Around Lake Eden’s tranquil waters. North Lakes whispers stories of its past. This wasn’t always a thriving suburb. It began as part of Mango Hill. Years ago it was Yugarabul Aboriginal land.
For over a century before North Lakes existed a police sergeant named Alexander Campbell farmed here. He grazed cattle and built a small home. He sold his land in 1883. It was then subdivided into smaller plots. It was even called Campbelltown for a time. The Kinsella family ran a dairy farm in the northern part from the 1930s. Southeast of that Norman Meyers had a pineapple plantation until the 1960s.
The Australian Paper Manufacturers Mill at Petrie changed everything. Slash pine plantations sprouted across the area in the 1970s. This supplied the mill. When the mill closed in the 2000s the land was ready for development. In 1999 Lend Lease and Lensworth began the North Lakes project.
The golf course was central to the early development of North Lakes. It was a beloved feature for many residents. Unfortunately it closed in 2019. It is now being replaced by a retirement village. This was controversial. Many residents fought against the change. They loved the green space.
North Lakes grew rapidly. Its population soared from 15046 in 2011 to 21671 in 2016. In 2021 the census recorded 23030 residents. The median age is 31. That’s six years below the national average. Most residents were born in Australia. Many others came from England New Zealand and South Africa. In fact North Lakes has the largest South African community in Queensland.
Today Lake Eden is a focal point. It’s a haven for waterbirds and wildlife. Families enjoy its playground and walking track. The Boardwalk Cafe offers a scenic lakeside dining experience. The North Lakes Business Park continues to grow. Construction began in 2007 and is expected to take over a decade to complete. A bridge connecting the Bruce Highway and Dakabin opened in 2014. The Moreton Bay Rail Link opened in 2016 with a station at nearby Mango Hill.
North Lakes has truly transformed. From quiet farmland to a bustling suburb. Its history is a testament to growth change and the enduring spirit of its community. It continues to evolve. It offers a blend of nature modern amenities and a unique cultural tapestry.