Mining magnate Clive Palmer has significantly expanded his presence in Fig Tree Pocket. The 70-year-old businessman has amassed a sprawling compound now estimated to be worth up to $60 million.
Palmer’s property holdings in Fig Tree Pocket now stretch across nearly half a kilometre of Brisbane River frontage. Since the pandemic began, he has tripled his footprint in the area, now owning seven titles that collectively form one of the largest private landholdings in the suburb.
The foundation of Palmer’s Fig Tree Pocket estate is the former property of Peter Bond, which he acquired in 2018 for $7.5 million, a significant discount from its original $12 million listing price. This 1.26-hectare property marked the beginning of Palmer’s expansion in the area.
In 2020, Palmer acquired two neighbouring properties, each priced at $5 million. These acquisitions, made through his company Closeridge and in his own name, secured him control of the left side of the street leading to the Brisbane River.
The extensive river frontage of Palmer’s compound provides him with the unique opportunity to anchor his superyacht, “Australia,” adjacent to his residence.
Among Palmer’s neighbours in Fig Tree Pocket are his son Michael, who owns a nearby property, and Queensland tech entrepreneur Bevan Slattery, founder of NextDC and Megaport, who resides next door on the riverfront.
This significant investment in Fig Tree Pocket real estate comes as Palmer awaits a decision from an international court regarding its jurisdiction to hear his case against the Commonwealth.
New research shows a disturbing statistic on koalas being lost to accidents and disease. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Fig Tree Pocket helps rehabilitate as many as it can, but data shows thousands are being admitted to wildlife hospitals every year.
Research published in Society and Animals on 4 September 2024 shows that over a 22-year period, 50,858 koalas were admitted to wildlife hospitals, and the majority had to be put down despite the best efforts of veterinarians and carers. The research highlights habitat loss, car strikes, and chlamydia as the leading causes of admission.
Euthanasia: The Most Common Outcome
The data shows that only 25% of koalas admitted to veterinary hospitals were released back into suitable habitats, with euthanasia being the most common outcome. PhD candidate Renae Charalambous, from the University of Queensland, explained that diseases like chlamydia accounted for nearly 30% of hospital admissions, followed by injuries from motor vehicle accidents and dog attacks.
Koalas hit by cars were four times more likely to be found dead than treated and released, and those who did make it to the hospital were three times more likely to be euthanised than saved.
Adult koalas and females were particularly vulnerable, with chlamydia being a key factor in the decision to euthanise many of the admitted animals. The statistics present a bleak picture for the survival of koalas in Queensland, with researchers emphasising the importance of addressing these threats through conservation efforts.
Vaccination as a Ray of Hope
In a related study, koalas monitored in the Moreton Bay region were part of a 10-year vaccination program targeting chlamydia, a significant threat to the species. The research demonstrated that vaccinated koalas had a 64% reduction in chlamydial-related deaths compared to unvaccinated koalas. Lone Pine Sanctuary, along with other wildlife organisations, supported these trials, offering crucial help in managing the health of local koala populations.
Vaccinated koalas not only showed lower disease incidence but also increased survival rates, particularly during their breeding years. Researchers emphasised that while vaccination alone cannot solve the issue, it is a critical tool when combined with other strategies like habitat protection and road safety improvements.
Future Conservation Efforts
With koalas officially listed as endangered in Queensland in 2022, researchers like Ms Charalambous stress the need for a holistic approach to conservation. She believes that while the survival odds for koalas are grim, there is still time to reverse the decline if conservation policies target the main threats.
“It’s not too late to restore the region’s healthy koala populations and this is a great opportunity to holistically address and minimise the threats they face,” Ms Charalambous said.
“I hope this research sheds light on policy gaps so decision makers can target intervention strategies to save the koalas we have left.”
Lone Pine Sanctuary continues to be a key partner in these efforts, helping to rehabilitate koalas affected by disease and injury. The centre’s involvement and contributions from veterinary hospitals and other wildlife centres highlight the importance of community-focused conservation strategies.
