A New Outdoor Destination for Petrie

The Lakes Precinct project will deliver a range of outdoor facilities focused on recreation, relaxation and community use. Plans include a three-kilometre lakefront walking track, landscaped parklands, picnic shelters, a solar-powered barbecue area and new parking for visitors. The precinct will be built around the existing lakes and connected to the North Pine River, creating a scenic walking and recreation area.

The project is part of the broader redevelopment of Moreton Bay Central, the large mixed-use precinct being developed on the former paper mill site. The new green space is intended to provide a central recreational area as the surrounding precinct continues to grow with education, sports and future residential development.

Construction Timeline

Construction on the Lakes Precinct civil works is scheduled to begin in October 2025, with the project expected to be completed by mid-2026. The works will include landscaping, pathways, signage, and the construction of public facilities across the site.

The project is being funded through the SEQ Liveability Fund, a program aimed at improving public spaces and liveability across South East Queensland, with funding contributions from local, state and federal government.

Part of a Much Bigger Transformation

The Lakes Precinct is just one part of the wider transformation of the Moreton Bay Central Priority Development Area, which spans across Petrie, Kallangur and Lawnton. The area is being developed into a major mixed-use precinct that includes the University of the Sunshine Coast campus, future Olympic infrastructure, commercial development, housing and public spaces.

Projects like the Lakes Precinct are designed to ensure the area is not just made up of buildings and infrastructure, but also includes parks, recreation areas and community spaces that improve lifestyle for residents and attract visitors to the area.

What This Means for Local Residents

Once completed, the Lakes Precinct is expected to become a major public space for the region, providing a new location for walking, exercise, family outings and community gatherings. The precinct is also expected to support events and increased visitor activity in the area, particularly with major facilities like the Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre located nearby.

As the Petrie area continues to grow into a major education, sports and employment hub, projects like the Lakes Precinct will play an important role in making the area more liveable by providing open space and recreational facilities alongside new development.

Long-Term Impact on Petrie

Over time, large public infrastructure projects like this often increase the appeal of surrounding suburbs by improving lifestyle amenities and public spaces. New parks, walking tracks and waterfront areas typically attract more visitors and can encourage further investment in nearby cafes, retail and residential development.

The Lakes Precinct is expected to become a central green space within Moreton Bay Central, helping to shape Petrie’s transition from a former industrial area into a modern mixed-use precinct focused on education, community and lifestyle.