A large but relatively unknown conservation area is set to attract more locals and tourists.
The Doonan Creek Environmental Reserve, near Peregian Springs, is receiving works that are designed for walkers to connect with nature.
Sunshine Coast Council has upgraded the car park and is upgrading part of the walking trail.
There are also plans for more trails, entry points, a bird hide and more.
Councillor Maria Suarez said already-completed works should make a significant difference.
“The community is welcome to visit the reserve to connect with nature and observe all the reserve has to offer,” she said.
“This (upgraded part of the trail) will create a more accessible pathway and allow people of all abilities to enjoy the trail and use the beautiful outdoor space for sustainable nature-based recreation.”
She outlined how the 427-hectare area could become even more accessible.
“In the coming years, council will continue its investment in improving the visitor experience at the reserve,” she said.
“There are plans to develop the information services at the reserve, including a sound trail, wayfinding signage and cultural heritage information.
“There will be further investigations into connecting trails to alternative entry points, such as Peregian Springs urban area, so the local community can have walking distance access to the trail network in the reserve.
“We also know that the reserve is a significant bird watchers’ paradise and (we) have plans to design and construct more multi-use trails, including a bird hide.
“This work will take place over the coming years.”
Council’s 2024-25 budget includes $515,000 for the visitor plan.
Several parcels of land were purchased by council between 2013 and 2021, via the Environment Levy, to create the conservation reserve and protect an important habitat link in the Sunshine Coast to Noosa Wallum corridor.
“It’s a special place and an important coastal habitat area with vegetation that ranges from iconic coastal heath, scribbly gum forest to melaleuca wetlands,” Cr Suarez said.
“It’s the home and (provides) food resources for more than 125 different bird and 16 different mammal species.”
The land is important for vulnerable wallum froglet, the endangered glossy black cockatoos and koalas, including one dubbed ‘Fred’.
Council has been restoring the area for several years, with the help of community members.
They have planted almost 21,000 native trees, shrubs and ground covers at events such as National Tree Day, the Doonan Planting Festival and Sunshine Coast Open Data Expo during the past 12 years.
“Many more trees have also been planted as offsets to compensate for unavoidable development elsewhere in the region,” Cr Suarez said.
“Each stem planted provides essential homes and food for local wildlife like eastern grey kangaroo, wallum froglet, brown quail, Australian pipit, grey-headed flying-foxes and beneficial insects.”
