Moreton Bay Archives - Page 7 of 7

Crockatt Park To Receive $9 Million Seawall As Part Of Moreton Bay Resilience Works

Crockatt Park at Woody Point will soon see a $9 million seawall built to defend the foreshore from erosion, marking one of the largest coastal protection projects in Moreton Bay.

Strengthening A Community Space

In August 2025, a $15.1 million upgrade was confirmed to safeguard some of Moreton Bay’s most loved waterfront spaces. At Woody Point, Crockatt Park, a favourite spot for families, walkers and visitors to the jetty, will receive a new seawall to combat erosion and keep the foreshore safe and accessible.

The project aims to protect parklands, pathways and gathering areas so the community can continue enjoying one of the region’s busiest seaside destinations for years to come.

Other Works Across Moreton Bay

Alongside the Woody Point project, crews are stabilising Scarborough’s Flinders Parade cliffs by extending the Drury Point groyne 30 metres and placing 10,000 cubic metres of sand.

*Photo Credit: Moreton Bay Council/Facebook*

In Deception Bay, a failed seawall at Captain Cook Parade will be replaced with a stepped concrete wall that can be raised in future to adapt to sea-level rise. At Dohles Rocks, a $300,000 business case is under way to examine flood protection measures.

Focus On Long-term Resilience

Federal and local representatives said the goal of these projects is to reduce risks from storms and flooding while building stronger protection for coastal communities.

They noted that southeast Queensland has faced repeated severe weather in recent years, making resilience works a priority.

Looking Ahead

The seawall at Crockatt Park remains in the planning phase, with design, approvals and community consultation expected to follow before construction begins.

The combined investment across Moreton Bay delivers immediate protection and builds future readiness, giving residents confidence that foreshore spaces will remain part of everyday community life.

Published 20-August-2025

Featured Image Credit: Google Maps

Dispute Over Abandoned Boats in Newport Waterways

Residents in Newport have raised concerns about abandoned boats in local canals, prompting enforcement action and a dispute over responsibility for their removal.

Background and Context

Concerns first surfaced on 11 June 2025 when residents living along Jabiru Canal in Newport reported boats being left for extended periods, in some cases weeks or months. One vessel slipped anchor and damaged another moored at a private pontoon, with claims the offending boat was uninsured. Other complaints included rubbish being dumped in the canal and nearby banks.

By 12 June 2025, rangers were actively monitoring vessels in the area and issued abandoned vessel notices, with a compliance deadline of 19 June 2025. Under the Community Standards for Public Land and Roads Local Law 2023, mooring in regulated canals is only permitted in emergencies, for essential services, or with permission at a private pontoon.

abandoned boats — *Photo Credit: Moreton Bay Region Libraries*

Enforcement Actions

Authorities confirmed that abandoned vessels could be seized and impounded if owners failed to comply with notices. Some boats were moved temporarily but later returned, frustrating monitoring efforts. Rangers issued repeated notices in May and June, with the process requiring strict adherence to legal procedures.

Maritime Safety Queensland’s Position

On 20 August 2025, the issue expanded when calls were made for Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) to take greater responsibility for abandoned vessels. MSQ responded that it only removes derelict or unseaworthy boats under the state-wide Keeping Our Waterways Safe Program. Since 2018, MSQ has taken action against 1,754 vessels across Queensland, including 59 in the Moreton Bay area. Of those, 35 were removed by MSQ and two by local authorities.

MSQ stated it cannot act if boats are still seaworthy, not obstructing navigation, not polluting, and not abandoned by their owners. Vessel owners remain responsible under the Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Act 1994 and Transport Operations (Marine Pollution) Act 1995.

Jabiru Canal — *Photo Credit: Moreton Bay Region Libraries*

Community Impact in Newport

Residents in Newport expressed frustration about the appearance of boats in canals, drifting hazards, and damage to privately moored vessels. Some noted the financial burden of repairs when offending vessels were uninsured. Others raised concerns about vessels being used as long-term “campsites,” with impacts on amenity and safety.

Next Steps

A motion has been lodged for discussion at the Local Government Association of Queensland conference in October 2025, seeking stronger compliance action under section 175A of the Transport Operations (Maritime Safety) Act 1994. In the meantime, MSQ has confirmed it will continue monitoring waterways in the Moreton Bay region and act on derelict or abandoned vessels under its program.

Published 27-Aug-2025

Featured Image Credit: Moreton Bay Region Libraries

Newport Marketplace to Welcome New Hotel and Child Care Centre

Newport residents are set to experience a major change as plans for a hotel and new child care centre move ahead at the popular Newport Marketplace, reshaping the heart of their waterfront suburb and meeting calls for more local services. The updated plans, part of Stages 2 and 3 of the development at 10 Lakeview Promenade, promise to bring more family-friendly options, social spaces and essential facilities closer to home, right where the Newport community gathers.

A Growing Hub for Newport

According to newly released planning documents, the next stages of Newport Marketplace will see the original club proposal replaced by a purpose-built hotel, featuring spaces for dining, a bar, a function room and bottleshop.

