North Lakes Archives - Page 10 of 13

X-Golf Opens Hey Caddy, the First Mini Golf Recreational Site in North Lakes

Up for a round of putt and an unforgettable golfing experience? Hey Caddy, a new family-friendly recreational site, has opened its doors at Burke Crescent in North Lakes.

From X-Golf, Hey Caddy is an 18-hole immersive world experience. It’s the first of its kind in Australia, where families and groups of friends can try their hand at a new age in putt, with each hole boasting unique destination-based themes.

Hey Caddy officially launches with a celebration on Friday, 25 March 2022, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Guests will be treated to delicious complimentary food and drinks, plus an impressive host of entertainment and, of course, free rounds of mini golf.

The venue has something for everyone: dive deep into the boroughs of Melbourne’s Hosier Lane, putt over the bumpy surfaces of Mars, test your skills swinging between the Ferris wheels and cacti of Coachella, challenge yourself atop China’s lengthy Great Wall, tee off at the site of Nevada’s Area 51, or get freaky amongst the scenery of Mexico’s Day of the Dead.

“We’re pleased to offer somewhere aligned with the vibrant local demographic that is much more than a place to go out and eat or drink at, but a versatile immersive golfing experience suited to a wide array of guests whether you’re clever with a club not,” X-Golf Head of Marketing Amy Puglisi said, adding that the recreational site was envisioned as a unique indoor mini putt experience, aligning wit X-Golf’s objectives in providing a fun and inclusive entertainment golfing experience.

Franchisee and well-respected Moreton locals, Dr Anthony Mahler and Olga Mahler, are eager and pleased to welcome visitors to their new venue, which has been decked with impressive murals strewn across the walls are created by internationally-acclaimed Brisbane-based artist, Lee ‘LINZ’ Harnden.

Anthony, now retired as a GP, is a golfing enthusiast himself and believes it’s a great pastime for maintaining one’s general wellbeing. Olga migrated from Ukraine nine years ago and has also set up a shelter for Ukrainian refugees with her husband.

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“We’re thrilled to open the doors to North Brisbane and beyond, with delicious fresh food, distinctive drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere whether you’re visiting during the day with the little ones or later at night with a large group of friends,” the Mahler couple said.

To explore Hey Caddy in more detail or to book your experience at North Lakes, visit Hey Caddy.

New Development Will Allow Public Access to Proposed North Lakes Aquatic Precinct

Photo credit: Moreton Bay Regional Council / moretonbay.qld.gov.au

A development application that will allow the public to access the planned North Lakes aquatic precinct at The Lakes College has been lodged.

On 28 June 2021, the Moreton Bay Regional Council approved the development of a new aquatic precinct at The Lakes College at 2 College Street in North Lakes.

The aquatic facility will contain a 25-metre lap pool, learn to swim and associated facilities. The development is planned to be constructed in two stages.

The Lakes College has decided to allow public access to the facilities as well. A new proposal was lodged to allow outdoor recreation land use with no changes to the development’s built form and proposed vehicle access.

Photo credit: Moreton Bay Regional Council / moretonbay.qld.gov.au

The proposed site spans approximately 15.35 hectares with frontages at Diamond Jubilee Way on its northern side, College Street on the north-west side, Memorial Drive on the south-eastern side, and Discovery Drive on the western side.

Stage 1 of the development will involve the construction of a 25-metre lap swimming pool, a single-storey building fronting the west side of the swimming pool; a pump house accommodating pool filtration; heating and pump equipment; and associated new footpaths around the school for access to the aquatic precinct.

Aquatic precinct plan — Photo credit: Moreton Bay Regional Council / moretonbay.qld.gov.au

Stage 2 will include the construction of a learn-to-swim pool, an elevated grandstand that can accommodate a maximum of 500 people at a time, and associated new footpaths including a ramp from the northern car park.

The Lakes College’s proposal will give the public access to the aquatic precinct who wish to participate in swim classes, squad and individual training, and quarterly and yearly swim competitions. The proposed hours of operation are from 6 am to 10 pm, seven days a week. Public use, however, is not allowed during school hours.

North Lakes Property Market Remains Strong with 15% Median Growth

Riding on Brisbane’s extraordinary growth, the North Lakes property market has shown strength, with a 14.29% median house price growth for the 12-month period ending September 2021, with no significant signs of cooling just yet.

Highlights

The North Lakes property market showed strong performance with a 14.29 per cent growth from October 2020 to September 2021.
The median house price for this suburb is past the half a million mark at $560,000 with sales closing at an average of 25 days on the market.
North Lakes’ unit market has also increased by 8.78 per cent despite apartment listings lasting for 61 days on the market.

