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19 Comments

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1. I strongly oppose this application for the following reasons: the area in question is a very unique pocket of long term acreage properties bordered by Environmental park which is home to abundant wildlife, backing onto a creek with platypus, various parks and only 3 culdisac roads. Recent development in this area has increased the traffic flow resulting in many wildlife casualties. Mine will be a property sandwiched in between recent development and this proposed development. We have no intention of moving as this has been our piece of paradise for the last 21 years but fear we are going to be disadvantaged as a result of this proposal. Both properties in question are very heavily treed with significant gums and a spring fed dam. How will this environment be protected within this development with the strict new clearing laws passed in February 2020 ?? Also the proposed road will have a further impact asthe road entrance is at the decline of a hill and very close proximity to a sharp bend at the bottom of the hill where already speeding cars have had near misses.

2. I oppose the application due the the flooding impact on the area, apparently there will be no impact on the wildlife which I disagree on. We have Koalas coming back to the area which has taken approx. 6 years since the last development. It will impact Sheepstation creek flood levels and McLoughlin Road access already has flooding on in which is an impact especially if emergency services need access, they can't get in. Your making a beautiful acreage area into suburbia, is there not enough development now. It just impacts so many other things. The infrastructure in the area is already appalling. It needs to stop and the speeding traffic is a huge concern with in the area especially with walkers, horse riders and the overall peace and quiet.

3. I object strongly to this application on a number of grounds.

   1. There are a number of koalas that are known to inhabit the land in question. One was sighted only last week (16/12/20). Koalas inhabit the entire area around the land in question and they are already being placed under stress due to habitat destruction. How is it possible or acceptable to approve a development as large as this in a “Koala Corridor”. This application places an already struggling koala and kangaroo population at further risk.

   2. Sheep Station Creek and surrounding area is environmentally significant with significant and large habitat trees and animal populations. A development such as this will have impacts on the broader environment which sits immediately on the doorstep of this proposed housing area.
   The application claims that it will protect existing trees etc as much as possible however, there has already been excavators and clearing on the land in question. We also know the developers history of completely clearing land once development had been approved (see developers previous development sights for evidence of this).

   3. The road infrastructure in this area is already extremely lacking, with a steep slope and a dangerous existing corner, the addition of another intersection ( adding a minimum of 11 additional road users) will be extremely dangerous to other road users. I feel the road infrastructure proposed is grossly inadequate for the number of blocks.

   4. Flooding impacts this entire area significantly. At times, access to this area is limited and altering terrain and land forms poses risk to existing land owners and the environment. We feel the measures taken on the Development Application are insufficient in terms of flooding preparation.

   I ask that the council seriously reconsider this application and support our community in protecting this unique and environmentally significant area.

4. I would also like to make another objection as it appears that the overland stormwater flow will continue along Rangeview Road and appears that they want to use the easement on my land that has never been maintained by council only by myself and I do not believe that my property should be further impacted with more water to increase the floods levels that have already been imposed on my property.

5. I oppose the application based on the significant impact it will have on the local area. As I understand it, the koala habitat is present and further development clearing will have an impact on the habitat.

6. I am a local resident and I object strongly to this application on several grounds.
   1. Observing other subdivision developments which this developer has hand a hand in (info available on line), we see very heavy, to total, clearing of ecologically and environmentally significant trees. These trees are crucial for many reasons including, but not limited to, habitat and mitigation of “heat island effect” which blights many modern subdivisions with insufficient trees and significant paved surfaces. I remind all concerned that we are in an environmentally sensitive area with Sheep Station Creek and its riparian zone as well as Sheep Station Creek Conservation Park nearby. The recent subdivision developments along McLoughlin Road and J Dobson Rd have already had an obvious negative effect on native fauna – koalas, kangaroos, bird species - and flora. This proposed development will further exacerbate this issue. This is already obvious to any honest person.
   2. The proposed residential subdivision adds to flood risk in the area. This area is naturally affected by seasonal flooding, but clearing of the land, modifications of ground levels and contours, and the removal of larger trees allows for higher water run off velocities into catchments which create more severe flooding and erosion of precious top soils. The proposed development is part the way up a steep hill and the aforementioned effects are even more likely to occur due to the elevations and land contours relevant.
   3. Infrastructure is already appallingly insufficient for the growing population in the local area. Roads (esp. McLoughlin and Rangeview) are often too narrow, drains and bridges cannot cope with even moderate flooding, there are no bus stops for our children when travelling to and from school, intersections and corners can become dangerous, etc. By increasing the population even more we further exacerbate the issues. What contributions will the developer make to at least neutralise the effect of scores of extra residents? If recent developments are a guide, the answer is “insufficient”.
   I ask that the council seriously reconsider this application and support our community in protecting this unique and environmentally significant area. We have already seen many examples of devastation in the last 18 months in our immediate area. We are not fooled by the 3000 square metre average block size, as we have already seen a significant number of such blocks with their very large brick houses, with large 4 bay sheds, large concrete or paved driveways, no trees and numerous cars littering the footpaths or kerbs. People frequently have a tendency to build up to their block size, and in the process a semi-rural pocket is turned into an environmentally impoverished suburbia.

