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Moreton Bay Opens Sandbag Stations as Severe Weather Threat Looms

Communities across Moreton Bay are on alert as crews deploy emergency sandbag stations ahead of severe weather expected to affect the region. The move aims to help residents reduce the risk of floodwater entering their properties, as authorities warn heavy rain and storms could cause flash flooding and rising waterways across vulnerable suburbs.

Severe weather warnings and flood watches have been issued for parts of South East Queensland, with the Bureau of Meteorology warning heavy rainfall could impact catchments, including local creeks and rivers, in the coming days. The agency also warns of minor to moderate flooding from Friday and through the weekend, with rapid river rises and isolated major flooding possible where the heaviest rain falls.

‘If it’s flooded, forget it’

From Friday afternoon, 13 February, Mayor Peter Flannery urged households to take simple steps that can make a big difference if storms hit hard: clear gutters, clean up yards, pack an emergency kit, check insurance and prepare a household emergency plan. He also encouraged residents to download a flood check property report to better understand their local risk.

His main message was short and direct: “If it’s flooded, forget it.” The warning comes as crews monitor low-lying areas and roads that can become dangerous quickly during intense downpours.

Sandbags: where to go and what to bring

The City of Moreton Bay confirmed sandbag stations are now operating at multiple locations.

Arana Hills SES — 2 Pine Hills Drive (off Jinker Track)
Beachmere — Rogers Street Sports Ground
Bribie Island SES — 208–224 First Ave.
Caboolture Council Depot — corner of Commercial Drive and Machinery Parade
**Deception Bay Council De Bay Road
Elimbah — Coronation Drive (opposite the church in the median strip)
Narangba — Oakey Flat Road (between the Raynbird Road and Sovereign Drive roundabouts)
Petrie SES — 3 Woonara Drive
Woodford Depot — 20 Durundur St., Woodford
Woodford Memorial Hall (rear car park) — 103 Archer St.
Dayboro Depot — 73 Bradley St.
Margate Depot — Jull St.
Toorbul and Donnybrook Seniors Club — 1798 Pumicestone Road

Residents can check live updates through the City of Moreton Bay Disaster Dashboard, which also provides road closure updates and weather alerts.

Council officials are reminding residents that while sandbags can help limit water entering homes, they do not completely stop flooding. People attending collection points are asked to bring their own shovels, as bags must be filled on-site.

Authorities are also encouraging residents to sign up for MoretonAlert, a free warning system that sends SMS, phone and email alerts based on a resident’s local address. The service is designed to give early notice about severe weather, flooding risks and emergency situations.

For residents who cannot collect sandbags themselves due to age, illness or physical limitations, assistance may be available through the State Emergency Service by calling 132 500.

SES on standby

Council said its roads and drainage teams, along with the SES, are on standby. The council’s Local Disaster Management Group has also been put on alert as the weather system develops. Residents can track road closures and official updates on the City of Moreton Bay Disaster Dashboard.

In addition to sandbag distribution, council-operated places of refuge have opened at several library locations across the region. These locations provide safe shelter options if conditions worsen.

Burpengary Library — 121 Station Road, Burpengary
Deception Bay Library — 9 Bayview Terrace
Redcliffe Library — 476 Oxley Ave.
Albany Creek Library — 16 Ferguson St.
Bribie Island Library — 1 Welsby Parade, Bongaree
Arana Hills Library — 63 Cobbity Cres.
Woodford Library — 1 Elizabeth St.
Caboolture Hub Library — 4 Hasking St.
North Lakes Library — 10 The Corso

Emergency services are urging residents to stay informed, monitor weather warnings and prepare emergency plans, particularly those living in flood-prone areas or near waterways. Residents can also track official warnings through the Bureau of Meteorology website for updated forecasts and storm alerts.

Published 13-Feb-2026

Castle Hill Village in Murrumba Downs Changes Ownership

Castle Hill Village in Murrumba Downs has changed hands, marking a significant retail property transaction in Brisbane’s northern suburbs.

