Moreton Bay Archives - North Lakes Today

Major Murrumba Downs wastewater upgrades to support Moreton Bay’s growing communities

Communities surrounding North Lakes are among those set to benefit from a series of upgrades at Unitywater’s Murrumba Downs Wastewater Treatment Plant, as the utility expands infrastructure to support growth across Moreton Bay.

The treatment plant services approximately 187,000 homes and businesses in Dakabin, Griffin, Kallangur, Mango Hill and Murrumba Downs, as well as Bray Park, Joyner, Lawnton and Strathpine. It processes around 25 megalitres of wastewater each day—the equivalent of about 5.5 million toilet flushes.

The upgrades are part of Unitywater’s $500 million renewals and replacements program, which is aimed at strengthening water and wastewater infrastructure throughout its service region.

Unitywater Executive Manager Sustainable Infrastructure Solutions Mike Basterfield said the works included a range of improvements designed to support the plant’s ongoing operation.

The project involves refurbishing the plant’s bioreactor, replacing aeration diffusers that supply oxygen to microorganisms used in the treatment process, upgrading a cloth media filter tank and constructing a new aeration tank to improve biological treatment.

Upstream of the treatment plant, crews have also installed a 16-metre-high barometric loop—a distinctive U-shaped structure that uses gravity and atmospheric pressure to maintain efficient wastewater flow.

According to Unitywater, the new structure will increase pumping efficiency while helping reduce odour and the risk of blockages in the wastewater network.

Mr Basterfield said the crane lift also drew the attention of children from nearby Green Leaves Early Learning Centre, who later visited the site dressed in miniature high-visibility safety vests.

The barometric loop was installed by Dormway earlier this year, while Downer is delivering the remaining works. The full program is expected to be completed by November 2026.

Published 22-July-2026

The Quiet Power of the Mango Hill Progress Association

Photo Credit: Mango HIll Progress Association/ Facebook

The Mango Hill Progress Association has spent 40 years successfully blocking unwanted developments and forcing government action to transform a quiet corner of the Moreton Bay region into a connected, thriving community.

Founded in 1986, the group initially mobilised to defeat plans for a rubbish tip and cemetery on Chermside Rd. This victory provided the foundation for a permanent watchdog presence. Over the ensuing decades, the association matured into a sophisticated advocate that forced the delivery of the Redcliffe Peninsula rail line and the 2024 opening of the Moreton Bay Central Fire Station.

Long-time president Laurence Christie has anchored this trajectory, directing a team of volunteers who manage the community centre while navigating complex negotiations with regional authorities.

A Watchdog for Local Interests

Mango Hill Progress Association — *Photo Credit:* *Mango HIll Progress Association/ Facebook*

What happens when a suburb grows faster than its infrastructure? For the members of this group, the answer is simple: they show up. By packing council meetings and drafting formal petitions, these volunteers have turned the tide on road connectivity and urban planning.

They even stepped in to protect the iconic mango trees along Anzac Ave, ensuring the suburb’s namesake remained a visible part of the landscape. Their influence proves that sustained, local pressure is often the most effective tool in regional governance.

Connecting the Neighbourhood

Beyond the boardroom battles, the association fosters the quiet, daily rhythms of suburban life. By overseeing the community centre and its sporting facilities, the group provides the essential turf for everything from youth skate nights to matches on courts where professional athlete Jason Kubler once honed his skills.

A hard-copy newsletter reaching over 800 homes acts as the suburb’s primary communication hub, keeping residents informed without relying on fragmented social media updates.

Looking Toward the Future

The group marks its 40th anniversary with a dinner at the community centre on Saturday, 18 July 2026. While the milestone is a time for reflection, the work never truly pauses. Regular meetings occur at 7:30 PM on the third Wednesday of every month at the facility on Chermside Rd, serving as a gateway for new families to participate in local decision-making. Today, the focus shifts toward managing environmental concerns, particularly the recurring flooding issues that have emerged at Danzy Buchanan Park.

Published Date 13-July-2026

Goodfellows Road Community Housing Proposal Enters Decision Stage

Photo Credit: DA/2026/2546

Kallangur housing plans for 144 community housing apartments across two seven-storey buildings are at the decision stage. Development application DA/2026/2546 seeks a Material Change of Use permit for multiple dwellings at 1 and 7 Goodfellows Road. The 3521-square-metre site is on the corner of Goodfellows Road and School Road.

