramming

Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

A police manhunt remains under way in Joyner after a man allegedly rammed a police car and ran from the scene, triggering a search involving air and ground crews.

Search Begins On Youngs Crossing Road In Joyner

Police allege the incident unfolded on Youngs Crossing Road in Joyner at about 3 p.m. when a white Kia Picanto, believed to be displaying stolen number plates, struck the rear of a police vehicle. Officers had reportedly been attempting to speak with the driver of a red Commodore sedan before the collision occurred.

Queensland Police, — Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

After the crash, the male driver left the Picanto and fled on foot, with police alleging he ran through school grounds and backyards before officers lost sight of him.

The man being sought was described as wearing white shorts and no shirt. The Picanto was seized for forensic examination as the investigation continued. The search operation remained active beyond the initial response, with police continuing efforts to locate the man after he left the area on foot.

Police searching streets in Joyner — Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

Air And Ground Crews Join Joyner Manhunt

Dog squad officers and PolAir crews were deployed as the search continued in Joyner. Police also conducted door-knocks while attempting to trace the man’s movements, with the operation extending into the night. Reports from the area indicated a police helicopter was heard overhead late in the evening as the search continued.

By Sunday morning, the manhunt remained ongoing. Police urged residents not to approach the man if seen and instead contact authorities. Investigators also called for anyone with relevant information, CCTV footage or dashcam vision to come forward as the Joyner search continued.

Published 31-Mar-2026

Mango Hill Families Score Major Win With Local Pub Entertainment Hub

Families in the Mango Hill community are reclaiming their school holiday sanity as the local tavern transforms into a premier entertainment hub designed to keep children engaged while parents relax in the beer garden.

A New Standard for Local Play

The shift toward more robust family offerings follows a significant investment in the area’s social infrastructure. After undergoing a comprehensive upgrade last year, the playground at the Mango Hill Tavern now serves as a central drawcard for local residents. The facility was redesigned to go beyond the standard plastic slide, incorporating modern climbing structures and a dedicated arcade game section.

These features allow the venue to function as a reliable destination for parents seeking a secure environment where kids can burn off energy any day of the week.

Sundays Dedicated to Children

While the play equipment remains a permanent fixture, the tavern has introduced a rotating schedule of live performances to anchor its weekend appeal. Starting at 12:00 PM every Sunday, the venue hosts a variety of interactive events under its “Little Mangoes” program.

These sessions are designed to offer a different experience each visit, moving between high-energy kids’ discos and professional magic shows that encourage audience participation.

Character Visits and Crafting

Beyond the physical activities and magic acts, the holiday program emphasizes variety through guest appearances. Local children have the opportunity to meet popular characters during scheduled visits, adding a sense of occasion to the standard lunch outing. To balance the high-energy activities like dance parties, the venue also incorporates quieter creative outlets such as crafting sessions. This mix of entertainment aims to provide a well-rounded holiday experience that caters to different age groups and personality types within the North Brisbane community.

Published Date 01-April-2026

The Lakes College Officially Opens New Performing Arts Precinct

The Lakes College community came together recently to celebrate the official opening of its new Performing Arts Precinct and Gym, marking one of the most significant milestones in the North Lakes school’s 21-year history.

Read: The Lakes College Shines in Primary and Secondary NAPLAN Results

Families, staff, students and special guests gathered for the occasion, which included student performances and a chance to explore the brand-new facilities firsthand. The mood was celebratory, and for good reason. Just twelve months ago, the space beneath the College’s Multi-Purpose Hall was little more than a muddy undercroft. Today, it has been transformed into a purpose-built 1,000-plus square metre precinct designed to nurture creativity, collaboration and student wellbeing.

The development forms Stage 2 of the College’s Multi-Purpose Hall project, and the scale of the transformation is hard to miss. Where there was once an underutilised void, there is now a music classroom, seven music tutor rooms, an orchestra room, a recording studio connected to rehearsal spaces and tutor rooms, and a versatile dance and drama studio that can expand into a larger performance venue when the occasion calls for it.

Principal Nicole Gregory spoke at the opening ceremony about the significance of the development, describing it as a testament to more than two decades of passion and persistence behind the College’s arts education programs. She said subjects like Music, Drama, Dance, Media and Visual Arts hold an extraordinary capacity to engage, challenge and transform young people.

Gregory also acknowledged the humble origins of those programs, noting that in the early days, teachers and tutors created opportunities wherever space could be found across the campus. The new precinct, she said, honours that hard work while laying the groundwork for what comes next.

Students have been quick to embrace the new spaces. Year 12 student Grace said the precinct had created an inspiring environment for the whole school community, adding that the old space had been far too cramped and that the new facility finally gives students the room to come together and collaborate.

That sense of togetherness appears to be exactly what the College had in mind when planning the precinct. Rather than isolated practice rooms tucked away in unused corners of the campus, the new facility brings students, teachers and tutors into a shared creative hub, one designed to spark the kind of spontaneous collaboration that tends to produce the best work.

