History
For some time in the 1800s the island was called Tim Shea's Island after a convict who lived on the island for more than a decade.[12] The current name was given by surveyor James Warner who named the island after Alexander Macleay who was the Colonial Secretary of New South Wales from 1825 to 1837.[12] The island has a rich history of the Aboriginal/indigenous peoples presence with middens and stone fish traps still found on the island.
A map advertising land for sale by John Cameron auctioneer, in central Macleay, Macleay Island consisted of 308 marine villa sites each of 1/4 acre and upwards to be held on the ground on Friday 10 December 1886.[13] The land on offer bordered Kalara Street to the north, Kate Street to the east and Karrawarra Street to the south. The advertisement offered a free trip by steamer and free luncheon to attendees with terms 1/4 cash balance by promissory note at 3,6,9,12 and 15 months with 8% added.[14]
Macleay Island State School opened on 28 January 1986 and still operates today.[15][16]
In the 2006 census, the permanent population was 1,958. However, the population includes a high number of owners who visit the island at weekends. Nearly a third of the 1,259 dwellings were listed as unoccupied at the time of the Tuesday night census.[17]
During the 2006 state election, the Queensland Government prioritised construction of a single-officer police station on the island as it was needed with the increasing population.[18] The station started operation in June 2008 and now has two rotating officers.[citation needed]
In 2007, after a short segment on the Nine television network's nationally broadcast A Current Affair based on the comments made by real estate watcher John Edwards of Residex said that Macleay Island was a "boom suburb" and worth watching by first home buyers. All the South Moreton Bay Islands received a considerable amount of interest from buyers.[19] A surge in building followed which forced the Redland City Council revise its population estimates. It estimated 2,319 permanent residents on Macleay in 2008. However, with a count of 1,479 dwellings, the peak number of people on the islands during holidays and weekends the total population is thought to have been 3,254.[20]
In the 2011 census, Macleay Island recorded a population of 2,572 people, 49.9% female and 50.1% male. The median age of the Macleay Island population was 52 years, 15 years above the national median of 37. 68.3% of people living in Macleay Island were born in Australia. The other top responses for country of birth were England 7.1%, New Zealand 6.7%, Germany 1.4%, Scotland 1.2%, Netherlands 0.6%. 87.9% of people spoke only English at home; the next most common languages were 1.2% German, 0.3% Italian, 0.2% French, 0.2% Auslan, 0.2% Greek.[21]
In 2014, a skate park was opened.[citation needed]
In 2015, and 2023 the ferry terminal and foreshore were upgraded by Redland City Council, providing a recreational boat ramp and parking.[citation needed]
In the 2016 census, the locality of Macleay Island had a population of 2,681 people.[1]
Environment
The island's natural environment includes littoral rainforest, rocky shores, sandy beaches, mangrove areas and vistas to the mainland, to the north west across Coochiemudlo Island, over to North Stradbroke Island and up to Moreton Island. There's a large variety of birds inhabiting the island including native parrots and smaller birds, and migratory birds which visit annually. There is a large bush stone curlew population on the island.[24]
Sighting green sea turtles is common. Dolphins and dugongs also live in the waters surrounding the island.
Transport
The picturesque island is part of the Southern Bay Islands and can be accessed by passenger ferry from Redland Bay[5] or vehicle barge from Cleveland or Redland Bay.
With the growing population and increased profile of this small island, many residents commute to the mainland for work daily using the fast public ferry or commute using their own boats, which takes approximately 10-15 mins boat ride to the Victoria Point boat ramp or Redland Bay Marina boat ramp. Translink GoCards are used on the fast ferry service to Redland Bay Marina, with bus links from the ferry terminal. The ferry timetable is frequent and travel time from Redland Bay on the fast ferry is 18 minutes including a short stop along the way at Karragarra Island.[citation needed] There is a reliable maxi taxi service on Macleay Island and a petrol station.
Facilities
Macleay Island has an evolving number of specialised boutique shops, cafes and ammenities. The main commercial hub is situated on the south of the island close to the ferry and barge terminals and is home to a weekly Saturday Farmer’s Market offering fresh, locally sourced and created produce. Amongst some of the artisan businesses are a gourmet Gelateria and home cooking shop, two craft butchers, cafes, hot bread, seafood and fish and chips store, burgers, pizza, restaurants, and supermarkets. There is also a popular clothing shop and homewares stores. The Macleay Island Hotel is located at the southern end of the island and incorporates a bottle shop and bistro.[citation needed]
There are four doctors (General Practitioners) working from multiple medical clinics, pathology, a dentist, chemist, and vet. Emergency services are well represented with a Police Station, Ambulance/Water Ambulance, and Fire Brigade.
‘Club Macleay’ is a well frequented waterfront lawn bowls club in the middle of the island best known for tasty food, live music, pizzas and the incredible views. Golfers are well catered for at the Macleay Island Golf Club and the Sailing Club’s back deck is a peaceful retreat.
There is also a State Primary School and Early Childcare Centre. The large Community Centre and Hall is used by local groups, the Macleay Island Farmer’s Market, and the community church. A Progress Association runs the island's library.[citation needed]
Recreation
Macleay Island has sandy beaches and mangrove foreshores. These are numerous spots for fishing, swimming, sailing, jet skiing, picnicking, barbecues, or simply taking in the spectacular views and sunsets for which Macleay Island is well celebrated.
There are two boat ramps, one at the ferry terminal at the south of the island and one at Dalpura Bay towards the north on the western side. Dalpura Bay is the most popular swimming spot on the island with a white sandy beach, picnic area, shower and toilets, and deep water mooring for boats. Pat's Park at the northern end of the island has an ocean swimming enclosure, BBQs, picnic area, shower and toilets, and a children's playground. The Anzac day services are held at the Cenotaph located there.[citation needed]
Other recreational facilities include boat, bowling and golfing clubs. The Heritage Trail is marked by signage for users. Macleay is also home to a thriving community of artists, and the Macleay Island Arts Centre is used by painters, potters, sculptors, plus other crafts.[citation needed] Bird watching is a common activity amongst residents and visitors.[citation needed]
There are also various classes available including Zumba, martial arts, tai chi, and yoga. Macleay Island has a Men’s Shed where men can gather, socialise, and work on small projects together. Recently a Ukulele Club and also a gardening club was established. Dragon-boating[when?] started in 2019 and operates out of the Macleay Island Boat Club on Sundays.[citation needed] There is a skate board park at the south of the island too.
