The incident took place on Brisbane Valley Highway at Lake Wivenhoe at about 11:10 p.m. on 14 March 2026.
Police indicated a white Holden Commodore and a black BMW collided head-on while travelling in opposite directions. Investigations are continuing into how the crash occurred.
A 24-year-old man from Mango Hill, who was travelling as a passenger in the Commodore, suffered serious injuries and was transported to Princess Alexandra Hospital.
The driver of the same vehicle, a 23-year-old woman from Bracken Ridge, died at the scene.
The BMW driver, a 30-year-old woman from Coominya, was also taken to hospital, with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
Police are assessing reports that the Commodore had been seen in the area shortly before the collision alongside a group of vehicles, including reports of hooning.
That aspect remains under investigation and has not been confirmed.
Public Asked To Assist
Investigators are seeking assistance from anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage from the area.
The Forensic Crash Unit is continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
With more than 5,800 volunteer hours under her belt, Lynda Barry OAM has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her relentless work in lifeguard training.
Lynda Barry began her journey with the Caloundra City Life Saving Club in 1989 and has since become a fixture of the local coastline. Over nearly four decades, she moved from a patrolling member to taking on leadership roles, including serving as the Club Captain for twenty years.
Her work has not been limited to the beach itself; she has also spent a significant portion of her life as a trainer, teaching others the vital skills of first aid and resuscitation. By mid-2025, her records showed she had completed over 5,800 hours of volunteer patrol work, a feat that led to her being named a Life Member of her club.
Beyond her own time on patrol, Barry has focused heavily on the future of Australian lifesaving. Since 2002, she has led junior lifeguard programs, helping young people find their own path into the service. She has also worked with the Royal Life Saving Society Queensland in various roles, from managing state teams at national competitions to acting as a referee for beach carnivals.
Her influence even reached overseas when she travelled to China in 2010 to help train a delegation in Xiamen. Her professional life similarly revolved around supporting young people, including a long career as a teacher and her ongoing work with the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.
The announcement of her Medal of the Order of Australia on Australia Day 2026 served as a formal acknowledgement of her 37 years of dedication. Barry described the award as a significant honour that felt like a final reward for her years of teamwork. She noted that the true value of her work comes from the personal satisfaction of helping the community and being part of a team that puts others first.
This latest accolade follows a string of previous awards, including a National Medal in 2025 and her induction into a local community Hall of Fame, all of which highlight her status as a pillar of the Mango Hill and Caloundra areas.
Asphalt resurfacing will soon commence on approximately three kilometres of Anzac Avenue, with works scheduled to begin in late January 2026 along one of the region’s most heavily travelled arterial roads.
The $5.6 million project will target the stretch between Diamond Jubilee Way and Kinsellas Road East in Mango Hill through to Finnegan Street in Rothwell—a route that carries around 48,000 motorists daily. The comprehensive upgrade includes asphalt resurfacing and repairs, guardrail improvements, and a complete deck resurfacing of the Saltwater Creek bridge crossing.
Works are expected to be completed by mid-2026, weather and construction conditions permitting. Given the substantial traffic volumes along this corridor, the bulk of construction will take place at night, with occasional weekend and daytime works as required.
What Motorists Can Expect
Photo credit: Google Street View
Local residents and commuters should prepare for some disruption during the construction period. The night-time scheduling will help maintain traffic flow during peak hours while delivering essential road improvements.
The resurfacing works aim to improve road surface quality and reduce ongoing maintenance costs. By extending the road’s lifespan, the project addresses the needs of one of the area’s critical arterial roads serving the rapidly expanding communities of North Lakes, Mango Hill, and surrounding suburbs.
Part of Broader Regional Investment
This upgrade forms part of a much larger $7.2 billion investment in transport infrastructure across the North Coast region over the next four years. The funding envelope covers the local government areas of Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast, Noosa, and Somerset councils.
Within that broader allocation, $5.6 billion has been earmarked specifically for improving the safety and durability of roads across Queensland. The Anzac Avenue project is one of numerous initiatives designed to address road quality and safety concerns across the state.