Read: Murrumba Downs Sisters Bag $100k Windfall While Running Errands

Located at 264 Dohles Rocks Road, Castle Hill Village occupies a 9,733 square-metre site and is anchored by an IGA supermarket and a McDonald’s restaurant with drive-through. The centre also includes a BWS liquor outlet, a medical centre and a range of specialty tenancies spread across three separate buildings.

The property had been held by Perth-based Westbridge Funds Management since 2017, when it was acquired through a vehicle associated with Mair Property Funds. That purchase represented the group’s first investment in Queensland.

The recent transaction was managed by CBRE’s Michael Hedger and Joe Tynan, who oversaw the marketing campaign. Reports indicate that the property traded for about $21.2 million, reflecting a net passing yield of around 5.5 per cent. The buyer has not been publicly identified.

Castle Hill Village comprises 16 tenancies and services the surrounding residential catchment in Murrumba Downs and nearby northern Brisbane suburbs. Its tenant mix focuses on everyday retail and essential services, including grocery, food, health and convenience offerings.

For residents in Murrumba Downs and neighbouring communities such as Albany Creek, centres like Castle Hill Village play a practical role in daily life. With a supermarket, takeaway dining and medical services in one location, the centre provides a convenient stop for routine errands along Dohles Rocks Road.

Westbridge’s divestment of Castle Hill Village follows an eight-year holding period. The group originally secured the asset as part of a broader strategy to invest in income-producing retail properties supported by established tenants.

There has been no announcement of immediate changes to tenancies or operations at Castle Hill Village following the transition in ownership.

Read: Couple Reunited With Cat They Lost in Murrumba Downs 10 Years Ago

The transaction adds to activity in Brisbane’s suburban retail property market, particularly for centres anchored by supermarkets and national food operators. Assets with established tenants and stable income streams continue to draw attention from investors seeking neighbourhood retail exposure.

For local shoppers, the change in ownership is unlikely to affect day-to-day visits. Castle Hill Village remains a familiar retail hub for households across Murrumba Downs and Brisbane’s north, continuing to provide essential services within easy reach of home.

Published 12-February-2026

From Warner Dance Studio to Queensland Ballet: Eatons Hill Local’s Journey to Professional Stage

A 22-year-old from Eatons Hill is pirouetting his way into the spotlight after securing a position with Queensland Ballet, one of Australia’s most prestigious dance companies. Taron Geyl’s journey from his mother’s suburban dance studio to the professional stage demonstrates what local talent can achieve with dedication and proper training.

Read: Stationery Aid Founders Jan and Alison Schutt of Bunya Receive Community Spirit Awards

Early Beginnings

Geyl’s story began at 5th Element Dance in Warner, formerly known as Nicole Marshman Dance. The studio, run by his mother, Nicole Marshman, was where his passion for movement first took hold. His mother’s influence proved pivotal in those early years, providing both the inspiration and foundation for what would become a professional career.

While ballet remained at the core of his training, Geyl’s dance education was diverse. He explored jazz, contemporary, and acrobatics, and even dabbled in musical theatre and singing. This well-rounded approach gave him versatility, but it was classical ballet that ultimately captured his heart and shaped his future.

The Path to Professional Ballet

The transition from local student to professional dancer followed a structured pathway. In 2015, Geyl joined Queensland Ballet’s Associate Program, an experience that crystallised his professional aspirations. The following year, participation in the Australian Ballet’s Interstate Training Program further confirmed his commitment to dance as a career. Though he considered opportunities interstate, Queensland Ballet ultimately became his professional home.

Landing the position wasn’t handed to him. Geyl faced an open audition, competing against other talented dancers in what he describes as a nerve-racking yet thrilling experience. The successful outcome marked a transformative moment, transitioning him from student to professional artist.

Life as a Professional Dancer

The daily reality of working with Queensland Ballet reflects the rigorous discipline required at elite level. Geyl arrives at the studio 45 minutes before class to warm up properly. Company class runs for approximately 90 minutes each morning, followed by full-day rehearsals for upcoming productions. It’s a demanding schedule requiring both physical stamina and mental focus.

