Spotlight on Beachmere

Woorim beach track renamed after late 18-year-old local

MORETON Bay Council has officially renamed the Bribie Island 4WD Track on Woorim Beach to the ‘Harrison Payne 4WD Track’.

Harrison ‘Harry’ Payne was 18 when he tragically lost his life in a 4WD crash on Woorim Beach in May 2021, leaving behind devastated friends and family.

At the General Meeting on July 16, Council voted unanimously to approve the renaming of Ocean Beach Access Track to ‘Harrison Payne Track’.

After undergoing public consultation, Council has now officially renamed the track., accompanied by a history board to explain Harry’s connection to the area.

The Harrison Payne Initiative - a not-for-profi by his family that aims to create change around beach safety, 4WD safety, and road safety - said this was more than a sign on a road.

“Bribie Island was one of Harry’s favourite places, and the 4WD track brought him joy and

freedom. To know it now carries his name is deeply emotional for us,” they said in a statement.

“But this renaming is not only about remembrance. It is also about prevention.

“The Harrison Payne 4WD Track is a lasting reminder that driving on our beaches

Spotlight on... Beachmere & surrounds

Honouring Charlize

Council proposes renaming for teen killed in shark attack

A PROPOSAL to rename a Woorim Beach access point after a “salt-of-the-earth” teen who loved the surf is moving forward following the support of Moreton Bay councillors.

Charlize Zmuda, a wellknown surf lifesaver and much-loved member of the Bribie Island community, tragically passed away in a shark attack while swimming off Woorim Beach in February 2025.

The 17-year-old was a dedicated volunteer surf lifesaver with the Bribie Island Surf Life Saving Club, having served as Nipper Captain, Vice Patrol Captain, and Nipper Age Manager.

She also represented Bribie Island at the 2024 World Surf Lifesaving Championships.

Under the proposal, which was supported unanimously by Council at the October 8 General Meeting, Woorim Beach’s Fifth Avenue Beach Access will be renamed ‘Charlize’s Place’ in memory of the inspirational teen.

Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said the renaming was a way of honouring the enormous contribution Charlize made to her

community in such a short space of time.

“Charlize’s passion for surf lifesaving was only matched by her dedicated environmental stewardship, and it is fitting Council honours her memory through this renaming,” he said.

“I thank Division 1 Councillor Brooke Savige for bringing this proposal to council which has been supported by Charlize’s parents Renee and Steve.

“We hope this renaming helps in some small way to inspire others to give back to their community in the same way Charlize did throughout the course of her young life.”

Division 1 Councillor Brooke Savige said the renaming ensures Charlize’s legacy would live on for generations to come.

“In February this year, we lost a young titan of our community. Charlize was a pillar of compassion and the epitome of service before self,” she said.

“As a surf lifesaver, she would have been the first to run towards danger if someone found themselves in trouble at the beach. My

Beachmere residents set to get new water metres

UNITYWATER is replacing water meters nearing the end of their ten-to-fifteenyear lifecycle in Beachmere and Kallangur as part of a $400 million investment to renew and enhance its water and wastewater network.

Unitywater Executive Manager Sustainable Infrastructure Solutions, Mike Basterfield, said the utility had replaced 2,798 water meters since July 1 across Moreton Bay,

Sunshine Coast and Noosa.

“We’re enhancing our networks to maintain exceptional service for our customers, including our water meter replacement program, which ensures water meter readings, and customer bills, remain as accurate as possible,” Mr Basterfield said.

“This initiative forms part of our larger, fiveyear $2 billion investment in water and wastewater infrastructure,” he said.

Mr Basterfield said meters were replaced because of age or heavy use where high volumes of water have flowed through them.

heart goes out to Renee, Steve and the entire Zmuda family who have already endured so much. They can be very proud of the legacy their daughter has left

“While Charlize is no longer with us, I have no doubt that Woorim Beach has gained a guardian angel.”

City of Moreton Bay will now seek public feedback

on the proposed renaming until October 30.

Non-supportive submissions received over the 14-day consultation period will see the proposed action brought back to Council for reconsideration. Public feedback can be made at council@ moretonbay.qld.gov.au or to PO Box 159, Caboolture QLD 4510.

“Our crews will also pop a card in the resident’s letterbox which records the water consumption measured by the old meter.

“We encourage our customers to keep this reading for reference and to cross check it when they receive their next Unitywater bill. It’s another way our crews are on the job for you.”

“Replacing a meter typically takes around 30 minutes to one hour so service interruptions are short and any residents having their meter replaced will receive a notification card in their letterbox at least 48 hours before the work,” he said.

For more details visit www.unitywater.com/ maintenance-programs.

Spotlight on... Beachmere & surrounds

Conservation takes flight over Bribie birds

BRIBIE Island’s reputation as a haven for migratory shorebirds has reached new heights, with the success of the Wings Over the World 2025 event — a celebration of conservation, science and community held at Kakadu Beach on October 19.

The event, which drew more than 150 attendees, marked the latest chapter in a growing local movement to protect the island’s remarkable birdlife.