The plans provide for 144 studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments, along with 66 parking spaces. The two buildings would each be seven storeys high.

The application was lodged on 21 May 2026 by 1 Goodfellows Road Kallangur Pty Ltd. It was listed as properly made on the same date, with the confirmation stage completed on 22 May.

Plans showing studio and multi-bedroom apartment layouts — Photo Credit: DA/2026/2546

Kallangur Housing Plans Focus On Long-Term Tenancies

Bric Housing would own the development, manage its tenancies and provide on-site services for residents if the proposal is approved. The organisation is separate from the company listed as the development applicant.

The apartments are intended to provide secure, long-term tenancies for local workers, older women, veterans, single parents, couples and small families who live or work in the area.

Proposed seven-storey community housing buildings — Photo Credit: DA/2026/2546

Shops, schools, transport and other services are within about 400 metres of the site. The development was designed with the intention of reducing residents’ reliance on private vehicles.

The proposal is intended to provide homes for people unable to secure housing through the wider market while remaining connected to their community.

Moreton Bay has more than 6000 people on the social housing list, while rental supply is 0.7 per cent, below the Queensland average of 0.9 per cent.

Kallangur corner site at Goodfellows Road and School Road — Photo Credit: DA/2026/2546

Updated Documents Filed During Assessment

The application is code assessable and is listed by Moreton Bay City Council as current at the decision stage. That stage began on 29 June 2026 and has a listed due date of 3 August 2026.

Updated proposal plans, landscape concept plans, a traffic impact assessment, an active and public transport review and a waste management program were received on 29 June. An updated noise impact assessment was received on 3 July.

No decision notice has been issued, and the 144-apartment development remains under assessment.

Published 13-July-2026

Petrie Intersection to Test AI Traffic Lights in Australian First

Drivers across Moreton Bay could soon spend less time waiting at red lights, with the City of Moreton Bay preparing to test an artificial intelligence-powered traffic signal system for the first time in Australia. The trial will take place at the intersection of Moreton Parade and Paper Avenue in Petrie.

By late 2026, existing traffic signal controllers will be replaced with next-generation hardware that works with the current in-ground vehicle detection system. The council will also install advanced traffic detection sensors to collect more detailed information about road users. These sensors can identify cars, trucks, cyclists and pedestrians, helping the system respond more accurately to changing traffic conditions.

The pilot aims to improve traffic flow by allowing traffic lights to respond to real-time conditions instead of following a fixed sequence. If successful, the technology could reduce delays at intersections, ease congestion and cut the time vehicles spend idling at red lights.

A decades-old traffic system gets a modern update

Australia’s long-standing traffic signal method uses a phase-based system dating back to the 1980s. Under this approach, traffic lights follow a set order, even as traffic volumes change throughout the day.

The new system uses a movement-based approach instead. It analyses vehicle movements in real time and adjusts signal timings to match current traffic conditions. The technology manages individual traffic movements without being tied to a fixed sequence or grouping of traffic lights, helping traffic move more efficiently through intersections.

According to the City of Moreton Bay, the system combines artificial intelligence with advanced traffic algorithms to support smoother traffic flow. It can also prioritise higher traffic volumes, including public transport, as traffic conditions change throughout the day.

Cutting unnecessary waits at empty intersections

One of the biggest changes for motorists could be shorter waits when an intersection is clear.

The technology is designed to reduce unnecessary delays created by traditional traffic signal timing. Council says it will also reduce the transition time between conflicting traffic movements, including the all-red interval when every direction is stopped, while maintaining safe operating margins. As a result, drivers may spend less time waiting when there is little or no cross traffic.

The City of Moreton Bay also expects the system to reduce vehicle emissions because cars will spend less time idling at intersections.

Mayor Peter Flannery said the City of Moreton Bay believed the trial had the potential to improve daily travel for residents by reducing unnecessary delays and managing traffic more efficiently. He also said the technology could better respond to changing traffic patterns throughout the day while maintaining safe operating margins.

