B4C has lodged a submission on the proposed 25-storey development at 1202 Creek Road, Carina Heights, immediately adjoining Oates Hill Reserve and is surrounded on 3 sides by bushland. The proposal comprises 253 apartments in a variety of configurations, together with 370 on-site car parks. This proposal vastly expands the impacts on the surrounding bushland.
Oates Hill Reserve is an environmentally significant site.
Oates Hill Bushland Reserve is an important stepping stone and habitat node in Brisbane’s greenspace network. It forms part of the Phillips Creek wildlife corridor and is recognised by Brisbane City Council as an area of Habitat of Environmental Significance (HES) and Habitat of Environmental Significance Strategy (HESS).
Oates Hill Reserve was not protected by chance. Following a strong community campaign in 2005 and 2006, there was bipartisan support from all levels of government to secure the site for conservation. Queensland Parliamentary records from the time recognise Oates Hill as making an important contribution to the biodiversity of Brisbane’s eastern suburbs and support its long-term protection from development.
The proposal includes the clearing of vegetation adjoining this important reserve, including:
- Approximately 18 native trees proposed for removal
- 14 Non-Juvenile Koala Habitat Trees proposed to be cleared, including 10 within the State Koala Habitat Area overlay
- Approximately 1,680 m² of native vegetation proposed for clearing
- Vegetation mapped as HES and HESS proposed to be cleared
Some environmental values cannot be offset. The proposal relies on a financial biodiversity offset to compensate for the proposed vegetation clearing. B4C considers the environmental values of Oates Hill Reserve cannot be replaced by a payment made elsewhere. The ecological values, habitat connections and biodiversity that led to the reserve’s protection are unique to this location and should continue to be protected here.
Residents who share these concerns are encouraged to make a properly made submission to Brisbane City Council during the Public Notification Period. Community submissions play an important role in ensuring the environmental values of Oates Hill Reserve are fully considered as part of the assessment process.
The development application along with a guide on how to make a submission can be viewed here:
https://developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au/Home/ApplicationDetailsView?appNo=A007037259&type=plan_development_apps
