Sunshine Coast Archives - Buderim Today

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

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

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

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.

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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

Buderim Leads Unitywater’s List Of Wastewater Blockages

Buderim has recorded more wastewater blockages than any other suburb across Unitywater’s service region, topping the list with 237 incidents in the past financial year.

A Growing Concern For Residents

Buderim has outpaced Caboolture, Nambour and Redcliffe for wastewater blockages, according to Unitywater’s figures released on 18 August 2025. The region saw 4,395 blockages across Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and Noosa, with Buderim alone making up nearly 6 per cent.

Unitywater linked the problem to everyday habits, from flushing wipes and nappies to pouring fats and oils down the sink. These actions harden in pipes, causing clogs that can back up into homes or spill onto streets.

Why Buderim Is On Top Of The List

According to Unitywater, the high number of blockages in Buderim reflects the impact of population density and household behaviour. The suburb’s ranking was well ahead of other hotspots, including Caboolture with 134 blockages and Redcliffe with 92.

The utility said the cost of responding to these incidents is significant. Each callout requires staff to clear the pipes, manage overflows, and protect nearby creeks and natural areas from contamination. For Buderim residents, the figures highlight how local actions can have direct consequences for both household plumbing and the wider environment.

Steps Being Taken To Address The Problem

Unitywater is stepping up efforts to stop blockages, from new treatments at pump stations to community education. One method uses magnesium hydroxide liquid, better known as a heartburn remedy, to cut odours and stop fats hardening in pipes.

The utility is also pushing the “three Ps” rule, asking households to only flush pee, poo and toilet paper. Locals are urged to make small changes like keeping bins in bathrooms, scraping plates before washing, and storing used cooking oil in jars.

A Community Issue With Shared Responsibility

Unitywater is urging Buderim residents to take action, saying blockages are a community issue as much as a utility one. Simple changes at home can prevent sewage backing up into bathrooms or spilling onto streets.

The advice is straightforward, stop flushing wipes and rethink how fats and scraps are handled in the kitchen. With Buderim recording the most blockages in the region, the warning carries extra weight.

Published 19-August-2025

Belle Property Expands to Buderim, Tapping into Strong Sunshine Coast Market

Photo Credit: Belle Property

Signalling strong confidence in the Sunshine Coast’s property market, national real estate powerhouse Belle Property has established a new presence in Buderim, led by a team of seasoned local experts.

A Local Team with a National Edge

The new Belle Property Buderim is being guided by a team already well-known in the community for its integrity and personalised approach. Principal Tanya Mungomery is a 25-year resident of Buderim with more than 15 years of industry experience. She is joined by Leasing and Tenancy Manager Ebony McCulloch, who contributes nearly a decade of expertise in property management.

This established local team will now operate with the backing of Belle Property, a full-service agency with over 200 offices across Australia known for its premium marketing and impressive digital reach.

This partnership provides the Buderim team access to a national and international network of clients and agents, while allowing them to continue their focus on tailored, high-impact campaigns. It represents a move to blend their strong community reputation with the resources of one of the country’s leading lifestyle real estate brands, which prides itself on servicing select markets from simple studios to multi-million-dollar homes.

A Vision for Buderim’s Future

According to Mungomery, the decision to join the Belle Property network is about enhancing what her team can offer clients, not changing its core identity. She expressed that clients will receive the same honest, local advice, now supported by a prestige brand.

Mungomery’s vision for the agency extends beyond property transactions, aiming to enrich the area’s future while honouring its past. This people-first mindset aligns with the shared values of honesty, respect, and professionalism that unite all Belle Property agents nationwide.

Confidence in the Sunshine Coast Market

The launch comes at a time of steady growth in the Sunshine Coast property market, which is fuelled by high buyer demand. Buderim remains one of the region’s most sought-after suburbs, valued for its unique hinterland feel just minutes from the coast. Its vibrant village atmosphere, proximity to top schools, and natural attractions like the Buderim Forest Waterfall make it a prime location for families, professionals, and retirees.