If the pilot proves successful, the City of Moreton Bay plans to test the technology at a more complex intersection.

Published 6-July-2026

Robo Pets Bring Dementia Support To North Lakes Library

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook

The soft purr of a robotic cat and the steady presence of a lifelike dog are now part of dementia-friendly support at North Lakes Library, where companion pets are being used to help people living with dementia and their carers feel more connected.

Gentle Companions Arrive At North Lakes Library

North Lakes Library is among three City of Moreton Bay libraries introducing robotic companion pets as part of dementia-friendly programs for people living with dementia and their carers.

The new companions include two robotic cats and one robotic dog, with the pets available through Redcliffe, Caboolture and North Lakes libraries. While they are not real animals, they have been designed to feel familiar and comforting, with soft fur, gentle movement and simulated heartbeats.

The pets are intended to help reduce feelings of anxiety and loneliness while encouraging interaction and emotional comfort during library-based activities.

Robotic dog in library program — Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook

Robo Pets Add A Calming Presence

The companion pets will be used in dementia-friendly programs, including the Dementia Sharing Circle and other library activities designed for residents living with dementia and those who care for them.

Their pet-like movements and appearance offer a simple point of connection. For some participants, the presence of a cat or dog can provide a gentle focus for conversation, touch and shared activity.

The pets also sit alongside dementia kits available through the library network. These kits can be used on site or during library visits to aged care and other facilities.

Robotic cat for dementia support — Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook

They include weighted plush comfort dogs, classic board games such as checkers and snakes and ladders, simple jigsaw puzzles and reminiscence books. The books are designed to prompt memories, acknowledge personal history and support cognitive recall.

The weighted comfort dogs work in a similar way to a weighted blanket, using deep pressure stimulation to create a soothing effect. They are designed to help ease anxiety, reduce evening agitation and improve sleep quality.

Robo pet at North Lakes Library — Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook

North Lakes Part Of Dementia-Friendly Library Network

North Lakes Library is also one of the locations offering Magic Tables, which provide interactive activities for people living with dementia. The tables are available at Bribie Island, Caboolture, North Lakes, Redcliffe and Strathpine libraries.

Libraries across City of Moreton Bay are working towards becoming dementia-friendly spaces through staff training, community education, accessible facilities, inclusive programs and suitable collections.

Other support includes Quiet Hour sessions, where lights are lowered, music is turned off and noise from phones, computers and announcements is reduced. The sessions are held weekly.

A home library service is also available for eligible people who are unable to visit their local library because of dementia.

At Redcliffe Library, a Dementia Sharing Circle is being piloted for people living with dementia, care partners and loved ones. The sessions offer a place to connect over a cuppa, with support from a dementia doula.

For North Lakes Library users, the robo pets add a gentle new element to the dementia-friendly resources already available through the wider library network.

Published 4-July-2026

Rothwell Lifestyle Centre Construction Begins on $67m Precinct

Photo Credit: CapPru/LinkedIn

Construction has started on the $67 million Moreton Lifestyle Centre in Rothwell, with the retail and lifestyle precinct set to bring new food, automotive, fitness and service offerings to the growing North Lakes–Redcliffe corridor.

Rothwell Lifestyle Centre Takes First Step

Work is officially underway on the Moreton Lifestyle Centre, a $67 million retail and lifestyle development at 463 Anzac Avenue, Rothwell.

A sod turn was held on 23 June 2026 to mark the start of construction, with developer CapPru joined by builder Deluca, project partners and stakeholders at the site.

The project will transform a 3.7-hectare site with frontage to Anzac Avenue and Buchanan Street into a new retail and lifestyle precinct for the City of Moreton Bay.

The development has already secured commitments from several tenants, including Banjo’s, BP, KFC and Automasters. Wellness gyms have also been named among the planned offerings.

New Tenants Planned for Moreton Lifestyle Centre

CapPru Managing Director Jarrad Haynes said the centre had been planned around the needs of a growing local population, with the North Lakes–Redcliffe corridor projected to gain an additional 77,000 residents by 2046.

He said the Moreton Lifestyle Centre would provide retail convenience, lifestyle services and employment opportunities close to home.

Interest from national retailers has also been linked to demand for a centre of its kind in Brisbane’s northern corridor. Further tenant commitments are expected to be announced later.

