Help Protect Luke Street Trees Thornlands
Principal Petitioner: Lynn Roberts
Closing Date: 4.30pm, Tuesday 9 September 2025
At 10 signatures, this petition will be considered properly made.
Petition Request:
Please don’t allow the construction of the proposed path alongside the cul-de-sac end of Luke Street, Thornlands to service the pedestrian bridge being built across Eprapah Creek, because:
• There is no need for this path as there is ready access from two other paths (from Marcoola Street and the bottom part of Luke Street).
• Construction of a two and a half metre wide concrete path very close to several very old gum trees would damage their root systems and cause the removal of many other smaller trees that are frequently used by koalas.
• These ancient trees are an irreplaceable part of Redlands’ heritage and should be protected.
• There is a definite risk to future pedestrians using this path as these big old trees are likely to drop branches, especially when their root systems are compromised.
• As the proposed path is on council land and maintenance for safety reasons and possible liability costs would be very expensive, we respectfully request that Council reconsider the construction of this path.
Petition Response:
I wish to advise that your petition received 18 August 2025 titled ‘Help Protect Luke Street Thornlands’ was presented at the General Meeting on 17 September 2025. The petition was considered to be operational in nature and referred to the Chief Executive Officer for consideration.
We appreciate your interest in this matter and have considered the concerns you have raised regarding the need for a 2.5m wide path to be constructed along Luke Street, potential damage to root systems of existing trees and safety concerns regarding proximity to existing gum trees.
The 2.5m wide pathway forms part of a project involving a new pedestrian and cycling connection across Eprapah Creek, consisting of a bridge, boardwalk and connecting pathway network. These works are currently being constructed by a developer, in accordance with an existing Infrastructure Agreement with Council which requires the developer to contribute these assets as part of its Affinity Estate (development permit ROL005869). The pathway will provide an accessible connection between the existing pathway network and the proposed Eprapah Creek bridge and boardwalk, and will provide significant benefits for walking and cycling opportunities between the new communities in SE Thornlands and Victoria Point’s commercial precinct, transport hub and the natural environment of the creek corridor.
The preferred pathway options and bridge location were the subject of a Council Resolution on 15 December 2021, generally in accordance with the SE Thornlands Structure Plan adopted in 2010.
The developer undertaking the project has advised that the mature trees adjoining Luke Street will remain, and there will be no further clearing of significant mature native trees in the Luke Street construction alignment. In addition, it is noted that:
- there are also tree protection zones in place to ensure there is no compaction of the roots;
- Koala, Tree Protection and Rehabilitation Management Plans were included in the tender;
and
- Council’s Environmental Management Team were on-site and provided input to the contractor regarding minimisation of vegetation disturbance and extent of root protection zones.
The proposed dedicated pathway will also provide a safer route for cyclists and pedestrians to access the proposed bridge connection through Eprapah Creek, rather than sharing Luke Street with vehicles.
In terms of tree debris, the Eprapah Creek Corridor is existing public space that is managed by Council to the relevant standards of reasonable safety and accessibility. This will continue to be the case.
Council assures that your submission will be taken into consideration as the works required to complete the Eprapah Creek Bridge progress in accordance with the relevant Infrastructure Agreement and previous decisions made by Council.