EMMAUS College year eight SOSE students have completed feature articles covering threats to the environment in Logan.
Their work was informed by a community survey open to the Logan community which received 245 responses.
Jimboomba and Flagstone residents accounted for a majority of community input into the survey.
Stop land clearing
LOGAN is a rich and lush landscape, full of iconic Australian flora and fauna.
However, rural communities and surrounding natural environments have been put at risk because of land clearing.
Land clearing has an immense impact on the natural environment and puts thousands of animal and plant species at risk of endangerment.
The Logan area has less than 40 per cent of its original vegetation remaining, according to an Australian State of the Environment 2017 map.
Although many within our rural communities are fighting for our native wildlife, a lack of support and gaps in wildlife protection policies have made it difficult for native vegetation to survive.
A variety of solutions exist to protect Logan’s rare natural habitats, including bushland reserves.
Henderson Reserve and Emmaus College Environmental Park are well known for melaleuca irbyana trees, one of Australia’s native species of wetland trees, and are two of only about 10 places where this tree can be found.
These areas are rich in rare native bird, amphibian and mammal species.
After extensive research on land clearing within our area, I propose people within our local community should contact members of parliament to demand action.
Logan acting Deputy Mayor, Trevina Schwarz, is awaiting public support to encourage stricter legislation, to avoid future mass clearing (Burge, 2017).
It is clear that this is the most efficient action to stop land clearing for good.
I encourage all within our community to speak to those who can make long term and sustainable changes for the good of all living in the community.
- Abigail, Year eight Emmaus College student
Species at risk
WITH adorable bulging eyes and a bushy tail, you were always there. Until one day you weren’t.
Over 13 years, I’ve watched native wildlife slip away. Backyards were filled with kangaroos, buzzing insects and colourful birds. Now they’re barren. This is due to pollution combined with weeds and habitat degradation.
Logan is a place capped in bushland and filled with a rich biodiversity, home to over 3000 native flora and fauna. Nearly 300 of our cherished species are on the endangered list as population numbers plummet.
Pollution
Plastic waste is a life threatening issue for our animals.
The average Australian household produces enough rubbish to fill a three bedroom house in just one year. With more houses popping up around Logan the amount of rubbish will continue to grow.
Problem pests
Weeds invade natural ecosystems, reduce agricultural production, are toxic to stock and can threaten other species. Weeds change the structure of an ecosystem and can affect native animals that depend on the flora for food and shelter.
Land Clearing
The rapid rate of land clearing in Logan is increasing. In 2013, 300 000 hectares was cleared compared to 77 000 hectars in 2010, according to the Logan and Albert Conservation Association.
Surveys show Logan residents are concerned about land clearing, so it’s time to take action.
What can citizens of Logan do?
Residents can join Land for Wildlife, a voluntary program assisting landholders to manage wildlife habitats on their properties.
The Logan Eco Action Festival can help people find ways to reduce their environmental footprint.
We must cut down our pollution production and limit the amount of native bush land we shred.
- Candice, Year eight Emmaus College student
Feral threat
Logan is a flourishing region abundant with flora and fauna. There are 273 species of dazzling birds, 58 reptile species, 56 species of mammals, 27 frog species and numerous fish and insect species in the region, according to Logan City Council.
Plants like the angle-stemmed myrtle, tea tree and the veiny fontainea are common in Logan.
Average rainfall figures show 1114.2mm of water supports a lush habitat for flora and fauna, according to Weatherzone.
Animal habitats spread across various suburbs including the rural town of Jimboomba, residential suburbs like Yarrabilba and the industrial area of Crestmead.
Logan is home to a beautiful environment which needs to be protected from pests and feral animals.
Feral animals are predominantly short-haired, with coats that range between ginger, tabby, tortoiseshell, grey and black, according to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
These wild beasts resemble domestic cats, with the addition of muscular shoulders and backs, and ragged fur.
Feral cats can be found in a variety of habitats, due to their adaptability.
Due to the majority of Logan being bush land, feral cats are common.
They also kill animals, disrupt the ecosystem and are overpopulating. They are causing severe problems in Logan and must be addressed immediately.
- Kimberly, Year eight Emmaus College student
Read more: Trees felled at Jimboomba Greenfield site
Read more: Trees fall at Anderson Dam, Greenbank
Read more: Green acres: Is this the end of an era?