Leasing is being managed by Colliers and KD Special Projects, with negotiations continuing across several sectors. These include homemaker, fitness, automotive, electrical, pet care and outdoor recreation uses.

Construction Underway on 3.7-Hectare Site

Deluca is delivering construction of the Rothwell precinct for CapPru.

Deluca Managing Director Nic De Luca said the project would be a significant construction job for the area, with up to 120 people expected to be working on site once activity is fully underway.

Longer-term employment opportunities are also expected once the centre becomes operational, although a completion or opening date has not been provided.

The project forms part of continuing development activity in the broader Moreton Bay region, where population growth is shaping demand for additional retail and lifestyle services.

For Rothwell, the start of works marks a visible step forward for a prominent site on Anzac Avenue, with construction now moving the Moreton Lifestyle Centre from planning and tenant commitments into delivery.

Published 26-June-2026

The Lakes College Student Takes Top Honour for Clever Water-Saving Idea

A Year 10 student from The Lakes College has been recognised as one of Moreton Bay’s brightest young innovators after taking out first place in this year’s Telstra Innovation Awards.

North Lakes student Isla Baines impressed judges with her “Basically Bovine Irrigation” concept, which combines a mobile app and water sensor technology to help monitor soil conditions and target watering more precisely across gardens, farms and sporting grounds.

In a competition built around solving real-world problems, it was Isla’s practical approach to water management that stood out.

Turning a Common Problem Into an Innovative Solution

The biennial awards challenge secondary school students from across Moreton Bay to develop either a new technology or a creative new use for an existing one.

This year attracted dozens of entries covering everything from food waste and artificial intelligence to renewable energy, but Isla’s idea rose to the top of the field.

Her concept uses sensor technology to collect information about ground conditions and relay it through an app, helping users determine when and where water is needed most.

The project was among a strong group of entries that demonstrated how local students are thinking about some of today’s biggest challenges.

Speaking after the awards, City of Moreton Bay described the students as a new generation of inventors whose ideas tackled issues on a local, national and even international scale.

Strong Competition From Across Moreton Bay

The Lakes College student’s winning entry was followed by Southern Cross Catholic College team Produce Paladins, whose DigiFridge app was designed to help households reduce food waste.

The app tracks expiry dates, suggests recipes based on available ingredients and compares supermarket prices.

Third place went to St Columban’s College student Carys Leota for SolarSeat, a solar-powered public seat capable of charging electronic devices while people wait for public transport.

Meanwhile, Bray Park State High School students Hannah Lowe and Pia Flynn received the Emerging Entrepreneur Award for Query, an AI-powered learning assistant designed to encourage critical thinking while incorporating accessibility features and interactive learning tools.

More Than Just a Competition

Telstra Regional Manager for South East Queensland Matthew Thornton said one of the most valuable aspects of the awards was the opportunity for students to work alongside industry mentors.

“The Mayor’s Telstra Innovation Awards is a fantastic program, particularly the chance for the winning teams to collaborate with industry mentors to grow and expand their creative concept or idea,” he said.

Mr Thornton said the quality of this year’s entries had been particularly impressive.

“It’s so impressive to see the calibre of ideas come to life on stage, and all of the finalist teams should feel incredibly proud of themselves.”

The winning students will share in more than $12,000 worth of prizes and development opportunities.

As the overall winner, Isla will receive a tour of Telstra’s 5G Centre and take part in a BOP Industries innovation workshop aimed at helping young entrepreneurs build on their ideas.

North Lakes Talent In The Spotlight

For The Lakes College and the wider North Lakes community, Isla’s success is another reminder of the talent emerging from local classrooms.

Among entries tackling everything from food waste to renewable energy and artificial intelligence, it was a practical idea focused on smarter water use that ultimately claimed the top prize.

And if the judging panel is right, it may also offer a glimpse of the kind of problem-solving that will shape the next generation of innovators.

Published 19-June-2026

North Lakes Cinema to Screen New Breast Cancer Documentary

Moreton Bay residents can attend screenings of Conquering Breast Cancer at Event Cinemas North Lakes. Featuring survivor stories, medical experts and advocates, the documentary aims to raise awareness and encourage greater support for breast cancer prevention, detection and research.

