Construction works on the $250 million Laguna North Lakes will have to be moved to the middle of 2019 from the originally planned commencement of late 2018.
Project developers, The George Group and Pointcorp, will utilise this time to continue the search for the project’s tenants and contractors. According to them, the leasing phase is going well and the selection process that’s in place ensures a tenant mix that will provide a unique retail experience.
Photo credit: Laguna North Lakes/lagunanorthlakes.com.au
Take a look at the future beating heart of North Lakes… Laguna. Video credit: Pointcorp/YouTube/span>
Approved by the Moreton Bay Regional Council last December 2017, the development project located just 25 kilometres from Brisbane will transform the 1.7-hectare site to a mixed-used precinct.
The development features:
138-room hotel
10,500 sqm A-grade office space
2,000 sqm health and wellness facilities
2,500 sqm function and event centre
3,000 sqm “resort -style” restaurant and bar
5,000 sqm fashion, food, and beverage, as well as a restaurant precinct
publicly accessible aquatic centre with a lagoon-style pool
On-street and underground parking that can accommodate over 900 cars
Pointcorp Laguna North Lakes Fly Through
Video credit: Metropolis/Vimeo
Photo credit: Laguna North Lakes/lagunanorthlakes.com.au
“The Laguna North Lakes project, will be creating a vibrant new retail precinct for Northern Brisbane, centred around a tree-lined, pedestrian-orientated high street. The innovative outdoor retail precinct will form the central spine of the 1.7-hectare project. Leasing of retail space has commenced and Mr George added that the project is already seeing a wealth of interest from locally-based and national retailers who are seeing the benefit of opening operations in the growing region,” the Laguna North Lakes website said.
Slated to be completed by late 2020, the Laguna North Lakes project is set to deliver an extraordinary mixed-use precinct to this fast growing suburb that has been attracting residents, students, and commercial businesses over the past decade.
North Lakes appeared as one of the most searched suburbs by overseas home buyers of QLD properties such as coming from New Zealand, US, & the UK, according to realestate.com.au report.
Twelve-month data from July 2017 reveal that overseas property searches in Queensland have New Zealand as the top property hunters. Brisbane City emerged as the most searched suburb with 13,951 searches followed by Broadbeach with 9,898.
REA Group said that overseas home buyers would often check Brisbane properties first then widen their search to nearby suburbs. Such is the case of one overseas buyer who found their dream home in Aspley which he said is a place with great weather and affordable properties.
The top ten most searched suburbs are Brisbane City, Surfers Paradise, Noosa Heads, Broadbeach, Mooloolaba, Burleigh Heads, Southport, North Lakes, Caloundra, and Hope Island. Whilst UK and USA follow New Zealand, where most overseas property searchers originate.
Photo credit: Michael Glass / Unsplash
The REA Group said that European, American, and Canadian buyers are mostly drawn to Queensland’s beach and lifestyle destinations. Brisbane properties are what they would often check first, primarily because they are seeing better value for their money in Brisbane.
Rounding up the ten countries accounting for the most number of searches of the Queensland properties are Hong Kong, Philippines, Canada, Singapore, China, Japan, and South Africa.
According to the Australian Property Market Report for October from realestate.com.au, Brisbane continues to hold up well, despite tough financial conditions. Buyer demand, and rental demand and pricing are all in the green. Offshore buyer demand has seen a big increase which they attribute to the education sector and relative housing affordability.
The report says that Brisbane is gaining the confidence of the market with its better economic outlook and because of that, premium suburbs are benefiting with the subsequent rise in demand. Inner-north’s Grange and the outer south-east suburb of Chandler appeared as the top two in demand suburbs, according to the report.
Among Brisbane metro regions, East enjoys the most increase in demand year-on-year with 9.1%, followed by Brisbane Inner-city (8.2%) and North (5.0%). South and West saw declines in demand, however, year-on-year with -6.1% and -1.6% respectively.
The price growth is seen to continue over the next 12 months as Queensland economic growth will continue to propel the market.
Deception Bay has several historic sites that tell the story of how the region developed over time. The Deception Bay Heritage Trail highlights these sites and narrates the evolution of the area from being the home of indigenous Australians to becoming a progressive region.
Exploring the Deception Bay Heritage Trail is a great way to learn more about the region. The 4-km heritage trail can be completed in a 90-minute stroll.
