‘Building development is destroying my local neighbourhood’

I have been living in the same town for the past 30-odd years. In that time there have been some major highs, such as twice becoming a grandmother, as well as some equally major lows, with both my children having major battles to overcome.

Life has been very hectic over the past six years and now things have started to slow down I am trying to reclaim my life (so to speak). The scenery I remembered from my daily walk has changed dramatically while I have been busy.

The poinciana trees were in bloom and I wanted to take a photo of the very old one down on the waterfront. I was blown away when I discovered it was gone, replaced by a house. Someone must have paid the local council a lot of money to take it down. I was disappointed. I feel as though the natural landscape has been totally looted for square cement boxes all built on tiny parcels of land.

Old houses have been demolished and replaced with new up-to-date homes. I am not keen on the new fancy homes; they lack character. The old Queenslanders with the big verandahs and yards are fast disappearing from my area. I never thought I would see units in this area, but they are here. A village-style shopping centre is slowly being replaced with cement monstrosities. Farms are all but gone, though we have a small one around the corner that still has a stall out the front. The only difference now is the honesty box is firmly locked down.

Along the waterfront I once saw signs warning homeowners about killing trees to enhance their views of the water, now I see dozens of trees have been removed to enhance the water views of some businesses. It could be true when they say ‘money talks’.

I am thankful that aside from more boats and jet skis, the bay never seems to change. It always has a calming effect on me and it always looks beautiful. I sometimes feel that if local government could figure out a way to fill in the bay for more housing, they would do it.

Progress has to happen, I understand that, but something or someone is always sacrificed. In my area koala’s have paid a big price. We lived beside a ‘koala alley’ and used to see them up high in the trees every day. Most days, I still walk through what is left of that koala alley and it has been a good 15 years since I have seen a koala. All in the name of progress.

Have you noticed development changing the area you live in? How does it make you feel?

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