House Price Growth

From October 2020 to September 2021, North Lakes’ home values grew by 14.29 per cent with the median house price settling at $560,000, per figures from Property Market Updates. Prices, however, remain fairly affordable and appealing, especially for first home buyers who want to live in a place where the CBD is still reasonably accessible.

Despite the increase, North Lakes’ performance in the market continues to demonstrate to investors that their money could go further in this liveable community. As a result, 595 houses were sold during this period in an average of 25 days on the market. Some 386 of these sales were for four-bedroom homes, ideal for couples with kids.

Since its master-planned development for the last 15 years, North Lakes has been ever-expanding as a family-focused location with some emerging draw cards like business parks and lifestyle hubs that give residents the option to never leave.

Unit Price Growth

The unit market in North Lakes takes up less than five per cent of the property market since most dwelling structures in this suburb consist of detached houses. However, apartments also performed well during this period as they grew by 8.78 per cent from last year with 111 units sold at a median price of $378,000.

Three-bedroom units were highly coveted but sales have been slower compared to houses, as listings took an average of 61 days on market. Most townhouses or apartments in North Lakes are built around the golf course, a location that instantly delivers a lifestyle home for the residents.

About North Lakes

While situated in a fairly new housing development, North Lakes’ population has rapidly grown to over 21,000, composed predominantly of families with children under 10 years old. Many professionals have chosen to build their lives in this fast-growing community because North Lakes provides long-term potential and a harmonious lifestyle where the children have plenty of green spaces to play.

A continuous stream of investments, from both businesses and the government, is expected to drive more growth for North Lakes.

Residents here not only have dozens of parks for their recreation but a number of shopping centres, like Westfield and IKEA, for their essentials. Parents also have heaps of options for private or public schools to send their children.

“Wonderful place to raise kids, family-friendly. Particularly love the prestigious Club North area with Kangaroos often found roaming in the many parks and gardens.”
Linda

“Mostly positive and the area has a lot of potential. Just needs more community events and employment opportunities. Too much reliance on the shopping centre as a community hub and it’s very hard to find professional work within the area (I have to commute to the city for my job).”
TP

“Everything you could possibly need. Costco, bunnings, Westfield, Myers , IKEA, Kmart , big w, target, rail at mango hill, major bus station. The Xmas fair that is held each year with fireworks is outstanding for families. Many trendy coffee shops and restaurants. Modern cinema complex and not far from Redcliffe. It’s also a bit cooler than Brisbane as it experiences the coastal breeZes.”
Mh6

North Lakes Property Market Hits Half-Million Dollar Median

Property prices may be soaring in a lot of areas but in some Brisbane and Moreton Bay suburbs like North Lakes, home buyers and investors can have the best of both worlds — a house in a family-friendly, upwardly mobile community located in a growth market, for a budget of a little above $500,000.

Since the establishment of North Lakes in 2006, home values have risen at a stable pace as new developments and construction meet the demands of an upwardly mobile community. From July 2020 to June 2021, the property market for houses grew by a modest but stable 1.52% despite lockdown challenges, per data from Property Market Updates.

Whilst the increase is quite modest compared to the performance of other suburbs in this region, North Lakes’ sales volume reached 558 properties within an average market 35 days on market.

A median house price of half a million dollars is still within reach for families or single-income first-home buyers. For this amount, buyers can have a house with spacious rooms in a pleasant community for a growing family or for retirement. Most homes in North Lakes are new designs, typical of many housing developments in Moreton Bay.

Unit Price Growth

North Lakes’ apartment market did better than the housing market for the period ending June 2021 with a growth of 6.41 percent. Though typically attractive to downsizers and retirees, the unit market has also lured professionals who are either owner-occupiers or renting out their properties to cash in on currently brisk demand. The current unit median price sits at $377,750, with 86 properties sold within an average of 60 days.

About North Lakes

A dynamic suburb like North Lakes has plenty of things going on, with cycle and walking tracks as well as parks for the children. It is a short drive to the local shops and a 13-km drive to Redcliffe for a weekend at the beach. This suburb has a countryside vibe but it’s close to essential facilities.

