David Kerr (left front) and James Hansen (right front) alongside local residents at the Save Our Carseldine stall. Credit:Glenn Hunt Concerned locals have established the Save Our Carseldine (SOC) community action group, joining the Carseldine Bush Crew (CBC) who have protected and maintained the bushland on the site for the past nine years. SOC campaigner David Kerr said residents were particularly concerned about the preservation of green space and environmental impacts of the development. Mr Kerr said the site was a major local recreational area and contained a wide variety of flora and fauna. "It's probably the jewel in the crown for the Carseldine community," he said.

Carseldine resident Barry Gilmore with his campaign sign and bright yellow ribbons, which decorate the outside of his property. Credit:Toby Crockford - Fairfax Media "They (the state government) intend to destroy 60 per cent of the green space on the site." A spokeswoman for the Deputy Premier confirmed less than half of the site, about 22 of the 45 hectares, would be retained as bushland. Volunteers from the CBC were particularly concerned about the land clearing, with leader James Hansen arguing the bushland was a vital wildlife corridor. "We have this large attractive bushland here in the middle of suburbia and this is a different world - it's a gem in the Cabbage Tree Creek corridor," he said.

CBC has conducted wildlife surveys of the area and found more than 100 bird species, the vulnerable Powerful Owl, reptiles, tree frogs and the occasional koala. Mr Hansen said the site also contained trees more than 100 years old and endangered ecosystems. In response, a spokeswoman for Ms Trad said Economic Development Queensland had recently engaged Biodiversity Assessment and Management to prepare a new flora and fauna assessment and management plan as part of the Carseldine Urban Village renewal, which includes information on the Powerful Owl and squirrel glider population. Mr Kerr said another major issue for locals was the lack of new infrastructure to minimise traffic congestion and prevent local streets becoming carparks. He said parking and roads were already "at capacity" and was concerned the development would exacerbate the situation.

But, a spokeswoman for Ms Trad said the urban village would be heavily transit-orientated. "The urban village will capitalise on the confluence of the proposed busway and railway stations," the Fitzgibbon Urban Development Area Development Scheme stated. "Works and projects such as the proposed busway and the future Beams Road railway overpass will stimulate renewal and redevelopment and enable a new mixed use urban village community to be created." "Connections to surrounding areas will be safe and accessible and there will be a strong focus on walking, cycling and public transport, including a range of measures that promote public transit over the private car." Local sporting clubs are also up in arms, fearing the development will reduce the area for playing fields.

Grant Newsome from BridgeyFC, which plays in the local soccer Baptist league, said the sporting complex had been growing consistently over the last few years and estimated at least 1000 people used the facilities every week. Soccer, touch football, volleyball, tennis, baseball and softball were all played on the fields and Mr Newsome said he had been "looking forward to a long and distinguished association with other clubs". However, now he is not so sure. Mr Newsome said there were no other fields on the northside of Brisbane which could be suitable alternatives if the current site was lost. He said he found out about the government's plans from his touch football counterparts. "I'm extremely disappointed the government is making decisions without consulting locals which it affects most," he said.

A spokesperson for the Deputy Premier said the development plans, which were still being designed and open to community consultation sessions, would include a sporting precinct. She said the Kedron Wavell Ballpark would be retained and the future of the other fields, including Mr Newsome's, would be discussed in the upcoming consultations. Don't miss important news stories. Like us on Facebook.