The Pullenvale Reserve has long been a topic of discussion with the Kenmore Bridge Club eyeing the place for conversion into a 40-space carpark. On 8 July 2016, the Brisbane City Council approved the development plan.
Majority of the Community Against the Development
Landpartners Ltd, the company behind the development proposal, is facing stiff opposition from numerous residents who have been vocal in expressing their disapproval over the application. During the review stage, the council received 252 objection letters versus 137 submissions of support for the development. Most of the objections were about the inconsistencies with the application whilst the letters of support were mainly personal opinions about the development.
The reserve is considered a public reserve owned by the State Government of Queensland. The council is considered a trustee of the reserve, vested with the responsibility of maintaining and managing the land.
A number of locals are very disappointed with the approval of the development application, which to them a significant lifestyle change. Pullenvale residents currently enjoy a peaceful, semi-rural lifestyle. Some think that the development will have a huge environmental impact considering that the area is home to native wildlife especially koalas and native birds.
Save The Reserve, Save The Koalas
In light of this, those who are against the development continue to hold their ground and fight for the reserve. There are new tree signages at the reserve that are meant to identify likely koala trees. This follows the Australian Koala Foundation’s analysis of the area, which revealed that the koala activity in the area is at 23%.
The CEO of AKF, Deborah Tabart, is calling out to the council to have the reserve protected and to provide the locals with certainty on the plans about the reserve. To strengthen their support, the AKF is now holding a Tree Planting and BBQ Day at the reserve on 21 October at 3:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend and AKF experts. will also educate attendees on the importance of biodiversity of parklands.
Today, the development has been stalled due lack of funds. The community has taken advantage of the lull to keep on fighting for the reserve.