Moreton Bay Unhoused Forced to Relocate as Camps Shut Down

A group of unhoused residents at Woody Point were forced to leave their makeshift camp after Moreton Bay Council fenced off the site, citing serious health concerns. The eviction left several people, including a woman escaping domestic violence, without a place to go. Despite offers of emergency housing, some say they have been left stranded with nowhere suitable to live.



Eviction at Woody Point: A Sudden Displacement

Residents at the Gayundah Coastal Arboretum camp were given seven days’ notice before authorities arrived to clear the site on Monday, 17 February. The decision followed a review that found human waste, drug paraphernalia, and other health hazards. Fencing around the area was installed while police supervised as the last few residents packed their belongings and left.

One woman, who had been living at the site for six months while hiding from a domestic violence perpetrator, said she had not yet secured safe housing. She expressed frustration, stating that while housing services had been in contact, they had not yet found suitable accommodation for her and her dog.

Another resident, who gave his name as “Toothpick,” acknowledged the camp was not a long-term solution but felt that the situation could have been handled better. He had secured housing in Caboolture but worried about others who had nowhere to go.

While some community members welcomed the eviction, calling the site an eyesore, others believed the situation exposed the lack of support for people with no home.

Unhoused camp in Moreton Bay
Photo Credit: Chris Forbes/Facebook

Suttons Beach Park Residents Face Fines for Staying Put

The evictions at Woody Point were not an isolated incident. Just days earlier, on Friday, 14 February, Council also issued compliance notices to unhoused people at Suttons Beach Park in Redcliffe, threatening them with fines of up to $8,065 if they did not remove their belongings from public land by Sunday at midnight.

According to the notices, their presence violated council rules about “storing goods on public land,” a regulation that advocates argue unfairly targets unhoused people with no private land to store their possessions.

Beau Haywood, a local charity worker, said the fines were unreasonable, as those affected had no choice but to keep their belongings in public spaces. Some residents, like Trent Heselden, had been living in the park for nine months while waiting for social housing. He described the experience as a cycle of constantly moving from one location to another, hoping not to be evicted again.

Council denied accusations that they were trying to criminalise the unhoused and said the regulations were about keeping public spaces accessible to the broader community. A spokesperson stated that no fines had been issued yet, only warnings.

Council Defends Action, But Housing Support Falls Short

Moreton Bay Council insists that all affected individuals were offered emergency accommodation through Queensland’s Department of Housing. However, some residents dispute this, saying they were not given realistic or suitable options.

Council argues that the removals were necessary due to public health risks, particularly at Woody Point, where the park will now undergo a six-month remediation process to restore the area. Acting Mayor Jodie Shipway defended the decision, saying that camping in these conditions was unsafe for both the unhoused and the broader community.

However, unhoused advocates warn that simply moving people from one location to another does not solve the problem. They say Queensland’s housing shortage is the real issue, with Moreton Bay experiencing a 90% increase in homelessness over the last decade.



While some displaced residents have found alternative housing, others remain uncertain about their future. Without enough emergency or long-term housing options, advocates worry that many will simply move to another park or street, continuing the cycle of displacement.

Published 18-February-2025

Youth Movement: Dolphins Eye Forward Pack Transition as Veterans’ Contracts Wind Down

In a pivotal moment for the Dolphins’ future, emerging forwards Ryan Jackson and Michael Waqa are preparing to showcase their credentials in the upcoming season as the club carefully navigates its long-term succession strategy in the forward pack.


Read: Redcliffe and Surrounding Areas Set for Infrastructure Improvements


Next Generation Steps Up for the Dolphins

The timing couldn’t be more crucial for the young prospects. With veterans Mark Nicholls (35), Felise Kaufusi (32), and Kenny Bromwich (33) approaching the end of their contracts, and marquee prop Thomas Flegler sidelined with nerve damage in his shoulder, the door has opened for fresh talent to emerge.

Jackson brings a wealth of experience at the development level, having compiled 34 games across three seasons with Redcliffe and the Capras. His consistent performances, averaging 70 running metres and 15 tackles per game, demonstrate the kind of reliability the Dolphins will need in their forward rotation.