Deception Bay Heritage Trail
The heritage trail, consisting of 13 sites, starts at the northern end of Beach Road and ends at the southern end of Deception Bay’s Esplanade. The trail is highly accessible since it’s wheelchair- bike-, scooter-, and stroller-friendly.
The Pictures in the Rocks and the Bancroft Baths
Both baths are in the intertidal zone so they quickly fill with silt. Photo credit: Shiftchange/Wikimedia Commons
The first stop presents sandstone rocks with beautiful patterns. The heritage-listed baths, cut out of sandstone rocks, have a strong connection to the Bancroft family as well as their contributions to science. Joseph Bancroft was responsible for creating the baths that offer the health benefits of sea bathing.
Dr. Joseph Bancroft. Photo credit: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Image number: 57297
Dr Joseph Bancroft had many contributions in zoology, botany, and medicine. He discovered that the Wuchereria bancrofti parasitic worm causes elephantiasis. He is also the first in Australia to describe lockjaw (tetanus) and tick paralysis.
Flinders and John Oxley exploration
Chart of Terra Australis. Sheet II, East coast / by M. Flinders, Commr. of H.M. Sloop Investigator, 1799-1802. Photo credit: nla.gov.au
Flinders was able to sail through Deception Bay in 1799 although it wasn’t mentioned in his log.
By 1823, John Oxley did mention Deception Bay in his log during his travels whilst searching for a remote site for convict settlement.
Local Industry
At the time of European settlement, beekeeping, fishing, and tree-felling were introduced in the region. Some areas of land were also cleared for the dairy and beef cattle industry.
Dr Thomas Bancroft’s House
Portrait of Doctor Thomas Bancroft. Photo credit: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Image number: 186791
Just like his father, Dr Thomas Bancroft earned a reputation for being an active scientist, botanist, doctor, and photographer. He expanded his father’s work about tropical diseases. He also provided evidence that Aedes aegypti mosquitoes cause dengue fever.
The Second World War
During the Second World War, Deception Bay became an army camp for around 3,000 soldiers. These include Australians recalled back from overseas after the Japanese entered the war in 1942.
A Special Place for Gubbi Gubbi People
Photo credit: www.mustdobrisbane.com
The Gubbi Gubbi people were the first inhabitants of the foreshore of the region. They lived off the natural bounty of the land and the ocean.
In 1897, however, most of the Gubbi Gubbi and other indigenous people of Queensland were forcibly removed from the area.
Campground
In 1905, William Wallin established a kiosk near the popular campground. His son, Oliver took over the kiosk and re-established the post office around 1928-1929. The kiosk has been an important landmark in the area.
Viola and George Turnbull continued to run the kiosk until its closing on October 2004, nearly a century after its establishment.
The 10th site in the heritage trail honours the early settlers that helped in shaping Deception Bay area to become what it is today.
Living Together
A few Gubbi Gubbi people continued to live in the area after the early European settlement. Joseph and Thomas Bancroft even observed the trading between the Gubbi Gubbi people and the Europeans.
Webster’s Boondar
People posing at the office of Brisbane Tug and Steamship Co. Limited in Brisbane, 1913. Photo credit: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Image number: 167710
Alexander Brand Webster is a businessman who had an interest in the Brisbane Tug & Steamship Company. He called his holiday house ‘Boondar’ which he believes is an indigenous name meaning kangaroo.
Although his home in the area is just a holiday house, Webster is active in the Deception Bay community. He was the one responsible for establishing the first live saving patrols at the Bay in 1924. He also built a bowling green and tennis court in the area in 1929 for public use.
A Place of Plentiful Food
Sunset over Deception Bay. Photo credit: CC-BY/John/Flickr
Indigenous people living in the area relied upon the abundance of food at the Bay. Collecting food is important for their community. Because of this, most of them spend much time mending nets, sharpening spears, and going out for fishing parties at night.
Today, Deception Bay is made up of diverse communities from the Pacific Islanders and Indigenous Australians to people from different nationalities including those from the British Isles, Europe, New Zealand, and Asia.
Heritage trails are valuable assets for Moreton Bay region. These sites help locals and visitors understand the culture and past influences of the area.
Students at Mango Hill State School will have better transport options in 2019 as a new dedicated bus service will be introduced to meet the growing needs of the community.
The Moreton Bay Regional Council and the State Government revealed the proposed bus service, which would pass through Napier Avenue, Campbell Drive and Caperstone Road before heading to the school.
