News and other stories about real people, places, and events in North Lakes and nearby suburbs.
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.
Tuesday, 25 September 2018 (2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.)
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.
Registration essential.
Friday, 28 September 2018 (2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
Come and code with colour! Learn and play with ozobots and challenge yourself with new programs! Open for Grades 5-8.
Registration essential.
Wednesday, 3 October 2018 (2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
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.
Registration essential.
Thursday, 4 October 2018 (2:00 p.m. – 2:40 p.m.)
Jump, dance, and sing to original Aussie songs bursting with colourful characters and stories. The show is ideal for kids aged 2-7 years old.
Bookings not required.
Friday, 5 October 2018 (2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
Complete challenges and learn new skills while connecting with fellow Crafters in the same room. Open for beginners to advanced players of all ages.
Registration essential.
Friday, 5 October 2018 (3:00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m.)
Meet other LEGO fans and go head-to-head in challenges to find the Ultimate Brick Master! Open for Grades 3-6.
Registration essential.
Saturday, 6 October 2018 (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon)
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.
Monday, 24 September 2018 (2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
Play a range of board games to take home a $20 Zing voucher and the glory as Gamesmaster! OPen for Grades 7-12.
Registration essential.
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.)
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.
Registration essential.
Tuesday, 2 October 2018 (2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.)
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.
Registration essential.
Wednesday, 3 October 2018 (2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
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.
Registration essential.
Friday, 5 October 2018 (1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.)
Meet YouTuber and TV personality Elly Awesome and find out about what’s okay and what’s not okay online. You can also learn more about her new book.
Stay positive and support your friends. Who do you trust, or not trust online?
Saturday, 6 October 2018 (1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
This is also a writing boot camp for the NaNoWriMo led by award-winning author, Christine Bongers .
Get inside the skin of your main character, using dialogue to show who they are, increase conflict, and create suspense. Open for Grades 7-12.
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.
During the trial run, the opening hours of the Treasure Markets will be:
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.
“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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
The Professional Golfers Association (PGA) of Australia supports the community’s efforts in saving the golf course.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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:
Take note that it is important for submissions to include and address planning issues in the context of the Planning Act and Local Planning Scheme.
For more information and updates, visit Save North Lakes Golf Course on Facebook.
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:
For inquiries, you may contact Rhonda Newton at 0439 706 077 or walkingnetballqueensland@gmail.com
To register visit: http://whoozin.com/WalkingNetballNorthlakes
One of the local favourites when it comes to vegan food, MooFree Burgers serves juicy burgers that are 100% plant-based.
The vegan restaurant offers a wide variety of burgers, sliders, nachos, and loaded fries. Teaming up with Charlie’s Raw Squeeze, the restaurant also serves fresh juices, smoothies, and “nice creams”.
Their revamped menu includes the crowd favourite Messy Mexican that comes with a black bean patty, avocado, lettuce, tomato, onion, rustic tomato relish, and corn chips.
More salad choices are also added to their new menu including Our Ceasar with crispy chicken, smokey rasher, lettuce, croutons, nutritional yeast, and aioli; Wandering Waldorf with green pea, broccoli and spinach bites, apple, cherry tomatoes, super slaw, walnuts, goji berries, and pesto dressing; and the Super Salad with hemp patty, cherry tomatoes, avocado, capsicum, lettuce, coconut chips and supergreen dressing.
MooFree Burgers is open from 10:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. daily. If you are on the lookout for a hearty meal that’s good for you, visit the store at 53 Endeavour Blvd, North Lakes.
For more information, visit MooFree Burgers website.
North Lakes will soon have its own Taco Bell outlet following Moreton Bay Regional Council’s approval of the development application on 120 Flinders Parade.
After the successful opening of their store in Annerley, the US fast food giant is set to expand across Southeast Queensland. Their plan is open more Taco Bell fast-food outlets in the area.
Plans for Taco Bell North Lakes include a drive-through, parking for 18 vehicles, a 35-sqm outdoor dining area, and 250 sqm of internal dining.
Tenders for the new outlet were closed on 4 July 2018, and according to an online notice board which called for tenders for the fast food chain, the cost for the construction of the store may reach up to $3 million.
Taco Bell in Annerley has been a huge hit to locals as the tex-mex fast-food outlet offers free WiFi, charging ports at each table, and unlimited drink refills.
For North Lakes residents eager to find out when the store will open, there is no timeline yet for the project.
A North Lakes couple is determined to fly from Brisbane to Western Australia as part of the Outback Air Race 2018 from 19-31 August. The race will help raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).
Robert Rey and his wife, Donna, will be the Mighty Maroon. The air race is a GPS-based navigation time trial throughout the Australian outback. This year, there will be 102 competitors in 42 aircraft. Pilots will nominate an elapsed time between two visual waypoints and they will receive points for both time and location accuracy.
This year’s air race will be from Archerfield in Brisbane to Broome in Western Australia. There are only under 40 aircraft that have been nominated. The 12-day outback air route will go through Bundaberg, Longreach, Mount Isa, Adels Grove, Daly Waters, Katherine/Tindal and Kununurra.
Racers will have to raise $4,000 before they can take part in the race whilst the event aims to raise $500,000 this year. The participants will raise money at the places that they will stop at along the way.
Since 1996, this race has garnered over $2.1 million. All of the funds that have been raised will go to the RFDS to outfit their aircraft and to help fund better medical equipment. The race is held every three years.
The RFDS is one of the biggest aeromedical organisations in the world. They provide extensive primary health care and 24-hour emergency service to people over an area of 7.69 million square kilometres.
Luckily, Mr Rey is no stranger to flying — aside from being the principal of the CPRM Property Group, he is also an experienced pilot. He has been flying for 13 years and for the past six years or so, he is a pilot for Angel Flights in Queensland and New South Wales where he helps get sick children and adults in remote areas to and from medical visits.
He will be using his Beechcraft Bonanza with hopes to win this race and raise funds for the organisation he has long been a firm supporter of.
You can support the Mighty Maroon here.
Wyndham Hotel Group has announced that TRYP North Lakes will be a part of the 1.7 hectare Laguna North Lakes development. This marks their second property in Australia, with the first one located in Fortitude Valley.
TRYP by Wyndham, which is set to open in 2021, will have 138 rooms, a huge resort-style swimming pool, restaurant, bar, gym, and health facility.
There will also be a 5,000 square metres of curated fashion retail stores and eaters. It can also accommodate large function and events. The hotel will also offer A-grade commercial office space.
Matt Taplin, Senior Vice President Hotel and Resort Operations and Property Development of the Wyndham Hotel Group in South East Asia and Pacific Rim is thrilled to announce this new development in the upcoming Laguna North Lakes.
“Located in Queensland’s Moreton Bay Region, 25 km north of Brisbane, Laguna North Lakes has been designed to be a vibrant and active destination offering its visitors access to cafes, restaurants, events spaces, retail offerings and family friendly pool throughout the day and into the night. it is an ideal new location for TRYP as we expand into destinations travellers want to discover,” he said.
The decision to build a hotel in one of the fastest growing areas and promising developments in Queensland seems like a good idea. These upcoming developments are expected to boost population growth and allow northsiders to be in close proximity to commercial establishments.
The vision for the Laguna North Lakes is to make it a must-visit destination for leisure, events, and conferencing thus making the hotel development a great fit.
Just like the TRYP Hotel in Fortitude Valley which syncs with the pulse of the city, the North Lakes hotel promises to give off the same vibe.
Read: Laguna North Lakes Development Hailed As Brisbane’s New, World-Class, Mixed-Use Precinct
