North Lakes continues to be a family-friendly suburb as revealed by recent data from CoreLogic via Your Investment Property shows that the suburb is among the most popular neighbourhoods among homebuyers looking in the outer Brisbane areas.
The attractiveness of living in the suburb is primarily due to the relatively low real estate prices. The median price of the houses is less than $500,000. As a result, the suburb has a recorded 436 houses sold in the past 12 months.
However, aside from the property price, homebuyers are lured in by the North Lakes lifestyle that is ideal for families with children.
Newly-developed homes around the North Lakes Golf Course form one of the most popular neighbourhoods in the suburb. Notable schools such as the North Lakes State College and The Lakes College as well as a good number of childcare and early learning centres are among the appealing factors for families.
The new development, Laguna North Lakes, is also a bright spot in the property scene in the suburb. The mixed-use development within the North Lakes town centre, includes a 138-room hotel, commercial office spaces, health and wellness facilities, aquatic centre, restaurant and bar, and a lagoon-style pool. It is being hailed as Brisbane’s new world-class mixed-use precinct.
Bounty Boulevard State School, the largest state primary school, has recently opened its much awaited multi-purpose hall.
After years of campaigning, with the help of a $5-million funding from the Queensland government, the school was finally able to build the multi-purpose hall that it badly needs.
Constructed between May and December 2017, the new facility was officially opened in 18 April 2018.
The new school hall is a state-of-the-art facility capable of hosting the school’s musical and sporting events. Not only that, the school community also benefits from the additional 46 parking spaces which have also been included in the project.
According to Education Minister Grace Grace, the government is pleased to deliver the project to support the school community for many years to come.
“I know this wonderful new hall has been a welcome addition for the school,” Ms Grace said.
“Bounty Boulevard State School has grown in step with the surrounding local community, opening with 130 students in 2009 and growing to an enrolment today of more than 1,400,” she added.
Education Minister Grace Grace and Member for Murrumba Chris Whiting at the Official Opening of the New Hall Photo credit: chriswhiting.com.au
Member for Murrumba Chris Whiting was the one who helped to secure the $5 million funding for the Bounty Boulevard State School.
Together with the school leadership, the P&C, and school community, their efforts in campaigning for the school hall were finally rewarded as the project successfully became a part of the Government’s $200 million Advancing Queensland Schools Fund.
“It has been a privilege to work with the Bounty Boulevard school community to secure this much-needed hall for them,” Mr Whiting said.
“It was clear that Queensland’s largest primary school needed a hall, and it is great the current Education Minister Grace Grace was able to open it,” he added.
Photo credit: chriswhiting.com.au
The new hall currently houses a multipurpose sports court, stage area, storage rooms, amenities, and change rooms. It also includes kitchen facilities, a multi-purpose area, and an outside school hours care office and activity area.
According to Bounty Boulevard State School principal Paul McSwiney, they have been using the hall since February 2018.
The facility is perfect for wet weather play and PE lessons. It also enhances music, drama, and sport in the school.
“This is a fabulous addition both for our school and for the local community,” Mr McSwiney said.
“Already the community is on board, with basketball being played here two nights a week and the hall acting as a venue for church services on Sundays,” he added.
The school is very excited as the latest addition to their facilities was officially opened. Certainly, the new school hall will be a great asset not only for the school but also for the local community for years to come.
The veterinary hospital’s post on Facebook was quickly shared by several people more than 300 times since the search for the cat’s owner started on 18 April 2018.
The three-legged cat does not have a microchip or collar which has made the search quite difficult and the efforts of finding the owner have relied mostly on the Facebook post.
Luckily, the photo of this cranky-looking cat (which reminded people of the famous Grumpy Cat) became an internet sensation.
Photo credit: Twitter/RealGrumpyCat
Contrary to its looks in the photo, the cat is actually sweet and gentle, according to the veterinary nurse who took care of her in the hospital.
In Round One of the Smart Cities and Suburbs Program, $450,000 has been granted by the Australian Government to North Lakes for its Smart Parking project.
Following Moreton Bay Regional Council‘s calls for tenders for the design, installation, and operation of the system, a total of three tenders were received by the Council for the project. The tender process closed on 12 December 2017.
The tender for the North Lakes Activity Centre Smart Car Parking Trial Design, Implement, and Operate project was discussed in a coordination committee meeting held on 27 February 2018.
In the report of the coordination committee meeting endorsed to the council, officers have recommended that the contract for the project be awarded to Telstra Pty Ltd for the sum of $479,865.80 (excluding GST).
