Petrie Archives - North Lakes Today

North Lakes, Mango Hill And Petrie Commuters Face Longer Waits Under Reduced Train Timetable

Commuters in and around North Lakes, Mango Hill and Petrie are being urged to allow extra travel time as Queensland Rail runs a reduced weekday timetable across South East Queensland, with key northern services operating less often and some trains reduced to three-car services.

Northern Rail Lines Move To Reduced Services

The changes affect the Redcliffe Peninsula and Caboolture lines, both of which are important routes for commuters travelling through Brisbane’s northern corridor.

The reduced timetable began on Tuesday, 5 May, and remains in place until further notice. Weekday services are operating on a modified schedule similar to a Saturday timetable, with extra trains during the morning and afternoon peaks.

The changes have been introduced due to protected industrial action. Across the wider network, the reduction amounts to 273 fewer weekday train services.

North Lakes trains — Photo Credit: Translink/Facebook

North Lakes, Mango Hill And Petrie Passengers Face Busier Trips

During peak travel periods, services on the Redcliffe Peninsula and Caboolture lines are running every 15 minutes. Outside peak times, most trains are operating about every 30 minutes.

For commuters in areas such as North Lakes, Mango Hill and Petrie, that means longer gaps between some services and more pressure on peak-hour travel. Passengers who usually rely on frequent weekday trains may need to adjust their routines while the reduced timetable remains in place.

Some trains will also operate as three-car services until further notice. Passengers have been advised to allow extra travel time and consider catching an earlier or later service where possible, as trains are expected to be more crowded than usual.

Passengers Told To Check Before Travelling

Queensland Rail has advised passengers to check the TransLink journey planner before travelling. The journey planner has been updated until Friday, 8 May, with the latest timetable information.

The advice applies across affected South East Queensland services, including the Redcliffe Peninsula and Caboolture lines. Commuters are being encouraged to replan their journeys before leaving home, particularly during peak travel periods.

No end date has been confirmed for the reduced timetable. Further changes may be made if network conditions change, but passengers are currently being told to expect the altered schedule to remain in place until further notice.

Published 7-May-2026

A Cross Built From a Fallen Tree: Mt Maria College Petrie Finds Hope at the Heart of Easter

Mt Maria College Petrie/Facebook

Students and staff at Mt Maria College in Petrie gathered this Easter to remember the Passion of Good Friday and celebrate the hope of the Resurrection, marking the season with a moment that brought together faith, community and the unexpected beauty of something made from loss.

Petrie parish priest Fr Louie Jimenez blessed and installed a new college cross during the school’s Easter gathering, carved from the timber of a college tree brought down by Cyclone Alfred. For a community that weathered the storm together, the cross carries a meaning that goes well beyond decoration.

Something Beautiful From the Storm

Mt Maria College principal Kerry Maher described the cross as a powerful symbol of resilience and renewal for the whole community. “Easter invites us to pause and reflect on suffering, sacrifice and renewal,” she said. “Even in times of challenge, hope can be restored and new life can emerge.”

The cross was not kept within the school’s walls. It was also used during Petrie Parish’s Good Friday Celebration of the Lord’s Passion, deepening the connection between the college and its parish community and giving the symbol a life that reached beyond the school gates.

That connection between school and parish is central to how Mt Maria approaches formation. Students and staff from a wide range of cultural backgrounds and beliefs gathered in shared prayer for the occasion, finding common ground in the season’s themes of suffering, hope and renewal.

“When we educate the whole person, spiritually, academically, socially and emotionally, we create the conditions for young people to grow as hopeful and confident learners,” Ms Maher said.

Part of Something Bigger Than One School

Mt Maria’s Easter gathering took place against a backdrop of Easter activities across Brisbane Catholic Education’s 146 schools, each finding their own way to live out the season’s meaning in community.

St Eugene College in Burpengary raised more than $8,000 for Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion this Easter, channelling their patron saint’s spirit of charity and generosity into house initiatives and whole-school events. The fundraising reflected a conviction that belonging extends beyond the school community and out towards what students described as a global family.

