Brisbane ’s draft Mt Gravatt Centre Suburban Renewal Precinct Plan lays out a significant transformation for the neighbourhood. The proposal outlines updated zoning rules, new opportunities for housing diversity, improved public spaces, and a revitalised Logan Road corridor. But while the plan aims to modernise the suburb, many locals and conservation groups warn that development must not come at the cost of the area’s already vulnerable koala population.
Read: Koala Luke Fatally Struck on M3 in Mt Gravatt
What the Renewal Plan Aims to Do
The draft plan proposes changes to zoning and building-height limits to support a wider range of housing options, from townhouses to multigenerational living and apartments. It also outlines intentions to strengthen local business activity, improve walkability, encourage greater use of public transport, and enhance key areas including Glindemann Park, Mt Gravatt Plaza and surrounding precincts. BCC has stated it intends to maintain Mt Gravatt’s existing character even as new development proceeds.
Public consultation is currently open until 14 December 2025, giving residents time to review the details and provide feedback through Council’s website.
Why Koala Preservation Must Be Part of the Plan
Mt Gravatt sits along a network of koala movement routes that stretch between Mt Gravatt Outlook Reserve, the Showgrounds, Glindemann Park, Whites Hill, Panorama Place and the Bulimba Creek corridor. These green pockets allow koalas to move between feeding and resting sites — but that movement is already becoming increasingly dangerous.
Local wildlife groups have expressed alarm following reports of 113 koala deaths in 2024 within 6 kilometres of Whites Hill Reserve, an area that includes suburbs close to Mt Gravatt. Several fatalities have also been recorded within Mt Gravatt itself. One case that deeply affected the community was that of “Luke,” a well-known koala who was fatally struck on the M3 after surviving two previous vehicle collisions in less than a year.
Habitat loss, fragmentation and road strikes continue to place stress on the species, and advocates warn that without strong protections, increased development could worsen these risks.
What Residents and Wildlife Advocates Want Included
Community groups, conservation organisations and many local residents are calling for clear, wildlife-safe design requirements to be incorporated into the renewal plan. These include:
- Retaining mature trees and koala food gums, especially those along established movement pathways.
- Protecting and expanding wildlife corridors so koalas can move safely between reserves and bushland areas.
- Introducing wildlife-safe traffic and infrastructure design, such as lower speed limits in key zones, wildlife-sensitive lighting, clear signage, and safe-movement solutions like underpasses or escape routes where needed.
Some measures are already being trialled in nearby suburbs. Recent reporting highlights the installation of fauna escape hatches along Boundary Road near Eric Sivell Park, designed to help koalas move away from danger zones and return to surrounding bushland.
Read: St Agnes Primary School Koala Rescue Sparks Community Concern
A Critical Opportunity for Mt Gravatt — and Its Koalas
Advocates emphasise that thoughtful planning can allow development and wildlife protection to work together, rather than compete. They warn that without strong safeguards, further habitat reduction and increased vehicle risks could threaten the few remaining koalas in Mt Gravatt.
But with consultation still open, residents have a meaningful opportunity to influence the final precinct plan. By submitting feedback, locals can help ensure that Mt Gravatt’s renewal strengthens the community while preserving the wildlife that makes the suburb unique.
Published 26-November-2025