Since joining the company, Geyl has accumulated impressive performance credits including Ben Stevenson’s The Nutcracker, Liam Scarlett’s Dangerous Liaisons, and Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s Romeo and Juliet and Manon. He’s also performed in Wayne McGregor’s Wolf Works and works by prominent Australian choreographers including Jack Lister, Natalie Weir, Greg Horsman, and Paul Boyd.

Career-Defining Moments

Among his performances, Dangerous Liaisons stands out as particularly challenging. As a first-year company member, Geyl was tasked with learning four different roles—three of them major characters—often rehearsing them simultaneously. The pressure intensified when he was called upon at short notice to step into the principal role of Danceny. The experience tested his limits and required support from fellow dancers and artistic staff.

Another milestone came with Jack Lister’s Gemini, a production Geyl particularly admires. Performing a solo at the opening, alongside nearly the entire company at the Lyric Theatre at QPAC, represented a significant achievement early in his professional journey.

Looking Forward

What drives Geyl through the demands of professional ballet? He credits a strong internal motivation to become the best dancer possible. Working in such a high-level environment means constant inspiration from the exceptional standard of his peers. He emphasises that consistency and discipline are essential, approaching even difficult days as opportunities for learning and growth.

Geyl’s ambitions extend beyond the stage. Within Queensland Ballet, he aspires to achieve the position of Principal Dancer. He’s also cultivating a substantial digital presence, with more than 500,000 followers on TikTok (@tgeyl123) and a growing audience on Instagram (taron.geyl).

For aspiring dancers, Geyl offers practical advice: don’t take everything too seriously, stay curious, and learn from every experience, no matter how insignificant it may seem.

Read: Albany Creek Brumbies Mark 30 Years As Junior Rugby Club

Community Pride

For the Eatons Hill and Warner communities that watched Geyl develop his craft, his success represents something meaningful. It’s a reminder that world-class talent can emerge from local dance studios, and that with dedication, proper training, and strong community support, even the most prestigious stages are within reach for young people with determination and dreams.

Published 4-February-2026

Bray Park Locals Welcome Revamped John Bray Park

Families in Bray Park have a fresh reason to head outdoors, with the upgraded John Bray Park now officially open following a major transformation into a nature-inspired destination playground.

The revamped park on Walsham Street was celebrated at an opening event on 21 January, unveiling an all-ages play space designed around the area’s natural character and existing trees. The new playground features a Scribbly Gum moth cocoon play tower, a crawl tunnel shaped like a tree log, and wet and dry creek beds that encourage imaginative, active play.

More than 100 new eucalyptus trees have been planted as part of the upgrade, adding shade and strengthening the park’s nature focus.

Mayor Peter Flannery said the project was shaped by local community feedback and aimed to deliver a welcoming space that supports wellbeing for residents of all ages.

“It’s truly a park for everyone,” Mayor Flannery said, highlighting features such as open turf areas for ball games, shaded picnic facilities, a multipurpose sport and pickleball court, and fitness equipment.

The upgrade also includes an accessible amenities block and additional car parking, helping ensure more people can comfortably visit and spend time at the park.

John Bray Park is now easier to reach for locals and visitors, with a footpath linking the park to Bray Park train station and Strathpine Centre—making it a convenient stop for families looking to walk, ride, or explore the neighbourhood.

Division 8 Councillor Jim Moloney said the strong community turnout at the opening event reflected how much the green space means to locals.

“John Bray Park has always been a well-loved green space, and this upgrade takes it to the next level,” Cr Moloney said.

With a mix of nature play, sport and recreation facilities, and quiet shaded areas, the upgraded park offers space for everything from weekend picnics and after-school play to casual kick-arounds and fitness sessions.

The project forms part of City of Moreton Bay’s broader push to expand and improve parks, playgrounds and open spaces as the region grows—while also protecting key local environmental corridors.

