City of Moreton Bay Archives

From Demolished Landmark to Bay Icon: Here’s What’s Coming to Suttons Beach Pavilion

Construction is now well underway on the $19.5 million Suttons Beach Pavilion, and with bulldozers on site and a 2027 opening date locked in, Redcliffe locals are finally getting a clearer picture of what to expect when the dust settles.

Read: Sod Turned on Redevelopment of Suttons Beach Pavilion

A Building That Earns Its Spot on the Bay

The centrepiece of the development is a striking two-storey coastal structure designed to make the most of its prime beachfront position. The design was selected through a national competition endorsed by the Australian Institute of Architects, and takes cues from the curved forms of the original art deco pavilion that once stood on the site. Think open decks, breezy walkways, a sleek foreshore profile, and a rooftop platform with views stretching across Moreton Bay.

One of the more distinctive design elements is the “reverse rotunda,” an open central space conceived for meeting, hanging out, and enjoying unobstructed water views.

The 1998 rotunda will be relocated to provide shaded seating rather than being removed from the site entirely. Even the bricks from the old demolished pavilion will be reused in the landscaping, a deliberate link to what came before.

Dining Is Back on the Foreshore

One of the most anticipated elements of the new build is the return of ocean-facing dining to the foreshore. The new pavilion will include multiple indoor and outdoor food and beverage tenancies, with the dynamic mix to be determined through a separate tender process. In practice, that means a range of dining and drinking options, from casual fish and chips overlooking the sand to fresh Moreton Bay seafood and more upmarket offerings.

The return of ocean-facing dining is one of the project’s most anticipated outcomes.

More Than Just a Restaurant Precinct

The pavilion is about more than just somewhere to eat and drink. The broader development includes extensive landscaping designed to connect the building with the surrounding parkland, new public changing rooms and showers for beachgoers, and expanded shade structures. Shaded colonnades will link the precinct to the park, and landscaped spaces are planned with markets and community events in mind.

The adjacent car park is also in line for upgrades, and accessible public amenities are included in the scope, infrastructure designed to support both everyday beachgoers and larger community events.

A New Era for Suttons Beach

Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said it was exciting to see work under way. “It’s fantastic that construction has begun on this highly anticipated project that will return the site to an iconic destination the community can enjoy for generations to come,” he said. “With a vibrant hospitality scene and stunning beachfront location, the new Suttons Beach Pavilion will be a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.”

Read: Multimillion-Dollar Transformation Secured for Suttons Beach Foreshore

Beachfront developments of this scale are rare, and the project has been deliberately designed to make the most of the site’s natural advantages. The project is backed by funding from all three levels of authority, council, state and federal, reflecting the development’s significance as a long-term investment in the region.

With a 2027 opening on the horizon, for a community that has long waited for this stretch of foreshore to be restored, construction starting is the clearest sign yet that the wait is nearly over.

Published 4-March-2026

New Award Validates Push for Specialized Toilet Access in Redcliffe

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

Visitors to Redcliffe can now enjoy public spaces with greater confidence thanks to a council strategy that prioritizes specialized sanitary facilities for people with high support needs.

For many Australians, a standard accessible toilet does not provide the necessary space or equipment to use the bathroom safely. This lack of infrastructure often forces people with severe disabilities to stay home, limiting their ability to socialize or run errands.

The Changing Places facilities solve this by providing height-adjustable adult change tables, ceiling hoists, peninsular toilets, and privacy screens, with some locations even offering showers. This equipment removes the barriers that prevent residents from fully participating in community life.

A State-Recognized Strategy

specialized — *Photo Credit:* *Changing Places Network Plan*

The City of Moreton Bay was recently honored for its efforts to fix this gap in public infrastructure. The Planning Institute of Australia presented the council with the Wendy Chadwick Encouragement Award at the Queensland Planning Excellence Awards. This accolade recognizes the council’s Changing Places Network Plan, which stands as the first time a local government in Australia has developed such a comprehensive strategy.

Mayor Peter Flannery stated that the award highlights the innovative planning behind the network. He emphasized that these facilities are vital for ensuring that public spaces remain inclusive for everyone, regardless of their physical abilities.

Preparing for a Growing Need

The push for better facilities is driven by data that suggests a significant increase in demand over the coming decades. Planners predict that by 2041, the region will be home to 52,000 people living with profound or severe core activity limitations. To prepare for this, the council is expanding beyond the current sites in Redcliffe, Albany Creek, and the South Pine Sports Centre.

