Your Environment Levy to protect land at Verrierdale


More than 850 hectares of land has now been purchased by Sunshine Coast Council for conservation as part of its strategy to become the most sustainable region in Australia.

Mayor Mark Jamieson said council used $2 million from the Environment Levy to buy 252 hectares of land adjoining an existing nature reserve at Verrierdale.

“This is an important day for this region; this parcel of land is another important piece of the puzzle to help us preserve our natural environment on the Sunshine Coast,” he said.

“It also shows how we are getting the balance right as we strive to become the most sustainable region in Australia, economically, environmentally and socially.

“This land is on top of the 600 hectares of land purchased by council for conservation across the Coast – and shows how valuable the Environment Levy is to this region.”

The land connects Council’s Doonan Wetlands Nature Refuge and the Doonan Creek Bushland Conservation Reserve to the Noosa National Park.

It’s home to endangered plants and animals such as the Hairy Hazelwood tree and the wallum froglet. 

Environment portfolio Councillor Tony Wellington said historically the types of rainforest on this site have been poorly conserved on the Coast.

“This locale represents one of the most important wetland areas left on the Sunshine Coast," Cr Wellington said.

“This recent purchase, together with the Doonan Creek Bushland Conservation Reserve and the nearby Doonan Wetland Conservation Area, will total 380 hectares of important habitat secured.

“It helps protect the nationally recognised Noosa-Maroochy Wallum corridor and will support a range of rare and threatened plants and animals.”

Division 9 Councillor Stephen Robinson said he was pleased to see the site protected for the future.

“This is so important for locals, and the region as a whole – I’m really pleased one of the most significant areas in my division is being looked after for future generations,” Cr Robinson said.

“The next step is to develop a long-term plan for the site that will consider management requirements and potential educational opportunities.”

For more information http://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/sitePage.cfm?code=council-news&id=13032