The Sunshine Coast Council has purchased the 14ha block on Old Gympie Road, Mount Mellum, expanding the adjoining East Mount Mellum Nature Refuge, and will be protected for conservation.
It will also support endangered koalas as well as the vulnerable glossy black cockatoo and Richmond birdwing butterflies.
The untouched native bushland cost $330,000, and was funded through the Environment Levy, paid by every Sunshine Coast rate payer.
Division 5 Councillor, Winston Johnston, said the site was an important one to protect, with strong conservation values as healthy bushland habitat, and is a key area for biodiversity corridors and water quality flowing into the Pumicestone Passage.
“Among a suite of ecological values, this block also supports some of our region’s most beloved wildlife,” he said.
“It provides extensive food trees for glossy black cockatoos and vines for Richmond birdwing butterflies, and trees show plenty of evidence koalas occupy this area.
“This land will now be held as a nature refuge in perpetuity, expanding the East Mount Mellum Nature Refuge to a total 52.5ha and providing a forever home to help sustain these vulnerable and iconic species.”