Waqa has already shown flashes of brilliance that hint at his potential impact. His standout performance against the Papua New Guinea Hunters, where he accumulated 137 metres and five tackle busts in just 42 minutes, coupled with his impressive defensive record of missing only two tackles from 47 attempts last season, suggests he could be ready for the next step.

Development Takes Time

Dolphins assistant coach Rory Kostjasyn maintains a measured approach to the young forwards’ development. “Forwards, especially front rowers, don’t mature until their mid-20s,” he notes, emphasising the importance of patience in their progression.

The coaching staff’s focus remains on translating pre-season effort into on-field results. “They’ve worked really hard in any area we’ve asked of them,” Kostjasyn explains. “It’s time for them to go and get it done on the field.”

Flegler’s Recovery Shapes Planning

While immediate NRL debuts seem unlikely for Jackson and Waqa, Thomas Flegler’s ongoing shoulder rehabilitation could accelerate their timeline. The club remains committed to Flegler’s recovery, with CEO Terry Reader confirming they’re not yet considering seeking financial relief for his position.


Read: Woody Point Unhoused Camp Shut Down Over Health Risks


“We’ll be giving Fleggy every possible chance to get on the field,” Reader emphasises, noting that the situation will be reassessed at the 12-month mark since his initial injury in round four last year.

Published 14-February-2025

Redcliffe and Surrounding Areas Set for Infrastructure Improvements

The Moreton Bay Region has secured a record $13.6 million in funding, including $4.3 million in competitive grants and $9.3 million in allocated funding, to deliver vital infrastructure upgrades across the region, benefiting Redcliffe and other suburbs.



The funding, secured through the South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program (SEQCSP), will support various projects, from park and library enhancements to road and cycleway improvements.

Infrastructure Improvements Across the Region

Bribie Island Library
Photo Credit: Google Map

The successful funding applications reflect the council’s commitment to improving community facilities and infrastructure.  Among the projects receiving funding are upgrades to parks, libraries, sports fields, and essential infrastructure.

The $3 million allocated to the Alma Road Bend Upgrade in Dakabin, part of a $4.5 million total project, and the $1.3 million secured for Stage 2a of the Hornibrook Esplanade Cycleway in Clontarf, part of a $1.8 million total project, will significantly enhance local transport options. These projects were successful in the competitive funding round.

Enhancing Community Spaces

Some community spaces will also receive significant upgrades. Thanks to a $675,000 allocation, the Bribie Island Library courtyard will be transformed into a modern outdoor space for community connection and relaxation. 

The Bongaree Caravan Park will see improvements to its water reticulation system, supported by $300,000, ensuring the park remains a high-quality tourist destination. Redcliffe will also benefit from new wayfinding signage, for which $350,000 has been allocated.  

Langdon Park in Margate will receive $650,000 for sports field lighting renewal, and Margate Beach Park will have its amenities upgraded with $650,000, all of which aim to improve local recreation. These projects were among the 11 that received allocative funding.

Government and Council Collaboration

Margate Beach Park
Photo Credit: Google Map

The Queensland Government has expressed its support for the projects, emphasising their importance to local communities. The government is working closely with the City of Moreton Bay, having already released 50% of the funding to enable work to commence. Regular progress reporting will ensure accountability and timely project delivery.  



Council representatives have highlighted the positive impact of these projects on their respective communities.  They have spoken about the improvements to community facilities, the support for local tourism, and the focus on active transport options.  The council stated that the funding reflects its commitment to delivering projects that benefit residents, businesses, and visitors, making the region an even better place to live, work, and play.

Published Date 11-Feb-2025

Woody Point Unhoused Camp Shut Down Over Health Risks

A camp filled with rough sleepers in Woody Point will be shut down after officials from the City of Moreton Bay declared the site a serious public health risk, forcing the unhoused to vacate within seven days. 



Human waste, drug paraphernalia, and vermin were cited as the key reasons for the move, stating that the area at the Gayundah Arboretum will require six months of remediation work costing more than $110,000.

