North Lakes Archives - Page 11 of 13

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.

Calls for Building North Lakes Fire Station Renewed After Tragic Death of 75-Year-Old Resident

Calls to build a North Lakes fire station have been made again after a 75-year-old resident perished in a blaze that reduced her house to ashes whilst she was trapped inside.

Some 30 firefighters and emergency services personnel tried to put out the fire, which happened in the morning of Friday, 9 April 2021, on Harvey Street. Initial investigations revealed that the fire immediately engulfed the home of Precy Hopyek, a Filipina immigrant. The Queensland Police Service is also investigating if there was foul play involved.

Neighbours also tried to help the victim out but the fire had been so intense. Her animals, however, got out in the nick of time and are now under the care of animal services.

North Lakes locals and members of the Mango Hill Progress Association have been asking for their own fire station since 2016 as the nearest services are in Deception Bay, Petrie, Kippa-Ring or Burpengary. It takes longer for fire services in these locations to respond to emergencies in the suburbs bordering North Lakes, Mango Hill and Griffin, which has over 40,000 residents.

The residents said that the element of time is crucial in saving a victim’s life thus they have renewed calls to allocate funds for the North Lakes fire station from the state budget, in the soonest, including purchasing land or property to build this facility.

The Queensland Government has approved funding for the fire station in 2020 after State Labor MP for Bancroft Chris Whiting said that they will build a fire station as part of an election promise. He said that the services will be “operational within 2-3 years.”

Mr Whiting expressed his sympathy for the family of the victim and updated that the project to build a fire station is currently in the land acquisition and planning stage.

Backyard Fire Pits: Public Consultation Opens as Moreton Bay Reviews Local Law

Backyard fire pits and outdoor barbeques might be appealing for some residents, especially when the autumn weather brings crisp, cool winds and brisk weather. Moreton Bay Regional Council is conducting a review of the local law prohibiting the use of backyard fire pits, in order to set a new standard for the benefit of the community in North Lakes and other suburbs in the region.

Currently, Moreton Bay Regional Council prohibits the lighting or maintaining of backyard fire pits or outdoor fires in properties with an allotment of less than 3,000 square metres, except if the fire is enclosed or contained in a pit, cooking device or fireplace.

As much as possible, locals may also only use clean, dry and non-toxic combustible materials for burning and the pit must also be completely “wetted down” or extinguished after use. Any resident lighting fires in the open is expected to inform their neighbours at least 48 hours before, either verbally or through a written message.

The law on backyard fire pits also requires a responsible person to be “in attendance” at all times until the fire is out.

The Council disallows the lighting of fires before 7:00 a.m. and at dusk, whilst fire pits at public lands, such as parks or beaches, are generally prohibited unless a written approval has been secured.

Residents who might have issues with the current law have until 30 June 2021 to submit their suggestions, comments and ideas about backyard fire pits, as well as 40 other local laws through the online survey or through email at local.laws@moretonbay.qld.gov.au. Also up for review are the Local Laws on animal control, advertising signs, public land activities, festivals and events, overgrown lawns, parking and community gardens.

Controversial North Lakes Golf Course Plan Now Eligible for Development

The controversial plan to rebuild the former North Lakes Golf Course into a retirement village can now proceed to the development planning stage. Though nothing has been lodged as of late, the project is one step closer towards realisation.

A proposal made by the Village Retirement Group in 2019 was the source of much community anxiety and disapproval. After two years of questioning the legality of building a retirement village on the golf course — because the course was part of the suburb’s master area plan — the verdict finally came, and the answer was yes.

Based on updates, the Village Retirement Group intends to create a retirement village and aged care facility on the site of the former North Lakes Golf Course. Since only a portion of the course will be used for the village, the retirement group plans to turn the leftover land into a public park and greenspace for the community to use.

Despite its legality, the plan is not without opposition. Some members of the North Lakes community have formed a community group dubbed Save North Lakes Golf Course to stand against the creation of the new retirement home.

One of the many reasons cited was that the golf course has always been a part of the area plan, contributing to the suburb’s beauty as well as its biodiversity.

The golf course is home to dozens of animal species such as kangaroos, echidnas, possums and koalas. With the destruction of the golf course to make way for a retirement village, these animals will lose not only their habitats, but their final chance to survive in a suburban environment.

Though no official development plans have been lodged, Moreton Bay Regional Council confirmed that the retirement village can legally be established on the North Lakes Golf Course. This does not necessarily mean, however, that the development plans have been approved.