FROM speedway to parkway. The old Sunshine Coast speedway site is set for redevelopment.

The Yandina site was being cleared this week.

A development approval to subdivide the Wappa Falls Rd land into 52 residential blocks was issued by Sunshine Coast Council in November, 2008.

Gold Coast developer Pask Group bought the land three months ago.

Development manager Warrick Thomasson said the lots would range from 700sq m to 844sq m, with 1.48ha to be dedicated as park.

However, volunteer wildlife carer Donna Anthony said she was concerned native wildlife which inhabited the site had been displaced during the initial clearing.

Ms Anthony, who has found dead possums on the road near the site, said she was disappointed by the lack of provisions made for wildlife.

“From what I can see the land, has been indiscriminately cleared with no thought or respect for the resident wildlife,” she said.

A council representative gave an assurance that all clearing on the site was being carried out in accordance with an arboricultural report and fauna management plan.

“There are strict conditions outlining tree protection measures to be in place while construction is under way,” he said.

Mr Thomasson said he wanted to assure residents that all clearing of trees and other vegetation was supervised by a fauna spotter and catcher, in accordance with the conditions of the development approval.

But Wappa Falls Rd residents Jeff and Anita Bruce, who live opposite the site, have seen what they describe as wildlife destruction.

Mrs Bruce said she saw five kookaburras flying around aimlessly above the site when the clearing started.

“It’s distressing to see,” she said.

“It was as if they were looking for their nesting places but they were no longer there.

“I realise the site has to be developed, but I find it hard to believe that every tree has to go.

“It’s totally needless and a shame for the poor wildlife that have lost their homes. There needs to be some kind of discretion taken and a shared environment created.”