PLANS for the Sunshine Coast Ecological Park Master Plan have been endorsed by council on July 27, bringing the proposal closer to becoming a reality.
The park’s purpose is to rejuvenate a 65ha old pasture site connected to the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve and to provide nature-based recreation, education and research.
The proposal would also ensure that the park wouldn’t impose on the already existing protected flora and fauna, restoring the site’s inherent environmental, natural and cultural heritage.
Division 5 Cr Winston Johnston said there had been extensive community engagement carried out for the planning of the park, to ensure there was significant input from as many people as possible. “We received almost 700 survey and written submissions and close to 300 face-to-face interactions across these three stages, showing a strong community interest in this project,” he said.
“Input from the community has allowed us to test the Ecological Park’s vision and values, refine the park’s functions, strategies and elements and ultimately shaped the Master Plan.”
Walking trails, wetlands, a forest lookout tower, treetop boardwalks, events space and a community hub for research and operations are all elements in the park’s proposal.
Mayor Mark Jamieson said now the park had been endorsed, the council would work towards establishing the relevant planning and design to ensure a perfect delivery of what is a long-term vision. “We anticipate it will take decades to bring this vision to life and for these ecosystems to fully recover,” he said.
