Geoff Toakley Park in Mount Gravatt East has reopened its bridge after a major replacement, giving locals back a safe crossing closed earlier this year.
The bridge at Geoff Toakley Park in Mount Gravatt East has been replaced and is now open to the public, restoring a key connection for local residents.
The old timber structure was closed earlier this year after it was deemed unsafe, but the new bridge will provide a safe crossing point for years to come.
Why the Upgrade Was Needed
The previous bridge had reached the end of its service life and could no longer be safely used. Its closure left a gap in the park’s pedestrian and cycling link, a feature used regularly by families, walkers and joggers in the area.
The new bridge was constructed to ensure the park remains both safe and accessible.
Benefits for the Local Community
The reopening of the bridge reconnects the shared pathways in Geoff Toakley Park, which include walking and cycling tracks. Parents with children, runners, and cyclists can once again move freely through the space without detours.
The park itself offers a playground, water facilities, and shaded areas, making it a popular spot for families. With the bridge back in place, the flow of visitors can return to normal.
Looking Ahead
The completed bridge project is a boost for the Mount Gravatt East community. Residents now have a reliable link within the park that supports everyday recreation and active transport.
Shoppers at Westfield Mt Gravatt will be able to access free health information and resources during Women’s Health Week (1–5 September), as the centre hosts a special information stall to encourage locals to put their wellbeing first.
The national campaign, run by not-for-profit organisation Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, is Australia’s largest event dedicated to women’s health. This year’s theme, “Say yes to you”, is about reminding women to prioritise their own health rather than putting it last.
Photo credit: Jean Hailes for Women’s Health/Facebook
Starting 1 September, Jean Hailes for Women’s Health will release a new tool designed to make it easier for women to keep track of their health checks. By completing a short questionnaire, women will receive a tailored list of recommended check-ups along with guidance on when they should be done.
Across Queensland, iconic landmarks such as Suncorp Stadium, Victoria Bridge and Reddacliff Place will also light up purple during the week to shine a spotlight on women’s health issues.
Photo credit: jeanhailes.org.au
Jean Hailes CEO Dr Sarah White said the campaign encourages women to make time for their health, from booking check-ups to looking after their mental wellbeing.
The week will highlight topics such as heart health, chronic pain and mental wellbeing, with new expert-led resources released daily online. More than 2,200 community events are taking place nationwide to support the initiative.
They are also welcoming enthusiastic volunteers to lend a hand on the ground and support the week’s activities. Mt Gravatt residents can learn more at the stall or by visiting www.jeanhailes.org.au/womens-health-week.
About Jean Hailes for Women’s Health
Photo credit: Jean Hailes for Women’s Health/Facebook
Jean Hailes for Women’s Health is a national not-for-profit organisation focused on supporting women’s health and wellbeing at every stage of life.
Established in 1992 in memory of respected medical practitioner Dr Jean Hailes, the organisation continues her vision of improving women’s lives by providing practical, evidence-based information. Dr Hailes is recognised as a pioneer in menopause care in Australia, and her legacy remains central to the organisation’s work today.
A Mt Gravatt school has become a leading part of Australia’s classical education movement, offering traditional teaching methods as an alternative to mainstream approaches.
The St John of Kronstadt Academy in Upper Mount Gravatt was formally established in 2022 and accredited in 2023 to operate classes from Preparatory to Year 6. Located at 13/2120 Logan Road, the school opened in 2024 with the support of the Orthodox community and has capacity for up to 60 students under its current lease, which runs until 2026.
The idea for the academy originated in 2017, inspired by the birth of the founder’s daughter. A feasibility plan was prepared in 2021, leading to its registration as a not-for-profit entity the following year.
Photo Credit: St John Kronstadt Academy
Focus on Classical Education
The Mt Gravatt school embraces classical education, rejecting modern digital-focused teaching in favour of explicit instruction, phonics, numeracy, and cursive handwriting. Lessons feature literature such as Aesop’s fables and Brothers Grimm stories, as well as recitation and chanting to aid memory.
Technology is avoided in the early years, with an emphasis on books and artwork. The aim is to foster literacy, mathematical skills, and reasoning as a foundation for later learning.
