Sunshine Coast Council’s plan to restore a pasture into an ecological park with walking trails, wetlands, a forest lookout tower, treetop boardwalks, events space, community hub with cafe and research facilities has been endorsed.
The Sunshine Coast Ecological Park Master Plan sets out council’s vision to restore the 65ha site adjoining Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve near Maleny.
It would deliver nature-based recreation, education and research, while protecting, celebrating and restoring the site’s environmental, natural and cultural heritage values.
Council endorsed the master plan at its Ordinary Meeting on Thursday.
Division 5 Councillor Winston Johnston said the master plan had been co-designed with the community through three rounds of engagement.
“We received almost 700 survey and written submissions and close to 300 face-to-face interactions across these three stages, showing a strong community interest in this project,” Cr Johnston said.
“Thank you to everyone who contributed through the three stages of community engagement and helped co-design this unique park.
“Input from the community has allowed us to test the Ecological Park’s vision and values, refine the park’s functions, strategies and elements and ultimately shaped the Master Plan.”
Jinibara Culture Man BJ Murphy, who is also a member of the project’s Excellence Advisory Panel, said the area had great significance as home to the Nalbo Clan since time immemorial, with an ongoing responsibility to protect, maintain and heal the land.
“As a Jinibara custodian, my greatest vision for this park would be to see it become what it once was: a beautiful rainforest full of flora and fauna, all native to this region, that can be sustainably enjoyed by our community in its entirety,” he said.
Mayor Mark Jamieson said council would now work to establish the required governance, plan stages of design and delivery, and explore strategic and financial partnerships to help realise the benefits of the project.
“This master plan is the result of years of effort and cementing our partnerships is important to ensure this park fulfills its vision and becomes a place where our community can come together to care for nature,” Cr Jamieson said.
“We anticipate it will take decades to bring this vision to life and for these ecosystems to fully recover.
“We do this for our future, and for future generations.”
Environment Portfolio councillor Peter Cox said the Sunshine Coast Ecological Park project was unlike any other council had delivered, enhancing the region’s conservation and recreation offerings for the community and visitors to enjoy.
“There are many places where council has restored vegetation or acquired vegetated lots for conservation and others where we have created parks for the community,” Cr Cox said.
“What makes this ecological park project different is core value of environmental stewardship, celebrating the ways nature sustains us and sharing new ways of caring for nature.
“When we immerse in nature, we truly appreciate its importance.”
Explore the Sunshine Coast Ecological Park Master Plan here.
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