A high-profile petition to protect koala habitat in the Redlands has failed to reach its target despite a last-minute push from community advocates.
The e-petition calling for intervention to stop the clearing of 652 mature trees linked to a proposed expansion at Ormiston College closed on March 25 with 8,300 signatures — short of its 10,000 goal.
Supporters had mounted an urgent social media campaign in the final days, warning they were “fighting a losing battle” as the deadline loomed.
The petition was lodged by Victoria Point resident Catherine Bateson.
It argued the proposed clearing would impact a mapped Priority Koala Assessable Development Area and disrupt a critical habitat corridor where koalas are regularly sighted.
Petitioners also raised concerns the proposal had not been referred to the Commonwealth under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, despite potential impacts on Matters of National Environmental Significance.
The document highlighted that while revegetation and rehabilitation planting had been proposed, newly planted vegetation could not replace the ecological value of mature koala habitat for decades.
While falling short of the 10,000-signature milestone seen by advocates as a benchmark for strong political pressure, the petition still represents a significant level of community concern.
Under parliamentary process, the Queensland Government is now required to formally respond to the petition.
Advocates say the fight is far from over, with calls continuing for stronger protections for koala habitat across the Redlands.
