Platypus Populations Holding On in Wacol

Recent monitoring has shown that platypus populations are still present in Wacol, with eDNA results confirming activity in the area as regional studies continue.



Background on Monitoring After the 2022 Floods

Platypus monitoring across Ipswich and surrounding waterways intensified after the 2022 floods raised concerns about severe population loss. In June 2022, early post-flood eDNA sampling across 22 known sites detected only one tentative positive sign at Wacol.

A follow-up survey in December 2022 produced similar results, indicating platypus had not yet returned to many Ipswich waterways. These findings highlighted the scale of habitat damage, including bank instability, sediment influx, and overall decline in water quality across creeks such as Woogaroo and Opossum.

eDNA program
Photo Credit: Australian Museum

Expanded Monitoring Across South East Queensland

From 2023 onward, eDNA sampling in the region continued under Ipswich City Council’s annual program. Results released in 2025 showed improvements, with multiple positive detections across Bundamba, Six Mile and Sandy creeks.

While some waterways recorded limited detections, Wacol remained significant as a location where platypus DNA had been consistently identified since the floods.

The broader regional effort now forms part of the $1.2 million Resilient Rivers SEQ program launched on 3 November 2025. The initiative spans more than 200 sites across Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Moreton Bay, Noosa and the Sunshine Coast, using eDNA to study species including platypus, rakali, freshwater turtles, lungfish, frogs and Mary River cod.

Habitat Pressures and Long-Term Challenges

Research outlined in previous monitoring reports identified ongoing habitat degradation as a major threat. Increased sediment loads, bank erosion and waterway connectivity issues continue to affect platypus burrows, which rely on stable, vegetated creek banks for survival.

The 2022 floods delivered sediment levels far above recommended objectives, contributing to the decline of known populations across Ipswich’s waterways.

Wacol platypus monitoring
Photo Credit: Australian Museum

Habitat Restoration Efforts in Wacol

In January 2025, a platypus habitat restoration project was launched at Bullockhead Creek in Wacol. The site is regarded as an important refuge for Brisbane’s remaining platypus, with only 35 sightings reported across the city the previous year.

The project received $1.9 million in funding to rehabilitate 4.5 hectares of creek habitat. Key works include weed removal, habitat repair and revegetation using native species to stabilise banks and improve ecological conditions.

Ongoing research into platypus movements forms part of this strategy, supported by DNA sampling at 100 sites in Brisbane.

Community and Stakeholder Involvement

Local environmental groups and researchers have expressed support for the restoration work at Wacol. Community-led monitoring efforts such as PlatyCount continue to contribute data, complementing formal eDNA surveys undertaken across South East Queensland.

Outlook for Platypus Conservation in Wacol

Monitoring under the Resilient Rivers SEQ program will continue over the next two years, informing habitat restoration, waterway management and long-term biodiversity planning.



In Wacol, early-2025 restoration works are expected to improve local conditions, supporting the survival of remaining platypus populations and guiding future conservation efforts.

Updated 25-November-2025

Brisbane Awards 2025: How a Wacol Charity is Saving Two Lives at Once

A simple idea to bring foster dogs to visit lonely family members has grown into a Wacol-based national charity changing thousands of lives, both human and animal.



Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH) has been honoured for its work, receiving a Special Mention for the Hutchinson Builders Social Enterprise award category at the 2025 Lord Mayor’s Business Awards. Help Enterprises took home the Social Enterprise Award.

The Lord Mayor’s Business Awards, now in their 20th year, celebrate the visionaries and innovators shaping Brisbane’s $200 billion economy. HPHH was named one of 44 finalists recognised for driving the city’s success.

A Mission to Heal Two Kinds of Hurt

The organisation was created to find a single solution for two major problems: the 1.1 million Australians experiencing social exclusion and the more than 124,000 animals waiting for adoption in shelters like the RSPCA every year.

Happy Paws Happy Hearts partners with animal shelters to create a safe space for vulnerable people. Participants join programs, both online and inside the shelters, where they share a love of animals, learn new skills, and give back to the community in a powerful way.

