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Moreton Bay Colleges MTB Team Rides from Manly to First Overall

Photo Credit: Moreton Bay College/Facebook

Mud, technical trails and a field of more than 360 competitors set the stage for a standout day for Manly’s Moreton Bay Colleges Mountain Bike Team, which finished first overall at the Rocky Trail Academy Brisbane Schools Competition.

Manly Riders Rise Through The Mud at Mt Cotton

For the Moreton Bay Colleges Mountain Bike Team, the Brisbane Schools Competition was not just a test of speed. It was a test of control, endurance and composure across muddy tracks and tough conditions at Mt Cotton Mountain Bike Trails.

The Manly team finished first overall with 166 points, securing the top result in a large schools field of more than 360 competitors. The event, held on Friday, 15 May 2026, formed part of the Rocky Trail Academy Brisbane Schools Comp and brought riders together for a demanding day of timed racing.

The format placed competitors across three timed sections designed to test endurance, speed and technical ability. Riders were able to complete multiple runs on each section, with their fastest times counting towards their individual results. Points were also earned for schools on each track, with bonus points awarded to the top finishers.

The overall win reflected more than one standout ride. It came from a wider team effort across the day, with riders managing difficult track conditions and contributing to the final school tally.

Moreton Bay Colleges Mountain Bike Team — *Photo Credit: Moreton Bay College/Facebook*

Category Results Strengthen The Team Performance

Several Moreton Bay Colleges riders delivered strong individual results across the girls’ divisions.

Millie F placed second in Girls Seniors, while Sophie G finished third in Girls Intermediates. Sophie P also placed fourth in Girls Intermediates, adding another strong result in the same category.

In Girls Juniors, Sophie H finished second and Pia C placed third, giving the Colleges further category success during the competition.

Together, those results helped shape the team’s overall performance and added weight to the Colleges’ first-place finish. In a competition where school points were earned across tracks, the final result reflected both individual placings and the broader strength of the riding group.

Support From The Sidelines

The team result was also backed by a wider school community effort at Mt Cotton.

The Moreton Bay Colleges MTB Parent Group ran a barbecue on site to raise funds for the school’s mountain bike program. Food, coffee, refreshments, first aid, bike support, timing, registration, music and live race updates were also part of the event hub during the day.

Coaches, staff, parents and supporters contributed to the team environment around the riders, adding to a day shaped by both racing and community support.

Toowoomba Next For The Manly Team

After finishing first overall at Mt Cotton, the Moreton Bay Colleges Mountain Bike Team is now looking ahead to its next race in Toowoomba.

The Brisbane result gives the Manly school community a strong achievement to carry forward: first overall, 166 points, several category standouts and a group of riders who pushed through difficult conditions against one of the largest schools mountain biking fields in the country.

Published 21-May-2026

Recycled Shells To Help Restore Oyster Reefs Across Moreton Bay

Photo Credit: OzFish Unlimited/Facebook

A Moreton Bay shellfish reef restoration project will use recycled shells and oyster baskets to support marine habitat and water quality, with the work carrying wider relevance for bayside communities including Manly.

Recycled Shells Given A New Role In Moreton Bay

Shellfish reefs in Moreton Bay are set to be restored through a $1.5 million project using recycled shell material collected from seafood businesses and restaurants across Brisbane.

The project will support OzFish in creating and deploying 10,000 Robust Oyster Baskets over two years at three confirmed locations: the Port of Brisbane, Peel Island and Fisher’s Lease.

The work is aimed at restoring shellfish reefs that have been lost through historical harvesting, coastal development, disease and declining water quality.

Oyster Baskets To Support Reef Habitat

The recycled shells will be cleaned and cured to meet biosecurity requirements before being used to create the Robust Oyster Baskets.

Volunteers will help prepare the baskets, giving the project a community-based element while supporting practical restoration work in the bay.

A single Robust Oyster Basket can provide shelter for more than 10,000 baby oysters. Once deployed, the baskets are intended to help rebuild shellfish reef habitat and support marine life.

Shellfish reefs provide important habitat for fish and crustaceans. Their restoration is expected to improve biodiversity across the selected Moreton Bay locations.