A fourth facility is expected to be finished at Woorim Beach in late 2025, allowing specialized access to the foreshore. Further plans include a site at the Burpengary Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre in 2026, alongside future locations identified for Suttons Beach, Centenary Lakes, and Pine Rivers Park.

Published Date 11-December-2025

Mousetrap Theatre Takes The Stage At Redcliffe’s Sutton Centre

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook

Mousetrap Theatre has a new stage in the heart of Redcliffe, taking up residence at the Sutton Centre beside Bee Gees Way as the community troupe returns to a purpose-built venue after years without a permanent home.

A Community Stage Re-made

The company’s first production at the new site is the Italian comedy Mirandolina. The season begins on Friday, 24 October 2025, and runs through Sunday, 2 November 2025, at Mousetrap Theatre Co., Sutton Centre, 157 Sutton Street, Redcliffe.

*Photo Credit: Mousetrap Theatre Co. Inc./Facebook*

Future shows flagged by the company and local outlets include 80s Icons – Superstars and Soundtracks from 14 November 2025, a family pantomime Robinson Crusoe – Pirates and the Caribbean Queen in January 2026, and Inspector Drake and The Perfekt Crime in February 2026.

City of Moreton Bay renovated the former council office into a flexible theatre space, adding a new roof, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, extra toilets with a shower, and improved disability access.

Back In The CBD

The new venue sits on Sutton Street in the Redcliffe CBD, steps from cafés and restaurants and just behind Bee Gees Way, positioning the theatre to attract passing foot traffic as well as regular patrons. Council representatives and local coverage highlight the central location as a practical boost for audiences looking to pair dinner with a show.

Seating has been designed on movable tiers so the auditorium can be configured to suit different productions, and a second space is available when the main stage is tied up with large sets. Council material and local reports describe the project as a way to secure a lasting home for a group that has served Redcliffe for more than 70 years.

What’s On And How To Attend

Mirandolina is scheduled across two weekends, including matinees, with listings also carried by independent theatre guides. Booking pages and event listings note that Row A is at floor level, with other rows on raised tiers; some seats may be held to support patrons with mobility needs via phone booking.

get tickets here

Council and local media confirm the Sutton Centre as the new home, with the company signalling more programming following the fit-out.

Voices From The Move

Local reporting attributes the project’s progress to ongoing support from City of Moreton Bay and sustained volunteer effort from members. Council leaders say the relocation supports arts and community participation.

Mousetrap Theatre’s leaders call the new stage, lighting, sound, storage, and side-stage areas essential to grow performances and membership after years in temporary venues.

Published 27-October-2025

90 Years On, Redcliffe Hornibrook Bridge That Built a Community

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/ Facebook

An incredible feat of private enterprise born from the Great Depression, the record-breaking Hornibrook Bridge, was honoured by the Redcliffe community on its 90th anniversary for its pivotal role in transforming the peninsula from an isolated outpost to a thriving city.

A Landmark’s Legacy

A special event at the Redcliffe Museum recently marked the 90th anniversary of the bridge’s official opening. The celebration, which took place on a Saturday, brought together a community still deeply connected to the timber and concrete superstructure that first opened to traffic on October 4, 1935.

Julie Hornibrook, the granddaughter of the bridge’s builder, Sir Manuel Hornibrook, delivered a passionate speech about the project, its creators, and the community it served. She said she valued playing a part in bringing her grandfather’s legacy to life and has found that people remain deeply interested in the history of these big builds. She expressed pride that the people of Redcliffe continue to remember and love the bridge and its story.

From Isolation to Destination

Before the bridge, the Redcliffe Peninsula was a world away from Brisbane. City of Moreton Bay Mayor, Peter Flannery, explained that the toll bridge marked the start of a new era of growth, giving the local population direct access to the city for the first time. This connection, he noted, was instrumental in opening up Redcliffe as a premier holiday destination.

The project was described as a game-changer by local councillors. Division 5 Councillor, Sandra Ruck, said the bridge left an indelible mark on the area, revolutionising local transport and transforming the economy for the better. Division 6 Councillor, Karl Winchester, added that the bridge is an intrinsic part of the fabric of Redcliffe and the wider City of Moreton Bay, with many locals holding cherished memories of the structure in its prime.

A Vision Built on Timber and Grit

Building the bridge was a monumental challenge, undertaken at the height of the Great Depression. The project was the brainchild of Sir Manuel Hornibrook, a legendary master builder who showed remarkable ingenuity and patience. Ms. Hornibrook highlighted that projects of this era were built in tough times without computers, demanding innovation and collaborative problem-solving.