“Their aim was to show how small, shared actions could bring hope and change for people at the margins,” a spokesperson for the college said.

St Ignatius School in Toowong also raised funds for Project Compassion, combining an Easter Hat Parade with donation drives for Easter eggs, soft toys, activities and stickers. Principal Benedict Campbell described hope as the thread running through the whole effort.

“Hope is not about ignoring the challenges people face,” he said. “Rather, hope invites students to walk alongside others with compassion, trusting that love and faith can bring light even in difficult times. At Easter, we are reminded of Jesus’ example; he did not turn away from the suffering of the world but responded with care, generosity and self-giving love.”

Walking the Road Together

Sophia College in Plainland offered its first-ever cohort of Year 12 students an Easter experience designed to be immersive rather than observational. The students walked the Stations of the Cross with Franciscan Father Bernie Thomas at St Mary’s Church in Ipswich, praying and reflecting together at each station.

Principal Narelle Dobson said the experience reminded students that they were not walking alone. “Hope brings people together, gives meaning to shared moments and helps a community grow not just in size but in spirit,” she said.

Why It Resonates Here in Petrie

For the North Lakes and Petrie community, Mt Maria College’s Easter gathering carries a particular local resonance. Cyclone Alfred was not an abstract weather event for this part of southeast Queensland; it was something residents lived through, cleaned up after and are still processing. A cross made from a tree that the cyclone brought down, blessed and installed at the heart of the school, is the kind of thing that turns a religious observance into something genuinely local and deeply felt.

That is what community schools do at their best. They take the universal themes of a season, hope, renewal, the idea that something good can come from something hard, and make them specific to the place and the people who call it home.

Published 8-April-2026

Olympians Back Moreton Bay Rowing Proposal as 850 Homes Planned

City of Moreton Bay/YouTube

Olympic athletes Emily Seebohm and Curtis McGrath have joined the campaign for a purpose-built rowing venue in Moreton Bay for the Brisbane 2032 Games, as the city highlights plans for 850 homes within the broader precinct.

The proposal centres on the former Boral quarry site at Lawnton, near Petrie, which the City of Moreton Bay is promoting as a permanent flatwater venue for rowing and canoe sprint events. The site is being presented as an alternative to the preferred location on the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton.

Athlete support adds weight to the proposal

Seebohm and McGrath have appeared in promotional material backing the Moreton Bay bid.

McGrath has previously raised concerns about whether river conditions in Rockhampton would provide an even course for Olympic competition. In supporting the Moreton Bay plan, he pointed to the value of a purpose-built venue designed for consistent racing conditions.

Seebohm’s support focused on the long-term value of a permanent facility, including its potential use by future athletes and the wider community.

Their involvement gives the proposal added public profile as debate continues over where rowing and canoe sprint events should be staged in 2032.

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/YouTube

Housing and legacy plans brought into focus

City of Moreton Bay has now placed greater emphasis on the precinct’s housing component, saying the development could deliver 850 homes through a staged rollout.

The project would combine the sporting venue with residential areas, commercial space, recreation facilities and transport links connected to Petrie railway station. The planned housing mix includes family homes, smaller options for downsizers and medium-density dwellings.

Mayor Peter Flannery said the proposal was intended to leave a lasting benefit for the region rather than serve only as Games infrastructure.

Council has also identified the possibility of student accommodation linked to the nearby University of the Sunshine Coast campus, arguing that the project could support both housing supply and future workforce needs.

Partnership with Boral

The proposal is being advanced as a public-private partnership involving Boral, which owns the quarry land.

Boral executive general manager Kate Jackson said the project showed how a former quarry site could be repurposed through coordinated planning involving industry, housing and education uses.

Council says the approach would allow Games-related investment to be tied to infrastructure with an ongoing local use after 2032.

Still an alternative to Rockhampton

While support for the Moreton Bay option is growing, Rockhampton remains the state’s nominated venue for rowing and canoe sprint events.