“I have lived in North Lakes for about 6 years and it has developed a lot in that time. Everything is here. Big Westfield and lots and lots of shops, swimming schools and pools, library, good schools and daycares and there are nice walking tracks. It’s very suburban.”
shhhm, Homely

“I have been here for 15 months and now building a home on the golf course. It is a great family area that has a diverse range of ‘localities’ although all sit under the North Lakes suburb. Yes, there are high-density pockets and units however these are just part of a well-planned diverse community.”
markm48, Homely

“I just moved to Sunjoy Pl North Lakes from Kootangal Cr Ferny Hills after 10 years and I cannot stress enough how sooner I wish I had moved here. There are parks and greenery everywhere and it’s all maintained daily. It has everything I could ever possibly need with the Westfield just in town and plethora of other big names.”
Caseytain, Homely

School Planned for North Lakes Common Development

The Village Retirement Group plans to build a school for Prep to Year 12 students in North Lakes Common, the site of the former North Lakes Golf Course, but a group of residents has expressed they won’t be supporting the proposal.

The developer said that they are preparing to submit a Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID) application to the Queensland Government for its school plans following discussions with different educational institutions that expressed interest in a new school somewhere between Endeavour Blvd and Diamond Jubilee Way.

TVRG said that school enrolments in North Lakes and Mango Hill will increase in the next 15 years. Based on census data, the number of children in primary schools will increase between 1,550 to 1,790 students and 1,650 to 2,340 students in secondary schools. The developer said that while the golf course is in a sports and recreation zone, an educational facility may be allowed on the site per the planning scheme.

If approved, the school at North Lakes Common will have to incorporate the following plans:

Multiple classrooms and staff facilities of two and three storeys, and provision of sporting fields and car and bicycle parking
Catering for up to 1,700 students (800 primary and 900 secondary) and 132 staff (53 primary and 79 secondary)
Built on an 8.6 hectare site
Vehicles (cars, buses, and bicycles) will enter and exit the site from the Endeavour Boulevard and Archer Close roundabout
Making use of the existing bus network (routes 668, 684, 685, 687, 688, 689)
488 bicycle parks and 230 car parking spaces (114 short term) to be provided

Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Deputy Premier Steven Miles will decide on the MID, after consultations with residents and Moreton Bay Regional Council. Mr Miles, however, said that he has yet to discuss with TVRG or see the proposal.

Members of the Mango Hill Progress Association met in August and elected three representatives who will challenge TVRG’s proposal.

Photo Credit: Mango Hill Progress Association/Facebook

“The Progress Association calls on Minister Miles to deny any application by the owners to re-zone a portion of the land on the North Lakes Golf Course for an educational facility,” the group declared.

Meanwhile, TVRG has yet to submit its development application to turn another section of the golf course into a retirement village. Residents who formed the Save North Lakes Golf Course group have also opposed this plan, which has the backing of the MHPA.

“The Mango Hill Progress Association fully supports the aims of the SNLGC representing North Lakes residents in their efforts to retain a quality of life that will be destroyed if commercial or educational structures are permitted in the centre of an existing compact residential community.”

4 Takeaway Options in North Lakes to Sort Out Your Meals

These days, lockdowns and takeaway food are inextricably intertwined as small business restaurant owners pivot to a new operating model so that house-bound folks could continue to enjoy what they have to offer. Here are four of the best takeaway shops in North Lakes and Mango Hill to keep cabin fever at bay.

Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers

Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers started off as a takeaway shop serving fresh handmade gnocchi in Paddington. The business, which has aimed to be the world’s first gnoccheria chain, has since taken off with seven locations, including the North Lakes site, which opened in June 2021.

The shop serves a variety of gnocchi, Italy’s version of dumplings, served with saucy and cheesy goodness, including vegan and vegetarian varieties. Their Mushroom and Truffle Sauce Gnocchi has been voted The People’s Choice.

Address: Westfield North Lakes, Lakes Drive
Website: https://www.gnocchignocchibrothers.com.au/location/north-lakes/
Social: https://www.instagram.com/gnocchignocchibrothers
Phone: 0481 305 363
Menu: https://gnocchignocchibrothers.bopple.app/menu/7715

Photo Credit: Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers/Instagram

My T Burger

My T Burger serves the classic takeaway food made up of buns, meat and sauce but to keep things interesting (and the customers coming back!), the shop strives to enhance their burger menu by the season. The burger joint makes everything in the store — from the buns, patties and sauce. The meat is cooked to perfection over charcoal.

“Our My T Sauce starts with eggs and oil, our buns start with flour and water and our beef patty’s start as whole cuts of beef,” the owner said. “Taste equals good quality ingredients, prepared and cooked right, with a pinch of crazy and a dash of love to ensure that you get the good stuff without the long term health risks.”

