Wacol Wildlife Hospital Overwhelmed, New Capalaba Facility to Ease Burden

The RSPCA’s Wacol Wildlife Hospital, currently operating at a staggering 400 per cent overcapacity, is set to receive some much-needed relief through a $20-million wildlife hospital to be built in Capalaba.



Photo Credit: RSPCA Queensland

This development is expected to alleviate pressure on the existing Wacol facility and serve as a stepping stone towards constructing a brand-new hospital.

The Redland City Council has designated a 1-hectare site adjacent to its IndigiScapes centre for the project. The council will contribute $6.3 million to the venture, with the federal government pledging $5 million. The RSPCA and private donors, including generous philanthropic gifts from RSPCA Queensland supporters amounting to $3 million, will cover the remaining costs.

 Wacol Wildlife Hospital
Photo Credit: RSPCA Queensland

The Capalaba facility will boast state-of-the-art veterinary wards, surgical suites, and outdoor enclosures. It will also include educational spaces such as an auditorium and training rooms designed to foster public awareness and engagement with wildlife conservation.

 Wacol Wildlife Hospital
Photo Credit: RSPCA Queensland

This development aligns seamlessly with the broader vision for the Redlands Coast Eco Precinct, encompassing the land at Redland Bay Road and the neighbouring IndigiScapes Centre. The integration of these facilities is set to create a multifunctional precinct that champions environmental conservation, community education, and recreational opportunities.

 Wacol Wildlife Hospital
Photo Credit: RSPCA Queensland

The council has allocated an additional $4.4 million for pedestrian walkways, cycleways, and extra car parking, with a further $1.9 million earmarked for upgrading outdoor spaces, including playgrounds.

 Wacol Wildlife Hospital
Photo Credit: RSPCA Queensland

RSPCA Queensland has already made significant progress with the concept designs for the new hospital, focusing on creating an immersive educational experience for visitors. The facility will showcase wildlife care’s triage, treatment, rehabilitation, and release stages, allowing the public to understand the process better.



While the project has secured funding from both the federal and local governments, RSPCA Queensland is actively seeking additional support from the State Government to ensure total funding from all three levels.

The current RSPCA Wildlife Hospital at Wacol was originally built to accommodate 5,000 wildlife patients annually. However, in its first year of operation in 2012, it treated 8,359 patients. Over a decade later, the facility provides medical treatment and rehabilitation to more than 25,000 native animals yearly, highlighting the critical need for expansion.

Published Date 26-August-2024

Wacol Honours 40 Police Dogs with QPS Canine Service Medal

Some 40 Queensland Police Service (QPS) Police Dogs received the QPS Canine Service Medal in Wacol, recognising their crucial role in keeping the community safe through tracking offenders and supporting investigations.



The awards ceremony took place on 23 July 2024, with Minister for Police and Community Safety, Mark Ryan, in attendance to help present the medals.

Growth of the QPS Dog Squad

Since its official establishment in December 1972, the QPS Dog Squad has grown significantly in both strength and size. Today, Police Dogs are considered an essential part of frontline policing operations.

PD Kaos: A Brave Veteran

Among the honoured recipients was 12-year-old PD Kaos, accompanied by his handler, Senior Constable Jim Griffiths. Kaos served from 2014 to 2021, demonstrating exceptional bravery and dedication.

“Kaos has been an outstanding partner, helping to bring countless offenders to justice during his service,” Senior Constable Griffiths shared. 

On 2 February 2020, PD Kaos was seriously injured when stabbed during an arrest in Gordon Park. Despite this setback, he recovered and returned to duty just a month later.

“Kaos’s resilience and dedication to protecting the community, even after such a traumatic experience, truly exemplify the spirit of our Police Dogs,” said Senior Constable Griffiths.

Police Dog Kaos
Photo Credit: QPS

Future of the Canine Service Medal

The QPS plans to extend the nomination process for the Canine Service Medal. It will soon be available retrospectively for dogs who served from 1990 onwards, including those seriously injured or killed before meeting the five-year service threshold.

Commissioner Steve Gollschewski emphasised the importance of the Canine Service Medal. 

