Dear neighbours, 

I write to you with a renewed sense of hope, strengthened by the solidarity and action I’ve witnessed across our community

Over the weekend, I stood alongside more than 50,000 people calling for an end to the occupation and starvation of the Palestinian people. That call is rooted in humanity and compassion, and it extends far beyond Gaza,to Sudan, to West Papua, to Ukraine, and to struggles closer to home here in Brisbane.

Here in our city, that solidarity takes shape in many ways. It’s a call to address the housing crisis that leaves so many marginalised and sleeping rough. It’s a call to challenge oppressive measures that see children imprisoned rather than supported. It’s a call to hold the LNP Council accountable when rules for how communities develop are undermined, and to push for the protection of green space, equity in our public transport system and community facilities so every neighbourhood can thrive. It’s a call for a political system that finally embraces Truth-telling, Treaty, and Justice for First Nations people. 

I am deeply grateful to stand shoulder to shoulder with so many in our community. Those who fight for justice, those who speak for those who cannot, and those who refuse to be silenced by systems built to disenfranchise and dispossess. Your courage and commitment give me hope and strength every day.

Thank you. 

In action and hope,

Trina

Read on to learn more about: 

• Last Chance: Speak Up on Woolloongabba’s Future 
• Replacement Dog Park At Beesley Street: Have Your Say
• Pride Play Day: Celebrating Families, Fun, and Connection
• A Story Bridge Bus Shuttle 
• Growing forward with Raymond Park Community Garden 
• Green Bins Coming to Gabba Ward This October
• Community Notices 
• Tree Removals 
• Upcoming Events 

Last Chance: Speak Up on Woolloongabba’s Future

The Woolloongabba Priority Development Area (PDA) is one of the most significant planning zones in Brisbane. Covering 106 hectares across Woolloongabba, East Brisbane, and Kangaroo Point, it includes the Gabba Stadium, the Go Print Site, and the new Cross River Rail station. What gets decided in the Gabba PDA will shape our community for decades, because the State Government, not Council, will have the final say on what gets built.

Earlier this month, the LNP State Government quietly released amendments/changes to the Woolloongabba PDA giving residents, businesses and community organisations just 15 business days to respond. Submissions close this Friday, 29 August 2025.

That’s simply not enough time for our community to properly consider changes of this scale. Decisions about Woolloongabba’s future should be shaped by the people who live here, not rushed through for the benefit of developers.

The amendments/changes are deeply concerning. They:

• remove previous commitments to social and affordable housing;
• weaken protections for public greenspace;
• strip safeguards that stopped the sell-off of public land; 
• fail to plan for new schools, despite huge population growth ahead; and
• reduce opportunities for genuine community consultation.

Woolloongabba is set to become one of the densest suburbs in Brisbane, and both present and future communities deserve the housing, infrastructure, and green space we need to thrive,  not unlimited support for private interests and private developers.

If you haven’t already, I strongly encourage you to make a submission.You can use my Submission Guide and Template here, head directly to the EDQ consultation page, or email your feedback to [email protected].

You can also read the joint submission I made with MP Michael Berkman here.

Once submissions close, I’ll keep pushing for stronger protections, for housing affordability, for our public spaces, and for genuine community consultation in the PDA process. This fight isn’t over.

I’ll also make sure you’re kept up to date on the next steps and any future opportunities to get involved. Please stay tuned. I'll share updates as soon as they’re available.

Replacement Dog Park At Beesley Street: Have Your Say

Since the closure of the Riverside Dog Park in February 2022, delivering a replacement has been a top priority for me. Hundreds of residents I’ve spoken to, dog owners and non-dog owners alike, have shared the challenges caused by the closure. It has put extra pressure on Davies Park and created real challenges for everyone who uses that recreation and sporting space.

After working with Council to secure a site near Beesley Street and locking in a funding pathway, it is now time for you, the Gabba Ward community, to have your say. This community poll will decide whether I move ahead with the proposal, noting there is some localised opposition.

Voting is open until Friday, 3 October 2025. Everyone can vote, whether you have a dog or not, because this dog park is for the benefit of our whole neighbourhood and ward. Your voice matters — so please take a moment to cast your vote and help shape a better future for our community

⚠️ A quick reminder: the poll has a two-step verification process. Please make sure you complete both steps so that your vote is counted.

A huge thank you to everyone who has already voted — your feedback is invaluable.

It’s important to note:

• West End’s population has grown by over 80% in the past decade, with many residents living in apartments without backyards.
• The original Riverside Drive dog park was closed due to contamination risks.
• The proposed Beesley Street site is larger than the old park, easily accessible, and importantly no trees will be removed.
• This is the only site within 4101 that has council support to deliver.

For more information, check out the full FAQ here: Riverside Drive Dog Park FAQ or contact my office at [email protected].

Your feedback is invaluable. Please take a few minutes to have your say.

Pride Play Day: Celebrating Families, Fun, and Connection

Pride isn’t just about parades, waving flags and parties, it’s also about creating spaces where kids can feel proud of who they are, where our families are celebrated exactly as we are, and where we can connect with others who truly get it. It’s about growing up in environments where they feel safe, celebrated, and free to be themselves.

After discovering last year that there was no rainbow playgroup on Brisbane’s Southside, I’m so proud to work with Rainbow Families Queensland and Play Matters to host Pride Play Day right here in the Gabba Ward. 

Join us for a morning full of activities, laughter, and joy for all kinds of families.

Date: Monday 15 September

Location: Jagera Community Hall, South Brisbane 

Details: Facebook event page with details here

This is a free, inclusive event, and everyone is welcome. I’d love to see you there!

