A Kangaroo Point resident’s long struggle through Queensland’s mental health system is now shining a light on how much could be saved—and how many lives improved—if suburbs across Brisbane received support that truly matched their needs.
Community Data Reveals a Quiet Crisis
New modelling shows that nearly $482 million could be saved over the next 11 years across Brisbane South if funding focused more on preventing mental health issues by addressing their root causes—things like housing stress, unemployment, drug misuse, and childhood trauma.
The study by Sydney University’s Brain and Mind Centre combined local data, real-life stories, and economic analysis to understand what would happen if even small improvements were made in areas such as Mt Gravatt, Forest Lake, Woolloongabba, Acacia Ridge, and Inala.
The study used system dynamics modelling and included lived experience contributions like Jordan’s to simulate how small improvements in substance misuse, social cohesion, and childhood mental health could dramatically reduce demand on hospitals, increase productivity, and prevent suicide. It found that a modest 5 per cent improvement in substance misuse alone could deliver $274.8 million in health and economic value.
According to the Brisbane South Joint Regional Needs Assessment 2025–2027, these suburbs face growing demand on services due to rising populations, cultural diversity, and social disadvantage. In places like Forest Lake–Oxley, the pressure is especially high on families and young people. In Rocklea and Acacia Ridge, language barriers and limited access to culturally safe care are worsening mental health outcomes.
A Lived Experience from Kangaroo Point
Jordan van Rosmalen, 24, shared her personal experience with mental health challenges as a contributor to the research. Living in Kangaroo Point, she took part in the study by offering her story as someone who had accessed almost every level of Queensland’s mental health system—from inpatient care to community and private providers.
She reflected that, despite the range of services available, the support she received often failed to meet her needs at the time. The study quoted her views on how technology and tailored local responses could help create solutions that work better for specific communities. Her lived experience helped reinforce the study’s call for more responsive, locally adapted approaches to mental health and wellbeing across Brisbane’s south.
Suburbs Facing the Pressure
Across the Brisbane South region, certain suburbs are feeling the strain more than others. Inala and Acacia Ridge report high levels of chronic disease and difficulty accessing culturally appropriate services, particularly for First Nations and CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) communities.
In Woolloongabba and Eight Mile Plains, increasing urban density and rapid population growth have created pressure on outpatient services, particularly for mental health. In Mt Gravatt, the ageing population is driving demand for more aged care and chronic disease support.
Meanwhile, Forest Lake and Oxley are seeing high numbers of families struggling to find support for children’s behavioural and developmental issues, while residents in Rocklea face affordability issues and language barriers when accessing basic healthcare.
| Suburb | SA3 Region | Key Issues Identified | Health & Service Needs |
| Mt Gravatt | Mt Gravatt | Population growth, ageing demographics, and rising service demand | Aged care access, mental health services, chronic disease prevention |
| Woolloongabba | Woolloongabba | Urban density with increased pressure on outpatient and mental health services | Outpatient mental health support, culturally sensitive care |
| Corinda | Corinda | Access challenges due to geographic and transport limitations | Improved access to clinics and primary care, transport assistance |
| Eight Mile Plains | Eight Mile Plains | Rapid service demand growth and cultural diversity impacting care delivery | Inclusive service models, interpreter support, mental health access |
| Inala | Inala | High levels of chronic disease and barriers to healthcare for CALD and Indigenous populations | Chronic illness support, culturally appropriate care, health equity programs |
| Acacia Ridge | Rocklea–Acacia Ridge | High cultural diversity and language barriers, mental health stigma | Mental health support, interpreter availability, stigma reduction programs |
| Holland Park | Holland Park–Yeronga | Concentration of social housing and increasing demand for mental health support | Culturally safe care, transport access, chronic disease management |
| Oxley | Forest Lake–Oxley | Socioeconomic disadvantage and limited transport options to care services | Accessible health services, transport support, outreach clinics |
| Forest Lake | Forest Lake–Oxley | High number of social dwellings and demand for family and youth support services | Developmental and behavioural support for children, youth engagement |
| Rocklea | Rocklea–Acacia Ridge | CALD population facing service access issues due to language and affordability | CALD-focused services, mental health resources, affordable care access |
A Smarter, Local approach
Professor Ian Hickie, co-author of the study, said the solution lies in understanding each community’s unique needs and building tailored responses.
“We can’t rely only on clinics and medication,” he said. “We need smarter investment in the things that help people thrive before they reach crisis point.”
Health economist Paul Crosland added that even small changes—like a 5 per cent drop in substance misuse—could lead to hundreds of millions in economic benefits.
Jordan van Rosmalen hopes the findings help guide governments to make real, community-based change.
“What we need is investment in solutions that are actually built around how people live—not just how the system works on paper,” she said through her contribution.
Published 28-July-2025