“The Dog Squad is a remarkable capability that delivers outstanding operational success right across Queensland to keep our community safe.”



“Our canine capability complements the tremendous work of our on-road crews, and the ability of police dogs to apprehend offenders quickly significantly enhances our tactical response to prevent further crime from occurring.”

Published 25-July-2024

Paws and Protectors: Wacol Welcomes Furry Frontline Heroes to Corrections Team

Wacol welcomed six new four-legged recruits to Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) Harvey, Shadow, Shaq, Jet, Forest and Derek graduated alongside 70 new Custodial Corrections Officers, bolstering the frontline of community safety.



The ceremony took place in June 2024, marking the end of a 12-week intensive training program for the canine graduates and a 10-week Custodial Officer Entry Program for their human counterparts.

New Paws on Patrol

The six graduating dogs, trained in General-Purpose and Passive Alert Drug Detection, will soon be deployed to various correctional facilities across Queensland. David Hurikino, Acting Dog Squad State Manager for QCS, highlighted the importance of these new additions:

“It is a privilege to welcome the new handlers and dogs to the QCS Dog Squad knowing they will be a vital asset to their correctional centres,” Hurikino said. “The bond between a corrective services dog and their handler is a deep one, built over countless hours of training, working, and living together.”

Wacol welcomed six new four-legged recruits to Queensland Corrective Services
Photo Credit: Supplied/QCS

Human Recruits Join the Ranks

Alongside their canine colleagues, 70 new Custodial Corrections Officers graduated after completing their training. These officers from diverse backgrounds including mining, hospitality, and real estate have been trained in conflict management, tactical skills, and prisoner rehabilitation.

Jess Pugh, Member for Mount Ommaney, emphasised the significance of these roles: “These are good, rewarding Queensland jobs on the frontline of community safety delivering innovative, effective, evidence-based correctional services and rehabilitation to reduce reoffending.”

Wacol welcomed six new four-legged recruits to Queensland Corrective Services
Photo Credit: Supplied/QCS

Corrective Services Minister Nikki Boyd noted the government’s commitment to strengthening the correctional system, noting the more than $1.8 billion investment in Corrective Services from the State. Boyd also highlighted that over 700 new QCS officers have been trained in the past year.

“Our officers are our greatest asset, and we thank them all for their commitment to protecting the safety of Queensland communities,” QCS Commissioner Paul Stewart APM said.

The Queensland Corrective Services continues to offer career opportunities for those interested in joining the frontline of community safety. Eligible candidates may even receive relocation assistance for certain postings, demonstrating the ongoing effort to staff correctional facilities across the state.



Published 25-July-2024

Man Wanted in Fatal Crash in Wacol Surrenders, Faces Multiple Charges

A man sought by Queensland Police in connection with a fatal traffic crash in Wacol has turned himself in approximately a week after the incident, now confronting a litany of charges stemming from the tragic collision.


Read: Wacol Hit-and-Run Leaves Gold Coast Man Dead, Two Hospitalised


The crash in Wacol, which took place on May 28 at the intersection of Boundary Road and Progress Road, involved a Ford Mondeo and a Toyota Camry, resulting in the death of a 30-year-old man identified as Ryan Grafton, a passenger in the Camry.

Initially fleeing the scene, the driver of the Ford Mondeo, identified as Kai Fursey, a 28-year-old from Goodna, was the subject of a widespread manhunt and public appeal by the Queensland Police. CCTV footage captured a figure fleeing the site shortly after the collision, prompting intensified efforts to locate Fursey.

Crash in Wacol
Photo credit: Queensland Police Service/Facebook 

Upon his surrender, Fursey was promptly arrested and now faces a slew of charges including murder, dangerous operation of a vehicle causing grievous bodily harm, driving whilst disqualified, possession of property suspected of being involved in a drug offence, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and multiple counts of drug possession, receiving tainted property, and stealing.

Photo credit: Queensland Police Service/Facebook 

Court documents revealed Fursey allegedly took registration plates from Eight Mile Plains and Redbank Plains between May 19 and May 29.

