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Buderim Community Warned After Two E-Bike Deaths Linked To Illegal High-Powered Models

A safety warning in Buderim has intensified community concern after authorities linked two recent deaths to illegal high powered e-bikes and a growing number of risky devices used by young riders.

Rising Concern After Local Tragedies

In late October, 8 year old Zeke Hondow died after a head on crash with a 15 year old rider on a bike path at Mountain Creek near Buderim. Police said the older boy’s e-bike did not meet public use standards and reached speeds far beyond legal limits.

Two days later, a separate crash on the Gold Coast claimed the life of another 15 year old whose electric dirt bike reached about ninety five kilometres per hour. Both incidents raised questions about how many young riders use powerful bikes that fall outside current rules.

Government Response Focused On Safety

Queensland’s Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg spoke in Buderim and urged parents to think carefully before buying expensive e-bikes or e-scooters that do not meet legal requirements. He said police already face challenges enforcing current laws because many riders ignore them, and he stressed the need for clearer rules that officers can enforce.

*Photo Credit:* *Brent Mickelberg MP*/Facebook

He also pointed to a parliamentary inquiry into e mobility safety, which is due to deliver findings by March 2026. He said the state will not rush new regulations before the inquiry reports and added that enforcement of existing laws will continue through summer.

Legal Action Following Mountain Creek Crash

Police charged the 15 year old involved in the Mountain Creek crash with dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death, unlicensed driving and operating an unregistered and uninsured vehicle. Detectives said this is the first known case where the dangerous operation charge has been applied to an e mobility device.

Investigators noted that Zeke was riding a far less powerful bike under supervision and confirmed that the older teen’s device did not comply with legal public use limits. They also pointed to rising injury numbers among young riders on the Sunshine Coast.

Schools And Agencies Introduce New Measures

Several Sunshine Coast schools have decided to ban e-bikes and e-scooters next year because of ongoing safety concerns. The Queensland Police Service launched Operation X ray Surety to check bikes for compliance with motor wattage and speed cut out rules.

The Office of Fair Trading also advised suppliers to follow their legal obligations and sell only devices that meet Australian standards. Local cycling groups supported these steps and encouraged families across the region to stay informed about the rules for public use.

Published 19-November-2025

Intersection Upgrade Progresses in Buderim as Major Works Begin

A major upgrade has begun in Buderim to improve the Sugar Road and Mooloolaba Road intersection, a location used by about 20,000 motorists daily.

Background And Project Context In Buderim

Work has commenced on the long-awaited upgrade of the Sugar Road and Mooloolaba Road intersection in Buderim. The project spans the section between Syd Lingard Drive and Tantula Road West, an area known for congestion and a high crash rate.

Earlier plans for improvements at this intersection did not proceed, with the current works moving forward as part of broader efforts to support the Sunshine Coast’s growing transport needs ahead of the 2032 Games. Early works, including vegetation clearing, have already started and will continue over the coming months. The full project is expected to be completed next year.

Buderim intersection upgrade — Photo Credit: BrentMickelbergMP/Facebook

Scope Of Works And Planned Improvements

The upgrade includes several design changes intended to improve traffic flow and safety. Road widening will provide additional westbound capacity from Sugar Road, while modified right-turn lanes will be constructed eastbound on the Mooloolaba Road overpass. Two dedicated left-turn lanes from Sugar Road to Mooloolaba Road are also planned.

Further improvements include realigning the slip lane at the motorway’s southbound exit ramp, providing new on-road bike lanes, constructing off-road paths, adding signalised pedestrian crossings, and installing upgraded lighting.

Sunshine Coast upgrade — Photo Credit: BrentMickelbergMP/Facebook

Community Sentiment And Local Impact

The intersection is widely regarded as a bottleneck, particularly during morning and afternoon peak periods. With about 20,000 daily vehicle movements, the upgrade is expected to improve travel reliability and safety for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians throughout Buderim and nearby suburbs.

Mooloolaba Road — Photo Credit: BrentMickelbergMP/Facebook

Next Steps

Construction activity will continue across the area as works progress into next year. Once completed, the upgrade is expected to reduce congestion, increase traffic capacity, and strengthen connections to key destinations on the Sunshine Coast.

Published 19-Nov-2025

Subsea Cable Landing Expands Digital Capacity in Buderim

Photo Credit: Subsea Cables

A major digital infrastructure milestone has been reached near Buderim with the Tabua subsea cable landing at Maroochydore, delivering a new international connection that links Queensland through the Pacific and the United States.