Alongside the performing arts spaces, the new Gym adds further value to the precinct by supporting Secondary HPE classes and bolstering the College’s Athletics, Swimming and Dance programs. It rounds out what is now a genuinely comprehensive creative and physical wellbeing facility.

The Lakes College caters to students from Prep through to Year 12, and the opening of this precinct signals a continued commitment to providing learning environments that support the whole student, not just their academic development. The school has long championed the arts as a vehicle for growth, and this investment backs that philosophy with bricks and mortar.

For a school community that has watched these programs grow from the ground up, the opening of the Performing Arts Precinct and Gym is more than just a ribbon-cutting moment. It is the physical realisation of years of dedication from teachers, students and the families who supported them along the way.

Read: Street Spotlight: College St, North Lakes

The Lakes College is located on Elatostema Street in North Lakes. For more information about the College and its programs, visit thelakescollege.com.au.

Published 27-March-2026

Final Phase Of Lakes Vista Office Park To Begin In North Lakes

Photo Credit: Lake Vista

Construction is set to begin on the final stage of Lakes Vista Office Park in North Lakes, with the last three commercial buildings planned for the site at 2–4 Flinders Drive.

A Long-Awaited Final Stage In North Lakes

The Lakes Vista Office Park development is moving toward completion, with the final three buildings to be delivered as part of the last stage.

The eastern portion of the site has remained undeveloped since the original approval in 2008, and this phase will complete the broader office precinct in North Lakes.

Design Updates Focus On Function And Capacity

The final stage has undergone design refinements through collaboration with Nettleton Tribe Architects, Mewing Planning Consultants and DMA Partners.

These changes aim to meet planning expectations while improving the balance between floor space and parking, a key consideration for future tenants within the precinct.

North Lakes development — Photo Credit: Lake Vista

Leasing Activity Continues Across The Precinct

Lakes Vista Office Park is currently advertising leasing opportunities, highlighting features such as basement parking, an on-site café, advanced IT platforms and dark fibre connectivity.

Flexible leasing options are available from 50 square metres, catering to a range of business sizes. The precinct is also positioned close to major retail centres and public transport links.

Building 5 Availability Signals Ongoing Demand

Leasing information shows that Building 5 has limited remaining space, with 170 square metres available on Level 1 and 88 square metres on the ground floor.

The lower ground level is fully leased, indicating ongoing occupancy within the development.

office leasing North Lakes — Photo Credit: Lake Vista

Construction Activity And What To Expect

Intermittent noise and construction activity are expected as works commence. Plans are in place to minimise disruption and maintain safe access throughout the precinct during the build period.

While a specific construction start date has not been confirmed, the project has been flagged to begin soon.

commercial property Queensland — Photo Credit: Lake Vista

Completion Set To Finalise The Precinct

Once the final buildings are delivered, Lakes Vista Office Park in North Lakes will reach full completion, concluding a development that has been in planning for more than a decade.

Published 25-Mar-2026

Early Intervention Program Targets At-Risk Youth In Deception Bay

Photo Credit: Pexels

A 12-week early intervention program for children aged 8 to 12 is being delivered in Deception Bay through Deception Bay Neighbourhood Centre.

Deception Bay Youth Program Targets Early Signs Of Risk

A structured early intervention initiative is now underway in Deception Bay, delivered by Deception Bay Neighbourhood Centre, a community organisation operating since 1992.

The program, known as STEP-UP, focuses on children showing early signs of antisocial behaviour and social disengagement. It is designed to address these behaviours before they develop into long-term patterns, with a focus on accountability and emotional regulation.

Working With Families To Strengthen Support Systems

The Deception Bay program combines group mentoring with direct family involvement, recognising the role of home and school environments in shaping behaviour.

Families are engaged throughout the 12-week program to help strengthen connections with schools and support positive behavioural development. The approach aims to ensure consistent guidance for children both during and beyond the program.

Part Of Broader Youth Engagement Across The Region

The Deception Bay initiative forms part of a wider rollout of early intervention programs across Greater Brisbane, including areas within Moreton Bay and Redlands.

Four organisations are delivering targeted programs under a shared funding pool exceeding $1 million. These initiatives focus on engaging at-risk youth through structured support such as mentoring, education-linked activities and skill development.

Other programs in the rollout include practical mentoring activities and music-based engagement designed to support emotional development and social connection.

Community Activities Supporting Families In Deception Bay

Alongside the early intervention program, Deception Bay continues to host activities that promote connection and support within the community.

Neighbour Day 2026 is scheduled for Sunday 29 March, encouraging everyday interactions among residents. Weekly Laughter Circle sessions are also held on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at 7 Joseph Crescent.

A free Easter Community Connect Day will take place on Wednesday 1 April from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Deception Bay Hall, offering activities and access to local services for families.

Focus On Early Engagement In Deception Bay

The Deception Bay program centres on early engagement, aiming to respond to behavioural concerns at a stage where intervention can still influence long-term outcomes.

By working with children and their families, the program supports stronger behavioural foundations and improved connections with education and community structures.