7. I strongly oppose this development for the following reasons as previously stated
   1. Our property will be seriously compromised by this proposal as we will be the only five acre block sandwiched between future development on all 3 sides of our boundaries. We have lived in this piece of unique paradise for the past 21 years and we find it very bewildering that our property has also been included in this subdivision on the plans submitted to council even though we have never been approached by said developer. Rumour has it that the 3 x 10 acre properties bordering our back boundary have accepted an offer also to sell the back parts of their properties. This will seriously compromise the creek system which flows directly into sheep station creek. This creek is already prone to flooding during wet weather so another development is going to be devastating to this area. I am completely at a loss to understand the reasoning behind this development. It seems that it is only the $$$$signs that is clouding people’s minds. There seems to be no thought towards the abundance of wildlife in this area. We have already had recent sightings of koalas returning to the area since the destruction of their habitat when 3 x 5acre blocks were developed on McLoughlin road and most of the tall gum trees were cleared to make way for houses. Tony Latter was present when this koala sighting occurred. This once pristine area had been turned into a desolate dust bowl with heavy machinery working constantly, trucks travelling up and down a very narrowed road due to the earthworks. Since the recent developments in McLoughlin road and Rangeview road, there is already a great increase in traffic, speeding cars and cars parked on and adjacent to footpaths. This decreases the sighting distance for oncoming cars. The properties in this proposed development are all very heavily treed with large significant gums being home to much wildlife. Where does council propose for these animals to go once all land is cleared of trees even though there was a strict new laws imposed on tree clearing in February 2020 which developers choose to ignore. Why not keep these housing developments to within a few kilometres of the rail corridors where there is less impact on our already fragile acreage environment. I would like to extend an invitation to all councillors to visit this area before making any decision on this proposal, to come and appreciate the beauty of this area, to witness the wildlife, to also witness the destruction on J. Dobson and McLoughlin roads caused by previous development activity, and also see how this area will be compromised further if this development is approved.

8. Our family has lived within a 2km radius of this proposed development site since the year 2000 (20 years), & more recently, we moved our family to Rangeview Road. We STRONGLY oppose this application for all of the above valid reasons, as listed by our fellow concerned community members. I would also like to add some additional points that I hope will be considered by council:

   1) Safety of our children - we have chosen to raise our three children in this unique, serene & quiet area so that they can have a little freedom to ‘be kids’. Such a rare & priceless thing these days! They run, ride their bikes, walk their pony & dogs, bush walk through & explore Sheepstation Creek. Many of our neighbours enjoy peaceful & relaxing trail rides along McLoughlin & Rangeview Roads, & into Sheepstation Creek Reserve, on their horses daily. With an increase in traffic on these roads, this will sadly no longer be possible.

   Both McLoughlin & Rangeview Roads contain sharp bends, blind corners & in parts, are too narrow to allow two cars to cross paths at the same time. Both roads are ‘dead ends’. There is no space to even turn around at the end of Rangeview, which means cars have no choice but to drive up onto the footpath areas (where our kids play) to exit.

   2) The top of McLoughlin Road is a safety issue. It is so totally unsafe for two cars to pass each other at the same time due to the bend in the road & the narrowness. I often have to pull my car off the road to avoid oncoming cars turning into McLoughlin Road from J Dobson.

