Property owners at an expanding estate have called for a revegetation project to be stopped while their concerns are addressed.
Robert and Kasia Riviere said a plan that includes the removal of trees at Hillside Mooloolah Valley could adversely impact the community and environment.
But developer Urbex and Sunshine Coast Council said the initiative would benefit the entire area.
Urbex distributed a flyer to residents informing them that “weed trees will be removed and native trees and shrubs will be planted in their place” during the three-year project.
“You may notice that some areas may not look as aesthetically pleasing for a short time,” it stated.
“However, please be assured that these areas will be greatly improved over the course of the program.”
The Rivieres then sent a widespread email to Urbex, the council, media and others in a “last-minute cry for help” to halt proceedings.
“Disgusted by this whole unjustifiable scheme,” they said.
“The flyer reads like they (Urbex) want to do a bit of weeding. That couldn’t be further from reality.
“Huge swaths of established wooded area are to be cut down and turned into a vast desert of mulch.
“It will be well over 10 years before the new trees have any significant height, and much longer to look anything like it does today.
“This process will create dust, debris and noise, destroy our privacy and take many weeks.”
They said they moved into the 40-hectare community, which is set to have 136 properties, because of the natural surrounds.
“The main reason we purchased our lot, like a number of residents here, was because of the trees to the rear,” they stated.
“Urbex were happy to take our money for this tree-lined location with no mention of this upcoming destruction. The council were also happy to make us pay more for our build due to the bushfire dangers, which now won’t exist.”
Urbex and the council were asked how many trees would be cut down, but Sunshine Coast News did not receive a direct answer.
A Vegetation and Fauna Management Plan, within the development application, included data from consultant Saunders Havill Group that showed 59 native trees and 16 exotic trees were set to be removed.
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The Rivieres said there was no consultation with locals before the flyer was sent out.
“There are residents and ratepayers who will soon find their environment changed forever and they have had no say on the matter,” they stated.
“There should be an immediate halt to these plans so the residents can be made fully aware and have all their questions and concerns answered.”
The Rivieres said flora and fauna could suffer.
“We have matured native trees in these areas that supports the current wildlife – why can’t these trees be saved?” they said.
“It (the flyer) says it will be better for wildlife in the future but what about the current wildlife?”
An Urbex spokesperson said the area would be better off with the revegetation work, which is a requirement by council for the development approval. Work will start in April.
“More than 15,000 natives will be planted within the seven-acre reserve and maintained for three years to create a beautiful backdrop to homes and lush habitat for native wildlife,” they stated.
Animals in the area will be relocated.
“Wildlife spotters will be on site to check for any fauna before clearing, ensuring they are safely managed and rehoused,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said Urbex was communicating with locals about the project.
“We have been engaging with residents to explain the reasons for the revegetation program,” they said.
A council spokesperson said the development approval included requirements for Urbex to rehabilitate natural areas, to be transferred to council ownership.
“This will enhance the biodiversity values of the land and enable effective ongoing management by council,” they said.
“A fauna-catching program is required before any work begins. This includes a pre-clearing fauna-trapping program. Dedicated on-site ecologists are responsible for the relocations. During any earthwork activities, a spotter catcher will move animals to a safe, suitable nearby habitat.
“The developer has worked collaboratively with council officers to notify directly affected residents.”
The spokesperson also told SCN that council and Urbex representatives were set to meet with residents this month.