State Member for Murrumba Steven Miles said the new service is in response to the request of parents for improved travel options for their children.
“Students will be able to walk out their front door in the morning, hop straight onto a bus and arrive safely at the school gate,” said Mr Miles.
Once the bus service is in place, there would eventually be fewer cars on the road. This should improve traffic congestion in the area during school drop-off and pick-up hours, according to Mr Miles.
To make the bus service a reality, some road widening and upgrades will have to be done first. The upgrades will include the Campbell Drive and Jepson Street roundabout.
Division 4 Councillor Julie Greer said the roadworks will ensure that the bus can safely drive through the dedicated route.
“In coming months, crews will get stuck into upgrading the roundabout, widening the intersection and replacing the existing curbs with more suitable painted lines and skirting,” Cr Greer said.
Mango Hill State School Principal Tracy Egan is happy to hear about the proposed for the bus route.
“When we surveyed our families on what they wanted in terms of getting to school, the overwhelming majority supported a dedicated bus route for their kids,” said school Principal Tracy Egan.
“Our student population has hit well over the 1,000-mark and will continue to grow, so a dedicated bus service is a much needed and much welcome outcome.”
The bus service is expected to start before Term 1, 2019.
The REIQ recently reported the latest housing market statistics which showed North Lakes median house price hitting $492,000. The figure signifies a 2.5% rise from the last 12 months and up by 14.4% over the last 5 years. During the 2nd quarter of 2018, there were 86 homes sold in the suburb.
With the school holidays coming up, have you already planned how to keep the kids busy? Fret not because North Lakes Library has a lot of FREE holiday activities to choose from to keep children entertained for the entire holiday break and prevent the dreaded cabin fever!
Check out what’s on at the North Lakes Library for the school holidays.
Activities for Kids
Board Games Olympics
Tuesday, 25 September 2018 (2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.)
Photo credit: CC0 Public Domain/PxHere
Do you have what it takes to beat the best? Enjoy playing a wide range of board games and take part in The Games Challenge. This activity is for Grades 3-6.
Are you the best chess player in the Moreton Bay region? Showcase your skills at the online chess tournament for a chance to win a $20 Australian Geographic voucher. Open for Grades 5-12.
Saturday, 6 October 2018 (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon)
Photo credit: CC0 Public Domain/PxHere
The National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) challenge is to draft an entire novel in November or as close as you can! Get ready for NaNoWriMo with this writing boot camp led by award-winning author, Christine Bongers.
Pick up tips for writing a satisfying short story, from the ideas stage right through to nailing the perfect ending. Open for Grades 5-6.
Wednesday, 26 September 2018 (2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
Amity, Candor, Erudite, or Dauntless? Which faction would you belong to? Test your skills on a range of Divergent-themed challenges. Open for Grades 9-12.
Thursday, 27 September 2018 (2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.)
Photo credit: GabboT/Wikimedia Commons
Make your own pair of furry ears, just for fun or to add that special touch to your cosplay. Get creative with textile offcuts, flowers, and beads. Open for Grades 7-12.
You’ve been chosen to take part in the Hunger Games. But your participation is just a cover for your real mission. Do you have what it takes to overthrow the Capitol? Open for Grades 7-12.
Want to learn how to apply makeup for formals and other special occasions? Pick up tips from a professional makeup artist using your own makeup. Open for Grades 10-12.
Don’t forget to bring your own foundation, mascara, and eyeliner. Lauren from Velbella Beauty will show you how to use these and other Velbella makeup products to create an evening look perfect for formal occasions.
For more information on these school holiday activities, you may visit the official website of North Lakes Library. You can also call (07) 3480 9900 or email NorthLakes.library@moretonbay.qld.gov.au.
In response to overwhelming public clamour, the Dakabin and Caboolture Treasure Markets will have longer hours of operation in a three-month trial.
This should give locals longer hours to shop for pre-loved goods at a bargain price.
The trial run is from Tuesday 18 September 2018 up to Saturday 15 December 2018. Should the trial be successful, the extended operating hours will continue.
“The Treasure markets have been incredibly popular and we keep hearing that people want to be able to shop here more than just the current Friday and Saturday openings,’ said Spokesperson for Asset Construction & Maintenance Cr Adam Hain.
New Operating Hours
During the trial run, the opening hours of the Treasure Markets will be:
Tuesday – Sunday: 10.00 a.m. – 2.00p.m.
