Council urged to acquire koala habitat earmarked for development
Bridgeman Downs residents are calling on Brisbane City Council to acquire core koala habitat, after the state government directed developers to resubmit residential plans on the grounds their proposal did not adequately consider local wildlife and vegetation.
Urban planning group DTS submitted a development application for 14 lots, averaging between 474 and 368 square metres, at 440 Beckett Road in Bridgeman Downs in 2023.
An ecology report conducted the same year found the site supports a Core Koala Habitat Area and contains locally significant vegetation, but the development would be exempt from state laws under local planning regulation.
It suggested mitigating risk to wildlife through the development of a fauna overpass, similar to one installed across Hamilton Road in Chermside, and a broader corridor of retained vegetation.
Council approved the development in December last year, but documentation issued by the State Assessment and Referral Agency in March this year said the application was not exempted from state planning regulations, and required further consideration for koala habitat.
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'The proposed subdivision layout and road location introduces fragmentation, reduces connectivity and introduces impediments to safe koala movement,' the letter read.
'Alternative measures have not been provided to mitigate the risks to koala safety posed by the road (e.g. koala awareness signage, traffic-calming devices, koala crossing infrastructure, etc).'
An amended rehabilitation management plan was submitted by the developer last month.
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Sydney Morning Herald
a day ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Council urged to acquire koala habitat earmarked for development
Bridgeman Downs residents are calling on Brisbane City Council to acquire core koala habitat, after the state government directed developers to resubmit residential plans on the grounds their proposal did not adequately consider local wildlife and vegetation. Urban planning group DTS submitted a development application for 14 lots, averaging between 474 and 368 square metres, at 440 Beckett Road in Bridgeman Downs in 2023. An ecology report conducted the same year found the site supports a Core Koala Habitat Area and contains locally significant vegetation, but the development would be exempt from state laws under local planning regulation. It suggested mitigating risk to wildlife through the development of a fauna overpass, similar to one installed across Hamilton Road in Chermside, and a broader corridor of retained vegetation. Council approved the development in December last year, but documentation issued by the State Assessment and Referral Agency in March this year said the application was not exempted from state planning regulations, and required further consideration for koala habitat. Loading 'The proposed subdivision layout and road location introduces fragmentation, reduces connectivity and introduces impediments to safe koala movement,' the letter read. 'Alternative measures have not been provided to mitigate the risks to koala safety posed by the road (e.g. koala awareness signage, traffic-calming devices, koala crossing infrastructure, etc).' An amended rehabilitation management plan was submitted by the developer last month.
The Age
a day ago
- The Age
Council urged to acquire koala habitat earmarked for development
Bridgeman Downs residents are calling on Brisbane City Council to acquire core koala habitat, after the state government directed developers to resubmit residential plans on the grounds their proposal did not adequately consider local wildlife and vegetation. Urban planning group DTS submitted a development application for 14 lots, averaging between 474 and 368 square metres, at 440 Beckett Road in Bridgeman Downs in 2023. An ecology report conducted the same year found the site supports a Core Koala Habitat Area and contains locally significant vegetation, but the development would be exempt from state laws under local planning regulation. It suggested mitigating risk to wildlife through the development of a fauna overpass, similar to one installed across Hamilton Road in Chermside, and a broader corridor of retained vegetation. Council approved the development in December last year, but documentation issued by the State Assessment and Referral Agency in March this year said the application was not exempted from state planning regulations, and required further consideration for koala habitat. Loading 'The proposed subdivision layout and road location introduces fragmentation, reduces connectivity and introduces impediments to safe koala movement,' the letter read. 'Alternative measures have not been provided to mitigate the risks to koala safety posed by the road (e.g. koala awareness signage, traffic-calming devices, koala crossing infrastructure, etc).' An amended rehabilitation management plan was submitted by the developer last month.
ABC News
30-05-2025
- ABC News
Minister puts Port Hedland council on notice of potential dismissal after another resignation
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