   3) Turning out of McLoughlin Road onto J Dobson Road is dangerous. Please council members - come & observe for yourselves! The sharp bend on J Dobson Road has drivers cutting the corner all day long. Increased traffic using McLoughlin Road is a tragedy waiting to happen.

   4) Wildlife. If it’s not oncoming traffic we’re dodging, it’s wildlife. Thanks to the complete devastation of much of the land along J Dobson Road by developers in preparation for ‘emerging community’ aka rabbit warren living, the wildlife have nowhere to go. The kangaroos are hanging out by the roadside playing chicken with cars. Most of us locals have the sense to drive slowly, but once again, opening these two roads up to additional traffic, as well as devastating more land for this proposed development, is a recipe for disaster. Already, there are dead kangaroos & possums sighted daily on these two roads. I dread the day we see a deceased koala - they’ve only just started coming back to the area with recent sightings in Rangeview.

   5) More houses = more traffic = even more traffic issues further up the road. At peak times, such as morning school drop off times, the cars banked back along all of the roads that turn onto Oakey Flat Road is a serious issue. Our children, along with many other children in our neighbourhood, attend schools in Burpengary and Narangba. The cars banked back each & every morning trying to turn right onto Oakey Flat Road, Is often 10+ cars deep. This includes Nairn Road, Madeline Drive & Forest Hills Road. We are now at the point where we just have to accelerate fast, go & hope for the best. There are simply no breaks in the Oakey Flat Road traffic at that peak time of the morning.

   How can these roads in our area POSSIBLY cope with increased traffic as a result of more houses being squished into the area? How can increased traffic on these inadequately planned roads be considered safe & in the best interest of our local community? Where will the wildlife go? Where will the kids play? Where will the horses be ridden?

   This bushy, serene & peaceful pocket of ours is unique, & it needs to be protected & saved to provide a safe haven for our wildlife & our future generations.

9. In summary to my earlier comments, this unique & environmentally sensitive pocket of Morayfield West, which includes McLoughlin & Rangeview Roads, as well as Adelong & Coolbart Court, should be left as is. It is unsuitable for further development in every aspect. It consists of four ‘no through roads’ & is bordered by beautiful Sheep Station Creek Conservation Park - home to Platypus, Koalas, Kangaroos & many more precious wildlife species.

   We are not asking for road improvements to our pocket of bushy paradise. We the locals love & respect the wildlife we share our neighbourhood with. We drive slowly & cautiously. We give way to the animals. We allow them to pass across the road safely.

   We respect each other by displaying patience, courtesy & care towards each other as we navigate the narrow roads, sharp bends & blind corners safely.

   When we spot our neighbours ahead on horses, we slow down, we move over & we are ready to completely stop if signalled by the rider to do so. We give both the rider & the horse the space they need & deserve to enjoy their leisure ride safely.

   When we see our kids on their bikes, scooters, running for fitness, playing in their front yards, we slow down, we drive carefully & we let them be kids.

   We can continue to maintain this harmonious balance with our wildlife & each other now as things are, however, all this will change if these proposed developments are allowed to go ahead.

   The development on McLoughlin Road currently underway is already a major concern. 16 blocks I believe. What does this mean for that dangerous T-intersection at the top of McLoughlin Road we navigate daily? What does this mean for the already alarming mortality rates of the wildlife? (As a result of the recent devastation & destruction of majority of the land along J Dobson Road by property developers, much of the surviving wildlife have relocated to our pocket - it’s their last remaining safe haven). 16 houses - most houses have at least two cars. That’s a huge increase in traffic volume using these roads. These roads have not been planned, designed or built to cope with this volume of traffic. Adding another 11 houses as per this proposal (& potentially lots more), on top of this 16 is ludicrous & I believe negligent.

   The destruction & devastation of more land, as well as an increase in traffic volume, will warrant a complete town planning overhaul of the entire area. Why?? For what reasons?? There’s no schools, shops, bus stops or train stations within this immediate area. Currently, there’s no need.

   No overhaul needed if we leave things the way they are - large pre-existing acreage properties. Denying any further development in this area will ensure limited traffic volume of which the existing roads can safely accomodate, and the wildlife will be given a chance at survival.