Manly oyster baskets — *Photo Credit: OzFish Unlimited/Facebook*

Water Quality Benefits Across The Bay

Oysters play a natural filtering role in the marine environment by trapping microscopic algae and other particles, helping improve water quality as reef systems develop.

One oyster can filter more than 100 litres of water a day, making shellfish reefs a valuable part of Moreton Bay’s marine ecosystem.

While the confirmed deployment sites are not in Manly, the project’s focus on water quality, marine habitat and biodiversity carries wider relevance for communities connected to the bay.

recycled shells — *Photo Credit: KaraCookMP/Facebook*

Two-Year Restoration Effort

Over the next two years, OzFish will deploy 10,000 oyster baskets across the Port of Brisbane, Peel Island and Fisher’s Lease.

The project is expected to support marine habitat, improve water quality, enhance biodiversity and encourage community engagement.

As the baskets are deployed, the work is expected to contribute to the gradual recovery of shellfish reefs across selected parts of Moreton Bay, using recycled shell material and volunteer effort to support restoration in the marine environment.

Published 27-Apr-2026

Concerns Raised Over Parking and Scale in Manly State Boat Harbour Plans

DA A006949411

The development application for the Manly State Boat Harbour redevelopment has moved into a detailed information request phase, with planning assessors identifying ten areas requiring further information or revised plans before assessment can progress.

The information request, issued on 6 March 2026, is a standard and necessary step in the assessment process. It does not signal a refusal. The applicant, MA Marina Fund TT Pty Ltd acting through Willowtree Planning, has until approximately 6 June 2026 to respond before the assessment clock resumes.

Ten Questions Assessors Need Answered

The most pointed questions go to the scale of the proposed upper-floor bistro. Assessors flagged that it is substantial in both floor area and expected patron numbers, and that the application does not sufficiently demonstrate how it remains subordinate to and directly associated with the ground-floor club use rather than operating as a standalone restaurant.

Manly State Boat Harbour — *Photo Credit: Google Maps screengrab*

The applicant must either prove that link with specific details on intended operators, expected patronage and access restrictions, or seek a separate development permit for the bistro in its own right.

The five proposed retail tenancies raised a similar flag, with assessors requiring the applicant to show the shops would be associated with marina activities and would not undermine the viability of the nearby Manly Harbour Village centre.

On parking, assessors found the proposed reduction from 148 to 118 spaces insufficiently justified. The applicant must now conduct a peak hour traffic survey establishing existing trip generation, produce a net increase table showing the additional burden on the local road network, and clarify how many berths and facilities currently depend on the existing parking areas.

Other information requests cover noise and air quality from marine industry workshops, given the site sits within 100 metres of sensitive residential zoning across Royal Esplanade. The applicant must detail all industrial activities proposed including fibreglassing, grinding, spray painting and engine repair, and clarify the intended hours of operation for all uses.

Stormwater management, refuse vehicle access, landscaping, pedestrian connectivity to the streetscape and the existing Environmentally Relevant Activity approval on the site were also flagged as requiring further detail.

Energex Cleared the Application

One referral agency response has already come back positively. Energex assessed the application on 4 March 2026 and approved it in full, subject to conditions. The electrical network referral was triggered because the site sits within 100 metres of a supply infrastructure easement.

Energex confirmed the proposed works do not adversely affect the safe or efficient operation of the electricity network, with conditions requiring that no buildings or structures be placed within two existing underground cable easements on the site.

Residents Raise Concerns

Both public submissions received, lodged on 20 February 2026, home in on the same issue: parking.

Manly resident Andrew Wernbacher supports the development in principle but is firm on one point: the existing parking is already overwhelmed on weekends and holidays, with overflow regularly spilling onto local streets and into the nearby public boat ramp facility.

“I’m concerned that the reduction in proposed on-site parking will add excessive strain on the already overloaded local streets and adjoining public boat ramp facility,” Wernbacher wrote. “On-site parking needs to be increased, not decreased.”

The second submission, lodged with personal details removed at the submitter’s request, is an outright objection on the same grounds: “I oppose the proposed development solely on the grounds that this facility needs more parking not less. I will oppose the development unless the parking supply is increased and not decreased.”