A Story Bridge Bus Shuttle 

Since early April 2025, the footpaths on the Story Bridge have been closed, initially to assess the damage caused by ex-Cyclone Alfred. After months of delay, the LNP Council finally admitted the extent of footpath degradation under their more than 20 years of stewardship. While decking on one side of the path is now being laid, this temporary solution could take until the end of the year to complete.

This ongoing maintenance means continued disruption for residents, commuters, and visitors who rely on walking, cycling, or e-mobility devices to cross the river. Many constituents have shared their frustration with my office about having to take long, indirect detours via the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge, adding significant time and stress to their commutes. Local businesses have also expressed concern that the nighttime economy is suffering as patrons are displaced.

To address this, I have written to the Chairs of Council’s Infrastructure and Transport Committees requesting a temporary shuttle service between Kangaroo Point and Fortitude Valley. This shuttle would provide a direct, accessible connection for pedestrians and active transport users while the footpaths remain closed. A small, high-frequency service during weekday peak hours and Friday and Saturday evenings would help restore mobility and support residents, commuters, and local businesses during this disruption.

This approach follows a successful precedent: in 2019, a dedicated bus service operated while the Dockside Ferry Terminal was out of service, providing vital connectivity for Kangaroo Point. A similar solution for the Story Bridge is a practical, people-first measure that is both low-cost and high-impact.

You can read the full letter I sent to Council here.

Growing forward with Raymond Park Community Garden 

Many residents have been asking about the future of the Raymond Park Community Garden. I’m pleased to share that Council work crews will begin removing the old contaminated garden beds on Monday 1 September and as requested, the fruit trees and memorial tree will remain. Nearby residents will also receive a letterbox notification before works commence.

This is an exciting opportunity to reimagine the garden together. A community design workshop has now been set up to bring locals into the process.

You can find all the details for the workshop here: Community Garden Design Workshop Event.

You can also stay connected with other keen gardeners through the new Raymond Park Community Garden Group.

Community gardens are about more than just growing food – they grow connection, joy, and resilience. I encourage everyone, whether you’re an experienced gardener or just getting started, to get involved in shaping the next chapter for this much-loved space.

Green Bins Coming to The Gabba Ward This October

Residents of the Gabba Ward will soon have the option to recycle their organic waste with the rollout of green bins starting this October. The new bins are designed for garden clippings, twigs, weeds, flowers and other prunings from trees or shrubs, helping reduce landfill and create valuable compost for the city. They are not for food scraps as residents are encouraged to compost at home or in their local community. 

Residents can opt out if they don’t want a green bin. Schools, local businesses, and apartment buildings are not automatically included and must apply separately if they want a green bin.

For full details and FAQs, including costs and how to manage your bin, please visit the Brisbane City Council page: Green Waste Recycling Service

I’ll also be sharing updates on community consultation dates and more FAQs in future newsletters, so stay tuned.

Community Notices 

• Dutton Park State School is looking for a new School Crossing Supervisor (lollipop person) to help children get safely to and from school on weekday mornings and afternoons. This is a casual position with training provided, and applicants must be at least 18 years of age. If you’re interested, please send your full name and contact details to [email protected] to seek further information and begin the application process. 
• Baby Give Back are critically low on preloved clothing in the following sizes: 0000, 000, 3, 4, and 5 (Boys and Girls). These are some of the most frequently requested sizes, and they’re struggling to keep up with demand. Since January, they have issued 6,081 clothing boxes. This is more than the total number given out in 2024. Donations of clothes can be dropped at the Gabba Ward Office.
• My joint petition calling on Council to upgrade Dutton Park Place station to accommodate the new Metro vehicles is still open.
• Expressions of Interest are still open to paint a mural on the People’s Park Kiosk.
• This November, community clubs across Australia are taking a stand against drink driving with the Good Sports Game Ready Round. With drink driving still a major cause of road deaths, clubs have the power to spread the message and save lives. Registrations are open now at goodsports.com.au/gamereadyround.
• The Gabba Ward Office is excited to share that we have partnered with Share the Dignity as part of their new Council Cares initiative! As part of this initiative we are wanting to increase awareness and understanding of menstruation to help break down barriers. Check out the tools and resources available on the menstruation education hub today: https://www.sharethedignity.org.au/end-period-poverty/education-hub
• Retrofitting for Resilience is a community-first initiative, funded by the Australia and Queensland Government, delivered in partnership with the Resilient Building Council and led locally by Community Plus, using the national Multi-Hazard Resilience Ratings tools. They’re inviting Brisbane homeowners to apply for one of the 50 free assessments now available. EOIs close Monday 1 September and places are limited. Register and apply here: https://rbcouncil.org/communityplus/  
• Kurilpa Derby 2025 is happening on Sunday 14 September!  A flagship event of the West End Festival, Kurilpa Derby is a volunteer-led, street-based celebration of community, creativity, and collective joy. Everyone is invited to join in the fun with floats, friendly wheels, live music, and performance. Please note there will be street closures on Boundary and Russell Streets during the event. Full details are included in the Notice of Event and Road Closure notice here.

Tree Removals

• An Acacia tree at 113 Gladstone Road, Highgate Hill will be removed due to structural issues. This site was deemed unsuitable for replanting, however an alternative location will be identified within the area to maintain canopy coverage.
• An Elaeocarpus tree at 30 Rosebery Street, Highgate Hill will be removed due to poor structure. A replacement tree will be planted in the same location, but timing will depend on conditions and plant availability.
• Three Eucalyptus trees within Riverside Lands Park, West End (near 17, 28, and 45 Duncan St) will be removed due to tree death. Replacement trees will be planted in the same location, but timing will depend on conditions and plant availability.
• Two Harpullia pendula trees at 117 Victoria St, West End will be removed to support Energex works. Council is yet to advise a replacement plan for these trees.