An alliance of local environmental groups and concerned residents is urging Brisbane wildlife supporters to protest against Brisbane City Council's proposal for a golf course and 13 ha of private residential housing development on 125 ha of public open space at Minnippi Wetlands and Holmbrook Farm, Tingalpa, that is home to squirrel gliders as well as other native wildlife.

The protest will be held at:

12 noon, Tuesday 16 November 2004, King George Square, Brisbane CBD .

The Minnippi area is environmentally significant and houses a diversity of native fauna, including the densest-known squirrel glider colony in Australia, just 8 km from the city centre. This colony is the closest known to the centre of Brisbane.

Minnippi is also a popular community recreation open space for Brisbane families. The Bulimba Creek canoe trail winds through Minnippi.

The protest organisers are hoping that their action will encourage BCC to abandon the proposed development and designate the site a conservation precinct, encompassing low-impact community recreation. A petition is also being circulated by the Rivermouth Action Group Inc., POB 268, Morningside Q 4170.

Developer BMD, on behalf of BCC, is proposing to create a resort-style golf links and residential area that will expand in the next 10 years to include a convention centre, accommodation and indoor sports centre.

Squirrel gliders depend on hollow trees and nearby bush for food and shelter. These animals are intensely territorial and cannot be relocated or transported to new habitats. Destruction of a colony's habitat results inevitably in the destruction of the colony.

Find out more about the campaign to oppose this development of Minnippi open space, including a petition and a form letter to send to BCC.

For more information about the poultry shed grant scheme and other activities, contact Wildlife Queensland by email or call +61 7 3221 0194.