With a significant drop in koala numbers in South Eastern Queensland over the past 20 years, locals are angry as plans for housing development in the northern suburbs of Brisbane to threaten koala bushland.
The year-long dispute to save the bushland has reignited as the global investment firm ADPEN appeals Brisbane City Council’s rejection of its application to develop the core piece of koala habitat. The bushland is situated in Bridgeman Downs and has been recognised by the Queensland Government as a key habitat for the endangered animals.
ADPEN’s development plan includes the build of 39 townhouses, 2 fast food outlets, as well as a childcare centre. Locals are furious as the $21 million plan will wipe out the entire Cabbage Tree Wildlife Corridor that not only plays home to koalas but also countless other native animals such as wallabies, gliders and echidnas.
Twice rejected by Brisbane City Council, ADPEN is now having the development plan heard in the Planning and Environment Court. Grassroots campaigners are continuing to lobby for the Government to purchase the land back from ADPEN so it can be safeguarded against future development.
ADPEN claim that all development plans would comply with environmental concerns and have conducted a “site-specific study” that the land in question has the least amount of contribution to the functionality of Cabbage Tree Creek.
South East Queensland has seen nearly three-quarters of its koala habitat removed since 1960, with a decrease of about 80 per cent of the koala population in the last 20 years.
Campaigners are especially concerned about the endangerment of the koala species as about 30 per cent of their remaining habitat was destroyed during the 2019-20 bushfire season.
The development plan from ADPEN would see the clearing of 27,000 square-metres of the Bridgeman Downs area having a drastic impact on the local koala population, Moreton Bay Koala Rescue senior rescuer Mike Fowler said.
Many local residents are committed to making sure the developments does not go ahead.
Natascha Schwartz, a local resident says the community are coming from a social justice standpoint, they’re doing what’s right and the destruction of native habitat isn’t right.
Brisbane City Council has received 128 official submissions opposing the plans, and local Arush Sarawat has more than 2,000 signatures on a petition calling for the Government to intervene and defend the koala habitat.
Brisbane City Council and Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner said they are committed to protecting the land from this development and will continue to reject ADPEN’s plans. Koala habitat is the responsibility of the council as well as the state, Mr Schrinner said.
The case is expected to return to court in the coming months.
