Over the Christmas period the green space near Hook Close and Scarlet Gum Cresent in Cannonvale was removed to make way for development and since then, local residents have been actively voicing their outrage about its destruction.
The residents allege that when they purchased their respective properties adjacent to the site, they were told by the real estate agencies that the location was a ‘green zone’ classified as ‘Category B Vegetation’.
Whitsunday Regional Council have since issued a statement affirming the site is classified as Residential Zoned Land with a development approved for the location 10 years ago.
Neil McGaffin, Director Regional Strategy and Planning said, “the subdivision was recently released by the developer so that is why the clearing has only recently happened.
He also confirmed that “final number of lots in the subdivision are less than what was originally expected”.
This information however, does not ease the stress and significant impact the local residents feel they have received as a result of the ‘green zone’ destruction which they allege occurred without any warning and during the Christmas period.
This group of frustrated community members have since joined forces with the Whitsunday Conservation Society and attended a Whitsunday Regional Council in Bowen. The group filled the public gallery and came prepared with two victim statements and a list of questions to present to the mayor.
Their petition was received unanimously by the council for review, and the questions were accepted. With matters addressed like what the future is for the plot and if the council would consider reforestation to bring back the land stability and ecosystem they had previously enjoyed and utilised for protection.
“We live above the cleared sites, so our stress continues with the uncertainty of how the stabilisation of the land will be managed; and who will be liable for the cost of managing the stability of the land, should erosion and storm water drainage problems occur,” concerned resident Amy Youngsmith said.
“There seems to be incongruence between the information presented in WRC policies, and procedure regarding climate change and the actions witnessed at this site.”
Residents now hope they will receive more answers about how the land will be used and their own homes protected from issues such as erosion and storm water damage.
They also hope their action will encourage new processes whereby better public consultation will be given to residents in such cases. In addition, they would like correct information about zoning for development to be clearer to avoid the alleged misinformation and the destruction of green zones.
Jen Walters, Amy Youngsmith, and John Youngsmith. Back row: Faye Chapman (Whitsunday Conservation Council CEO), Mark Van Tricht, and Debbie Van Tricht in the public gallery. Photo Credit: Victoria Velton
The cleared land causing distress to adjacent residents. Photo Credit: Victoria Velton
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