Regional Investment in Connectivity

The Tabua subsea cable reached the Sunshine Coast shoreline on 11 November 2025, forming a major part of ongoing digital infrastructure upgrades for the region. The landing supports the wider Australia Connect initiative, designed to improve international data pathways linking Queensland with the Pacific and the United States.

The operation used a specialised vessel offshore, supported by excavators, winches, boats and divers to bring the cable ashore at Maroochydore. This installation aligns with earlier regional digital infrastructure planning and ongoing development of commercial data centres in the Maroochydore City Centre precinct.

Sunshine Coast connectivity — Photo Credit: Subsea Cables

Buderim’s Connection to a New International Route

The landing delivers the first direct subsea cable system linking Australia to the United States without routing through Sydney. The system also establishes connections to Sydney, Fiji, Hawaii and the United States, forming part of a broader Pacific network.

The development supports increasing demand for digital capacity and complements new regional data-centre investment designed to strengthen the Sunshine Coast’s digital capability.

Technical Features of the System

The Tabua system contains sixteen fibre pairs engineered to carry approximately 17 terabits per second per pair, creating a total capacity of 272 terabits per second. Its transpacific trunk spans more than 13,000 kilometres between the United States and Australia, with branching pathways to Oahu, Suva, Natadola and Queensland.

The system will operate as part of a larger South Pacific network that includes planned links through Hawaii and onward connections to Japan.

Benefits for Buderim and Surrounding Areas

The increased capacity supports more reliable cloud services, data movement and digital operations, including technologies relying on artificial intelligence. It provides additional bandwidth options for businesses requiring international connectivity and improves pathways for digital exports.

Residents in Buderim and nearby suburbs are expected to benefit from more dependable internet performance for everyday use such as remote work, online study, mapping services and streaming.

The system’s diverse landing points add resilience for Queensland and enhance opportunities for digital investment across the region.

Buderim subsea cable — Photo Credit: Subsea Cables

Regional Response and Outlook

Industry organisations involved in the system’s delivery have highlighted its role in strengthening international routes and improving data resilience across the Pacific. The cable links directly into a 50,000-kilometre national fibre network, expanding digital routing options throughout Australia.

Strengthening Future Infrastructure

With the arrival of the Tabua subsea cable, Buderim gains a direct connection to a wider international digital route. The system is expected to support long-term demand for data capacity, operational stability and future technology growth.

Published 18-Nov-2025

Coochin Creek Development Plan Sets Scene for Queensland’s Green-Belt Future

A major development plan at Coochin Creek, just north of Brisbane, would see a 150-site tourist park featuring 75 cabins and 75 campsites pushed through with decision-making taken out of local hands and placed directly with the state minister.

What’s on the table

The proposal from Comiskey Group – MBN25/95 – targets Lot 10 SP132272 and Lot 6 SP184133 at 1807 Roys Road in Coochin Creek, within the region protected as the Northern Inter-Urban Break (NIUB) and adjacent to the Ramsar-listed Pumicestone Passage.

The plan allowed initially for a 100-site nature-based tourism proposal (pre-approved), but the current application doubles the number of people permitted on-site to 600, and adds recreation facilities including a 1,000 sqm building, waterslide and fire pits.

In parallel, a separate 150-hectare events site dubbed Coochin Fields has been proposed by the same group to host up to 35,000 visitors per event.

A planning precendent

The outcome could influence planning precedent for green-belt protection, tourism expansion and rural-fringe development across South-East Queensland. If this development is approved in the NIUB, it may open the door to further large-scale tourism or event-based developments in areas previously considered low-impact or rural. The decision-making process, bypassing local council and placing power with the minister, also signals changes in how such developments could be handled elsewhere.

Coochin Creek — Photo Credit: Cominskey Group

Reactions and feedback

The state planning agency, State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA), reviewed the tourist-park proposal and concluded there is “no overriding need or compelling public interest” to justify placing it within the NIUB, citing non-compliance with key parts of the Queensland Planning Regulation 2017 and the regional plan ShapingSEQ 2023.

The Sunshine Coast Environment Council and nine other community organisations supported SARA’s position, stating that the developments “do not comply with the relevant planning legislation” and that the Pumicestone Passage and NIUB must be safeguarded.