The assessor’s requirement for a peak hour traffic survey and net increase analysis will now put hard data behind what both submitters are describing from lived experience.

What Happens Next

Once the applicant responds to the information request, assessment continues toward a formal decision by BCC. Residents can track the DA’s progress, view all documents and lodge a submission by clicking here.

Published 25-April-2026

Wynnum Manly Little Athletics Club Receives Equipment Funding Boost

Photo Credit: Brisbane Airport

Wynnum Manly Little Athletics Club in Manly has received funding through Brisbane Airport’s Community Giving Fund, supporting equipment upgrades for young athletes at the local club.

Wynnum Manly Little Athletics Club At Centre Of Funding Boost

Wynnum Manly Little Athletics Club is among sixteen organisations across Brisbane to share in a $125,000 funding pool through Brisbane Airport’s Community Giving Fund, marking the largest round since the program began. The increase follows last year’s $100,000 allocation.

The Manly-based club will use its funding to purchase new javelins and covers for its long jump pits. The equipment will support children participating in athletics activities at the club, particularly across throwing and jumping events.

A new community sport category was introduced in this round, recognising the role local clubs such as Wynnum Manly Little Athletics Club play in supporting health and wellbeing through grassroots sport.

Brisbane funding — *Photo Credit: Wynnum Manly Little Athletics/Facebook*

Building Skills Through Athletics In Manly

Operating in Manly, Wynnum Manly Little Athletics Club provides athletics programs for children aged five to 16, with a focus on track and field events. Activities include sprints, distance running, hurdles, long jump, high jump, and throwing disciplines such as shot put, discus and javelin.

Competitions are held weekly, allowing participants to engage in a structured program suited to their age and ability. Events are designed to support skill development while maintaining an accessible and inclusive format for all participants.

The club is supported by volunteers, with parents playing an active role in assisting with event operations. This includes helping with setup, officiating, and guiding children through different activities during competition days.

grassroots sport — *Photo Credit: Wynnum Manly Little Athletics/Facebook*

Family, Fun And Fitness Driving Participation

Wynnum Manly Little Athletics Club follows a philosophy centred on family, fun and fitness, encouraging participation in a supportive environment. The program promotes positive attitudes and a healthy lifestyle through involvement in athletics activities.

Younger children are introduced to athletics through a play-based program focused on participation and enjoyment. These sessions build fundamental movement skills through activities involving running, jumping and throwing.

*Photo Credit: Wynnum Manly Little Athletics Centre*

Community Support Extends Beyond Manly

The Community Giving Fund supports organisations delivering programs across education, environment, health and inclusion throughout Brisbane. This includes initiatives focused on youth mentorship, creative arts, financial literacy, and support for families and communities.

Since its launch in 2015, the program has contributed more than $655,000 to community groups and non-profit organisations across Brisbane, supporting a wide range of grassroots initiatives.

Published 17-Apr-2026

Tributes Flow for Brisbane Spearfisher and Martial Arts Instructor After Batt Reef Tragedy

Britannica

Brisbane spearfisher and martial arts instructor Louie McHugh, 23, died near Batt Reef off Port Douglas on Saturday after failing to resurface during a diving trip with friends.

McHugh had travelled to Port Douglas for a weekend away and was diving from a boat near Batt Reef, approximately 11 kilometres north-east of Port Douglas, when the incident occurred around 11.30am. After he did not resurface, friends searched the water before calling emergency services. Marine and aerial assets, including rescue helicopter 510, were deployed in a search and rescue operation that continued for nearly three hours. Authorities located McHugh unresponsive in the water just after 2.20pm.

Police have not confirmed the cause of death. A suspected shallow water blackout, a sudden and potentially fatal loss of consciousness during breath-hold diving caused by oxygen depletion, is being investigated as a possible factor.

A Proud Iona Old Boy

McHugh attended Iona College, the all-boys Catholic school in Wynnum West that draws students from across the bayside suburbs including Manly, Wynnum and surrounding areas. The Iona College Old Boys Association paid tribute to McHugh, joining its community in offering prayers and sympathy to his family. Friends who had trained alongside him, including fellow Iona old boys, shared their grief publicly in the days following the incident.