Smart Parking Trial Area Photo credit: Moreton Bay Regional Council
Tender process
Amongst the three tenders submitted to the council, Telstra was the only one who submitted a comprehensive tender. Given their relevant experience in providing the technology needed for the smart parking project, it is no surprise that they were chosen to deliver the project.
Other companies who submitted a tender but were deemed non-conforming were Frogparking Pty Ltd who was deemed non-conforming due to incomplete submission and Smarter Technology Solutions Pty Ltd (STS) who were not invited to submit a full tender following the Expression of Interest process.
Two more aspects of this project will be delivered under separate contracts to ensure the accuracy of the technology. These are the CCTV of the smart car parking spots and the establishment of a Smart City data platform.
Photo credit: CCO Public Domain / chrisjmit / Pixabay
Project funding
The total value of the project as stated in the Smart Cities and Suburbs Program is $900,000 where $450,000 was granted by the Australian government and the remaining $450,000 will be co-contributed by the local government.
So far, the tender price for the project is $ 479,865.80 with contingency funds of five percent and a QLeave of $2,800.00. The total project cost is currently at $ 506,659.09. The remaining budget is set to be used for CCTV installation and the development of a Smart City Data Platform.
Benefits of the Project
Once completed, the project will improve traffic congestion associated with the introduction of pay parking at the North Lakes shopping centre. It will free up short-term parking spots, allowing residents easier access to parking for surrounding businesses. The proposed app and signage will also make it much simpler to navigate to a free parking spot.
The goal of the Embracing 2018 Legacy Program is to build active, engaged, and inclusive communities by motivating people to move and value their health more no matter what their age is. Similarly, North Lakes Table Tennis Association’s newest addition to their programs also has the same value.
The Girlpower Through Generations program that started in October 2017 was initially funded by the Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing. The program caters to young girls, mothers, and grandmothers who want to have a unique experience of getting active together and engaging in a sport that they can share for a lifetime.
This program is a great way for the young and older generations to reconnect and spend quality time together while staying active and having fun. Table tennis is suitable for all ages since it is a non-contact, low impact sport that does not require a particular skill or fitness level.
Photo credit: CCO Public Domain / Huskyherz / Pixabay
A specialised training program has been developed for adults and the elderly, as well as participants with a disability or limited mobility.
The Girlpower Through Generations is specifically designed for family members who want to get active together. Girls who wish to join the program have to register with both or either of their mother and grandmother.
The program is scheduled every Friday, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. and runs for 10 weeks. Only a fee of $20 will be paid for registration. No need to pay more for the succeeding games, however, do take note that spaces are limited.
To learn more about the program and updates on game schedules, visit the North Lakes Table Tennis Association Facebook page and official website or email info@nltt.org.au.
Venue: Hall of The Lakes College, 2 College Street, North Lakes
Evania (Vani) Pelite has proven herself worthy of competing in the Commonwealth Games after her incredible performance in the Sydney Sevens.
There is no stopping Australian sevens star Vani Pelite in performing well in every game she plays, not even a kick in the head that required three stitches. Pelite has been under the radar for several years but her performance in their game against the Russians in the Sydney Sevens was a standout.
Photo credit: RUGBY.com.au
After taking a vicious kick to the head from Russian captain Alena Mikhaltsova, Pelite was still able to help Australia maintain their incredible defensive record in the 31-0 win. World Rugby, the sport’s governing body, cited the Russian and slapped an eight-game ban for the incident. Although the kick to her head didn’t seem intentional, authorities cited that it was reckless and unnecessary.
It may have been a bloody game for Pelite but the injury didn’t stop her from making a try-saving tackle to stop the Russian captain. Pelite said that at first, she was shocked and her teammates were worried but winning the game is more important.
Such passion for the game and incredible performance is what made her become one of the elite Australian Sevens players. Pelite is now set to represent Australia in the Commonwealth Games in Brisbane along with her Australian Sevens peers.
From Touch Football to the Australian Sevens
Photo credit: Facebook/Evania Pelite
Pelite has been playing (and excelling) in touch football since she was 12 years old. Her inspiration for joining the sport was older girls playing touch, particularly Emilee Cherry who is now her teammate in Australian Sevens. Pelite would watch the then 15-year-old Cherry and say “I want to be as good as Emilee Cherry.”
Pelite has an unusual story about how she started playing rugby sevens in 2012. She was steered into the Sevens by her family. After attending a tryout clinic put on by the Queensland Rugby Union (QRU), she was told about upcoming schools tournament.
After hearing the news, she went back to school and asked if she and her friends can play. However, she was told that they can only play if she can find 12 girls who would want to play. She went on recruiting in her school. Luckily, she managed to persuade 11 other players to play. Her unusual team, which consisted of a few touch footballers, gymnasts, and some dancers, represented St Columbans in Caboolture. They made it all the way to the finals in their first tournament.
