CONCERNED residents gathered last week at North Ipswich as part of a Liveability Forum to voice their anger and frustration over the rapid clearing of native forests for housing developments.
With Ipswich already ranking low among local government areas for remnant vegetation retention, locals fear for the irreversible damage to the region’s biodiversity and quality of life with the approval of large-scale developments like Springview Village two and three.
“Enough is enough,” said Sheena Gillman of the Bush Protection Alliance and BirdLife South Queensland, who hosted the forum.
“We are losing our native vegetation and wildlife at an alarming rate, which will have a massive impact on the liveability of this region.”
Ms Gillman warned that future generations may never experience Ipswich’s unique flora and fauna if large developments proceed unchecked.
“Once large sections of forest are cleared, most native animals will not survive,” she said.
University of Queensland ecologist and Biodiversity Council member, Professor Hugh Possingham, echoed these concerns.
“Clearing remnant vegetation like Woogaroo Forest will cause local extinctions and reduce the quality of life for people,” he said.
Developer Stockland said it would continue to work with all levels of government to carefully plan the proposed development at Springview.
“The region’s need for more homes is well documented,” the Stockland spokesperson said.
“The proposed site remains subject to robust and independent environmental and planning approvals across all levels of government, including the independent assessment of flora and fauna management plans.”
Ecologist Dr Christina Zdenek described Woogaroo Forest as an irreplaceable natural asset.
Throughout the forum, frustration boiled over as residents criticised local planning decisions.
“Our forests are our lungs, and future generations should not be robbed of them,” one concerned mother said.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said she would continue to meet with concerned residents regarding any proposed developments.
“Unfortunately, this land is not a preserved forest, it is private land and has been identified for residential development for almost 30 years.”