Project Timeline and Traffic Management
Photo credit: Facebook/Chris Whiting MP
Transport and Main Roads has indicated that efforts will be made to minimise inconvenience to motorists during construction. The decision to schedule most works at night reflects the challenges of maintaining traffic flow on a road carrying 48,000 vehicles daily.
Occasional weekend and daytime works will be required to complete certain aspects of the project, though the majority of disruptive activities will occur outside peak travel times.
Residents with questions about the project timeline, expected impacts, or specific work schedules can contact Transport and Main Roads on (07) 5451 7055 or via email at northcoast@tmr.qld.gov.au.
While roadworks inevitably cause some inconvenience, the project represents a necessary investment in maintaining the quality and safety of infrastructure that tens of thousands of local residents rely on every day. The improvements should deliver smoother journeys and enhanced safety for motorists.
Residents are making their voices heard as the Mango Hill Urban Village proposal undergoes public consultation, with several locals raising serious concerns about the scale and impact of the 23-tower development.
The project, proposed by the Pace family for a 10.4-hectare site on Anzac Avenue, has attracted pushback from community members worried about traffic congestion and infrastructure strain.
Photo credit: DA/2025/1375
The development application (DA/2025/1375), currently before the City of Moreton Bay, seeks approval for 2,329 apartments across towers ranging from eight to 30 storeys—more than triple the 715 homes approved for the same site in 2018.
Infrastructure Concerns Dominate Feedback
Some residents have formally submitted concerns about increased traffic pressure on local roads, with one resident bluntly stating: “Current infrastructure in the area, roads, parking parklands and schools are not sufficient for the current population as of now. Anzac Ave is choking with current traffic levels and can’t accommodate more (Bruce Hwy is worse).”
The sentiment reflects broader anxiety about whether existing infrastructure can handle the influx of thousands of new residents to the area.
The developers propose a new intersection and public road network connecting to Anzac Avenue and Bowen Street as part of the project. They point to the site’s location just 400 metres from Mango Hill train station as a key feature of their transit-oriented development approach.
Vision for Growth
Photo credit: DA/2025/1375
The Pace family, who transitioned to property development after selling their egg business in 2023 for a reported $350 million, argue the region needs this kind of transformation.
In their submission to council, the developers stated the original 2018 plans, still unbuilt, failed to capitalise on the site’s unique opportunities near major transport infrastructure. They maintain the current proposal would deliver significant economic and lifestyle benefits that the lower-density version could not achieve.
Beyond residential towers, the proposal includes 118,000 square metres of commercial floorspace and 6,600 square metres dedicated to food, beverage and small retail operations at ground level. The developers estimate the project could create approximately 12,000 jobs—a substantial boost to the local economy.
A “green spine” pedestrian and cycling network would connect various zones within the precinct, along with 1.23 hectares of green space and pedestrian corridors designed to create a walkable urban environment.
Addressing the Housing Shortage
Photo credit: DA/2025/1375
The developers have pointed to Moreton Bay’s housing composition as justification for high-density development. With 81 per cent of the region’s housing stock consisting of more expensive detached homes, they argue the towers would provide much-needed options for young professionals and couples priced out of the traditional housing market.
Moreton Bay’s population of 500,000 is projected to grow by 200,000 residents over the next 20 years, making it one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions. The developers contend that high-density developments near transport hubs are essential to accommodate this growth sustainably.
However, when questioned by council, the developers made no commitments to affordable housing minimums, raising questions about whether the units will genuinely serve those struggling with housing costs.
Heritage Trade-offs
Photo credit: DA/2025/1375
The proposal would require removing three mango trees from the central island of Anzac Avenue to accommodate new road infrastructure. These trees hold historical significance, having been planted as part of a World War I memorial project that employed returned servicemen and honoured fallen comrades.
The developers have proposed planting 82 new mango trees across the site to offset the loss of 12 trees in total, though the heritage connection may prove difficult to replicate.
What Happens Next
Three additional submissions were rejected by council for not being properly lodged, suggesting there may be broader community interest in the proposal that hasn’t been formally captured.
