Since Ormiston College was controversially given a Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID) approval to clear koala habitat by the State Government, community members have been concerned that the College may not be complying with various conditions imposed by the State Government – such as fencing, vegetation management, koala protection and environmental management.
When community members reported alleged non-compliances by Ormiston College to the State Government, they received a letter signed by Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleije, which included the following advice:
Under the Planning Act 2016, the Council is responsible for compliance and enforcement of MIDs. Further information about the enforcement and compliance of MID requirements should be directed to the Council by telephone on (07) 3829 8999 or via their website at: https://vvvvvv.redland.qld.gov.au/About-Council/Online-services.
But Redland City Council has denied having any responsibility for MID compliance. On 10 July 2026 the Koala Action Group (KAG) received advice from Redland City Council that the State Government was responsible. An email to KAG from Graham Simpson, Group Manager Environment and Regulation, included the following statements:
You are likely aware of information provided by the State Government about compliance responsibilities for the MID being a Council responsibility, however following a review of relevant matters, Council does not accept that it is responsible for monitoring compliance of works undertaken through the MID. There are a number of reasons this is the case, primarily it is not supported by the provisions of the Planning Act 2016 and the MID is a State Government issued approval.
Therefore, it is Council’s advice that KAG and any other member of the community, continue to submit any concerns about compliance with the MID to either the Department of State Development Infrastructure and Planning (DSDIP) and/or Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) as you have previously.
So who is responsible and accountable for ensuring that Ormiston College’s removal of koala habitat is done in compliance with the State Government’s MID conditions?
To get an answer to this question, an e-petition to State Parliament has been initiated.
This petition proposes that Parliament call on the Queensland Government to:
- Publicly identify the authority legally responsible for monitoring, investigating and enforcing MID-0425-0938, including whether an enforcement authority has been nominated under section 160A(2) of the Planning Act 2016.
- Immediately investigate the reported fencing, fauna management and koala protection concerns at Ormiston College, and publish the findings together with any enforcement action taken.
- Amend the Planning Act 2016 and MID process so every future MID clearly identifies the agency responsible for compliance, enforcement, monitoring and investigation.
The petition was posted on the Queensland Parliament website on 30 July and has already attracted more than 900 signatures.
Please sign and share this petition which is open to all Queensland residents.
