Wildlife ‘needs more consideration’ across the hinterland
By Kirra Livingstone
SAVE Protect Connect Community (SPC) member Linda Daleboudt is calling on Sunshine Coast Council to add wildlife corridors to its proposed planning scheme.
Ms Daleboudt raised the issue online last month, encouraging SPC members to write to council about the omission.
She has campaigned for years for a corridor in Glenview to link bushland on both sides of Steve Irwin Way.
While she welcomes what is already in the draft, she believes more can be done.
“I’m pleased the council is looking at major habitat corridors and recognises their importance,” she said.
“But many of these corridors are cut in half by roads, and those roads stop animals from moving safely.
“Animals need to roam. Without that freedom, you end up with isolated populations where inbreeding, disease, stress and lack of food become problems.”
She said adding wildlife crossings to the plan would ensure money is allocated to build them.
“I feel the purpose of these corridors isn’t being met unless council takes a serious look at building infrastructure to let animals cross roads safely,” she said.
“There’s no reason for council to leave it out — these routes have been mapped for decades.
“It costs money to build and maintain crossings. The plan shows they want to protect the environment, but the budget is the sticking point.”
A council spokesperson said the scheme already includes “ecological linkages” connecting core habitat areas and enabling native wildlife to move.
“These linkages are identified in the proposed planning scheme and will be protected and enhanced when development occurs,” they said.
The spokesperson said the plan includes updated ecological mapping and new rules in the Biodiversity, Waterways and Wetlands Overlay and associated Code to protect environmental values and habitats, including providing for wildlife movement.
“The proposed planning scheme is an important part of council’s Environment and Liveability Strategy, which identifies core and connecting habitat areas and strategic biodiversity corridors,” they said.
Public consultation on the draft closes on Friday, September 29.