COUNCIL AGREES TO REPLACE PLANNING SCHEME
Moreton Bay council is to replace its 10-year-old planning scheme as required under Queensland law. Mayor Peter Flannery says now is the time for a new, not updated, scheme to adapt to changing times. “Rather than patchwork a planning scheme coming to the end of its lifespan, we can deliver a more contemporary scheme that better supports our residents needs and is easier to use,” he says. “This decision is the first step in a long process.” The current scheme will remain in place until the new one is approved.
RADIO STALWART DON GAILER’S NAME ON STATION
Council is to name 99.7FM’s home at Redcliffe after stalwart Don Gailer. The Redcliffe resident has been part of the community radio station for 19 years. Mayor Flannery says the decision follows a request made to council late last year. “Don Gailer played a significant role in 99.7FM’s history,” he says. Gailer served four terms as president and led the station in its community campaigns such as Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital, Rockin 4 the Homeless, Brisbane Convoy for Kids and an annual Christmas Toy Appeal. Councillor Karl Winchester says Gailer’s impact was felt beyond the radio station’s walls. Signs will be updated and a history board installed at the station office.
AUSTRALIA DAY 2026 AWARD WINNERS
Community leader and volunteer Chris Paterson has been named Moreton Bay council’s 2026 Citizen of the Year as part of its Australia Day awards. SES volunteer Ronald Aquilina and married couple Jan and Alison Schutt also received the Mayor’s Community Spirit Awards. Flannery praised all nominees. “The Citizen of the Year award is a fantastic opportunity to recognise Chris Paterson for his charity, Bamboo Projects, which employs people living with a disability or mental health challenges, to clean up local waterways using all‑abilities accessible boats,” he says. “Chris and his team have removed more than 80 tonnes of debris from the Pine and Caboolture rivers.” Mayor Flannery also congratulated the Schutts and Ronald Aquilina for their efforts.
NEW CITIZENS TAKE THE OATH
On Australia Day, 450 City residents from almost 50 countries became the city’s newest Australians. Joining one of the country’s fastest growing and most diverse cities, 450 people from countries such as Montenegro, Venezuela, Rwanda and Nepal, will officially be sworn in on Australia Day. Flannery says one in five residents are born overseas. The top five countries that the new citizens came from were New Zealand (106), United Kingdom (52), India (48), Philippines (34) and Nepal (27).
MORAYFIELD PARKS TO SHARE A NAME
Two adjacent parks at Morayfield will adopt the same name, Nairn Park, councillors agreed at council’s January general meeting. The parks are often called Nairn Road Park and Adelong Court Park but will now go by the new name. The parks are separated by a road reserve but function as a single open space. Councillor Tony Latter says the new name refers to Nairn Road, the location of both parks. “Nairn Road was officially named in 1961, so it’s logical that this area of parkland adopts one name which best reflects its location,” he says.
MORE COUNCIL BRIEFS: 45,000 good vibes for Pasifika Festival
