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Springfield Lakes Set to Light Up at Greater Springfield Dandiya Night

Photo Credit: Greater Springfield Indian Association INC/Facebook

Springfield Lakes residents are invited to join Greater Springfield Dandiya Night 2026, a free community event featuring music, dance, food and family activities at Robelle Domain Parklands.

The Greater Springfield Indian Association Inc will hold the annual event on Saturday, 29 August, beginning at 4pm. Families and visitors from across Greater Springfield and neighbouring suburbs are welcome to attend, with entry available free of charge.

Greater Springfield Dandiya Night Program

The evening will include live Garba and Dandiya music, cultural performances and activities for families. A DJ will play Garba and Dandiya tracks throughout the program, while food vendor Wah Wah Swaad will offer a range of Indian dishes.

Participation is open to experienced dancers and people trying Garba or Dandiya for the first time. Attendees are also encouraged to wear traditional or festive clothing.

Dancing Ahead Of Navratri

Dandiya Night is traditionally celebrated during the lead-up to Navratri. The celebration has become a popular community event in many parts of Australia, bringing people from different backgrounds together through music, dance and shared festivities.

GSIA Activities Across Greater Springfield

GSIA describes itself as a non-profit organisation that works to preserve Indian cultural heritage and share Indian culture with the wider Greater Springfield community.

The association aims to keep cultural traditions accessible to future generations while giving people opportunities to present their talents, arts and culture. It also seeks to bring a range of Indian celebrations to the Greater Springfield area and works with other Indian cultural organisations.

Its activities include social awareness events and blood donation camps, as well as cultural and community gatherings held throughout the year. Events listed by the association include India Day celebrations, picnics, movie events, Dandiya Night, Santa celebrations, kite festivals and cricket tournaments.

GSIA states that its events help younger generations learn about Indian culture and provide guidance to newcomers in the community. Membership is open to people interested in understanding or enjoying Indian culture.

The association identifies Mukesh Dubey as its founder and president. He is also listed as one of the contacts for the upcoming Dandiya Night.

Greater Springfield Dandiya Night 2026 will begin at 4pm on Saturday, 29 August at Robelle Domain Parklands. Event enquiries can be directed to Mukesh Dubey on 0430 546 255 or Jayesh Patel on 0419 756 446. GSIA can also be contacted at gsindianassociation@gmail.com.

Published 27-July-2026

Ipswich Trombone Players Smash World Record Attempt in Tulmur Place

Photo Credit: Ipswich Model Band/ Facebook

Filling the city square with a staggering wall of sound, more than 600 trombone players descended on Ipswich to smash an international musical record.

The heart of Ipswich transformed into a massive orchestra as musicians of all skill levels gathered for a historic attempt. Organisers had hoped for a strong turnout to eclipse the previous benchmark set in the United States, but the final count far exceeded expectations.

People travelled from interstate and across regional areas, bringing together veterans of the brass scene and novices who had barely held an instrument before.

The enormous ensemble focused their efforts on a single, joyful performance of the classic march 76 Trombones. Veteran performers stood side by side with school students and retirees, creating a collective sound that reverberated through the city square. Local leaders joined in the ranks as participants shared a collective moment of music-making that put local talent on the map.

The grand scale gathering served as the final centerpiece for the SPARK Ipswich Arts Festival. Over five days, the festival brought color, creativity, and community events to families during the school break.

While the official verification process from Guinness World Records is still underway, organizers noted that the true value of the morning lay in bringing people together through shared creativity rather than just the numbers.

Published Date 20-July-2026

Taking a Stand Against Silence on a Bright Red Bench in Springfield

On any given afternoon at Orion Springfield Central, the air is filled with the warm, ordinary rhythms of everyday life. Children laugh in the nearby playground, shoppers stroll with coffees in hand, and families carry their groceries home. Yet, right in the midst of these everyday moments sits a bright red bench with a simple, quiet message: “Domestic Violence: Let’s Change the Ending.”

