REDLANDS wildlife activists chanted outside Redland City Council this morning.
The group, waving placards, was protesting against the removal of koala trees in Cowley Street, Ormiston.
Tree felling began on January 27 at 3-53 Cowley Street. There were three koalas reportedly spotted on the block at the time, now three weeks later residents say there is at least one remaining in the trees.
Koala Action Group president Debbie Pointing said the clearing was a devastating blow for Ormiston's urban koalas.
The protesters are calling for council to save the last 14 trees that form a corridor between Ormiston State School and the foreshore area.
Resident Karen James said the Cowley Street property had been on the radar of koala activists for many years before the City Plan was introduced in 2018.
"Now, it is (tree clearing) actually happening. There are four lots remaining out of 26 lots. This area is part of the corridor, it's a stepping stone for koalas to get to Nelson Street," she said.
Steph Gaunt said moving the koalas would disorientate and cause them stress.
"The property is adjacent to a park, it's an opportunity for council to purchase the whole lot. They can buy land and replant the trees... we are not giving up," she said.
Ms Gaunt said the residents had written to Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon and raised the issue with councillors.
"We know council has no power as they lifted the overlays in 2018," she said.
A local koala rescuer said he had seen first hand how koalas return to their habitat year after year despite the development as they were creatures of habit.
"This development affects generations of koalas," he said.
The protesters said the koala was the Redlands emblem and without them there was no emblem.
"Everyday I walk by the trees and I say to the koala - hang in there, we love you," protester Vicki Salisbury said.
An updated review of options to enhance the protection of core habitat and wildlife corridor habitat in the urban footprint of the city was before council this morning.
Officers will be consulting with all councillors regarding changes to the City Plan that may be recommended.