Moreton Bay Council Archives

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

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

Redcliffe Streets Targeted in New Flood Mitigation Plan

Photo Credit: Rachael Greany/Facebook

Redcliffe homes hit by sewage backflows and rising costs are now set to benefit from a five-point flood plan aimed at lasting relief.

Ongoing Flood Risk

The April 2025 storm dumped more than 80 millimetres of rain in just an hour, swamping Grant and Shields Streets. Instead of draining to the ocean, water surged back through pipes, filling homes with sewage and waste. Families said insurance bills have soared, while some properties can no longer be covered.

Resident Lucy Salerno told Council that runoff from the showgrounds and high school pushes into drains too narrow to cope. She said the result is damage to homes and contamination of sewerage lines.

Council’s Five-Point Plan

Councillors have backed a plan to ease Redcliffe’s flood risk after years of resident complaints. It includes tougher inspections, new storm water pits, and trials of temporary barriers in high-risk spots. A major drainage study will map long-term fixes, while Council pushes for a buyback scheme to help the worst-hit owners.

CEO Scott Waters said ageing pipes from the 1960s and 1980s can no longer handle today’s conditions. He warned heavier rainfall is now common, making resilience a pressing priority.

Councillor’s Community Push

Councillor Karl Winchester said Redcliffe residents have been battered by three major floods in ten years, leaving many worn down. He said water rushing from the catchment overwhelms the area’s narrow drains, causing repeat damage.

Winchester backed a buyback scheme as one of the only real options for unit owners facing constant losses. He has been letterboxing residents with updates and pledged to press for firm timelines. He added that community voices have been crucial in pushing Council to act.

Long History of Studies

The flooding in Grant and Shields Streets is not new. Multiple studies have been commissioned since 2000, with the latest review set to reassess the area’s drainage needs. Council officers told the meeting it was a complex situation requiring a mix of strategies rather than a single fix.

Residents remain hopeful the latest plan will bring lasting improvements, with Council now committed to finding both short-term relief and long-term resilience.

Published 11-September-2025

Redcliffe Locals Slam Inaction as Unit Block Faces Flood Crisis Again

Photo Credit: Pexels

Residents at a flood-affected unit complex in Redcliffe are demanding immediate intervention after repeated inundation has left their homes uninhabitable and at risk of becoming uninsurable.

Renewed Flooding Sparks Public Outcry in Redcliffe

Residents of a unit block at 20 Grant Street in Redcliffe are calling for urgent assistance after being inundated by floodwaters for the third time in three years. The most recent event in April 2025 has intensified concerns over the lack of visible infrastructure upgrades and the growing impact of repeated storm events.

Grant Street flooding — *Photo Credit: Rachael Greany/Facebook*

Residents Still Paying for Past Disasters

The complex was previously flooded twice in one day in 2022, with water levels rising above 1.2 metres. The April 2025 flooding caused further extensive damage. Residents now face a $100,000 insurance excess for repairs and have been warned that their building will become uninsurable by 24 May 2025.

Since the 2022 floods, residents report continued financial pressure from lost belongings, inflated premiums, and difficulty securing insurance. While some recall earlier assurances of future flood mitigation, no specific changes to stormwater systems have been confirmed.

Stormwater System Again Under Scrutiny

Residents believe that stormwater infrastructure failed again in April, as water appeared to back up through drains during heavy rainfall and high tide. There are concerns that existing drainage cannot handle the combined effects of weather and ongoing urban development.

Redcliffe flood damage — *Photo Credit: Rachael Greany/Facebook*

The City of Moreton Bay stated that 47mm of rain fell within 30 minutes, a level exceeding the 1 per cent Annual Exceedance Probability. The affected site sits at one of the street’s lowest points and has been identified as flood-prone in studies dating back to 2000.

Council maintains that increased population density has limited impact on the drainage network and that routine maintenance, including culvert clearing, is conducted in the area.

Community Raises Concerns Over Council Response

Some residents say they received strong assistance after the 2022 floods, which occurred close to election time. One resident described early support such as clean-up services and skip bin provision, followed by years of what they viewed as inaction.

Comments posted publicly by affected locals express disappointment with the council’s continued handling of the issue. Multiple residents claim they raised concerns after the first flood but received responses indicating no further action would be taken.

Redcliffe flooding — *Photo Credit: Rachael Greany/Facebook*

Vulnerable Residents Impacted

During the April 2025 flood, an 80-year-old resident required emergency assistance to leave her unit. Her family reported that nearby stormwater drains were obstructed by debris from recent tree removal. She is now seeking alternative accommodation.

Limited Avenues for Relief Remain

Council confirmed that it continues to correspond with affected residents but noted that the Voluntary Home Buy-Back scheme ended in June 2023. Insurance arrangements remain at the discretion of private providers.

Residents are now exploring legal options to pursue structural mitigation or compensation. Calls for further government involvement continue, as many in the Redcliffe area report ongoing uncertainty over flood resilience.

Published 7-May-2025

Talobilla Park to Become Home of $4.8M Clubhouse for Redcliffe Softball Community

Photo Credit: Senator Anthony Chisholm/Facebook

A major upgrade at Talobilla Park in Kippa-Ring will deliver a brand-new $4.8 million clubhouse for the Redcliffe Leagues Softball Association, supporting hundreds of players and volunteers who rely on the local grounds each season.

A Boost for Local Sport

Construction is set to begin in mid-2025 and take around 12 months, with funding shared by the City of Moreton Bay and the Australian Government’s Thriving Suburbs Program.

*Photo Credit: Senator Anthony Chisholm/Facebook*

The clubhouse will feature change rooms, a clubroom, a kitchen, and other key facilities, creating a central, accessible space for games, training, and events for over 700 members.

City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said the upgrade reflects the region’s growth and the council’s push to keep local sport facilities up to standard, adding it could attract higher-level competitions and boost local business.

Designed for Inclusion and Growth

More than $2.4 million in federal funding has been committed to the project. Senator Anthony Chisholm said the new clubhouse will give people of all ages more opportunities to stay active and socially connected.

Division 5 Councillor Sandra Ruck said the clubhouse will support local clubs as the region grows and recognises the ongoing efforts of weekend volunteers in grassroots sport.

Meeting Community Needs

The project is part of a broader plan to upgrade sport venues across Moreton Bay, with Talobilla Park set to play a key role in meeting current and future demand for softball and baseball.

The Redcliffe Leagues Softball Association, which has served the community for many years, will gain a much-needed upgrade to continue supporting players, families, and the next generation of athletes.

Published 14-April-2025

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

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

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

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.

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