It’s a striking, vivid splash of crimson set against a backdrop of community life in Greater Springfield. Part of the Red Rose Foundation’s Red Bench Project, this seat, installed in 2022, serves as a gentle reminder that love should always mean safety.

It whispers a truth we often find difficult to voice: that domestic and family violence isn’t a distant headline. It touches suburbs, neighbors, and people’s hearts.

Honoring Katherine: A Name That Touches the Heart

On 23 July 2026, the message carved into the wood carries a deeply tender local connection.

When the Red Rose Foundation gathers in Brisbane for its solemn Red Rose Rally, a list of names will be read aloud—lives cut short, loved ones deeply missed, and stories that deserve to be remembered with grace. Among them is Katherine Sanowski, from Greater Springfield.

Red Rose rally in Brisbane — *Photo Credit: Red Rose Foundation Australia/Facebook*

In early 2026, Katherine’s life came to a heartbreaking end in nearby Bellbird Park, an event that rocked the community and led to formal charges under domestic violence legislation. While the legal process moves through the court system, the community’s heart turns toward healing and honour.

Katherine is not just a statistic in a news file. She is a neighbor, a soul who belonged to our streets, and her memory now lends a powerful urgency to the words written on Orion’s bench.

Her life is a reminder of why breaking the silence matters so profoundly.

Red Bench at Orion in Springfield — *Photo Credit: CharisMullenQLD/Facebook*

From Reflection to Action: A Place to Begin

While the red bench asks people to stop, pause, and remember, the Greater Springfield community has ensured that no one has to carry their burdens alone. Up on Level 1 of Orion Springfield Central, hope takes a practical, compassionate shape at The HOPE Hub.

Managed by Beyond DV alongside dedicated partners like Small Steps 4 Hannah and The Sunlight Centre, the Hub was created with a deep understanding of human vulnerability. Seeking help when living in fear or uncertainty can feel like climbing a mountain.

The HOPE Hub exists so no one has to make that journey alone—or travel far to find a safe ear.

A Safe, Welcoming Space: Located conveniently right inside the shopping centre, residents don’t need to navigate central city transit to ask for guidance.
No Pressure, Just Support: Whether you need immediate advice, mental health resources, or simply a quiet space to explore your options without judgment, the Hub is there to listen.

Direct Line: 0422 723 435 (Please check current operating hours prior to visiting)

A Shared Journey Toward the Light

Ending family violence takes collective courage. Together, the red bench, the Brisbane rally, and the HOPE Hub form a safety net of remembrance and action.

The bench keeps the conversation visible in our daily lives, while the Red Rose Rally offers a dedicated space to honour lives like Katherine’s so they are never forgotten. Remembrance turns into real support at the HOPE Hub, where compassion becomes a safe doorway toward healing.

Pain may be part of this story, but it doesn’t have to be the final chapter for others. Every time you pause, remember, or reach out, you help write a safer, softer ending for the community.

Lifelines & Support Services

If you or someone you know is facing control, fear, or domestic violence, compassionate help is always available:

Emergency Services: 000 (Immediate Danger)
1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 (National domestic, family, and sexual violence counsel)
DVConnect Womensline: 1800 811 811 (Queensland support and crisis shelter)

Published 20-July-2026

Australia’s First Automated Textile Sorting System Planned For Carole Park

Photo Credit: QLD Gov

Australia’s first automated textile sorting and decommissioning system is being introduced at the Carole Park textile facility, which will be capable of processing up to 5,000 tonnes of material each year.

Located at 6 Krypton Court, the Salvos Stores Textile Recovery Facility will use artificial intelligence and robotics to sort unwanted clothing and other textiles by material type.

The technology will also assist with removing components such as buttons and zippers, preparing damaged or unsellable textiles for reuse and recycling pathways.

Wearable clothing will continue to be prioritised for resale through Salvos Stores. Material that cannot be resold can instead be separated and prepared as more consistent textile feedstock for recyclers and manufacturers.

