Environmental levy helps secure key Logan green space

October 18, 2019

A 47-hectare parcel of land at in the City of Logan suburb of Bahrs Scrub that is a koala habitat and contains several rare tree species has been purchased by Logan City Council for conservation.

Nearly half of the site is rainforest and includes the bush tucker species small−leaved tamarind (Diploglottis campbellii).

It is the first time the small-leaved tamarind has been found growing this far north of its most common distribution area in the Gold Coast’s Tallebudgera Valley.

Two new species of plant have also been identified on the site and named after the suburb - Bahrs Scrub croton (Croton mamillatus) and Bahrs Scrub devil's needles (Solanum mentiens).

The area also contains the endangered shiny-leaved Coondon (Planchonella eerwah), native Macadamia trees (Macadamia integrifolia) and several blue gums (Eucalyptus tereticornis) estimated by a botanist to be hundreds of years old.

Details of the sale of the two lots in Belivah Road at Bahrs Scrub are commercial in confidence with the purchase price being fair market value as determined by an independent land valuation.

The funds came from the Environmental Levy reserve.

Advising that the Environmental Levy reserve was set up by Council to have funds on hand should any significant environmental lands become available to be purchased and preserved, Logan City Council’s Director Strategy and Sustainability, David Hansen stated “the purchase of this land supports the building of a green infrastructure network across the City of Logan.

“Council has done extensive research and sought expert advice which confirmed this site is a critical habitat for multiple endangered, vulnerable, near threatened and locally significant species.”

“Council’s acquisition of this land is a responsible step in protecting the local environment and its preservation will contribute significantly to the conservation value of the surrounding area.”

Environmentalist Glenn Leiper, the co−author of the region's acclaimed native plant field guide Mangroves to Mountains, praised Logan City Council for acquiring the land.

Beenleigh-based Leiper said the Bahrs Scrub/Belivah dry rainforest was revered among botanists, ecologists, horticulturists and conservationists as one of the best surviving representations of that form of drier rainforest.

Describing the area as a “plant diversity hotspot” with significant populations of at least 10 State−listed threatened species, Leiper advised “to have such a significant concentration of threatened species in one small area is quite extraordinary, clearly emphasising its high conservation value.

“I commend Council for ensuring the preservation of this wonderful and important green space.”

Image: Local environmentalist Glenn Leiper at the Bahrs Scrub (top) and a map of the area (below).

17th September 2019 - Logan City Council takes action to protect endangered tree species

31st July 2019 - City of Logan community invited to help boost local platypus population

30th July 2019 - Logan City Council research encourages a more active community

28th June 2019 - City of Logan unveils plans for new $3.3 million aquatic playground

21st June 2019 - Logan City Council advances plans for whitewater venue

26th December 2018 - More than 50 Australian plant species face extinction within 10 years

11th December 2018 - Improved mapping leads to better outcomes for koala habitat

7th September 2018 - Land clearance to cause Koala extinction in NSW by 2050

18th July 2018 - Gold Coast City Council looks to boost local koala habitat

14th February 2017 - Dreamworld backs koala conservation with new breeding program

12th June 2017 - $3.3 million revamp for Brisbane’s Daisy Hill Koala Centre

26th June 2015 - NSW koala conservation area threatened with logging

3rd December 2013 - Logan City Council to build Australia’s largest Spielart play unit

18th March 2010 - Tourists threaten ‘dingo extinction’ on Fraser Island

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