In 2013, a big year for Pelite, she played for Australia at the Touch Football Trans-Tasman series and won gold at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival Rugby Sevens (AYOF). That was when she, at the age of 17, was discovered by Australian coach Tim Walsh.
By 2016, Pelite became a member of the Australian team that won Gold at the Rio Olympics in August 2016. She was able to score a try that gave her country the advantage in the final against New Zealand.
Being a Role Model
Photo credit: Facebook/Australian Womens 7s Team
Pelite grew up being inspired by fellow Rugby Sevens player Emily Cherry in her younger age. Now, she was the one being looked up to by younger girls aspiring to be Rugby Sevens player someday.
Pelite was a bit surprised when young girls came up to her at the Sydney event. She realised that it is now her turn to inspire the younger generation to get into the sport.
Event Schedules
Don’t miss the chance to see the first appearance of Pelite in the Commonwealth Games and watch how the Australian Sevens perform their unbeatable defence in the following schedules.
Women Pool Round – Pool B
Australia vs Wales
Friday, 13 April 2018
5:37 p.m.
Women Pool Round – Pool B
Australia vs England
Friday, 13 April 2018
8:17 p.m.
Women Pool Round – Pool B
Australia vs Fiji
Saturday, 14 April 2018
7:21 p.m.
The Rugby Sevens will be held at the Robina Stadium. Plan your route to the venue with the help of the official Journey Planner from the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
North Lakes continues to offer more job opportunities to its residents as it continues to grow economically. More business opportunities are set to open in the area with the help of the recently approved retail, dining, and lifestyle precinct Laguna North Lakes.
North Lakes, located in one of Queensland’s fastest growing area, is already home to some of the biggest retailers like Ikea, Target, Coles, Dan Murphy and Big W which are under the roof of the newly built Westfield.
With the addition of Laguna North Lakes, more than 5,000 jobs can be created in the next years as the precinct attracts more business investments in the area.
Photo credit: Facebook/ Laguna North Lakes
The Moreton Bay Regional Council economic development is now focused on driving more job opportunities in the area through its economic development action plan.
The Council’s plan includes investment attraction and business development which helps in unlocking thousands of job opportunities.
It was estimated that the currently available jobs in North Lakes can double from 7,700 to 13,000 by 2023. This is can be attributed to the Council’s effective master planning and major investment in infrastructure like the Redcliffe Peninsula Line, as well as high residential densities.
In 2017 alone, 900 new retail jobs opened for the community as big retailers and specialty stores flocked to Westfield North Lakes.
Photo credit: www.lagunanorthlakes.com.au
The addition of the $250 million Laguna North Lakes development in the area is sure to unlock more jobs for the community. Upon completion, the commercial development will feature 5,000 sqm of boutique retail, 10,000 sqm of commercial office space, a regionally significant function and events centre, a 140-room hotel, and a new aquatic centre. The commercial precinct opens up major employment opportunities for various industries.
New Commercial Building
Plan for the new commercial building. Photo credit: Moreton Bay Regional Council PD Online
Another application for a commercial building at 30 Torres Crescent, North Lakes is pending approval from the council. Once approved, the commercial building is set to open a hardware centre, commercial services, contractor’s depot, indoor recreation, office, technology industry, vehicle hire depot, vehicle sales yard and warehouse. That means more available jobs for the community.
Rapidly Growing Suburb
North Lakes has been named as Australia’s best master planned community last May 2017, and Queensland’s fastest growing region in the 2016 Census. There is no doubt that the region will continue to grow as more residents, job seekers, and investors are attracted to the area.
When it came to reading material, Australia was one of the strictest censors in the world during the 20th century. Some books that were widely read across other continents were banned here. The books, however, remained in the keeping of different libraries across Australia up until this day.
Some collections are still banned, whilst others were previously prohibited but are now available for public consumption. There are also libraries across the country which still have restricted sections and where limited access are strictly reinforced.
Credit: Moreton Bay Region Libraries Facebook
This period of Australian book history will be discussed during a free session at the North Lakes Library on the 13th of March, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The history of Australia’s strict censorship initially gained attention in 2012 when Professor Nicole Moore, a literary historian, published a book detailing how she uncovered thousands of banned books stashed underground in the National Archives of Australia building in Sydney. Her discovery actually happened in 2005. She found a total of 793 boxes.
According to the professor, these books were particularly illegal between the 1920’s and the 1980’s. The materials commonly dealt with topics on sexuality, politics, birth control, race, and romantic relationships that were taboo in the earlier decades. However, more than 90 percent of them were banned for obscenity, sedition, and blasphemy.
