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Multimillion-Dollar Transformation Secured for Suttons Beach Foreshore

Work is set to commence on the long-awaited replacement for the Suttons Beach pavilion after officials finalised the deal to build the modern facility.

The officials has awarded the construction contract for the project, ensuring the site will once again host a community hub. This decision comes after the original Art Deco building was demolished in 2022 because of severe structural damage and neglect.

While the name of the winning builder remains private for now, the project has secured significant financial backing. The SEQ City Deal Liveability Fund, which involves cooperation between federal, state, and local governments, is contributing $12.1 million toward the total cost.

A New Look for a Historic Spot

Suttons Beach — *Photo Credit:* *City of Moreton Bay*

The design for the new venue has sparked conversation among locals who remember the old building fondly. A design competition led to the selection of a modern concept by Lahznimmo Architects and Plummer & Smith. This new look moves away from the classic style of the previous structure. The Suttons Beach Pavilion Preservation Group had campaigned for a replacement that closely mirrored the original Art Deco architecture.

Karen Whittam, the secretary of the preservation group, noted that the new design feels quite modern and distinct from what stood there before. She mentioned that while the group suggested an entrance that paid tribute to the Art Deco style, they are unsure if those ideas were included in the final plans.

Despite this, Whittam expressed that the group accepts the outcome, acknowledging that they did everything possible to advocate for the heritage style. She added that once the venue is active, it will likely be a welcomed addition for residents and visitors.

Future Facilities and Timeline

The project aims to be more than just a building; it is designed to improve the entire park area. Plans include the main pavilion structure, public changing rooms, and extensive landscaping to beautify the surroundings. There will also be new shade structures and an upgraded car park to handle visitor traffic.

Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery stated that the community can look forward to a vibrant hospitality scene and better amenities. Political representatives from both major parties also voiced support, noting the economic benefits and the chance for families to create new memories by the water.

Construction is scheduled to begin early next year. If everything goes to plan, the building and its surroundings should be finished by the middle of 2027. New food and drink businesses are expected to start serving customers in the second half of 2027, depending on the results of a separate selection process.

Published Date 24-November-2025

Beachmere Foreshore Set for New Recreation Zones in December

Photo Credit: Rod Graydon/Facebook

Beachmere residents are set to see major changes along their foreshore as the City of Moreton Bay moves to protect shorebird habitats while keeping space for local recreation.

Updated Foreshore Zones

The updates begin on 1 December 2025 after community feedback, environmental assessments, and consultation with the Kabi Kabi People’s Aboriginal Corporation. The revised layout includes a large dog off leash area at the southern end of Biggs Avenue. A seasonal zone at Bayside Drive will allow dogs off leash from May to July and require on leash rules from August to April.

The layout balances recreation needs with protecting important roosting and foraging sites that line the foreshore. Dedicated horse exercise areas sit between Beachmere Conservation Park and Louise Drive as part of the updated recreation setup.

Environmental Focus

Environmental assessments identified shorebird areas that need reduced disturbance. The seasonal rules at Bayside Drive support this work by limiting movement during sensitive periods.

Council states the plan provides a balance between wildlife protection and community access. The updated structure aims to support long term care of the foreshore while keeping it open for local activities.

Community Input and Consultation

Council shaped the new layout using extensive community feedback. The Kabi Kabi People’s Aboriginal Corporation took part in the consultation process.

Council leaders said the final plan reflects local input and the findings of environmental assessments. The process aimed to create a layout that respects both the natural features of Beachmere and the needs of residents who use the foreshore daily.

What Residents Should Expect

Sign installation is underway to prepare the area for the changes. Council will share maps and information through its website to help residents understand the new layout.

Leaders encouraged residents to check signs at entry points so they know which zones apply. Council stated the revised setup will support public access while protecting shorebirds that rely on the area.

Published 17-November-2025

Proposal for 10-Storey Clontarf Apartments Denied Amid Local Amenity Concerns

A proposal for a 10-storey residential building on Clontarf’s waterfront has been turned down following serious concerns about height, traffic, and neighbourhood amenity.

Read: Efforts Intensify to Tackle Litter Along Redcliffe Foreshore and Clontarf

The development would have contained 78 apartments across the site at 88–90 Hornibrook Esplanade and 20–24 Lane Street, covering about 2,700 square metres. Although the design stepped down to seven storeys in parts, its peak height was nearly 36.9 metres — significantly higher than the planning scheme’s 21-metre guideline.