Automated Recovery At Carole Park

Salvos Stores is introducing the automated sorting and decommissioning system in 2026 as part of its efforts to extend the usable life of clothing and other textile products.

The Carole Park textile facility is intended to process large volumes of unsellable garments while producing sorted bales of recovered material suitable for recycling trials and larger-scale manufacturing.

Recovered fibres could be used in products including acoustic panelling, insulation, yarn, homewares and new clothing.

Businesses using or disposing of textiles may also work with the facility on take-back, resale and recycling arrangements. Potential partners include clothing brands, organisations disposing of uniforms, manufacturers using reclaimed fibres and recyclers seeking sorted textile material.

Carole Park textile facility — *Photo Credit: QLD Gov*

Facility To Handle 5,000 Tonnes Each Year

A $4.97 million investment supports the facility, which can process up to 5,000 tonnes of textiles annually for reuse and recycling.

About 200,000 tonnes of clothing is sent to Australian landfills each year. Some synthetic materials, including polyester, can take hundreds of years to decompose.

Recycling clothing can be difficult because garments often contain combinations of fibres, dyes, labels, fasteners and finishes. These components can be costly and time-consuming to separate before the material is suitable for another use.

The automated system is designed to complete part of that sorting and preparation at scale, creating cleaner and more consistent material for potential reuse by manufacturers.

Employment And Volunteer Opportunities

The facility also supports employment, volunteering and industry partnerships in Ipswich.

Volunteering opportunities are available for individuals, community groups and workplace teams interested in assisting with textile recovery activities.

Participants may contribute to the facility’s operations while gaining practical experience and developing skills. Salvos Stores is also seeking connections with businesses and organisations involved in clothing, textiles, recycling and manufacturing.

Ms Harding To Tour The Facility

Ms Teresa Harding is scheduled to visit the Carole Park facility on 22 July for a guided tour of its textile recovery operations.

The visit will include meetings with staff and volunteers involved in recovering, sorting and extending the life of textiles that might otherwise be sent to landfill.

Ms Harding is also expected to view the automated processing work and learn about the facility’s employment, volunteering and industry partnership activities.

Published 20-July-2026

Family Remembers Tama Harrison After Fatal Greenbank Hit-and-Run

Photo Credit: GoFundMe

The family of Greenbank man Tama Harrison has paid tribute to the 20-year-old after he died in an alleged hit-and-run, remembering him as a loyal and dependable young man who took on responsibilities well beyond his years.

As police continue investigating the fatal collision on Middle Road, Harrison’s family has shared memories of his dedication to those closest to him and the responsibilities he accepted at a young age.

A fundraiser organised by Anita Harrison and Jenniffer Ross says Harrison stepped into a major role at home after his father suffered a serious injury and could no longer continue with the family business. According to the campaign, he took over the business, managed the family home loan and carried responsibilities that extended far beyond his age.

His family said he believed hard work was the key to building a better future. They also shared that he enjoyed fishing and camping, loved cars and was deeply loyal to his family and friends.

In comments to the media, Harrison’s mother, Natalie Rose, remembered her son as a happy and friendly young man who was always willing to help others. His aunt, Anita Harrison, said he showed maturity beyond his years and shared a brother-like bond with her sons.

The fundraiser has been established to help Harrison’s family meet funeral costs, household expenses and financial commitments following his death.

Friends went to Harrison’s aid after the collision

Harrison was struck by a vehicle on Middle Road, Greenbank, about 8:45 p.m. on Monday, 13 July.

Queensland Police said friends who were at the scene went to his aid before emergency services arrived. Despite their efforts, Harrison died at the scene.

Detectives later seized a damaged black Ford Falcon believed to be connected to the incident. The vehicle is undergoing forensic examination as investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding the collision.

As of Wednesday morning, police had announced no arrests and no charges had been laid.

Police seek witnesses as investigation continues

The Forensic Crash Unit is continuing to investigate the fatal incident and is urging anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Inspector Ian Galpin said investigators believe there are people who may have information that could assist the inquiry. He urged anyone with relevant information to contact police as soon as possible, saying early information can make a significant difference to an investigation.