More about the history of Australia’s banned books will be explored at the North Lakes Library. Places are limited and therefore registrations are essential. To reserve your place, please click here.
Amidst the demanding modern lifestyle that Australians have, it’s easy to feel lost and out of touch with nature. Here are some activities in and around North Lakes to bring renewed inspiration.
Reflect at Lake Eden
Credit: Michael Barrett YouTube
Lake Eden is a pristine body of water in the town centre. Other parks and some cafes are within the surrounds. An early morning walk at Lake Eden can take a person to the surprising discovery of a thriving wildlife. Breathe the fresh air in while watching the swans and ducks playing in the water. In the afternoon, take the route to the Lake Eden Trail. Rediscover the freedom of being alone as time slowly passes by. The whole 1,676 metres walkway is just 20-minute walk.
Walk More at North Lakes Environmental Park
Credit: Karl Vanderveldt YouTube
Re-experience the bush land once again. How long has it been when you had your last bush walk? Start from Woodside Lake to Lacebart St, or at Whitebeech Lakes around the Whitebeech Court. Take pleasure in the wildlife. You’ll be surprised to find that North Lakes Environmental Park is connected to several other parks and lakes around North Lakes.
Hang out at the North Lakes Library
Credit: Moreton Bay Region Libraries
The local library regularly hosts enrichment activities, talks, and club meetings to welcome new members. Here are some of them:
New Year New You
Credit: Moreton bay region Libraries
15 February
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Professional Kinesiology Practitioner, Ms Molly Brumm, will discuss how to clear own personal space, own personal energy, and work environment from negative elements.
Knitting for the Needy
Credit: CoCo Parisienne/Pixabay
Every 3rd Monday of the month
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
New members are welcome anytime to the Knitting for the Needy Group. Members knit blankets, scarves, beanies, socks, children’s baby wear to be distributed to the needy. Wool donations are gladly accepted..
Current Affairs Discussion Group
Credit: Stock Snap/Pixabay
Every 3rd Thursday of every month
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Every 1st Saturday of every month
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Join a group of people, from all walks of life, who exchange opinions on current affairs, from local to international issues.
Writers’ Group
Credit: Pexels/Pixabay
Every Thursday
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Joining this group will give anyone an opportunity to meet others who aspire to be writers. The group has members who are already experienced writers but anyone interested in writing is invited to attend.
The Passion Project: February 2018
Credit: Atlas health Australia Facebook
“The Passion Project: February 2018” is a community club which aims to connect people who believe that life is better when there is inspiration and passion. The Atlas Health Australia, an institution which provides upper cervical care, founded the group.
The group meets every 3rd Thursday of each month at the North Lakes Community Centre at Boardroom 10 The Corso, North Lakes. Members watch video presentations of the most influential people every assembly.
On 15 February, the group is inviting those interested to watch the video of John Gray, the famous author of the “Mars Brain, Venus Brain”.
Brisbane’s first and only walking football competition has commenced this year and has been taking place at the iPlaySports indoor sports centre in North Lakes. The exceptional sports activity will continue to take place in North Lakes from the 14th of January until the next three weeks. By then, it will transfer location to Deception Bay.
Credit: Walking Football Facebook
As the name suggests, walking football, founded by former Redcliffe PCYC player Alan Templeton, does not involve any running. The 63-year-old former football player came up with the idea when his old age eventually prevented him from playing the game which he is mostly passionate about. Hence, “walking” football, which is targeted primarily to people ages 50 to 70 years who could no longer play the game that they love due to the risk of running injury, common to aged players.
Before he stopped, Templeton did community football with the Brisbane Roar for 10 years. The 63-year-old football lover has been involved with kids during his time with the Brisbane Roar. He now thinks it’s time to give back and do something for people in the older age group who love football.
Templeton says that walking football has the following health benefits:
Keeps you fit & healthy
Reduces stress
Reduces risk of cardiovascular disease & strokes
Improves blood pressure & blood sugar levels
Improves balance & strength
Improves reaction times
Boosts self-esteem & confidence
In future, Templeton hopes that he can open the competition to women. Right now, women who are interested to participate in the game are welcome to compete against or join the men’s team. He hopes to have at least 10-14 teams consisting of four to six ladies’ team and eight to 10 men’s team. He also hopes that sponsors and fundraisers will give the game a chance.
About iPlaySports
iPlaySports & Fitness is the first indoor sports centre in North Lakes. It runs indoor netball, indoor soccer, indoor cricket, dodgeball, and beach volleyball. It is open seven days a week and can be rented for functions and parties.
iPlaySports & Fitness is located at 17 Flinders Parade, North Lakes
