JOINT STATEMENT: Fresh future for Larapinta glider reserve

The Brisbane City Council has been appointed as trustee of the glider reserve at Larapinta, which has been rehabilitated and reclassified as an environmental reserve after a $300,000 clean-up operation funded by the Newman Government.

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Andrew Cripps was joined by Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, Member for Algester Anthony Shorten and local Councillor for Parkinson Ward Angela Owen-Taylor to mark the appointment.

“The 142 hectare reserve, known locally as the Glider Forest, has undergone a significant clean-up effort and fencing project in recent months in preparation for this transfer to Council,” Mr Cripps said.

“The former Labor Government failed to responsibly manage the reserve, which unfortunately had been used for more than three decades as an illegal dumping ground, much to the dismay and frustration of local residents.

“In May this year, along with Mr Shorten, I announced that the Newman Government would commit more than $300,000 to the rehabilitation of this important natural area.  

“The hundreds of tonnes of asbestos and rubbish that was taken away in the process show just how little regard Labor had for the important habitat.

“As a Government, we are committed to protecting our environment and I am pleased to see this reserve rehabilitated, along with the building of a secure 3.7 kilometre fence to discourage any future illegal dumping of rubbish.

“It’s another way that we are revitalising frontline services as we promised at the election.”

The Lord Mayor said he was pleased to see Council appointed as the trustees of the Glider Forest, as it was a natural fit for the long-term management of the reserve.

“The Glider Forest forms an integral part of the Flinders Karawatha Corridor and BCC also manages an adjacent block which forms part of the Corridor,” Cr Quirk said.  

“The Glider Forest’s significant environmental values as a home to endangered plants and animals, including the Powerful Owl and several glider species, are well known to the local community.

“Adding it to Council’s natural area estate in Brisbane’s southern suburbs is a common sense and responsible decision that will deliver environmental outcomes for the land and the overall Flinders and Karawatha Corridor.”

Mr Shorten said he welcomed the decision to appoint BCC as trustees of the Glider Forest and was pleased to see the clean-up take place so quickly.

“I’m very happy that we have been able to deliver what the community has been fighting for, but Labor ignored, for so many years,” Mr Shorten said.

“Since the decision to clean-up the site was announced, more than 127 tonnes of contaminated asbestos material, 142 tonnes of general rubbish, 650 tyres and 625 litres of oil and liquid chemicals have been removed from 120 sites around the reserve.”

Councillor Owen-Taylor said she had represented the interests of the community on this issue since the late 1990's and was pleased to see this important component of the regional ecosystem now safely under environmental protection.

“I am certain local groups, such as Brisbane Environmental Protection Group, Forestdale Environmental Protection Group, Citizens Against Railyard Expansion and Calamvale Algester Parkinson Association of Residents who have fought for this land to be protected for more than 15 years will be ecstatic at the news,” Cr Owen-Taylor said.

“The dedication of this land into Brisbane City Council trusteeship will also assist in reducing access for illegal trail bike riding and four wheel driving, in addition to illegal dumping which had been occurring.”

Clive Jacobs from the Forestdale Bushcare Group said the clean-up of the site had provided several benefits for the community.

“The work that has been done at Glider Forest has transformed what was a dangerous eyesore into valuable green space for the local community,” Mr Jacobs said.

“The reserve is no longer used as a rubbish dump and there has been a noticeable reduction in noise from vehicles accessing and damaging the reserve.

“The Glider Forest is now a safe place for the vegetation to grow and the animals to live in and local residents can now enjoy a walk through the reserve to enjoy its natural beauty.”

[ENDS] 12 December 2013

Media contact:           Minister Cripps:          Eleisha Rogers            0413 375 088

                                Lord Mayor:               Claire Taylor               0409 876 317