Police also want to speak with the occupants of a dark-coloured utility seen in the area around the time of the crash. Investigators are also seeking the occupants of a white Toyota LandCruiser that was nearby.

Anyone who travelled along Middle Road on Monday evening is being asked to review dashcam footage and contact Queensland Police if they captured anything that could assist the investigation.

While police continue working to establish the full circumstances of the collision, his family’s tribute remembers him for his loyalty, strong work ethic and commitment to those he loved.

Published 16-July-2026

Ipswich Soldiers Memorial Hall Set For $700,000 Restoration

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Ipswich Soldiers Memorial Hall will undergo an approximately $700,000 restoration after investigations identified slumped flooring, damaged drains, rising damp and defects in surrounding surfaces.

Investigations Reveal Wider Repair Needs

Exploratory work began in 2025 as Ipswich City Council and the Ipswich RSL Sub-Branch examined the condition of the Nicholas Street building. CCTV inspections of the drainage system were carried out alongside survey work and ground-penetrating radar.

The investigations found clogged and cracked drains, movement in the flooring and rising damp affecting the floors and walls. Defects were also identified in the footpath and other hard surfaces around the hall.

The findings showed the repairs would be more extensive and costly than initially anticipated. Architectural and engineering plans have now been finalised, with an architect and heritage consultant engaged to assist with the design documentation.

Ipswich Soldiers Memorial Hall facade on Nicholas Street — *Photo Credit: IpswichCityCouncil/Anzac Square*

Ipswich Soldiers Memorial Hall Through The Decades

The three-storey brick hall was designed by Ipswich architect George Brockwell Gill and built by F. J. Lye between 1920 and 1921. Governor Sir Matthew Nathan officially opened it on 26 November 1921.

Created as a First World War memorial and a recreation and meeting place for returned servicemen, the building was funded through government assistance, contributions from the returned soldiers’ organisation and fundraising by local community groups.

The basement originally contained a billiards room, games room, refreshment room, showers and a bath. The ground floor housed the memorial hall, assembly room, office and lounge, while the Ipswich School of Arts Library occupied the upper floor until 1947.

Classical entrance with rising sun military emblem — Caption: Soldiers Memorial Hall, Ipswich, circa 1920s
Photo Credit: Wikipedia

The hall later accommodated groups including the Red Cross Blood Bank, Legacy and the RSL Women’s Auxiliary. It remains associated with local service organisations and Ipswich’s Anzac Day and Remembrance Day commemorations.

Its Nicholas Street facade includes classical detailing and a rising sun military emblem. The memorial chamber contains a marble First World War memorial and honour boards connected with later conflicts.

The building was entered on the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992. Its listing recognises its architectural character, association with returned service organisations and role in Ipswich’s commemorative and community life.

Ipswich Soldiers Memorial Hall — *Photo Credit: Tanya Jen/IpswichCityCouncil/Anzac Square*

Funding And Design Work

Authorities set aside $150,000 in its 2025–26 Budget, of which $50,000 has been spent, and allocated a further $650,000 in its 2026–27 Budget.

Funding of $228,475 through the Honouring Our Veterans Grants Program will contribute to the overall restoration cost of approximately $700,000.

Planning for the project has involved the Ipswich RSL Sub-Branch, which uses the building as its headquarters and provides support, advocacy and connection for local veterans and their families.

Construction Timed Around Commemorations

Construction is scheduled to begin in November 2026 after Remembrance Day on 11 November. Completion is expected in March 2027, with the hall intended to be open for Anzac Day commemorations on 25 April 2027.

Published 13-July-2026

Australian-First Mater Care Model Delivers Better Outcomes for Mothers With Diabetes

For Springfield mother Nicole Lloyd, the thought of pregnancy once came with more anxiety than excitement. Living with Type 1 diabetes meant she knew her pregnancies would require close monitoring and carried greater risks for both her and her babies. But after taking part in an Australian-first care program at Mater Mothers’ Hospital, she said the experience was far more personal and empowering than the standard model she had previously received.

