Sunshine Coast Council has revealed that its environment levy has led to the preservation of 4235 hectares.
Since the levy program was introduced in the early 1990s, via the former Caloundra and Maroochy shires, multiple areas from the coastline to the hinterland have been protected.
Councillor Tim Burns said the levy’s “cornerstone” land acquisition program had enabled three land purchases during the 2023-24 financial year.
These were in Peregian Beach (jointly funded by council and the state government), Mount Mellum and Ilkley, with a total of $3.74 million invested.
“These strategic land purchases protect important sites for threatened species, contribute to strengthening our biodiversity corridors and preserve healthy natural areas,” he said.
“Since the program began, the levy has enabled council to purchase and protect 4235 hectares for conservation.
“The levy also enables council to maintain this expansive amount of land through operations like habitat restoration, fire management and threatened species research.”
The $82 levy, paid through rates, enables council to invest in a range of programs and projects.
Recent projects have been showcased through council’s Environment Levy Annual Report for 2023-24, from an investment of more than $11.8 million.
The levy contributed to: the planting of 34,000 seedlings and the installation of 87 nest boxes on Land for Wildlife properties; more than 6000 visitors to the Coastal Discovery Van; developing the Bats in Backyards and Naturewatch Sunshine Coast citizen science programs; and the planting of more than 11,000 trees in reserves.
Want more free local news? Follow Sunshine Coast News on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, and sign up for our FREE daily news email.
More than $1 million was spent on coastal protection works and dune rehabilitation and $1.1 million on action against invasive species.
Cr Burns said key iconic or threatened species benefited from initiatives like “restoring key habitat sites, engaging in research, improving fauna crossings and signage, funding local wildlife care groups, and raising awareness about threats to our wildlife.”
The projects of the Sunshine Coast Arts and Heritage Levy for 2023-24 have also been outlined.
Councillor Taylor Bunnag said strong audience numbers, business development, sector growth and First Nations collaborations were just some of the highlights in the report.
“Highlights of the heritage program included a series of free community heritage events celebrating First Nations Peoples and culture, sporting history and built heritage,” he said.
