pullenvale reserve Archives

Bird Box Installation Ongoing at Pullenvale Reserve to Protect Unique Species

Did you know that the Pullenvale Reserve is home to a beautiful array of birds, such as Sugar Gliders, rare Great Gliders, Feathertail Gliders, Brush-tailed Phascogale, Yellow-footed Antechinus, Fawn-footed Melomys, Microbats, Lorikeets, Eastern Rosella, Wood Ducks, Boobook Owl, Owlet Nightjar, and Galahs?

To ensure that their habitats won’t be threatened by urbanisation or any other development, the local community came together to install bird boxes to encourage more species to live in the natural richness of the reserve.

The locals also sought help from Cr Greg Adermann and Habitat Brisbane in identifying the species and their locations so that more bird boxes will be installed.

“I agreed to commit some funds from my 2021/22 Suburban Enhancement Fund for a number of nest boxes that can cater for a wide range of these mammals and birds,” Mr Adermann said.

The first six bird boxes were distributed and installed along Pullenvale Road and more will be added in the coming months.

Deborah Tabart OAM of the Australian Koala Foundation commended the initiative.

“Delighted that the Pullenvale Reserve is now even more environmentally friendly with the addition of artificial hollows. Our wildlife needs our help and this is a great way of protecting our precious mammals and birds,” Ms Tabart said.

“What a wonderful initiative! The bird boxes blend in with the trees, provide safe refuge for our wildlife and allow for monitoring and observation. We would love to see more including larger boxes for the powerful owl species,” said Dr. T Khoo, a resident.

Loopholes Provide A Glimmer of Hope for The Pullenvale Reserve

Without a Trustee Lease from the government under the Land Act 1994, plans by the Kenmore Bridge Club to turn the Pullenvale Reserve into a 40-space carpark will not be able to proceed.

The Brisbane City Council has already given their approval on this proposed development. However, the Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DNRM) has reached out to the council informing them that the application has not been properly made.

According to DNRM, the council cannot use the standard agreement for a Trustee Lease because in principle, it doesn’t have the Minister’s consent for issuing a lease. Also, it seems that the bridge club does not have tenure for the reserve. DNRM has advised the council that the development cannot push through on the reserve unless a trustee lease is in place.

Also, the government has announced that the council and the bridge club have yet to demonstrate how the proposed development will match the original legislated purpose of the reserve.

Public backlash against the planned carpark has been strong. Along with the locals who are protesting against the development, the Australian Koala Foundation has also expressed their disapproval. The Pullenvale Reserve is classified as a habitat for koalas.

Also Read: Pullenvale Reserve’s Fate Remain Uncertain, Australian Koala Foundation Extends Support Against Development

In light of this, there will be a talk on the 21st of October from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 43 Pullenvale Road. Locals will talk about saving the reserve and the CEO of the foundation will also speak about the importance of protecting the reserve and preserving the natural habitat of koalas. The event also urges locals to plant a Koala tree and to witness a traditional Smoking Ceremony by an elder from the Yuggera people.

BCC hasn’t released any further statements on the matter.

Pullenvale Reserve’s Fate Remains Uncertain, Australian Koala Foundation Extends Support Against Development

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.