One parent of a former student recalled McHugh as a generous and humble young man who had formed a genuine friendship with her son, also an Iona old boy, while training him in Muay Thai at Progressive Martial Arts in Tingalpa. Under McHugh’s guidance, the young fighter won his most recent bout. The mother described McHugh as an exceptional trainer who left a lasting impression on all who trained with him.

Martial Arts Career Cut Short

McHugh had built a respected profile in Brisbane’s martial arts scene after more than 15 years of training at Progressive Martial Arts in Tingalpa. He trained under head coach Cookie Vassiliou and held rankings under Ajarn Chai and Professor Jean Jacques Machado, with connections to the lineage of Guro Dan Inosanto. He worked as an instructor at the school, mentoring younger students and competing as a ring fighter.

Vassiliou remembered McHugh as a go-getter and a talented instructor who gave himself fully to his students and the sport. She noted the community found some comfort in knowing he had died doing something he loved. Progressive Martial Arts has launched a fundraiser to assist his family with ongoing costs, available through the school’s social media pages.

McHugh is survived by his mother Sue, father Mark, and sisters Niamph, Freya and Immy.

Why This Matters to the Manly and Bayside Community

For families across Manly, Wynnum, and the broader bayside area, Louie McHugh was not a distant figure. He was the kind of young man many residents knew personally, through Iona College, through the martial arts community centred in nearby Tingalpa, or through the tight social networks that connect bayside suburbs. His loss resonates because he represented something many local families recognise: a young person who grew up in this community, stayed connected to it, and gave back through his work as a coach and mentor.

For those in the bayside community who fish, dive or spend time on the water, this story also carries an important safety message. Shallow water blackout can affect experienced divers without warning, and understanding its risks is something every water-loving household in the area can benefit from knowing. The Cairns Spearfishing Club‘s call for awareness and education is a message that applies just as much to Queensland’s south-east coast as it does to Far North Queensland.

Batt Reef and Spearfishing Risks

Batt Reef, where McHugh was diving, is among the largest sections of the Great Barrier Reef system, covering an area 18 kilometres long and 5 kilometres wide. The reef is a popular destination for snorkelling and diving, with tourist vessels regularly departing from the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina in Port Douglas. It is also the site where Australian conservationist and zookeeper Steve Irwin died in September 2006 after a stingray barb struck him during an underwater filming session.

The Cairns Spearfishing Club encouraged anyone affected to reach out to its committee for support or to learn more about safe diving practices.

Those wishing to contribute to the family fundraiser can find the details here.

Published 4-March-2026.

East Coast Marina Seeks Approval for New Clubhouse, Restaurants and Retail at Manly Boat Harbour

DA A006949411

A development application lodged in January 2026 proposes demolishing the existing buildings at the East Coast Marina at 576 Royal Esplanade, Manly, and replacing them with a new two-storey clubhouse, restaurant, café, retail shops and marine industry workshops overlooking Moreton Bay.

Architect Reid Campbell designed the proposal, with planning consultants Willowtree Planning lodging the application on behalf of MA Marina Fund. The development covers the south-eastern portion of the site and delivers 1,239 square metres of new floor space across two purpose-built buildings. The development application reference is A006949411.

East Coast Marina is the only privately owned facility within the 1,800-berth Manly Boat Harbour, located 20 kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD. MA Marina Fund, part of alternative asset manager MA Financial, acquired the site in February 2024 for $33 million, cementing its position as the largest marina group in the southern hemisphere. The site, which occupies more than 5.6 hectares of state leases along Moreton Bay, had been in the same hands for more than four decades before that sale. The marina controls 330 berths and dry storage for 240 vessels, alongside a full-service boatyard and a range of commercial tenancies.

What the Proposal Involves

The application proposes demolishing two existing brick marina buildings and the current 148-space car park, replacing them with two new structures. The first is a two-storey club, café and retail building rising to 8.5 metres. A club lounge and café occupy the ground floor, with an ancillary restaurant on the upper level. Large windows along the north and east elevations face the harbour, and an external walkway separates the ground floor tenancies to provide pedestrian connectivity throughout the development. The upper-floor restaurant is accessible via lower-level staircase entries.

