Environmental advocates are warning that multiple major developments across the Redlands Coast are placing local koala populations at risk, with the Koala Action Group (KAG) calling for urgent government intervention and stricter environmental oversight.
KAG says the State Government’s proposed South Thornlands Priority Development Area (STPDA) plan threatens to destroy critical koala habitat and undermine the ecological integrity of the area.
The group argues the plan fails to align with the Interim Land Use Plan (ILUP), which promises sustainable development that protects biodiversity and preserves wildlife corridors.
According to the BAAM Ecology Tree Retention Plan, more than 100 trees within the designated Regional Ecological Corridor along Eprapah Creek are slated for removal, including vegetation classified as Matters of State Environmental Significance (MSES).
KAG says the proposed stormwater detention basins within the corridor would further compromise its function and should be relocated to existing cleared land.
The BAAM Koala Habitat Assessment identified high koala activity in a concentrated area of Precinct 1.
Despite this, the current plan includes a triangular “Urban Living” intrusion into this core habitat and a recreational park in the zone of highest koala use.
“This design increases fragmentation, edge effects and disturbance for one of the area’s most important koala populations,” KAG said.
“The park should be relocated to the southern cleared section, which is more suitable for community facilities and avoids critical habitat.”
KAG also criticised the planned removal of more than 1,000 trees across the site — including mature koala trees along Springacre Road — and said no effort had been made to retain street or boundary vegetation.
“Koala movement across the site is currently unobstructed,” KAG said.
“But the proposed dense housing and narrow transition corridor will sever these pathways. Without safe fauna crossings, more koalas will die on local roads.”
The group is calling for the eastern corridor to be widened to at least 50 metres, consistent with the ILUP, and for fauna-friendly measures such as underpasses, exclusion fencing and koala-sensitive street design to be included in the plan.
Ormiston College Campaign Continues
KAG is also campaigning against Ormiston College’s proposed expansion, which would see more than 650 koala trees destroyed to make way for three new sports ovals, a 50-metre pool, indoor sporting courts and boarding accommodation.
Most of the land earmarked for clearing is mapped by the Queensland Government as Core Koala Habitat and High Ecological Wetland.
Community volunteers have been conducting roadside awareness campaigns, with strong public support, and KAG recently released a musical video aimed at younger audiences to raise awareness on social media.
The group is urging the public to contact Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Jarrod Bleijie, who will decide whether the College’s plans proceed.
KAG has also asked the Federal Government to call in the proposal for assessment under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, after the College declined to refer it for review.
Birkdale Olympic Whitewater Centre Concerns
Meanwhile, KAG and other community groups from the Birkdale Alliance continue to oppose the proposed 2032 Olympic Whitewater Centre in the Birkdale Community Precinct.
KAG says the project lacks transparency, with no completed Project Validation Report (PVR) released to show whether it is financially viable, and warns the development could cause “devastating environmental impacts” to an ecologically sensitive site containing underground aquifers and koala habitat.
A petition presented to Council calls for the land offer to the State Government to be withdrawn and for Council to prioritise new Olympic-standard 50-metre public swimming pools instead.
“It’s deeply concerning that both the State and Federal governments have given this project the green light without a completed PVR or EPBC referral,” KAG said.
“Koalas and their habitat are at dire risk if this industrial-scale whitewater centre goes ahead.”
Community Events
- Eucalyptus Walk & Talk: Saturday, November 29, 9–11am, Redlands IndigiScapes Centre, Capalaba. Learn about local eucalypt species and collect free seedlings to support koala habitat. Bookings essential via Eventbrite.
- KAG Christmas Party: Saturday, December 13, 4.30–7.30pm, Cleveland Scout Hall, Ormiston. RSVP to [email protected] by December 8.
For more information visit www.koalagroup.asn.au
