Federal Government Honour Agreement to Gift 138 Hectares of Bushland to Brisbane
30 October, 2006
Sign Up for free e-mail updates!
BRISBANE Lord Mayor Campbell Newman has today praised the Federal Government for making it possible for him to preserve 138 hectares of significant remnant bushland, affectionately known as Pooh Corner, for future generations of Brisbane residents.
Councillor Newman today said Council would agree to purchase the Wacol site from the Department of Defence for the concessional price of $1, on the condition it remained a conservation reserve.
“This extensive segment of bushland on the western gateway to the city is one of the last remnants of vegetation that has not been extensively cleared for urban development and agriculture,” Cr Newman said.
“It was originally put up for sale by the Department of Defence in February 2005 and has particularly high nature conservation value, which deserved to be protected. I thank the Federal Government for listening to Brisbane residents and working with me to save this piece of land.”
“The site supports a rich array of wildlife, including 26 significant animal species and Brisbane’s largest population of eastern grey kangaroos,” Cr Newman said.
“Council has allocated funding in this year’s budget to install some fencing, and the Federal Government will provide funds to assist Council to remove rubbish and waste from the site.”
Cr Newman congratulated the Friends of Pooh Corner group who worked in conjunction with the Australian Government and Brisbane City Council to ensure the site remained an environmental asset.
“The proposal to sell the site generated significant concern in the local community due to the potential loss of the site's significant nature values,” Cr Newman said.
The protection of this site is part of the Lord Mayor’s ongoing commitment to protecting Brisbane’s unique natural environment.