Council buys environmentally significant river front land

The Sunshine Coast Council has purchased two environmentally significant blocks of land at the junction of the Maroochy River and Coolum Creek. The land was purchased for its value to the region’s biodiversity and is part of a targeted approach to recreation, riverine revegetation and water quality.

Sunshine Coast Mayor, Bob Abbot endorsed the acquisitions and said the land purchases were in line with a range of council’s environmental, sustainable and social objectives.

“These two blocks are important because they adjoin existing conservation areas already managed by council. Together they conserve large stretches of riverfront, encourage native flora and fauna populations and protect our wildlife and native vegetation,” he said.

Dr Stephen Skull, manager of council’s environment branch said the new land will be managed according to ongoing land management programs and the Maroochy River Recovery Program and is funded from council’s Environment Levy.

“Buying land is one way council conserves and manages environmentally significant land but other collaborative options are available.

“One task is to control riverbank erosion to reduce sediment in the river which is great news for those who value the river for its natural beauty and water quality so they can enjoy kayaking, water sports and recreation,” he said.

Council offers a range of agreements and assistance designed to protect wildlife and conserve the Sunshine Coast environment for biodiversity areas of land that are privately owned.

For more information about Conservation and Wildlife Agreements contact Customer Service on 1300 007 272.

To find out what the Environment Levy funds be part of the free workshops, hosted by the Sunshine Coast Libraries being held in June and July. The program and more information are available on the Libraries website.