Tower Lane purchase aims to ensure protection of endangered species
By Kirra Livingstone
A PARCEL of land that had became an illegal dumping ground has now been purchased by the Sunshine Coast Council, which says the buyback will ensure the safety of endangered species in the region.
The $860,000 purchase of 10.9 hectares at Rupari Hill on Tower Lane, aims to bring to an end ongoing frustration from local residents at what had become an unofficial dump of household items.
Council had claimed it was difficult to enforce any action because the rubbish was on private property.
Ownership of the land was transferred to council just two weeks after GC&M News enquired about illegally dumped rubbish, including a lounge chair and clothing, which had been collecting for two years.
When GC&M News previously asked council why it had been there for so long, a spokesperson said the rubbish was located on private property and was therefore the land owner’s responsibility to clean it up.
While most of the rubbish has now been removed, the lounge and smaller items still remain.
Division 1 Councillor, Jenny Broderick, said the land purchase was a positive way to manage the ongoing illegal dumping at Rupari Hill.
“With the site now under Council ownership, we can all better protect this special place we know our locals love,” she said.
“Managing these issues will ensure Rupari Hill remains a beautiful and precious natural area for our own local species and all the benefits that it brings to our community.”
Cr Broderick said the purchase “significantly simplifies our approach and ongoing management of the space for illegal dumping,” she said.
“The Illegal Dumping Team will arrange for the historical waste in the area to be cleaned up and continue to monitor the site to try to deter ongoing dumping / littering.”
She also thanked those who had worked to keep the area clean, and that fines had also been issued to those behind the illegal dumping.
“I also note, that many of the items here could have been taken to the dump for free, including the clothing,” Cr Broderick said. “Generally, if the items can be recycled, or sold in the shop, it can be dropped off for free; including white goods, batteries, cardboard, furniture that can be sold, scrap metal, electrical, etc., even x-ray film!”
Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor, Tim Burns, said council’s ownership of the land will ensure the safety and longevity of endangered and threatened plants and species in the area.
“This is a special ecosystem here on Rupari Hill with a unique assemblage of native species, including several plants only known to occur in the Glasshouse Mountains,” he said.
“The volcanic rock and soil here creates conditions that these plants rely on, so it was a high priority site for Council to purchase and protect.
“It really is a showcase of the unique flora our Sunshine Coast Biosphere has to offer.”
Threatened or endangered plants include woolly bush, Mt Beerwah she-oak, and plunkett malee.
Similar at risk species include koalas, the tusked frog, and the powerful owl.
The land purchase links environment reserves on either side of the site, and sections of the Glass House Mountains National Park.
kirra@gcnews.com.au