Authorities investigate Glasshouse tree clearing

Residents and environmentalists ‘devastated’ by loss of native vegetation

By Sonia Isaacs

STATE and local government authorities are urgently investigating extensive land clearing adjacent to the Glasshouse Mountains National Park over concerns it was undertaken on protected core koala habitat and environmental overlays. Sunshine Coast Council confirmed that it had been contacted by the public over tree clearing at a rural property at Mawsons Road, Beerwah. 

“An initial investigation found that a significant area of native vegetation had been cleared,” the council spokesperson said. “The land is mapped as protected under Council’s Biodiversity, Waterways and Wetlands Planning Scheme Overlay and is classified as Category B remnant vegetation and core koala habitat under State Assessment Mapping. 

“The tree clearing has not been approved by Council, and the matter is still under investigation.” Initial concerns arose that the clearing had occurred within the National Park due to nearby signage. However, following enquiry by GC&M News, an on-site inspection by the Department of Environment and Queensland Parks and Wildlife confirmed clearing had been conducted to within 10 metres from the park’s boundary line. 

Residents and environmentalists said they were extremely concerned by what they claimed was the destruction of a significant amount of native and old-growth habitat trees. 

Narelle McCarthy, from the Sunshine Coast Environment Council (SCEC), said she was alerted to the mass tree felling by a concerned member of the public. Ms McCarthy said the extent of the clearing was “appalling” for native flora and fauna. 

“A member of the public contacted SCEC to report the clear felling and bulldozing of what appeared to be a large extent of land at the property,” explained Ms McCarthy. “While SCEC understands the circumstances are being investigated, the loss of this significant vegetation and habitat is devastating for wildlife, biodiversity, and its connectivity to the adjacent National Park.” 

Ray Chambers, co-founder of Koala Rescue Queensland, said: “When I first saw it I was so concerned that I started delving into it and approached the local member.” “I even tried to bring it up with the Environment Minister, Leanne Linard, at a community cabinet meeting back in August. 

“No one knew anything about it, and no one got back to me.” The Department of Resources said it was investigating the allegations after it was referred to them by the Department of Environment. A Resources spokesperson said that any clearing must comply with the state’s Vegetation Management Framework. 

“Under Queensland’s vegetation management framework, Category B refers to areas of remnant vegetation shown on the department’s Regulated Vegetation Management Map or a property map of assessable vegetation,” the Resources spokesperson said. “Clearing can be authorised for certain purposes within Category B areas, where it is undertaken under a development approval, or consistent with an accepted development vegetation clearing code or an exemption listed under the Planning Regulation.” 

The spokesperson declined to comment further, saying the investigation was ongoing. GC&M News is not suggesting the clearing is illegal, but rather complaints have been made about the activity. 

Attempts were made to contact the owner of the property, but no response was received. sonia@gcnews.com.au