What’s new at John Bray Park

Nature-inspired playground with cocoon play tower, log tunnel, and creek-bed play areas
Over 100 new eucalyptus trees planted
Open turf areas, shaded picnic facilities, and fitness equipment
Multipurpose sport and pickleball court
Accessible amenities and added car parking
Footpath links to Bray Park train station and Strathpine Centre

Published 29-Jan-2026

Stationery Aid Founders Jan and Alison Schutt of Bunya Receive Community Spirit Awards

Stationery Aid

Jan and Alison Schutt of Bunya have received the Community Spirit Awards in the City of Moreton Bay 2026 Australia Day Awards for their grassroots initiative helping disadvantaged students access school supplies.

The husband and wife team founded Stationery Aid, which has collected, sorted and repackaged excess school supplies for more than 2,660 students across 185 schools.

Turning unused stationery into student support

Jan and Alison Schutt noticed their children returned from school each year with unused stationery, only to purchase more supplies the following year. Rather than accept this waste, the Bunya couple created Stationery Aid to redirect excess supplies to families struggling to afford school essentials.

They established collection points at local churches, then expanded by engaging businesses and school chaplains to tailor packs to individual student needs. The network grew to include Scripture Union, Lions Clubs, Officeworks and local businesses willing to support the cause.

To date, Stationery Aid has helped over 2,660 students, diverted more than 70 tonnes of waste from landfill, and mobilised over 230 volunteers. The grassroots initiative has shared their model to inspire similar programs, proving a simple observation about waste can create lasting community impact.

Jan and Alison volunteer countless hours not only through Stationery Aid but also through organisations including Lions International. Their work addresses both educational access and environmental sustainability simultaneously.

What these Australia Day awards mean for Bunya Residents

The City of Moreton Bay Australia Day Awards recognise locals who strengthen communities through volunteer work, innovation and sustained commitment. Unlike national honours, these council awards celebrate grassroots contributions happening within Moreton Bay’s suburbs and towns.

For Bunya residents, seeing Jan and Alison Schutt honoured highlights how local initiatives can scale from neighbourhood observations into programs serving thousands. Their work proves community impact doesn’t require major funding or institutional backing, just persistent effort and willingness to organise solutions.

Published 28-January-2026.

New Artist Impressions Outline Country Club Hotel Project In Strathpine

Photo Credit: Comiskey Group

New artist impressions have been released for the Country Club Hotel project in Strathpine, providing a clearer look at a large hospitality and entertainment venue currently under construction on Gympie Road.

Project Overview

The Country Club Hotel is being built at 90 Gympie Road, Strathpine, opposite Pine Rivers Park. The development has been described as a $50 million project and is expected to open in early 2026, with other material indicating a broader 2026 opening timeframe.

The project is being delivered by the Comiskey Group and is designed as a multi-use venue combining hospitality, recreation and live entertainment.

Strathpine Country Club Hotel — Photo Credit: Comiskey Group

Planned Facilities

Plans released for the Strathpine site show a wide range of indoor sporting and leisure facilities. These include an arcade, eight bowling lanes, pickleball courts, virtual baseball simulators, karaoke rooms and half-sized basketball courts.

The venue is also planned to include several dining areas and bars, along with both indoor and outdoor seating spaces. Large-screen viewing areas are incorporated into the design, allowing for live sport and event broadcasts within the venue.

entertainment venu — Photo Credit: Comiskey Group

Live Music And Outdoor Spaces

An outdoor beer garden forms part of the plans and includes a stage intended for regular live music performances. The venue has been promoted as providing opportunities for local musicians to perform as part of its entertainment offering.

Adjacent Uses On The Site

The Country Club Hotel will sit alongside additional facilities within the same precinct. Plans include a Guzman y Gomez outlet and food precinct, as well as a 6,000 square metre Area 51 indoor play centre.

Material released for the project describes the Area 51 facility as an indoor recreation space designed for families and groups, featuring a range of activities typically associated with large-scale play centres.

hospitality development — Photo Credit: Comiskey Group

Historical Context

The new venue takes its name from the former Country Club Hotel, a long-running Strathpine pub that operated from the late 1950s through to the early 2000s. The earlier hotel was also used as a wedding venue during its years of operation.

