PUBLIC submissions are now open on a proposed Redland Bay housing development that would clear more than 20 hectares of koala habitat, with environmental offsets for the loss located more than 100 kilometres from the site.
The Trails residential development, proposed by SRCP (Shoreline) Pty Ltd at Lot 12 on SP268704, Serpentine Creek Road, is being assessed under the Federal Government’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
The Federal Government has declared the proposal a controlled action due to its potential impacts on listed threatened species.
According to draft assessment documents prepared by environmental consultants Saunders Havill, the 24-hectare development would result in the removal of 20.2 hectares of koala habitat, which also contains habitat suitable for koalas and greater gliders.
To compensate for the loss, the developer is proposing 82.2 hectares of offset land near Esk in the Somerset Regional Council area — approximately 105 kilometres from Redland Bay.
The developer says closer offset options were investigated but none were suitable.
“The proposed 82.2-hectare environmental offset near Esk forms part of a larger 730-hectare property that is managed by an independent, accredited offset provider,” a Stockland spokesperson said.
“This site was identified following detailed discussions with the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
“Options closer to The Trails were investigated first, however no suitable and available sites were identified that could meet the specific offset requirements for koalas and greater gliders.”
A Stockland spokesperson said environmental protection had been a focus from the earliest planning stages.
“At The Trails, protecting the natural environment has been a key focus from the early stages of planning and design,” a Stockland spokesperson said.
“The community will include a 100-metre-wide, 3.66-hectare east–west wildlife corridor that keeps important old-growth trees and will be nurtured to support the ongoing movement of native animals.
“This includes dedicated wildlife crossings and koala-exclusion fencing, designed to protect koalas and help native animals move around safely.”
The site is located between the Bayview Conservation Area and an existing over-50s lifestyle community, and immediately north of the Shoreline housing estate, which received approval in late 2015.
Redland City Council is not a decision-maker in the federal assessment and was not required to be consulted under the EPBC Act.
Council’s March 2025 decision provided only a preliminary approval, setting planning parameters for the site rather than approving construction, and its environmental assessment was limited to matters governed by local planning controls.
Hard copies of the Preliminary Documentation are available for public inspection at Redland City Council Chambers in Cleveland, the State Library of Queensland, and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water in Canberra.
The documentation can also be downloaded online.
Written submissions can be sent to The Trails Residential Development, 9 Thompson Street, Bowen Hills, QLD 4006, or emailed to epbc@saundershavill.com
All submissions must be received by 5pm on Monday (February 9).
Assistance is available for people with special needs, including vision impairment or language barriers, by contacting Saunders Havill on (07) 3251 9444.
