Logan and Albert Conservation Association
How can we better 'protect' koalas in SEQ?
Unless we take actions NOW the days of seeing koalas moving freely in the wild ie open bushland areas are numbered - and reducing daily where people and our human needs do not also consider other species in our "business as usual" daily lives.
That there is no koala chapter in the draft SEQ plan is incomprehensible and totally unacceptable Logan and Albert Conservation Association [LACA] members and Wildlife Logan members believe.
That public display depends on the Koala Inquiry and DEHP's Koala Unit is unacceptable. Regardless of any recommendations from these other bodies our iconic koala and its protection MUST be included in any planning / visionary planning for SEQ and other areas of Queensland where koalas are still surviving.
EXTENSION for deadline for submissions on the Vegetation Management (Reinstatement) Bill to
Friday 29 April 2016! - update provided by The Environmental Defenders Office Qld.
A hand written letter or text document can be posted / faxed to 07 3553 6699 / emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Postal address Research Director
Agriculture and Environment Committee
Parliament House
BRISBANE QLD 4000
Submissions must include:
To have this significant legislation re-instated is vitally important for the future well-being of the land and all species and ecosystems that rely on a healthy forested landscape. CLICK ON WWF image above to make your submission online to your local state MP. Not all members of the opposition - or independants - are opposed to re-instatement of this legislation. It is also an opportunity extend the legislation to close loopholes. As WWF point out The VMROLA Bill is already a significant compromise. Damaging loopholes remain and should be closed. Do we want a pro-fossil-fuel, anti-environmental Abbott-type government in office - permanently?
ISDS threats / agreements are currently part of TPP or TPPA Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement
Richard Ackland’s article in last weekend's 'The Saturday Paper' sums up the ISDS / Investor-State Dispute Settlement threat perfectly:
‘So here we have a potential for environmental protections to be struck down, and where the consequences would be to create a chilling effect on governments that contemplate the introduction of new laws and regulations in this area. It would be like having a pro-fossil-fuel, anti-environmental Abbott-type government permanently in office’
https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/opinion/topic/2016/02/13/trans-pacific-partnership-stall-climate-change-action/14552820002886
There remains a vital window of opportunity for us to press for the removal of ISDS provisions in the TPP: while the TPP agreement has now been accepted by Australia and the 11 other nations involved, it has not yet been ratified through parliament. This is expected to occur over the first half of this year. Labor and the Greens do not support ISDS in free trade agreements, but Labor may support the passing of TPP legislation including ISDS if there is not enough public outcry.
So building community awareness and lobbying Labor members and the Senate is crucial now.
Need to know more?
See the attached question and answer guide to knowing more about how ISDS in free trade deals will impact on our future capacity to protect unique Australian environment .
TransPacificPartnershipQuestionandAnswer.docx18/02/2016, 13:33
Contact Barry Fitzpatrick (LACA ISDS campaign leader) 0427002640
Last question in Q and A document: What can I do to stop the Turnbull Government from ratifying the TPP with ISDS?
A: Write to your local federal member and senators, objecting to the inclusion of ISDS in the TPP.
Urge them to support you in seeking a re-negotiation of the TPP without ISDS.
Write to each of the members of the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties http://www.aph.gov.au/jsct which will be providing a final report on the TPP before the Turnbull Government moves to ratify the agreement.
Above all, let as many people as you can know about the threat that ISDS poses not only to our future environmental regulations
but also social, health and internet regulations.
The Treaties Committee is empowered by its resolution of appointment to inquire into and report on 'matters arising from treaties and related National Interest Analysis and proposed treaty actions presented or deemed to be presented to the Parliament.' The Committee invites interested persons and organisations to make submissions for the the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) by Friday, 11 March 2016. Submissions for this inquiry can be lodged online via the link on this page. For information on how to make a submission, go to our Making a submission to a Parliamentary Inquiry page.
Membership of Treaties Committee can be found here.