More Than Just a Pat

The organisation’s unique approach moves participants out of traditional training rooms and gives them “hands-on” opportunities to care for and train the rescue animals. This interaction provides a pathway for people to overcome their own emotional and physical isolation.

According to the organisation’s mission, this method helps rebuild confidence in stages and often results in a new outlook on life. It is a purposeful approach focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for both the people and the animals, helping to prepare the pets for their future adoptive homes.



A Simple Idea Grown Big

The national charity started from a simple observation. In 2014, co-founders Zoe and Grame brought their foster dogs to visit socially isolated family members. They witnessed an immediate connection, bringing smiles to faces and wags to tails.

From that first visit, Happy Paws Happy Hearts has expanded across Australia. It continues to craft programs that support both people and animals, backed by partners who help it reach more isolated individuals and provide much-needed human interaction for shelter animals.

Published Date 10-November-2025

Locals Rush to Rescue Injured Wildlife After the Hail

As hail battered Brisbane’s west on Sunday, neighbours rallied online and urged one another to bring injured animals to Wacol, home to the RSPCA Queensland Wildlife Hospital and a lifeline for the city’s wildlife during emergencies.



Residents in suburbs including Brookfield, Karana Downs and Pullenvale reported rescuing lorikeets, possums and an ibis hurt in the storm, wrapping them in towels and contacting wildlife care groups for advice.

Photo Credit: Melanie White/4069 Community/Facebook

The storm on 26 October 2025 brought hailstones up to seven centimetres wide, causing major damage across Brisbane, Ipswich and the Gold Coast. While official reports focused on power outages and property losses, social media filled with calls for help for injured animals.

Locals were urged to take rescued wildlife to the RSPCA Queensland Wildlife Hospital in Wacol, which accepts drop-offs 24 hours a day.

Photo Credit: Katrina Row/4069 Community/Facebook

Locals Mobilise for Wildlife Care

The 4069 region — covering Brookfield, Kenmore and Pullenvale — became an informal command centre for wildlife emergencies. One resident posted about an injured lorikeet found on a deck, while another described an ibis unable to fly near a creek crossing. Offers of help and transport followed within minutes, with residents sharing the Wacol hospital address and hotline number.

Wildlife groups such as Wildcare Australia reminded residents not to attempt feeding injured animals but to keep them in a quiet, dark box until they could reach a professional carer.

Froggy Creek and Other Sanctuaries Feel the Impact

In Karana Downs, the small wildlife refuge Froggy Creek — part of the Land for Wildlife program — reported storm damage to nesting boxes and surrounding vegetation. The caretakers posted online that they were thinking of others with property damage and of displaced wildlife seeking food and shelter.

Further east, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary at Fig Tree Pocket confirmed on social media that it would remain closed on Monday, 27 October, due to storm damage. The post assured visitors that all animals are safe and well and thanked the public for their patience during cleanup efforts. The closure underscored how even well-established facilities were affected by the same wild weather that disrupted suburban wildlife.

A Reminder from the Past

Queensland has seen the toll severe hail can take on wildlife before. In October 2003, hailstones “the size of cricket balls” killed more than 100 birds and animals — including kangaroos, wallabies, pelicans and ibis — at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast. According to an archived report, sanctuary staff described it as a sombre period as they worked to care for the injured and rebuild damaged enclosures.

That tragedy remains one of Australia’s starkest examples of how extreme weather can devastate native fauna. It serves as a reminder, two decades on, of why community rescue efforts and preparedness still matter.

Getting Help to the Right Place

The RSPCA Queensland Wildlife Hospital in Wacol remained the main drop-off point recommended by wildlife groups and community members. Volunteers reported multiple deliveries of injured birds and small mammals from suburbs affected by the storm.

Carers suggest residents prepare a simple wildlife emergency kit — a towel, gloves and a ventilated box — to safely transport animals after severe weather. Those who find injured wildlife can call 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) for advice.



As cleanup continues, Brisbane’s western suburbs have shown that care for wildlife can be as instinctive as protecting one’s own home. Community posts and small acts of rescue proved that even amid chaos, compassion remains the city’s strongest force.

