‘New Rockhampton’ to be formed as Qld braces for population surge

To accommodate the new suburbs, the boundaries of Wamuran, Bellmere, Rocksberg and Upper Caboolture have also been amended. 

Over the next four decades, an estimated 70,000 residents are expected to settle in the newly established suburbs, which have been given official names through careful consideration and consultation with the Moreton Bay Regional Council and its community since 2021. 

According to Mr Stewart’s forecast, Caboolture West is expected to expand and grow into a regional city similar in size to Rockhampton, with approximately 30,000 new homes being built over the next 40 years.

“The Moreton Bay Regional Council worked extensively with the community to identify these names and suburb boundaries and the local community confirmed its clear support for them,” Mr Stewart noted. 

He highlighted that the five names proposed as part of the place naming project established in 2021 were eventually chosen to honour the area’s Indigenous language, as well as the local wildlife, plants, and rocks.

For example, the suburb of Waraba, which will likely accommodate part of the town centre, is the Kabi Kabi word for “burn” and refers to the traditional land management practices of the Kabi Kabi People.

In addition to officially naming the new suburbs, Mr Stewart revealed the Queensland government is collaborating with the Moreton Bay Regional Council to coordinate land supply and service infrastructure to cater for the diverse future needs of the area.

For the first stages of development at Caboolture West, the Palaszczuk government has committed $25 million to bring forward water and sewer infrastructure. 

To create “a sustainable and liveable community”, the government outlined the area will accommodate a variety of affordable and diverse housing options. A range of other key features and infrastructure, including four state primary schools and two state secondary schools, four neighbourhood hubs and 15 local parks, will also be established in the area.

It is anticipated that three additional suburbs will be further established in the area to accommodate “future growth”, with the government indicating its plans to continue working with the Moreton Bay Regional Council to coordinate land supply for future housing needs.