The venue is designed to fit the needs of Newport locals, offering a smaller, more accessible setting for socialising compared to larger venues elsewhere in the Redcliffe area. The new plans reflect feedback from Newport residents who wanted a place nearby where they could meet for a drink, meal or gathering, without driving out of the neighbourhood.

Alongside the hotel, a brand new child care centre for up to 95 children is proposed for the southern end of the site, with the existing Greenleaves operator set to manage the service.

Newport Marketplace childcare centre — Photo Credit: DA/2025/2060

Planners say this expansion comes as the only other child care centre in Newport has reached full capacity, leaving families looking for more local options. The new centre aims to ease the shortage and support the area’s growing population, with modern indoor and outdoor facilities designed for young children.

Community Needs at the Centre

The updated development reduces some retail and office space originally planned for Stage 3, focusing instead on essential services that locals have asked for most. The hotel, at 870 square metres, and the child care centre, at 832 square metres, represent a shift to meet current community needs.

Planners say the site layout has also been changed after suggestions from council, with the child care centre now located away from the main retail and hospitality areas to reduce noise for nearby residents and provide a quieter space for families. Parking will also be expanded, with 54 spaces planned for Stages 2 and 3.

Noise and traffic impacts have been addressed in detailed planning reports, with recommendations to ensure that the new facilities fit comfortably into the Newport neighbourhood. Other aspects, such as landscape design, car park layout and access for pedestrians and cyclists, have also been updated in line with council feedback and requirements.

Building on the Heart of Newport

The updated plans are part of a long-term vision to create a welcoming, convenient and lively waterfront centre for Newport. The site, which overlooks Jabiru Canal and is already home to shops, a supermarket, and a medical centre, has become a meeting place for residents since Stage 1 opened in 2022.

Developers and planners say the new facilities will support the needs of Newport’s growing population, with the suburb now estimated to be home to around 6,000 people.

Final approval and construction timing will follow the standard council and planning processes. Local residents will be able to view details and updates online, with the development designed to serve the evolving needs of the Newport community into the future.

Published 5-Aug-2025

Major Dredging Project Targets Newport Waterways

A major dredging project is set to reshape the Newport canal system, as the City of Moreton Bay gets ready to clear built-up sediment from some of the area’s most important waterways. Newport locals are being urged to prepare for months of work that will affect boat access and daily routines, with council leaders emphasising the importance of keeping the canals safe and navigable for the whole community.

Project Schedule and Scope

According to the City of Moreton Bay, the maintenance dredging is now scheduled to begin in November 2025 and will continue for about five months, depending on weather and site conditions.

The project will target key sections of the Newport canal network, including Kingfisher Canal, the Northern Marina Basin, the intersection of Kestrel and Albatross canals, Curlew Canal, Skua Canal, and Walkers Creek Canal.

The city’s environmental team explained that tides and natural movement from Deception Bay have carried sediment into Newport’s canals for years, making regular dredging essential to prevent blockages and keep the waterways accessible for boats and safe for families.

The operation will involve a cutter-suction dredge, with work scheduled from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday, excluding public holidays. Hydrographic surveys and preparation works have already taken place, and a final survey will follow the dredging to ensure the job is done thoroughly and with minimal disruption to surrounding homes and businesses.

Impact on the Community

For Newport’s boating and waterside community, the dredging is both a challenge and a relief. While some inconvenience is expected, such as restricted boat access and construction noise, council communications have focused on safety and long-term benefits.

Regular updates will be provided to residents, with a project update planned before works begin. Council said that maintaining these waterways is a shared responsibility and has reassured residents that every effort will be made to keep impacts as low as possible.

The project will also help reduce future maintenance needs, supporting the area’s lifestyle and property values.

Newport Waterways — Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

Newport Canals Dredging Project – Timeline

Late 2024 – Early 2025

Preliminary Planning & Community Notification:
Council begins planning and informs residents about the upcoming dredging, originally scheduled for early 2025.

February 2025

Pre-commencement Activities:
- Hydrographic survey and preparatory works begin
- Early site setup and assessment at Griffith Roa

May 2025

Resident Updates:
- Council issues a project update to impacted residents
- Some schedule adjustments are hinted due to logistical factors

June 2025

Original Dredging Start Date:
- Dredging was initially scheduled to start in late June 2025
- Project faces delays (likely due to weather, permits, or contractor availability)

July–August 2025

Official Announcement of New Timeline:
- Council confirms dredging will start in November 2025 instead of mid-2025
- Public notices updated on council and local news sites

November 2025

Dredging Works Commence:
- Cutter-suction dredging begins in targeted canal areas:
- Kingfisher Canal
- Northern Marina Basin
- Kestrel & Albatross intersection
- Curlew Canal
- Skua Canal
- Walkers Creek Canal
- Work hours: 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday

November 2025 – March/April 2026

Dredging Operations:
- Ongoing removal of sediment
- Periodic project updates issued to residents.

Post-Completion (Expected March/April 2026)

Final Survey and Demobilization:
- Post-dredging hydrographic survey
- Site restoration and demobilization
- Final report to council and community

Once dredging is complete, the Newport canal system is expected to be safer and more usable for all. The City of Moreton Bay will carry out a post-dredging survey and provide a summary to the community.

Published 5-Aug-2025