There seems to be a growing number of trees that are being illegally chopped down in protected areas in Springfield.
Recently, Councillor Sheila Ireland posted on her Facebook page photos of chopped down ironbark trees at the White Rock Spring Mountain Conservation Estate. Along with the photos, she captioned them with the Ipswich City Council’s penalty for the illegal act and urged anyone with information to contact the council.
Prior to that discovery, two ironbark trees were spotted chopped down inside the conservation estate. They were discovered by Luise Manning, the president of the Springfield Lakes Nature Care Group. According to Mr Manning, whoever did that have also illegally entered the estate because of the broken lock that they found.
Ms Manning believed that the trees might have been used for firewood. She was upset about what happened considering that she and her group have worked hard protecting these trees and even put up nesting boxes on some of the trees there for the wildlife.
The council protects trees and vegetation on private lands to preserve the character, amenity, biodiversity, historical and ecological values of the city. In order to chop down a tree within a private land, the individual must first obtain an approval from the council and certain factors will have to be considered before the council gives their seal of approval.
With no leads yet as to who is doing this, the council urges anyone with information to contact them at 3810 6666.
Featuring unique rock formations, valleys and beautiful greeneries, White Rock Spring Mountain Conservation Estate reminds you that you don’t have to go too far from the city centre just to get a taste of nature in its element. The White Rock Spring Mountain Conservation Estate is just 20 minutes from Ipswich CBD and 35 minutes from Brisbane CBD.
Photo credit: Discover Ipswich
The abundance of wildlife in the area will also tickle the nature lover in you. Or even if you’re not the outdoors-y type, just being in the area will bring you serenity — the perfect break from your hectic lifestyle.
If you fancy trail walking, there are various trails to choose from ranging from 200m to 19km. The beautiful views will make everything worth it.
Bluff Lookout (200m)
Little White Rock Lookout (200m)
Little White Rock Track (600m)
Six Mile Creek Boardwalk (300m)
Six Mile Creek Track (1.4km)
White Rock Multi Use Trail (6.5km)
Yaddamun Trail (19km)
The headwaters of seven major waterways can also be found here, making it the perfect place to take in everything that nature has to offer. It also holds the region’s most important natural and conservational bushland, along with significant local landmarks of White Rock and Spring Mountain.
Locals can sometimes take for granted the many thing to do here — bird watching, biking, horse riding and there are also caves, stunning lookouts and boardwalks.
Photo credit: Aussie Bushwalking
The area is also home to over 600 plant species and 150 animal species including one of the most threaded species here in Ipswich, the peregrine falcon.
Photo credit: Brisbane Kids
Picnic spaces and grassy areas abound, perfect for families looking to spend quality time together. Parking and toilet facilities are conveniently and amply provided.
