Tag: University of Queensland

Inala Social Housing Secures Top Honours at City Awards

Photo Credit: Inala Infill Apartments

Baber Studio has won the House of the Year title for the Inala Infill Apartments, a mass timber social housing project that provides 14 sustainable homes within the Greater Brisbane community.

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The Australian Institute of Architects revealed the winners of the Greater Brisbane Architecture Awards this month. The ceremony celebrated projects that improve the way people live and work in the city. Along with the residential win in Inala, the University of Queensland also took home the highest overall prize. 

Their new facility for plant research, known as the Plant Futures Facility, received the prestigious John Dalton Award for Building of the Year. Both projects were recognised for their focus on the environment and clever use of materials.

housing
Photo Credit: Inala Infill Apartments

The project in Inala stands out because of its focus on community well-being and natural materials. Built as a low-rise complex, the development uses cross-laminated timber instead of traditional concrete. This choice helped the environment by saving roughly 170 tonnes of carbon from being released. 

The design includes 14 homes that feel like a natural part of the neighbourhood. Residents have access to private gardens and walkways designed for everyone to use, including those with mobility needs. The layout also helps fresh air flow through the buildings, reducing the need for artificial cooling.

housing
Photo Credit: Inala Infill Apartments

The Building of the Year winner at the University of Queensland also shares a commitment to a greener future. The Plant Futures Facility was created by M3 Architecture to help scientists study how plants can survive in a changing climate. 

The building features unique brickwork that looks like layers of soil, changing from dark to light as the walls go up. On the roof, glasshouses allow the public to see the science happening inside. This facility is now a key part of the university’s work toward sustainable food and fuel production.

Read: Two Local Students Are About to Become the First in Their Families to Go to University

Many other local buildings were mentioned for their quality and design. Projects like the new Brisbane Metro and several local primary schools were also praised for helping the city grow in a smart way. 

All the winners and commended projects from the Brisbane event will now move forward to a larger competition. The Queensland Architecture Awards will be held at Brisbane City Hall on 26 June. This upcoming event will decide which designs from across the entire state are the best for 2026.

Published Date 12-May-2026

Forest Lake Dog Owners Warned About Dewormer Resistance in Hookworms

Photo Credit: University of Queensland

Forest Lake, with the second-highest number of registered dogs in Brisbane, is facing a growing concern as a new study reveals widespread resistance to common deworming medication among hookworms.

Read: Queensland Police Investigate Suspicious Fires in Inala

A recent University of Queensland study, conducted in partnership with the University of Sydney, has found that 70% of hookworm samples across Australia show genetic mutations linked to resistance to benzimidazole-based dewormers. 

These medications are one of the primary treatments for hookworm infections in dogs. This alarming discovery means that a common and effective treatment for these parasites might be losing its power, putting local dogs at risk.

The Dangers of Hookworms

Hookworms
Photo Credit: Dogs Australia

Hookworms are nasty parasites that live in dogs’ intestines and feed on their blood. They can cause serious health problems like anaemia, diarrhoea, and weight loss. Puppies are particularly vulnerable, as a hookworm infection can be fatal. Worryingly, these parasites can also infect humans, causing a skin condition called cutaneous larva migrans (CLM), which leads to an itchy and uncomfortable rash.

Resistance on the Rise

Photo Credit: Internal Journal of Parasitology

Dr Swaid Abdullah, a veterinary expert from the University of Queensland, explained that the research team used advanced testing methods to examine hookworm samples from over 100 animals in Australia and New Zealand.  

The results showed that resistance to benzimidazole dewormers was spreading, even affecting the northern hookworm, a species previously considered unaffected. Dr Abdullah stressed that the effectiveness of these drugs should be above 95%, but the study found it was falling below this level.

Overuse of Dewormers a Key Factor

Hookworms
Photo Credit: Pexels

Dr Abdullah believes that the widespread practice of “blind treatment” or deworming medication to dogs without testing for hookworms first is a major reason for the growing resistance. He compared it to the overuse of antibiotics, which has led to antibiotic resistance in many bacteria.  Instead, he recommends a more targeted approach, similar to how doctors prescribe antibiotics only when necessary.

Read: Forest Lake Residents Step Up Efforts to Save Endangered Black Swan Cygnets

Protecting Your Pets and Family

The best way to protect your dog from hookworms is to have them tested twice a year and only treat them if they have an infection.  Dr Abdullah also emphasised the importance of responsible pet ownership in preventing the spread of hookworms.  Dog owners should always immediately pick up their faeces and dispose of them properly, even in their own yards. This simple action can help stop hookworms from infecting other dogs and humans.

Published Date 06-Jan-2025