Wacol Archives - Centenary Today

Military Camp to Migrant Centre: Camp Columbia in Wacol

Camp Columbia in Wacol served as a key military hub for American and Dutch forces during World War II. After the war, it became a migrant reception centre, reflecting its evolving role in Brisbane’s history.

Camp Columbia is a significant historical site that reflects its various roles throughout the mid-20th century. Established in 1942 as a United States Army base, it played a pivotal role in the Pacific theatre during World War II and later became a migrant reception centre and refuge.

Camp Columbia housing — *Photo Credit: Camp Columbia*

Establishment of Camp Columbia

During World War II, the United States Army established Camp Columbia at Wacol as part of its strategic operations in the Pacific. The camp was the headquarters for the Sixth United States Army, known as the “Alamo Force.” Built by engineer Sir Manuel Hornibrook, it housed about 5,000 personnel. It featured essential infrastructure, such as water pipelines from Darra and a sewerage system.

Camp Columbia interior — *Photo Credit: Camp Columbia*

Camp Columbia was a key staging ground for troops. It provided them with training and equipment before deployment to Pacific battlefields. It also hosted an Officer Candidate School to train soldiers for leadership roles.

Dutch Occupation and Post-War Transition

After American forces left in 1944, the camp was handed over to the Netherlands East Indies Government-in-Exile. Dutch military units and agencies, including the Netherlands Forces Intelligence Service (NEFIS), used the site for training and administration. This is supporting military operations and planning during Indonesia’s post-war transition.

Camp Columbia students — *Photo Credit: Camp Columbia*

The Dutch remained at the camp until the end of World War II. The camp later served as a reception and rehabilitation centre for civilians and military personnel.

Wacol Migrant Centre: A New Role

After the war, Australia faced a migrant influx. The influx prompted Camp Columbia’s transformation into the Wacol Migrant Centre. From 1949, the camp provided temporary housing and training for displaced Europeans. This includes those from Eastern Europe and the Netherlands. The centre housed around 1,600 people, sometimes exceeding 2,000.

Residents lived in repurposed military barracks with communal facilities like mess halls and shared bathrooms. English classes and employment training were offered to help migrants integrate. The camp remained an entry point for new Australians until its closure in 1987.

Community and Cultural Impact

American troops in Wacol during the war left a cultural impression. They introduced locals to American music and social practices. Community dances and events hosted at nearby halls helped maintain morale and build connections.

After the camp’s conversion, the migrant centre became a hub for multicultural interaction. Migrants from various backgrounds built new lives in Wacol.

Wacol's migrant centre — *Photo Credit: Camp Columbia*

Legacy and Preservation

Some of Camp Columbia’s infrastructure remains at Wacol. The community continues to honour the camp as ANZAC Day approaches on 25 April. The site also now houses the Wacol Military Museum, where visitors can explore artifacts and learn more about the camp.

Published 8-Apr-2025

JD.com Set to Buy $240m Wacol Logistics Hub in Brisbane’s West

Photo Credit: descubriendo.china/Instagram

Chinese retail giant JD.com is set to spend $240 million on a logistics hub in Wacol, marking one of Brisbane’s biggest industrial property deals.

JD.com Makes $240 Million Move Into Wacol Logistics Hub

Chinese online retailer JD.com is set to acquire a huge Wacol logistics site for over $240 million, putting the Brisbane suburb at the forefront of a high-value industrial property transaction.

The acquisition marks JD.com’s increasing focus on moving into the Australian market, with Wacol providing a strategic location for distribution and logistics.

Deal to Close by Late April

JD.com is nearing a $240 million purchase of the Wacol Logistics Hub from ESR, with the sale expected by April 2025. While unconfirmed, industry sources say it’s nearly complete, marking one of Queensland’s biggest logistics deals and a sign of growing e-commerce investment in local infrastructure.

Community and Industrial Impact

The Wacol acquisition could boost the local economy through job creation and investment if JD.com uses it as a warehouse or fulfilment centre. Known for managing its own logistics, the company may bring significant operations to the site.

Nearby suburbs like Darra and Richlands could see traffic changes, with community response hinging on site management and infrastructure support.

Why Wacol Matters

Wacol’s location near major highways makes it a prime logistics hub with strong access to Brisbane and southeast Queensland. Its industrial zoning has attracted major players, and JD.com’s deal signals confidence in Australia’s supply chain while spotlighting Brisbane’s west as a rising e-commerce hub.