Read: First Baby Born at Mater Hospital Springfield as Families Gain Local Maternity Care

Ms Lloyd participated in Mater’s Obstetric Medicine Midwifery Group Practice during two of her three pregnancies. Unlike traditional hospital care, where women may see different clinicians throughout their pregnancy, the program pairs expectant mothers with a dedicated midwife while also providing specialist obstetric medicine support for complex pregnancies.

The approach was developed specifically for women with pre-existing Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, who have historically been unable to access Midwifery Group Practice because their pregnancies are considered high risk. For Ms Lloyd, having one familiar midwife throughout her pregnancy made a meaningful difference. Rather than repeating her medical history at each appointment, she said her care felt consistent and centred on her individual needs. She also felt she had greater involvement in decisions about her pregnancy and birth, something she found lacking during her earlier experience under standard care.

A New Way to Support High-Risk Pregnancies

Mater Midwifery Group Practice (Photo credit: Mater)

The model is based at Mater Mothers’ Hospital and combines the continuity of Midwifery Group Practice with specialist obstetric medicine, allowing women with diabetes to receive coordinated care from pregnancy through to the postnatal period.

Mater researchers developed the initiative to provide more coordinated care for women with diabetes, who often receive treatment across multiple services and clinicians during pregnancy. Under the new model, a dedicated midwife remains part of the woman’s care team, attending appointments with specialists and helping coordinate treatment across disciplines.

Associate Professor Shelley Wilkinson, who co-led the research alongside Associate Professor Jo Laurie, said women with diabetes face a greater chance of complications during pregnancy, including premature birth, babies with higher birthweights, neonatal intensive care admissions and surgical deliveries.

She said the program was designed to ensure women remained at the centre of their care while maintaining access to the specialist support required for higher-risk pregnancies.

Before introducing the program, researchers gathered baseline data from women receiving conventional care. That information helped shape the pilot and provided a benchmark for evaluating whether the new approach improved outcomes.

Research Shows Promising Results

The first formal evaluation of the program has now been published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Researchers compared outcomes for 38 women enrolled in the Obstetric Medicine Midwifery Group Practice with 56 women who received standard care.

The study found babies in the new program were born at an average gestational age of 37.4 weeks, compared with 36 weeks under standard care. None of the babies in the program were born small for their gestational age, and more than 70 per cent of mothers were breastfeeding when discharged from hospital, an increase from 58.9 per cent among women receiving conventional care.

Read: Mater Hospital Springfield Takes Shape as Doctors Begin Onboarding

The researchers concluded that combining specialist obstetric medicine with continuity of midwifery care improved both clinical outcomes and women’s experiences during pregnancy. All women enrolled in the program also receive postnatal care at home as part of the model. Mater’s research team is now exploring opportunities to expand the model to support women with other complex and chronic health conditions.

The findings suggest coordinated maternity care may benefit women with pre-existing diabetes, including families from communities such as Springfield who access specialist maternity services at Mater.

Published 12-July-2026

Brisbane Sprint Star Gout Gout Sidelined Until 2027 After Hamstring Injury

Photo Credit: Wikimedia/GNU Free Documentation License

One of Queensland’s brightest sporting talents will spend the rest of 2026 on the sidelines after Brisbane sprint sensation Gout Gout suffered a serious hamstring injury, ending his hopes of competing at next month’s World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Eugene.

The 18-year-old revealed the injury occurred during training in Brisbane, with MRI scans confirming a Grade 3C hamstring injury involving the tendon in his left hamstring. The diagnosis effectively ends his 2026 campaign, with his focus now shifting to rehabilitation before a planned return during Australia’s domestic athletics season in early 2027 and a longer-term goal of competing at the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing.

