Brisbane community Archives - Mount Gravatt News

A male koala perched on the roof of St Agnes Primary School in Mt Gravatt drew urgent attention from residents after he became stuck with no safe way back to nearby trees, highlighting how close wildlife is living to suburban hazards.

Rescue At A Local School

The incident happened after volunteers from Koala Rescue Brisbane South had been watching the koala in a large eucalypt near the school grounds. Residents said the koala climbed onto an overhanging branch, then stepped onto the roof.

*Photo Credit: Save the Koalas and Wallabies of White’s Hill/Facebook*

Once there, he found no clear route back. The gap between the roof and the tree made the jump risky, and he paced for some time before deciding what to do. Volunteers prepared to help if needed, but the koala eventually made the leap and reached the trunk safely.

Calls For Better Habitat Protection

Comments from locals showed rising concern about shrinking habitat and daily dangers koalas face. Some residents stated that koalas near the school face more complex situations than they do in forests, with roofs, fences, dogs and traffic adding risks.

Others said the community should demand stronger protection for habitat so koalas can move safely between trees without entering unsafe areas.

Push For More Support Services

Several commenters said the area needs secure spaces where koalas are monitored and kept safe. Others asked for more attention from local leaders, while still keeping the message centred on community cooperation.

Many thanked the volunteers who check on wildlife near Mt Gravatt, noting that their fast response helps prevent injuries.

Community Response And Shared Alerts

Residents shared the incident in community groups across the south-east Brisbane suburbs to raise awareness. Many urged neighbours to drive slower near known koala areas, keep dogs indoors at night and store rescue contact numbers in case an animal needs help.

They said simple actions from residents make a difference in keeping wildlife safe. Local rescue contacts for emergencies include Koala Rescue Brisbane South on 0424 807 470, Queensland Koala Society on 0419 709 639, RSPCA on 1300 264 625 and Wildcare on 5527 2444.

Published 14-November-2025

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.

Wanding at Shopping Centres Shows Mixed Results

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.

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.

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.

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.

Published 25-July-2025

Tag: Brisbane community

St Agnes Primary School Koala Rescue Sparks Community Concern