International Context and Local Development
The approach follows a trend that began in the United States, where more than 1,500 classical schools serve over 400,000 students in a sector valued at $12 billion.
In Australia, new classical schools have opened in Sydney and Adelaide, with Mt Gravatt hosting the first classical Orthodox academy in the country. A recent conference in Brisbane featured educators from the United States, who highlighted the importance of studying history in full rather than omitting difficult topics.
Photo Credit: St John Kronstadt Academy
Funding and Operations
Parents contribute $5,000 annually in tuition, while additional support comes through federal and state funding to cover teaching staff and operational costs. The academy currently employs two teachers and a teacher aide.
Community Sentiment
Public responses to the rise of classical education have been strongly supportive. Online discussions emphasise the value of traditional teaching, the encouragement of debate, and the focus on critical thinking. A smaller number of comments raised concerns about balancing these traditions with modern educational needs.
Planning is under way for a larger site of about four acres to expand the school into a full primary and secondary campus. A building grant application is proposed for 2025, with construction scheduled to commence in 2026 and the new Mt Gravatt academy expected to open in 2027.
A young koala known as Luke has died after being struck by a vehicle in Mt Gravatt for the third time in under nine months, prompting renewed concerns over habitat safety.
A koala referred to as Luke was fatally struck on the M3 in Upper Mt Gravatt in July 2025. This marked the third time he had been hit by a vehicle within a nine-month period. The first incident occurred in October 2024 on Creek Road in Mt Gravatt East, followed by a second collision on the M3 in April 2025. While he had previously survived both events and was released with ear tag #1613, the most recent impact proved fatal.
Luke was approximately 4.5 years old at the time of his death and had not yet reached full breeding maturity, raising concerns about the long-term survival of the local koala population.
Mt Gravatt’s Urban Pressures on Koalas
Luke’s death is part of a broader trend affecting koalas in and around the Mt Gravatt region. Conservation groups have pointed to habitat fragmentation, urban road infrastructure, and the lack of safe crossings as key contributors to koala mortality.
In 2024 alone, 113 koala deaths were recorded in the area surrounding Whites Hill Reserve, with nearly 70 percent of those occurring during the four-month breeding season. The region known as “Brisbane’s Triangle of Death”—bounded by Mount Gravatt Mountain, Seven Hills Reserve, and Bulimba Creek—has been identified as a hotspot for incidents, with Whites Hill at its centre.
Photo Credit: Save the Koalas and Wallabies of White’s Hill/Facebook
Koala Activity Patterns and Risk
Koalas are typically active for roughly 20 percent of the day, mainly between dusk and dawn. During these hours, they move between trees in search of food, territory, or mates. These natural behaviours bring them into increased contact with roads and urban developments.
Community organisations report that even small changes can reduce risks, such as walking dogs on leads, driving cautiously at night, and maintaining trees in yards and footpaths. In particular, planting more trees and creating accessible escape paths for koalas are suggested as simple protective measures.
Public Reaction and Concerns
Local conservation pages have documented strong public responses following Luke’s death, with residents expressing frustration over repeated incidents in the same area. Many community members have raised concerns about the long-term viability of koala populations in suburban environments and questioned the adequacy of wildlife protections and urban planning in koala zones.
Concerns have also been raised about whether current monitoring efforts are sufficient, with uncertainty about the number of remaining koalas in the region and whether the local population may already be nearing functional extinction.
Photo Credit: Save the Koalas and Wallabies of White’s Hill/Facebook
Outlook for Wildlife in Mt Gravatt
Without changes to road planning, habitat management, and community awareness, conservation groups warn that further losses are likely. Luke’s case has drawn renewed attention to existing blackspots and the consequences of infrastructure intersecting with native wildlife corridors.
As breeding season continues, advocates urge residents to remain alert and take preventative measures to reduce further incidents involving koalas across Mt Gravatt and surrounding suburbs.
Redevelopment plans for the Mt Gravatt Centre are now being realigned, focusing on housing options, infrastructure upgrades, and improved public spaces before a second round of community consultations late this year.