Photo credit: Moreton Bay DA Tracker – DA/2024/4397

One of the key issues was access. Vehicle entry was planned via Lane Street instead of Hornibrook Esplanade, raising worries that the local road network would be unable to safely absorb increased traffic. Councillors raised specific concerns about parking congestion and line-of-sight on nearby streets.

Members of the public who submitted on the application also flagged a range of problems, including waste management, flooding risk, and how the proposed building would affect the character of the area. Some pointed to a lack of clarity in the public notification process.

Council officers had recommended the application be approved, noting the benefits of increased housing density on the peninsula. However, several councillors argued the building’s scale went too far beyond what was acceptable, given its context. Altogether, councillors voted 6–5 against the proposal.

One councillor noted that neighbouring buildings already exceed the 21-metre limit, but said that did not justify a further departure. Another warned that allowing such a project could create a precedent for taller developments in Clontarf, potentially shifting the character of the waterfront.

On the other side, some councillors defended the development, citing the importance of accommodating more housing in strategic, well-located places. They argued that building up could preserve green space elsewhere and help meet ongoing housing demand.

The vote leaves the application as currently designed halted. While the proponents may need to re-evaluate the design or access strategy, no revised application has been detailed publicly, nor has a new proposal been announced.

Read: ‘Think before you flush’: Redcliffe and Clontarf Among Worst Suburbs for Wastewater Blockages

For the Clontarf community, the decision underscores the balance that must be struck between growth and maintaining the low-to-medium-rise character of the area. Traffic, parking, building height and site access remain central issues in any future development discussion for the waterfront.

Published 19-November-2025

Margate Parade Hit-and-Run Incident Results in the Death of a Margate Girl

The Margate community is in mourning following the death of a 17-year-old girl in an alleged hit-and-run incident on Margate Parade late Monday night.

A 58-year-old Scarborough man has been charged over the incident, which occurred shortly before 11:30pm on November 17. The teenage victim, known only as Olivia according to a statement released by her family, was just weeks away from her 18th birthday.

Police officers discovered the Boondall teenager with critical injuries and attempted to revive her, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The accused has been charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death and failing to remain at the scene to obtain help. He was denied police bail and appeared before Redcliffe Magistrates Court on November 19.

In a statement, Olivia’s family described her as someone who cared deeply for those around her. The family expressed their profound grief at losing a cherished daughter and sister, and have asked for privacy during this difficult time.

Moreton District Police Acting Chief Superintendent Tom Armitt confirmed that investigators are working to establish whether Olivia was with friends or alone at the time of the incident. Authorities are pursuing multiple leads and examining whether security camera footage might assist their investigation.

Police have urged anyone with relevant CCTV or dashcam footage from the vicinity of Mabel Street and Margate Parade to come forward.

Local resident Kimberley Cullen was among the first people to respond to the scene after hearing tyres screeching. She immediately contacted emergency services upon discovering the injured teenager.

Flowers have begun appearing at the site where the tragedy unfolded. Nearby resident Shadai Wesley was one of several community members who visited the location to pay their respects, expressing how deeply the incident had affected locals, particularly those with teenage siblings or children of their own.

The investigation remains ongoing, with police continuing their appeal for information from the public.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Policelink or Crime Stoppers.

Published 18-November-2025

Memory Walk & Jog Returns to Scarborough for 2026 Dementia Fundraiser

Photo Credit: Memory Walk & Jog

The Memory Walk & Jog is returning to Scarborough as the community prepares for a fundraising event supporting people living with dementia.

Background of the Scarborough Event

The Memory Walk & Jog will return to Scarborough Beach Park on Saturday, 6 June 2026 as part of a national series of events. The fundraiser supports people living with dementia, their families and carers, and forms one of several locations taking place across Australia.

In 2025, an estimated 433,300 Australians are living with dementia, including more than 8,060 people in the Moreton Bay region. Projections indicate that the number of Australians living with dementia is expected to exceed one million by 2065. Dementia is identified as the leading cause of death for Australians in recent reporting.

The Scarborough event sits within a broader campaign that aims to raise more than $2.5 million to help fund support, education and services, alongside research and other programs.

dementia support — *Photo Credit: Memory Walk & Jog*

Event Details at Scarborough Beach Park

Participants will gather at Scarborough Beach Park from 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, 6 June 2026. The event offers three course options: a 2.5-kilometre walk, a 5.5-kilometre walk or jog and a 10-kilometre timed run.