   We ask that the council considers the protection & preservation of this unique pocket of sensitive environment as it’s top priority.

10. I oppose this development because I believe the contents of the application does not adequately mitigate the risks created by this development.
    
    Our objection includes but is not limited to the following:
    
    1.Waste Water Management Plan:
    The applicants water management plan states the development will potentially produce an additional 2.6million litres of treated effluent each year. The disposal of this effluent will be via irrigation. The irrigation area is located uphill from a dam which is proposed to be altered during the development. The dam is proposed to capture storm water runoff and due to location and quantity of treated effluent being pumped out the and the natural topography of the land I believe the risk of this dam becoming contaminated is extremely likely. The water in the dam is used by a significant number of local wildlife and the risk of this wildlife becoming sick due to drinking this water is also very likely and has not been adequately addressed in the waste water management plan.

    The likelihood of the of the dwelling’s adhering to the use of diversion mounds and the irrigation locations proposed by the applicant is also unlikely and difficult to enforce in the future after the new lots are occupied, further increasing the risks associated with contamination of the proposed dam.
    
    2. Storm Water Management Letter:
    The application proposes to fill an existing dam located in the MBRC identified overland flow area, and to place a new dwelling within the overland flow area. The storm water management letter proposed that altering an adjacent existing dam will capture the additional stormwater runoff created by the development and the filling in of and existing dam located in the overland flow area. I fail to see how this is possible and find no evidence within the storm water management letter to explain how it will be achieved. The risk of additional storm water entering adjacent properties remains to high and should be investigated further.
    
    3. Clearing of trees and habitat used by local fauna:
    When we overlay the proposed development with satellite images it reveals that the location of the proposed road, fence lines and new dwellings would require significant removal of the existing flora. Conservative estimate would be approximately 80% of the existing trees would need to be removed. In the town planning report it states that: “the site is located within the Koala Priority Area” and goes on to say that “the proposed development seeks to maintain trees where possible and appropriate. It is considered that where trees are required to be removed, they can be suitably off set by nest boxes in the area”. I find it difficult to believe that where 80% of the existing trees are to be removed that these could possible adequately replaced by nest boxes considering the limited number of trees that will remain. I believe that this development will indeed result in the loss of fauna habitat and that the request for council to include the no net loss of fauna habitat should be further investigated by the council.
    

11. My key concern for turning 2 lots into 11 is how these developments meet the criteria for the rural residential zoning.

    The MBRC website defines these areas with
    an amenity and character with a strong open area, semi-rural or bushland presence and scope for further planting. I do not agree that adding a large number of smaller 3000sqm blocks lined up next to one another in a limited space meets this definition.

    MBRC also states this zoning should limit further subdivision of land in certain areas. With so many developments happening in close proximity in a short period of time this statement should apply to protect the rural characteristics of the area and more importantly protect the flora and fauna.

    Wildlife are regularly seen using these open spaces as a thoroughfare and area to retreat amongst the many larger developments already tarnishing the area.

    Developments turning 2 lots to 11 is a concern and I believe the continuation to approve these type of developments does not meet the characteristics defined by this zoning.

12. We are strongly opposed to this planned development just like some of our neighbour’s comments above as well as the details below.
    We have recently moved to the area, and we selected this location due to its natural beauty and wildlife. We wanted to raise our children in an area where there was an abundance of wildlife and bushland pockets to teach them a better understanding of these areas and importance of keeping places like this not just for the wildlife but for future generations to come. When we first came to the area J Dobson road had mobs of Kangaroos which we would see daily much to the excitement or our children, now the development has started they have cleared all the trees and vegetation we are lucky to see 1 or 2, there used to be properties filled with animals. When such large clearings like this are conducted for development purposes how can this NOT have a heavy impact on the wildlife that called this home as well as a negative environmental impact. For a Semi rural area, I cannot understand why you would let a suburban development take all of this away.
    The proposed sight of the new development there is already evidence of newly knocked down trees and vegetation which was all completed prior to this application being submitted. Before any of this happened, we could look down our property passed the paddocks into the trees and see an abundance of birds and wildlife including Kolas, whom you could also hear at nighttime. Now we see roof tops and lights from the homes towards the end of Rangeview road. Areas such as these need to be stopped from future developments these are all areas which wildlife including endangered animals share their time in other than just the Sheep station creek conservation park, animals do not just live in the small areas we decide they should. This passage direct from the Sheep station creek management plan states the importance of keeping the area near this reserve protected -. "The condition of the vegetation and habitat within and between reserves is an important factor in resilience to climate change (Mansergh and Cheal 2007).Off-reserve conservation efforts provide an important complement to the protected area reserve system inresponding effectively to climate change. A high level of natural connectivity improves the likelihood of survival of species by supporting large populations and a range of microhabitats (Mackey et al 2008). ''