The developers initially requested a 20-year approval period but scaled this back to 10 years after council queries—a move that may reflect recognition of community concerns about locking in such a long development timeline.
As the public submission period continues, the City of Moreton Bay faces the challenge of balancing resident concerns about infrastructure with the need for housing diversity and economic development in one of Queensland’s fastest-growing regions.
Emergency services worked throughout Sunday to contain a significant fire that destroyed multiple sheds at a Mango Hill property and prompted an emergency declaration in the surrounding area.
The blaze erupted at a property on Kinsellas Road West just before 6.30am on 28 December, with Queensland Fire Department crews arriving to find three sheds fully engulfed in flames.
Six fire crews attended the scene, battling the inferno until approximately 10.30am before bringing it under control. According to Queensland Fire Department, the sheds contained tyres and various other materials, with the burning rubber producing thick black smoke visible throughout the neighbourhood.
Queensland Police declared an emergency under the Public Safety Preservation Act shortly after 7am, encompassing Kinsellas Road West, Diamond Jubilee Way and Waler Close. The declaration was revoked at 10.56am, according to Queensland Police News.
During the emergency period, residents in the affected streets were asked to remain indoors with windows closed and air-conditioning systems set to recirculation mode where possible. Members of the public were urged to avoid the area.
Four people at the property were assessed by paramedics for minor injuries but none required hospitalisation.
Atmospheric testing conducted at the scene returned nil readings, indicating the air quality was safe, a Queensland Fire Department spokesperson confirmed.
By mid-afternoon, firefighters were still working to extinguish remaining hotspots and had requested specialist extraction equipment to reach areas of concern. Crews remained on scene into the evening to ensure the fire was completely extinguished. Fire investigators were also called to determine the cause of the blaze.
An excavator was brought in to help pull apart material within the sheds to allow firefighters better access to hotspots.
Several neighbours reported witnessing the dramatic scene unfold. Sam Sood, who was visiting family in the area for Christmas, said the fire erupted at the property directly behind his sister’s home.
Local resident Jekope Nuke indicated that rubbish was often burned at the property’s backyard.
Another neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said residents had previously lodged multiple complaints with the Moreton Bay Regional Council regarding smoke from burning activities at the property. The neighbour said complaints were made because smoke would drift into the neighbouring unit complex and had a chemical smell, but they were told the burning was technically contained within a steel drum and council could not take action.
Mr Sood mentioned his sister had previously raised concerns about chemical odours and several fires at the property.
Dozens of residents from the neighbouring unit complex were evacuated and unable to return for several hours while crews worked to control the fire.
The City of Moreton Bay Council was contacted for comment but did not respond by publication time.
North Lakes residents are on the official list for Queensland hardship grants after severe hail, with Mango Hill and Deception Bay included among eligible suburbs.
North Lakes residents and nearby suburbs, Mango Hill and Deception Bay, should confirm their address on the Queensland disaster site now to see if they qualify for hardship grants and local recovery support.
The state website lists those suburbs among eligible localities, and residents should check their address on the disaster assistance page to confirm eligibility.
Available Grants And What They Cover
The joint state and federal program includes emergency hardship assistance for essentials such as food and temporary shelter. Essential services hardship payments support people who lost power, water or sewage for more than five days. The essential household contents grant replaces items such as bedding and whitegoods for people who are uninsured or unable to claim.
The Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme funds safety inspections and repairs to reconnect utilities. The Structural Assistance Grant provides up to $80,000 for uninsured, low income owner occupiers whose homes are structurally unsafe.
How To Apply And Where To Get Help
Residents should use the Queensland disaster form, enter their address from the list or enter it manually if needed, and supply identification and bank details. The form asks whether the residence is owned or rented.
Community recovery hubs operate across Moreton Bay and nearby regions, with pop up hubs listed for Bribie Island and Beachmere. People who need help with applications or who require welfare referrals can call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.
Local Services And Practical Recovery Support
Recovery staff at community hubs are offering application help and referrals to local services for mental health, financial counselling and safe clean up advice. Some councils arranged free green waste drop off for storm debris in affected areas, as reported by local media.
