The canals, a popular spot for boating and recreation, require regular dredging to remove sediment build-up that flows in from Deception Bay and Moreton Bay. This build-up can eventually make the canals unsafe for navigation.
To ensure the canals remain safe and accessible, the City of Moreton Bay will be dredging six specific locations: Kingfisher Canal, Northern Marina Basin, the intersection of Kestrel Canal and Albatross Canal, Curlew Canal, Skua Canal, and Walkers Creek Canal.
The dredging process will involve preparatory work at the Griffith Road Dredged Material Management Facility, hydrographic surveys before and after, and removing dredged material using a cutter-suction dredge.
The contractor will work to minimise disruption to other vessels using the waterways.
Depending on weather conditions, the dredging project is expected to commence in early 2025 and will take approximately five months to complete. Work will be done from Monday to Saturday, between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., excluding public holidays.
Warning: Some photos associated with this incident may be distressing to readers.
The bird was found suspended from a street light, its beak fatally entangled in anti-perching wires. Distressed motorists, witnessing the heartbreaking Redcliffe and Brisbane roadway scene, pulled over and alerted authorities.
Wildlife rescuers, including Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue, expressed profound sorrow at the pelican’s needless suffering. They confirmed the bird had likely been trapped for up to five hours before succumbing to its injuries.
Helen Powers, a long-time advocate for bird safety in the area, explained that the pelican, weighing approximately 7kg, probably became ensnared while attempting to land and balance the wires. She labelled the incident “unacceptable” and renewed calls for immediately removing the hazardous wires.
Powers stressed the responsibility of local authorities, including the Department of Transport and Main Roads, to respond to community concerns and implement preventative measures. She urged them to “put their thinking caps on” and find solutions to protect wildlife.
This is not the first time bird-deterrent spikes have caused harm. Local residents recalled a similar incident on Bribie Island Bridge, where community pressure eventually led to the removal of the harmful deterrents.
Environmental experts, like Richard Ogden from the Bribie Island Environmental Protection Association, highlighted the broader dangers to wildlife in the region. Mr Ogden pointed to the impact of urban development on bird habitats, stressing the importance of maintaining safe spaces for native species to thrive.
The rescuers urged government officials and local councils to prioritise wildlife safety by replacing the current deterrents with humane solutions. They also encouraged residents to report wildlife emergencies promptly to ensure quicker responses.
The Chermside Fire and Rescue crew eventually retrieved the deceased pelican. Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue emphasised the importance of prompt public action, encouraging individuals to report incidents immediately, even if they suspect others have already done so. They stressed that the pelican should not have suffered for such an extended period.
Moreton Bay’s favourite son Liam Wilson stands on the precipice of another world title opportunity. The Redcliffe-born super featherweight will face Youssef Dib in a crucial rematch at the South Bank Piazza that could pave the way for global glory.
Wilson’s path to prominence reached a dramatic peak in February 2023 when he nearly dethroned WBO champion Emanuel Navarrete. In what became known as the “28-second robbery,” Wilson had the Mexican champion down and hurt in the fourth round. However, controversy struck when Navarrete’s dislodged mouthguard led to an extended count, allowing the champion crucial recovery time. Despite the setback, the moment proved Wilson belongs among boxing’s elite.
“I felt like I won it fair and square,” Wilson reflects on the Navarrete fight. “I’ve definitely moved on, however it’s a fight I definitely want to run back,” he said.
The Redemption Road for Liam Wilson
Following another valiant effort against Oscar Valdez—where he came within “a split second” of victory according to his opponent—Wilson’s world title dreams remain intact. His current WBO #4 ranking positions him perfectly for another championship run, but first comes the immediate challenge: a rematch with Sydney’s Youssef Dib on 1 March at South Bank Piazza.
Their first encounter in July earned No Limit Boxing’s Fight of the Year honours. Wilson won with an eighth-round stoppage, though Dib’s strong start kept fans on edge. The rematch promises similar drama, with Dib vowing to return “stronger, smarter, and hungrier.”
Hometown Glory Beckons
No Limit Boxing CEO George Rose sees the bigger picture, working behind the scenes to potentially bring a world title fight to Redcliffe’s Kayo Stadium. While discussions remain preliminary, the prospect of Wilson challenging for global honours in his backyard has captured local imagination.
“Winning a world title in Queensland, not far from where I grew up, would mean the absolute world to me,” Wilson says.
Training at All Star Boxing Academy in Lawnton, Wilson has become more than just a boxer to the Moreton Bay region—he’s a symbol of perseverance. His 14-3 (8KO) record tells only part of the story; it’s his willingness to face boxing’s elite and his ability to rise from setbacks that has earned him devoted local support.