East Coast Marina — *Photo Credit: DA A006949411*

The second building houses five marine industry workshop tenancies, with glass shopfronts on the western elevation and large roller doors on the eastern side for vessel access. Precast concrete panels and vertical metal sheeting form the exterior, consistent with an industrial character while remaining in keeping with the broader site.

The proposed uses across the 1,239 square metre total floor area include 404 square metres of club space, 214 square metres of food and drink outlet, 243 square metres across five retail tenancies, and 378 square metres across five marine industry workshop tenancies. Finished floor levels sit at 3.1 metres AHD, addressing flood planning levels to 2100. Existing boat stacks are not affected by the proposal.

The 148-space car park reduces to 118 spaces under the proposal, including two accessible bays, with vehicle access continuing via the existing service road and T-intersection at Royal Esplanade. A traffic report by Bitzios Consulting noted that a survey conducted in July 2025 found the existing car park was underused during typical weekday and standard operating periods.

Community Feedback: Parking Emerges as the Central Issue

The development application attracted public submissions during its consultation period, with parking emerging as the dominant concern shared by both supporters and opponents of the proposal.

One marina user submitted support for the development in principle but raised concerns about the existing parking situation on weekends and during holiday periods. That submission described the current car park as already overwhelmed on its busiest days, with overflow vehicles spilling onto local streets and the adjacent public boat ramp facility. The submitter argued that on-site parking needed to increase rather than decrease to protect both the local streetscape and nearby public facilities from additional pressure.

A separate submission opposed the development solely on parking grounds, noting that weekends and holidays already fill the existing spaces and that expanding the marina’s dining, retail and club activity would only intensify that demand. That submitter indicated they would oppose the development unless the parking supply increased.

Both submissions draw from the same concern: the marina’s busiest periods already push beyond the capacity of the current 148 spaces, and reducing that figure to 118 while increasing the scale of activity on the site creates a genuine risk of worsening conditions for residents, road users and users of the nearby public boat ramp.

A Site With a Long History in Manly Harbour

East Coast Marina has served Brisbane boaties since 1980, becoming the first marina in Queensland to gain Clean Marina Status in 2006. The site sits between the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron and Wynnum Manly Yacht Club within a harbour that also hosts Manly Harbour Boat Club, and operates under state leases across its 5.6-hectare waterfront holding.

Since the 2024 acquisition, the marina has operated under the d’Albora brand as part of the MA Marina Fund network. Current on-site services include boat maintenance and detailing, marine engineering and electrical trades, a café, a yacht training centre and boat sales through the d’Albora Yacht Brokers network. That mix of active commercial tenancies gives the redevelopment proposal a clear operational context, replacing ageing buildings with purpose-designed facilities suited to a working marina serving Moreton Bay.

How to View or Comment on the Application

The development application A006949411 is publicly accessible through the development application portal. It contains the full plans, traffic report, consultant documentation and all submitted public submissions. Enquiries about the application can be directed to planning consultants Willowtree Planning at willowtreeplanning.com.au or architect Reid Campbell at reidcampbell.com.

Published 2-March-2026.

Manly’s Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Hosts the 56th Finn World Masters

Finn Class/Instagram

Sailors from 18 nations have gathered at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron in Manly for the 56th Finn World Masters, one of the most prestigious titles in single-handed dinghy racing, with eight races scheduled across five days on the waters of Waterloo Bay.

Just over 100 competitors registered for the Porsche Centre Brisbane 2026 event, which opened at the RQYS on Sunday evening with a ceremony on the club’s lawn. The Masters follows immediately after the 70th Finn Gold Cup, also held at RQYS, making this the third back-to-back Finn event hosted by the Manly club across a remarkable fortnight of international sailing. For residents of Manly and the surrounding Moreton Bay foreshore, the precinct has been alive with the sound and spectacle of world-class dinghy racing since mid-February.

A Dinghy With Olympic Roots and a Global Following

The Finn is one of the most storied classes in sailing history. Designed by Swedish canoe builder Rickard Sarby in 1949, the Finn made its Olympic debut at the 1952 Helsinki Games and featured in every summer Olympics until Tokyo 2020, making it the longest-serving dinghy in the Olympic regatta. Despite its removal from the Paris 2024 programme, the class has not merely survived its post-Olympic era, it has flourished. The Finn Masters circuit is now one of the largest sailing organisations in the world, with hundreds of boats competing in world championships, proving the boat’s appeal stretches well beyond the Olympic rings.