That plan is still subject to review by the International Olympic Committee, World Rowing and the International Canoe Federation.

But with athlete support, a housing component now clearly defined, and council continuing to press the legacy case, the Lawnton-Petrie site is being positioned as more than just a sporting venue.

Published 19-March-2026

Pultron Composites to Base New HQ Next to UniSC Moreton Bay Campus

A New Zealand advanced manufacturer is set to build its Australian base beside the UniSC Moreton Bay campus in Petrie after winning the City of Moreton Bay’s $1 million Ultimate HQ competition, a prize package aimed at bringing more skilled jobs and investment into the local community.

Headquarters Set for Moreton Bay Central Near UniSC

On 4 March 2026, the City of Moreton Bay announced Pultron Composites as the winner of the Ultimate HQ headquarters package, with the new base to be established at Moreton Bay Central next to the UniSC Moreton Bay campus. The precinct has been described as a place built to connect businesses with researchers, students and facilities in a growing education-and-industry hub.

The prize includes five years of rent-free headquarters space, a $250,000 contribution towards a fit-out and professional support from partners including BDO, Constant Contact, K&L Gates, Telstra, Westpac and Innovate Moreton Bay.

Pultron Composites is an advanced manufacturer specialising in corrosion-resistant composite technologies. The company’s Mateenbar glass fibre reinforced polymer rebar is used in major infrastructure projects internationally and is promoted as supporting lower-carbon, longer-life construction solutions in the council material.

Global Contest, Local Pitch Week

Organisers said the competition attracted entries from six countries, reached more than six million people, and represented a group of applicants worth more than $500 million in potential capital investment, along with 1,000 prospective jobs.

Finalists spent five days in the City of Moreton Bay as part of an “Investor Safari” program, which included meetings with business and industry stakeholders, UniSC researchers and civic leaders, along with site visits and a live pitch. Council said the program included experiences such as the “Beach Boardroom” on Bribie Island, designed to give finalists a sense of the region and its business networks.

UniSC leadership said the headquarters location at Moreton Bay Central would place the company close to UniSC researchers, facilities and students across engineering, technology and business, creating scope for research partnerships and talent pathways.

Pultron’s spokesperson said the company valued the chance to build locally, work with UniSC and tap into the region’s strengths, based on statements included in the media release.

A Precinct Built on a Former Mill Site

Moreton Bay Central forms part of a major redevelopment of the former paper mill site in Petrie. The Economic Development Queensland project page for Moreton Bay Central describes plans for a mixed-use precinct that includes the UniSC Moreton Bay campus along with commercial and community infrastructure.

Published 5-March-2026

Boral Quarry at Lawnton Emerges as Alternative Rowing Venue Proposal for 2032 Games

Boral Quarries / Google Maps

A consortium led by City of Moreton Bay has been quietly developing plans to transform the Boral quarry at Lawnton into a purpose-built Olympic rowing facility, positioning the site as an alternative to Rockhampton’s Fitzroy River for the Brisbane 2032 Games.

The proposal would redevelop the Boral quarry on Lawnton Pocket Road, south of the North Pine River, into what proponents say could become one of the world’s best rowing venues. The site’s proximity to Brisbane Airport and connection through Petrie train station have been highlighted as major advantages compared to the 600-kilometer journey to Rockhampton.

Rowing advocates and South East Queensland business leaders have prepared high-level technical and financial analysis to present the Boral quarry proposal to authorities as an alternative venue. The plan mirrors the successful transformation of a quarry into Sydney’s Penrith International Regatta Centre, now regarded as one of the world’s premier rowing facilities.

Strategic Location Benefits

The Boral quarry is currently being decommissioned. It sits in the Moreton Bay region near the industrial area of Lawnton, close to Gympie Road and bordered by Petrie and Strathpine. The plan is to repurpose the area for lakeside recreational activities and housing. It is expected to provide easy access for athletes, officials and spectators compared to regional alternatives, with Petrie train station offering direct public transport connections.

