Protect pristine koala habitat in the SE Qld Koala Coast

Protect pristine koala habitat in the SE Qld Koala Coast

Started
14 December 2021
Signatures: 24,678Next goal: 25,000
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Why this petition matters

Started by Brett Ashford

Karreman Quarries Pty Ltd are seeking approval to extend the existing quarry pit of the West Mount Cotton Quarry located on West Mount Cotton Road in Redland City, Queensland. The proposed expansion will result in the destruction of approximately 50 ha of critical koala habitat. The expansion area is directly adjacent to Venmans National Park and other conservation areas.

As part of the application, Karreman Quarries Pty Ltd is required to submit an environmental plan to the federal government under the EPBC act. This plan describes how they intend to mitigate any significant residual impacts to nationally significant flora and fauna. In this case, these include the Koala, the Greater Glider and the Grey Headed Flying Fox. The plan that they have submitted for public comment is insufficient and will result in the devastating net loss of habitat in the SE Qld Koala Coast area.

We respectfully request that the EPBC approval is refused for the expansion for the following reasons:

  • Due to the specific environmental aspects of the site which includes significant connected habitat and bordering on protected areas. It is unlikely that any offset will sufficiently replace the habitat loss in this location.
  • Does not comply with Qld State Government Environmental Offset Policy. Any federal approval would be contrary to the objectives of State policy makers and residents alike.
  • Current local and federal government reviews which includes the pending review of the EPBC status of the Koala, the National Recovery Plan for the Koala, Redlands Coast Koala Conservation Plan 2022-2027 and the Redlands Coast Koala Conservation Action Plan 2022-2027. Any decision made now will be premature in light of these pending reviews.
  • Inconsistencies have been identified throughout the submitted material including habitat scoring, marginal habitat quality improvements and complete lack of benchmarking. This material requires a third-party forensic review for transparency.
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Signatures: 24,678Next goal: 25,000
Support now
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