Published 27-Oct-2025

Centenary Community Clubs Set For Solar Energy Upgrades

Centenary area clubs in Darra and Wacol are confirmed for new rooftop solar and efficiency upgrades to help reduce electricity costs.



Centenary Sites Confirmed For Upgrades

The program was announced in early October 2025 and will be delivered across the 2025–26 financial year. Confirmed recipients include the Scouts Association – West Centenary site in Darra, the Western Districts Baseball Club at Atthows Park on Sumners Road in Darra, and the Taringa Rovers facility operating from a Wacol address on Grindle Road. 

Photo Credit: Taringa Rovers/Google Maps

Each will receive new solar infrastructure ranging from around 6 kW to more than 18 kW in size. These upgrades are part of a wider rollout across 26 Brisbane community facilities in the current stage.

Program Aims To Lower Costs For Local Families

Brisbane City Council has stated the initiative is focused on easing cost pressures for families and volunteer-run community groups. Savings generated from lower power bills are expected to be redirected to programs, facility maintenance, and member services. 

Photo Credit: Western Districts Baseball Club/Google Maps

Brisbane Sustainability Agency provided statements supporting the program, which aligns with Council’s emissions reduction strategy.

Part Of A Broader Clean Energy Rollout

Council has already installed more than seven megawatts of solar capacity across its facilities, with the total set to reach 7.5 megawatts after this stage is complete. The city has a target of cutting its carbon emissions by 30 per cent by 2031–32. 

Photo Credit: Canva / For Illustration Purpose Only

Council has framed the initiative as both an environmental and community cost-of-living measure rather than a political announcement.

Direct Local Relevance To Centenary Residents

With Darra and Wacol sites in the rollout, Centenary-area clubs such as Scouts and local sports will see neighbourhood-level benefits. 



These organisations are expected to see immediate improvements in operating costs once the systems are switched on, reinforcing Council’s focus on helping grassroots clubs remain sustainable.

Published 20-October-2025

Volunteer Call for Wildlife Survey in Wacol

What’s swimming, slithering or paddling through our local creeks? A major five-year wildlife survey environmental DNA from local creek systems in Wacol is about to find out—and locals from the area and across the Centenary suburbs are being called on to help.



Creek Sampling with Cutting-Edge Science

The project, led by the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland (WPSQ) and Wolston & Centenary Catchments (WaCC), will use environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling to detect traces of animals in waterways. From late August to September, volunteers will collect water samples from 12 sites along Bullockhead Creek, Sandy Creek and their tributaries.

Each sample is analysed in a lab to identify species—from elusive platypus and rakali to native fish, frogs, and turtles—without disturbing their habitats. The data will be compared year-on-year to track population changes and the impact of urban pressures on local biodiversity.

Why This Matters

These creeks form part of a vital wildlife corridor linking the Brisbane River to surrounding bushland. By mapping the species that live here, scientists can better protect threatened fauna and identify areas needing habitat restoration. The survey also complements earlier monitoring projects in the area, including camera trapping for koalas and waterway health assessments.

The project will apply vertebrate metabarcoding techniques to collect eDNA from water bodies. This method allows researchers to detect species by analysing DNA fragments left behind in the environment. Data collected over the five-year period will help track species presence, highlight pollution impacts, and identify long-term ecological trends.

The Wacol catchment region has already been the focus of previous fauna and flora monitoring, including nest box installations in Riverhills and platypus and koala tracking in nearby bushland reserves. eDNA testing has previously been used to confirm platypus presence in the creeks, although visual observations remain necessary to support the findings due to limitations in the method.

How You Can Get Involved

No specialist skills are required—training is provided. Volunteers will assist with collecting, labelling and delivering samples, as well as logging site conditions. The project runs for five years, offering multiple opportunities to participate.

Interested community members are encouraged to register through a formal expression of interest process. Volunteers may assist with data collection, monitoring, and observation logging across the five-year timeline. This builds on an existing tradition of community involvement in environmental work throughout the Wacol area.

Similar community-supported efforts include the koala research program at Pooh Corner and Wacol Bushland Reserves, where trained residents have tracked released koalas and recorded habitat use, including preferred tree species like blue gum and gum-topped box.