Community Concerns and Council’s Decision

On Monday, 10 February, eviction notices were issued to around a dozen unhoused individuals living in the park. City officials, along with Queensland Police and the Department of Housing, oversaw the closure, with fencing expected to be installed to block access. 

Acting Mayor Jodie Shipway said the decision was based on urgent health and safety concerns rather than a broader discussion on homelessness. She said using syringes, toilet paper, rotting food, and breeding mosquitoes posed a risk to the camp’s residents and the wider community.

Residents had previously voiced frustration over the park’s state, saying it had become unsafe and unclean. Some community members welcomed the action from officials, while others questioned the lack of permanent housing solutions for those being moved.

Impact on Unhoused Locals

For many of the park’s residents, eviction is another destabilising blow. Aiden Thomson, who has been living at Woody Point on and off for years, said he and others feel like they are being punished for the actions of a few.

Gayundah Arboretum
Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

While some individuals at the camp may have hoarding tendencies, he said, the entire group should not be made to suffer. Thomson added that many will simply move to another park, as affordable housing options remain out of reach.

Jaki Rose, a 59-year-old hospitality worker, said she had been promised temporary accommodation but was given no indication of whether it would be permanent or suitable. She had previously been denied social housing because her income was slightly over the eligibility threshold, yet she still couldn’t afford private rentals in Moreton Bay’s soaring market. She described the situation as falling through the cracks, with no real pathway to stable housing.

Temporary Housing: A Short-Term Fix?

In a previous eviction at Woody Point, the rough sleepers were temporarily placed in motels for a food and wine festival. Some fear the same cycle will repeat—a short-term solution without lasting support. 

Advocate Beau Heywood, from Nourish Street, said he hopes the housing provided this time is long-term and suited to individual needs. He has been working with homeless individuals in Moreton Bay for nearly a year and said the process of securing stable accommodation is painfully slow, with only 11 people housed in 11 months.

For some, temporary accommodation is not an option. Aiden Quinn, a long-time park resident, said he would rather stay on the streets than be placed in a motel, which he compared to a jail cell. Others pointed out that motel rooms lack basic facilities like cooking appliances, making them unsuitable for long-term living.



While Council insists the Woody Point eviction is a health matter, homelessness advocates argue that without proper support, those affected will simply be displaced again.

Published 12-February-2025

Emerging and Established Artists Highlighted at Redcliffe Art Gallery

Redcliffe’s 2025 arts calendar is off to a flying start. Two new exhibitions featuring a dynamic mix of established and emerging Australian artists are opening at the Redcliffe Art Gallery.



The openings will feature the annual “15 Artists 2025” acquisitive prize exhibition alongside “Joe Furlonger: Horizons,” a touring exhibition developed by the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA).

15 Artists 2025

“15 Artists 2025” will be held in Galleries 1 and 2 and presents recent works by 15 invited Australian artists. This annual exhibition serves a dual purpose: it highlights the diverse voices and ideas within contemporary Australian art while also enriching the City of Moreton Bay’s art collection through the acquisitive prize.  

The exhibition offers a chance for the community to see a snapshot of current trends in Australian art.

Joe Furlonger: Horizons

Galleries 3 and 4 will host “Joe Furlonger: Horizons,” celebrating the career of renowned landscape painter and Moreton Bay local Joe Furlonger.  Furlonger, who rose to prominence in the late 1980s with his large-scale figurative paintings, is known for his expressive and physical approach to painting, applying colour with vigorous brushstrokes. His work reflects inspiration from artists like Matisse, Picasso, and Ian Fairweather.  

“Horizons” will trace Furlonger’s artistic journey through various media, including painting, ceramics, sculpture, and drawing.  The exhibition combines pieces from the QAGOMA Collection and works held in the City of Moreton Bay’s collection, offering a comprehensive view of Furlonger’s artistic output.

Event Details

The opening event for both exhibitions will be held at Redcliffe Art Gallery.  The official proceedings will begin at 2:15 PM with speeches, followed by music from Andre Reginato. Light refreshments will be provided, and all community members are welcome to attend.



