Path plant out defies promise

Council staff plant out section of popular hinterland trail

By Sonia Isaacs

Concerns have been raised that community assurances promised by Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli have not been followed through by council staff.
In April last year Mayor Natoli assured the community that no further council-initiated planting would take place on an ‘unofficial riverside pathway’ on the Maleny Precinct until the path’s future was determined.
However, local sources report that planting activities have since occurred, forcing users to seek alternative routes or step over tree saplings for a section of the trail.
The popular forest path is located along the Obi Obi creek at the outflow of the Southern Wetland behind the Maleny Golf Course. The approximately 1km trail is favoured by community walkers and joggers.
With a push from community members to ensure the path’s long term legacy, Mayor Natoli announced at the 2024 Maleny and District Sports and Recreation Club (MDSRC) AGM that she had “secured a commitment to ensure no planting would occur without further consultation.”
But late last year and early this year, planting organised through the council has occurred.
In December 2024, Mayor Natoli joined the Maleny Parkrun event, after which MDSRC representatives and MP Andrew Wallace accompanied her to the site, where the Mayor reportedly took photos.
A MDSRC representative confirmed Mayor Natoli was made aware that planting activities had occurred despite her previous assurances.
“The Mayor observed and documented the planting” the MDSRC representative said.
When contacted by GC&M News Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli confirmed she did attend the site and viewed the area in December.
“I will seek further information from officers so I can better understand the history of this precinct and the path,” she added.
Division 5 Councillor Winston Johnston said he was very supportive of the hinterland trail; which he said was not only a beautiful and scenic path, but kept people off the Precinct golf course. Cr Johnston said he planned to discuss the future of the trail with the Mayor over the coming weeks.

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