THE Sunshine Coast Ecological Park master plan is setting new standards in environmental and community design, winning multiple awards as early works begin to revegetate the site. Endorsed by the Sunshine Coast Council in 2023, the plan envisions a “new kind of park” offering nature-based recreation, education, and research.
The project aims to restore the 65-hectare site next to Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve in Maleny, returning it to its original ecosystems with over 70 percent revegetated.
The Australian Institute of Landscape Architects awarded the project the Excellence Award for Parks and Open Space and the Landscape Architecture Award for Landscape Planning. Parks and Leisure Australia also honoured it with the Strategic and Master Planning Award.
“We knew this master plan was something special,” Environment and Liveability Portfolio councillor, Tim Burns, said.
“This park is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect our region’s green space and biodiversity.”
The plan now competes for national awards later this year.