Arana Hills Archives - Albany Creek News

Arana Hills Playground Expands with Sensory Haven for Low-Vision Residents

Arana Hills is now home to a groundbreaking half-million-dollar sensory playground at Leslie Patrick Park, giving children and adults with low or no vision a completely custom-built environment to explore safely.

The City of Moreton Bay has expanded its popular inclusive recreation area with a new section dedicated entirely to tactile and auditory experiences. The community is invited to celebrate the completion of the project during a free event on Wednesday, 1 July 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon.

The fresh addition connects seamlessly to the original award-winning play area that was completed in late 2019, creating a massive, unified space for the region.

Rather than guessing what families needed, planners went straight to the experts. The council worked closely with Vision Australia, local residents who have lived experience with vision loss, and clinical specialists such as speech pathologists and occupational therapists.

This team effort resulted in highly specialised equipment designed for easy navigation and sensory feedback. The new layout features a braille trail that guides visitors between play areas, a vibration post, and overhead optic sensory panels. Visitors can also enjoy a beehive cubby, pavement art, quiet hangout zones, and gardens filled with fragrant, sensory plants.

Local leaders view the project as a major practical step toward making the region the most accessible city in Queensland. Mayor Peter Flannery noted that the upgrades deliver on a commitment to inclusive community spaces, adding that the new elements provide valuable education and communication opportunities alongside quiet spaces.

Councillor Matt Constance also expressed gratitude to the advocates and therapists who shaped the design, pointing out that their practical feedback will influence how the city builds future parks. The latest improvements ensure the park remains a central place where friends and families of all ages and abilities can connect and enjoy the outdoors.

Updated 8-July-2026

Fast Dogs and Slow Weekends: Arana Hills Honours the Families Giving Greyhounds a Second Chance

Photo Credit: Greyhound Adoption Program/ Facebook

Despite spending their early lives conditioned for high-speed racing, retired greyhounds are successfully learning how to be relaxed household pets thanks to dedicated volunteer families who are being celebrated at a massive community gathering in Arana Hills.

Transitioning to Suburbia

The Greyhound Adoption Program Queensland is hosting a special community walk for National Foster a Pet Month on Saturday, June 27, at 10 am. Taking place at Leslie Patrick Park on Olearia Street West, the free gathering aims to highlight the crucial work done by local residents who welcome these former athletes into their homes.

The event coincides with the organisation’s current campaign, which encourages more households to temporarily care for the animals as they wait for permanent adoption. To make the process highly accessible, the organisation supplies all necessary food, bedding, equipment, and veterinary care for the animals.

The Foster Family Impact

Rehoming manager Lisa Kohler noted that the upcoming event serves to connect past and present volunteers, adopters, and dog enthusiasts, while also educating the public about the fostering process. She explained that volunteers are vital in helping the dogs familiarise themselves with regular household noises, build their confidence, and adjust to a much slower pace of life away from the racetrack.

The emotional reward for these volunteers is a common theme among local participants. Carer Tamsin Gane shared that her favourite part of the process is seeing each dog’s distinct personality shine through as they become more comfortable in a home environment. She expressed great satisfaction in helping a dog gain the confidence needed to eventually move on to a permanent family.

Similarly, carers Sophie and Lucas, who are currently looking after a greyhound named Henry, found the process to be far more rewarding than they initially anticipated. They explained that watching Henry develop into a relaxed family dog has been an absolute joy, noting that while saying goodbye will be difficult, they are excited for him to find the permanent home he deserves.

Other locals, Natascha Scarff and Vassil Altanov, pointed out that the minor milestones make the effort completely worthwhile. They highlighted moments like a dog experiencing a sudden burst of playful energy or relaxing on a beach for the very first time as deeply fulfilling experiences. Another carer, Katie Bovill, simply noted that having a foster animal in the house creates a warm and complete home environment.

A Day of Recognition

The public gathering will feature a group dog walk and give attendees the chance to interact with greyhounds currently looking for permanent homes. Organisers will also host a special presentation to formally recognise the hard work of the volunteers who dedicate their time to rehabilitating these retired racers. Through this community celebration, organisers hope to encourage more local residents to consider taking in a dog in need.