Finn World Sailing Championships — *Photo Credit: Robert Deaves*

What draws sailors to the Finn, and keeps them there, is the sheer physical and tactical demand the boat places on its crew. With a hull weight of 107 kilograms, the Finn requires sailors to work harder than perhaps any other dinghy class, with downwind legs in stronger winds becoming an anaerobic sprint where heart rates spike to near-maximum levels for extended periods. It is, in short, the kind of boat that earns deep loyalty from the people who sail it.

A Brisbane Coup Years in the Making

The decision to bring both the Finn Gold Cup and the Finn World Masters to Brisbane in the same fortnight was deliberate. Conversations between the International Finn Association, the International Finn Association Australia and RQYS began as far back as 2016, with considerable effort required to convince the global Finn community that sending both major championships to one city was a sound idea. It came together, and the club’s response has validated that confidence: roughly half of the Masters fleet has travelled from outside the region, representing 18 nations across Europe, the Americas and Asia-Pacific.

View this post on Instagram

The opening ceremony saw Finn Masters President Andy Denison formally welcome the fleet and receive the Masters Gold Cup from German sailor Thomas Schmid, representing last year’s champion Pieter-Jan Postma, who is absent to defend his title. Denison then presented the Finn Masters flag to RQYS Commodore Curtis Skinner before officially declaring the championship open.

Who to Watch on Waterloo Bay

The Masters fleet includes several standout names from the Finn Gold Cup held at the same venue the week prior. Australian Brendan Casey, who claimed bronze at the Gold Cup and was nearly unbeatable when conditions turned light, returns for the Masters alongside compatriots Anthony Nossiter and Rob McMillan. Spain’s Rafael Trujillo, a Finn Class Hall of Fame inductee and the only previous Masters winner in this week’s fleet (having won in 2016), is another to watch, as is New Zealand’s Karl Purdie.

World ranked number one Laurent Hay of France, whose Gold Cup campaign was hampered by equipment problems, will be looking to reset, while Britain’s Nick Craig is expected to benefit from the flatter conditions inside Waterloo Bay. Swedish sailor Peter Overup, ranked tenth in the world, rounds out a formidable top-of-fleet group.

View this post on Instagram

Racing conditions inside Waterloo Bay differ meaningfully from the open Moreton Bay waters used for the Gold Cup, with flatter water, changeable currents and more pronounced wind shifts all expected to play a role across the eight scheduled races.

Racing Schedule and How to Follow Along

Racing runs from Monday 23 February through to Friday 27 February, with the first start each day at 1:00pm. The Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron is located at 578 Royal Esplanade, Manly. Spectators are welcome at the club, and live results and coverage are available through the International Finn Association website at finnclass.org.

Published 23-February-2026.

Police Seek Witnesses After Chainsaw Incident on Lota Esplanade

Photo Credit: myPolice South Brisbane

Police are asking for the public’s help after a man was seen hanging out of a car window wielding a running chainsaw along the Esplanade between Lota and Manly on Monday afternoon.

The incident occurred around 5.50pm on 11 January when witnesses reported seeing a male passenger leaning out of the rear window of a white sedan, waving what appeared to be an orange and white chainsaw.

According to Queensland Police, the chainsaw was running and being revved loudly as the vehicle travelled erratically along the bayside road.

Officers are working to identify a white four-door vehicle, believed to resemble either a Toyota Corolla or Hyundai i30, though the exact make and model have not been confirmed.

Investigators are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or captured footage on dashcam or mobile phone. Police are hoping this information will help them identify the vehicle’s registration number, owner and occupants.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Policelink on 131 444 or submit details through the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersqld.com.au, quoting reference number QP2600069304.

Investigations remain ongoing.

Published 13-January-2026

Local Star Grace Collins Shines in U19 National Championship Win

Photo Credit: Queensland Cricket

Grace Collins, a Wynnum-Manly batter with Maryborough roots, has played a starring role in Queensland’s U19 women’s cricket championship triumph in Newcastle.

