News
17 January, 2025
Koalas stop Fernvale DA
Somerset Council have formally refused a development application for 121 residential housing lots on land at Brouff Road, Goan Lane and Forest Hill Fernvale Road in Fernvale, covered by The Sentinel over the past months, following extensive community opposition.
Council was directed by the State Assessment and Referral Agency to refuse the application, as it conflicts with state mapping for vegetation with significance (koala habitat).
Council was also required to assess the application on its merits as part of the relevant legislative process.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said Council refused the development for several reasons.
“The land is heavily vegetated with core koala habitat and this application proposed to remove about 11 hectares of vegetation, which Council simply could not support,” Cr Wendt said.
“Council is aligned with the community in this respect, with many public submissions raising concerns over the koala population and impacts on the environment.”
Cr Wendt said Council had to balance the need for additional housing with the interests of the community.
“This development was proposed for the emerging community zone and the small size of the blocks was not consistent with this zoning,” he said.
“Also, within Fernvale, there are already several large subdivision approvals which are yet to be built.
“This proposal is inconsistent with the Somerset Region Planning Scheme and does not achieve the outcomes identified in the assessment benchmarks for which the application was required to be assessed.”