    The road and resource infrastructure are not designed in this area to take even the number of houses still due to be developed, this will cause congestion and ruin the roads, this is something we are already feeling the impacts of when the Bruce highway is banked up and people try and use the backroads to beat the traffic.

    The area also no longer feels safe to take my young children on bike rides to the local park due to the increase in traffic and trucks already, the roads nature strip areas are not wide enough to move safely off the road.

    The recent unfinished development on McLoughlin road which has been left in a such a state I am sure it would be considered unsafe this has been untouched on the Christmas period. We do not want to see this happening again in our area with more deployments happening. We used to see many animals on these blocks before they cleared all the trees including the street trees. These trees used to be a habitat for bats and a flock of Cockatoos which numbers have appeared to be dropped in the area. They have also been approved to only allocated a handful of street trees as part of the replant which will not be enough for the wildlife who used to call this home, and I cannot understand how this would be allowed.
    Can you please consider this all carefully before you make any decisions regarding this application?

13. We are strongly opposed to this planned development just like some of our neighbour’s comments above as well as the details below.
    We have recently moved to the area, and we selected this location due to its natural beauty and wildlife. We wanted to raise our children in an area where there was an abundance of wildlife and bushland pockets to teach them a better understanding of these areas and importance of keeping places like this not just for the wildlife but for future generations to come. When we first came to the area J Dobson road had mobs of Kangaroos which we would see daily much to the excitement or our children, now the development has started they have cleared all the trees and vegetation we are lucky to see 1 or 2, there used to be properties filled with animals. When such large clearings like this are conducted for development purposes how can this NOT have a heavy impact on the wildlife that called this home as well as a negative environmental impact. For a Semi rural area, I cannot understand why you would let a suburban development take all this away.
    The proposed sight of the new development there is already evidence of newly knocked down trees and vegetation which was all completed prior to this application being submitted. Before any of this happened, we could look down our property passed the paddocks into the trees and see an abundance of birds and wildlife including Koalas, whom you could also hear at night-time. Now we see roof tops and lights from the homes towards the end of Rangeview road. Areas such as these need to be stopped from future developments these are all areas which wildlife including endangered animals share their time in other than just the Sheep station creek conservation park, animals do not just live in the small areas we decide they should. This passage direct from the Sheep station creek management plan states the importance of keeping the area near this reserve protected -. "The condition of the vegetation and habitat within and between reserves is an important factor in resilience to climate change (Mansergh and Cheal 2007).Off-reserve conservation efforts provide an important complement to the protected area reserve system inresponding effectively to climate change. A high level of natural connectivity improves the likelihood of survival of species by supporting large populations and a range of microhabitats (Mackey et al 2008). ''

    The road and resource infrastructure are not designed in this area to take even the number of houses still due to be developed, this will cause congestion and ruin the roads, this is something we are already feeling the impacts of when the Bruce highway is banked up and people try and use the backroads to beat the traffic.

    The area also no longer feels safe to take my young children on bike rides to the local park due to the increase in traffic and trucks already, the roads nature strip areas are not wide enough to move safely off the road.

    The recent unfinished development on McLoughlin road which has been left in a such a state I am sure it would be considered unsafe this has been untouched on the Christmas period. We do not want to see this happening again in our area with more deployments happening. We used to see many animals on these blocks before they cleared all the trees including the street trees. These trees used to be a habitat for bats and a flock of Cockatoos which numbers have appeared to be dropped in the area. They have also been approved to only allocated a handful of street trees as part of the replant which will not be enough for the wildlife who used to call this home, and I cannot understand how this would be allowed.
    Can you please consider this all carefully before you make any decisions regarding this application?