Presented beginning 10 June by filmmaker Sue Collins and produced by impact filmmakers Mike Hill and Sue Collins, the feature-length documentary combines expert medical insight with the personal experiences of survivors, advocates and researchers working to reduce the impact of breast cancer in Australia.

Among those featured are Olympic legend and breast cancer advocate Raelene Boyle AM, MBE, First Nations survivor and mountaineer Kristal Kinsela, male breast cancer survivor and former professional basketballer Paul Maley, and podcaster Dr Charlotte Tottman. The film also includes insights from leading experts including Professor Bruce Mann, Professor Kelly-Anne Phillips and Associate Professor Christine Chaffer.

conquering breast cancer documentary — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

More Than 20,000 Australians Diagnosed Every Year

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among Australian women and the second most commonly diagnosed cancer overall.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, more than 20,000 Australians are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Around 56 people receive a diagnosis every day, while more than 3,300 Australians lose their lives to the disease annually — the equivalent of approximately nine deaths every day.

While the majority of cases occur in women over 50, breast cancer also affects younger Australians. Around 1,000 women under the age of 40 are diagnosed each year, highlighting the importance of awareness and early detection across all age groups.

The Survivors, Advocates and Experts Behind the Film

Rather than focusing solely on statistics, Conquering Breast Cancer tells the stories of Australians whose lives have been changed by the disease.

The documentary follows survivors, patient advocates and researchers from across the country, exploring everything from diagnosis and treatment to survivorship, recurrence, genetic risk and the emotional impact breast cancer can have on individuals and families.

breast cancer patient — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

The film also highlights the experiences of people living with metastatic breast cancer, as well as Australians making difficult decisions around preventative treatment after discovering they are at high genetic risk of developing the disease.

Early Detection Remains One of the Strongest Defences

A central theme throughout the documentary is the importance of prevention and early detection.

Medical experts featured in the film discuss advances in screening technologies, personalised risk assessment, targeted therapies and clinical trials that are helping improve outcomes for patients.

While Australia has achieved five-year survival rates of more than 90 per cent, the filmmakers argue that breast cancer is far from solved and that ongoing investment in research, screening programs and access to treatment remains essential.

The documentary also examines how researchers are working towards reducing recurrence rates and improving long-term outcomes for those who have already undergone treatment.

researchers working on breast cancer improvements — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

The Growing Impact on Australian Families and Communities

Beyond the personal toll, breast cancer continues to have a significant impact on communities across Australia.

More than 160,000 Australians are currently living after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis within the past decade. Research has also shown the disease carries substantial social and economic costs, affecting workforce participation, family wellbeing and quality of life.

breast cancer warriors and supporters — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

The filmmakers hope the documentary will encourage more Australians to understand their personal risk, participate in recommended screening programs and support ongoing efforts to improve prevention, treatment and research.

As the third instalment in the Conquering Cancer documentary series, Conquering Breast Cancer aims to start conversations, challenge complacency and highlight both the progress that has been made and the work that still lies ahead.

For more information and session times, visit ConqueringBreastCancer.com.au.

Published 9-June-2026

Moreton Bay Koala Work Turns To Thermal Drone Surveys

Photo Credit: Save the Koalas and Wallabies of White's Hill/Facebook

North Lakes locals are close to a wider Moreton Bay conservation effort, with a koala population study now using thermal drones, detection dogs and scat analysis to better understand local koala populations.

A Closer Look At Koala Populations

A koala population study is underway in selected Moreton Bay reserves, bringing together drone technology and ground-based surveys to collect information about local koalas.

The work is being supported by the University of the Sunshine Coast and is intended to help improve knowledge of koala population dynamics in parks and reserves. The information gathered will later guide conservation work in the areas being surveyed.

Thermal-camera drones are being flown over specific reserve areas in a systematic scanning pattern. The drones are used to help detect koalas from above before field personnel and detection dogs conduct follow-up scat surveys on the ground.

The scat samples collected during the field work will be analysed to assess koala health and demographics. This will help build a more detailed understanding of koalas in the surveyed areas, including information beyond their location.

koala population study — Photo Credit: Save the Koalas and Wallabies of White’s Hill/Facebook

Survey Work Runs Through Selected Reserves

The confirmed survey locations are Murrumba Downs, Kallangur, Strathpine, Petrie, Lawnton, Whiteside and Joyner.