Appearing before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on June 5, Fursey did not seek bail, consistent with Queensland law where bail applications for murder charges must be made in the Supreme Court. During the court proceedings, it was disclosed that police required additional time to finalise their case before submitting it to the Director of Public Prosecutions.


Read: Violent Carjacking Targets Ride-Share Driver in Mount Ommaney


The case has garnered significant attention due to the severity of charges and the tragic loss of life involved in the incident. Authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash as legal proceedings progress.

Published 18-June-2024 

Wacol-Built Electric, HVO Trucks Spearhead QFES’s Green Transport Push

In an Australian-first trial, the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) is set to revolutionise its fleet with two groundbreaking prime movers built at Volvo’s Wacol factory.



One truck will run solely on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a renewable fuel, while the other will be entirely electric, marking a significant stride towards decarbonising the emergency service’s operations.

Queensland Leads the Way in Sustainable Emergency Response

Electric Truck built in Wacol
Photo Credit: Volvo Trucks Australia

The HVO-powered truck built in Wacol, will be mainly based in Townsville, and will undergo rigorous testing across vast distances in North Queensland, demonstrating its ability to handle demanding conditions while significantly reducing carbon emissions.

Meanwhile, the electric truck, also built in Wacol, will be stationed in Caloundra. It will be the first Volvo FMX electric prime mover operating in Australia, utilised for logistical deliveries as part of its trial.

Collaboration for a Cleaner Future

QFES has partnered with the University of Queensland’s researchers to evaluate the trial’s effectiveness, collecting data through on-board vehicle information systems and field assessments.

This collaboration underscores the commitment to evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement in the pursuit of a greener future.

Government and Industry Unite for a Greener Queensland

Electric Truck built in Wacol
Photo Credit: Volvo Trucks Australia

Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, Nikki Boyd, hailed the trial as a groundbreaking advancement for both emergency services and sustainable transport. She emphasised the government’s dedication to decarbonising the QFES fleet and highlighted the positive impact these trucks will have on the environment and community through reduced emissions and noise pollution.

Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs, Mick de Brenni, echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of decarbonising the heavy transport sector, which contributes significantly to Queensland’s emissions. He praised the collaboration with Volvo, emphasising the benefits for local manufacturing and clean economy jobs.

QFES Paves the Way for a Sustainable Fleet

Electric Truck built in Wacol
Photo Credit: Volvo Trucks Australia

QFES Commissioner Steve Smith expressed pride in leading the charge towards emissions reduction, emphasising that this trial is a pivotal step in their broader decarbonisation strategy. He noted the potential for expanding the use of HVO and electric vehicles within the extensive QFES fleet, encompassing both Fire and Rescue and Rural Fire Services.

Volvo’s Commitment to Australian Manufacturing and Sustainability

Volvo Group Australia’s vice-president of public affairs, Lauren Pulitano, celebrated the delivery of these innovative trucks as a testament to Volvo’s commitment to a cleaner future and its dedication to local manufacturing in Wacol. She emphasised the importance of partnerships between industry, government, and stakeholders in achieving a sustainable and decarbonised heavy transport sector.



This landmark trial positions QFES and Queensland at the forefront of sustainable transportation, demonstrating a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and a cleaner future for all Queenslanders.

Published Date 03-June-2024

Wacol Hit-and-Run Leaves Gold Coast Man Dead, Two Hospitalised

A Gold Coast man with an extensive criminal history was killed in a two-car collision in Wacol.



In the morning of the 28th of May 2024, at the intersection of Boundary and Progress roads, a Ford Mondeo struck Ryan William Victor Grafton, a 30-year-old passenger in a rideshare vehicle. The Ford driver fled the scene, prompting an ongoing police search.

The impact left the rideshare driver, Hussein Ali Mohamed, with suspected back injuries, and Grafton’s friend, Amelia Vinden, 26, in critical but stable condition with chest and abdominal injuries. Mohamed was discharged from Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital on Tuesday night, while Vinden remains hospitalised.

Photo Credit: Pexel

Grafton’s sister, Lauren Bennett, remembered him as a devoted brother and uncle. Grafton’s past included a 2019 court appearance for offences such as car theft, using counterfeit money, and other crimes. A magistrate at the time described his behaviour as “totally out of control,” acknowledging his history of drug and dishonesty offences across three states.