At St Benedict’s College Mango Hill, music is more than a subject — it has become part of the school’s heartbeat, thanks to the dedication of teacher Michael White. Since joining the college as a founding staff member in 2013, White has helped transform a modest school program into a dynamic music community that continues to grow each year.
Over time, his commitment and innovative approach have made music an essential part of the school’s identity. He has been recognised as a Highly Accomplished Teacher through the Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) certification framework, which acknowledges educators who shape culture and inspire excellence across schools.
Performance That Builds Confidence
White’s approach centres on giving students opportunities to perform and express themselves. Under his guidance, lunchtime and morning-tea concerts have become regular fixtures on the school calendar, offering students in Years 9 to 12 the chance to perform for their peers. These performances help students set learning goals, build confidence, and experience the energy of live performance.
Since 2023, the program has expanded beyond the classroom. Music students now perform at school carnivals, often playing for up to three hours at a time. These sets feature wind and brass instruments and showcase the creativity and teamwork that define the college’s approach to the arts.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Inspiring the Next Generation
St Benedict’s College Principal Tameika Grist said the success of the music program reflects White’s long-term dedication and the belief that the arts can bring a school community together. She noted that the positive culture created around music has given students confidence and a sense of belonging.
Several graduates have continued their studies at the Griffith Conservatorium of Music and other universities, with some aspiring to become music educators themselves. White’s leadership has encouraged students to pursue their passion beyond the school gates, contributing to a growing network of young musicians connected by their Mango Hill roots.
The Highly Accomplished and Lead Teachers (HALT) certification recognises educators who demonstrate consistent excellence and influence in their schools. Within BCE, these teachers play a crucial role in driving innovation, mentoring peers, and improving classroom practice. White’s achievements at St Benedict’s College Mango Hill show how passion, persistence, and a commitment to students can spark long-lasting change across a community.
After more than a decade of local persistence, residents of Mango Hill are finally driving on a new $6.8-million ring road built to provide a vital second village exit and relieve major traffic headaches.
The new 165-metre road, which extends Lamington Road to connect with Capestone Boulevard across Anzac Avenue, was declared open to traffic early Wednesday morning. At 4:15 a.m., members of the local progress association were the first to officially cross the road, marking the completion of a project that began major construction in October 2023. This vital link is now fully integrated into the area’s ring road network, which includes Memorial Drive and Mango Hill Boulevard.
The project was engineered not just to solve today’s traffic problems but to lay a strong foundation for the region’s future. As Mango Hill and North Lakes continue to expand, this connection provides a much-needed second entrance to the Mango Hill Village, allowing residents to bypass the often-congested, state-controlled Anzac Avenue.
Beyond easing traffic for drivers, the council-funded project was designed to improve life for the entire community. It features a median-divided, two-lane road complete with new traffic signals, but also includes dedicated on-road cycle lanes to encourage active transport.
New pathways and pedestrian crossing facilities have been added to improve safety and convenience for walkers, creating better access to both the Mango Hill and Mango Hill East train stations. The addition of significant landscaping enhances the streetscape, creating a more appealing entranceway to the village and boosting community character. The road now offers a seamless and safe route for walking, cycling, and driving between the North Lakes and Mango Hill Village precincts.
This forward-thinking project was born from a long-term community effort. The Mango Hill Progress Association (MHPA) began its campaign for a second exit from the village back in 2013. The association’s president, Laurence Christie, stated that this was a milestone for the area that will ensure traffic flow does not become an issue as the community grows.
Mr. Christie expressed the MHPA’s appreciation for the council’s construction team, acknowledging the many challenges they overcame to finalise the work. He also recognised the strong support from Councillor Jodie Shipway, who championed the essential link. As a final touch to the community-led effort, the MHPA is now planning to mark the official placement of a new Mango Hill Village entry sign on Monday.
Women over 55 have been identified as the fastest-growing demographic at risk of homelessness in Australia. In response, a new housing project has been launched in Mango Hill as part of broader efforts to address housing affordability across the City of Moreton Bay.
