EMMAUS College survey data has revealed large numbers of Jimboomba and Flagstone residents are concerned with threats to native animal species, reduced bushland and the rate of residential development in Logan.
Year eight SOSE students launched the environmental survey in late July which received 245 responses, with 86.5 per cent of participants from Logan and a majority from Jimboomba and Flagstone.
The remainder of participants lived in nearby south-east regions including the Scenic Rim and Gold Coast.
Survey findings showed 91 per cent of people experienced land clearing in their local area and 82 per cent of people thought clearing large bushland areas for housing estate was not justified.
On the flip side, an equal number of participants recognised the economic benefits for local business from housing and land developments.
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Emmaus College SOSE teacher Robyn Coase said students drew interesting conclusions from the data.
“Our local community feels strongly about their semi-rural lifestyle and want to ensure that native plant and animal species are protected for future generations from the widespread clearing of land and animal habitats,” Ms Coase said.
“Many students are very concerned about the amount of rubbish pollution and the increasing numbers of invasive species in the local area.
“There were encouraged to see that our community in general is equally concerned. Some students have begun to plan activities and proposals to address problems they have identified.”
Students have written feature article assignments on the data as part of their academic studies.
Survey results
- 51 per cent of respondents were extremely concerned about diminishing numbers of native animal species and reduced bushland
- 42 per cent of people were extremely concerned about land clearing
- The cane toad, fox and feral cat were listed as the top three most worrying invasive species
- 82 per cent believe clearing large bushland areas for housing estate was not justified
- 91 per cent have experienced land clearing in their local area
- 57 per cent do not think lands cleared for housing have been suitably rejuvenated
- 82 per cent recognise economic benefits for local business from housing development
- Mixed opinion on the quality of local waterways