Community fears for koalas over planned bushland clearing

The State Government has moved to alleviate fears that “prime koala habitat” in Brisbane’s south is being cleared for development.

This koala was photographed on Monday about 300m from the largest lot owned by EDQ near Toohey Forest. Photo: Toohey Forest Wildlife

Concerns were raised by a wildlife advocate on social media this week that “prime koala habitat” was going to be cleared for development.

But this afternoon the State Government confirmed the clearing of bushland near Toohey Forest, Nathan was required to maintain fire breaks.

On Tuesday, May 28, Toohey Forest Wildlife Facebook page administrator Brad Lambert shared a post about his fears for the future of the area.

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Southsiders were outraged at the prospect of koala bushland being destroyed.

Mr Lambert said he learned last year that a “significant” portion of the Toohey Forest and surrounds were owned by the State Government which worried him.

EDQ land, Toohey Forest. Photo: Toohey Forest Wildlife

The boundaries of the blocks of land are owned by Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) which operates under the Department of State Development.

“Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) has an obligation to maintain firebreaks on its land consistent with a ten-year approval issued by the Brisbane City Council on 14 August 2017,” a Department of State Development spokesman said.

A koala in Toohey Forest. Photo: Toohey Forest Wildlife

“EDQ’s land, adjoins but does not sit within the Toohey Forest.

“EDQ is not preparing the land for sale.”

This week Mr Lambert photographed a koala about 300m from the largest lot owned by EDQ.

Toohey Forest and surrounds at Nathan. Photo: Google Maps

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A koala in Toohey Forest. Photo: Toohey Forest Wildlife