Moreton Bay night-life plan for Redcliffe and North Lakes | Poll

Two Moreton Bay suburbs have been pegged as potential new night-life precincts which some say could compete with the offerings of Brisbane. HAVE YOUR SAY HERE

Moreton Bay partygoers desperate for vibrant night-life precincts in their own backyard could be a jig closer to shorter trips home.

With few night-life options that far north of the Brisbane CBD and Fortitude Valley, most Bay residents have made the 40-60 minute trek via train, cab or car to get their party fix.

But Moreton Bay businesses and developers are now working hard to keep these partygoers enjoying themselves closer to home, saving the travel hassle and ensuring local hospitality businesses stay afloat.

Moreton Bay Regional Council is asking residents to tell them how the region’s night-life and lifestyle can be improved, as the region’s population continues to grow at a rapid rate.

>>VOTE WHERE A MORETON BAY NIGHTLIFE HUB SHOULD GO BELOW

Comiskey Group Director Rob Comiskey is among those working to create vibrant night-life in Moreton Bay.

He developed the region’s massive night-life venues Sandstone Point Hotel, Eatons Hill Hotel and others.

Mr Comiskey said Redcliffe and North Lakes had the potential to develop into great night-life precincts because of their location and density.

“There’s real potential when you look at the distance to Brisbane from here,” Mr Comiskey said.

Fireworks at Sandstone Point Hotel, one of Moreton Bay’s biggest night-life hubs. Picture: File

“There‘s no reason we can’t have a vibrant night-life market.

“I don’t think you need to be a massive business to play a part.

“Look at little places in Brisbane with great bars and cocktails.

“We need to develop good food precincts as well.

“That food and dining goes with the beverage and the night out.

“The people are keen to support their locals as long as they put in effort and a point of difference.”

Cactus Jack's Redcliffe owner Robert Griffiths said Redcliffe had potential to become a buzzing night-life precinct. Picture: File

Cactus Jack’s owner Robert Griffiths said he believed Covid-19 gave residents a reminder there was plenty of night-life activity to see and do in Moreton Bay.

“I firmly believe that we are competing with Brisbane night-life when we really want to turn it on,” the Redcliffe restaurant owner said.

“New Year’s Eve was a great example of that.

“Not only could locals stay close, plenty from Brisbane made the trip up for the night.

“The 45 minutes from Brisbane isn’t much different from trying to get out of Brisbane CBD on the busy nights.”

Mr Griffiths said he believed Redcliffe was close to becoming a night-life hotspot to compete with offerings in Brisbane.

Comiskey Group Director Rob Comiskey wants to see Moreton Bay have a night-life market that competes with Brisbane. Picture: File

“It has taken a while to get Redcliffe to where it is today,” Mr Griffiths said.

“We now just want to speed up the progression a little.

“We have all the makings of something pretty special.

“I have full faith if we have the right people in the right places, we will become an even better destination.”

Mayor Peter Flannery said he wanted to hear the thoughts of locals about Moreton Bay’s night-life, business conditions and job prospects before March 29 in the council’s latest Moreton Says Survey

“As one of the Australia’s fastest growing regions, there’s a lot to be excited about when it comes to business, jobs and lifestyle in Moreton Bay,” Mayor Flannery said.

“It might be as simple as wanting to take BYO wine to music events in your neighbourhood, or even permitting drinking areas at particular locations.

“Maybe you want to see more initiatives to create a vibrant night-time economy in your area with more food options?

“Part of our growing economy and population is where to put night-life hubs to help enhance lifestyle without impacting homes negatively.

“Night-life contributes to our local economy by incentivising new small businesses and creating jobs for locals, while giving our communities unique characteristics.”

To give council your thoughts on local night-life, find the survey here.