By Sonia Isaacs
A CLOSE-KNIT North Maleny community has voiced strong concern after dozens of mature native and rainforest trees were felled to make way for an access road to a new land subdivision, a move residents describe as “environmentally and emotionally devastating”.
According to local residents contractors cleared and chipped large native species including red cedar, white beech and forest lilly pilly, with some trees reportedly standing over 25 metres tall and more than a metre in girth.
Neighbours said the destruction not only stripped the landscape of its natural beauty but also wiped out vital habitat for wildlife such as tawny frogmouths.
“These trees have stood for decades, providing shelter and biodiversity,” said local resident Ros Yuen, who lives next door to the development site on Vale End.
“Seeing them fall within minutes for the sake of a concrete access road is deeply troubling, especially when alternative designs could easily have ensured their preservation.”
Fellow resident Monita Roughsedge said she was appalled by the scale of clearing and questioned how such a decision could be made without on-site inspection.
“It just seemed like a radical move, as if the plan was ticked off in Maroochydore without anyone coming here to see the impact,” she said. “Of course, development is needed to house people, but surely it could have been done differently. These were very old trees – huge trees – and we’ve now lost them forever.”
Residents are calling for answers from Sunshine Coast Council and Division 5 Councillor, Winston Johnston, seeking clarification on whether adequate environmental assessments or site inspections were carried out before approval.
Councillor Johnston said the development was code-assessable, meaning it did not require public notification or councillor input. “The land is zoned rural residential, and a three-lot subdivision is allowed as of right,” he said. “There has to be some clearing to provide driveway access. The question is whether the clearing was excessive, and that’s what Council’s development compliance team is currently investigating.”
Ms Yuen said she had written to Council both before and after approval, warning of potential environmental impacts but had received no formal response. She said the incident raised serious questions about Council’s commitment to sustainable planning.
“The community deserves transparency and accountability,” she said. “If this can happen here, how many more neighbourhoods will see the same needless destruction of native trees and habitat?”
A Sunshine Coast spokesperson confirmed the works at 9 Vale End, Maleny formed part of an approved subdivision that involved removing 25 native trees near the road frontage.
“As part of the approval, the landowner must rehabilitate 0.23 hectares along the southern boundary next to Obi Obi Creek,” the Council spokesperson said.
“This rehabilitation will increase tree numbers on site, restore natural vegetation and provide a biodiversity offset for the cleared trees.
“Council officers have been inspecting the site since works began to ensure compliance with approved plans and conditions, including vegetation removal and rehabilitation. The development approval also requires the retention of 7 native trees.
“Final approval will only be granted if all conditions are met, including arborist certification confirming the retained trees.”