Development poses ‘significant impact’ to threatened species
PLANS have been proposed for 340 townhouses at a site that is home to multiple threatened species. An ecological report on the proposal deemed it could have “significant impact” on one animal in particular.
South West
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PLANS have been proposed for 340 townhouses at a Bellbird Park site that is home to multiple threatened species.
The development application was last month submitted by LandPartners on behalf of CB Developments and proposed a 33.84ha site at 12-26 Eugene St be developed over 12 stages.
It would eventually include the new housing estate as well as a drainage reserve, open space and new road access.
Ipswich City Council advised it did not support the proposal in its current form owing to its non-compliance with the Ipswich Planning Scheme.
An Ecological Assessment Report for the site prepared by 28 South found the proposal could potentially have a “significant impact” on koalas that were identified at the site through scratch marks on five trees.
28 South recommended the proposal be referred to the Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Energy for ministerial review.
LandPartners were contacted for comment but could not provide a response before deadline.
The Bellbird Park site also provided habitat to the threatened Powerful Owl; a number of migratory avian species; and was potential, but sub-optimal, breeding habitat for the threatened Tusked Frog.
“Habitat assessments and detailed fauna surveys identified that the habitats supported within the gullies, lower slopes and Woogaroo Creek provide the highest quality habitat for these species, particularly the powerful owl and migratory avian species,” the Ecological Assessment Report read.
It highlighted “limited nesting habitat” for the powerful owl was observed making it unlikely the site provided breeding habitat for the species.
The development plans for the site included two frog habitat restoration zones for the Green Thighed Frog and Tusked Frog to be re-established on site.
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