14. I agree whole heartedly with all the submissions on this application so I am not going to repeat them.
    As a long standing resident here have seen some of these developments already started here and I do not feel they are compatible with the nature of our area, in fact it is destroying it . If we are serious as a people to care for our small space on this beautiful planet we need to rethink how we develop land as this current model of clearing any or all trees is creating greater isolated fragments that are destroying the wildlife.
    This is why we live here. These developers break clearing laws constantly and just pay fines. This should not be able to happen but it does time and time again.
    As our elected council we are asking you to rethink the existing models for the area and help us not only maintain the last of these large remaining trees but start replanting more to enhance the surrounding areas of Sheep station Creek Reserve. Please

15. Disagree

    The bush in the local area is already disappearing due to greedy developers & in the 19yrs I've been in the area, there are definitely less Kangaroos and other native wildlife around & when you do see them, they are in more & more populated areas foraging for food.

    Let the wild life have a place to call home.

16. Reasons for Objection.

    Impact on wildlife- substantial clearing has already taken place on both J Dobson and McLoughlin Roads. I’ve personally spotted two koalas in the past month so they are around, but struggling. Clearing these blocks will only exacerbate the problem as habitat will not be replaced. Surely this area is considered a buffer zone for Sheep Station Creek Conservation Park?

    Impact on traffic - 11 subdivision blocks will in theory bring a minimum 11 more vehicles onto the rural residential road. However, in reality it will be 22 to 30 vehicles as most new homeowners own more than one vehicle. This will also be reflected in wildlife roadkill.

    Impact on lifestyle - It is my understanding that the regional town plan allows for similar developments within 10 km of business hub. Surely it would make sense to work outwards from this hub, with subdivisions being built progressively.

    Impact on stormwater drainage and flooding. The proposed amount of houses is not relative to existing infrastructure. Proposed road infrastructure does not seem enough, taking into consideration the amount of possible vehicles.

17. This development proposal should be rejected as it is not a true representation of what the developer intends to do to the area it is only a first stage.
    Other properties bordering these ones are in negotiation which will extend the proposed road through these two properties in Rangeview Road.
    This area does not have the infrastructure of roads or drainage mitigation to handle this increase.
    In a recent meeting with council representatives including Councillor Tony Latter a number of residents including myself was informed that the current flooding issues in the area would not be addressed by council due to cost.
    This developer has intentions of extending through a much greater area than proposed and will be impacting an already overloaded area.
    Council would be wise to review the subdivision overlay for this area unless a major amount of money is allocated to address this.
    As a resident here for over 20 years I am deeply concerned for what is happening to the extensive clearing of large native trees and further fragmenting of wildlife corridors.

    It is eroding the lifestyle of the existing residents and putting a massive strain on the Wildlife especially the vulnerable and protected species of Koalas and Platypus .

18. As you must becoming aware now, most residents in and around Rangeview Road have lived in the area for around 20 years. You also must be asking the question “why” when most people re-locate a lot more often than this!
    The reason is that we chose to live in a more rural area, where it is ( was ) nice and quiet, we could have our little hobby farms with animals. We live amongst slots of wild life harmoniously, kids can ride their bikes around without the fear of getting hit by a speeding motorist etc.
    You are taking away this lifestyle from all that chose to live here and allowing developers to basically destroy this area which we love.
    If you really take a close look at JDobson road and see that that whole area has been totally cleared and atm looks baron, and soon will be filled with lots of houses on small blocks, McLaughlan roads newest sub division where it has also been totally cleared with 16 house blocks going in. Can you really say it has improved the area??? We do not want wider busy roads, street lighting, heaps more traffic etc!!!
    I understand, from a trusted source, that the developments along Oakey Flat Road ( and new off streets ) has not only Brough a lot more traffic BUT ALSO THE CRIME RATE AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HAS INCREASED DRAMATICALLY!
    The above is alone a major road so I can understand better the development, but please leave our peaceful pocket that we all moved here for and love, alone.

19. I support the the development .The old dumpy properties around here are developed into very smart semi rural properties with still sufficient space for the occupant to enjoy the local environment. As the homes built are usually above average in cost it usually attracts a better type of resident as well..
    The roads & drainage in the immediate area are greatly improved going on similar developments in the area..
    .

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