Belle Property’s Head of State for Queensland, David Holmes, commented on the new venture, stating that Mungomery’s team is a perfect fit for the brand due to their professionalism and strong local presence. This move signals significant confidence from the national group in both the local team and the enduring appeal of the Buderim lifestyle. Belle Property Buderim is now actively serving the community from its office at the Buderim Mall on Burnett Street.

Published Date 04-August-2025

Sunshine Coast Tragedy Highlights Hungry Jack’s Battery Toy Breach

Photo Credit: Hungry Jack's

The death of a Sunshine Coast child who ingested a button battery has resurfaced in national focus after Hungry Jack’s was penalised for breaching battery safety rules in its toy giveaways.

Child’s Death Prompts Renewed Safety Focus

The death of four-year-old Sunshine Coast child Summer Steer in 2013 from ingesting a lithium button battery remains a pivotal moment in shaping Australia’s consumer safety practices. Summer became the first Australian child known to die from ingesting a button battery, with her death following multiple medical visits in the hours before she collapsed.

She was taken to Noosa Hospital three times on the day of her death, after experiencing a nosebleed and vomiting blood. Despite initial assurances from doctors, she later suffered a cardiac arrest and died after being transferred to Brisbane. An inquest later confirmed the cause was internal injuries from a swallowed battery.

Hungry Jack’s Toy Recall and Penalty

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has penalised Hungry Jack’s Pty Ltd $150,240 for supplying toys without required button battery warnings. The breach involved 27,850 Garfield toys distributed with children’s meals over a 10-day period in May 2024. While the toys complied with the mandatory button battery safety standard, the packaging failed to include the necessary hazard warnings or advice on what to do in case of ingestion, as required under the information standard.

The fast-food company was issued eight infringement notices and has since signed a court-enforceable undertaking admitting the toy likely failed to comply with information standards. The company also announced it would implement a compliance program to avoid future breaches.

Button Battery Risks and Regulation

Sunshine Coast button battery — *Photo Credit: Wikipedia*

Button batteries are small and can become lodged in a child’s throat if swallowed, leading to fatal injuries in as little as two hours. In Australia, at least three children have died and more than one child each month is injured due to button battery incidents.

The mandatory button battery standards in Australia require not only physical safety measures like secure battery compartments but also clear labelling and consumer guidance. The ACCC has continued to take enforcement action against suppliers who fail to meet these obligations.

Consumer Advocates Raise Concern

Following the Hungry Jack’s incident, safety advocates have reiterated the danger these batteries pose. The ACCC stated that despite recent regulatory improvements, non-compliant products remain on the market, presenting ongoing risks to children. Organisations such as Kidsafe Queensland remain active in urging tighter compliance with safety regulations and clearer warning labels.

Andrea Shoesmith, mother of Summer Steer, remains critical of businesses that downplay the risks. She has long campaigned for stricter rules around button batteries and said that even when products technically meet construction standards, they can still pose serious harm if not correctly labelled.

Response and Ongoing Measures

The Garfield toys have since been withdrawn by Hungry Jack’s, with non-battery alternatives available for exchange at any of the chain’s outlets.

The ACCC has urged families to check their homes for button battery products and to report any safety concerns. It has also warned that companies must report any serious safety incidents involving their products within two days.

The commission said it would continue to monitor businesses for compliance and take enforcement action where necessary. The safety of consumer goods involving young children remains a core focus for the ACCC in the 2025–26 period.

Published 12-May-2025

Viral Bruce Highway Twins Draw Laughs and Love from Around the World

Photo Credit: Jimmy Kimmel Live/Youtube

Identical twin sisters from Queensland have found international fame after describing a dramatic moment on the Bruce Highway in perfect unison, leaving viewers and even American TV host Jimmy Kimmel in stitches.

A Moment of Danger

Bridgette and Paula Powers, known locally as “The Twinnies,” were involved in a tense situation when their mother was threatened by a carjacker on Steve Irwin Way, which connects to the Bruce Highway. The sisters witnessed the attempted theft and later described the event to 7News Queensland.

