Letters to the Editor 29 Oct 1999 Redland Times.

Wetlands rather than concrete

RE the article (RT, 10 8 99) on Moreton Bay Road wetland. Capalaba: Alan Barrell states developers would work with Council on environmental protection during building. Since destruction is the intent, how?

Cr Ray Bucknall stated on Channel 9's Extra program last Wednesday that this is not a wetland. it is an old quarry. The departments of Natural Resources and Environment state that man-made or not, it is still a wetland and, as such, has nature conservation values and is an important open space wildlife corridor adjacent to Coolnwynpin Creek designated 'Special Protection' in the Redland Shire Strategic Plan to provide for conservation of its natural integrity. Its significance for koala movement is also recognised in the State Planning Policy for the Koala Coast. Have these plans/policies been changed to read differently?

 This means no area of bushland/wetland is safe under Redland Council's new policies whenever developers of means target and offer 'sweeteners' to Council in any area that suits their needs. In this case, a Council planner informed me 'industrial' means auto repairs by the creek. What effect will this have on waterways?

 The Director of Environment and Planning, in a May 14, 1997 letter, to me, stated 'any future development proposal will require an EIS to he prepared and placed on public exhibition and that in Council's opinion the low lying area constitutes wetlands.'

 The loss of this remnant precious bushland will be sorely felt by local residents who value the greenspace and koalas. Council decided no environmental levy funding would he used to purchase land in Capalaba. Why?

 Please do not turn this high profile wetland site into concrete, but instead conserve, enhance and preserve this precious oasis as Capalaba's nature conservation park for future generations. It's not too late.

-Amy Glade, Capalaba

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