Complementary Efforts

Citizen science has long played a role in shaping conservation actions within the region. In 2024, twelve artificial nest boxes were installed in Riverhills to provide nesting opportunities for native species in an area lacking suitable tree hollows. These installations have already been used by rainbow lorikeets and possums, based on follow-up monitoring.

The nest boxes are now subject to routine inspections with help from trained community members. A citizen science workshop conducted in late 2024 involved adults and children learning how to use inspection cameras and report findings for monitoring.

Next Steps

The upcoming eDNA survey presents another opportunity for the Wacol community to contribute to ongoing ecological monitoring. Expressions of interest are now open online for those who wish to participate ahead of the August/September 2025 launch.



Findings from the project will inform biodiversity mapping, conservation planning, and future habitat restoration efforts in the catchment.

Published 26-July-2025

Wacol Community Mourns RSPCA’s Michael Beatty

Michael Beatty, a veteran journalist and long-serving spokesperson for RSPCA Queensland, has died following a cancer battle, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Wacol.



Media Career Before Advocacy

Born in England in 1949, Michael Beatty began his journalism career in Canada, eventually returning to the UK where he interviewed music icons and prominent figures. He later moved to Australia and built a distinguished career reporting for national programs such as Today Tonight, The 7.30 Report, This Day Tonight, and producing for Beyond 2000 and Wild Life. 

Mr Beatty covered major global events including the Brixton riots, the Marcos regime’s downfall, and armed conflicts in Southeast Asia. His journalism career included assignments in dangerous situations, such as being shot at, stoned, and charged by a black rhino during field coverage.

Michael Beatty
Photo Credit: RSPCA QLD/Facebook

Seventeen Years at RSPCA Queensland in Wacol

Mr Beatty joined RSPCA Queensland in 2004, initially as a short-term media advisor, but remained for 17 years. His role was based at the organisation’s Wacol headquarters, where he became the familiar public voice on issues of animal welfare. His work included media engagement, public education, and on-ground advocacy. Notably, he participated in public demonstrations like the 2004 locked-car heat test to raise awareness of animal safety risks.

In 2019, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to animal welfare. Mr Beatty redirected the recognition to the staff and volunteers of RSPCA Queensland, describing himself as “the messenger”.

Continued Involvement Post-Retirement

After retiring in 2021, Mr Beatty remained involved with the RSPCA’s Wacol centre. He continued to visit the facility regularly, donate supplies, and deliver talks on animal welfare and his career. His ongoing presence was acknowledged within the organisation following his retirement.

Tributes and Public Response

Following his passing, colleagues and RSPCA supporters shared tributes highlighting his contributions to journalism and animal advocacy. Former media peers recalled his storytelling ability and character. Animal welfare figures noted his impact on awareness and communication. Comments from RSPCA Queensland reflected his role as a key figure in the organisation’s modern identity.

Photo Credit: RSPCA QLD/Facebook

Health and Passing

Mr Beatty was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2018. He lived with the condition for seven years. He was later diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia. This led to complications. His death was confirmed by family. They shared that he passed peacefully with his wife and son at his side.

Ongoing Legacy at Wacol and Beyond



Michael Beatty’s work at RSPCA Queensland’s Wacol headquarters defined the latter part of his career. His commitment to public communication. His advocacy left an enduring impact across Queensland’s animal welfare sector. The Wacol facility, where he worked and stayed connected post-retirement, remains central to that legacy.

Published 13-July-2025

Volvo Confirms Local Electric Truck Production at Wacol

Wacol is set to make history as the first place in Australia to manufacture heavy-duty electric trucks, marking a major shift in the country’s transport future.



Supporting Local Jobs and Skills

Production is set to begin next year at Volvo Group Australia’s Wacol plant in Brisbane’s southwest. Ten of the 30 electric trucks ordered by freight company Linfox will be built locally, making them the first heavy-duty electric trucks to earn “Australian Made” certification. 

The Wacol site, operating since 1972, is the country’s largest truck manufacturing facility. Volvo says the shift to electric truck production will require new high-tech processes and staff training. This change is expected to create more skilled jobs in the area. Building the trucks locally also supports growing demand and keeps industry expertise within Australia.