The initial round yielded mixed feedback, from residents on concerns such as potential overdevelopment, traffic congestion, street parking, local koala movements and habitat protection, and commercial spaces for retailers.
Suburban Renewal Initiative Targets Mt Gravatt
A planning initiative is underway to guide the long-term renewal of the Mt Gravatt Centre. The project forms part of a broader effort to revitalise underutilised suburban areas through targeted development and infrastructure improvements.
The Mt Gravatt Centre Suburban Renewal Precinct Plan aims to deliver more diverse housing, support employment growth, and enhance liveability in the area. The proposal also contributes to regional development targets outlined in the 2023 ShapingSEQ strategy.
Initial community consultation for this stage of the project closed on 13 July 2025. Public input is now under review to inform the next draft phase.
The plan is structured around four priorities: increasing housing supply, revitalising business and retail areas, improving local transport links, and enhancing outdoor spaces to reflect the area’s subtropical climate.
The precinct is concentrated along the Logan Road corridor and is expected to deliver new residential and commercial opportunities. The proposal includes a review of zoning rules and building height limits to support a wider range of housing types, including single-occupant dwellings, family homes, and multigenerational arrangements.
Local Perspectives and Submissions
Feedback from residents reflected mixed views on the changes. Several community members welcomed new green space, improved walkability, and support for small businesses. However, concerns were raised about potential overdevelopment, traffic congestion, and reduced street parking.
Submissions highlighted narrow roads and existing safety risks in streets such as Miriam and Pickthorne, where increased density could worsen access for pedestrians and emergency services.
Multiple contributions referenced the area’s wildlife presence, particularly koala movements and habitat corridors. Others expressed a preference for moderate development that included community parks, affordable housing, and commercial spaces for independent retailers.
Suggestions were also made to repurpose vacant or degraded sites for townhouse developments or mixed-use buildings with improved pedestrian access.
Photo Credit: BCC
Draft Plan and Timeline
Planners are now preparing a draft version of the Mt Gravatt Centre precinct plan, incorporating community feedback and technical assessments. A second round of public consultation is expected in late 2025.
Following this, the finalised version is due in mid-2026. Once endorsed by the relevant planning bodies, it will be added to the current local planning scheme and used to assess future development applications.
As Queensland expands police powers under Jack’s Law, officers at Westfield Mount Gravatt charged three people with weapons offences during a recent knife detection operation.
Between January and March 2025, police used handheld metal detectors to scan 75 people at Westfield Mount Gravatt as part of a state-wide effort to reduce knife crime. Of those scanned, 44 were juveniles, and three people were charged under the Weapons Act, with additional charges laid under the Drugs Misuse Act.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Though only a few charges were filed, the rate of weapons-related offences at this location was higher than the state average of 2.4%. The operation took place under permanent Queensland laws that allow police to scan individuals in public areas without a warrant or specific suspicion.
The scanning initiative is part of what’s commonly known as Jack’s Law, which began as a trial in 2023 following the death of teenager Jack Beasley and has since been expanded statewide.
Gold Coast Remains a Focus for Weapon-Related Offences
While Westfield Mount Gravatt recorded some weapons activity, the most serious results came from high-traffic Gold Coast areas. At Surfers Paradise’s Safe Night Precinct, police detected 27 weapons between January and March, with hotspots like Broadbeach South tram stop and Logan Hyperdome bus stop also reporting high numbers.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Criminologist Professor Janet Ransley advised focusing policing efforts on known trouble zones rather than low-risk areas. Police data supports this, suggesting offenders may be using public transport, especially trams, to move weapons into busy districts. Meanwhile, Brisbane’s city precincts showed fewer weapons but more drug-related offences.
Law Expanded Despite Low Weapon Strike Rate
Although weapon finds remain low overall, the Queensland government has made wanding laws permanent. From July 18, 2025, police can scan people in high-risk public areas without senior approval, while lower-risk areas can be authorised for up to 12 hours. Critics argue most charges relate to drugs, not weapons, raising concerns about the law’s scope.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Police say the goal is prevention, removing knives before harm occurs. Police Minister Dan Purdie and the Beasley family, who pushed for reform, have both voiced strong support for the changes.