Exhibition Dates and Gallery Hours

“Joe Furlonger: Horizons” will be displayed from Saturday, 22 February to Saturday, 10 May, 2025.  Redcliffe Art Gallery is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Published Date 10-Feb-2025

The Soundtrack of Goodbye: What Song Would You Choose for Your Funeral?

Music has long been a powerful part of funerals, bringing people together in moments of loss and remembrance. Now, two Queensland performers are asking the North Brisbane and Moreton Bay communities to share their experiences with funeral songs—what was sung, why it mattered, and what songs people might choose for their own farewell. 



Their collected stories will be woven into a new performance, Confessions of a Funeral Singer, set to be staged at Anywhere Festival Moreton Bay in May 2025.

A Community-Driven Performance on Music and Mourning

Artists Leah Cotterell and Narelle McCoy are leading this project, drawing from years of research into music, death rituals, and personal reflections on grief. They are appealing to locals who have sung at funerals, attended services with memorable songs, or have personal choices for their own final farewell.

The performance will occur at Woody Point Community Hall, The Hills District Community Centre, and Dayboro Community Hall. It will feature real-life stories and music reflecting the emotions surrounding funeral singing—ranging from solemnity and sorrow to moments of unexpected laughter.

For Cotterell and McCoy, funeral music is more than just tradition but a shared experience that unites mourners. They aim to create a space where people can explore how songs help them navigate loss while acknowledging the diverse cultural and personal meanings behind music choices.

Leah Cotterell and Narelle McCoy
Photo Credit: Leah Cottrell

From Cemeteries to Community Halls

This project follows their previous work, Whistling Past the Graveyard, which was performed in South Brisbane Cemetery (2023-2024) and at Redcliffe Museum (2024). Those performances blended academic research, personal memoirs, and music to encourage conversations about death, funeral rituals, and the emotions surrounding them.

With Confessions of a Funeral Singer, they are shifting the focus to the role of music in modern funerals, engaging with the public to gather firsthand accounts. Their research includes insights from McCoy’s studies on Irish wake traditions and Cotterell’s experience as a carer and musician, examining the intersection of music, empathy, and mourning.

How to Contribute

Cotterell and McCoy are inviting community members to share their funeral singing stories via email at confessionsofafuneralsinger@gmail.com. Whether it’s a song that deeply resonated at a loved one’s farewell or a humorous moment in a service, they are keen to hear personal experiences that highlight the role of music in saying goodbye.



Published 11-February-2025

Building a Legacy: Dolphins Commit to Youth Talent in Groundbreaking League

In a landmark development that reinforces the Dolphins’ commitment to nurturing local talent, the NRL’s newest franchise is set to play a pivotal role in an innovative youth competition alongside Queensland’s established clubs.


Read: Gayundah Arboretum Closure: Public Health Risks Prompt Six-Month Cleanup


Dolphins Strengthen Development Pipeline

The collaboration between the NRL Dolphins and their Queensland rivals—the Brisbane Broncos, North Queensland Cowboys, and Gold Coast Titans—represents a significant step forward for the club. For supporters in the Moreton Bay region, this competition offers an exciting opportunity to watch emerging talent don the Dolphins’ colours while taking part in a crucial development program.

The timing is ideal, as the club continues to establish its long-term development structures. By providing a platform for identifying and refining young players, the competition ensures a sustainable future built on home-grown talent.

Bridging the Development Gap

Scheduled to commence in May, after the Mal Meninga Cup concludes, the nine-week competition addresses a critical gap in the development pathway. It offers valuable high-level experience for young Dolphins prospects who may not yet be ready for Queensland Cup action with the Redcliffe Dolphins.

The round-robin format will see the Dolphins face each of their Queensland rivals twice. Some games could even serve as curtain-raisers to NRL fixtures, giving fans additional opportunities to support their club’s future stars while experiencing the development of promising young players firsthand.