The Scarborough Memory Walk & Jog encourages people to take part at their own pace, whether walking or running. Friends, families, colleagues and pets are all invited to join the activities at the seaside park.

At present, the Redcliffe event has raised $1,124 towards a local goal of $115,000, with 5 teams and 21 participants registered. Across the national campaign, a total of $35,753 has been raised so far toward a $2.5 million fundraising target.

Why the Scarborough Event Matters

Dementia is reported as the leading cause of death for Australians, underlining the need for continued support services and research. In Queensland alone, there are an estimated 85,000 people living with dementia.

Funds raised through the Memory Walk & Jog are directed into counselling programs, education, support lines and research efforts. The Scarborough event contributes to this national effort, supporting organisations working with people impacted by dementia.

Community Participation and National Series

Each year, tens of thousands of Australians take part in Memory Walk & Jog events across the country. This year, 14 locations are included in the series, ranging from regional centres to major cities.

The Scarborough Memory Walk & Jog is one stop in this series, listed alongside events held before and after 6 June 2026. Participants can register as individuals or groups, set up fundraising pages and share their efforts with friends and family.

What Comes Next

Registrations are open for the Scarborough event, with options for walkers, joggers and runners. People can purchase tickets, create fundraising pages and prepare for the courses at Scarborough Beach Park.

After the Scarborough event, the Memory Walk & Jog series will continue at other locations across Australia, building on the fundraising totals and ongoing awareness for dementia.

Published 17-Nov-2025

Major Redcliffe Hospital Upgrade Moves Ahead With New Carpark And Services

Photo Credit: Queensland Government

Redcliffe Hospital expansion is set to deliver more than 200 new overnight beds and major service upgrades, giving the community one of its biggest health boosts in years.

Community Growth And Hospital Needs

The Queensland Government outlined the plan in a recent update. Construction timelines and contractor details were released after the state opened registrations of interest for the main hospital build. The carpark extension works are scheduled to begin early 2026.

Redcliffe residents will see a large increase in care capacity through the project. Plans include at least 210 new overnight beds along with larger maternity, endoscopy and operating theatre spaces. The hospital site design focuses on safe movement for staff and visitors while keeping a culturally significant tree at the centre of the grounds. The project aims to ease pressure on a hospital that serves a rapidly growing local population.

Construction Steps And Timelines

The state called for registrations of interest for the main build, with the lodgement period ending on 21 November 2025. The final masterplan is scheduled for completion by the end of the year. The update signals a shift from concept planning to detailed groundwork.

It sets the stage for contractors to begin the next phase once the government selects the successful applicants.

Carpark Upgrade And Local Access

Richard Crookes Construction received the contract to extend the multi-storey carpark. The upgrade is valued at 36 million dollars and will add about 530 parking spaces. Work will start early 2026.

The state noted that the cost per parking space comes in lower than earlier estimates. The extension aims to improve access for families and staff, especially during peak hospital hours.

Focus On Community Outcomes

Health Minister Tim Nicholls said the plan aims to deliver stronger services for Redcliffe families. Local MP Kerri-Anne Dooley echoed the community need for more space, safer layouts and better access to essential care.

The project sits within a broader health investment program and responds to long-standing pressure on emergency and inpatient areas. The government says it wants Redcliffe residents to feel supported when they seek treatment close to home.

Published 11-November-2025

Street Spotlight: Sunnyside Rd, Scarborough

Photo Credit: qimagery.information.qld.gov.au

Sunnyside Rd runs along the first Newport development where streets were deliberately named to evoke sun and sea—a fitting tribute to Scarborough’s coastal character. This wasn’t accidental poetry; it was a deliberate naming motif that gave the area its seaside-estate feel, one that still resonates today as residents enjoy quick access to beach and foreshore amenities.

The street embodies the evolution of Scarborough itself, a suburb that transformed from a holiday destination in the late 1800s to the established residential community we see today. As part of the connector network linking the coast to inland residential areas, Sunnyside Road offers an alternative access route from the more coastal side of the suburb, whilst maintaining a quieter character than the busier Scarborough Road.

Today, Sunnyside Road is also home to the Scarborough Bowls Club, a local landmark that adds to the street’s community appeal. The road’s location within the grid means it serves both as a residential thoroughfare and as part of the evolving active transport network that reflects the suburb’s shift towards more pedestrian and cycle-friendly infrastructure.

