Kur-World Saga: more evidence of damage to crucial wildlife habitat
Professional landscape photographer and Kuranda resident Steven Nowakowski is one of many locals who contribute to the work of the Friends of Kuranda Region Planning Group.
His latest photos (see attached) were taken recently following the first significant downpours of this year’s wet season. They indicate that YET AGAIN Owen and Warrill Creeks are turbid.
These two creeks, WITH headwaters on the former ‘Barnwell Estate’ now owned by developer Ken Lee, are habitat for Kuranda’s highly endangered tree frog – a species found only in the immediate vicinity of Kuranda/Myola. Only a few creeks along the Barron River support this very rare frog. If degraded, the impact on the survival of this IUCN-listed endangered species could be disastrous.
A year ago Dr Conrad Hoskins, the distinguished zoologist who first identified the Kuranda Tree Frog as a unique species, was commissioned by developer Ken Lee to evaluate the land he’d recently purchased for its wildlife potential. This was in response local complaints about the turbid state of local creeks after dam construction and clearing on the land.
In his report (conclusions attached), Dr Hoskins noted some of the frog’s habitat has, in all likelihood, already been destroyed by the developer’s activities. Dr Hoskins documented the presence of at least two highly endangered and endemic species on the property and recommended further studies.
Mr Nowakowski said today:
“It seems apparent that the site which Mr Lee has proposed for his massive Kur-World development continues to be degraded as wildlife habitat. Once again, only local volunteers are monitoring significant damage to our local environment.
“Where is the Federal Government – which has clear power under the EPBC Act to punish developers who vandalise the habitat of Federally-listed endangered species?
“Why is the State Government even bothering to consider Mr Lee’s ‘Kur-World’ proposal until he fully remediates damage already caused to our high-biodiversity local environment?”
“As far as we know, all the recommendations made by Dr Hoskins in early 2016 (see attached) have been ignored by the developer and every level of government.
“Is it only locals who care about the environment of the Kuranda region” Mr Nowakowski asked.
“Many in our community are furious at yet another attempt to impose high density development in the Myola Valley, contrary to local sentiment and long-fought planning decisions.
“Most Kuranda residents want high standards of environmental protection. Developers and politicians take note!”
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Dr Hoskin’s suggestions (c. March 2016) for further surveys of endangered species (see http://epbcnotices.environment.gov.au/_entity/annotation/edd0b23b-0b26-e611-bb47-005056ba00a8/a71d58ad-4cba-48b6-8dab-f3091fc31cd5?t=1468056983993 )
- Determine the upstream limits of Litoria myola on the three streams it is known to occur
- Perform targeted surveys for Litoria dayi in identified areas of potentially suitable habitat on Haren Ck, Owen Ck, and upper Warril Ck (Fig. 4).
- Resolve the identity of the Archontophoenix palms on the property.
- Perform targeted surveys for Northern Quolls in lots 131N157491 and 290N157480.