An archival photograph of the former Country Club Hotel on Gympie Road, dated to around 1970, is held within a local library collection, reflecting the site’s place in Strathpine’s hospitality history.

What Comes Next

Construction at the Gympie Road site is ongoing. Once completed, the Country Club Hotel is expected to add a new mix of dining, sport, recreation and live entertainment options to Strathpine, contributing to the area’s evolving hospitality landscape.

Published 27-Jan-2026

Boondall Police Facility Upgrade Set To Commence

Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

The Boondall police facility has been listed for a commencing $52 million upgrade in the 2025–26 Budget materials, placing the project within a broader program of police facility improvements across the Brisbane area.

Funding Allocation And Project Status

The budget materials identify a $52 million allocation for the Boondall police facility, recorded as commencing within the current funding cycle. The listing confirms that funding has been assigned to the project, but does not provide further detail on the nature or scope of the planned works.

The Boondall upgrade appears as part of a wider set of police infrastructure projects noted in the same budget information. These listings include upgrades at other locations across Brisbane, reflecting a regional approach to police facility investment rather than a standalone project for a single site.

Boondall police upgrade — Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

Regional Infrastructure Context

Within the same budget materials, the Boondall project is listed alongside other funded police facility upgrades, including $30 million for Mount Gravatt, $7 million for Ferny Grove, and $50 million for an upgrade to the Oxley Police Academy. Together, these projects form part of a broader package of infrastructure works outlined for the region.

Beyond police facilities, the materials also reference a wide range of funded projects across Brisbane and surrounding areas. These include investments in health services, road upgrades, education facilities, community infrastructure and other local projects. While these items are not directly related to the Boondall site, they provide broader context for the scale and range of works funded within the same budget cycle.

Brisbane projects — Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

What Happens Next

The Boondall police facility upgrade is recorded as commencing in the budget materials. Further information on the project is expected as additional planning and delivery details are released.

Published 20-Jan-2026

Pine Hills Hockey Club Marks 40th Season In Bunya

Photo Credit: Pine Hills Hockey Club/Facebook

Pine Hills Hockey Club is entering its 40th season, marking a milestone for the community-based club operating out of Bunya.

Four Decades Since 1986

The club was established in 1986, starting with a small number of girls’ teams before expanding over time. The club’s colours are now navy, yellow and white, with earlier beginnings linked to black and yellow.

Pine Hills Hockey Club describes hockey as a sport played across a wide age range, with participation referenced from age five through to 75.

community sport Bunya — Photo Credit: Pine Hills Hockey Club/Facebook

Local Base At James Drysdale Reserve

The club is based at James Drysdale Reserve in Bunya, located on the corner of Jinker Track and Bunya Road. The clubhouse, known as the Sticks and Stones Pavilion, sits within the reserve and is accessed via Sports Lane.

Season Programs For New And Returning Players

In Term 1, 2026, the club is running Hookin2Hockey, a three-week introduction program for children aged five to 12. Sessions are scheduled for Thursdays on 12, 19 and 26 February 2026 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., held at the club’s grass fields at James Drysdale Reserve in Bunya.

The club has advised hockey sticks will be available to borrow during the sessions, with shin guards and mouth guards recommended.

Running at the same time is Back2Hockey, a free program for youths and adults who are beginners or returning to hockey after a long break.

Photo Credit: Pine Hills Hockey Club/Facebook

40th Season Kick-Off Session Held In January

A season kick-off session was held on Saturday 17 January 2026 at Burringbar Turf, Brisbane North Hockey Centre. The session ran from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Players registered for the 2026 season, from under-14s through to Masters, attended the skills and games session, including Pine Rivers/St Andrews Hockey Club teammates. Participation required prior registration through the club website, with a $10 fee per player.

What Happens Next

The club has advised it will use the Stack Team App in 2026 as its approved platform for club communication, while registrations and uniform purchases remain via the website.

Final details for club registration are to be released once Brisbane Hockey Association and Brisbane Women’s Hockey Association finalise their 2026 pricing schedules.