A proposed development to reconfigure one lot at the corner of Jesmond Rd and Cubberla St into five separate lots is facing significant backlash from Fig Tree Pocket locals who are citing concerns over the potential impact on the suburb’s “unique rural character.”
The Development Application (A006403679), lodged by Hayden Forrester in November 2023, seeks to subdivide the land on the corner of 571 Jesmond Road and 68 Cubberla Street. The proposal also includes plans to donate a portion of the land to Fig Tree Pocket State School to expand its grounds.
According to the town planning report, the development is intended to address population pressures and provide additional housing options in the area, which has seen high demand due to its proximity to quality schools and Brisbane’s CBD.
The application details that the proposed subdivision is “timely, given the current population pressures evident across greater Brisbane.” The report further argues that the new lots will offer “well-located housing and maximise land use efficiency whilst maintaining a configuration that is highly sympathetic to the character of Fig Tree Pocket.”
The site is currently zoned as “Rural,” which typically restricts development to agricultural or large, rural homes. However, the report argues that the site’s characteristics do not align with typical rural land, making it more suitable for residential use. The surrounding area includes residential zones, a school, and some community facilities, supporting the rezoning argument.
The application’s public notification period ran from 8 July to 29 July 2024, during which time local residents were invited to submit their feedback on the proposal.
Opposition and Concerns
The DA received 62 responses from the public. Out of these, 24 people supported the proposal, while 38 were against it.
The people who opposed the proposal had several concerns:
They worried that the development would harm the rural (country-like) feel of the area.
They feared it could lead to more developments in rural areas, setting a bad example.
They were concerned about increased traffic and parking problems.
They were worried about possible flooding.
They questioned the idea of giving one of the lots to the school, especially since that lot might be prone to flooding.
A detailed letter opposing the development outlined several specific concerns, including the potential increase in traffic along Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket Road, and other local streets.
The local warned that the development could exacerbate congestion, particularly at the intersection of Jesmond Road and Cubberla Street, which is already a “dangerous place for school children” during peak times. The letter also raised environmental concerns, noting that the development could displace local wildlife, such as birds, frogs, and echidnas, which are known to inhabit the area.
“Development of 571 Jesmond Road specifically will likely be inconsistent with the ‘rural’ intent for that part of Fig Tree Pocket.”
Community Support
Some residents have expressed strong support for the subdivision, viewing it as a necessary step to address the area’s housing shortage. One couple who frequently travels to Fig Tree Pocket submitted a letter backing the development.
“Given the three excellent schools in Fig Tree Pocket, this subdivision would go some way towards alleviating these pressures by providing additional, well-located housing options,” they wrote. The couple, who live in Oxley but have a child attending a school in Fig Tree Pocket, highlighted the limited housing availability in the area, noting that many families like theirs are eager to move closer to the schools.
They also praised the proposal to donate land to the state school as a generous act that would benefit the school community.
“We believe the proposed dedication of land to the state school to enable an expansion to their grounds is a generous offer and should deliver significant benefits to that school community,” they stated. Their support is grounded in the belief that the development will serve a community need by offering more housing opportunities while also enhancing local educational facilities.
Brisbane City Council is currently reviewing the application, with a decision expected soon. The proposal has already completed all public notification requirements, and the next steps will involve the council assessing the merits and concerns raised during the community consultation period.
For decades, famous people like One Direction, Janet Jackson, Roger Federer, and Pope John Paul II have visited the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Fig Tree Pocket for a hands-on encounter with its famed koalas. Effective immediately, however, the wildlife facility has decided to put an end to koala holds and transition to more educational wildlife encounters.
Responding to visitor feedback calling for more in-depth and educational interactions with the wildlife, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary has ended koala holds as of 1 July 2024 and is set to introduce a new “Koala Close-Up” experience starting 1 September 1 2024. This initiative aims to allow guests to spend more time observing koalas in their natural behaviours, focusing on education over physical interaction.
“Our visitors are increasingly seeking experiences where they can observe our wildlife naturally, without direct contact,” said Lyndon Discombe, the sanctuary’s general manager. “This shift allows us to meet those expectations while fostering a deeper appreciation for koalas and their natural habits.”
