The Impact of Development

Story by Rebecca Taylor and Samantha Camarri

The Gold Coast population rose from about 40 per cent in the last eight years, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This population growth is expected to continue to increase dramatically over the next few years. As a result, any potential spare land is being carved up to support the growing need for housing and office space in the region and beyond. Our celebrated bushland and local wildlife have been affected in this land-grab. Koalas are one of the most recent victims in this economic development. In 2009, the government made a decision to build The Coomera Town Centre in the middle of the Northern Gold Coast koala reserve. This decision has provoked much controversy from locals and critics as these native animals are among the last remaining in the South-East Queensland region. The Koala Conservation Centre has planned a rescue program for these koalas, which involves sedating and relocating the koalas to the western side of the highway, away from development – for now. While much has been made of the plight of Australia’s more iconic bush creatures, they are not the only animals whose environment is under threat. As development encroaches on the natural habitat of our snakes, they are finding refuge in the suburbs, often taking up residence in our homes. Local snake catcher Tony Harrison and reptile expert and entertainer Brian “Furry” McLean both stress the need to educate residents. They suggest that there is a way we can live harmoniously with the environment; we just need to care enough to make it a reality. Unless more pressure is exerted on the government to change their policy towards development, these animals and their habitats will be lost forever.

Copyeditor: Kannagi Bhatt