Residents near the future North Maclean industrial estate voiced their concerns over land clearing

Rob Davies, who lives on nearby Appaloosa Court, said he had seen several koalas in the area and the destruction of habitat was "disgusting".

"I think it's disgusting," Mr Davies said.

"The koala is a protected species, but they're doing nothing in this area to help them.

"So much for planting a tree day. Planting trees does not replace what's been lost."

Breanna, another nearby resident, said she and her sister had concerns about the future as the land clearing was just a small part of a wider issue.

"They keep talking about how they have plans for 2040," she said.

"What makes them think we will have all this in 2040 if they keep going? They keep talking about koala conservation and environmental acts, but this is the complete opposite of their preaching.

"Now we wake up to the sound of chainsaws and bulldozers and we're told it's 'for the economy'."

Lifelong environmentalist Kathy Faldt said she felt the development approvals process was not transparent enough, and local wildlife was being ignored.

"It's interesting to draw a parallel between what's happening here and in Coomera," Ms Faldt said.

"The government bought several hectares of land to relocate koalas impacted by the new M1 development, but koalas here are expected to find more habitat themselves. It's grossly unfair.

"There's been no help for koalas or other wildlife, and it's been challenging to find out what's happening."

Michael Page had a similar assessment of the situation but said he felt the wider population had not been paying close enough attention.

"I think there's been a desensitising of the population to these things," Mr Page said.

"With the benefit of time, you can see all these small changes happening. It's been death by a thousand cuts.

"People are right to do as they see fit on their property provided it's not detrimental to others. In this area, we're going to be used as a buffer zone, and I pity the people on Crowson Lane. It's going to get busier and busier."