The upcoming rematch card reflects Queensland’s boxing depth, featuring promising talents like Kirra Rushton, Jack Bowen, Floyd Masson, Paris Olympian Shannon Davey, and World Amateur Champion Cooper O’Connell.
For Wilson, however, the focus remains singular: dispatch Dib convincingly and move one step closer to the world title dream that began on Redcliffe’s shores. “When it mattered most, I showed why I’m levels above,” Wilson states with characteristic confidence. “This time, I’ll make it even more decisive and prove there’s no question who’s the best.”
Twenty-three-year-old Redcliffe-born Sharn Frierer has secured a landmark move to VfL Wolfsburg, marking one of the most significant transfers in Australian women’s football history.
Born in Redcliffe, Freier’s meteoric rise is not just a personal triumph but also a testament to the region’s sporting heritage. Her football journey began in the Moreton Bay region with Pine Rivers United, before making her mark at Moreton Bay United where she claimed the NPL U15s title in 2016.
After a stint with The Gap FC and Brisbane Roar, Freier returned to her roots in 2021, rejoining Moreton Bay United as a senior player. This homecoming proved crucial in her development, despite facing an ACL injury that kept her sidelined for a year. True to her Peninsula spirit, she bounced back stronger than ever.
“Brisbane will always be home to me,” Freier reflects, acknowledging her roots while preparing for her next chapter.
While preparing for her European adventure, Freier continues to shine in the A-League, where she plays alongside her twin sister Laini. This season has already yielded two goals and four assists, with three of those assists setting up goals for her sister, maintaining the connection that began on Moreton Bay’s local pitches.
Breaking New Ground
The move to Wolfsburg, which will take effect after the current A-League season, comes with a club-record transfer fee for Brisbane Roar. Freier’s contract, extending until June 2028, places her among Europe’s elite at one of Germany’s most successful women’s football clubs.
“This move will give me the opportunity to challenge myself and be part of a full-time professional environment,” says Freier, who turned down interest from Italian clubs last year to wait for the right opportunity.
The past year has been extraordinary for the Pine Rivers State High School alumna. After making her Matildas debut against Mexico last April, Freier quickly established herself in the national setup, scoring her first international goal in a pre-Olympic friendly against Canada. Her Olympic journey took her from reserve status to a debut against Germany—ironically, her future footballing home.
As Sharn Frierer prepares for her final months with Brisbane Roar before departing for Germany, she leaves behind a legacy that will inspire the next generation of Peninsula footballers.
After an outstanding 2024 campaign in which he amassed 223 points, Jamayne Isaako stands poised to help guide the NRL Dolphins towards their first final series appearance.
The 28-year-old point-scoring sensation speaks with quiet confidence about the season ahead, even as the club navigates significant leadership changes.
Though he has ruled himself out of the captaincy race, Isaako’s influence on the team continues to grow. “What I bring to the team is a lot of energy,” he explains after a gruelling preseason session in Redcliffe’s notorious January humidity. “Being a little bit of an older head in the team now, I’m just bringing the experience I have to some of the young blokes.”
His 12 tries and 87 goals in 2024 cemented him as one of the competition’s most reliable performers. However, personal statistics are not his primary focus for 2025. He remains determined to help the team reach the finals, a goal he is especially motivated by after last season’s narrow loss to Newcastle that left them outside of a postseason spot.
Embracing Change Under Woolf
The transition from Wayne Bennett to Kristian Woolf as head coach has infused fresh energy into the Dolphins’ preseason. Now entering his tenth NRL season, Isaako has embraced the change, finding Woolf’s coaching style engaging and effective. He noted the competitive edge shared by both mentors, while also recognising the fresh perspective Woolf brings to the team.
With experience under both coaches, Isaako offers unique insight into the club’s evolution. “I see a lot of similarities in the way he coaches with Wayne. I’m interested to see how the season unfolds.”
While Isaako watches the captaincy race with interest and supports Tom Gilbert’s leadership potential, he remains focused on his own role. His approach to the upcoming season is unchanged, as he is determined to perform consistently and contribute to the team as he has over the past two years.
With preseason trials beginning against the Capras in Gladstone on 8 February, Isaako’s ambitions align with those of Redcliffe fans: to see the Dolphins secure their first finals berth. His journey from prolific point-scorer to experienced leader could be the catalyst the club needs to achieve this historic milestone.
Redcliffe is undergoing significant changes with a mix of residential, retail, and recreational developments that will transform the area into a vibrant community. These key projects aim to enhance the suburb’s appeal and boost the local economy.