The work is scheduled to continue until 11 June 2026, weather permitting. Survey activity is being carried out between 10pm and 5am, with drone flights followed by ground-based checks where required.

At this stage, the project is still collecting data. No findings have been released about koala numbers, distribution or health, and the results are expected later this year.

koala habitat — Photo Credit: Save the Koalas and Wallabies of White’s Hill/Facebook

Data To Guide Habitat And Movement Measures

Once the results are analysed, they may help inform future koala conservation projects. These may include vegetation and habitat assessments, weed control, infill planting, disease management, koala hatches, underpasses and exclusion fencing.

The study is aimed at filling gaps in knowledge about koalas in selected parks and reserves. By using thermal drones first and detection dogs on the ground, the project can combine wider aerial scanning with targeted sample collection.

The findings will not be known until the analysis is complete. The survey work marks an early but important step in understanding how koalas are using parts of Moreton Bay and what future conservation work may need to address.

Published 1-June-2026

Petrie Set To Host One of the World’s Most Advanced Computing Projects

A suburb better known for its university campus and train station is now being linked to one of the biggest technology projects on the planet, with Petrie selected as the future home of PsiQuantum’s planned utility-scale quantum computer and Asia-Pacific headquarters.

The project, backed through partnerships involving PsiQuantum, the City of Moreton Bay and the Queensland and Federal governments, is expected to be built at Moreton Bay Central in Petrie. The proposed site sits beside the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Moreton Bay campus, an area that has steadily grown into a centre for education, research and new industry.

A Global Technology Race Lands In Moreton Bay

Quantum computing has been described by researchers as the next major leap in computing power, with the potential to solve problems that current supercomputers would struggle to process. PsiQuantum is among a small group of companies worldwide working to build a machine capable of operating at a large commercial scale.

The Australian project forms part of a broader push to strengthen the country’s role in advanced technology and manufacturing. The company’s earlier plans centred on Brisbane Airport before attention shifted north to Petrie and the Moreton Bay region.

In statements released by the City of Moreton Bay and PsiQuantum, both organisations pointed to Petrie’s growing infrastructure, transport access and links to education and research institutions as major reasons behind the move.

The project still needs to pass Council approval and land processes before construction can move ahead. If approved, the project would place Moreton Bay alongside a short list of international locations connected to the global race to build practical quantum computers.

Petrie’s University Precinct Draws International Attention

The choice of Petrie reflects how quickly the area around Moreton Bay Central has changed over the past decade. Once dominated by former paper mill land, the precinct now includes university facilities, commercial developments and expanding transport links connected to Brisbane’s northern corridor.

The University of the Sunshine Coast’s Moreton Bay campus has become one of the region’s fastest-growing education sites, with local leaders hoping the quantum computing project could help create stronger pathways between universities, research groups and private industry.

The development could help attract advanced manufacturing businesses and specialist suppliers into the region over time.

PsiQuantum has also signalled plans to work alongside Australian universities and researchers as the project develops. The company previously partnered with government agencies and academic institutions during earlier phases of its Australian expansion.

Jobs, Construction And Long-Term Growth For Locals

Local leaders believe the development could reshape employment opportunities across Moreton Bay over the coming years, particularly in engineering, construction, advanced manufacturing and technology.

Statements from Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery described the proposal as one of the largest technology projects ever connected to the region, with expectations it could support thousands of skilled jobs both during and after construction.

While many of the long-term technical roles would require specialised training, large infrastructure projects of this scale also tend to create demand across local businesses, hospitality, transport and support services.

Australia’s Quantum Industry Continues To Expand

Quantum computing has become an increasingly competitive global industry, with governments and private companies investing heavily in research centres, chip manufacturing and specialist talent.

A Queensland Government statement confirmed significant state and federal support connected to PsiQuantum’s Australian operations, reflecting growing interest in keeping high-level technology development within Australia.

Industry experts believe quantum systems could eventually assist with medical research, logistics, climate modelling, cybersecurity and energy systems, although large-scale commercial use is still years away.

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