Koala Action Group air concerns about tree clearing near Thornlands wildlife corridor for filming of US golf game show – RCB

By September 25, 2020 October 28th, 2020 Archive

SEPTEMBER 25 2020 – 2:00PM

Local News

CHIPPING AWAY: There was evidence of wildlife on the site including koalas.

LAND clearing for an extreme mini golf television show could have consequences for the area’s wildlife, a local conservation group says.

Filming for US television game show Holey Moley will take place on South Street near the animal shelter.

The five hectare lot is zoned for community infrastructure like wastewater treatment plants, waste disposal facilities, pumping stations and electricity sub-stations, but will soon be the site of a huge, temporary obstacle course.

It adjoins the Hilliards Creek wildlife corridor.

Debbie Pointing from the Koala Action Group said she believed council had not considered the ramifications of chipping away at the edges of a major corridor.

“Whilst some of the site is already cleared, the removal of numbers of trees is still of concern,” she said.

“Some of the trees contained hollows and showed signs of usage by koalas, gliders, possums and birdlife (and) numbers of wallabies were noted to be on the site.

“This is not surprising as this area adjoins a major wildlife corridor.

“KAG understands that significant earth works has already been undertaken and due to security fencing of the area is no longer permeable to wildlife.

“KAG strongly questions whether this is an appropriate use of land situated within a major wildlife corridor.”

In response to questions about whether other locations were investigated, a council spokesman said the site had been identified through Screen Queensland’s Film-friendly Pathways program.

The program enables regions to promote their locations and streamline approval processes for filming.

“(The site was) identified through (the program) as a suitable and adaptable filming location in close proximity to transport hubs and accommodation,” the spokesman said.

“In addition to the measures identified in the approved Fauna and Flora Management Plan for the application, the applicant will be required to meet conditions specified in the operational works approval and temporary entertainment event permit.”

According to application documents, the project layout was adjusted so as many trees as possible would be retained, and trees which were removed would be offset through compensatory planting.

“(The development) does not result in a significant reduction in the level or condition of biodiversity and ecological functions and processes in the locality (and) retains connections between habitat areas,” application documents stated.

Ms Pointing said she was also concerned the community, especially nearby residents, had not been informed about the proposal.

The council spokesman said the application was code assessable and did not need public notification.

According to the application, the Holey Moley course would be used for the Australian version of the series, set to air next year, but would be available for other countries to fly their crew and contestants in to film from 2021 onwards.

The development application shows areas for obstacles including Dutch Courage, Gopher It, Beaver Creek, Franken-putt and Putter Ducky.

The project is set to attract 100 local jobs.

https://www.redlandcitybulletin.com.au/story/6941677/holey-moley-brings-wildlife-worries/?cs=213