Address: Endeavour Boulevard
Website: https://www.mytburger.com/
Social: https://www.instagram.com/mytburger/
Phone: (07) 38806927 (Closed on Saturdays)
Menu: https://www.mytburger.com/menu?

Told You So

Coffee lovers and their dogs always frequent this shop when there were no lockdowns. Now, the store known for its exceptional coffee and customer service has shifted to a takeaway shop with the same brand of friendly and warm service.

Told You So serves caffeinated drinks in simple ways: white, black, filtered, or soda. The cafe also has some of the tastiest bites to go with coffee, including pies, choices of bagels with spread, as well as breakfast pots to grab and go. The treats differ regularly so it’s best to send a message on their socials for enquiries.

Told You So takes part in regular fundraising campaigns for CafeSmart (2 to 8 Aug 2021). Check out their donation site for details.

Address: Discovery Drive
Website: https://www.instagram.com/_toldyouso/
Social: https://www.facebook.com/Toldyousocoffee/
Menu: enquire from their socials

Broken Hearts Burger Club

Broken Hearts Burger Club (BHBC) opened its Mango Hill site in June 2021 at the former Hello Harry site. Inspired by Los Angeles burger joints, complete with the retro vibe, BHBC offers burgers, sides, and shakes to satisfy the broken-hearted or just the really famished consumers in need of comfort food.

“We don’t have a specific secret menu, but sometimes we have some secret experiments or a little something under the counter that might play with the profile of your burger.”

Address: Mango Hill Marketplace, Halpine Drive
Website: https://mangohillmarketplace.com.au/stores/broken-hearts-burger-club/
Social: https://www.instagram.com/brokenheartsburgerclub/
Menu: https://linktr.ee/brokenhearts/

Photo Credit: Photo Credit: BHBC/Instagram

New Fire Station to Be Built on Steel Street

For years, the North Lakes and Mango Hill community have been lobbying for a new fire station as the nearest services still come from bordering suburbs, taking some time to reach emergency situations. Now, plans to build the facility are finally taking shape as a suitable site has been determined by the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES).

The new fire station is a 5,000-sqm property on Steel Street near Boundary Road. QFES said that the location’s access to major roads was vital to the decision.

Following a lot of mapping and deliberation, with inputs from advocates for the fire station’s establishment, such as the Mango Hill Progress Association (MHPA), the QFES said that this site will give “best responses to particular calls for service.” On the other hand, the State Government also supported the need for fire service for North Lakes and Mango Hill and purchased the land. Funding was approved in October 2020.

Highlights

A 5,000-sqm property on Steel Street will be the site of the new fire station
It was chosen for its access to major roads in North Lakes and Mango Hill.
Planning and design of the new facility will take at least 12 months.

“The land has been purchased for a new Fire & Rescue Station to service North Lakes/Mango Hill and the surrounding areas,” Minister for Fire and Emergency Services and State Member for Morayfield Mark Ryan said.

“To be called ‘Moreton Bay Central Fire & Rescue Station,’ the new station located at Steel Street (near Boundary Road) will greatly enhance emergency responses and support community safety.

“Many thanks to local groups like the Mango Hill Progress Association and local MPs Chris Whiting, Steven Miles and Shane King for their strong advocacy for this project.”

Mr Ryan also said that the next phase of the plan, which will roll out in the next 12 months, is to go through the design process and planning. Once approved, the construction timeline will be revealed to the public.

In an earlier meeting with MHPA, State Member Chris Whiting projected that the new fire station will likely be built by 2024.

Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers to Open New Branch in North Lakes

Did you know that the renowned Gnoccheria and Italian restaurant chain Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers is finally coming to Westfield North Lakes?

Founded by Ben Cleary-Corradini and Theo Roduner, Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers started out as a two-person market stall in Brisbane that served fresh, hand-made gnocchi before evolving into Australia’s first-ever dedicated Italian Gnoccheria in Paddington. Now, the restaurant has become a chain with branches all across the country, with one scheduled to open in Westfield North Lakes sometime in 2021.

The restaurant takes pride in how it uses local produce to create light and fluffy potato gnocchi — their specialty and signature dish. The gnocchi used at each and every one of their branches are made fresh daily. Their sauce is also created using ingredients sourced locally such as farmers markets.

Photo credit: Instagram/gnocchignocchibrothers

Residents of North Lakes can expect to see a variety of gnocchi-based dishes and indulge themselves with meals such as the Wild Mushroom and Truffle Sauce, which consists of fresh gnocchi served with delicious creamy sauce and slow-cooked mushrooms in cream, garlic, onions, and Italian herbs and spices drizzled with truffle oil.