Enhanced Educational Programs
The sanctuary will continue to offer “Koala Moments” and the “Koala Discovery Tour,” designed to educate visitors on koala behaviour, ecology, and care. These programs are tailored to ensure that all interactions are respectful and educational, enhancing visitors’ understanding and appreciation of the species.
“We aim to inspire respect and love for koalas by allowing our guests to see them up close in their natural environment,” added Mr Discombe.
The Zoo & Aquarium Association (ZAA) Australasia supports Lone Pine’s new educational direction, emphasizing that it aligns with conservation education goals and the need for meaningful wildlife experiences.
Adhering to the highest animal welfare standards, Lone Pine’s interactions are guided by the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and the ZAA’s guidelines, ensuring all wildlife presentations are respectful and beneficial to both animals and visitors.
Famous Koala Cuddles
Historical Significance and Future Directions
Since opening in 1927, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary has grown into a global icon for wildlife conservation. The sanctuary continues to evolve, adding facilities like the Brisbane Koala Science Institute and a nocturnal precinct to enhance educational offerings and conservation efforts.
As Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary phases out koala holds, it reinforces its commitment to providing enriching educational experiences that foster deeper connections between visitors and wildlife. This marks a new chapter in the sanctuary’s history, continuing to be a leading institution in wildlife conservation and education.
Visitors can find more information or book experiences by visiting the sanctuary’s website or exploring the facility at 708 Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket.
An indomitable veteran mounting an Olympic comeback. A world champion realising his long-awaited debut. Plus a teen prodigy bursting onto the scene. This talented trio of swimmers from Kenmore made a great showing at the 2024 Australian Swimming Trials and are now looking forward to making a splash at the Olympics.
Bronte Campbell: in pursuit of a fourth Olympic Games
Kenmore State High School alumna Bronte Campbell, 30, defies the odds as she secures her spot on the Australian Olympic team for a fourth time. After taking an 18-month break from the sport following the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the seasoned swimmer returns to the pool, driven by a burning curiosity to see what she can achieve once more.
Campbell’s hiatus allowed her to experience life beyond the pool, working a 9–5 job in business consulting and exploring other ventures, including television appearances and launching her own swim gear range. However, the lure of competition proved too strong — she found herself drawn back to the familiar thrill of standing on the blocks, ready to test her limits once again.
Her journey has not been without challenges, as injuries plagued her during the break. Nevertheless, Campbell’s determination shines through, as she secures her place in Paris as a relay swimmer by finishing fourth in the 100m freestyle final at the Olympic trials in Brisbane.
Jack Cartwright: long awaited Olympic debut
For Kenmore’s Jack Cartwright, 25, his path to the Olympic stage is a testament to the sacrifices made by his family and the unwavering pursuit of his dreams. His rise began at the Junior Pan Pacific Championships in 2016, where he captured six medals, including four golds.
His international breakthrough came a year later at the 2017 World Championships, where he made the final in the 100m freestyle at just 18 years old. Since then, Cartwright has continued to accumulate hardware, including silvers at the 2018 Pan Pacific Championships and relay golds at the 2022 and 2023 World Championships.
At the 2024 Australian Swimming Trials, Cartwright secured his place on the Paris team, finishing fourth in the 100m freestyle to claim the final relay spot, marking his long-awaited Olympic debut.
Jaclyn Barclay: rising star secures debut at 17
Fig Tree Pocket’s Jaclyn Barclay, 17, secured an early Olympic debut in the women’s 200m backstroke at the Trials. Competing against seasoned athletes like Emily Seebohm, who fell short in her bid for a fifth Olympic appearance, Barclay’s second-place finish left her in disbelief and elation.
“To be able to race these girls is incredible, and to achieve any athlete’s dream to make the Olympics, I’m still in a bit of shock, to be honest,” Barclay expressed. “It was incredible to touch the wall and see I was second. I couldn’t believe it. I was really happy with my time, as well.”
Barclay’s journey to the Olympic stage at such a tender age foreshadows an exciting future for the young athlete on the international stage.