One Redcliffe, a mixed-use development with 214 apartments and retail spaces, is set to be a transformative addition to the community. Positioned at the corner of Anzac Ave and Redcliffe Pde, it promises to stimulate local economic growth and enhance the area’s livability.
Essence on Sutton (Underway)
Photo credit: Crown Properties QLD
Essence on Sutton, currently under construction at 4-8 Sutton St, offers two, three, and four-bedroom apartments. With over 70 percent of the units sold before construction even started, the development by Crown Properties is expected to be completed by late 2025.
Plans for a seven-storey apartment building at Marine Pde are under review. The development, located at 25 Marine Pde, will feature five exclusive apartments with ground-level parking, adding a touch of luxury to the Redcliffe foreshore.
Woody Point: Expanding Residential Choices
Woody Point is growing with projects like Tydal Sands, a residential development that is 75 percent sold, and Orilla, which is nearing completion and will offer recreational spaces for its residents. These projects are helping meet the demand for modern housing in this seaside area.
Scarborough: Adding Luxury to the Seaside
Scarborough is home to high-end developments like The Oscar, a nine-storey building with premium apartments, and Marin, a residential project nearing completion with scenic views and modern amenities. Both projects will offer luxury coastal living for future residents.
Rothwell: A Growing Suburb with Big Plans
Rothwell is set to see major developments, including a Retirement Village with 97 units and the Rothwell Homemaker Centre, a commercial hub slated for completion in mid-2026. These projects will meet the needs of both residents and businesses in the area.
Clontarf: Residential Growth and More
Clontarf is planning a 10-storey residential development on Hornibrook Pde, which will include 102 units and ample parking. This project will add much-needed housing options to the growing suburb.
Suttons Beach Pavilion: A New Era for Local Landmarks
A new Suttons Beach Pavilion will replace the old one, offering a modern space for the community. Construction will begin in mid-2025, with completion expected in 12 months, enhancing the local beachfront area.
With these exciting key projects, Redcliffe and its neighbouring suburbs are set to become vibrant hubs of growth and opportunity. From luxurious waterfront apartments to community-driven developments, these projects reflect the vision for a prosperous future in the Moreton Bay region.
With tourism on the rise and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games fast approaching, the demand for additional accommodation in Moreton Bay has never been greater.
The region is striving to establish itself as “Australia’s next hotel hotspot,” with a series of bold plans and proposals underway. While four hotels are currently in various stages of planning and approval, experts suggest the area will require at least twice as many to meet future needs.
A Growing Need for Hotels
Mayor Peter Flannery highlighted the region’s needs two years ago, stating that Moreton Bay would require eight new hotels with 1035 rooms by 2032. Invest Moreton Bay’s latest findings go even further, suggesting demand could support up to 10 new hotels and over 1500 rooms right now. Here are the potential locations for the upcoming hotels in the region.
Bluewater Square
Photo Credit: DA/2022/5128/MoretonBayCouncil
One of the standout projects is the proposed hotel at Bluewater Square in Redcliffe. Approved by the Moreton Bay Regional Council in 2023, this development by Elanor Investor Group will include an eight-storey, 142-room hotel above the shopping centre.
Featuring public art and murals on its facade, the hotel will also include a rooftop bar open to both guests and the public, a function area, kitchen, and swimming pool. Guests will be treated to breathtaking views of Moreton Island. Positioned at the corner of Sutton Street and Anzac Avenue, the project promises to elevate Redcliffe’s profile as a destination.
Kippa-Ring
Photo credit: dolphinsnrl.com.au
In nearby Kippa-Ring, the Dolphins have announced plans for a master planned community. They aim to leverage the club’s expertise in food and beverage, rugby league, and tourism attractions.
A hotel would complement a major redevelopment of the site, including an expanded stadium and a modern conference centre located at the corner of Klingner and Ashmole Roads.
Irene St
Photo credit: Google Street View
Redcliffe’s potential doesn’t end there. According to the Tourism Opportunity Plan, there’s an immediate need for a 225-room hotel, with demand expected to grow to support a 250-room internationally-branded conference and convention hotel by 2031. A likely location for this development could be Irene Street, home to the current Council administration centre.
Other Opportunities in Moreton Bay
Beyond these key projects, several other areas in Moreton Bay are exploring opportunities for hotel development:
Mango Hill: A five-storey, 112-room eco-lifestyle hotel has received approval.
North Lakes: Plans are progressing for a 4-5-star hotel with event and conference facilities.
Eatons Hill: A proposed 180-room hotel near the South Pine Sports Complex is under consideration.
