Moreton Bay City Council Archives

Kippa Ring Club Secures New Lease In Major Boost For Local Baseball

A long term home for community baseball in Kippa Ring moved a step forward after the Peninsula Padres received a new lease that locks in the club’s place at Talobilla Park for the years ahead.

Lease Strengthens Stability For The Club

The group secured certainty for its upgrade plans with a new 10 year peppercorn lease at one dollar a year. The agreement formalises the Padres’ long presence in Kippa Ring and gives members stable access to their grounds during major works.

Officials said the arrangement supports clubs with strong community involvement. The Padres have played at Talobilla Park since the early 2000s and now have more than 400 participants.

Temporary Space Helps Day To Day Operations

Council support also includes a demountable building that will hold storage, meeting space, a larger canteen and an umpire room. The structure came from a Council depot and is expected to be in place before the busy summer period. Club leaders said the temporary facilities will support games, training and fundraising while the main clubhouse is built.

The added canteen space is expected to lift food service capacity on game days. The extra storage and meeting room will help volunteers manage equipment and plan activities without relying on makeshift areas around the park.

New Clubhouse Project Progresses

Work on the new district level clubhouse started after the lease approval, with a project value of 4.8 million dollars funded by the federal government and the Council. Plans include change rooms, an umpire room, a first aid space, a kitchen, storage and a clubroom for events.

The goal is to improve comfort and accessibility for players, officials and visitors. Council statements note the strong community use of Talobilla Park and say the Padres’ size and activity levels supported the investment.

Community Impact And Next Steps

The renewed lease, temporary demountable and new clubhouse work together to support stable operations for a long established club in Kippa Ring. Families using Talobilla Park are expected to see smoother scheduling, better amenities and more space for gatherings. Council leaders say the project reflects a citywide focus on supporting grassroots sport.

Construction will roll out in stages while the Padres keep their normal schedule, with long term tenure and upgraded facilities helping the club plan ahead and strengthen participation.

Published 08-December-2025

Redcliffe Tigers Honour Houghton with New Clubhouse Naming

Photo Credit: Redcliffe Tigers AFC/Facebook

The Redcliffe Tigers have honoured the late James Houghton, a passionate supporter and long-time advocate for the club, by naming their new clubhouse after him. The “James Houghton Clubhouse” recognises his significant contributions to the Tigers and the wider Redcliffe community.

A Lasting Tribute to a Devoted Supporter

The Redcliffe Tigers have officially named their new clubhouse after James Houghton, who passed away in 2023 while on holiday in New Zealand. Mr Houghton, known for his unwavering support, played a key role in securing the Tigers’ current home at Nathan Road, which replaced their previous flood-prone ground at Rothwell.

The naming ceremony took place on 22 March, with notable attendees including local officials Peter Flannery, Sandra Ruck and Karl Winchester. Mr Flannery praised Mr Houghton’s dedication, highlighting his instrumental role in advocating for the Nathan Road Sporting Complex, built in 2020. The new facility was developed with $18.8 million in funding from the Moreton Bay Regional Council, which aimed to provide a state-of-the-art space for local AFL.

Honouring a Community Leader

James Houghton’s contributions to Redcliffe extended beyond sport. He served as a councillor for 19 years, initially with Redcliffe City Council in the 1970s and later with Moreton Bay Regional Council from 2008 to 2020. Known for his straightforward and dedicated approach, Mr Houghton was instrumental in advocating for local infrastructure projects, including the development of the Nathan Road Sports Complex.

Nathan Road Sports Complex — *Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay*

During his time in office, Mr Houghton was an advocate for community sports and infrastructure improvements. In 2019, he actively sought $3.2 million for the next phase of the Nathan Road Sports Complex, aiming to enhance sporting facilities for the Redcliffe community. The facility now includes an AFL oval the size of the MCG, multipurpose fields, and a modern clubhouse.

Beyond his political career, Mr Houghton had a strong connection to local sports. In the 1960s, he played rugby league for the Redcliffe Dolphins and was part of the 1965 premiership-winning team. His passion for community sport and dedication to local development made him a respected figure throughout Redcliffe.

Community Celebration

The tribute coincided with the annual Councillors Cup, the traditional opening event of the AFL season. The Tigers secured a narrow victory against Moreton Bay. They won by four points (10-7-67 to 9-9-63). The day also featured matches from the Under 17 Boys’, Under 17 Girls’, and Reserves teams.

*Photo Credit: Redcliffe Tigers AFC/Facebook*

The event attracted a large crowd, including past players and Mr Houghton’s family. The club expressed gratitude to the many volunteers and sponsors who made the day possible.

Redcliffe Tigers Clubhouse — *Photo Credit: Redcliffe Tigers AFC/Facebook*

A Lasting Legacy

With the new clubhouse bearing his name, Mr Houghton’s legacy will continue to inspire the Redcliffe Tigers and the broader community for years to come. The club remains proud of the enduring mark one of its most dedicated supporters left.

Published 2-Apr-2025

Redcliffe Residents Respond to New Public Camping Regulations

Redcliffe residents will soon see a significant shift in local regulations as Moreton has banned camping in public spaces. This decision followed increasing reports of safety and public health issues.

The ban on camping in public places, which will take effect Wednesday, 12 March, repeals the previous framework, which allowed for managed camping by those experiencing homelessness.

Reasons for the Change

The decision came after many residents expressed concerns about activities in public parks. They reported witnessing drug use, people carrying dangerous weapons, and aggressive behaviour. Additionally, issues such as littering, public toileting, and the presence of used syringes were raised.

Council explained that the previous “Persons Experiencing Homeless Camping Framework” had given them the ability to manage camping, but they felt it was not working as intended. Moreton Bay’s Chief Executive Officer stated that the framework allowed people to camp for long periods if they followed certain rules, such as keeping the area clean and not blocking public access. However, Council has now aligned its rules with other councils in South-East Queensland.

Council’s Stance

Mayor Peter Flannery said Council tried to be understanding when introducing the original framework. He said that over time, it became clear that the system was being misused by individuals who wanted free camping. The leaders emphasised that their primary responsibility is to the people who pay rates in the city. They felt that the illegal camping was negatively impacting the community.

Council also stated that some people refused offers of crisis accommodation and instead chose to camp in public areas. They reported that some individuals had specific demands for accommodation, such as certain locations or amenities.

Council clarified that they are not responsible for providing housing, stating that this is the responsibility of the State. They have called on the Department of Housing, Department of Health, and the police to take action.

Community Impact and Feedback

Deputy Mayor Jodie Shipway expressed sadness that people felt forced to live in such conditions. She highlighted the health and safety risks for both those camping and the wider community and council staff.

Cr Karl Winchester reported receiving complaints from schools, community groups, and residents who felt unable to use public parks safely. Cr Adam Hain said the original framework’s intentions were good, but Council had become too lenient.

He shared that some playgrounds had been closed for months due to encampments and that residents were experiencing severe problems near their homes. He also relayed reports of illegal drug deals happening in front of parents at sporting events. Council acknowledged that the change would affect people experiencing homelessness and urged state agencies to assist.

Published Date 03-March-2025