*Photo Credit: Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue/Facebook*

Their synchronised storytelling, delivered in matching outfits, quickly drew public attention. They described how their mother bravely confronted the armed man and helped alert police. The serious moment, retold in perfect unison, made the interview both surreal and compelling.

The Interview That Went Global

The 7News clip aired in early April and quickly spread online. Their synchronised speech and animated expressions were shared widely, with audiences praising the sisters’ unique communication style.

*Photo Credit: Jimmy Kimmel Live/Youtube*

Soon after, the pair were featured on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, where the American host joked that he couldn’t stop laughing and asked if they were witches. He suggested they deserved their own show and invited them to visit the US.

Community Roots and Wildlife Mission

The Powers sisters live in Landsborough, not far from the Bruce Highway, where they’ve quietly run the Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue for more than 25 years. The sanctuary, which began as a family project, has since become a key part of wildlife care on the Sunshine Coast.

They rescue and rehabilitate seabirds, including pelicans that suffer from injuries caused by fishing gear or watercraft. The sisters noted the centre has struggled for funding in the past and hope their new visibility might bring more community support.

Public Reactions and Familiar Fame

While some viewers speculated the synchronised speech was rehearsed, both sisters said it’s simply how they’ve always talked. Bridgette explained they’ve tried speaking one at a time but find it too difficult.

*Photo Credit: Good Morning Britain/Facebook*

This wasn’t their first brush with fame. In 2016, they appeared on British breakfast television where their speaking style also made headlines. The former host said it was one of the most memorable interviews of his career.

Today, the sisters continue to balance global attention with their daily bird care duties, saying the support from the public has been uplifting but unexpected.

Published 25-April-2025

Buderim Mountain State School To Celebrate 150 Years Of Learning And Legacy

Photo Credit: bmsspandc/Instagram

Buderim Mountain State School, a heritage-listed cornerstone of Queensland’s education system, is preparing to celebrate 150 years of continuous operation with a day of reflection, reunions and community pride.

A Growing School With Deep Community Roots

Buderim Mountain State School, one of Queensland’s oldest and most cherished public schools, will celebrate its 150th anniversary with a community-wide celebration honouring generations of students, staff and families who have shaped the school since it opened in 1875.

The milestone event, titled Back to Buderim Mountain State School, will take place on Saturday, 21 June 2025, drawing past and present students, teachers, and local residents for a full day of festivities at the school’s Main Street campus.

Celebration Day To Reconnect Generations

Now with over 1,100 students and a new $10 million hall, Buderim Mountain State School has grown from a small provisional school into a hub of education and community pride. It’s heritage-listed and forms part of the Buderim War Memorial Community Centre — a “living memorial” that includes the school’s arboretum, sports fields and memorial gates from 1945.

*Photo Credit: 4556 Chamber of Commerce/Facebook*

The celebration program includes an official ceremony, school tours, historical exhibitions, a commemorative sculpture unveiling, and the long-awaited opening of a time capsule buried during the school’s 125th anniversary in 2000.

A Documentary To Capture 150 Years Of School Life

The day will feature a roll call of former students by decade, followed by performances from the choir, rock band and dance troupe. A documentary by Reflected Image Productions, backed by the Buderim Foundation, will also premiere, sharing school life across generations through student memories.

To mark the occasion, the school has released a limited-edition BMSS 150th umbrella. The 120cm golf-style design comes with a sleeve, costs $36, and is available from the Uniform Shop or via Flexischools for classroom delivery.

Open Invitation To The Wider Community

Community members are encouraged to register online to take part in the day. Memorabilia and student-designed artwork will be available for purchase, and refreshments will be served throughout the grounds.

After 150 years of continuous operation, Buderim Mountain State School remains not just an institution of learning, but a place where stories, friendships, and history are shared and celebrated by the Buderim community.

Published 21-April-2025