Academy expansion threat to wildlife

WORK on a major expansion of Toowong’s Smart State Academy has caused runoff and dust problems at the local creek, a wildlife ecologist claims.

Dust plumes trail from a concrete mixer along the Toowong Creek corridor.

WORK on a major expansion of Toowong’s Smart State Academy has caused runoff and dust problems at the local creek, a wildlife ecologist claims.

Iris Hing said noise and lights from equipment had also disturbed threatened wildlife along the Toowong Creek corridor.

Ms Hing said residents were furious work began three days after they were letterboxed and just over a week after a public information evening on September 6, which she claimed showed Education Queensland was not serious about listening to the community.

“Plans outlined at the information evening indicate removal of 34 native trees and 22 non-natives,’’ she said. The natives include mature habitat trees, with a 1.5m circumference, vital for foraging and nesting, and five threatened species of tree listed under the Nature Conservation Act.

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“A large three-storey building will be built in four stages along the Toowong Creek, within the buffer zone of the creek corridor and directly where the vulnerable tusked frog is known to live.’’

Ms Hing said the information evening revealed access to the site was along an unsealed easement running the full length of the creek.

She claimed residents were told at the meeting not to worry “because the public will be watching over the construction’’.

“Since when is the public responsible for policing construction works conducted by a licensed builder on state-owned land?’’ she said.

A Department of Education spokeswoman said DoE considered feedback provided by the community to finalise the master plan for the Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology (Smart State Academy).

Changes to the master plan included traffic changes and the location and configuration of

on-site car parking.

“These changes have been made to reduce the impacts to the local community and the

surrounding environment,’’ she said.

“On September 6, the Department of Education held a further community information

session to provide the updated expansion plans to the community.

“The majority of attendees to the session were satisfied with the changes to the master plan.

“The works for Stage 1 of the QASMT expansion involve the refurbishment of existing

buildings on the site, these works are internal fit out activity only to make space ready for

2019.

“These works commenced on September 17. Works are occurring

during daylight hours to prevent noise and light pollution in this area at night.

“Stage 2 works are expected to commence in late 2018 after the completion of the

Infrastructure Designation.

“Environmental management plans, including a sediment management plan, will be in place

for construction. Wildlife spotters will also be onsite during Stage 2 construction.

“Works will continue to be undertaken in daylight hours during Stage 2.’’