Submission on Directions Paper: Better Planning for Queensland
Comments close 23 October 2015
Submit via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ADD YOUR VOICE
It is disappointing that Logan citizens were denied an opportunity to attend a local workshop with planners to gain better understanding of what the discussion paper means and its implications for future planning in Queensland.
Logan and Albert Conservation Association LACA exec members have shared concerns with the Environmental Defenders Office Qld EDQ, Queensland Conservation Council QCC, Friends of South-east Queensland group FOSEQ and Redlands 2030 who have each put together some very detailed and substantial documents for which we can also endorse support.
To illustrate three issues for protection Greenspace, Koala Habitat and Coastal Protection are missing from Planning Bills.
"Greenspace, Koala Habitat and Coastal Protection are missing" - BREC Brisbane Region Environment Council contact Ted Fensom
Please compose a brief submission - using any of the issues from LACA's submission which is attached. Please personalise as issues relate to you -or you are most concerned about.
Submission-on-Directions-Paper_BetterPlanningforQueensland_LACA_web.pdf351.05 KB22/10/2015, 13:35
The words of Edward Burke "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing" serve to remind us that silence on an issue is construed as its support. When economic gain surpasses and overrides significant social and planetary wellbeing those concerned must raise their voices.
BREC advises us of the following concerns:
The Greenspace provisions and green fauna infrastructure have been left out of the initial bill, provision of the ranges of parklands, trails, open space, and bushland, are largely no longer defined or compulsory, and six different programs covering a wider range of greenspace including recreation reserves, inter urban breaks and National Reserve System largely no longer exist. The future greenspace of Queensland will have to be subsidised by Ratepayers as the UDIA Policy is "no more contributions".
New Residential Infrastructure capping gaps in some cities will also have to be subsidised by Ratepayers. This fast track legislation trashing of decades of integrated interagency planning, environmental advice and public consultation is a developers dream he said . "This is a return to the 1980s Planning."
The Committee is inquiring into the administration, transparency and effectiveness of the Register of Environmental Organisations under the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.
On Thursday 26 March 2015 the Committee adopted an inquiry referred by the Minister for the Environment, the Hon Greg Hunt MP, asking the Committee to inquire into and report on the Register of Environmental Organisations.The Committee invites interested persons and organisations to make submissions
addressing the terms of reference by 21 May 2015.
For information on how to make a submission, go to our Making a submission to a Committee Inquiry page.
Additional useful information can be found on the Notes to help those intending to make a submission to a parliamentary committee inquiry page.
The House of Representatives Standing Committee on the Environment will inquire into and report on the administration and transparency of the Register of Environmental Organisations (the Register) and its effectiveness in supporting communities to take practical action to improve the environment.
LACA calls for strong climate action from State Government - to end ‘Alice in Blunderland’
We are celebrating our 25 years of advocacy and activism by calling a public meeting to urge the Newman Government to reverse its ‘Alice in Blunderland’ approach to climate change action and Reef protection.
LACA climate spokesperson Barry Fitzpatrick said LACA could not support the Government’s recently released draft Long Term Sustainability Plan to save the Great Barrier Reef, describing it as ‘completely useless’ because it lacks any commitment to take strong action to reduce the State’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Read Logan and Albert Conservation LACA submission here.LongTermSustainableReefPlan_LACA_submission_bf.pdf
‘It is really disappointing that, after a quarter of a century of campaigning , LACA still finds itself battling the same old political games around critically important environment issues like this.’
Members of the public are specially invited and welcome to attend our meeting which will be held at Kimberley College, Carbrook on Saturday 15 November, starting at 2.00 pm. Contact : Barry Fitzpatrick 0427002640
TIME IS RUNNING OUT FOR OUR KOALAS - submissions close 5pm 7 February 2014
TAKE ACTION HERE Quick online submission via IFAW can be sent via this link
So concerned for koalas is the International Fund for Animal Welfare IFAW they have an online petition to Peter Wright Director, Species Information and Policy Section, Department of Environment concerning the Draft EPBC Act referral guidelines for koalas.