Collins, who now represents Wynnum-Manly District Cricket Club but began her cricket journey in Maryborough, delivered a match-winning performance of 79 runs in the final against NSW Metro on Sunday, helping Queensland claim their fifth national title in the competition’s history.

The victory marked Queensland’s first U19 championship since the 2021-22 season and broke a frustrating three-year run of final defeats to NSW Metro. It was the third consecutive year the two teams had met in the decider.

Collins’ final innings heroics came after she scored 51 runs in the semi-final victory over Victoria, finishing the tournament with an impressive tally of 237 runs across the championships.

Queensland faced early difficulties in the final at National Park, Newcastle Sports Ground, losing half their side by the 14th over after winning the toss and batting first. Collins steadied the innings with crucial partnerships, helping Queensland reach 148 runs.

The bowling attack then stepped up, with pace bowler Mia Croucamp claiming three wickets for just six runs and leg-spinner Aya Stafford taking three for 28, restricting NSW Metro to 121 runs and sealing the victory.

The tournament, which ran from 15 to 22 December across Newcastle, Central Coast and Maitland, featured nine teams competing in a mixed-format competition of T20 and one-day matches. Queensland’s triumph was particularly sweet after they had bounced back from two losses during the regular rounds to win both finals matches.

Beyond their on-field success, Queensland also took home the Spirit of Cricket Award from the championships, recognising the team’s exemplary conduct throughout the tournament.

Photo Credit: Facebook / Wynnum Manly District Cricket Club

Collins is among several regional Queensland players making their mark at state level. Queensland Cricket noted in November 2023 that the U19 women’s squad featured strong representation from regional areas, with Collins joining teammates from Warwick, Monto, Bundaberg, Emerald and Townsville.

Cricket Australia’s national development lead praised the tournament’s showcase of emerging talent. According to the organisation’s statement published on cricket.com.au, the championships demonstrated the quality of players progressing through cricket pathways towards elite levels.

For Wynnum-Manly District Cricket Club, Collins’ success adds to the club’s proud history of developing representative players. The club, founded in 1961, has become one of Brisbane’s strongest cricket clubs across all levels, with over 850 current playing members.

The victory ends a difficult period for Queensland women’s teams, which had endured several finals losses across different competitions in recent seasons. Collins and her teammates have now delivered a championship that validates the strength of the state’s female cricket pathway programs.

Published 22-December-2025

Rickertt Road And Tingalpa Creek Bridge Study Progresses Near Manly

A long-awaited business case examining options for the Rickertt Road corridor and the Tingalpa Creek bridge duplication is moving forward, with funding arrangements and study scope still being finalised.

Planning Funding Confirmed

Funding of $500,000 has been allocated to develop a business case for the duplication of the Tingalpa Creek bridge. The funding was announced publicly before the election and later confirmed again after the election and included in the 2025–26 Budget.

The funds are assigned to the Department of Transport and Main Roads, with work underway between TMR and Redland City Council officers to determine how the project will be delivered.

What The Business Case Will Cover

The business case is expected to examine options to improve capacity along the Rickertt Road corridor, described as running from Thorneside to Green Camp Rd.

It is also expected to assess options including duplicating or replacing the bridge, as well as upgrading single-lane sections south and north of the bridge.

Who Is Expected To Deliver The Study

The expected outcome is for the $500,000 funding to be transferred so Redland City Council can lead and manage the business case. Negotiations are ongoing about what the business case will and will not include.

A funding deed is anticipated in coming weeks, with work on the business case expected to progress over the following 12 months.

Rickertt Road — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Public Response To The Study Funding

Public comments shared online show mixed views about the $500,000 allocation for a business case, including criticism of further studies and calls for construction to begin sooner.

The comments also reference long-running concerns about congestion, flooding, and the pace of progress on the corridor.

Next Steps And Funding Reality

The business case is intended to clarify options, complexity and scale for improving the corridor. Any future works would require significant State and Federal funding.

Brisbane City Council has stated the project is being delivered by Redland City Council, and that Brisbane will be consulted on designs because the project lies on the border of its local government area.

Published 19-Dec-2025