Sunnyside Rd, Scarborough Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 5 townhouses, 28 houses, 3 others
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 90%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 11 years and 11 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 50%

Sunnyside Rd, Scarborough – As It Looked in 1936

SOME RECENT SALES ON SUNNYSIDE RD, SCARBOROUGH

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
36 Sunnyside Road, Scarborough	$1,166,000	Aug 2025
44 Sunnyside Road, Scarborough	$1,100,000	Jun 2025

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON SUNNYSIDE RD FROM YESTERYEAR

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
10 Sunnyside Road, Scarborough	$128,000	Feb 2000
22 Sunnyside Road, Scarborough	$130,000	Nov 1998
38 Sunnyside Road, Scarborough	$144,000	Feb 1996

SUBURB PROFILE

The median price of a 2 Bedroom House in Scarborough in 2025 was $800,000
The median price of a 2 Bedroom House in Scarborough in 2021 was $500,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 2 BEDROOM HOUSE IN SCARBOROUGH SINCE 2021: $300,000

The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Scarborough in 2025 was $960,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Scarborough in 2021 was $600,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM HOUSE IN SCARBOROUGH SINCE 2021: $360,000

The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Scarborough in 2025 was $1,239,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Scarborough in 2021 was $775,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4 BEDROOM HOUSE IN SCARBOROUGH SINCE 2021: $464,000

The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Scarborough in 2025 was $1,593,000
The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Scarborough in 2021 was $875,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 5 BEDROOM HOUSE IN SCARBOROUGH SINCE 2021: $718,000

The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in Scarborough in 2025 was $655,000
The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in Scarborough in 2021 was $435,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 2 BEDROOM UNIT IN SCARBOROUGH SINCE 2021: $220,000

The median price of a 3 Bedroom Unit in Scarborough in 2025 was $1,040,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom Unit in Scarborough in 2021 was $599,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM UNIT IN SCARBOROUGH SINCE 2021: $441,000

If you know Sunnyside Rd, Scarborough well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

Published 12-November-2025

99.7 Bridge FM to Honour Don Gailer with Station Naming Proposal

Photo Credit: 99.7 Bridge FM/Facebook

Community radio station 99.7 Bridge FM has been recognised for almost twenty years of dedicated volunteer service, as Moreton Bay Council moves to name its Redcliffe base after long-time leader and broadcaster Don Gailer.

A Local Voice That Stayed On Air

Since joining the station in 2006, Don Gailer played a major role in building 99.7 Bridge FM into a stable, trusted voice for the peninsula. When he returned in 2013, the station was struggling with nearly $400,000 in debt.

Within two years, his leadership helped clear the financial burden and restore operations. He went on to serve four terms as president and hosted The Hump Show, which aired more than 500 times over 12 years.

Community Impact Beyond Radio

Under Gailer’s leadership, Bridge FM backed major local fundraisers including Raise It for Redcliffe Hospital, which brought in more than $220,000 for healthcare upgrades.

The station also helped promote Rockin 4 the Homeless, Convoy for Kids, and an annual Christmas Toy Appeal. These projects strengthened ties with families, businesses, and volunteers across the region.

Council’s Naming Proposal

Moreton Bay Council has unanimously supported a plan to name the building at 75 Anzac Avenue in Redcliffe after Gailer, who has lived in the area for 60 years.

The proposal will go through a public notification period before being finalised. If approved, a display board sharing the station’s history and Gailer’s contributions will be placed at the site.

A Station Built on Volunteers

99.7 Bridge FM operates under Moreton Media Group Inc. and is run entirely by volunteers. Since 1992, it has broadcast local news, traffic, and community programs across Brisbane’s northside.

Its “great rock variety” format and strong community focus make it a staple for listeners from the Brisbane River to Caboolture. The station continues to provide a platform for aspiring presenters and gives airtime to non-profit organisations that serve the region.

Published 7-October-2025

‘Illegal’ Street Library in Clontarf Sparks Community Support

Photo Credit: Melissa Forbes/Instagram

A Clontarf resident’s street library, once labelled non-compliant, has become a symbol of community spirit after widespread support helped keep it alive.

Background and Origin of the Dispute

In January 2025, Clontarf resident Melissa Forbes placed a small book-sharing box on the grass verge outside her home near the Beedham Street bus stop. The “give a book, take a book” initiative aimed to encourage reading and neighbourly connection across the Redcliffe Peninsula.

Shortly after installation, a complaint was lodged with the Moreton Bay City Council. The structure was deemed non-compliant as it stood on council land in line with a bus shelter and footpath, which raised safety and access concerns. Forbes was informed that continuing the project would require a permit and $20 million in public liability insurance.