LACA Logan and Albert Conservation Association agrees with IFAW's conclusion that
If the government's Koala Referral Guidelines get the green light, it will legalise the destruction of vital koala habit. We urgently need your help as the 7th February deadline to prevent further koala deaths is looming. Let’s find a way to stop the bulldozers.
The latest proposed 'referral guidelines' are just another nail in the coffin, putting profit before protection. We need your help to let the Government know that this approach isn't good enough and that they must do much more if we are to save this precious Aussie icon.
Please write to the Government today making your views known. IFAW have drafted a submission the text follows below.
I am writing to you as an Australian animal lover to express my deep concern about the draft referral guidelines for koalas (combined populations of Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory).
These draft guidelines are not robust enough to ensure that potentially damaging developments are submitted for referral and scrutiny.
• Many areas important to the survival of koalas in urban and semi-urban areas are deemed not to need referral.
• The scoring system for determining which koala habitats are referred is flawed, with only habitats achieving high scores of 8+ needing to be referred, ignoring those still critical koala habitats that may not make the grade.
• Cumulative impacts have been completely ignored.
These draft guidelines would potentially allow extremely risky and damaging developments to proceed without proper assessment and without the opportunity for community or public scrutiny and consultation. This is a recipe for the continued demise of koala populations.
The threatened species referral measures under the EPBC Act need to be applied with rigour and a high degree of precaution and priority if they are to have any impact in protecting koalas. These guidelines are a step in the opposite direction – opening the door for unsustainable development to destroy habitats vital for koala survival.
As a priority a robust National Recovery Plan for the koala must be developed and implemented. This must include follow-up mechanisms to guarantee the continuation and improvement of coordinated management and conservation efforts for the species, ensuring that the populations not covered by the EPBC Act also are considered.
Australian Koala Foundation has also condemned the Draft EPBC Act referral guidelines for koalas.
You can read more from AKF here
Save the koala media release is scathing of the guidelines and their intention ending
“We have little faith that the EPBC Act or these guidelines will achieve much for the Koala. Indeed the only reason we have made this submission is to ensure our position is on the record. The only way to achieve true protection for the Koala will be to get the Koala Protection Act passed in Federal Parliament. And we will,” says Tabart.
Time is short but a short submission is all that is needed.
Guidelines website linked here states "These draft guidelines have been developed in consultation with Koala experts, ecological consultants and state government representatives. The public comment period provides an opportunity for wider consultation with stakeholders. Feedback is welcomed on all aspects of the guidelines and all comments received will be considered in the finalisation of this document."
Comments may be submitted in an Excel, Word or PDF format. Comments must be submitted to:
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
See also what Wildlife Queensland had to say about the guidelines - concluding
However, is it too little, too late? The Government at all levels has known what to do to ensure a sustainable coexistence between koalas and humans for decades, yet has chosen instead to prioritise anthropological development over the protection of prime koala habitat and the preservation of a national icon. Wildlife Queensland lives in hope that appropriate action will be taken before it is too late. Our children’s children should have the right to view the koala in the wild.
The LNP has approved the Loganlea to Jimboomba High Voltage Power Line.
This time next year we will POTENTIALLY have huge concrete poles throughout Logan Village & Jimboomba. See first-hand the poles that will damage our environment, make our community less liveable & make our power bills even more expensive.
Please come to Jimboomba Sub-station on Camp Cable Rd (opposite Maryland Rd).
Saturday, 1st December at 1.00pm.
Show your Xmas spirit & support those people directly affected – it will only take about 20 minutes.
IT IS NOT A SINGLE ISOLATED ISSUE! ALL OF US will be impacted by poor decisions - especially local wildlife that are little valued by many unless as a specimen in a zoo.
COME ALONG TO PROTECT LOCAL KOALAS who co-exist harmoniously with local landholders, and also the cryptic elusive quoll.