As Paris draws near, Kenmore takes pride in the accomplishments of these local heroes, whose dedication, perseverance, and unwavering pursuit of excellence have earned them a place among the best swimmers in the country.
The Fig Tree Pocket Equestrian Club started as the Fig Tree Pocket Pony Club, founded in a paddock near Lone Pine in 1974 before relocating to its current site on Fig Tree Pocket Road four years later in 1978.
Situated on 40 acres of prime riverfront property just 11km from Brisbane’s CBD, the club now hosts numerous competitions, clinics, and educational programs spanning eventing, dressage, and show jumping disciplines throughout the year.
In 2009, the Fig Tree Pocket Equestrian Club’s dedication was recognised when it received the prestigious Equestrian Queensland Club of the Year award. This success was attributed to the club’s committed committee, exceptional facilities, high-quality instructors, and full calendar of clinics and competitions.
Among its distinguished alumni are elite riders like Rebel Morrow, who competed in three-day eventing at the 2004 Athens Olympics as well as Malia Chappel, who enjoyed success in the UK during 2005-2006, and former Adelaide Two Star winner Niki Chapman.
Fig Tree Pocket Equestrian Club’s 50th Anniversary
As it celebrates this major milestone, Fig Tree Pocket Equestrian Club and its former and current members are inviting one and all to join in their golden 50th anniversary celebration.
On Sunday, June 16 from 2:00 – 8:00 p.m., the club is hosting a fun-filled family event at their grounds to commemorate half a century of horsing around. With live music, magic shows, reptile encounters, farm animals and of course pony rides, there’s something for every wrangler in your crew.
Beyond the entertainment, attendees can enjoy food from the GourMeat Grill and BBQ plus beverages from Moov’n Coffee and the club’s own canteen. And it’s all for a good cause – all entry fees will be donated to Dolly’s Dream.
Dolly’s Dream was founded by Kate and Tick Everett after the devastating loss of their 14-year-old daughter Dolly to suicide following bullying. The organisation is committed to preventing bullying, anxiety, depression and youth suicide through education and support for young people and families.
Pink, the renowned American singer, recently embarked on a captivating adventure with her family at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Fig Tree Pocket, Australia.
Accompanied by her husband Carey Hart and their two children, Pink immersed herself in the wonders of Australian wildlife, creating cherished memories amidst the sanctuary’s picturesque surroundings. The sanctuary provided Pink and her family with an unparalleled opportunity to connect with native animals and experience the natural beauty of Australia.
A Day of Discovery Amongst Australian Wildlife
The family’s visit to Lone Pine Sanctuary offered a glimpse into the diverse fauna of Australia’s natural landscape. From cuddling koalas to feeding kangaroos, Pink and her children delighted in the unique encounters facilitated by the sanctuary’s dedicated staff.
As they wandered through the sanctuary’s lush grounds, the kids, Willow and Jameson, marvelled at the fascinating creatures that call Australia home. Their joyous interactions with koalas, dingos, and raptors underscored the sanctuary’s commitment to conservation and education.
Sharing Moments of Wonder
Pink took to social media to share snapshots of their enchanting day at Lone Pine Sanctuary, captivating her followers with glimpses of their wildlife encounters.
Through her posts, Pink not only showcased the beauty of Australian wildlife but also highlighted the importance of preserving natural habitats for future generations. Her heartfelt captions reflected a genuine appreciation for the sanctuary’s efforts in promoting environmental awareness and fostering a deeper connection with nature.
Pink’s Summer Carnival Tour in Brisbane
Against the backdrop of Brisbane’s iconic skyline, Suncorp Stadium pulsated with excitement as fans eagerly delighted in Pink’s shows. It showcased not only her musical prowess but also her penchant for delivering unforgettable live experiences, leaving an indelible mark on all those in attendance.
From heart-pounding anthems to soul-stirring ballads, Pink’s repertoire resonated with fans of all ages, creating an atmosphere of unity and celebration. She soared above the crowd, suspended by aerial rigs, epitomising the spirit of resilience and determination.