Considered one of the greatest works of private enterprise in Queensland, the project required Sir Manuel’s leadership to secure finance, timber supplies, and a workforce. Funding was raised through a government franchise that allowed his company to charge a toll, which remained at one shilling for 40 years. The enormous structure spanned over 2.6 kilometres and required approximately 2.5 million superfeet of hardwood timber. At its completion, it was the longest road viaduct in the Southern Hemisphere.

An Enduring Presence

The Hornibrook Bridge served the community for 44 years. After the adjacent Houghton Highway opened, the original bridge was closed to traffic in 1979. However, it wasn’t the end of its story. It remained a beloved local spot, staying open for people to enjoy fishing, walking, and cycling. The Hornibrook company operated the bridge until 1975, when it was handed over to the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

With the opening of the Ted Smout Bridge in 2010, the old bridge was mostly demolished. Today, its striking art deco portals and a section repurposed as a fishing pier at Clontarf are all that physically remain. Yet, even in this new form, a new generation of locals can still enjoy a piece of the history that so profoundly shaped their community.

Published Date 09-October-2025

Accessible Swing Introduced at Crockatt Park in Woody Point

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook

An inclusive wheelchair-accessible swing has been installed at Crockatt Park in Woody Point, marking the first public We-Go-Swing of its kind in Queensland.

Queensland’s First Public We-Go-Swing Installed

A new inclusive swing has been added to Crockatt Park in Woody Point, allowing individuals who use wheelchairs to swing alongside other users. The installation is the first publicly accessible We-Go-Swing in Queensland.

Woody Point We-Go-Swing — Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook

Part of Ongoing Accessibility Improvements

The new swing is located near the Woody Point Jetty, within reach of nearby cafes and public spaces. It joins a series of accessibility-focused projects across the region. Other developments include the expansion of the all-abilities park at Arana Hills with features for users with low vision and the addition of a Changing Places facility at Woorim Beach for visitors requiring high-support amenities.

Public Response Highlights Broader Accessibility Discussion

Online responses were largely positive, with many welcoming the inclusive design and expressing hope for similar installations elsewhere. However, some users raised questions over the “first in Queensland” claim, noting the existence of accessible swings in locations such as Pine Rivers Park, Biloela, and Cairns Esplanade. Others expressed concern about previously removed equipment not being replaced.

Despite the mixed feedback, a number of community members shared their appreciation for the swing and described its value for families and disability support users.

Moreton Bay parks — Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook

Council Indicates Broader Investment in Accessible Spaces

Council materials describe the We-Go-Swing as part of a broader commitment to accessible, family-friendly public spaces. The installation is included within a program of upgrades aimed at improving recreational infrastructure across the city. Recent park developments reflect an approach focused on shared use and inclusion, though no specific next steps regarding additional We-Go-Swings have been confirmed.

Published 12-July-2025

Suttons Beach Pavilion Redevelopment Progresses in Redcliffe

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

A major redevelopment project in Redcliffe is progressing under the City of Moreton Bay’s 2025–26 budget, with $14.5 million allocated to upgrade the Suttons Beach Pavilion.

Pavilion History and Project Origins

Suttons Beach Park has long served as a community hub on the Redcliffe foreshore. In late 2023, City of Moreton Bay initiated a national design competition to shape a new vision for the area. Lahznimmo Architects, in collaboration with Plummer & Smith, was selected to deliver a refreshed, accessible pavilion precinct, following demolition works and community consultation.

Redevelopment Scope and Funding

The redevelopment of the Suttons Beach Pavilion is backed by $14.5 million in funding spread across two years. The project includes multiple hospitality venues, public amenities, rooftop and event spaces, and improved accessibility throughout the site. The City of Moreton Bay is co-funding the project in partnership with the SEQ City Deal Liveability Fund. A development application was lodged in December 2024, and construction is scheduled to begin in late 2025.

City of Moreton Bay budget — *Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay*

Infrastructure Rollout Includes Redcliffe Upgrades

While some allocations are city-wide, several infrastructure and service improvements include direct benefits to Redcliffe and surrounding Division 6 suburbs. Works planned for Redcliffe and surrounding suburbs cover a separated cycle path along the Woody Point foreshore, new shelter and amenity upgrades at Margate Beach Park, and seawall replacements at both Charlish Park and Crockatt Park. Drainage upgrades are also scheduled for the Cox Street catchment in Margate.

Project Timing and Contractors

Design development began in mid-2024 and remains ongoing, with refinements focused on structural elements, civil works, stormwater considerations and materials. Council called for tenders from food and beverage providers in May 2025. The tender process for the building contractor closed on 21 May 2025.

