News
5 September, 2024
Eco rock and a hard place
A new Flora and Fauna Assessment of Mount Glen Rock (MGR) has been submitted to Somerset Regional Council (SRC) to assist in the planning of Mount Glen Rock’s development.
In 2020, Council purchased 127 hectares of freehold property on the western face of Mount Glen Rock in Esk, with the view of delivering a unique outdoor recreational experience for residents and visitors to Somerset.
The assessment provides recommendations on changes required in the Master Plan to avoid any significant impact on identified environmental matters.
The report recommends avoidance of actions that are likely to impact on key protected species and their habitats at MGR, including the endangered Brush-tailed rock-wallaby, who relies on cliff escarpments and bases, caves and rock overhangs. Some of the changes recommended include:
Changing track alignments to avoid the bases of cliff lines, as these provide rock wallaby shelter sites, given the general poor development of caves/ overhangs. In hot weather it is critical that rock wallabies remain undisturbed in these shady retreat sites;
Reducing the size of the trail network and the exclusion of new trails from key habitat areas;
Proposed trail alignments should be designed to avoid clearing of large trees;
Adjusting or revising track alignments to avoid the habitat of the identified populations of Lloyd’s Native Olive, allowing regeneration of the species.
Somerset Regional Council Chief Executive Off icer (CEO), Andrew Johnson, said the majority of elements of the Draft Master Plan proposal are deliverable from an ecological impact perspective.
“It’s important to highlight that the Mount Glen Rock development is not set in stone,” he said.
“It will evolve as more information is obtained and the next report to be completed and considered is one pertaining to cultural significance of the site.
“The Flora and Fauna Assessment shows survey results and makes recommendations on ways that final detailed design can minimise impacts on key environmental values.
“This information, in conjunction with Cultural Heritage survey findings, will help inform the exact location, extent and design of trails, lookouts and day use areas.”
Care4esk president, Darren Bate, said while they were happy with the report, despite its time and financial constraints, but disagreed with the CEO’S remarks that majority of elements are deliverable.
“You don’t see that in the report,” he said.
“Our point of view is very different from the CEO’s, because we are looking for ways to protect the species, while they are looking for ways to present the project so it proceeds.”
Mr Bate said he is aware a development will go ahead regardless, but added it can be done with minimal impact.
“You don’t need bikes there, for example. Cyclists already have the Brisbane Rail Trail to cycle on,” he said.
“The MGR trails don’t need to be cycle trails as well, because the racing bikes would add a big disturbance to the wallabies and present a danger to transitioning koalas.
“There is also no need for a massive man-made structure for the lookout, because there is a lot of beautiful flora and fauna to see up there. Things don’t need to be over-developed.
“Minimal walking tracks would also add to the conservation value. These are some things that can be ensure there is minimal impact.”
Care4esk is going to try to get a meeting with Council, joined by one or two other rescue/conservation groups, to discuss the development plan and the report.
The next step for the MGR development is to undertake a Cultural Heritage Assessment over the site to ensure identification, protection and management of sites of cultural significance.
See more information on MGR and the 2022 Master Plan Draft is available at www.somerset.qld.gov.au/mount-glen-rock