On the other side, the Comiskey Group asserts the region has a tourism accommodation shortfall and that the project will boost overnight stays and visitor expenditure — and that the event site could become a tourism draw.

Next steps and how you can contribute

By invoking his ministerial call-in power, Deputy Premier and Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie has taken full control of the decision, bypassing the Sunshine Coast Council, meaning the usual third-party appeal rights will not apply.

The public consultation period for the tourist-park proposal opened 24 October and closes 17 November. Residents in nearby and connected communities are encouraged to make submissions via the ministerial call-in page on the Department’s website.

Local residents and community groups stress that this is “the one and only chance” to influence the outcome before the minister’s decision is made.

Published 11-Nov-2025

Man Hospitalised After Bitten By Snake in Bed at Cooloolabin Home

Photo Credit: Peter Woodard

A man in his 70s has been transported to Nambour Hospital after being bitten by a snake whilst in bed at his Cooloolabin home near Yandina.

Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics responded to the incident and transported the patient under lights and sirens after he sustained a bite to the arm.

A Queensland Ambulance Service spokesperson confirmed it was a snake bite, however details about the species involved were not available.

The incident occurred during a period of heightened snake activity on the Sunshine Coast, with local snake catchers reporting numerous callouts to remove eastern brown snakes from properties over the past week.

Snake safety experts remind residents that eastern brown snakes are commonly found near homes and sheds where they hunt for rats, mice and lizards.

According to the Queensland Department of Environment and Science, eastern browns are fast-moving, sun-loving reptiles that can strike with extreme speed and typically grow to around 1.5 metres in length, though some reach 2.4 metres.

The department notes that it is illegal to keep or kill snakes in Queensland, and residents who encounter snakes on their property should contact licensed snake catchers for safe removal.

Published 28-October-2025

$170 Million Airport Redevelopment Near Buderim Targets 2027 Completion

Photo Credit: DEV2025/1675

A $170 million terminal redevelopment near Buderim is set to reshape Sunshine Coast Airport at Marcoola, nearly doubling its terminal footprint, tripling the departure lounge, and introducing sustainability-led features designed to accommodate strong passenger growth.

Expansion Underway

The Sunshine Coast Airport Terminal Redevelopment Project began construction earlier this year, with the first stage—the new outbound baggage handling facility—scheduled for completion in early 2026. The full terminal expansion is expected to be finished by 2027. Once complete, the upgraded facility will expand the existing terminal from 6,100 square metres to 11,750 square metres, increase departure gates from five to seven, and triple the departure lounge space from 1,250 square metres to 3,750 square metres.

Queensland infrastructure — Photo Credit: DEV2025/1675

Design and Delivery

The project is being delivered by McNab, a local construction company, in partnership with global architectural firms Populous and Fentress Studios, with project management handled by Planned Performance. The redevelopment aims to modernise the passenger journey from check-in to boarding through the installation of new technology, including 18 self-service kiosks, 10 automatic bag drops, and upgraded security screening.

Design elements emphasise sustainability and comfort, incorporating mass timber, rainwater harvesting, expanded solar power systems, and energy-efficient HVAC. The design also prioritises natural light and open viewing areas of the runway to create a relaxed passenger experience reflective of the Sunshine Coast lifestyle.

terminal expansion — Photo Credit: DEV2025/1675

Local Jobs and Regional Growth

Around 2,000 workers will be engaged during construction, with 90 per cent of trades and subcontractors sourced locally. The expansion is forecast to support the region’s growing aviation sector, with passenger numbers expected to reach 1.8 million in FY26 and 2.4 million by 2030.

Gateway Precinct Master Plan

In addition to the terminal expansion, a 30-hectare Gateway Precinct Master Plan has been lodged within the Sunshine Coast Airport Priority Development Area. The proposal, submitted on 8 September 2025 under reference DEV2025/1675, outlines five sub-precincts dedicated to aviation, tourism, retail, commercial, and industry uses. It includes plans for a 250-bed transit hotel, retail hub, landscaped public spaces, and new intersection upgrades along David Low Way, with provision for future rail or metro integration.

Community Feedback and Future Outlook

Residents around Buderim and Marcoola have expressed both optimism and questions about the project, citing hopes for improved flight routes and local transport connections. Some also raised the absence of aerobridges, which remains unconfirmed in project details.

The redevelopment marks a key milestone in the Sunshine Coast’s long-term infrastructure planning, supporting tourism and regional business growth. Construction will continue throughout 2026, with the completed terminal expected to open in 2027, providing an expanded, sustainable, and community-driven gateway for the region.

