10/10/2026
The opportunity to comment about plans to clear 1054 koala habitat trees at Double Jump Road in Victoria Point closes on Monday 12 October 2026.
The project, proposed by a subsidiary of Fiteni Homes, includes a 240 lot single-dwelling subdivision, two medium density residential areas, and a small commercial/retail area. The proponent proposes to offset the tree clearing in rural parts of the City of Ipswich through two 20-year agreements.
When the proposed development was first referred to the Federal Government in 2024, a number of comments were made by the Koala Action Group (KAG) arguing that the proposed tree clearing would impact adversely on endangered koalas.
It appears that Fiteni’s tree clearing plans for this site have not altered since the project was first referred to the Federal Government, so KAG’s key points remain valid criticisms of the Preliminary Documentation Report prepared by 28South.
Written submissions should be directed to Double Jump Road Residential Estate Development c/o 28South Environmental, Level 2, 354 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley, QLD, 4006. Email submissions should be directed to: [email protected] quoting Double Jump Road Residential Estate Development, EPBC 2024/09825.
Link to public notice about making comments: https://28south.com.au/publicly-advertised-documents-epbc-submissions/
KAG comments on Double Jump Road tree clearing plans
* The proposed removal of 1,054 non-juvenile koala habitat trees (NJKHTs) will result in substantial and irreversible habitat loss in an already fragmented landscape.
* Considering the amount of cleared land available on the site, the proposal must be reduced in scope to only develop in those cleared areas.
* Trees classified as movement habitat and paddock trees provide important habitat resources and connections between isolated patches of vegetation, supporting koala movement and survival.
* Farm dams on the site must be incorporated into stormwater infrastructure rather than be filled allowing some habitat trees in this area to be retained.
* The removal of mature habitat trees will reduce the availability of shelter, food and suitable habitat for koalas.
* Koala scats and scratches recorded on the site provide direct evidence of koala use, regardless of whether koalas were observed during surveys.
* The absence of recorded koala sightings does not demonstrate the absence of a resident population, home range or regular habitat use.
* The loss of mature trees and vegetation corridors will reduce landscape permeability, restrict koala movement and increase the isolation of remaining habitat.
* Habitat fragmentation may reduce breeding opportunities and genetic connectivity by restricting the movement of koalas between individuals and suitable habitat.
* The surrounding residential development will create a more restrictive landscape for koala movement, increasing the risk of isolation and further fragmentation of the local koala population.
* The cumulative loss of habitat across Victoria Point, Thornlands and Redland Bay through residential development, road widening and infrastructure has already reduced the availability of connected koala habitat.
* The remaining mature trees have increased ecological importance in an area already experiencing urban development and an increasingly fragmented landscape.
* The removal of mature trees will cause an immediate loss of established habitat that cannot be replaced by newly planted vegetation for decades.
* Newly planted trees will require considerable time to develop the size, structure and ecological function necessary to provide comparable food resources, shelter and movement opportunities for koalas.
* Revegetation cannot immediately compensate for the loss of mature habitat trees or restore the existing connectivity between habitat patches.
* The proposed removal of trees within and around conservation areas, open space, the local park and the multi-function spine will further reduce the availability and continuity of vegetation across the site.
* Additional tree removal associated with medium-density development next to Conservation Area 1 will contribute to further habitat loss and fragmentation.
* Earthworks, changes to landform, utility installation and stormwater infrastructure within conservation areas will damage existing vegetation, disturb habitat and reduce the ecological value of retained areas.
* Roads and other barriers through vegetated areas may restrict koala movement, increase the risk of vehicle strikes and separate koalas from essential habitat.
* Exclusion fencing around residential areas will create additional barriers to movement and prevent koalas from accessing otherwise suitable habitat.
* The loss of mature habitat trees and the fragmentation of remaining vegetation will increase koalas’ exposure to threats associated with urban environments, including vehicle strikes, dog attacks and reduced access to food and shelter.
* The proposed offset planting approximately 70 kilometres away in the City of Ipswich is completely unacceptable and will not directly replace the habitat, vegetation connectivity or ecological functions lost by the local koala population at Victoria Point.
* Retaining mature koala habitat trees and connected vegetation is essential to maintaining food resources, shelter, movement corridors, breeding opportunities and the long-term viability of the local koala population.
* The combined effects of mature tree removal, vegetation loss, habitat fragmentation and reduced connectivity will contribute to further decline of the Redlands koala population that has already experienced a catastrophic decline of about 90% since the early 2000’s.
Link to story on Redlands2030 website: https://redlands2030.net/koala-action-group-comments-about-double-jump-road-tree-clearing-plans/
