LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

More bushland lost

I CANNOT believe that just as the Queensland State Government was preparing to change the land clearing laws, Redland Shire Council had given advance approval to developers to clear substantial bushland on the border of the Koala Coast area in Redland Bay.

The area known to most Redland residents as the 'Flower Estate' has been established for around 25 years and is made up of 2000 square metre blocks on the southern side of Redland Bay.

The hundred or so households in the 'Flower Estate' have battled over the past years with Redland Shire Council to maintain their unique lifestyle tucked away in this little pocket of pristine bush.

Council had indicated to residents of the estate, during the development of the Strategic Plan, that the land behind the estate back to the Redland Bay bypass road was of significance to the future of the southern end of Redland Shire due to the vegetation, koala and other wildlife habitat values in the area.

Over the past weeks we lost our stand to the bulldozer behind our beautiful estate. We knew the land was destined for development, but believed Council would ensure minimum impact of clearing, with the understanding that the future residential block owners would clear the vegetation according to tree protection guidelines.

The clearing of this land has destroyed many plant species not found anywhere else in the Shire and has certainly ruined the homes for most of our wildlife.

I am disappointed at Council's response to concerns raised with it about the clearing.

When clearing commenced I made a number of telephone calls to various council people only to be told all paperwork was in order, and the bulldozer driver would select the trees to be removed, and 'look out' for wildlife. The result is that an area which once had up to 75 identified species of native plants now has only four or five species remaining.

Is there no end to land clearing?

B Pitt, Redland Bay

 

 

 

Environmental hypocrisy

FOR a number of years now I have been amazed at Redland Shire Council's attitude towards environmental care and management of the Bay Islands which are situated in a marine park.

Council promotes itself as a "green council" yet allows and encourages land clearing and burning on the islands. I consider them guilty of destruction of flora and fauna habitat, contributing to unnecessary greenhouse gasses and endangering the health of residents.

Local Laws applied to mainland areas of the shire are not applied here, namely smoke nuisance and protection of vegetation. Under present circumstances anyone can clear and light a fire on any land whether they own it or not, provided they get a permit from the fire service. Council requires certain owners to clear their land to eliminate council's "liability" regarding fire and vermin risk. Council "care" ends at this point. It does not select any vegetation for saving or have a management plan. Vegetation is destroyed and "stack burnt".

Safety is important, but so is our health and the environment. I ask that other concerned residents and groups combine efforts and resources to stop all the negligent behaviour. We all pay an environment levy; Russell Island's contribution is in the region of $350,000 per year.

Concerned shire residents are welcome to contact me.

Laurie Martyn, Russell Island

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