Police are investigating the crash and urge anyone with information or dashcam footage to come forward. An Uber spokeswoman expressed condolences for the passenger’s death and confirmed support for the driver and injured passenger.

This incident occurred shortly after a fatal rideshare accident in Sydney claimed the lives of a father and daughter. Additionally, a car hit a man in Goodna, causing serious injuries. The driver later turned himself in to the police. Another man was injured and hospitalised following a car crash in Purga.

Published Date 29-May-2024

Wacol Youth Remand Centre Progresses Toward 2024 Completion

Did you know that the Wacol Youth Remand Centre, a facility that aims to provide better shelter for the youth in detention and rehabilitation, will be completed by late 2024?



With the Queensland Police Service (QPS) spearheading the construction process that began in late 2023, the Wacol Youth Remand Centre is a few months away from being ready to house youth being held in watchhouses on remand. 

Initially envisioned to have 50 beds, QPS has expanded the centre’s capacity to 76 beds to ensure that more young individuals will have access to the support and services they need while in custody at the Wacol Police Complex. 

The centre’s strategic co-location with Brisbane and West Moreton youth detention facilities allows youth access to essential services including education, healthcare, counselling, and open-air exercise areas for recreational activities. 

The Wacol Youth Remand Centre, operated by the Department of Youth Justice, will house youth in custody until new youth centres in Cairns and Woodford open. 

The decision to fast-track construction and consolidate the project into a single stage is part of the State’s dedication to addressing youth crime and promoting community safety.

Rapid-build methodologies have driven progress, allowing the facility to take shape swiftly while maintaining high quality and safety standards.



In a statement to media, Premier Steven Miles said that the government will continue to invest in the prevention, intervention and detention programs that work.  

“With more Police and targeted high visibility police operations taking place around the state, we are seeing an increase in arrests and offenders in custody,” he said.

“The Wacol Remand Facility will act as additional remand capacity while two new youth detention centres are built, to minimise the time young people are held in watchhouses on remand.”

“With its close proximity to the Wacol Police Complex, young people will have access to the education, health care and rehabilitation services needed to get back on the right path,” he added.

Published 8-April-2024

New Youth Remand Facility to Boost Detention Capacity in Wacol

An ambitious plan to fast-track the construction of a new youth remand facility has been laid out Wacol, bolstering the state’s detention capacity and improving access to support services for young people in detention. 



Backed by a substantial investment of $250 million, the facility will be a critical addition to the existing youth detention infrastructure.

Early works on this state-of-the-art facility are set to commence October 2023, with a rapid build construction approach in place to ensure the first stage of the project is completed by 2024. The location of the new facility will be on land owned by the Queensland Police Service (QPS), situated near the Brisbane Youth Detention Centre.

Construction and Design Innovation

The Queensland Police Service is taking the lead in the construction of this facility, working closely with the Department of Youth Justice, Employment, Small Business, and Training to ensure it meets the highest standards and is specifically designed for individuals held in custody. 

With the capacity to accommodate approximately 50 young people, the facility will feature common exercise areas and offer access to educational, medical, and therapeutic resources within the adjacent detention complex.

What makes this project unique is the utilisation of rapid build technology and a modular design to expedite the construction process. The Queensland Police Service has already engaged experienced consultants specialising in the design and construction of large-scale modular correctional facilities, ensuring that the project progresses efficiently.

Operation and Purpose

Upon completion, the Wacol facility will be operated by the Department of Youth Justice, Employment, Small Business, and Training and will exclusively house young people in detention until the new youth detention centres in Woodford and Cairns become operational. This significant development will help address the critical need for enhanced detention capacity and the delivery of much-needed services for young people in the criminal justice system.

“Our government is listening, and we are acting. There is nothing more important than keeping the community safe, and we know we need more detention capacity,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said. “This youth remand centre will provide best-practice services to young people who have found themselves on the wrong path so early in life.”

Police Minister Mark Ryan emphasised the importance of community safety.