Published 3-April-2025

Queensland Opens Wacol Youth Remand Centre for Young Offenders

The Wacol Youth Remand Centre has officially opened, marking a significant step in addressing Queensland’s strained youth detention system. The new facility aims to reduce the number of young offenders held in watchhouses while providing essential rehabilitation and support services.

Read: Wacol Youth Remand Centre Set for Completion in Mid-2025

The 76-bed facility boasts advanced security management systems and offers access to education, vocational training, rehabilitation programs, healthcare, and other support services. The centre is designed not only to ensure consequences for youth crime but also to foster rehabilitation and prevent reoffending.

Inside one of the rooms at the Wacol Youth Remand Centre (Photo credit: LauraGerberMP/Facebook)

Young offenders will be transferred to the facility, many of whom face charges under Queensland’s new “Adult Crime, Adult Time” laws. These laws impose stricter penalties on youth offenders for serious crimes, including:

Murder: Mandatory life imprisonment with a non-parole period of 20 years (previously 10 years).
Manslaughter and acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm: Maximum life imprisonment with a minimum non-parole period of 15 years (previously 10 years, or life for particularly heinous cases).
Unlawful striking causing death: Maximum life imprisonment, with parole eligibility after serving 80 per cent of the sentence or 15 years (previously 10 years, or life for particularly heinous cases).
Grievous bodily harm: Maximum 14 years imprisonment (doubled from 7 years).
Wounding and serious assault: Maximum 7 years imprisonment (doubled from 3.5 years).
Dangerous operation of a vehicle: Maximum 3 years imprisonment or 200 penalty points (previously 1.5 years if sentenced by a judge).

The centre is expected to play a key role in halting the cycle of youth crime by providing access to comprehensive rehabilitation, education, and medical services. Queensland’s Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support, Laura Gerber, reinforced the government’s commitment to balancing strict sentencing with effective rehabilitation.

“Youth who choose to commit the most serious crimes will serve the time under ‘Adult Crime, Adult Time.’ But with effective early intervention and intensive rehabilitation programs, we are giving them the best chance to turn their lives around,” Minister Gerber stated.

Read: Development Application Lodged for Wacol Warehouse Complex

The opening of the Wacol Youth Remand Centre signifies a firm stance on youth crime while ensuring that offenders have access to the necessary programs to reintegrate successfully into society.

Published 31-March-2025

Community Invited to Name Koala Joeys in Wacol

Photo Credit: CrSarahHutton/Facebook

Two koala joeys at Pooh Corner, Wacol, need names. The local community has been invited to take part in a special naming competition.

The initiative seeks creative name suggestions for the young koalas. The joeys were born to resident koalas Olive and Lady Jane around March or April 2024.

Koala Joeys Making Their First Appearances

The two joeys have now begun emerging from their mothers’ pouches and exploring their surroundings at Wacol. One has already been identified as a male, while the other’s gender is yet to be confirmed. This marks an exciting time for the Pooh Corner conservation area, which provides a vital habitat for native wildlife, including koalas.

With more joeys expected to be born in the coming years, organisers hope the competition will encourage greater community involvement in wildlife conservation efforts.

The initiative also raises awareness of the importance of preserving natural habitats, as koala populations continue to face environmental threats such as habitat loss and urban expansion.

Naming Competition Open for Public Suggestions

To ensure future joeys receive meaningful names, the competition aims to shortlist five boy and five girl names from community submissions. City official Sarah Hutton will select the final list, and the winners will receive a special surprise for their contributions.

Residents have already begun submitting creative suggestions, drawing inspiration from local landmarks, Australian culture, and even the parent koalas’ names.

Some of the proposed names include Jimmaney (a blend of Jindalee and Mount Ommaney), Scout (inspired by the Jamboree Ward), and Olivia (a play on Olive’s name).

Koala joeys Wacol — *Photo Credit: CrSarahHutton/Facebook*

How to Get Involved

Locals are encouraged to participate by submitting their best name ideas through the provided competition link. The competition fosters community engagement while celebrating the conservation efforts at Wacol’s Pooh Corner, which continues to be a sanctuary for koalas in South East Queensland.

SUBMIT A NAME

This event not only strengthens local connections but also highlights the ongoing work being done to protect Australia’s unique wildlife. By taking part, residents can contribute to the legacy of Wacol and ensure these joeys receive names that reflect the spirit of their surroundings.

Published 21-Feb-2025

Platypus Habitat Restoration Project Launched in Wacol

Photo Credit: Australian Museum

A conservation project at Bullockhead Creek in Wacol, a crucial refuge to Brisbane’s dwindling platypus population, has received $1.9 million in funding to focus on habitat repair, weed removal, and revegetation.