Young People and Community Impact
The high number of juveniles scanned at Mount Gravatt reflects a focus on youth in public spaces like shopping centres. Police are required to conduct scans respectfully and non-invasively, and most individuals at the site were cooperative.
Still, civil liberties advocates argue the practice may unfairly target young people, particularly males. Despite low charge rates, police maintain the operations are effective, noting that removing even one weapon could save a life.
A mobile blood donor centre is coming to the Showgrounds Memorial Hall in Mt Gravatt as part of a major effort by the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood to make donating blood more convenient for Brisbane’s suburbs and help collect 10,000 extra donations over the next year.
The temporary donation site opens on 4 August 2025 and will operate at the Showgrounds Memorial Hall until 8 August, with another round of appointments returning from 27 to 31 October. The location was chosen for its accessibility and familiarity within the Mt Gravatt community, giving locals a chance to give blood without the need to travel far.
As part of a wider rollout across Greater Brisbane, Lifeblood is bringing mobile donor centres to neighbourhoods like Mt Gravatt, Holland Park, Mt Ommaney and Springfield to make blood donation more accessible and reduce missed opportunities due to travel and scheduling barriers.
Local Donations, Statewide Impact
Lifeblood spokesperson Belinda Smetioukh said the pop-up centres are being introduced to remove common obstacles that prevent people from donating. She said that while the demand for blood remains constant, convenience often plays a big part in whether people follow through with a donation.
The mobile centres are equipped with everything needed for a full donation experience but are only in place for a short time at each location. After being set up at local venues like community halls and sports clubs, the sites are packed down and relocated to the next suburb in the schedule.
Mt Gravatt is one of several locations taking part in the trial, and residents are encouraged to help fill available appointments to support the future of the program.
Those interested in donating can make a booking online at lifeblood.com.au, call 13 14 95, or use the Donate Blood app. Walk-ins are welcomed when space allows, but appointments are recommended to ensure enough staff and supplies are available on-site.
Lifeblood Pop-Up Donor Centres Schedule (2025)
Location
Dates
Holland Park Sports Club
22–25 July 2025
Holland Park Sports Club
13–17 October 2025
Mt Ommaney – McLeod Country Golf Club
28 July – 3 August 2025
Mt Ommaney
8–10 September 2025
Mt Ommaney
3–9 November 2025
Mt Ommaney
1–3 December 2025
Mt Gravatt – Showgrounds Memorial Hall
4–8 August 2025
Mt Gravatt
27–31 October 2025
Cleveland – Comfort Hotel Pacific Cleveland
11–17 August 2025
Cleveland
15–21 September 2025
Cleveland
20–26 October 2025
Cleveland
17–23 November 2025
Cleveland
8–14 December 2025
Toowong – Wests Bulldog Rugby Club
18–22 August 2025
Toowong
7–10 October 2025
Toowong
10–14 November 2025
Springfield – Brighton Homes Arena
1–6 September 2025
Springfield
24–29 November 2025
Victoria Point – YMCA Victoria Point
22 September – 3 October 2025
Victoria Point
15–24 December 2025
The Showgrounds Memorial Hall is located on Logan Road and provides free onsite parking, making it an easy option for Mt Gravatt residents to give blood with minimal disruption to their daily routine.
Each blood donation can support up to three patients, and with hospital demand rising, Lifeblood is calling on Mt Gravatt locals to make use of the mobile centre while it’s in town.
The Mount Gravatt police station is set for a $30-million upgrade beginning in 2025–26, designed to improve operational capacity and boost response times across Brisbane’s southside suburbs. Initial funding has been secured to kick-start the planning phase, with the majority of the investment earmarked for construction and modernisation.
The overhaul focuses on several improvements: expanded workspace for officers, enhanced equipment storage, and upgraded public-access areas. While full plans are still under wraps, similar station upgrades have included new interview rooms and strengthened security measures, making the facility more functional and inviting.