It all began in October 2021, when Rotary’s Environmental Sustainability Action Group (ESRAG) hosted the first

Threatened Species Day at Kakadu Beach. The event sparked community interest in the island’s migratory shorebirds — particularly the threatened Eastern Curlew.

Among the speakers was QUT PhD student Josh Wilson, whose innovative research using drones to monitor shorebirds inspired residents to take part in citizen science initiatives.

Four years on, that enthusiasm has evolved into a major conservation partnership between the Bribie Island Environmental Protection Association (BIEPA) and Rotary’s ESRAG.

Together, they have formed Moreton Bay: Home of Shorebirds (MBHoS) — an alliance dedicated to protecting key habitats and raising awareness of Bribie’s ecological importance.

The partnership’s new flagship event, Wings Over the World, now sits proudly within the annual Bribie Island Nature Festival, attracting nature lovers and experts from across Queensland.

This year’s monitoring produced outstanding results, with more than 350 Eastern Curlews recorded at Kakadu Beach on October

as a site of international significance.

The conservation focus has also delivered a tourism boost. Between January and April 2025, visitors from 19 countries flocked to the site during the migratory season.

Local birdwatchers estimate these visits

nature conversations and contributed around $500,000 to the local economy.

At this year’s event, Colin Scobie (ESRAG), Michael Strong (Queensland Wader Study Group), and Darren Dew (BIEPA/BINF) discussed future conservation strategies for Kakadu habitats. With its growing international reputation and thriving local engagement, Wings Over the World has firmly established Bribie Island as a shining example of how science, community and nature can come together for global impact.

Clayton Park gets $500K upgrade

FAMILIES in Beachmere can look forward to a major upgrade at Clayton Park, with a new $500,000 playground on the way thanks to funding from the State Government. The redevelopment will see Moreton Bay City Council deliver an expanded and modernised play space, featuring new equipment and inclusive design elements aimed at

Premier joins Beachmere for BBQ and boost to local sport

Contributed by Member for Pumicestone, Ariana Doolan

ON Saturday 25 October, I hosted Premier David Crisafulli in Beachmere at Mazlin Park for a free community BBQ.

We were joined by over 100 members of our community who had the opportunity to meet with the Premier and share a few conversations over a sausage sizzle.

We also made an exciting announcement at the Beachmere Rugby League Club.

supporting local families for years to come.

The investment is part of a broader $10.3 million package to improve community infrastructure across South East and Far North Queensland, supporting 10 projects in total.

Member for Pumicestone Ariana Doolan said the project reflects a strong commitment

the opportunity to stay active as well as support the growth of the region.

Thank you to everyone that was able to join me for our community BBQ.

If you want to stay up to date with events like this in our community, please get in touch with my office via phone on 07 3474 2100 or email at pumicestone@ parliament.qld.gov.au and we will keep you up to date with upcoming events.

to

9 am till 5 pm

Beachmere seniors find new social hub with Probus launch

BEACHMERE’S newest social group for retirees and semi-retirees, the Beachmere Probus Club, officially launched on September 16, marking the beginning of a new chapter in community connection and friendship for the town’s senior residents.

The club’s inaugural meeting drew a positive turnout, with locals gathering to learn more about the opportunities

Probus offers — from regular social meetups to guest speaker events, outings, and friendship circles designed to help members stay active and engaged in retirement. Probus Clubs operate across Australia and New Zealand under the umbrella of Probus South Pacific, providing retirees with opportunities for companionship, mental stimulation, and community participation. Members meet monthly to enjoy the company of likeminded people and to hear from guest speakers on a wide range of topics.

Beachmere & surrounds

The establishment of the Beachmere branch adds to the

growing network of Probus groups in the Moreton Bay region, giving residents another way to connect socially and pursue shared interests in a friendly, inclusive setting. Anyone interested in joining or learning more about the Beachmere Probus Club can visit www. probussouthpacific.org or call 1300 630 488 for details.

THE State Government is undertaking a procurement process to trial an On Demand Transport (ODT) service for the residents of Bribie Island.

ODT is a flexible, shared and pre-booked service that transports customers to destinations within their community and to the wider public transport network, in areas where regular public transport isn’t available or possible.

The Department for Transport and Main Roads began open market procurement this month to deliver a trial of the service on Bribie Island, a new permanent service at Yarrabilba and the existing service on the Gold Coast.

On demand, on the way

State to trial new transport model on Bribie

for this type of service, which connects locals to the places they need to go - whether that’s work, healthcare, shopping, or other public transport options,” he said.

There are currently successful on demand services operating in the Gold Coast, Logan, Toowoomba, Tamborine Mountain, Ipswich and Hervey Bay.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the service is about listening to the community and acting on what matters most to

“By introducing a trial of ODT to Bribie Island, we’re providing certainty and independence for residents in areas where traditional public transport isn’t readily available –and at just 50 cents each way, it’s an affordable and accessible option.”

Member for Pumicestone Ariana Doolan said this was about helping locals stay connected and participate

residents have been needing and it’ll supplement existing public transport options and strengthen community connections,” she said.

“Following the procurement process, Translink will work with the successful proponent to finalise service areas and commencement dates for next year.”

“Bookings will be able to be made through the Translink On Demand app, which also provides customers with service tracking and real-time notifications of their service.”