Published 13-Oct-2025

Maleny at the Centre of Push to Ban Platypus Death Traps

Photo Credit: Bianca De Marchi/Australian Museum

In Maleny, local conservation advocates are renewing calls for Queensland to ban the use of enclosed yabby traps blamed for drowning platypuses and other native wildlife in nearby creeks.

Growing Concern in Maleny

Maleny residents and wildlife advocates are urging action against opera house traps — collapsible nets designed for catching yabbies but known to trap and drown air-breathing species such as platypuses, turtles, rakali, and waterbirds. The traps remain legal in Queensland, despite being banned or restricted in every other Australian state and territory.

Threat to Obi Obi Creek Wildlife

Obi Obi Creek, a key platypus habitat in Maleny, continues to face risks from discarded or unattended traps. Platypuses are a familiar sight in the area and an important part of Maleny’s natural identity. Conservation guides have reported retrieving these traps from the creek, describing them as major hazards to aquatic wildlife.

Maleny platypus conservation campaign — *Photo Credit: Dr Tamielle Brunt*/Australian Museum

How the Traps Cause Harm

When platypuses dive underwater to hunt for yabbies, they rely on their bills’ electroreceptors to detect prey. The movements from bait or trapped crustaceans inside the nets attract them. Once inside, they cannot reach the surface to breathe and eventually drown. In some cases, the carcasses lure more yabbies — and more platypuses — repeating the fatal cycle.

Findings from National Studies

Research published in Australian Mammalogy in 2025 examined more than 400 recorded platypus deaths since 1989, identifying enclosed nets and crustacean traps as a leading cause. Other risks included predation, fishing gear entanglement, vehicle strikes, and extreme weather. The study concluded that the use of such traps should be banned wherever platypuses are present.

Bans in Other States

Victoria banned opera house traps in 2019 following multiple platypus deaths in Labertouche Creek. New South Wales introduced a full ban on 30 April 2021, replacing them with open-top, eco-friendly nets that allow non-target species to escape. These safer alternatives are now required across all NSW waters, including border regions.

Queensland Review and Delays

In Queensland, a consultation report released in March 2025 by the Freshwater Working Group found 65 per cent of participants supported a total ban, with a further 30 per cent favouring a phase-out by mid-2025. That timeline has since passed, and no new date for implementation has been announced. Conservation experts say the ongoing delay prolongs the threat to native species.

opera house traps — Photo Credit: Danny Casey/Australian Museum

Underreported Deaths and Public Awareness

Wildlife Queensland has noted that the full scale of platypus deaths from traps is unknown because incidents often go unreported. Many fishers are reluctant to admit when other animals drown in their nets. The platypus remains listed as near threatened on the IUCN Red List, with a 2020 national assessment recommending it be upgraded to threatened status due to population declines in all states.

Protecting Maleny’s Creeks

For Maleny’s residents, the issue is both environmental and local. The platypus is an enduring symbol of the region’s creeks and tourism identity. Advocates continue to push for Queensland to follow other states in banning opera house traps, aiming to protect Maleny’s waterways and preserve the area’s unique wildlife for future generations.

Published 12-Oct-2025

Sunshine Coast Showrunner Brings Colourful Children’s Content to Screens with Rainbow Bop

Photo Credit: YouTube / Rainbow Bop

Sunshine Coast showrunner Amy Parry has partnered with musician Emma Dean to release a second album for their multimedia children’s group, Rainbow Bop. The channel has built a following of over 47,000 subscribers and reached more than 2.5 million views since launching on YouTube.

The new collection, titled Songs for a Stormy Day, features ten tracks including original compositions and reimagined classics. Music director Emma Dean worked alongside Parry and Brisbane musician Tony Dean to create the album, which includes new original songs Bathtime Boogaloo and The Bedtime Song.

Dean, who plays the character Miss Rainbow in the program, said the role has been fulfilling. “She is everyone’s favourite aunt and invites our audience on the wildest adventures,” she said.

According to Parry, the program’s success suggests Australian families have been searching for locally made content that reflects their own experiences. “Kids’ content in Australia doesn’t always reflect them,” she explained. “Our aim with Rainbow Bop was to build a trusted umbrella of kids content, that includes music, stories and longer form content, to keep kids safe and entertained.”