Those with dietary restrictions can also treat themselves to their specialty Vegan Gnocchi — a dish comprised of potato and white flour gnocchi served with rich and spicy cherry tomato, sweet capsicum, garlic, onion, chili, and black olive sauce.

The upcoming Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers North Lakes branch can be found at Westfield North Lakes, North Lakes Drive, North Lakes. For more information, visit their website here. Follow their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and special announcements concerning the restaurant.

North Lakes Local Strives to Become a Special Olympics Ambassador

A 29-year-old North Lakes tennis and swimming champion is working hard to achieve his dreams as a Special Olympics Ambassador. Tim Gould couldn’t be more grateful to get the support of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to help him with his goal.

Tim has been working with an NDIS support worker for his regular speech therapy sessions so he can improve his communication skills, a vital requirement as a Special Olympics Ambassador. The champ is also planning to earn his coaching qualifications so he can pay it forward and train children and people with disabilities.

Some 13 years ago, Tim developed his passion for tennis and learned to love the game even more because he met good friends along the way. He is privileged to belong to Tennis Australia’s elite training program.

His drive to improve also allowed him to compete in the Special Olympics Australia and the world championships, becoming the world number one in the Intellectual Impairment Division 2. Tim’s mother, Jenny, said that his goal to support other budding tennis aspirants makes him continually involved in the sport as he gets older since he “doesn’t know how long he can continue playing for.”

Aside from tennis, however, Tim is also an avid swimmer and won the gold at the 2019 World Games in the 4 X 100m freestyle relay. His NDIS support workers have assisted him in the swim squad training.

Tim also works at the Arethusa College and has his NDIS support workers as his guide.

“Tim loves working there, where he is valued as a person and is accepted as one of the staff,” his mother said. “He is growing so much since accessing the NDIS.”

If you need NDIS support just like Tim or know someone with a disability who could be eligible, get in touch with Carers Queensland by phone 1300 999 636, or by email at cq.enquiries@ndis.gov.au

Large Public Park Planned for North Lakes Golf Course Residential Development

The managing director of a future retirement village planned at the former North Lakes Golf Course has revealed that the majority of the 68-hectare property will become a public park, whilst only 12 hectares will be used for the dwelling and aged care accommodation.

Justin Harrison of the Village Retirement Group (VRG), who bought the controversial property in 2019, said that the potential construction of the retirement facility will still include plenty of green spaces. His statement comes after North Lakes locals have been protesting the golf course’s closure and the replacement of the fairways as an aged care site full of buildings.

From Lensworth to Stockland to VRG

In 2000, Lensworth owned and managed the land where the North Lakes Golf Course was established and developed a master plan for the suburb. This included building an exclusive residential site within an 18-hole championship golf course.

A few years later, Lensworth became part of the property developer, Stockland, in an $846-million acquisition deal. Property owners living within the surrounds of the North Lakes Golf Course said that they were attracted to Stockland’s marketing pitch of owning a home that sits within the view of the green fairways.

Later, Stockland sold the course to a private operator, Global Sports North Lakes, whilst the site continued to be a community hub. In 2019, the golf course was abruptly closed as residents were shocked to learn that Global Sports sold the land to JH Northlakes, Mr Harrison’s aged care development firm, and then officially closed the fairways in August that same year.

Retirement Village Review Process

Dave Laner, the general manager of Stockland Queensland, said they were made aware of the intention to sell the property at the same time as the residents, triggering a review process with the Moreton Bay Regional Council and the stakeholders.

The Council consulted an independent legal time to determine whether it’s feasible to have a retirement village as opposed to sticking to an original plan to have an exclusive residential precinct in the golf course.

The residents, some of whom have formed the Save North Lakes Golf Course group, have been hoping that the golf course will be retained, as it was originally part of the master plan for the suburb.

Today, however, that green space has been riddled with weeds as VRG could not proceed with the development due to the protests, consultations, and discussions with Moreton Bay Regional Council on the future of the site.

Photo Credit: Vanessa Ropiha/Google Maps

However, Mr Harrison acknowledged that the residents continue to use the space even though it is privately owned, thus highlighting the need for a public park.

Following a series of legal consultations, the Council declared in March 2021 that a retirement village project could proceed on the said site. VRG, however, has not yet lodged a development application with Moreton Bay Regional Council.

Mr Harrison said that their next important step was to turn over part of the land to the Council and his company would be meeting with concerned officials to discuss the process.