Redcliffe news Archives - Redcliffe Today

Major Redcliffe Hospital Upgrade Moves Ahead With New Carpark And Services

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

Expert Warns of ‘Cluster of Bites’ After Moreton Bay Shark Attack Near Redcliffe

Photo Credit: Alexander W/Google Maps

A 29-year-old man was bitten by a shark off Moreton Island, across from Redcliffe in Moreton Bay, marking the second attack in the area this month. The incident occurred near the Wrecks Walking Track, a popular snorkelling site, prompting concerns among marine experts about an increasing “cluster of bites” in the region.

The incident occurred near the Wrecks Walking Track. — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Second Attack in a Month Raises Alarm

The attack took place around 3 p.m. on Saturday, 22 February 2025, with the victim reportedly snorkelling alone just five metres from shore at the Tangalooma Wrecks. Emergency services treated him for abdominal and leg injuries before he was airlifted to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane. The man was stable upon arrival and has since been released.

This marks the second shark attack in Moreton Bay in February. The first was the tragic death of 17-year-old Charlize Zmuda, who was fatally bitten by a shark at Woorim Beach, Bribie Island, earlier this month.

Recent Shark Attacks in Queensland Waters

The latest Moreton Bay attack is the fourth shark bite incident in Queensland waters in recent months:

February 2025 – Charlize Zmuda, 17, fatally bitten off Bribie Island
December 2024 – A man hospitalised after a shark bite at Curtis Island
December 2024 – Luke Walford, 40, killed by a shark at Humpy Island

Australia has seen a long-term rise in shark attacks. The experts attribute it to a growing population and increased ocean activity rather than an increase in aggressive shark behaviour.

Shark Attack Redcliffe — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Shark Expert Warns of ‘Cluster of Bites’

Shark attack expert Dr Daryl McPhee from Bond University has warned that Moreton Bay is experiencing a “cluster of bites.” It is a pattern of multiple attacks occurring in the same region over a short period.

Clusters like this have previously been recorded in the Whitsundays, northern New South Wales, and Perth. According to Dr McPhee, various factors could be at play, including:

Increased prey presence in the area, attracting large sharks
Dolphin feeding habits, which can draw predators closer to shore
Seasonal changes affecting shark migration and feeding behaviour

While Dr McPhee acknowledges that bad luck plays a role, he notes that Moreton Bay’s waters are currently seeing increased shark activity.

Community Response

Following the latest attack, city official David Crisafulli addressed the state’s shark management program. He stated that the authorities are actively reviewing safety measures. Despite concerns, Tangalooma Island Resort director David James confirmed that tourism had not been significantly impacted by the incident.

What’s Next?

Authorities have yet to identify the species of shark involved in the attack. Fisheries Queensland confirmed that no Shark Control Program measures are in place at the Wrecks site, raising further questions about safety precautions in high-traffic snorkelling and swimming areas.

A government review of shark safety policies is expected to be released soon. Mr Crisafulli reiterated that human safety will take priority over other considerations.

Marine experts advise swimmers, divers, and snorkellers in Moreton Bay to exercise caution, particularly in areas with known shark activity.

Published 24-Feb-2025

New Data Reveals Top Causes Of Crashes In Redcliffe And Its Neighbouring Suburbs

Photo Credit: Alexas_Fotos/Pixabay

Redcliffe is the third suburb in Moreton with the most number of crashes for the week ending on Sunday, 5 January 2020, as revealed by the latest data compiled by the Deception Bay Road Policing Unit.

According to Moreton Police District statistics, six out of these 37 crashes reported happened in Redcliffe. It is third on the list, tied with Bribie Island also with six reported crashes. They were next to Caboolture with 14 reported crashes and Deception Bay with seven crashes.

“Hit and run” was the leading cause of traffic crashes. The second was public reported minor matters, most were as a result of poor parking in crowded shopping areas. Here are the other causes with the corresponding number of cases:

Drive without due care	1
Fail to give way	2
Drink driving	3
Follow too close	2
Fail to maintain proper control	3
Dangerous operation of a vehicle	2
Further enquiries	1

Senior Sergeant Garth Peake said speed cameras were operated on 34 occasions across the district in areas at Redcliffe, Bribie Island, Caboolture, Deception Bay, Woodford and Kilcoy. A deployment on Klingner Road, Redcliffe detected 14 alleged offences with a high speed recorded at 88km/h in the 60km/h zone.

There were two cases of drink driving as well as two of drug driving in Redcliffe, which includes Moreton Island. Despite this, the police district reported that 2019 finished up on a positive note with a reduction in the recorded number of fatal crashes. In fact, the statistics show this to be the best result in the past ten years.

Further information can be found on the Moreton Police District website.