The Rainbow Bop brand is now expanding beyond YouTube music videos. A six-part narrative series, The Rainbow Bop Show, received backing from Screen Australia and YouTube Australia’s Skip Ahead initiative, and premiered on 10 October. Additionally, Screen Queensland funded four story-driven music videos through its Channel Lab: Short Cuts Initiative, which were released alongside the album.

Queensland producer Sara Taghaode said the screen agencies’ support validates the vision behind the project. “As content creators and mothers, we know the importance of quality children’s content on screen,” she said.

The four women leading Rainbow Bop – Parry, Dean, Taghaode and executive producer Kristen Souvlis – are all Queensland University of Technology graduates and recipients of InQueensland 40 Under 40 awards.

The Songs for a Stormy Day album is available on streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube Music, with the accompanying video content available on YouTube.

Published 9-October-2025

Movement as Medicine: How a Buderim Dance Class is Supporting People with Parkinson’s

Photo Credit: Dance for Parkinson’s Australia/ Facebook

For residents in Buderim looking for a creative and joyful way to improve balance, flexibility, and social connection while living with Parkinson’s Disease, a new community dance programme is offering a free introductory class.

More Than Just a Dance Class

This special event is more than just a simple dance lesson; it is a research-supported approach to enhancing well-being for individuals living with Parkinson’s. The programme, an affiliate of an internationally recognised initiative from New York, is specifically designed to address the challenges of the condition.

According to Dance for Parkinson’s Australia, the classes focus on developing artistry and grace while helping with practical concerns like balance, coordination, flexibility, and walking gait. The sessions also aim to combat the effects of social isolation and depression that can accompany the disease.

The upcoming free “taster” class is being held as part of Queensland Seniors Month celebrations, thanks to a grant that supports community activities for older residents. The focus is on creating an enjoyable and stimulating experience where the joy of dancing takes centre stage.

BOOK HERE

A Chance to Connect and Celebrate

The event is built around the Seniors Month themes of “Connect and Celebrate.” It provides a welcoming and inclusive space for people with Parkinson’s, along with their partners, carers, and friends. Organisers state that the teaching artists create a fun environment, integrating a range of musical styles to inspire movement.

After the class, participants are invited to stay for a cup of tea and refreshments. This offers a chance to socialise, meet the teaching artists, and connect with others in the local Parkinson’s community in a safe and supportive setting.

Event Information

The free class will take place on Monday, 27 October 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Buderim War Memorial Hall. While the event is free of charge, organisers recommend booking to help manage numbers.

Published Date 09-October-2025

Buderim Engineer Honoured with National Aviation Safety Scholarship

A Buderim aircraft engineer has been named one of only three people across Australia to receive a national scholarship from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, recognising his long-standing contribution to aircraft maintenance and safety.

Recognition for Experience and Commitment

Announced in September 2025, the CASA Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) Scholarship awarded Buderim resident Jacob Mani, who works with Jetstar Airways, a grant of up to $5,000 to support his licensing and training.

The program helps skilled engineers across the country gain the qualifications required to become licensed aircraft maintenance engineers.

A Career Built on Technical Precision

With nearly two decades of experience in aircraft maintenance, Mani has worked on a range of aircraft including Lockheed C130 Hercules, Chinook helicopters, and commercial Airbus and Boeing jets. His work has spanned both military and civil aviation, giving him a detailed understanding of the systems that keep aircraft airworthy.

He said he finds the most satisfaction in troubleshooting issues that require new learning and hands-on problem-solving to ensure each aircraft is repaired correctly and safely.

Queensland’s Strong Showing in National Awards

CASA Chief Executive Officer Pip Spence said recipients like Mani show genuine passion for their careers and a strong dedication to maintaining aviation safety standards in Australia.

Alongside Mani, Brisbane engineer Aaron Pollard from Alliance Airlines also received a CASA scholarship. He completed his aircraft maintenance apprenticeship in under two years, showing strong dedication and skill.

Supporting Aviation’s Safety Backbone

The annual CASA scholarship program is designed to strengthen Australia’s aviation maintenance workforce. It recognises professionals who display initiative, technical skill, and a commitment to safety. Mani’s award follows a competitive selection process that drew more than 70 applicants from across the country.

Both join Perth’s Hudson Dagge as 2025 awardees, reflecting Queensland’s strength in aviation training. Mani’s success highlights Buderim’s contribution to Australia’s aviation safety and the value of supporting technical careers.

Published 3-October-2025