Logan branches out to protect koala habitat

An image of City of Logan Councillors Natalie Willcocks and Jon Raven  at the gate of the new koala conservation reserve in Greenbank.
City of Logan Councillors Natalie Willcocks and Jon Raven at the new koala conservation reserve in Greenbank.

City of Logan has strengthened its reputation as a green and sustainable city by acquiring a key parcel of koala habitat for conservation.

A 212-hectare property at Greenbank was chosen for its high ecological value and importance to the health of the Oxley Creek catchment.

It adjoins Cockatiel Park and Platypus Reserve and is close to Spring Mountain Forest Park, Spring Mountain Reserve and the White Rock-Spring Mountain Conservation Estate in Ipswich.

A small tributary to Oxley Creek runs through the property.

Environment Chair, Deputy Mayor Jon Raven said the purchase of the property would benefit the city for generations to come.

"The property is almost entirely covered by remnant vegetation and is surrounded by one of the largest remaining tracts of fully vegetated land in Logan," Cr Raven said.

"It is also habitat for endangered, vulnerable and threatened species including the koala.

"That's why Council has made the decision to purchase the property to ensure it stays pristine."

The property falls within the State Government's Koala Priority Area and is considered a core koala habitat.

It's also located in the Flinders Karawatha Corridor, one of the largest stretches of open Eucalypt forest in South East Queensland.

Division 11 Councillor, Natalie Willcocks is thrilled that the property has been purchased by Council to become an environmental reserve.

"It is an absolutely beautiful spot. I visited the property today and explored a bit more and saw firsthand what a wonderful acquisition it is for our community and for preserving the environment," Cr Willcocks said.

Oxley Creek Catchment Association's Phil Gunasekara, said Council's decision to secure the property was a significant win for the environment.

"Bringing such a significant area of remnant vegetation under environmental management is a boon to biodiversity of the region and will strengthen the values of the Flinders Karawatha Corridor," he said.

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