Bullockhead Creek in Wacol has long been recognised as a crucial refuge for Brisbane’s dwindling platypus population. With only 35 sightings recorded in Brisbane waterways last year, immediate action is necessary to safeguard this iconic species.

Platypus habitat in Wacol — *Photo Credit: Australian Museum*

Previous research by the University of Queensland and BCC identified habitat degradation as a significant factor impacting platypus numbers in the area.

The Conservation Project Explained

Under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program, $1.9 million has been allocated to improve 4.5 hectares of the creek’s ecosystem. The initiative includes habitat repair, weed removal, and revegetation using native riparian species to strengthen the ecological health of the area.

The strategy also includes ongoing research into platypus movement and waterway health, with DNA sampling at 100 sites in Brisbane providing data to guide future efforts.

The project is part of the broader “Boost Platypus by 2032” plan, which aims to reverse population declines through habitat restoration, research, and community awareness programs.

If you would like to be added to the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program mailing list, please fill up the form here.

Community Sentiment and Stakeholder Support

Local environmental groups and researchers have expressed optimism about the project’s potential impact. According to BCC’s Chair for Environment, Parks, and Sustainability, Tracy Davis, the program underscores a commitment to protecting biodiversity in urban areas, similar to previous efforts for koalas.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite the funding boost, long-term success depends on addressing broader environmental issues such as urban runoff and pollution.

To report sightings, please provide details at these sites:

PLATYPUS

VARIOUS WILDLIFE

Future plans include the introduction of educational tools like Platyplatforms and Platycams, allowing the public to view live footage of known platypus hotspots and learn about their habitats while ensuring minimal disturbance to the environment.

Planning for habitat restoration will begin in early 2025. This initiative is a vital step towards securing a sustainable future for platypus populations in Wacol and beyond.

Published 18-Jan-2025

QPS Welcomes Final Wave of Record-Breaking Police Recruits in 2024

Photo Credit: Queensland Police

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has concluded a year of unprecedented recruitment with a final graduation ceremony at its Oxley Academy in Wacol, welcoming 122 new first-year constables.

This latest intake brings the number of new officers inducted in 2024 to over 940, marking a significant milestone for the organisation.

This final graduation ceremony at Wacol caps off a year of exceptional growth for the QPS academies. Earlier this year, the academies experienced their largest intake of recruits in 26 years and recently recorded the highest number of recruits in training across both Brisbane and Townsville. With over 2,200 applicants still in the pipeline – a 53 per cent increase compared to November 2023 – the QPS anticipates another strong year of recruitment in 2025.

Commissioner of Police Steve Gollschewski expressed his enthusiasm for the year’s achievements and highlighted the organisation’s dedication to attracting and training new officers. He emphasised that the recruits’ diverse backgrounds reflect the QPS’s commitment to building a police force that truly understands and serves the diverse communities of Queensland.

Adding to this diversity are graduates of the Multicultural Recruit Preparation Pathway (MRPP), a specialised program designed to assist individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in preparing for police training. This six-week course provides tailored support to help participants succeed in the standard 36-week Recruit Training Program.

One such graduate, First Year Constable Emmanuel Andruga, who emigrated from Uganda in 2010, shared his experience with the MRPP. He explained how the program helped him smoothly transition into mainstream training and highlighted the value of building strong peer networks and gaining a deeper understanding of policing in Queensland within a supportive environment.

These newly minted constables will be deployed across Queensland, bolstering police presence in various stations from metropolitan areas like Brisbane and the Gold Coast to regional centres such as Cairns, Townsville, and Toowoomba.

The QPS continues to promote the diverse opportunities a policing career offers, emphasising the dynamic nature of the work and encouraging those interested in a challenging and rewarding career to consider joining the force.

Published Date 23-December-2024

RSPCA in Wacol Urges Ban on Glue Traps Due to Wildlife Injuries

RSPCA Queensland in Wacol is urgently calling for a national ban on glue traps after a growing number of native animals, including a kookaburra and a blue-tongue lizard, were found suffering on these adhesive traps intended for pests.

RSPCA’s Concerns Over Wildlife Harm

At RSPCA Queensland’s Wacol facility, staff continue to witness cases of local wildlife being injured or killed by glue traps, sparking renewed advocacy for a total ban on their sale and use across Australia.

The RSPCA reported that adhesive traps, often used to catch rodents, also ensnare non-target animals like birds, reptiles, and small mammals. These animals experience extreme stress and pain, unable to escape from the adhesive surface without significant injury.