Strategic Advantage for 2026

This initiative arrives at a crucial moment for the Dolphins, particularly with the NRL planning to reintroduce the National Youth Competition as an under-21s league in 2026. The new competition provides the club with an opportunity to build a robust junior development system from the ground up, unlike their more established Queensland counterparts. By taking a proactive approach now, the Dolphins will be well-positioned when the national competition launches, having already laid strong foundations for their youth program.


Read: Redcliffe Art Gallery to Open 2025 Exhibition Season with ‘15 Artists’ and ‘Joe Furlonger: Horizons’


The competition particularly resonates with the Dolphins’ commitment to their local community. Young players from the Moreton Bay region and surrounding areas will have a clearer pathway to professional rugby league without leaving their home region, strengthening the bond between the club and its grassroots supporters.

Published 10-February-2025

Gayundah Arboretum Closure: Public Health Risks Prompt Six-Month Cleanup

The Gayundah Arboretum in Woody Point will be closed for six months after a public health review found serious safety risks, including human waste, drug paraphernalia, food scraps, and vermin infestations.



The City of Moreton Bay has confirmed the closure will begin on Monday, 17 February 2025, with remediation works set to cost more than $110,000.

Local authorities have been working to relocate 13 people who have been living at the site, ensuring they have access to temporary accommodation and support services. The park will be fenced off to allow for waste removal, ground sanitation, and vegetation restoration.

Health Concerns Lead to Urgent Action

Recent assessments identified unsafe conditions throughout the arboretum, prompting an immediate response from the Council under the Public Health Act 2005. Reports found that the site had become unsanitary and hazardous, with evidence of illegal activity, poor hygiene conditions, and environmental damage.

Local officials stated that while homelessness remains a broader issue, the closure is focused on ensuring public health and safety. The site’s condition had worsened over time, with increasing complaints from residents and park visitors. Authorities determined that it was no longer safe for anyone to remain there, either as a place to live or for recreational use.

The decision to close the park was made after extensive discussions with state and local agencies, including the Queensland Police Service and Department of Housing, to ensure those affected by the closure were offered alternative housing and necessary assistance.

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

Community Concerns and Housing Challenges

Residents in Moreton Bay have expressed growing frustration over the conditions at the Gayundah Arboretum, with many calling for urgent intervention before the site became unmanageable. Community members have also raised concerns about what will happen to those who have been living there, with some questioning the availability of crisis accommodation in the region.

Local officials have acknowledged the pressing need for more housing solutions and have called for stronger support from the State Government to address the shortage of affordable and emergency housing. In the meantime, Council officers and support workers are ensuring that those displaced by the closure receive appropriate help.

The City of Moreton Bay has stated that teams will monitor public spaces to ensure that individuals who leave the site do not simply relocate to other parks and reserves, which could lead to similar health concerns elsewhere.

Restoring the Park for Future Use

The six-month remediation process will focus on clearing waste, improving hygiene conditions, and restoring the natural environment. Given the extent of damage, a comprehensive clean-up is required before the site can reopen for public use.

The HMQS Gayundah Memorial, a key landmark within the park, will be prioritised for restoration, with efforts to allow access in time for Anzac Day (25 April 2025). However, full park access will not be available until remediation is complete later in the year.



 

Authorities are urging the public to stay informed about progress updates and to report any ongoing public health concerns in other areas of Moreton Bay.

Published 10-February-2025

Redcliffe Art Gallery to Open 2025 Exhibition Season with ‘15 Artists’ and ‘Joe Furlonger: Horizons’

The Redcliffe Art Gallery is set to welcome the community on March 1 for the highly anticipated first exhibition openings of 2025. With a dual showcase featuring 15 Artists 2025 and Joe Furlonger: Horizons, the event promises an inspiring celebration of contemporary Australian art and local creative excellence.


Read: Get Lost in Colour: Interactive Installation Debuts at Redcliffe Art Gallery


15 Artists 2025: A Celebration of Diversity

Photo credit: moretonbay.qld.gov.au

In Galleries 1 and 2, 15 Artists 2025 returns as an annual acquisitive prize designed to enrich the City of Moreton Bay’s growing art collection. Each year, the exhibition brings together 15 Australian artists, offering a platform for diverse voices and thought-provoking perspectives. 

