Address: 12-26 Eugene Street, Bellbird Park. Lot 902.
Size: approximately 6.4 hectares to be developed (74 lots).
EPBC case number: 2019/8575
Village 2: DA 4272/2020/ADP / Village 3: DA 5547/2020/ADP
Address: 7001 Mur Boulevard, Lot 9999
Size: 120+ hectares are proposed to be developed and over 1800 houses to be built, as well as a small town centre and a sports field.
EPBC case number: 2020/8629.
DA: 4328/2017/ADP
Address: 7002 Brookwater Drive, Lot 163.
EPBC case number: 2020/8651.
DA: TBA
Address: 24 Springfield College Drive, Lot 51.
Size: 24.2 hectares.
OTHER FACTS
The Springfield Structure Plan (SSP) —originally created 30 years ago when Paul Pisasale was Mayor of Ipswich (later jailed for corruption)—now forms part of Ipswich City Council’s (ICC) Planning Scheme.
The plan covers 3,000 hectares, much of which was once wholly owned by Springfield City Group (SCG). However, SCG has developed and sold most of this land, retaining only partial ownership today.
One of the most alarming aspects of the SSP is that it exempts the entire area, including Woogaroo Forest, from koala and habitat protection laws. While Australia’s national conservation target is 30% protected land, less than 10% of the SSP area has been set aside for wildlife habitat.
Bringing the SSP in line with modern environmental protection laws requires agreement from SCG, ICC, and the Queensland State Government. In theory, this can be done—but in reality, all parties are unlikely to agree.
ICC and the Queensland Government are unlikely to challenge SCG in court due to the high cost of legal action - the majority owner of SCG is now a billionaire, making legal resistance even more difficult.
Local councillors and politicians are avoiding the issue, as they must toe the party or Council line. They could push for change but seem unwilling to risk a legal battle.
At the federal level, environmental protection laws remain weak, reducing hope for intervention.
ICC has not followed due process in approving the proposed Stockland Springview Village development so far. However, Stockland has not yet purchased the site, likely waiting to see the outcome of the next federal election before making a decision.
Woogaroo Forest is too ecologically valuable to lose. Its destruction would not only harm wildlife but also negatively impact the liveability of the entire region.
We believe people power and media attention can still make a difference. With enough public pressure, we can stop the destruction of Woogaroo Forest before it’s too late.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.