Kuranda land development, 20 Warril Dr: Neighbours start petition over concerns for wildlife and trees

Concerns about the development of a two-hectare property at Kuranda has prompted a petition to stop the proposal. Why neighbours are worried.

A PROPOSAL to develop a piece of land Kuranda has prompted neighbours to start a petition to put a halt to the plan over concerns for the area’s native wildlife and trees.

The development proposed for 20 Warril Drive Kuranda will include the two-hectare property being subdivided into five separate lots.

Neighbours are arguing council is not considering the importance of the land.

A map of the proposed land development at 20 Warril Drive, Kuranda. Picture: Supplied.

Neighbour Rowena Candlish said she was worried Mareeba Shire Council was not considering the environmental impacts of the proposed development.

“Given this block in the neighbourhood has such an impact on the wildlife, there is the endangered tree frogs, birds, wallabies and wild flora and fauna we just want a bit of awareness and consideration of the long-term implications of what approving this land clearing will cause,” Ms Candlish said.

“Just because it meets the criteria for development, it does not mean it should go ahead.”

A block of land subject to development at 20 Warril Drive Kuranda. Picture: supplied

Ms Candlish said she and others had written and attempted to contact council numerous times about their concerns with no response.

“No response has been given; all I have got is the basic acknowledgment email but no personal response at all and it’s been a month,” she said

“I have lodged my objections to the decision making last month and a few days after that I wrote directly to the mayor and then again after that I wrote to the deputy mayor and the rest of the councillors.”

Mareeba Shire Council has yet to make a decision on the development.

Mareeba Shire Council has responded saying under the planning act there is no need for public notification and the development and there is no deed for an impact assessment.

“As per the Planning Act 2016, a code assessable development does not involve public notification,” they said.

“As the existing use of the land is residential, there is no need to undertake an impact assessable change of use. Any development must simply adhere to the codes set out in the planning scheme.

“The developer has not proposed any works in the dam, or in proximity to it, except for the construction of the access driveway across part of the dam wall. Each lot will have a designated building envelope and the balance of the vegetation will be pursued.”

Originally published as Kuranda land development, 20 Warril Dr: Neighbours start petition over concerns for wildlife and trees