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

Funding Support and Broader Budget Context

The broader 2025–26 budget, adopted on 13 June 2025, marks Moreton Bay’s first $1 billion budget. The capital works program, valued near $400 million, supports population growth and infrastructure demands across the region. Redcliffe’s pavilion project is included in this rollout, with funding contributions from both council and external government programs, including the SEQ City Deal.

Next Steps

Progress continues on the Suttons Beach Pavilion redevelopment in Redcliffe, with design refinement underway and construction anticipated to begin in late 2025. The upgrade forms part of a wider effort to support growing coastal communities in Moreton Bay through infrastructure renewal and amenity enhancements.

Published 18-June-2025

Free Native Plants Now Available in Redcliffe

Photo Credit: Luke H/Google Maps

Residents of Redcliffe can collect free native plants to enhance their gardens and support the local environment.

Free Native Plants Redcliffe — *Photo Credit: Allan Cook/Google Maps*

This program is part of a the city’s initiative to promote sustainable gardening and preserve biodiversity. The initiative has been running successfully across various suburbs, providing local communities with the tools to create eco-friendly gardens.

How to Access Free Plants

Here’s how residents can participate:

Apply Online: Applications can be made through the City of Moreton Bay website or at a customer service centre with proof of residency, such as a rates notice or driver’s licence.
Receive a Voucher: Approved residents receive a voucher for free plants, usually two per property. The voucher outlines the specific plants available for collection.
Collect the Plants: Vouchers can be redeemed at the Redcliffe Botanic Gardens nursery or other participating locations. Staff members are available to provide guidance on choosing plants that best suit the local climate and garden conditions.

The application process is straightforward, ensuring residents have easy access to native plants while promoting sustainable practices.

Benefits of Native Plants

Native plants are ideal for gardens in Redcliffe and surrounding suburbs for several reasons:

Low Maintenance: Once established, these plants require minimal watering and care, saving time and resources.
Support for Wildlife: They attract local wildlife, including birds, bees, and butterflies, contributing to the preservation of natural habitats.
Eco-Friendly: Native plants are well-suited to local conditions, reducing the need for chemical fertilisers or pesticides.

Plant species commonly offered include grevilleas, banksias, and myrtles, all of which thrive in the city’s environment.

Redcliffe Botanic Garden — *Photo Credit: Catherine Volkmann/Google Maps*

Other Suburbs Participating

The programme is also available to residents of other suburbs, such as Caboolture, Bribie Island, and Pine Rivers. A variety of native plants suited to regional conditions are available at each community nursery, guaranteeing a wide range of choices for various gardening requirements.

In addition to distributing plants, these nurseries offer guidance and educational materials to help locals make sustainable gardening decisions.

Looking Ahead

Residents are encouraged to apply early, as plant availability may be limited. The program runs annually, allowing eligible participants to claim their free plants once per financial year. For full details on how to apply, what plants are available, and participating nurseries, visit the City of Moreton Bay website.

By taking part, locals help create a more sustainable and greener future for Redcliffe and the surrounding communities.

Published 27-Dec-2024

Redcliffe Fire Station Receives $25,000 Roof Repair Grant

Photo Credit: Google Maps

The historic former fire station in Redcliffe will receive a much-needed roof repair thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Queensland Government’s Community Sustainability Action Grants program.

The City of Moreton Bay was awarded the funding to address water ingress issues affecting the original section of the heritage-listed building. This will ensure the former fire station can continue serving as a vibrant community space for local residents.

“Queensland has a rich and vibrant history, with the Queensland Heritage Register featuring a diverse array of almost 1800 places including public buildings, schools, industrial sites, homes, hotels and churches that showcase Queensland’s unique history,” said Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Leanne Linard.

The $1 million in grants announced by the Miles Government aims to preserve and promote these historically significant sites across the state. The Redcliffe Fire Station project is one of 26 recipients sharing in $849,373 under the latest round of the Community Sustainability Action Grants.

“We will continue to work closely with community groups, local councils and place owners to conserve our heritage-listed places, and to identify potential new places to add to the register,” the Minister added.

The former Redcliffe Fire Station, which dates back to the 1940s, holds an important place in the local community’s history. This investment will ensure the building’s structural integrity is maintained so it can continue to be enjoyed by residents for years to come.

The roof replacement represents a crucial step in the ongoing preservation and adaptive reuse of this heritage-listed landmark. The grant funding will help safeguard the fire station’s future as a vibrant community hub in Redcliffe.

Published 19-July-2024