Published 23-Mar-2026

Pine Rivers Honour Gates In Kallangur: A Century Of Local Remembrance

Photo Credit: Moreton Bay Region Libraries

Set along Anzac Avenue in Kallangur, the Pine Rivers Honour Gates carry a story that began more than a century ago, when a local community came together to mark the loss of its First World War soldiers.

A District Remembers

The gates were first established at the Lawnton Showgrounds and officially opened on 28 July 1923. At the time, they served as a memorial to district men who died in service or were killed in action during the First World War.

Marble plaques were placed on the structure, recording the names of 28 local soldiers. A dedication dated July 1923 states that the gates honour those who fell in the Great War, forming the central purpose of the memorial.

Pine Rivers Honour Gates — *Photo Caption: Memorial gates at entrance to Pine Rivers R.S.L. (Returned Services League) Kallangur in 1995*
Photo Credit: Moreton Bay Region Libraries

Built As An Entrance

Rather than a standalone monument, the memorial was designed as a gateway. The structure features four pillars fitted with white marble plaques, with wrought iron gates spanning the entrance.

Decorative scrollwork and carved detailing form part of the design, reflecting how the memorial was integrated into a public space at the showgrounds. Positioned at an entrance, the gates were part of everyday community life from the beginning.

Kallangur memorial gates — *Photo Caption: Entrance Gates to Pine Rivers Showgrounds, early 1900s*
Photo Credit: Moreton Bay Region Libraries

More Names, More Conflicts

Over time, the memorial expanded beyond its original focus. Additional plaques were added to recognise service connected to World War II, Korea, Malaya, Vietnam and Borneo.

These additions extended the record of service across several decades, with inscriptions covering the period from 1939 to 1973. World War II plaques also include names, continuing the memorial’s role in documenting those connected to the district.

war memorial — *Photo Caption: Pine Rivers Honour Gates, North Leagues and Services Club, Kallangur, 1998*
Photo Credit: Moreton Bay Region Libraries

A Move To Kallangur

The gates did not remain at Lawnton. After later relocations, they were moved to their current position at the Pine Rivers RSL memorial precinct in Kallangur.

Records place the final relocation in the mid-1980s, with accounts noting 1986 or 1987. The move shifted the memorial from its original showground setting into a dedicated commemorative precinct.

Kallangur Memorial Gates Today

Today, the Kallangur memorial gates stand within a broader memorial complex that includes several other structures recognising military service.

The original 1923 dedication remains part of the site, alongside later additions that expanded the scope of the memorial. The gates now reflect both their origin as a First World War tribute and their continued role in recording service across multiple conflicts linked to the Pine Rivers district.

Published 20-Mar-2026

Olympians Back Moreton Bay Rowing Proposal as 850 Homes Planned

City of Moreton Bay/YouTube

Olympic athletes Emily Seebohm and Curtis McGrath have joined the campaign for a purpose-built rowing venue in Moreton Bay for the Brisbane 2032 Games, as the city highlights plans for 850 homes within the broader precinct.

The proposal centres on the former Boral quarry site at Lawnton, near Petrie, which the City of Moreton Bay is promoting as a permanent flatwater venue for rowing and canoe sprint events. The site is being presented as an alternative to the preferred location on the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton.

Athlete support adds weight to the proposal

Seebohm and McGrath have appeared in promotional material backing the Moreton Bay bid.

McGrath has previously raised concerns about whether river conditions in Rockhampton would provide an even course for Olympic competition. In supporting the Moreton Bay plan, he pointed to the value of a purpose-built venue designed for consistent racing conditions.

Seebohm’s support focused on the long-term value of a permanent facility, including its potential use by future athletes and the wider community.

Their involvement gives the proposal added public profile as debate continues over where rowing and canoe sprint events should be staged in 2032.

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/YouTube

Housing and legacy plans brought into focus

City of Moreton Bay has now placed greater emphasis on the precinct’s housing component, saying the development could deliver 850 homes through a staged rollout.

The project would combine the sporting venue with residential areas, commercial space, recreation facilities and transport links connected to Petrie railway station. The planned housing mix includes family homes, smaller options for downsizers and medium-density dwellings.

Mayor Peter Flannery said the proposal was intended to leave a lasting benefit for the region rather than serve only as Games infrastructure.

Council has also identified the possibility of student accommodation linked to the nearby University of the Sunshine Coast campus, arguing that the project could support both housing supply and future workforce needs.

Partnership with Boral

The proposal is being advanced as a public-private partnership involving Boral, which owns the quarry land.

Boral executive general manager Kate Jackson said the project showed how a former quarry site could be repurposed through coordinated planning involving industry, housing and education uses.

Council says the approach would allow Games-related investment to be tied to infrastructure with an ongoing local use after 2032.

Still an alternative to Rockhampton

While support for the Moreton Bay option is growing, Rockhampton remains the state’s nominated venue for rowing and canoe sprint events.

That plan is still subject to review by the International Olympic Committee, World Rowing and the International Canoe Federation.

But with athlete support, a housing component now clearly defined, and council continuing to press the legacy case, the Lawnton-Petrie site is being positioned as more than just a sporting venue.

Published 19-March-2026