According to RSPCA Queensland spokesperson Emma Lagoon, animals often suffer from broken bones, skin tears, and severe dehydration or starvation if not removed quickly. The Wacol-based RSPCA Wildlife Hospital regularly treats animals caught in these traps.

Staff reported treating a kookaburra, which was found with multiple small skinks on a glue trap and a blue-tongue lizard, requiring careful adhesive removal and medical care. The traps have become a growing hazard for native species across Queensland as more reports of trapped wildlife occur each year.

Retailer and Legislative Actions

Major Australian retailers, such as Bunnings, have taken partial steps to reduce wildlife harm by phasing out “naked” glue traps—those without protective barriers. Instead, Bunnings now only stocks versions of the product contained within cages designed to limit wildlife access, following guidelines from regulatory authorities.

However, the RSPCA argues that these measures fall short, noting that animals can still become ensnared in modified traps, and glue traps remain widely available online through retailers like Amazon, Kogan, and Dick Smith.

The current legal landscape for glue traps varies significantly across Australia. The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has an outright ban, while Victoria and Tasmania restrict their sale to commercial pest control operators.

There are currently no specific regulations in Queensland and several other states, meaning the traps are readily available to the public. RSPCA Queensland advocates for a nationwide approach, pushing for consistent rules to prevent the continued harm of wildlife.

The Case for a Nationwide Ban

RSPCA Queensland emphasises that glue traps, even those contained within cages, are inhumane and unnecessary, given the availability of more humane pest control options. Glue traps not only harm non-target species but also lead to prolonged suffering. Ms Lagoon noted that animals often get their feet stuck first, then inadvertently stick more body parts as they struggle to free themselves, leading to distress and further injuries. She stated that some animals are so desperate to escape that they chew their limbs.

The RSPCA said there needs to be consistent legislation prohibiting glue traps. They argue that a uniform ban across Australia would prevent accidental wildlife harm, as each state currently has its rules on glue trap use. The organisation believes that with stricter laws, Australia can minimise unnecessary animal suffering and encourage humane pest control practices.

Published 14-Nov-2024

Wacol Youth Remand Centre Takes Shape: Construction Progresses to Bolster Community Safety

Photo Credit: Queensland Police Service/ Facebook

The construction of the new Youth Remand Centre in Wacol is advancing rapidly. The facility was fast-tracked in response to the need to alleviate watchhouse overcrowding.

Designed collaboratively by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and the Department of Youth Justice, the centre aims to provide appropriate support to young people in custody and reduce their time spent in watchhouses.

The centre’s main structure is complete, and two detention wings have already received modular cells. Construction remains on schedule, and the facility is expected to be operational by December.

*Photo Credit: Queensland Police Service/ Facebook*

This project represents a significant investment, with over $260 million allocated for construction and nearly $150 million for its operation over the next three years.

The new centre is vital to the $1.3 billion Community Safety Plan for Queensland, which focuses on prevention, intervention, and detention.

Construction of two new youth detention centres in Woodford and Cairns are also underway, increasing capacity and enhancing access to support services for young people. The strategic placement of the Wacol remand centre near two existing youth detention centres aims to ensure that young people can readily access vital education, health care and rehabilitation services.

Until the new youth detention centre in Woodford opens, the facility, will increase the number of youth detention beds. The Wacol centre will provide 76 detention beds and multiple exercise yards, both indoors and outdoors.

Premier Steven Miles emphasised the commitment to community safety, highlighting a multi-faceted approach that includes increased police presence, stricter laws, and detention as a last resort. He stressed the importance of modern construction methods to quickly provide increased remand and detention capacity, enabling police to focus on their core duties.

The investment in targeted intervention and prevention initiatives aims to address the underlying causes of crime.

Treasurer Mr Cameron Dick underscored the need for evidence-based, well-detailed and adequately funded measures to tackle community safety.

Police Minister Mark Ryan highlighted the government’s ongoing investment in programmes that strive to achieve the best outcomes for young people, including those in custody. He stressed the importance of preventing young people who enter the system from becoming entrenched in a life of crime and emphasised the remand centre’s role in breaking the cycle of offending.

Youth Justice Minister, Di Farmer, reiterated that Community Safety is paramount for the Queensland Government and that when a court determines detention is necessary, the government has the services and plans to safeguard the community.

Published Date 25-September-2024

Wacol Wildlife Hospital Overwhelmed, New Capalaba Facility to Ease Burden

Photo Credit: RSPCA Queensland

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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