Australian Athletics backed the decision, saying Gout has a long career ahead of him and that allowing the injury to heal properly now is more important than rushing back too soon. The organisation also encouraged supporters to remain patient as the young sprinter begins his recovery.

A Season Put On Hold

For a teenager who has become one of the world’s most exciting sprint prospects, the timing could hardly be worse.

Gout heads into rehabilitation after a remarkable rise that has seen him break age-group records, compete internationally against some of the sport’s biggest names and attract worldwide attention for his performances on the track.

Missing the World Athletics Under-20 Championships is a significant disappointment, but sports medicine experts say injuries involving the hamstring tendon demand patience rather than haste.

Why Patience Matters More Than Speed

Hamstring injuries are among the most common setbacks in elite sprinting, but tendon involvement generally makes recovery more complex than a muscle strain alone.

Under the British Athletics Muscle Injury Classification (BAMIC), injuries involving the intramuscular tendon are typically associated with longer rehabilitation because the tendon must recover sufficiently to withstand the enormous forces generated during maximal sprinting.

Medical research also identifies hamstring strains as having one of the highest recurrence rates in elite sport, which is why athletes are often progressed cautiously through rehabilitation before returning to competition. Recovery involves far more than becoming pain-free, with sprinters needing to rebuild strength, regain maximum speed and repeatedly tolerate race-intensity efforts before they are cleared to compete.

The Long Game

History suggests taking a conservative approach can pay dividends.

Early hamstring injuries interrupted Usain Bolt’s development before he went on to become an eight-time Olympic champion and an 11-time world champion, illustrating that setbacks early in a career do not have to define what comes next.

That appears to be the philosophy behind Gout’s decision to end his season rather than risk returning too soon.

While Queensland fans will have to wait longer to see their hometown sprint star back in action, the focus has already shifted beyond the disappointment of 2026.

If his rehabilitation progresses as planned, Gout is expected to return during Australia’s domestic athletics season early next year before building towards the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing.

For one of Australia’s brightest young athletes, the immediate goal is no longer chasing medals this season; it’s ensuring the next chapter of an already remarkable career begins on the strongest possible footing.

Published 10-July-2026

Springfield-Redbank Special School Moves Into Construction, On Track for 2027

The Education Department has confirmed it is progressing the new special school for Springfield-Redbank, with construction now underway and the first stage on track to welcome students at the start of Term 1, 2027.

Read: New School Campus to Serve Thousands of Students in Booming Walloon Region in Ipswich

The update came via State Member for Jordan Charis Mullen, who shared confirmation from the department that Stage 1 of the project has been approved for 120 students.

The department’s own project page shows the build has moved out of planning and into the construction phase, with earthworks and the installation of new buildings now the immediate focus. Fleetwood Australia has been engaged as contractor, though the final budget and number of jobs created remain subject to detailed design and contract award.

A shared campus, with each school keeping its own identity

The new school will cater for Prep to Year 6 students and will sit adjoining Woogaroo Creek State School, on land already owned by the state. Under the master plan being developed, Woogaroo Creek State School is expected to expand to around 1200 primary-aged students over time, alongside the roughly 120 special school students enrolled in Stage 1.

Despite sharing a site, the two schools have been planned to operate largely independently. Each will have its own classrooms, play spaces and support areas, and there may be dedicated drop-off and pick-up zones for each campus, although staff and visitor parking could be shared. Where the two will overlap is in things like the existing hall, resource centre and some administration facilities, which will be managed by the leadership team.

There’s also a flow-on effect for an existing local school. Over time, Goodna Special School will transition to serve Year 7 to Year 12 students only, according to the department’s update.

Part of the state’s biggest special school investment

Springfield-Redbank’s new school isn’t an isolated project. It’s one of seven special schools being delivered under a $500 million state commitment, which Queensland has called the largest special school investment in the state’s history. The push reflects a steep rise in need, with special school enrolments across the state having climbed more than 38 per cent since 2019.