Pink’s dynamic stage presence and genuine connection with the audience transformed Suncorp Stadium into a euphoric arena of shared joy and camaraderie, solidifying her status as a beloved icon among Brisbane’s music lovers.
Queensland koalas, eventually including those at the Lone Pine Sanctuary in Fig Tree Pocket, are set to be vaccinated against chlamydia, as part of a new vaccination program undergoing testing in Brisbane.
Brisbane City Council, in collaboration with leading scientists, has announced its commitment to support the registration of Queensland University of Technology’s groundbreaking chlamydia vaccine. With funding allocated to this cause, the Council aims to partner with the University of Queensland’s Koala Ecology Group to deliver a pilot program for proactive koala vaccination.
This initiative addresses the urgent need for intervention, as chlamydia affects approximately 21 per cent of Brisbane’s koala population, leading to significant fatalities among these iconic marsupials. This bacterial infection may cause infertility, blindness, and urinary incontinence, further contributing to the decline in their populations.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner underscored Brisbane’s status as Australia’s koala capital and emphasised the importance of leveraging this home-grown breakthrough to safeguard the koalas. The pilot vaccination program, as part of a broader koala protection plan, is set for the initial two years, followed by a city-wide vaccination drive.
“This vaccine shapes as a game-changer for koalas and I am proud that our team will be supporting this home-grown break-through,” he said.
“By funding the registration of the koala vaccine we’re dealing with a key threat to our koala population.
“I want to see koala and other native species thrive because our city’s mixture of world-class entertainment combined with access to nature sets us apart and makes Brisbane the most Australian place on Earth.”
Professor Ken Beagley, who works at QUT’s School of Biomedical Sciences, has provided details about the current experimental status of a vaccine. There are ongoing efforts to achieve registration for broader use, which is expected to make it easier for veterinary clinics and wildlife hospitals to access the vaccine.
“We now have enough data to show the vaccine is safe and effective and so the next step is to go for registration.
“Once the vaccine is registered, it will be available more widely, and veterinary clinics and wildlife hospitals will be able to use it without delay.
“We all want the same thing, a healthy koala population that is growing.
“After habitat destruction, dog attacks and car strikes, disease is the next most pressing issue for koalas and chlamydia is a major problem.
“A healthy koala can live for eight to 12 years in the wild. Once you get a geographically isolated population that is stressed, chlamydia can take hold. Infection causes infertility, blindness and urinary incontinence, and local populations can die out.
“Since the early 2000s we have seen a 70-80 per cent decline in many koala populations across Queensland so koalas need all the help we can give them.”
This new technology aims to simplify the vaccination process by eliminating the need for capturing or holding the animals for a second immunization dose.
Furthermore, QUT researchers are developing a booster vaccine using implant technology to combat chlamydia in koalas further. This technology aims to avoid the need to recapture or hold wild koalas for 30 days to receive a second immunization, significantly increasing the ability to vaccinate wild koalas against chlamydial infections.
The implant device, slightly larger than a pet microchip, will release the booster at four to five weeks after the first vaccination. The QUT researchers have the support of the Saving Koalas Fund and they expect this project to be completed by April 2026.
Did you know that the Moggill Koala Rehabilitation Centre and the Lone Pine Sanctuary in Fig Tree Pocket are harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by using facial recognition technology to help save the koalas?
Efforts to bolster the survival of koalas are now complemented by the innovative work of a team of Griffith University AI researchers and ecologists, who have secured funding to advance their ‘facial recognition’ camera technology at koala crossing locations across South East Queensland (SEQ).
For the third consecutive year, these researchers are working to deploy state-of-the-art “facial recognition” camera technology at strategic koala crossing locations across SEQ.
This groundbreaking initiative aims to monitor and understand how koalas utilise these crossing points, ultimately providing invaluable research-based insights to help safeguard this declining population.
Leading this pioneering study is Professor Jun Zhou from Griffith’s School of Information and Communication Technology. The project’s inception was made possible by a $90,000 Community Sustainability Action Grant awarded by the Queensland Government’s Department of Environment and Science in March 2021, followed by an additional $100,000 grant from DES in June 2023.