Published Date 25-June-2026

Arana Hills Art Success Inspires Massive City-Wide Outdoor Gallery

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

Following the massive success of bright public artworks like the popular giant fish display in Arana Hills, local residents across the City of Moreton Bay are about to see their everyday public spaces completely transformed into a massive outdoor gallery featuring eighteen renowned artists.

Starting in late 2026, the City of Moreton Bay will launch an enormous 12-month outdoor art exhibition. Artist Martin Edge, who previously delighted the Arana Hills community with his Big Coral Cod artwork along Dawson Parade, is returning to feature his work on a much larger scale. He joins a lineup of well-known creatives, including Phoebe Paradise and the duo Man & Wah, who will help bring the theme of “Half a Million Imaginations” to life. The project aims to foster a more inclusive, diverse, and connected community through accessible creative expression.

This massive push for public art is backed by a $1.28 million grant. The funding comes from the national Public Art Initiative as part of the broader South East Queensland City Deal. Instead of keeping the art locked away in traditional museums, organizers are bringing the pieces directly to the people.

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A post shared by City of Moreton Bay Galleries & Museums (@moretonbay_galleriesandmuseums)

The upcoming gallery has a distinctly local flavour. Event organisers put out a call for artists earlier this year, drawing 79 responses from across Australia. The final group of 18 chosen artists includes five locals from the City of Moreton Bay area. These creators are already heavily involved in the region, having recently hosted a series of creative workshops that attracted more than 575 local participants, with even more community sessions planned for the future.

Local government officials shared their enthusiasm for the upcoming project, noting that the outdoor gallery will breathe fresh energy into shared public spaces. They explained that spreading the artwork across multiple sites reflects the sprawling nature of the city. Officials also expressed their hope that the striking displays will encourage residents to travel from suburb to suburb, turning the gallery into a major attraction that delivers fresh exhibitions year after year.

When the exhibition launches, ordinary buildings and parks will become massive canvases. Digital screens, large billboards, and light boxes will light up the North Lakes Library, featuring moving image artworks and colourful designs. Similar light box installations will brighten the Redcliffe Library and Pine Rivers Park.

Meanwhile, Caboolture Town Square will host dynamic moving image projections. Sports fans will also get to enjoy the artwork, as huge billboards are planned for both the Morayfield Sports and Events Centre and the South Pine Indoor Sports Complex. By spreading these installations across six major community hubs, the project ensures that world-class art is just a short walk or drive away for everyone in the region.

Published Date 24-June-2026

Quiet Celebrations for Arana Hills Man after Million Dollar Windfall

Photo Credit: Pexels

An Arana Hills man has secured a life-changing windfall after being named the only winner across the entire country.

The Moreton Bay resident discovered his luck following the Weekday Windfall draw 4696, which took place on a recent Wednesday night. After purchasing a System 7 entry through The Lott’s official website, he checked his numbers before heading to bed. The local winner mentioned that the discovery led to his most restful night of sleep ever.

He explained that the timing of the win is particularly helpful because he is currently very close to finishing his working years and entering retirement.

While the man immediately informed his wife of the million-dollar surprise, the couple has chosen to handle the news with a bit of privacy. He noted that although they have children, they have decided to keep the windfall a secret between the two of them for the time being. This gives them space to process the change and figure out their next steps as a family. The winner expressed great excitement and gratitude when officials confirmed his million-dollar bounty the following morning.

The Arana Hills local does not plan on spending the money on a whim. He shared his intention to book an appointment with a financial professional to ensure the win sets up a comfortable and secure future. This specific win was one of over 340 division one prizes handed out so far this financial year. For the local community, it serves as a reminder that major wins can happen right in their own neighbourhood.

Published Date 06-May-2026

Moreton Bay Rezoning Plans Could Delay Apartment Delivery, Industry Report Warns

Draft plans to allow apartment buildings of up to 15 storeys in Ferny Hills and Arana Hills are open for community feedback, as a new industry report warns of growing delays to apartment supply across south-east Queensland.

