Supporting our people and protecting our plants and animals

An environmentally significant 65ha property in Landsborough is now part of an environment reserve network of more than 7000ha owned and/or managed by Sunshine Coast Council.

The $1.1 million property, adjacent to the Glass House Mountains National Park, was purchased by council in September 2019 as it plans for the future to ensure green spaces for recreation and conservation ahead of significant population growth which is forecast for the region.

Environment Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay said the acquisition, along with three other property purchases announced recently, are outcomes of Sunshine Coast Council’s Environment and Liveability Strategy, which provides long-term strategic direction to guide growth and shape the Sunshine Coast for future generations to 2041.

“The Landsborough purchase at Forestry Road was funded through council’s Environment Levy Land Acquisition Program,” Cr McKay said.

“The Environment Levy, contributed by all ratepayers, goes towards buying, protecting and enhancing environmentally-significant land to grow the Sunshine Coast conservation estate.

“It also assists in the delivery of a range of projects, programs and initiatives that contribute to the preservation and enhancement of our natural environment.

“Acquisitions like these protect our natural environment and help achieve our vision for the Sunshine Coast to be Australia’s most sustainable region – healthy, smart, creative.”

Division 1 Councillor Rick Baberowski said this was a genuinely exciting acquisition that would expand our local environment reserve network in the Landsborough area.

“For many years, this land has been locally known as ‘Alf’s Hill’ and was recently proposed to become a quarry – however council’s acquisition of this land will help to protect the area’s natural landscape and character well into the future,” Cr Baberowski said.

“By contributing to the important green frame for the future Beerwah East Major Development Area, with an ultimate capacity of 20,000 dwellings, the acquisition also provides opportunities to plan and deliver nature-based recreational activities such as trails and supporting infrastructure.

“The new environment reserve contributes to the protection of Commonwealth, State and local environmentally significant plants and animals and assists to strengthen ecological connectivity between local priority eucalypt vegetation communities and wetland ecosystems.

“This achievement is a great example of council’s proactive response in planning for future challenges associated with population growth, economic growth and climate change.

“It will also contribute to maintaining viable country towns, a healthy natural environment and the great range of lifestyles the Sunshine Coast is known for,” he said.

Fast facts

The acquisition will:

  • assist to deliver on council’s long term strategic outcomes

  • provide for the protection of the site’s environmentally significant values and is strategically located within the landscape

  • protect habitat adjoining the 95 hectare Glasshouse Mountains National Park

  • assist to expand the Sunshine Coast conservation estate by 65 hectares and builds landscape connectivity

  • provide opportunities for future complementary nature-based recreation such as trails and supporting infrastructure

  • contribute to the protection of the important green frame associated with the future Beerwah East Major Development Area

  • be managed as part of council’s environment reserve network.

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