Small things done now will be disproportionately important in decades to come.

NEXT MEETING   Annual General Meeting - 7pm Thursday 20th March at Sunnybank Hills library     
Level 2 Sunnybank Hills Shoppingtown
Cnr. Calam Rd. and  Compton Rd.  Sunnybank Hills      

PRESIDENT’S REPORT
The recent announcement by Lord Mayor Campbell Newman that an $18 million eco-tourism centre would be built in Karawatha Forest represents a watershed in twelve years of work by the Society to make such a vision a reality. Immediately after the press conference we were given bipartisan support from the Labor faction, a position which confirmed the outcome of discussions we had with the Lord Mayor and Cr Bianchi in 2004.

Those of you with long memories might recall the assertion by Jim McDonnell, head of the then-equivalent of BCC’s Environment and Sustainability Branch, that though the idea had merit, there were so many difficulties associated with the project that the Centre “would never happen.” We are delighted to advise that the Brisbane City Council of 2008 are equipped and prepared to make it happen, to overcome the problems and to answer the questions.

A range of ideas were given by the Society to the Lord Mayor for inclusion in his conception of the facilities and we have been assured that all of these are to be incorporated in the initial planning.  Real concerns remain about the operation of the complex.  These include safety, environmental protection and management of a range of human impacts.  However, as with the case of the wildlife bridge, the only true measure of success or otherwise is to do it as best as possible and plan for the right outcomes.
           
There is potential for a variety of positive benefits.  These include an increased ownership of the Forest by the general public, increased human presence and therefore surveillance in areas where illegal activities have been known to occur, and a great opportunity for educating the community about environmental issues in general and the Forest in particular.  We believe the Society can expect to have a significant input into the planning, construction and monitoring of the project.

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION – SUBMISSIONS NEEDED
As you may be aware, developers have given public notification of a development application for mixed industry and business on the 70 hectare block adjoining the Forest on the corner of Wembley Road and Illaweena Street. The Society will be putting in an objection to this development and we are calling on individual members to do so as well.  We ask you to write a letter to the following address placing an objection. A form letter is included with this newsletter if you would like to use it.
 Submissions are due on 15th April and should be sent to:-
Chief Executive Officer, Brisbane City Council, GPO Box 1434, Brisbane 4001.

The application can be viewed on the Brisbane City Council web site  www.brisbane.qld.gov.au  
At the time of publishing this newsletter the Council website differs from the development application. Details are:-
Loganlink North Development Application
Application number – A00186 1652
495 Wembley Road Berrinba and 516 Illaweena Street Drewvale
Lot 1 & 2 on RP 886148 Parish Y/Pilly, County of Stanley

HAPPY RETIREMENT TO CR KEVIN BIANCHI (Acacia Ridge Ward)
We would like to wish our local Brisbane City Council councilor Kevin Bianchi all the best in his voluntary retirement from local politics. Kevin was councilor for the Karawatha area back in 1991 when his concerns about conserving bushland led him to co-found the Karawatha Forest Protection Society. At a recent special function in his honour, members of the Society presented Kevin with a plaque in recognition of his efforts and support and wished him well with his future plans.
We also recognized the many years of efficient and courteous service provided to the Society by his long term staff Sandy and Cathy.  Good luck to them all.

BOOK FOR SALE
The Society has several copies of a book written by Rob Simson, former president of Toohey Forest Protection Society, available for sale. Titled, ‘ Banksia – A Kangaroo’s Tale’ the book details the life of a young grey kangaroo in a small mob on the Banksia peninsula. The tale is told through the eyes of a kangaroo and a young boy. Despite the fantasy this is a story about science and philosophy, about who we are and what geology can teach us. Copies are $10 each. If you are interested in a copy please phone 3711 9346.

BUSH WALK – MARCH 30TH.
This months bush walk leaves from Elizabeth Street, Trinder Park entrance on Sunday 30th March at 7am.
Don’t forget sunscreen, good walking shoes, a hat and some water.

COFFEE BREAK RECOMMENCES FOR 2008
Our coffee mornings will start again in early April. The date for the first meeting this year is Tuesday 1st April.  Venue – BB’s Coffee Lounge, Level 4 at Sunnybank Hills Shoppingtown.  Come along and catch up with what has been going on over a casual drink and a muffin.

DATES TO REMEMBER - MARCH/APRIL

Report illegal activities to 3403 888