As 2025 draws to a close, the Blackall Range communities can reflect on twelve months that tested their resolve while showcasing an enduring commitment to local culture, environmental stewardship, and collective action.
Natural Forces and Environmental Challenges
The year opened with a troubling act of vandalism at the Mapleton Falls day-use area. A fire, believed to have been deliberately lit, caused significant damage to the toilets at the popular recreation site and required extensive rebuilding efforts.
More dramatic natural events soon followed. In early March, Category 2 Cyclone Alfred threatened South-East Queensland, prompting urgent emergency preparations across the hinterland. While the storm passed, mid-August brought one of the most notable seismic events in the area’s recent history: a 5.6 magnitude earthquake centred near Kilkivan. The tremor shook the Range, serving as a stark reminder of the region’s exposure to natural forces.
Beyond these acute events, long-term ecological concerns demanded attention. In March, the growing crisis of dieback affecting the region’s ancient Bunya pines emerged as a pressing issue. By October, heightened bushfire risk led to a total fire ban across the Sunshine Coast, underscoring the mounting environmental pressures. These challenges prompted calls for stronger governance; Cr David Law delivered a council speech calling for greater climate accountability, reflecting a growing local demand for coordinated environmental action.
Planning Battles and Community Advocacy
Development pressures and planning controversies continued to galvanize the region throughout the year. In July, the Sunshine Coast’s proposed planning scheme raised concerns regarding the Range’s unique character. Tensions escalated in November when a proposed state planning override for the Coochin Creek development drew sharp criticism from advocates, who argued it set a dangerous precedent for regional integrity.
These battles occurred against a backdrop of broader regional transformation. January saw residents calling for a “fair share” of 2032 Olympic benefits, while the Premier made several visits to engage with concerns over infrastructure.
Advocacy proved particularly effective at a grassroots level with the campaign for accessible facilities at Lilyponds Park. When plans released in May omitted accessible toilets, the community led by the Mapleton and district Community Association (MADCA) responded with immediate pressure. This persistence triumphed: by year’s end, the upgraded facilities were opened alongside a new basketball half-court, expanding recreational opportunities for all ages.
Leadership Transitions and Political Advocacy
The year saw significant changes in community leadership across the Range, with new faces taking the helm of key local organisations. Peter Gamgee assumed the presidency of the Mapleton and District Community Association (MADCA), whilst Deb Davis took on the leadership of the Montville Village Association. The Montville Chamber of Commerce welcomed Arabella Lubbers into its leadership role, and Wayne Parcell stepped up to lead the Hinterland Tourism Association. These transitions represent both the strength of succession planning within Range organisations and the continued willingness of community members to take on advocacy roles.
Political advocacy remained active throughout the year, with David Laws continuing his work on behalf of the region. His council speech calling for greater climate accountability reflected broader environmental concerns, whilst his advocacy extended to championing the needs of Nambour and addressing regional development pressures. The combined efforts of these new and continuing leaders ensured the Range maintained a strong voice in local government discussions and regional planning debates throughout 2025.
Essential Services in Transition
In December, news emerged that Mapleton’s historic post office would close, sparking an outpouring of support for the outgoing licensee. This situation highlighted the fragility of essential services in small towns. Local advocates, including MADCA and Range Community News, monitored the transition closely. Fortunately, the Mapleton IGA stepped forward to take on the postal license. The new facility is scheduled to open in February 2026, ensuring continuity for this vital service.
Community Spirit and Mutual Support
The Range repeatedly demonstrated its capacity for mutual care. The Mapleton Movers walking group celebrated six years of success in July, with the program’s organiser receiving a Golden Shoe Award nomination in December.
This solidarity extended beyond the ridgeline. In May, Mapleton Kindy assisted the flood-affected Nambour Community Kindergarten. By September, the Range Community Kindergarten announced plans to double its capacity with a two-cohort model for 2026, reflecting the growing needs of local families.
Sport, Recreation, and Social Action
Sporting facilities saw vital improvements this year. In April, the Montville Tennis Club secured upgrades specifically for women and girls, addressing long-standing equity concerns. The new basketball half court at Lilyponds Park, completed alongside the accessible toilet facilities, added to the Range’s recreational infrastructure. Meanwhile, traditional pursuits continued to thrive; the Bowlers Paradise Hinterland Local League (BPHLL) kicked off in February, drawing clubs from across the hinterland to participate in what is believed to be the largest non-affiliated bowls competition in Australia.
Social action remained a priority throughout the year. The Zonta Blackall Range chapter led two significant initiatives: International Women’s Day activities in February calling for accelerated action on gender equality, and the “Paint the Range Orange” campaign in November uniting communities against violence towards women. Other charitable efforts addressed global digital equity through the innovative Teacher in a Box programme providing digital educational support to developing countries whilst the Day for Daniel focused on child safety.
The Mapleton Country Market maintained its year-round role as a hub for local produce and community connection, receiving a visit from the premier in October. Through MADCA’s community grants programme, funded by market proceeds, the venue extended its impact by supporting local groups and organisations across the Range, reinforcing the market’s position as more than a trading space but a vital community asset.
Local business achievement was celebrated when The Barn on Flaxton secured gold at the Glass House Small Business Awards in June, recognising excellence within the hinterland’s thriving small business sector.
Cultural Life Flourishes
Despite the year’s hurdles, the cultural calendar remained remarkably vibrant. The Lucas Parklands concert series brought world-class talent to the hinterland, including Piers Lane in April, Ida Pelliccioli’s “Three Centuries, One Piano” programme in August, rising star Madeleine Xiao’s commanding performance in November, and Konstantin Shamray’s return for his 20th performance in December.
The Mapleton Choir celebrated over 40 years of music-making with their “Rhythm of Life” concert in November, whilst December’s Mapleton Christmas Concert drew strong community turnout, continuing the tradition of festive celebration. October saw the successful return of the Rangebow Festival, maintaining its position as a significant cultural event for the region.
Visual arts were celebrated through December’s Sculpture on the Edge at Flaxton Gardens. Community craft groups maintained their charitable traditions, with the Montville Woodies and Mapleton Craft Group delivering Christmas joy in late November.
Looking Ahead
As the Range enters 2026, it does so having weathered earthquakes and cyclones, defended its regional character, and strengthened its social fabric. The transition of Mapleton’s postal services and the success of the Lilyponds Park advocacy demonstrate that these communities do not respond to pressure with resignation, but with renewed determination.
The year has reinforced a fundamental truth: while external pressures from development and climate events continue to mount, the Blackall Range remains an effective force for its own future, preserving what matters while adapting on its own terms.
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