Redcliffe news Archives - Redcliffe Today

Kayo Stadium Swap From Rugby League to Softball Locked in for 2027

Kayo Stadium will swap rugby league goalposts for home plates after the Dolphins’ home ground was selected to host the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Finals, bringing international teams and global attention to Moreton Bay.

The tournament will run from 5 to 11 April 2027, with organisers confirming the stadium will be converted into a purpose-built softball diamond for the event. The finals will also serve as a qualifying pathway toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Organisers have described the tournament as Queensland’s first major international team event linked to the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Officials from Softball Australia, the City of Moreton Bay, the Dolphins organisation and Softball Queensland gathered at Kayo Stadium this week to confirm the venue announcement alongside members of the Aussie Spirit national team.

Softball Australia chief executive Sarah Loh said the stadium setting would give the sport a larger audience and create stronger connections with young players and families across the country. She said the event was expected to encourage more girls and women to become involved in softball.

Softball Australia CEO Sarah Loh announces the 2027 Softball World Cup Venue at Redcliffe Leagues Club.
Photo Credit: Scott Powick Softball Australia Media/Supplied

From Dolphins Territory to International Softball Diamond

Kayo Stadium has long been known as the home of the Dolphins and one of Queensland’s established rugby league venues.

The switch to softball will see the ground temporarily redesigned with an international-standard diamond, enhanced broadcast facilities and upgraded spectator access for the tournament.

*Softball Australia Head Coach Kerrie Porter with Team Spirit players Nicole Conacher & Jayme Reddacliff during the 2027 Softball World Cup Venue announcement at Redcliffe Leagues Club.*
*Photo Credit: Scott Powick Softball Australia Media/SUPPLIED*

The 10,000-seat venue already features modern player facilities, stadium lighting and transport links through Kippa-Ring station, making it suitable for an event expected to draw teams and supporters from around the world.

For local sports fans, the tournament will mark a rare shift from the stadium’s usual rugby league setup to an international softball layout.

Dolphins Group president Bob Jones joined the announcement in Redcliffe, highlighting the partnership between the rugby league club, Softball Australia and Moreton Bay Council in bringing the event to the area.

Talobilla Park to Host Training and Warm-Up Sessions

While Kayo Stadium will host the main tournament matches, Talobilla Park will continue to play a major role throughout the week.

The Redcliffe softball venue, which had originally been announced as the tournament host site, will instead operate as the official training and warm-up base for competing teams.

That means international players and coaching staff are expected to spend time across multiple parts of the Peninsula during the event.

Mr Peter Flannery said the tournament would help strengthen Moreton Bay’s standing as a destination for major sporting events while also bringing long-term benefits to the community.

He said the partnership between council, Softball Australia and the Dolphins would help keep Redcliffe closely connected to the World Cup experience even with activities spread across different venues.

Local Softball Clubs Prepare for World Cup Spotlight

The arrival of the Women’s Softball World Cup Finals is expected to place fresh attention on grassroots softball across the region.

Representatives from Redcliffe Leagues Softball Association attended the announcement, with organisers pointing to the opportunity for local juniors to watch elite international players compete in their own backyard.

The Aussie Spirit is expected to face seven of the world’s leading softball nations during the tournament, giving local fans a chance to see Olympic-level athletes without leaving southeast Queensland.

Federal Sport Minister Anika Wells said the event would help place women’s sport in front of larger crowds and younger audiences, particularly with matches being staged inside a stadium environment rather than a traditional softball complex.

Queensland Sport Minister Tim Mander also linked the event to the growing focus on participation ahead of Brisbane 2032, saying international tournaments often encourage children to become involved in local sport.

World Cup Event Adds to Redcliffe’s Sporting Schedule

The World Cup announcement adds another major event to Redcliffe’s sporting calendar following the Dolphins’ entry into the NRL and continued investment across Moreton Bay sporting infrastructure.

The tournament is expected to bring teams, officials and supporters to the region during the week-long competition period.

The event will also place Kayo Stadium in front of international television audiences as softball prepares for its return to the Olympic spotlight.

Fans can register for tournament updates and ticket information through Softball Australia.

Published 19-May-2026

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

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.