Residents Raise Concerns Over Removal Of Cannonvale’s Old Forest Nature Strip

A group of concerned residents from Hamilton Avenue and Scarlet Gum Crescent in Cannonvale have expressed outrage over the recent removal of a 1.46-hectare old forest nature strip. The land was allegedly cleared without adequate consultation, leaving residents frustrated and worried about the environmental and social consequences.
Actioned prior to the recent rainfall season in December of 2024, some residents are concerned the removal of the trees and vegetation will cause environmental damage, including potential silting and eutrophication of sea grass and mangrove ecosystems in the surrounding marine park.
They assert that the old forest had been scientifically established to hold nearly double the amount of carbon compared to the regenerated forest, further raising concerns about the loss of this vital carbon sink. Additionally, the land had also been home to a variety of local fauna, including goannas, koalas, bandicoots, and various bird species.
Residents of adjacent properties claim they were not notified about the land's sale or the planned removal of the nature strip. Many were under the impression that the area was designated as a wildlife reserve in previous town plans, and they purchased their homes for the privacy and tranquillity the forest provided.
Adding to the concerns, several residents have noted issues with erosion, stormwater runoff, and potential flooding caused by the land clearing. Stormwater drains from Hamilton Avenue flow directly into the newly cleared lots, which could lead to future drainage and erosion problems for both the new lot owners and surrounding properties. Residents on Scarlet Gum Crescent have reported soil accumulating on the roads since the works began, with no visible efforts to manage erosion or mitigate runoff.
Residents are calling on the Whitsunday Regional Council for answers - requesting clarification on the sale price, who approved the sale, and how many lots are set to be developed.
In response to the matter, Neil McGaffin, Director Regional Strategy and Planning for Whitsunday Regional Council stated the site was in fact residential zoned land and development had been approved over 10 years ago. 
“The subdivision was recently released by the developer so that is why the clearing has only recently happened,” he said.
“Final number of lots in the subdivision are less than what was originally expected.”

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The beautiful nature strip before it was developed
The nature strip as it looks now
Photos supplied

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