Although she submitted the required application, the permit was later denied.

Clontarf street library — *Photo Credit: Melissa Forbes/Instagram*

Community Reaction and Support

The decision prompted strong community response. Residents across Clontarf and Redcliffe rallied behind Forbes, writing letters and launching an online petition that gathered hundreds of signatures within days.

Locals expressed that the book nook had quickly become a valued part of the neighbourhood, encouraging connection and small acts of generosity. Support also arrived from further afield, with messages of encouragement sent from overseas, including the UK, the US, and Serbia.

The public interest even drew a visit from a local representative, who agreed the structure posed no harm. The groundswell of backing underscored how small community efforts can unite residents around shared values.

*Photo Credit: Melissa Forbes/Instagram*

Resolution and New Beginning

Seven months after the initial complaint, Forbes relocated the street library from the verge to her fence line to comply with council safety requirements. The revised setup no longer required a permit and was welcomed as a compliant solution.

The book box returned under a new name — the “Illegal Book Box” — referencing the earlier dispute. Despite the setback, Forbes said the experience helped her achieve the community engagement she had originally hoped for.

Council later confirmed it was satisfied with the revised location and acknowledged that such small libraries can be valuable local assets when safely installed.

Lasting Impact in Clontarf

Since its reinstatement, the “Illegal Book Box” has continued to operate in Clontarf, with locals contributing and borrowing books regularly. Forbes has since supported efforts to provide clear information for residents interested in setting up their own street libraries to avoid similar obstacles.

Forbes reflected that the experience prompted broader discussion about how neighbourhoods can balance community projects with public safety rules.

Published 6-Nov-2025

Redcliffe Named a Growth Hotspot in McGrath Report 2026

Redcliffe has once again captured national attention, with property expert John McGrath naming the seaside suburb among Queensland’s top picks for growth in 2026. The McGrath Report 2026 identifies Redcliffe as a “standout for both lifestyle and long‑term investment.”

Read: Redcliffe Peninsula Line: A Community on Track for Change

Situated on the Moreton Bay peninsula about 35 kilometres north of Brisbane, Redcliffe is known for its relaxed coastal atmosphere and growing appeal among buyers seeking lifestyle and value.

“Located in Brisbane’s highly sought-after Moreton Bay region, Redcliffe offers strong investment potential driven by its coastal lifestyle appeal, ongoing infrastructure upgrades, and proximity to Brisbane CBD,” McGrath said in the report.

“Buyers are drawn to its coastal lifestyle, upgraded infrastructure, and affordability relative to inner-city suburbs, driving sustained demand and capital growth,” he added.

A market on the rise

According to realestate.com.au, Redcliffe’s median house price is listed at $900,000, up 11.2 per cent in the past 12 months, with 119 houses sold between November 2024 and October 2025. Despite the price increase, the suburb remains more accessible compared to some inner‑city coastal markets.

Market commentators point to factors such as proximity to Brisbane, beachside lifestyle and increasing buyer activity as reasons behind the trend. The combination of these factors is helping to underpin Redcliffe’s position as a suburb of growing interest in south‑east Queensland.

Local improvements shaping the future

Photo credit: Redcliffe Hospital/Google Maps

Several local facility and service upgrades are underway that support Redcliffe’s ongoing appeal. Documents show that Redcliffe Hospital will be expanded with at least 210 new overnight beds. Also scheduled is a $44 million upgrade to the Redcliffe Police Station. Such improvements to health, community and public service infrastructure contribute to the suburb’s attractiveness for buyers who value amenity as well as location.

The lifestyle advantage

Photo credit: CC BY-SA 4.0/Kgbo/Wikimedia Commons

Beyond investment considerations, Redcliffe offers lifestyle features that appeal to many home‑buyers. Morning walks along the foreshore, family outings at Suttons Beach and cafés and boutique retail along the waterfront remain part of the everyday experience. With scenic views across Moreton Bay and direct access to employment centres in Brisbane, the suburb offers a coastal location with city convenience.

Read: Redcliffe Hospital Overhaul: 210 New Beds and Expanded Services Confirmed

Looking ahead

As 2026 approaches, Redcliffe continues to show positive signs of growth and buyer interest. Price strength, buyer activity and infrastructure improvements all point towards sustained confidence in the area. For local residents and prospective buyers alike, Redcliffe’s rising profile reflects both its liveability and its long‑term investment potential.

Published 5-November-2025