REVEGETATION efforts continue along the O’Possum Creek sewer line corridor in Springfield, but a heated debate has emerged – not just over the environmental impact, but also the very identity of the land.
Environmental activists have been referring to the area as “Woogaroo Forest”, but Ipswich City Council and developer Stockland say that name has no official status.
“There is unfortunately no Woogaroo Forest,” said Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding. “Instead, this is a parcel of privately owned land that has been earmarked for residential development by the Queensland Government for almost 30 years.”
Despite planning approvals at the local level, Mayor Harding emphasised that the project could not proceed without federal environmental clearance.
“Regardless of Council’s planning approvals, development cannot proceed on this site if the Australian Government refuses the applicant’s environmental application,” she said.
“I am confident the Australian Government will undertake a thorough environmental assessment of this development to address the concerns raised by Ipswich residents.”
Cr Harding encouraged the community to engage with the process.
“I would strongly encourage residents who have environmental concerns regarding the Springview development to lodge a submission with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, quoting EPBC Number 2019/8575.”
The Save Woogaroo Forest Group, which has led opposition to the development, insists the area is ecologically significant – regardless of its official designation.
“Call it what you will – the land is ecologically vital,” said a spokesperson for the group.
“We’re watching a once-thriving ecosystem be reduced to barren ground under the weight of mismanaged development.”
Local ecologist Christina Zdenek criticised the current revegetation strategy, calling it inadequate in the face of the biodiversity loss already experienced.
“It’s a monoculture solution to a biodiversity crisis,” she said.
Dr Zdenek also issued a stark warning about the future if the development were approved, saying it would have catastrophic consequences for the region’s wildlife.
Stockland maintains that it is following all required environmental processes and will not begin clearing or
development without approval.
“We are committed to responsible development,” a Stockland spokesperson said.
Council’s Infrastructure, Planning and Assets Committee Chairperson Councillor Andrew Antoniolli highlighted the complexity of the approvals process.
“This separation makes the circumstances challenging for the community, the developer and ourselves,” he said.