Monday: Closed
Closed on Good Friday, Anzac Day & Christmas Day
Division 7 Councillor Denise Sims believes the extended hours will give added convenience to local residents wishing to make a visit to the tip shop.
Photo Credit: Moreton Bay Regional Council
“We want people reusing and recycling as much as they can and this message is being embraced more and more in our community,” she said.
“With more options now to visit the Dakabin and Caboolture Treasure Markets, we hope to see more people coming along and seeing what trinkets they can pick up at a bargain.”
Waste Recycling and Reuse
The Dakabin and Caboolture Treasure Markets are an initiative by the Moreton Bay Regional Council to better manage waste disposal. First started 16 years ago, these tip shops have become widely popular among locals.
Photo Credit: Moreton Bay Regional Council
At the Treasure Markets, locals can find pre-loved items such as toys, decorative items, books and music. Shoppers can also find furniture items perfect for a DIY project.
Not only are residents saving money when they shop at the tip shops, but they also help provide employment at the Treasure Markets. More importantly, locals get to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfill.
The Treasure Markets are located at the following waste management facilities:
Dakabin waste management facility – 336 Old Gympie Road, Dakabin (700m north of Alma Road intersection)
Caboolture waste management facility – 51 McNaught Road, Caboolture (via Pasturage Road, off Bribie Island Road)
Visit the Dakabin and Caboolture waste management facility websites to know what items can be donated.
A new primary school flexi campus at Deception Bay may soon be opened for children marginalized from mainstream school.
Edmund Rice Education Australia recently submitted a development application for a material change of use of a property at 45 Grosvenor Terrace, Deception Bay. The project is called Deception Bay Flexible Learning Centre Junior Campus. The project will involve the re-use of the existing dwelling for classrooms/educational purposes for primary aged school children.
Subject to approval by the Moreton Bay Regional Council, the junior flexi campus is scheduled to open June 2019 and will cater to students Years 5 and 6. The proposed flexi school was in response to numerous inquiries about places for students that were expelled or unable to cope in mainstream primary school, according to Deception Bay Flexi Campus principal Paul Flanders.
Mr Flanders is confident that the Deception Bay Flexible Learning Centre model can put these children, who are at risk of turning to a life of crime and drugs, back on the right track.
The proposed junior flexi school will operate using the existing flexi campuses’ model. Instead of rules, they will operate on principles of respect, honesty, participation, and safe and legal. The flexi school will also ensure that students are well fed by providing breakfast and lunch every day.
Mr Flanders said that many of Deception Bay Flexible Learning Centre’s students come from dysfunctional families. There are also those who have special needs, mental health issues, and were expelled from school. By teaching them literacy, numeracy, art, music, and sport, the flexi school helps prepare these children to further education or employment, so they could have a better future.
Many of Deception Bay Flexible Learning Centre graduates were able to take up apprenticeships, get a job, and even able to graduate university, Mr Flanders concluded.
Deception Bay Flexible Learning Centre began as an inclusive learning community in 2006. Deception Bay FLC is part of Edmund Rice Education Australia, a national and unified network of Australian schools and educational entities.
North Lakes residents are against the planned sale and development of the North Lakes Resort Golf Club following the announcement of the closure of the golf course.
North Lakes Resort Golf Club announced its plans of selling the course to The Village Retirement Group due to financial losses.
According to the closure statement released by the golf club, it will cease operations at the end of 2019. However, the golf course, practice facilities, restaurant, and function space will continue to operate until then.
Owners of the gold club are proposing to sell the entire course and have already entered into an arrangement with The Village Retirement Group (VRG) .
The gold club claims that it can no longer continue operating due to a downturn in golf participation in the recent years.
Photo credit: www.northlakesgolfclub.com.au
Plans for the North Lakes Resort Golf Club
VRG plans to dedicate 85% or 57 hectares of the land to open space, environmental protection, and possible future sport and recreation use. The remaining land area will see 200 low-rise independent living units and a three-storey 100-bed aged-care facility on the site.
Photo credit: www.northlakesgolfclub.com.au
No development application has been submitted to the Council yet. The development’s indicative timeline shows that the developer will consider community feedback and lodge the development application in the last quarter of 2018.
Plans for the change in use of the golf course was immediately opposed by locals.
