“Canals, canals everywhere” might spring to mind as we explore Newport. This coastal suburb in the City of Moreton Bay is something special.
Newport is located on the north of the Redcliffe Peninsula. It is approximately 29 kilometres from Brisbane. That makes it a desirable location.
Before 2008, Newport was part of Scarborough and Kippa-Ring. The area east of Albatross and Walkers Creek Canal belonged to Scarborough. The western part was part of Kippa-Ring.
The name Newport comes from the Newport Waterways housing estate. Development started in the late 1970s. The artificial canals were first filled with water in 1979. Imagine the excitement as the water flowed in.
In 1985, residents formed the Newport Waterways Property Owners Association Inc. They wanted to maintain the canals. They also sought to keep the marine environment pristine. A Neighbourhood Watch program called “Newport Watch” was established in 1986. This improved community security for canal residents.
The first stage of the Newport Waterways estate reclaimed land. Endeavour Park is now located there. Swampy marshland behind Sunnyside Road was cleared. The first two estates were completed by the early 1990s. These estates were north and south of Griffith Road.
New canals were built west of Kippa-Ring in the mid to late 1990s. A bridge over Albatross Canal was finished in 2000. The “Isles Of Newport” estate followed in the early 2000s. It featured a large park for residents.
In 2014, Redcliffe Seaside Estates Pty Ltd sold their remaining land to Stockland. This was due to the announcement of the Redcliffe Peninsula railway line. Rapid growth was projected for the Moreton Bay Region. Stockland’s purchase led to Newport’s final stages. These stages included a retail precinct and a large non-tidal lake.
Newport had a population of 5,964 people in 2021. This is double the 2,964 people recorded in 2016.
Newport is known for its waterfront residential housing. The artificial canal waterways add to its appeal. It is also near the Scarborough Boat Harbour.
Newport offers various amenities. The Newport Waterways Property Owners Association continues to provide community services. These include newsletters and events.
There are also two yacht clubs. The Newport Cruising Yacht Club and Moreton Bay Boat Club. They regularly sail and compete. Newport is also home to the Newport Game Fishing Club.
The suburb also boasts many parks. Newport is a place where community and waterfront living come together. It offers a unique lifestyle within the Moreton Bay Region. Plus, Spinnaker Park was voted Australia’s Favourite Playground in 2021.