Linfox Pushes Forward on Emissions Goals

Linfox, a long-standing Australian freight and logistics company, placed the largest-ever local order for electric trucks to date. Their order includes 29 Volvo FM Electric trucks and one FH Electric model. The company began testing electric trucks in 2021 and found them to be effective for urban and regional deliveries.

Linfox has said these trucks will help them meet their goal of lowering emissions across their fleet. The new electric vehicles will be used in major metro centres, supporting greener transport options for everyday deliveries.

Wacol at the Centre of Australia’s Transport Shift

Wacol’s role in this new chapter of Australian trucking places the suburb at the centre of a growing national focus on cleaner, smarter transport. The move comes as more companies and governments push for lower emissions and better fuel efficiency in heavy vehicles.

The electric trucks are designed for long-lasting use, and Volvo says they are ready for Australia’s tough road conditions. With Wacol producing these vehicles, the technology will be tested and refined on home soil—giving Australia a chance to lead, not just follow, in electric freight transport.

A Community Milestone

For Wacol locals, the move adds pride to the suburb’s long-standing role in manufacturing. It positions the area as a key player in the future of transport. 



Increased industrial activity and new training opportunities in advanced manufacturing are expected. Industry groups and local businesses have welcomed the announcement as a boost for skills and innovation in the region.

Published 3-June-2025

New Zealander’s Beloved Old Rescue Cat from Wacol Celebrates Remarkable Milestone

A cat rescued from the RSPCA in Wacol by an owner originally from New Zealand has reached the extraordinary age of 21, a rare feat for felines and a heartwarming story for the Brisbane community.



Bluey, a Ragdoll cross, recently celebrated his 21st birthday, a significant milestone even cats with their legendary nine lives seldom achieve. His owner, a veteran photojournalist, Annette Dew, captured the special occasion with photographs of Bluey posing regally alongside birthday cupcakes adorned with candles.

Ms Dew adopted Bluey over two decades ago from the RSPCA for her son Ryan’s fourth birthday. She fondly remembers bringing the small kitten home in a brown paper McDonald’s bag with a Happy Meal; her son, now 25, was overjoyed with his new companion.

A Long and Happy Life in Brisbane

cat
Photo Credit: Annette Dew/ Instagram

Ms Dew explained that Bluey was named after his striking blue eyes and, now in his 22nd year, remains an active and affectionate member of their family. She shared that Bluey has a remarkable routine, greeting her car upon her return home each day.

His loyalty even extends to trying to follow her on walks to the shops, requiring her to be mindful of his whereabouts. Despite his advanced age, Bluey still displays agility and a social nature, even eating food off his paws in a manner reminiscent of a human.

Instant Connection and Recognition

cat
Photo Credit: Annette Dew/ Instagram

Ms Dew recounted her first encounter with Bluey at the RSPCA, where she inquired about such a beautiful cat being available for adoption. She was told that he had been difficult for staff to catch. However, upon reaching into his enclosure, Bluey immediately put his paws around her neck and clung on, leading an RSPCA staff member to suggest that he had found his owner. Their bond has remained strong for over 21 years.



Rare Longevity Acknowledged

The RSPCA acknowledged Bluey’s exceptional longevity, stating that reaching 21 is uncommon and a great achievement. A spokesperson indicated they are not currently aware of any other felines in Queensland of similar age, recognising Bluey as one of the oldest rescue cat record holders they know of. This recognition follows the recent passing of Pepper, another cherished cat owned by RSPCA vet Dr Olivia Pozzana. Dr Pozzana spoke of her deep affection and ongoing sadness at the loss of Pepper.

While there is no official registry for the oldest cat in the state, Bluey’s long and well-loved life is being celebrated as a remarkable example of excellent pet care, companionship, and the strong connection between rescued animals and their owners within the community. Bluey is reportedly taking all the attention in his stride, enjoying the extra fuss and the flickering candles on his red velvet birthday treats.

Published Date 20-May-2025

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.

Camp Columbia
Caption:  OCS graduation exercise held at Camp Columbia, Brisbane
Photo Credit: Peter Dunn OAM via OzAtWar

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

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.

Photo Credit: danicuki/Flickr

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