A controversial 128-block housing subdivision in Thornlands has been thrown open to public consultation — and locals are being urged to speak up as hundreds of koala trees face the axe.
Plans for the massive estate at 26–52 Kinross Road have been formally advertised, with the developer seeking approval to carve up land that is partly zoned Recreation and Open Space under the Redland City Plan.
The proposal, lodged as development application RAL24/0054, includes 15 homes on land never intended for housing, triggering public notification and environmental alarm bells.
If approved, a crucial east–west wildlife corridor through the site would be dramatically squeezed — shrinking from about 90 metres wide to just 50.9 metres at its narrowest point.
And the environmental cost could be huge.
An ecology report submitted with the application identifies 534 koala habitat trees across the site.
Of those, just 78 trees — less than 15 per cent — are guaranteed to survive.
The rest could be cleared, including many classified as significant trees with hollows or large trunk diameters.
Despite the scale of clearing, the developer says it will offset the impact by delivering a 3.82-hectare community park.
Plans also show an existing farm dam will be filled as part of the works.
The subdivision itself would be dominated by small blocks, with around two-thirds of lots under 400sqm and an average size of 445sqm, raising concerns about density and infrastructure strain.
Traffic is another flashpoint.
A consultant’s report estimates the Kinross Road developments could generate up to 2,288 vehicle movements a day by 2030 once all stages are complete.
Critics say the report fails to properly address flow-on impacts to Boundary Road, already notorious for congestion.
Adding to the concern is the scale of development already approved nearby.
Through a separate, code-assessable application, the same developer has secured Council approval for 128 townhouses and a food and drink outlet at 54–62 Kinross Road, further intensifying pressure on the area.
Residents have until February 25, 2026 to lodge submissions.
Submissions must quote RAL24/0054 and be emailed to [email protected], addressed to the Assessment Manager at Redland City Council.
