Large development threat to Toowong Creek and its wildlife

Eligibility - Queensland residents
Principal Petitioner:
Iris Haring
PO Box 4258
ST LUCIA SOUTH QLD 4067
Total Signatures - 3,478
Sponsoring Member: The Clerk of the Parliament
Posting Date: 26/10/2018
Closing Date: 14/11/2018
Tabled Date: 15/11/2018
Responded By: Hon Grace Grace MP on 17/12/2018
TO: The Honourable the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland

Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House the large development threat to Toowong Creek and its wildlife. Education Department proposed building without first obtaining proper Ecological advice. Education Department committed 6/9/2018 to do all possible to relocate three storey building. Qualified Zoologist has advised the building will be significantly detrimental to wildlife. Toowong Creek and its Buffer Zone are the most sensitive and significant ecological area within School precinct. It’s the largest remaining functioning Wildlife Corridor connecting Mt Coot-tha State Forest with Brisbane River. Seven threatened wildlife species including the Tusked Frog, Powerful Owl and Grey Headed Flying Fox inhabit the proposed building location. The Riparian Zone is vital for maintaining biodiversity and supporting threatened species there. Proposed building obstructs wildlife movements between aquatic and terrestrial habitat vegetation used for foraging and nesting, 59 mature trees are to be removed. Noise and light, arising from construction phase and throughout the life of the building will drive out birdlife and be detrimental to ALL wildlife. Scientific literature highlights construction noise depletes frog numbers and increases likelihood of epidemiologic disease. Existing J building causes harm to Toowong Creek. Re-doubling such a planning mistake is unacceptable. Alternative potentially appropriate locations are available. Soudan Street Footbridge overlooking picturesque creek is of unique character and value to community.

Your petitioners therefore request the House to relocate the three storey building (NorthernHub) well away from its proposed location along the Toowong Creek and its associated ‘Buffer Zone’.