Ben Bennett Bushland Park, located in Caloundra, deserves to be revered, not rubbished, by yet more roads and yet more cars.
The Sunshine Coast was once covered in beautiful bushland, as is evident in
this park by the presence of remnant habitat trees and varied bush habitats. It’s a true
wonderland.
I have lived in Maleny for 25 years and around five years ago, I joined a walking group based on the Coast.
This is how I learnt about the small pockets of bushland saved largely through the efforts of locals. These are now oases that provide relief from the continual rush and noise of the region.
I am no planner, but I see that the roads planned to invade parts of Ben Bennett Park, whether they be one or two-laned, will strike a death knell for this already pocket-sized reserve.
There are other ways the Coast (and hinterland) could have developed ways that build nature into urban design to ensure the basic needs and survival of native plants and animals.
This means that urban planners and developers follow a series of steps, usually set early in the planning process, to achieve a positive outcome for biodiversity.
Sadly, although largely missing this opportunity, we can at least protect precious remnant habitats.
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Some of the reasons for protecting Ben Bennett Park and other bushland reserves include
connecting to nature to increase our own health and well-being, contributing to climate change adaptation and mitigation, and to conserve nature for its own sake.
It is not too late to protect Ben Bennett Park from destruction. Do what it takes in ways that suit you, the residents.
For instance, consider signing this petition at http://chng.it/s4ZQ6LWxjy.
Also, plan some time to meander in Ben Bennett bushland and love what it offers.
DR MARCELLE HOLDAWAY
Signs would slow canal speedsters
I live on the Mooloolaba main canal in Minyama and was interested to read in SCN about the planned maintenance program.
One of my main beefs about canal maintenance is the number of boat users who exceed the 4 knots speed limit, which causes erosion and damage.
I paid for two of the 4 knots no-wash signs myself as I was told by the Harbours and Marine Department some years ago that a sign would cost about $1000 each.
In fact, by buying direct from the manufacturer it cost less than $100 each and I installed them myself.
Why not survey all those residents on canals to see if they would buy and install the signs on their pontoon pylons?
Then there would be no excuses for the speeding boats not knowing the speed limits.
A second beef is that when we first moved here, the canal was dredged every two years. Now it is every three or four. This is too long as run-off, canal traffic and erosion denudes the sandy beaches and contributes to a lack of amenity and sanding up of the canals.
We pay higher rates for this so the council should live up to its responsibilities, or reduce the rates
DAVID BRUNT
How southerners can settle in
I have some advice for the southerner who says he’s standing up for other new arrivals after hearing one too many people “whine” about the influx of people from NSW and Victoria.
For him and other southerners, I would like to ask: have they registered their car in Queensland? Have they joined a community club or association?
If they haven’t, then they are just a tourist. I moved here, too, and the first thing I did was join my kids up to nippers AND gained my Bronze Medallion so I could help out.
Since then, I have become an SLSC trainer and assessor and continue to contribute years after my kids have progressed from nippers.
To the Southerner and others who are new to the area, my advice is: become part of the community, not just use it.
GRANT HUTSON
Boardwalk bliss
I recently had a walk along the newly opened boardwalk at Mooloolaba, highlighted in a recent article by Sunshine Coast News.
It is congratulations to the workers for doing a wonderful job. The stone wall and timber work are top class in my opinion.
You should check it out.
CLIFFORD HINDMARCH
Cinema revival a welcome sequel
It’s fabulous to hear that the cinemas have reopened at Caloundra.
Thanks to the new owner of the rebranded Strand Cinema Caloundra and best wishes for the future.
We can return to supporting the film festivals and enjoying our Sunday arvo entertainment.
PETER ROBERTS
Strange location for youth remand centre
With regard to the youth remand centre proposed for Caloundra.
Why would we want this next to a funeral home and school? Has any consideration been given to those places?
DOREEN HEWITT
