Koalas and rural residential character preserved in Planning Scheme
Published 11 September 2024
Koala habitat and rural residential character have both been preserved in a win-win for the Warner community, thanks to City of Moreton Bay’s latest update to its Planning Scheme.
These changes were adopted by Council last week through the Better Housing Amendment, which targets five planning policy areas raised by residents.
Mayor Peter Flannery said City of Moreton Bay had agreed to reduce the southern and western boundaries of the Warner Investigation Area to better reflect community feedback on the importance of protecting the natural environment, particularly local koala habitat.
“One of the greatest features of living in City of Moreton Bay is our connection to the beautiful local environment,” he said,
“These changes to the Warner Investigation Area boundaries will protect an area of significant environmental value to the west which is recognised by the State Government’s koala mapping.
“This means koala habitat in that area will remain untouched for wildlife to enjoy for many years to come.
“While we were doing our consultation with the community it became apparent that there was another significant opportunity to address the needs of the Warner community.
“We also reduced the southern boundary of the investigation area to preserve the existing rural residential character.
“This means zoning and existing subdivision controls will remain unchanged in our Planning Scheme and clarifies Council’s position on future development in the area.
“This is a major win for the people of Warner who’ve told us through significant consultation that this is what they want.”
Councillor Cath Tonks (Div 9) said this was a massive win for the local community.
“As the councillor for Division 9, I know how important it is for Warner residents to retain their connection to nature,” she said.
“They’ve told myself and Council loud and clear that this is what they want, so I’m proud that Council was able to reduce the footprint of the Warner Investigation Area to positively impact our local koala population.
“Council has a number of initiatives to support our local koala and wildlife populations too, from habitat tree plantings; our Green Infrastructure Program which builds crossings, underpasses and koala fencing to protect them from vehicles; to our Land Buyback for Environmental Purposes program; and our current push to build a wildlife hospital in Dakabin.
“City of Moreton Bay is looking after our residents and wildlife too.”
This is just one of many changes to the Planning Scheme thanks to the Better Housing Amendment. View the changes in more detail by visiting our website.