Read: Residents in Arana Hills and Ferny Hills Asked to Weigh In on Rezoning Plans

The City of Moreton Bay put the proposals out for public consultation in March, targeting two precincts currently dominated by single-storey detached homes. The rezoning is part of a broader response to a 2023 regional planning report that called on south-east Queensland councils to accommodate hundreds of thousands of additional residents by 2046. The consultation period has been extended and closes on 24 April 2026.

Pipeline Pressure

A report by urban consultancy firm Urbis warns that the region’s apartment supply is at risk. Beyond 2027, around 35 per cent of the pipeline is considered to carry a moderate to high risk of delay. Urbis points to two main pressures: escalating construction costs and the expected pull of subcontractors and tradespeople toward Olympic infrastructure projects ahead of Brisbane 2032.

Urbis partner Paul Riga has said apartment completions are expected to remain “well under the targets that are needed” over the next three to five years.

Those figures coincide with significant population growth in Queensland. Property analytics firm Cotality reports that Queensland absorbed more than a quarter of Australia’s total population growth between early 2020 and the end of 2025, more than any other state. New home completions in Queensland over that same period accounted for less than 20 per cent of the national total.

Local Concerns

Residents have formed a community group, Ferny Hills Futures, which has publicly stated it does not oppose greater housing density in principle. However, the group has flagged gaps in the draft documentation, including a lack of detail on master planning, design, infrastructure upgrades, and natural hazard mapping. The group cited those gaps as contributing to the mixed response from the broader community.

Read: Arana Hills Playground Upgrade Expands Inclusive Play Space

Council Response

City of Moreton Bay councillor Matt Constance has described the rezoning process as being at the “very early stages” and identified infrastructure as a “key challenge” and “priority focus” for the council. He said a detailed infrastructure plan would be developed in consultation with the state government and utility providers once the final rezoning report is complete.

Residents can lodge feedback on the draft plans via the City of Moreton Bay website before the consultation period closes on 24 April 2026.

Published 17-April-2026

Residents in Arana Hills and Ferny Hills Asked to Weigh In on Rezoning Plans

Arana Hills and Ferny Hills could see major changes to their suburban landscape, with new planning proposals opening the door to higher-density housing in key areas.

The City of Moreton Bay has since extended the consultation period to 4:00 p.m. on April 24, 2026, and has urged residents to refer to official project information amid reports of misinformation circulating in the community.

Growth targets driving changes across local suburbs

Council’s statement confirms the scale of change facing the region, as it works to meet targets under the Shaping SEQ 2023. The plan requires Moreton Bay to prepare for more than 300,000 additional residents and over 125,000 new homes by 2046.

Council leaders have indicated that population growth is unavoidable and must be planned carefully to avoid strain on services and the environment. Rather than expanding further into undeveloped land, the approach focuses on increasing housing in already built-up areas.

This means directing future development into well-connected parts of Arana Hills and Ferny Hills, particularly near public transport, shopping centres and existing community services.

Higher-density pockets proposed near transport and centres

The draft plans outline potential zoning and building height changes aimed at supporting more housing in selected areas. Council representatives have indicated that higher-density development would be concentrated in pockets, including around the Ferny Grove train station and the Arana Hills commercial centre.

While the official release does not specify exact building heights, it confirms that changes are being considered to allow more diverse housing types. These may include apartments, retirement living and specialist accommodation, giving residents a broader range of housing options within their own communities.

Housing supply concerns raised alongside development plans

The planning push comes amid wider concerns about whether enough new homes can be delivered across South East Queensland. Industry analysis has suggested that a large share of the apartment pipeline could face delays in the coming years due to rising construction costs and labour shortages.

There are also expectations that major infrastructure projects linked to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games may draw workers away from residential construction, placing further pressure on housing delivery timelines.

At the same time, population growth in Queensland has outpaced new home construction in recent years, adding to the urgency around planning for future supply.

Community response highlights need for clearer detail

Locally, the proposals have prompted mixed reactions. Concerns raised include the need for clearer planning around infrastructure, design standards, and how natural risks and environmental impacts will be addressed.