The sod-turning ceremony took place on 22 July 2025, formally marking the beginning of works on the new complex. The project is being delivered through a partnership between the State and Y-Care, with local authorities’ support.
Photo Credit: YMCA Queensland/Facebook
Details of the Development
The development is being constructed on Linear Drive in Mango Hill and will consist of 47 single-bedroom units. It will include shared community areas and provide on-site support services for residents.
The units are being constructed to meet the Social Housing Design Guidelines, ensuring accessibility for older residents and people living with disabilities.
Construction is expected to be completed by late 2026.
Financial Support and Approvals
The City of Moreton Bay is waiving nearly $700,000 in infrastructure charges and development application fees to support the project. A recent development application was lodged for minor changes to the approved plans.
These waived fees are part of broader local initiatives introduced since March 2023, aimed at attracting more social housing developments.
Photo Credit: YMCA Queensland/Facebook
Broader Regional Context
This project forms part of a wider pipeline of more than 670 social and affordable homes that are either under construction or under contract across the Moreton Bay region.
Other projects are underway in Redcliffe and Deception Bay, including a First Nations-led housing initiative.
Community Perspective
The project was described by involved organisations as a necessary step in providing older women with secure, long-term housing options. Stakeholders at the sod-turning event highlighted the importance of wraparound services and community infrastructure in ensuring stability and connection for residents.
The Mango Hill housing complex is expected to be delivered by late 2026. It is one of several ongoing developments addressing homelessness and housing affordability in Moreton Bay, with further projects under assessment.
Residents of North Lakes, Mango Hill, Deception Bay, Rothwell, and surrounding areas will soon have more places to exercise their furry friends, with several new off-leash dog parks planned.
Council is adding twenty-one new off-leash dog areas to the region’s parks and the 68 already available. After reviewing the city, the council added more areas because people wanted more places to take their dogs.
Peter Flannery said they were planning for the future. He said the Council knew people wanted places to walk and play with their dogs and was listening to what they wanted.
The new parks will be in different suburbs across Moreton Bay. Some of the places being looked at are:
Fauna Way Park (Ningi)
Bribie Pines Reserve (Ningi)
Henry Bishop Park (Caboolture)
Van Der Meer Drive Park (Burpengary East)
Marlene Street (Bellmere)
Central Springs Parade Park (Caboolture)
731 Memorial Drive (North Lakes)
Elderflower Circuit Reserve (Griffin)
Halpine Lake Reserve (Mango Hill)
Oxley Street Park (North Lakes)
Kindred Court (Mango Hill)
Tysoe Street Park (Deception Bay)
Tacoma Park (Rothwell)
Apex Park (Woody Point)
Pineapple Farm Park (Strathpine)
McCullagh Park (Narangba)
Morris Park (Elimbah)
Delaneys Creek Pony Club (Delaneys Creek)
Mulligan Crescent Park (Elimbah)
Trinity Way Park (Morayfield)
Cash Street Park (D’Aguilar).
What Happens Next?
Before any parks are built, the Council will check each site carefully. They will make sure it meets Council rules and talk to people in the local area. This ensures the parks are good for everyone and don’t harm the environment.
Council also wants to remind people to register their pets. It’s important to keep your pet’s details up to date. This includes your address, phone number, and whether your pet has been desexed, rehomed, or died. You can get your renewal notices by email. Pensioners can get a discount on pet registration. You can register and update your details on Council’s website: moretonbay.qld.gov.au/animals
Keeping Pets Safe
Council has some tips for keeping your pets safe:
Register your pet: All cats and dogs must be registered within 14 days of moving to Moreton Bay or by 12 weeks of age.
Microchipping: Cats and dogs aged between 8 and 12 weeks must be microchipped.
Identification: Pets must wear a tag with your contact details when they leave home.
Secure your yard: Make sure your yard is secure so your pet can’t escape.
Desex your pet: Desexing can improve your pet’s health and behaviour. Council offers cheaper registration for desexed pets.
