Dear CEO, Redland City Council,

Submission: Redland City Plan General Major Amendment Package 01/19

Item 6 Birkdale Commonwealth Lands

I object to Item 6 Permitted Uses on the Birkdale Commonwealth Land Site (In Strategic Framework) which seeks to increase the potential mix of future uses to include tourism, recreation, open space and sporting activities.

I propose that this item not be adopted as part of Major Amendment Package 01/19 for the following reasons:

The Birkdale site has excellent potential for low impact tourism and recreational uses such as canoeing, bushwalking, birdwatching and koala spotting activities considering its proximity to Tingalpa Creek and large amount of existing natural bushland. These types of activities could be enhanced with the use of interpretive signage educating visitors on the historical, cultural and environmental aspects of the site.
However, until comprehensive studies and community consultation have been properly undertaken to assess the cultural, environmental and heritage values of the site, any proposed changes to future uses of the Birkdale land are premature and not warranted at this time.
The Birkdale site is adjacent to Tingalpa Creek and forms part of a major ecological corridor that stretches from Moreton Bay to Daisy Hill Conservation Area (a region that forms part of the ‘Koala Coast’).
Brisbane City Council have long recognised the ecological and biodiversity values of this important wildlife corridor on the opposite side of Tingalpa Creek and have protected it accordingly through land acquisitions and protected the area for conservation purposes.

Proposed future amendments to the City Plan

I also propose further amendments to the City Plan to rectify its current lack of protection for koala habitat in both the urban and rural areas of Redland City.

The following matters should be addressed in the next package of major amendments:

Reduction of ‘as of right’ clearing thresholds on properties covered by the ‘environmental significance’ overlay, as currently, no controls are in place to monitor what vegetation is being cleared, including State Government protected koala habitat and habitat classified as ‘Endangered Regional Ecosystem’.
Reinstatement of ‘Conservation and Environmental Protection Zones’ on private properties that contain highly important and sensitive environmental areas.
Retention and strengthening of wording in ‘Local Law 6 – Protection of Vegetation’ to close up ‘loopholes‘ which are currently being used by some landowners to facilitate future development.