“This project extends our innovative AI-powered koala monitoring system to cover wider areas of koala habitat in South East Queensland, and engage with 14 local community groups across 10 local government areas to facilitate the installation and maintenance of the camera network,” Professor Zhou shared.
In July 2021, the team successfully deployed 24 AI-powered cameras at strategic koala crossing locations within the Redland City Council area. These cameras automatically activate in response to koala movement, capturing hundreds of videos and images which are then transmitted to a server at Griffith University.
The AI technology developed by the research team studies these videos and images, enabling it to identify individual koalas.
Caroline Moss, Queensland Rail Group Senior Manager Environment & Sustainability, emphasized the significance of this research.
“A research project like this helps us to understand how this technology can be applied, not only here in the Redlands, but where appropriate in other locations, given that Queensland Rail operates a really large network,” she said.
To ensure the AI can accurately distinguish one koala from another based on their appearance and movements, the research team collaborated closely with conservation groups such as the Koala Action Group Redlands, Daisy Hill Koala Centre, Moggill Koala Rehabilitation Centre, and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
“We can see from the data that koalas are in trouble here. They’ve recently been listed as endangered in Australia, and Southeast Queensland was formally a hotspot. The driver of that decline has been urbanisation,” Dr. Douglas Kerlin, a co-researcher, said.
The research project is particularly relevant during the breeding season when koalas face increased risks, including collisions with vehicles.
“We’re all about sharing information, and it’s really good to be able to put people in contact and create that conduit between researchers so that everyone can get to the same goal faster,” Frank Mikula from Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary near Kenmore, highlighted the importance of collaboration.
“The technology does the heavy lifting for us, and that’s really important moving forward.
“With increased knowledge about how koalas are crossing roads, we can better inform mitigation and management so that we can ensure a better long-term future for koalas.”
After more than a year’s hiatus, kerbside collection service will be restarting in July 2021. Here’s what residents of Kenmore, Kenmore Hills, Brookfield, Pullenvale and Fig Tree Pocket can expect.
After releasing the budget for the 2021-2022 financial year, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner confirmed that kerbside collection will be back one year earlier than planned.
In April 2020, Mr Schrinner suspended the operations for at least two years, or until July 2022, to direct the service’s expenses to Council’s other initiatives. Despite the unpopular decision, Council used the funds to help struggling small businesses and community groups as a result of the pandemic lockdowns.
“We will start with the suburbs where it was paused…we’ll go back there and then start again in the normal way,” Mr Schinner said in announcing the service’s return.
Prior to the updates, some residents informed Pullenvale Ward Councillor Greg Adermann that Kenmore, Kenmore Hills and Brookfield should be among the first suburbs to restart the service after they saw Council’s page showing a different date.
“[Kerbside collection] was paused on 3rd of April 2020, not May,” said a local, Ben Ponting, on Mr Adermann’s Facebook page. “Brookfield, Chapel Hill, Kenmore and Kenmore Hills were due to start 27th April 2020.”
“Kenmore was supposed to have their kerbside collection in April 2020 yet the new schedule says Kenmore is only getting kerbside collection in June 2022,” Melinda Waldeck said. “Since kerbside collection was paused in March 2020, if the statement about the starting in July with the suburbs where it was paused is correct then Kenmore should be scheduled to have kerbside collection in August 2021. Kenmore’s last kerbside collection was April 2019, so if we aren’t scheduled until June 2022 it will be over 3 years between collections!”
Cr Adermann was quick to reassure concerned locals and updated them about the situation.
“After receiving a large number of enquiries from local residents, I made enquiries which confirmed that the scheduled services to these areas were postponed just before they were due in April 2020, meaning they should have been among the first to receive a collection upon the resumption of kerbside collection,” he pointed out.
“To Council’s credit, they acknowledged this oversight and today agreed to my request to amend the collection schedule … Council’s website has been amended to reflect these changes,” he added.
Meanwhile, Brisbane residents are encouraged to check the list of items that are acceptable and not acceptable for kerbside collection so that nothing will be left behind by their kerb. Uncollected and improper disposal of household wastes could lead to an illegal dumping fine.