Proposed flatwater centre with Moreton Bay International Sports Centre in the distance.
Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

Boral is understood to be supportive of the quarry transformation proposal. Mayor Peter Flannery of Moreton Bay said that the facility would cost around $250 million. The cost to taxpayers would be about $150 million of that, with Boral’ contributing to the cost’s contribution recouped through the development of about 750 homes.

Lakeside homes are included in the plan. Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

The project will cost half of the planned upgrades along the Fitzroy River.

Uncertainty Around Rockhampton Venue

The 2032 Delivery Plan released in March 2025 confirmed Rockhampton as the site for rowing and canoe sprints. However, with technical field-of-play assessments still under review by international officials, the Lawnton Quarry remains a credible ‘Plan B’ for authorities looking to keep the events in the south-east.

The Boral quarry proposal emerged amid growing concerns about whether the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton can provide the flat, even conditions required for Olympic-level competition. World Rowing and International Canoe Federation standards require still water without current that could favour certain lanes or create an uneven playing field for competitors.

Proponents behind the Lawnton proposal argue that without a suitable Queensland alternative, Olympic rowing could be moved to Penrith in New South Wales, taking a marquee event away from the state. The Games Independent Infrastructure and Co-ordination Authority had previously recommended Penrith host rowing in 2032 due to wind and topographical challenges at Lake Wyaralong and Hinze Dam.

At the finish line. Artist’s perspective. Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

Moreton Bay’s Olympic Role

Regardless of the rowing venue decision, City of Moreton Bay will play a significant role in the 2032 Games through the Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre. The 12-court facility at the revitalised Mill Precinct received endorsement from Australian and Queensland authorities in 2024, with procurement commencing for the $205.5 million project.

The indoor sports centre will host Olympic boxing events before becoming a legacy facility supporting basketball, netball, volleyball, gymnastics, futsal, pickleball and wheelchair rugby for the growing Moreton Bay population. With almost 700,000 people living within 30 minutes of the centre, the facility is designed to serve the community for decades beyond the Games.

Published 16-February-2026.

UniSC Talent Pipeline Fuels Jobs Growth in Caboolture and Petrie

University of the Sunshine Coast’s (UniSC) Moreton Bay campuses at Caboolture and Petrie are being positioned as a key driver of local industry growth, with more than 6,500 students studying close to 90 programs on campus, according to a new economic report card released by City of Moreton Bay.

The council’s 2025 Economic Strategy Report Card — covering the 2024–25 financial year — says the local economy is “outpacing expectations” with gains across jobs, investment and exports.

Among the headline figures cited are a $24.77 billion economy (gross regional product), up $830 million over the past 12 months, and 6,500 new jobs created, lifting local employment to 174,699.

Education and training were singled out as part of the growth story, with UniSC Vice Chancellor and President Helen Bartlett saying the economic data showed the value of universities, industry and community working together.

She said “targeted industry development, relevant research and strong education links” can support innovation, skills growth and sustainable jobs.

UniSC Caboolture
Photo Credit: Google Maps

The report card also shows that the city is tracking about a year ahead of where it was expected to be under the city’s long-term Economic Strategy 2020–2041. It points to “investment wins,” with the Council citing a projected $956 million in economic activity from secured projects.

International export growth has been led by advanced manufacturing and food and agribusiness, alongside growth in tourism, innovation, and skills development.

Hanlon Industries, a steel fabricator with operations in the City of Moreton Bay and Geelong, has expanded in Queensland. Managing director Tom Hanlon cited market opportunities, access to skilled employees and training facilities, and supply chains as factors in the move.

The company has added more than 60 jobs to its Narangba operations over the past two years and recently completed the Hope Island train station project.

Mayor Peter Flannery attributed the results to the strength of local industry and business activity, citing increases in economic output and job creation over the past year. The Council connected the latest results to a broader long-term ambition set out in its “Towards One Million” economic white paper, which highlights an opportunity to build “high-value local jobs” and lift the local economy to $78 billion by 2060.

The mayor added that Moreton Bay’s focus is on maintaining momentum as the city grows, including supporting businesses, attracting investment, and building skills and infrastructure.