For Mount Gravatt residents, this means quicker call responses, streamlined day-to-day operations, and a more visible policing presence across the local area.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Part of a Broader Infrastructure Push
This station upgrade aligns with a wider investment in police infrastructure across the region, aimed at expanding frontline support and modernising community services. In addition to the station works, the plan includes provisions for new recruits and better frontline tools like tasers and body-worn cameras.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Across Brisbane West, enhancements such as increased air support and youth crime initiatives are also progressing, reinforcing efforts to strengthen public safety and support services in surrounding neighbourhoods.
What Happens Now
Planning and community consultation are due to begin soon, with a detailed timeline and design to follow. Finalising approvals will pave the way for construction to start, ensuring the new station meets both current needs and future growth in Mount Gravatt and surrounding suburbs.
As the project moves forward, locals can expect a modern, better-equipped police station—setting the stage for safer, more responsive service across the community.
Thirty-three new affordable homes are set for Upper Mount Gravatt as part of a broader push to rapidly increase housing supply across South East Queensland.
The Crisafulli Government has confirmed its commitment to address the ongoing housing challenges by activating new land for development and fast-tracking social and affordable housing projects. These efforts aim to provide more secure and stable housing options for Queenslanders, particularly for vulnerable individuals and families.
New Homes for Local Communities
Photo Credit: Google Maps
In a direct response to the community’s need for more housing, planning approval has been granted for 33 new affordable housing units at Hertford Street, Upper Mount Gravatt. This development is strategically located to offer residents easy access to public transport and essential services.
Beyond Mount Gravatt, another 60 social and affordable housing units are planned for South Brisbane. These homes will be managed by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service Brisbane (ATSICHS), a registered housing provider dedicated to supporting Indigenous communities.
Additionally, 16 social housing units in Juniper Court, Beenleigh, are approved to help young people affected by domestic violence or those at risk of homelessness. In total, these new projects will deliver 109 social and affordable units.
Boosting Land Supply
Photo Credit: Google Maps
To lay the groundwork for even more homes, Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) has released significant tracts of development-ready land. This includes 3.5 hectares in Meadowbrook, Logan, which could lead to up to 172 new homes.
Another 1.7 hectares at Lumina within the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct in Southport has also been released, with the potential to unlock about 640 future residences. EDQ is also evaluating approximately 190,000 square metres of land for further releases over the next six months.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, stated that these approvals and land releases are designed to increase the availability of housing across Queensland. He affirmed that the government is actively working on other initiatives to accelerate housing supply.
Minister for Housing and Public Works, Sam O’Connor, added that the new approvals demonstrate the government’s seriousness about providing more affordable homes. He noted that these efforts are being made in partnership with charities and community housing providers, adding to over 5,000 social and affordable homes already under construction or contract.
The online petition, which will close on Thursday, 26 June, has gathered 54 signatures and was addressed to Cr Adrian Schrinner and Cr Steven Huang.
The application (A006738409) seeks to split the property into two lots, one of which would be just 351 square metres in size with a narrow 5.343-metre frontage. Residents argued that the small lot is out of step with the character of the area, which is known for its low-density layout and family-friendly atmosphere.
Subdivision plan (Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online – A006738409)
In the petition, residents voiced fears that a dwelling on such a compact block could be built too close to neighbouring homes, compromising privacy and diminishing the open, leafy streetscape the community values. Concerns were also raised about the risk of setting a precedent for future subdivisions that could chip away at the suburb’s established charm.
“We ask that Council help protect the character of our neighbourhood and ensure that any future development fits in with the surrounding area and the expectations of local residents,” the petition states.
Site image (Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online – A006738409)
In a report submitted by the developers, they argued that despite the unconventional shape of the proposed new lot at Berkshire Crescent, the subdivision meets the requirements of Brisbane’s planning scheme. They maintain that the lot’s size, dimensions, and configuration align with the intent of the Low Density Residential Zone and that the development complies with relevant planning codes, both primary and secondary.
“The proposed development makes efficient use of existing infrastructure, responds to the landscape setting and site topography, and adopts dimensions which allow sufficient solar access and passive design. This is consistent with the applicable codes and assessment benchmarks,” planners wrote.