“The fast-track plans for a new youth remand facility means we can quickly increase detention capacity while ensuring we are providing appropriate services for young people in detention. It will reduce the need for young people to be held in watchhouses while they are awaiting placement in a detention centre while also enabling improved access to support resources and services.”

Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll also highlighted the advantages of the facility’s location.

“The QPS Wacol precinct is an ideal location to build this facility as it is located right next to the current youth detention centre, allowing for easy access to a range of government services. The facility will significantly boost watchhouse capacity for the QPS into the future, which is a good outcome for operational staff and prisoners held in police custody.”



With this new youth remand facility, the Queensland government aims to make a positive impact on the lives of young people in the justice system while enhancing community safety and the capacity to address youth crime effectively. Early works on the project signal the state’s commitment to rapid progress in this crucial area.

Published 18-Oct-2023

Over Capacity Hits Wildlife Hospital in Wacol, Injured Koala Denied Treatment

Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) Queensland is facing criticism raising concerns about the organisation’s capacity to care for wildlife in need, after its Wildlife Hospital in Wacol turned away a severely injured koala because they were allegedly “too busy.”



The ordeal began when a koala was viciously attacked by a dog in the Scenic Rim region Thursday, 21 Sept 2023. The injured marsupial was in desperate need of veterinary attention. 

However, the RSPCA Wildlife Hospital in Wacol, reportedly declined to treat the wounded koala, instead diverting it to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast, a journey that would take approximately 2.5 

Wildlife Rescue Sunshine Coast, an organisation that has been advocating for an inquiry into the RSPCA following a series of controversies, strongly condemned this decision. They pointed out that the Brisbane Wildlife Hospital could have, at the very least, offered to stabilise the injured animal, provide pain relief, sedation, and possibly administer a drip to ensure a more comfortable journey to Currumbin. 

An RSPCA Queensland spokeswoman responded to the criticism, explaining that the Brisbane Wildlife Hospital had been overwhelmed with 22 koala cases during the week, which exceeded the capacity of their veterinary team and facilities. 

Apparently, the hospital had been caring for 130 other animals simultaneously.

RSPCA koala
Photo Credit: Laura Barry/Unsplash

RSPCA Queensland emphasised that they treated the highest number of wildlife cases in the southeast, admitting 24,000 native animals in the past year, a significant increase compared to 8,359 a decade ago. 

The spokesperson highlighted the urgent need for a new purpose-built facility to address capacity issues and better support wildlife care in South East Queensland.

The incident comes amidst a turbulent period for RSPCA Queensland, with ongoing controversies including an independent whistleblower investigation and public outcry over executive bonuses. The organisation is also currently facing unfair dismissal claims by two former executives who allege they were terminated for exposing “maladministration, misconduct, and corruption.” 

Published 28-Sept-2023

Moco Food Services to Build 17-Hectare Cold Storage Facility in Wacol

Moco Food Services, a family-owned company established in 1961, has lodged plans to build a cold storage facility and an office space in Wacol. 



The development application (DA A006235842) filed on 23 March 2023, details a proposal to turn a 42,345 square metre lot along 55 Barracks Road into a major meat processing site as Moco Food Services looks into expanding in the Sunshine State and northern NSW. 

The cold storage facility will have 16,057 square metres of warehouse space that includes the meat processing area, chiller and freezer. It will also have a 2,366 square metres of office space, a hardstand and more than 180 onsite carparking. Around 11 per cent of the site will be landscaped to “ensure a positive visual amenity and softening of hardstand areas.” 

“The proposed warehouse facility is consistent with the established industrial area and as such will not adversely impact on adjoining properties,” the planners stated in the DA. “Further, the height, bulk, scale, and siting of the extensions are in accordance with the requirements of the Preliminary Approval.”

Post-pandemic, demand for cold storage sector, now valued at $5 billion in Australia, has rapidly evolved with sophisticated technology to ensure that the logistics and supply chain are unhampered.

Apart from this investment, Moco Food Services has also been adopting hands-free voice picking and forklifts with automated routing software to expedite its operations for its over 6,000 food lines. 



Published 15-April-2023