The Mill at Petrie: Two 200-room hotels are projected to meet demand by 2029.
Caboolture: A 100-room hotel is planned as part of a redevelopment near Lower King Street.
Hinterland and Bribie Island: Boutique properties with 20-40 suites are being discussed.
Dakabin and Strathpine: New hotels are in development by the Comiskey Group.
As Moreton Bay prepares for a surge in tourism, these hotel developments are set to transform the region into a premier destination for both leisure and business visitors. Bluewater Square, Redcliffe, and Kippa-Ring are poised to take centre stage, showcasing the vibrant evolution of this thriving area.
The planned building is nine storeys high, or about 27 metres. It will have two levels of underground parking and seven levels of apartments. The apartments will be a mix of two-bedroom and three-bedroom, with 49 of the former and 44 of the latter. Each apartment will also have its balcony.
Residents will enjoy a rooftop terrace with a swimming pool, a place to eat, and a barbecue area. 148 parking spaces will be provided, with most spaces for residents and some for visitors. There will also be space for people to park their bicycles.
The developers say the building’s sleek design uses sustainable materials and fits in with the area’s focus on the environment. Its height follows the rules for the neighbourhood. However, some people have expressed worries about the possibility of increased traffic in the area.
The Moreton Bay City Council will now review the plans and consider the community’s feedback. They will likely decide whether to approve the project in the next few months.
Redcliffe is gearing up for the highly anticipated return of the Moreton Bay Swim, Greater Brisbane’s only ocean swimming event. Set for Sunday, 2 February 2025, the event will take place along the picturesque Redcliffe foreshore, offering races for swimmers of all abilities.
SSG MultiSports, the organisers, are preparing to welcome swimmers of all levels.
A Local Favourite
What started as a small event in 2020 with just nine participants has grown into a key community tradition. By 2022, it drew nearly 400 swimmers. While the event was scaled back in 2023 and limited to club members in 2024, this year’s edition aims to attract the same level of enthusiasm as its peak years.
The swim route usually runs from Suttons Beach to Scotts Point and back, although final details for 2025 are still being confirmed. Participants can expect a well-organised, challenging course.
What’s on Offer
The event caters to all abilities with three race distances: 4km, 2km, and 1km. Families can also join in an inflatable race, designed to make the day more inclusive. Swim caps will be available to buy on-site, with proceeds supporting Rotary’s Global Water Safety and Drowning Prevention efforts.
Community Spirit
SSG MultiSports began as a casual swim group at Suttons Beach. Now, it’s a fully-fledged Triathlon Australia-affiliated club. With over 130 members aged 13 to 72, the group is known for promoting active, healthy lifestyles.
Members, fondly referred to as ‘Ninjas,’ benefit from access to events, exclusive club apparel, and a strong sense of community. The club hosts activities like cycling, running, and even SCUBA diving, making it a versatile hub for fitness enthusiasts.
Looking Ahead
The Moreton Bay Swim is set to once again be a highlight for Redcliffe locals and visitors alike. Organisers are encouraging strong community support for the event.
Redcliffe Area Youth Space (RAYS) is poised to make a significant difference in the lives of disadvantaged job seekers in the Moreton Bay region, through the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.
The funding will enable RAYS to deliver a Certificate I in Workplace Skills programme, providing 36 participants with crucial training, qualifications, and real-life work experience.
Picnic Hill (Photo credit: Redcliffe Area Youth Space/Facebook)
Over a 24-week period, participants will gain hands-on experience and workplace skills through RAYS’ social enterprises, including Picnic Hill, 4020 Coffee Cart, Ride Supplies, Misfits United, and Connections Catering. The programme will also incorporate CPR and First Aid certifications, equipping participants to enter the workforce with confidence.
The organisation regards the funding as an invaluable opportunity to help individuals build self-assurance and develop practical skills that can lead to meaningful employment opportunities. Numerous past participants have transitioned into part- or full-time roles, underscoring the transformative potential of these initiatives.
About RAYS: A Lifeline for Vulnerable Youth
Photo credit: Redcliffe Area Youth Space/Facebook
For more than two decades, RAYS has been a cornerstone of support for young people and families in the Moreton Bay region. The organisation is dedicated to enhancing mental, physical, emotional, and social well-being, focusing on individuals impacted by trauma, poverty, and social disadvantage.
RAYS offers a range of tailored programmes that address behavioural and mental health challenges, educational support, and skill development. By fostering social inclusion and capacity building, the organisation empowers young people to overcome obstacles and work towards brighter, more stable futures.
This latest funding reaffirms RAYS’ commitment to transforming lives and strengthening the community through its holistic approach to youth empowerment.