Council representatives have acknowledged that infrastructure planning remains a key challenge and have indicated that more detailed work will follow after the current consultation phase. They encourage residents to review official materials, including draft Future Direction Reports and frequently asked questions, to better understand what is being proposed.

Officials have also stressed that the plans are still at an early stage and that community feedback will play an important role in shaping the final outcome.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Feedback can also be submitted in person at community pop-up sessions or by mail to: City of Moreton Bay, REPLY PAID 159, Caboolture QLD 4510.

Published 15-April-2026

Arana Hills Playground Upgrade Expands Inclusive Play Space

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook

Construction is underway on an expansion of the all abilities playground at Leslie Patrick Park in Arana Hills, a facility also used by families from nearby Albany Creek.

The upgrade will introduce a new play area aimed at supporting children and adults with low or no vision and other sensory needs. Works began in February 2026 and are expected to continue for approximately eight weeks, weather permitting.

Extending A 2019 Playground Milestone

The inclusive playground at Leslie Patrick Park opened in late 2019 and was identified as the first of its kind in South East Queensland. The current works will connect an additional play section to the existing playground.

Planning for the expansion followed consultation with speech pathologists, occupational therapists, access consultants and park users with lived experience. A community engagement day was also held with children and parent volunteers from Vision Australia.

New Accessibility Features

The added play space will feature a braille trail, pavement art, a beehive cubby, a sensory hangout area, a vibration post, overhead optic sensory panels and a picnic shelter. A social media update about the project also referred to gardens with sensory plants as part of the design.

The upgrade has been reported as a $500,000 Local Community Infrastructure project.

Arana Hills playground upgrade — Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook

Community Suggestions Raised Online

Comments shared online in response to the announcement included calls for increased shade over play areas and the addition of another toddler swing.

Construction continues at Leslie Patrick Park in Arana Hills, with the expanded facility expected to provide additional inclusive play options for local families.

Published 3-Mar-2026

SportsBox Lockers Now Available In Arana Hills

Photo Credit: Queensland Sport and Recreation/Facebook

Residents in Arana Hills can now borrow sports equipment at a local park through a new SportsBox locker, providing easier access to recreational activities without needing personal gear.

SportsBox Introduced At Leslie Patrick Park

A SportsBox locker has been installed at Leslie Patrick Park in Arana Hills, allowing park users to borrow sports equipment for use on nearby courts. The locker provides on-site access to shared gear, supporting casual physical activity in a public setting.

The Arana Hills installation forms part of a wider rollout across the Moreton Bay area. Additional lockers are operating at Blatchford Reserve in Murrumba Downs and at Sandstone Point. In the Redland area, SportsBox lockers are already available at Beth Boyd Park and Raby Esplanade Park.

Arana Hills SportsBox — Photo Credit: Queensland Sport and Recreation/Facebook

Equipment Tailored To Each Location

The equipment available through each SportsBox locker varies depending on the sporting facilities at the park. Items may include gear for basketball, table tennis, volleyball, pickleball or netball, allowing users to participate in different activities based on what is available on site.

The lockers are designed to remove barriers associated with owning or transporting sports equipment, particularly for people visiting parks on short notice.

Program Purpose And Delivery

The SportsBox program is delivered by People Being Active Pty Ltd and funded through the ActiveKIT Super Round. The initiative focuses on improving access to physical activity opportunities by making shared sports equipment available in community spaces.

Across Queensland, more than 20 lockers are planned, with the program expected to reach over 10,000 participants. Future installations are planned in regional locations including Mackay and Noosa.

Photo Credit: Queensland Sport and Recreation/Facebook

School Holiday Use And Community Response

SportsBox has been promoted as a practical option for families during school holidays, offering a low-cost way to keep children active outdoors. No advance planning is required, and equipment can be borrowed directly at the park.

Online responses to the program have included strong support for improving access to sport, alongside questions about equipment return and long-term maintenance. These views reflect a mix of optimism and practical concerns commonly raised in public discussions.

What Comes Next

The rollout of SportsBox lockers is continuing across Queensland. In Arana Hills, the focus remains on encouraging community use while monitoring how the lockers operate over time.

Published 28-Dec-2025