Published 13-Feb-2026

Featured Image Credit: UniSC in Caboolture/Google Maps

Moreton Bay SES Petrie Member Honoured For Emergency Service Work

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

A volunteer with the Moreton Bay SES unit in Petrie has been recognised in the City of Moreton Bay 2026 Australia Day Awards for long-term service supporting emergency response and volunteer training.

Service Through The Moreton Bay SES Petrie Unit

Ronald Aquilina received a Mayor’s Community Spirit Award for his contribution to the State Emergency Service, with official material identifying him as part of the Moreton Bay SES Unit, Petrie.

His service spans more than a decade and includes operational roles before, during and after disaster events. The award material highlights his work coordinating and training SES members on flood boats, as well as his role in supporting volunteer readiness.

Training And Mentorship Focus

According to the award citations provided, Mr Aquilina developed a structured mentorship program to support new SES volunteers. The initiative focused on building practical skills and supporting volunteers as they progressed through operational roles.

The material states that these initiatives improved crew capability and safety through coordinated training and mentoring, contributing to more effective disaster response.

Australia Day Awards 202 — Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

Experience Across Emergency Response

Mr Aquilina’s experience with Volunteer Marine Rescue is also referenced in the award material, informing his roles within the SES. His background across both organisations supported training and operational coordination.

Recognition for his service includes internal SES acknowledgements, reflecting his involvement in training, leadership and volunteer development.

Moreton Bay SES Petrie — Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

Other Honourees Recognised

The same City of Moreton Bay 2026 Australia Day Awards also recognised Chris Paterson as Citizen of the Year for work through Bamboo Projects, which employs people living with disability or mental health challenges to remove marine debris from local waterways.

Mayor’s Community Spirit Awards were also presented to Jan Schutt and Alison Schutt for their work with Stationery Aid, an initiative redistributing unused school supplies to students facing resource barriers across the City of Moreton Bay.

Published 28-Jan-2026

Petrie Focuses on Safety as New Sensors Track Flying Fox Health

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

Petrie is at the centre of a new wildlife protection initiative where innovative heat-tracking sensors are monitoring local flying fox colonies to prevent heat stress during hot weather.

High-Tech Help for Heatwaves

The City of Moreton Bay has joined forces with Queensland technology firm Kallipr to place 16 specialised sensors across eight known roosts. These devices track temperature and humidity in real-time. This data is vital as the region prepares for higher summer temperatures. The sensors are built to withstand harsh environments and can work even in areas with poor phone reception. This means council staff do not have to physically travel to the sites to check conditions.

When the temperature rises above a certain safety level, the system sends an immediate alarm. This alert allows council officers to notify wildlife rescue organisations quickly. Carers can then step in to help the animals before the heat causes serious harm. Mayor Peter Flannery noted that this technology helps researchers understand how heatwaves affect the animals and what can be done to protect them in the future.

Understanding the Locals

Moreton Bay is home to three types of flying foxes. The Black and Grey-headed flying foxes live in the area all year, while the Little Red flying fox visits during the summer. Although it might look like there is a sudden explosion in numbers when the Little Reds arrive, these animals only have one baby a year. They are intelligent, social creatures and play a critical role in pollinating native trees like Eucalypts over long distances.

Despite their importance, living near roosts can sometimes be difficult for residents. The council has started several projects to manage these impacts. In Petrie specifically, park furniture and a footpath at Sweeney Reserve were moved away from a roost to create distance between people and the bats. New signs were also added to keep the community informed.

Safety and Long-Term Plans

Health experts emphasise that residents should never touch a flying fox. While less than one per cent of the population carries Australian Bat Lyssavirus, the virus can be transmitted through bites or scratches. However, living or walking near a roost or coming into contact with droppings does not pose a risk. Mayor Flannery advised that anyone who sees an injured animal should call a professional wildlife carer immediately rather than trying to help it themselves.