Other projects in the program are at different stages. As of the most recent update in October 2025, Logan Reserve and Central Logan (Berrinba) had progressed into construction, Ipswich West had early works underway, and Coomera’s tender process was in motion.

At that time, Springfield-Redbank was grouped with Beenleigh and Moreton Bay South as still in the planning and consultation stage, a status that has since changed with this confirmation that Springfield-Redbank has now moved into construction.

Read: Greater Springfield to Boost Education with 11 New Schools

Ms Mullen has indicated further details, including enrolment information for interested families, will be shared as they come to hand.

Published 17-June-2026

Campaign To Save Woogaroo Forest Gains Momentum As Koala Habitat Faces Development Threat

A growing campaign is urging stronger protection for Woogaroo Forest in Ipswich, with conservation groups, scientists and residents warning that the loss of the bushland could have serious consequences for koalas and other threatened wildlife.

Read: Save Woogaroo Forest Group Continues Fight to Protect Critical Habitat from Development

Supporters say the more than 450-hectare forest provides habitat for more than 1,000 species, including koalas, greater gliders, powerful owls, platypuses, echidnas and frilled-neck lizards.

The campaign focuses on four proposed developments within the forest, including a major residential proposal for more than 1,800 homes. Campaigners argued that while additional housing is needed, environmentally significant bushland should not be sacrificed.

Calls For Federal Assessment

Photo credit: Facebook/Save Woogaroo Forest – Ipswich QLD

The Save Woogaroo Forest campaign is calling on Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt to reject the proposed developments following assessment under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999.

According to campaign organisers, the proposals are being assessed under Development Control Plans created around 30 years ago, before the EPBC Act came into effect and before koalas were recognised as a nationally threatened species. Campaigners argued the planning instruments pre-date current federal environmental laws and the listing of koalas as a threatened species.

An open letter signed by more than 300 scientists, conservation experts and academics from 11 countries has been presented to the minister, urging him to protect the forest in its entirety. The campaign has also attracted a public petition with more than 20,000 signatures. Community members recently gathered at a rally before marching to Senator Watt’s office to deliver both the expert letter and the petition.

Forest Provides Critical Wildlife Corridor

Environmental groups described Woogaroo Forest as an important ecological corridor linking remnant bushland across the region. They warned that clearing sections of the forest would further fragment koala habitat, isolate local populations and increase pressure on wildlife in the region.

The campaign noted that koalas were listed as vulnerable under national environmental laws in 2012 before being uplisted to endangered in Queensland, New South Wales and the ACT in 2022.

Supporters also pointed to broader land-clearing trends across Queensland, saying more than 300,000 hectares of woody vegetation are affected by clearing each year, placing increasing pressure on native wildlife.

Save the Koalas and Wallabies of White’s Hill recently joined supporters of the Ipswich campaign, drawing comparisons with Brisbane’s own well-known bushland reserves. In a social media post, the group encouraged residents to imagine the impact of bulldozing Toohey Forest or Whites Hill Reserve to highlight the significance of Woogaroo Forest.

The group also highlighted the importance of maintaining habitat connectivity for koalas, noting that fragmentation continues to threaten populations across South East Queensland.

Campaigners Say Habitat Cannot Easily Be Replaced

Campaign organisers acknowledged the need for more housing but argue future growth should prioritise higher-density development in suitable locations rather than clearing significant native forest. Campaign organisers also argued restoring habitat is difficult and cannot quickly replace established ecosystems.

Campaign material notes that the Queensland Koala Habitat Restoration Partnership Program restored about 180 hectares of habitat and assisted the regeneration of a further 250 hectares over five years, while Woogaroo Forest itself covers more than 450 hectares of established bushland.

Read: Will Woogaroo Forest Survive Brisbane’s Building Boom?

Supporters cited these figures to argue that mature habitat cannot easily be replaced. The campaign is encouraging residents to support its petition and expert open letter while the Commonwealth considers the development proposals.

Campaigners say the decision will be significant for the future protection of endangered species and important habitat in South East Queensland.

Published 7-July-2026