Today Andrew Powell MP visited Mount Mee and spoke with concerned locals about the scheduled removal of the Lewington Road Eucalypt Trees. He said he has to trust the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) when they say that removing the trees is the best option. He explained that being the Minister for the Environment doesn't mean he has access to the environmental reports associated with the tree removal. He - like us - is yet to see the environmental assessments or environmental management plans. This means he backs TMR's plan regardless of the negative environmental impact. We may not see the reports before the trees are cut down due to a lack of community consultation and transparency. We were advised by TMR staff that they won’t release the reports to us due to concerns they have about the reports causing community angst, and more questions and concerns.

It appears Andrew Powell is not willing to stand with the community who oppose the works. He heard our complaints but shifted the responsibilities out of his ministerial portfolio. He has offered to pass on the community's concerns to the Minister for Transport and Main Roads. Will Brent Mickelberg MP, Minister for Transport and Main Roads, consider changing the plan to protect native habitat? 

You can contact Brent Mickelberg on (07) 3719 7110 or email transportandmainroads@ministerial.qld.gov.au

PLEASE CHIP IN TO HELP SAVE THE TREES

We've started to incur a few costs, such as the fees to submit multiple requests for information to local and state government (since nothing is publicly available). We've started a gofundme to raise a little money, to go a long way. 

We (a small group of local Mt Mee residents) are hoping those in a position to do so may be able to chip in to help cover costs, and also allow us to arrange: 

• requests for information from governments to share with the community
• materials to spread the word like signage and T-shirts
• professional photos/videos of the wildlife in the trees for media to inspire care and action
• a submission to the Qld Ombudsman or QCAT to review/pause TMR's decision

YOU CAN DONATE HERE

Some of you have already generously contributed to change.org to help promote the petition - thank you - this has made a huge difference and we wouldn't be approaching 1,000 signatures without you! It's helping decision makers notice us.

And remember, there are free ways to help out - like expressing your concerns to TMR and MPs, contributing to conversations on the Facebook page, and sharing the gofundme link.

Together, we're going to keep these trees standing.