This year’s exhibiting artists are: 

  • Kim Ah Sam
  • Holly Anderson
  • James Barth
  • Troy-Anthony Baylis
  • Naomi Blacklock
  • Darren Blackman
  • Jamie Congdon
  • Torin Francis
  • Claudia Greathead
  • Libby Harward
  • Kate Mitchell
  • Tommy Pau
  • Sha Sarwari
  • Pamela See
  • Keemon Williams 

This year’s selection continues the tradition of showcasing innovative and compelling works across various mediums, reinforcing the region’s commitment to supporting contemporary art.

Joe Furlonger: Horizons – A Journey Through Landscape

Photo credit: moretonbay.qld.gov.au

In Galleries 3 and 4, visitors can experience Joe Furlonger: Horizons, an exhibition honouring one of Australia’s most esteemed landscape painters and a proud Moreton Bay local. Furlonger, who first gained recognition in the late 1980s for his large-scale figurative paintings, continues to captivate audiences with his masterful depiction of Australian landscapes.

Horizons offers a comprehensive look at Furlonger’s artistic evolution, spanning painting, ceramics, sculpture, and drawing. The exhibition features works from the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) Collection alongside pieces from the City of Moreton Bay’s collection, making this a must-see for art enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Opening Event Details

The official opening will take place at 2:15 p.m. with speeches, followed by live music from Andre Reginato. Attendees can enjoy light refreshments as they immerse themselves in the exhibitions.


Read: The Beginnings of Collins Estate, the ‘Most Cheerful’ Address in Annerley


Redcliffe Art Gallery, open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m, continues to be a cultural hub for the Moreton Bay region. With these exhibitions, the gallery reaffirms its role in celebrating both emerging and established Australian artists.

All are welcome to attend this special occasion and be among the first to experience these remarkable exhibitions that mark the beginning of another exciting year in the arts at Redcliffe.

Published 10-February-2025

Petition Launched to Save Maine Road Book Nook

Residents are rallying behind the Maine Road Book Nook, a newly established street library that may be forced to close due to a single complaint.


Read: Repair Cafe Redcliffe Peninsula Restores Century-Old ABC Gramophone


Melissa Forbes, the creator of the book nook, set it up just last month, repurposing a box she found on Facebook Marketplace and giving it a fresh new look with a personal DIY touch. She placed it outside her fence near the Beedham Street bus stop, hoping to share the joy of books with her neighbours and commuters.

“Found on Facebook Marketplace, this little library was lovingly refurbished with a fresh new look, thanks to my DIY passion,” Ms Forbes shared. “Sanded, painted and thoughtfully reinstated, it’s here to bring joy to the local community and bus stop visitors alike.”

Photo credit: Melissa Forbes/Threads.net

However, the future of the book nook is now uncertain. Following a complaint, Council has requested that Ms Forbes remove the street library. Ms Forbes shared that she was also required to apply for a permit, only to have it denied. She was then given two weeks to remove the library. This has sparked a wave of community support, with locals rallying behind her initiative.

One passionate resident, who goes by the name “Book Angryman,” has launched a Change.org petition to save the book nook. Expressing their frustration, they wrote: “The street library hurts no one, isn’t in the way, provides free books to people in a cost-of-living crisis, and is an important stitch in the diverse fabric that binds together the Redcliffe community.

“Not just an important stitch, but the kind of stitch you want in a nice warm blankie. Not like those other, less good stitches, such as rampant casual alcoholism and wealthy waterfront residents who are still angry that phone books have died and hate poor people in tents.”

The petition has already gained more than 100 signatures, with supporters highlighting the importance of accessible books in the community and urging the council to reconsider its stance.


Read: Community Outcry Over Woody Point Lookout Condition


Cr Karl Winchester has taken notice of the situation and is looking into possible solutions. For now, the community remains hopeful that the Maine Road Book Nook can continue to serve as a small but meaningful addition to the neighbourhood, bringing books—and a sense of connection—to those who stop by. Those who wish to join the cause can add their names to the petition and help ensure the street library stays in place.

Published 7-February-2025