Local authorities do not support trying to scare the bats away with noise or smoke, known as dispersal. This method is expensive and rarely works because the animals often return to their original home or split into smaller, more problematic groups nearby. Instead, the council is working on a ten-year regional plan with 12 other councils to manage roosts sustainably. This includes using DNA analysis to study what the bats eat, which will help with future landscape planning.

Published Date 10-December-2025

Bluey and Bingo Head to Petrie for the G’day Little Queenslanders Celebration

On Sunday, 26 October 2025, G’day Little Queenslanders will host a morning of celebration and community connection at The Mill at Petrie.

Read: Petrie May Host Brisbane 2032’s Largest Timber Venue

Proudly presented by Queensland, the free family event celebrates the state’s youngest residents, affectionately known as “Little Queenslanders,” while connecting parents, carers and community services in a welcoming setting.

A key highlight of the morning will be a Live Interactive Experience featuring Bluey and Bingo, giving children the chance to see the popular TV characters in person. Families can also enjoy children’s entertainment, food trucks serving local treats, and community stalls offering information and resources to support Queensland families.

Parents of babies and toddlers can register on the day to receive a personalised keepsake certificate, officially welcoming their child into Queensland’s growing story. The certificates are available for children aged 0–2 and serve as a memento for families marking those early years.

The event aims to celebrate families and strengthen connections between Queenslanders with young children. For many parents, especially those with newborns, opportunities to meet others and discover local services can be invaluable, and G’day Little Queenslanders provides just that.

The Mill at Petrie will host the celebration in its open community space, with plenty of room for families to relax, enjoy the entertainment and spend time together. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket and make the most of the morning’s activities.

The Petrie celebration is one of several stops on the G’day Little Queenslanders tour, which also includes Townsville, Redlands Coast and Cairns throughout October and November. Each event offers families across Queensland a chance to celebrate their newest members and learn more about local community resources.

Read: Plans Submitted for Major Student Accommodation in Petrie

Whether you are a parent, grandparent or carer, this free morning of family fun is an opportunity to enjoy time together, meet others and create a few happy memories.

For more details and to pre-register for your Little Queenslander’s certificate, visit qld.gov.au/littlequeenslanders.

Published 22-October-2025

Eco Fest Returns to UniSC Moreton Bay with Dr Karl Leading the Green Conversation

Photo Credit: What's On Moreton Bay/Facebook

Petrie’s UniSC Moreton Bay campus will transform into a sustainability hub as the Moreton Bay Eco Fest returns this November, bringing families, community groups, and experts together for a day of learning and action.

A Day for the Community

The free community festival runs on Sunday, 9 November 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at UniSC Moreton Bay, Petrie. It is presented by the City of Moreton Bay and delivered by Tourism and Events Moreton Bay.

The Eco Fest promotes simple, practical ways for locals to live more sustainably. Families will explore interactive activities, workshops, and live demonstrations covering topics from recycling to gardening and conservation.

The event invites everyone to take part, whether they are long-time environmental advocates or residents looking to start small changes at home.

Dr Karl Takes the Stage

Australia’s well-known science communicator Dr Karl Kruszelnicki AM will headline the main stage, offering his signature mix of curiosity and clarity to help visitors understand environmental science in everyday terms.

His appearance is arranged through Claxton Speakers International and adds a strong educational highlight to the festival.

What to Expect

Festivalgoers will find community stalls, educational booths, and local food vendors throughout the venue. The main stage will feature a full lineup of entertainment and sustainability talks announced later in the year.

Entry is free, but organisers encourage early arrival to enjoy all scheduled activities. The campus’ status as a wildlife reserve means pets are not permitted, though service animals are welcome.

Supporting Local Action

Mayor Peter Flannery said Eco Fest gives locals a chance to connect, learn, and take small steps toward positive change. Stallholder registrations close on Friday, 5 September 2025. Businesses and community groups are encouraged to showcase sustainable ideas and products.

Partners like Belgravia Leisure, Australian Trade College North Brisbane, Epic Assist, Bishopp, and Akyra Strategy & Development support the shared goal of making sustainability part of daily life.

Published 13-October-2025