Funds needed to boost park

Federal and state government grants to bring park from design concept to reality

By Kirra Livingstone

THE Sunshine Coast Council is awaiting approval for a federal government grant to support the Sunshine Coast Ecological Park, an ambitious project expected to cost $177 million.
The award-winning masterplan includes walking trails, wetlands, a forest lookout tower, treetop boardwalks, an events space, and a community hub.
To finance the project, Council is seeking funding partnerships with state and federal governments, research institutions, and private philanthropists.
Council has already allocated $6 million toward the project, funding site investigations and design development through the Local Government Infrastructure Plan and the Environment Levy.
Glass House MP and newly appointed State Environment Minister, Andrew Powell, voiced his support for the project but emphasized the need for further discussions with Council.
“It’ll be a great attraction for the region and will complement the likes of Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve (which is getting loved to death) and the privately operated Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World,” he said.
“I’ve had a request to, and am keen to, meet with Mayor Rosanna Natoli and Cr Maria Suarez to discuss the project in more detail.
“Until I understand what Council intends, including how they seek to fund the project, I’ll reserve further comment.”
The state government has already committed $7 million to improve the intersection of Landsborough Maleny and Maleny Montville Roads, enhancing access to the future park.
Council is actively pursuing partnerships to secure additional funding while advancing early site works, including revegetation and detailed planning.
“Funds have been used for strategic land acquisitions, feasibility studies, project and site planning, master plan development and early site establishment works,” a Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said. “The current focus is on detailed site investigations, preliminary revegetation activities, design development, research and exploring further potential partnership and funding opportunities.”