Many people are drawn to the Redlands Coast because of the natural beauty, environment and wildlife. In discussions with residents throughout Division 5, concerns have been raised about the number of mature trees that are being cut down to make way for new housing.
I believe a contributing factor is the strict guideline for building envelopes within Redland City. Building envelopes must be three metres from the front boundary and 1.5 metres from side and rear boundaries. This often means that a heritage tree needs to be cut down to accommodate any building.
I will push for more flexibility when establishing building envelopes, so that houses may be designed to work around existing trees.
I will also encourage an expansion of the “right to purchase” plan, whereby Council-owned blocks can be sold to adjourning landowners, on condition that they may never be built upon.
Where a vacant block with heritage trees sits between two developed blocks, Council could also look at purchasing that block and on-selling half to each neighbour.
As well as protecting important trees, this will increase block sizes and reduce population pressures, especially on the islands.
If you would like to comment on these ideas, either positively or with respectful disagreement, please email me: [email protected].