Published 18-Jan-2026

Platypus DNA Monitoring Finds Albany Creek Among 37 Waterways With Detections

Photo Credit: Australian Museum

Platypus DNA detections have included Albany Creek, as an environmental DNA monitoring program shows the species is more widely distributed across local waterways than previously identified.

Monitoring Reveals Broader Platypus Distribution

A three-year platypus monitoring program has confirmed the species is present across a wide range of waterways within the City of Moreton Bay. Using environmental DNA sampling, the program detected platypus DNA across all five major river catchments: Caboolture, North Pine, South Pine, Stanley and Maroochy.

The most recent round of monitoring recorded platypus DNA at 90 sites across 37 creeks and rivers, with results spanning from Albany Creek to Stony Creek. The findings indicate platypuses are present across a broader area than earlier data suggested.

eDNA monitoring — Photo Credit: Australian Museum

How Environmental DNA Sampling Works

Environmental DNA monitoring involves collecting water samples and analysing them for traces of genetic material shed by animals. This approach allows researchers to detect platypus presence without disturbing the animals or their habitat.

Sampling is conducted during the breeding season in July and August, when detection rates are higher. A negative result does not confirm absence, as insufficient DNA in a sample can prevent detection. To address this limitation, the program also uses camera traps and community sightings, which have confirmed platypus activity at several locations where DNA results were negative.

Albany Creek platypus DNA — Photo Credit: Australian Museum

Albany Creek Among Unexpected Locations

The results show platypus DNA was detected not only in bushland waterways but also in creeks running through urban and industrial areas. Albany Creek is among the waterways identified within this wider detection range, highlighting the species’ ability to persist in modified environments.

Program Growth Since 2023

The monitoring program began with a pilot in 2023, testing 84 sites and returning 36 positive detections. It expanded in 2024 to 155 sites, with 71 positive results. The latest round recorded the highest number of detections to date.

While it remains too early to determine long-term population trends, the data is being used to establish a baseline to assess future changes and support ongoing habitat management.

Published 18-Jan-2026

Albany Creek Brumbies Mark 30 Years As Junior Rugby Club

Photo Credit: Albany Creek GPS Brumbies Rugby Club

The Albany Creek Brumbies are preparing to mark 30 years as a junior rugby club in Albany Creek, with sign-on information and 2026 anniversary activity now being shared with the community.

Sign-On Details And Anniversary Offer

A Sign-On Day has been scheduled for Saturday, 7 February, providing an opportunity for new and returning players to register with the club.

As part of its 30-year milestone in 2026, the Albany Creek Brumbies have announced an anniversary initiative offering free fees for the 2026 season to those who register for the club’s newsletter. Instructions on how to claim the offer are expected to be issued to subscribers in January.

Thirty Years In Albany Creek

The Albany Creek GPS Brumbies Rugby Club was established in 1996 as a satellite junior rugby union club and later incorporated as an independent entity.

Over three decades, the club has maintained a focus on junior participation and family involvement, serving players and families across Brisbane’s northside as it approaches its 30-year anniversary in 2026.

Junior Pathways Across Age Groups

The Albany Creek Brumbies operate junior rugby pathways for mixed teams from Under 6 to Under 11, along with boys’ teams from Under 12 to Under 16.

A Girls’ Rugby Programme is also offered from Under 11 to Under 18, with the Albany Creek Girls Rugby Academy based at the club since 2021.

Albany Creek rugby — Photo Credit: Albany Creek GPS Brumbies Rugby Club

Facilities And Club Activity

The club operates from a modern clubhouse completed in 2021, supported by well-maintained playing fields with lighting for evening training and games, along with parking.

The Brumbies have previously hosted representative trials, development carnivals and major competitions, including the Queensland State Championships in 2013 and 2017. The club was named “Club of the Year” in 2013.

Outlook

With its 30-year anniversary approaching in 2026, the Albany Creek Brumbies continue to promote junior rugby pathways, structured programmes and community participation for families in Albany Creek.

Published 18-Jan-2026