Written by
12 February 2025
At Ellendale, we believe that true community living means living in harmony with nature. Nestled against the lush beauty of the South D’Aguilar National Park, our masterplanned community is designed to preserve, protect, and celebrate the natural environment that surrounds us.
With an unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability, we have created a space where residents can live alongside a diverse range of wildlife in a thriving ecosystem.
A Heart of Green at Ellendale
At Ellendale, sustainability isn’t just a concept—it’s an integral part of our community’s foundation. We are proud to have already dedicated almost 60 of the 91 hectares of green space to Brisbane City Council. This includes significant habitat restoration, wildlife corridors, and ecological buffers that provide vital connections for local fauna. Over the years, our efforts have expanded to include the planting of more than 180,000 trees, shrubs, and ground covers, helping to rehabilitate the local environment.
This green legacy is complemented by an ongoing commitment to protecting the unique wildlife that calls Ellendale home. From koalas and wallabies to squirrel gliders, possums, and a variety of bird species, our community is a haven for native animals. To help ensure their safety and freedom to roam, we have introduced a range of environmental design infrastructure, including squirrel glider poles, nesting boxes, and fauna underpasses—designed to help wildlife move freely and safely around the community.
A Thriving Habitat: How Ellendale's Design Celebrates Nature and Supports Biodiversity
As you walk through Ellendale, keep your eyes peeled for the wildlife that shares this stunning landscape with you. Whether on the ground or high up in the trees, our community is teeming with life. These animals are a testament to our efforts to build a neighbourhood that prioritises biodiversity and the health of our local ecosystems.
Every aspect of Ellendale has been thoughtfully designed to enhance both the ecological and aesthetic value of the land. During the development phase, we identified key natural features and worked to enhance them, ensuring that they remain integral to the community’s character. Our carefully planned, sloping homesites not only offer beautiful vistas but also help promote greater biodiversity by preserving native vegetation and strengthening connections to local creek waterways.
In recognition of our environmental leadership, Ellendale and our landscape architects, Place Design Group, were honoured with the 2021 National Land Management Award for our commitment to sustainable design and land management.
How You Can Reduce Your Ecological Impact at Ellendale
Choosing to live at Ellendale means embracing a lifestyle that blends with nature and respects the importance of protecting it. Here are some simple yet effective ways that you can minimise your ecological footprint and ensure that you live in harmony with wildlife:
Confining and Desexing Domestic Cats and Dogs
Pets are a beloved part of family life, but they can pose a threat to local wildlife. Keep cats indoors, especially at night when many native animals are most active. Desexing your pets not only helps with population control but also reduces the likelihood of them straying and causing harm to local fauna.
Offer Possum Boxes on Your Property
Possums are a common resident of Ellendale, and providing a safe nesting space in the form of possum boxes can help keep these creatures safe and secure. Installing a box high up in your trees provides a safe haven for possums and other small animals.
Don’t Feed the Wildlife
While it can be tempting to feed native animals, it can be harmful to their health and behaviour. Feeding wildlife can lead to dependency on humans for food, disrupt their natural foraging habits, and encourage dangerous interactions with pets or vehicles. It’s best to let wildlife find food in their natural environment.
Avoid Harmful Chemicals
Do not use rat bait, insecticides, snail bait, or sticky traps in your garden. These chemicals can harm wildlife, especially those that may inadvertently consume them. Consider using natural alternatives for pest control and always choose eco-friendly options to protect the health of both your pets and local wildlife.
Have a Wildlife-Friendly Pool
If you have a pool, ensure it’s designed to allow animals to escape safely if they fall in. Adding pool ramps or a shallow ledge will help wildlife, such as birds and small mammals, to climb out of the water and avoid drowning.
Plant Natives
Incorporating native plants into your garden not only enhances the beauty of your home but also attracts beneficial wildlife like birds, butterflies, and insects. Native plants provide the right food and shelter for local fauna, helping to support biodiversity in your own backyard. You can consult with your builder’s landscape architect or refer to Ellendale’s Design Standards for guidance (link) on incorporating native flora into your home’s landscape.
Drive Safely
Ellendale’s wildlife is most active at dawn and dusk, so always be cautious when driving through the community, particularly near green corridors and wildlife habitat areas. Slowing down and being aware of animals crossing the road can prevent accidents and keep both residents and wildlife safe.
Learn Your Local Species
The more you know about the wildlife around you, the better you can coexist with them. Take time to learn about the species that inhabit Ellendale and the surrounding national park. Understanding their habits, needs, and behaviours will help you to be more mindful of your actions and ensure you don’t unintentionally disrupt their lives.
Experience Elevated Living at Ellendale
Ellendale is more than just a place to live—it's a community where nature and modern living coexist in perfect harmony. Here, every day is an opportunity to connect more deeply with the land, support the wildlife around you, and create a sustainable future for all.
Ready to become a part of our nature-friendly community? Contact us today to learn more about how you can join the Ellendale family. Call 0491 155 408 or email ellendale@cedarwoods.com.au.
