Autumn / Winter 2026
Welcome to SEQCA’s Autumn-Winter 2026 newsletter
SEQCA is an umbrella organisation comprising not-for-profit organisations and individuals interested in planning, environment and development issues across the SEQ region. If you care about a sustainable future for the communities, spaces and places of SEQ then SEQCA wants to hear from you!
The items in this newsletter reflect SEQCA’s goals to promote development that: fast tracks to sustainability (water-wise and climate positive); pursues resilience; defends our greenspace and secures what we value locally. We advocate for more transparent forms of governance and meaningful participation to help realise these goals.
Our first short article in this newsletter is an update on the E-mobility legislation that is still making its way through Parliament. If nothing else, there seems to have been a genuine attempt to listen to the community here. Thank you to Neil Peach for updating us on this.
The Brisbane Olympics 2032 is rapidly starting to dominate the development landscape across Queensland. In this newsletter, we have a campaign update from the Games Watchdog 2032. This group is campaigning for a smarter, greener and fairer Olympics – goals which are looking increasingly unattainable. Thank you to all the groups who came together so quickly to show their support for a Games Watchdog letter of solidarity with organisations campaigning across Europe to subdue the Olympics wrecking ball. You can read more about that in the Campaign Update below.
Meanwhile, our friends in Save Victoria Park are asking as many people as possible to show their support for the cultural claims of First Nations people in relation to the Park. If you have not already done so, please fill out the submission form before Friday 29 May. It will only take a couple of minutes of your time. Some First Nations people are currently camping in Victoria Park /Barrambin. We await developments on Monday 1 June when title to the whole park will vest as freehold title in the Games Independent Infrastructure Authority (GIICA).
Whatever happens at Victoria Park /Barrambin, we know the Olympics machine will touch all corners of the State. In that respect we have an article about Destination 2045, Queensland’s 25-year plan for making Queensland the leading ecotourism destination in the world before and after the Games. But what is ecotourism anyway and what will it look like in Queensland?
Following in the footsteps of the reforms to the EPBCA at the end of last year, the Federal Government has published draft National Standards. This article by the EDO explains how important these are and identifies some issues of concern. Submissions are open until Friday 29 May so there is still time to make a submission if you are quick. Back in Queensland, we have a short explainer on the relationship between State based bioregional planning and the reformed EPBCA. Hot off the press, we also have a rapid-fire critique of the new Environmental Offsets Discussion Paper. The consultation period for this is until 29 June 2026. Offsets will be very important over the next few years so make sure you have a look at what’s proposed. Thanks to Neil Peach for these updates – there has been a lot keeping him busy recently!
Harking back to more optimistic times this newsletter includes a new item, the History Book series. In this edition we include a reflective interview with Dr Geoff Edwards about the original Regional Open Space System, a program that ran from 1994-1996 and then went on to help shape other regional greenspace programs (such as they are).
In our News and Views section, we have reports describing community concerns about recent ministerial approvals for developments on the Sunshine Coast and in Redlands. On a more positive note, we have two success stories from the Gold Coast – the Reedy Creek decision and a less publicised but very significant win in relation to the Tugun Environment Park. Victoria Park is not the only public greenspace at risk in SEQ.
You can keep up to date with SEQCA stories and events by following the SEQCA Facebook page. We hope you’ll visit us on Facebook soon.
As always, please share this newsletter across your groups, social media and with interested individuals.
Happy reading everyone from the team at SEQCA!
Short articles
An Update on E-Mobility reforms by Dr Neil Peach
Campaign Update from Games Watchdog 2032 by Dr Philippa England
Blessing or Curse? Rejuvenating Queensland’s tourism in the lead up to the Olympics by Dr Philippa England
The Intersection of Commonwealth and State bioregional planning measures by Dr Neil Peach
Suggestions for Improving Queensland’s draft new Environmental Offsets Policy by Dr Neil Peach
To plan or to purchase? Reflections on SEQ’s original Regional Open Space System (ROSS) 1994-1996, an interview with Dr Geoff Edwards, former manager of the Lands Department
News and views
From Bad to Worse: Community Coalition raises serious concerns following changes to Coochin Creek Tourist Park conditions by Narelle McCarthy (Sunshine Coast Environment Council)
State Government allows Ormiston College to destroy koala habitat trees by Chris Walker (Redlands 2030)
Again the Community Wins against the Boral Quarry at Reedy Creek, Gold Coast by Lois Levy (Gecko Environment Council)
The community role in guarding public open space by Rose Adams (Gecko Environment Council)
Opportunities to comment
Click here to view SEQCA’s Have Your Say section
Date claimers
Sunday May 31: From 12:00 NOON
What: Peaceful protest to Save Victoria Park: Not a Done Deal
Where: Victoria Park /Barrambin
Saturday June 06: 10:00AM-1:00PM
What: Celebrate World Environment Day with Parents for Climate Action
Where: Daisy Hill Conservation Park (Enter via Daisy Hill Rd, closest parking will be at P3)
A free community BBQ to celebrate World Environment Day. Please RSVP to them here.
Sunday June 07: 9:00AM – 3:00PM
What: Logan Eco Action Festival (LEAF)
Where: Griffith University (Logan Campus), 68 University Drive, Meadowbrook
Held annually, Logan Eco Action Festival (LEAF) is the city’s largest event dedicated to sustainability, environmental conservation, and the wonder of nature.
Sunday June 21: 9:00AM – 1:00PM
What: Noosa EV and Electrify Everything Expo
Where: Sunshine Beach Road, Noosa
Queensland’s largest e-transport and electrification event. With 60+ exhibitors, expert insights and the latest innovations, it’s your best chance to explore practical ways to reduce your energy costs, improve efficiency and embrace cleaner energy.