Published on 17 June 2026
Dr John Swarbrick’s legacy will be permanently recognised with Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) approving the naming of a section of Prince Henry Drive Park in his honour. TRC Parks and Recreation Services spokesperson Cr Tim McMahon said the decision was made to recognise a respected local environmental advocate whose work had made a lasting impact on the Region’s escarpment parks. “Dr John Swarbrick devoted decades to the protection and restoration of some of our Region’s most valued natural areas and this naming recognises his outstanding legacy,” Cr McMahon said. “His leadership in weed management, bushland restoration and community volunteerism has helped shape the ongoing care of our escarpment parks and Council is pleased to honour that contribution.” The naming follows an official submission lodged on behalf of Friends of Escarpment Parks, the community group Dr Swarbrick founded in 1994. The parcel has a strong connection to Dr Swarbrick’s environmental work, having previously been managed for weeds by Dr Swarbrick and other Friends of Escarpment Parks members. The group intends to continue maintaining the area adjacent Redwood Park. Dr Swarbrick, who lived in Prince Henry Heights for many years, was a well-known Associate Professor and Lecturer at what is now the University of Queensland’s Gatton campus and was widely recognised for his expertise in weed management. His work in the Toowoomba Region began at Spring Bluff before extending to the Prince Henry Drive escarpment, J E Duggan Park and Echo Valley. “Friends of Escarpment Parks continues today as a non-profit community group with more than 100 active members involved in the management and maintenance of the Toowoomba Region’s bushland escarpment parks,” Cr McMahon said. “Council has also entered into a partnership agreement with the group for ongoing weed management across a number of bushland parks.” Dr Swarbrick also collaborated with Toowoomba Regional Council in 2014 to produce Toowoomba’s Best Trees and contributed to several environmental publications, including the introduction to Environmental Weeds of the Toowoomba Region. The newly named park area has been identified as a fitting tribute to Dr Swarbrick, as it was the first location where he undertook significant weed management work after completing his work at Spring Bluff.