New Housing Plan for SEQ Must Protect Koalas, Wildlife
Queensland Conservation Council is calling for the State Government’s South East Queensland draft regional plan to protect our native forests and the koalas, owls and other wildlife that calls it home.
The new plan - released for public consultation today - sets the rules around development in the state's south-east, which is expected to grow to accommodate a population of 6 million by 2046.
The plan proposes that 70% of development will take place within the existing urban footprint, while 30% will involve expansion into new areas.
Queensland Conservation Council Director Dave Copeman said:
"The Queensland Government's South East Queensland regional plan must manage the population pressures while ensuring increased protection of iconic Queensland wildlife that is facing extinction."
"People move to South East Queensland for the quality of life including the chance to live among the beautiful biodiversity, but without a better regional plan, we risk loving it to death.
"Right now, our iconic species like koalas, quolls, and greater gliders are suffering a death by a thousand cuts of habitat destruction. It's critical that this updated plan protects our unique native wildlife for future generations.
"Our call is simple: No native forest should be cleared for development. The Department of Environment and Science's own biodiversity mapping indicates that 97% of SEQ's remnant forests have significant environmental values that must be protected.
"If we want to protect koalas, powerful owls, we need to limit urban sprawl and focus development in current urban areas.
"We should build up, not out, making sure that we provide homes not only for people but also for our precious and endangered wildlife."
"Native wildlife like koalas need the support of all Queenslanders. Together, we can ensure that South East Queensland remains a home for all - people and wildlife alike."
Protect our wildlife from extinction
Photo by AdaMacey, used under CC BY 2.0