COME ALONG TO PROTEST FURTHER DEGRADATION OF LOGAN RIVER
- 5 or more crossings
This time next year should be subject to all approvals being met by conditions imposed by federal compliance agencies for EBPC Act. Because LACA Logan and Albert Conservation Association communicates our concerns to federal agencies wherever matters of national significance are concerned ie quolls and more recently koalas, Energex is aware that they are required to refer the matter to the department.
When the matter is referred it will be open for public comment on the departments website
http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/epbc/epbc_ap.pl?name=invitation_to_comment&limit=999&text_search=
TIME FOR COMMENT IS ONLY 10 DAYS so we need to make sure we can submit on time.
This being so I am concerned about the minister's statement that
'Energex would begin preliminary works before the end of the year, with the project expected to be completed toward the end of 2014.' Possibly refers to obtaining land from landowners. No Christmas cheer there!
Having this happen over Christmas period also challenges us to be aware of opportunity to put in submissions.
Flinders Karawatha Corridor - vision and planning for future
The Flinders Karawatha Corridor (the corridor) is recognised for its significant conservation, recreation, cultural heritage and social values. It is identified as a 'Landscape corridor' in the section Desired Regional Outcome 3.2 of the South East Queensland Regional Plan (SEQRP 2009-2031). A 'Landscape corridor' is defined under the Desired Regional Outcome 3.2 of the SEQRP as:
• Lineal areas with current or potential high confluence of landscape values and ecosystem services that have the capacity to improve connectivity between core landscape areas, people, places, infrastructure and ecosystems.
The corridor extends 60km from Karawatha Forest in Brisbane's outer suburbs to south of Ipswich at Flinders Peak and on to the Wyaralong Dam near Boonah.
Four local government areas fall within the corridor: Brisbane, Logan and Ipswich City Councils, and Scenic Rim Regional Council.
CLICK ON MAP TO GO TO DERM website look at or download maps
Have your say
Comments and ideas from landowners and the wider community are critical to the success of the Flinders Karawatha Corridor Project. You can send your feedback to:
The Community NRM Officer
SEQ Catchments
PO Box 13204
George St QLD 4003
Or email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Submissions and feedback close on Friday 16 December 2011 at 5:00 pm.
Within the northern Logan section we are concerned that we encourage government to include low lying bioregional areas to provide connectivity for wildlife to move east-west, not just north-south in higher altitude areas.
http://www.nrm.qld.gov.au/land/planning/pdf/fkc-admin-plan_ap21302.pdf provides black and white not to scale map
http://www.nrm.qld.gov.au/land/planning/pdf/fkc-conserv-rec-areas.pdf updated 2013
Quarry Action Group - Cryna quarry expansion
Friday 4 November is the last day to object to the expansion of the Cryna quarry. Linked letter may help you with the formalities of lodging your objection. List the reasons that concern you in your objection.
If you live south of Beaudesert and travel on the Mt Lindesay Highway you will share the road with all of the quarry traffic. If your children or grandchildren go to St Mary's they will be affected by the increased traffic. Much of the extra heavy vehicle traffic generated will disperse northbound so Beaudesert and other little towns in the area will all have an increase in traffic. The many objections to the Mega Quarry proposed in Kerry Valley are also applicable.
Download a letter template you can adapt to express your concerns here.
Cryna_Quarry_Objection_sample.doc 62.50 Kb 30/10/2011, 16:59
Please also visit group website here where you can read aome amazing breaking news which we believe should establish a president for quarry traffic on roads. http://www.quarryactiongroup.org.au/files/CourtDecision.pdf and http://www.quarryactiongroup.org.au/files/SRRCLetter.pdf
A Quarry Action Group traffic study was very scathing of the developers assessment as the developer's report used old traffic data and gave little attention to improving the road to makeit safe for this level of traffic. A full copy of the traffic study can be found by clicking this link. http://www.quarryactiongroup.org.au/files/TrafficStudy.pdf