Residents have been working together to protest the planned development. A dedicated Facebook group named Save North Lakes Golf Course has been established to oppose the closure of the golf course. The group currently have more than 3,500 members who are fighting the proposed development.
Photo credit: SAVE NORTH LAKES GOLF COURSE/Facebook
The local community is particularly concerned about the implications of the development on the environment.
“North Lakes Golf Course is far more than just a golf course. It provides an essential environmental buffer zone through the central corridor of our community. It has also become home to a variety of wildlife including Koalas and Kangaroos and is a vital channel for flood waters to escape.”
Whilst VRG only plans to build on 15% of the land, Save North Lakes Golf Course says, “15% is still a very large development in the heart of a quiet residential area. It’s the foot-print size of Westfield North Lakes. VRG may not stop at 15%. If the land is rezoned and the DA is approved, they will own all the land; and because it will all be rezoned, they could easily then develop on as much of the land as they want.”
In a letter sent by Gavin Kirkman CEO of PGA of Australia to the group, he said, “the PGA of Australia certainly feels there is a place for the course to remain a pillar in the community …”
“Our PGA Professionals are more than qualified to manage facilities, as well as coach and service the game to ensure the North Lakes Golf Course can remain sustainable well into the future.”
Photo credit: SAVE NORTH LAKES GOLF COURSE/Facebook
Petitions Against the Development
In July 2018, a North Lakes resident started a petition online against the said plan. Currently, the petition has already gathered 3,265 signatures and aims to reach at least 10,000 signatures.
Another petition has been submitted to the State Government. The online petition was sponsored by Labor MP for Bancroft Chris Whiting.
The latter petition states that residents do not support any change in use of the North Lakes Golf Course. It has already gathered 2,736 signatures and will be closing on 1 February 2019.
Next Steps for the Community
The local community has been very vocal in their stance against the development. In fact, several residents and even businesses have been putting up signs outside their homes to show their support on the Save North Lakes Golf Course initiative.
Photo credit: SAVE NORTH LAKES GOLF COURSE/Facebook
Members of the group have been rallying Council members to support their cause. However, due to the legal obligations set by the State Government Legislation, Council and Councillors cannot provide any comment on their stance on the issue as Council has not received an application for the development of the North Lakes Golf Course.
Photo credit: Sandra Nicholls – SAVE NORTH LAKES GOLF COURSE / Facebook
On the other hand, Matt Constance, Councillor – Division 10 Moreton Bay Regional Council have shared helpful information on what the community can do if a development application is lodged.
In a letter sent to Sandra Nicholls from the Save North Lakes Golf Course group, Mr Constance said, “Should the proposer of this application decided to proceed it is possible that it will likely require Public Notification.”
“Public notification is required for certain development applications to ensure that the public is aware of the development and they have the opportunity to make submissions about it. A properly made submission will secure for the submitter the right to appeal to the Planning and Environment Court about the assessment manager’s decision.”
According to Mr Constance, the submitter must consider the following in making a properly made submission:
After a successful pilot in South Brisbane at Mt Gravatt, Walking Netball passes the ball to North Brisbane this October. Three locations from the Northside have been added including North Lakes.
Netball Queensland’s initial five week Walking Netball trial was well received and registration filled quickly.
“We had the first game for the trial on July 30 and I couldn’t believe the response from the women,” Co-ordinator Rhonda Newton said. “A lady in her 70s scored a goal and was so emotional she came straight over and gave me a hug and thanked me for running Walking Netball.”
“It was the highlight of my day. She said she hadn’t felt this alive in years,” Ms Newton said.
Being a slower paced version of Netball, without any running or jumping involved, Walking Netball is a perfect way to keep one’s body active regardless of age, fitness level, or ability. Walking Netball, in particular, allows senior men and women to once again enjoy active lifestyle and social interaction as the modified rules minimizes risks of injury and foster camaraderie.
She said sessions that would run for eight weeks would be held four times a year during school terms. Men are also encouraged to sign on.
The three new locations for the Walking Netball Fixtures Program:
Morayfield – Morayfield Sports and Events Centre, 298 Morayfield Rd. | Tuesday Mornings 11am starting on the 9th of October
North Lakes – Northside Indoor Sports and Fitness, 17 Flinders Pde. | Wednesday Mornings 11am starting on the 10th of October
Brendale – Southpine Sports Complex, South Pine Rd. | Thursday Mornings 11am starting on the 11th of October
