Future rainforest: ‘New kind of park’ claims awards

The Sunshine Coast Ecological Park master plan is setting new standards for excellence in design for our environment and community.

The transformational project has taken out multiple awards as early works start to revegetate the site to provide the ultimate refuge for people and nature.

The master plan, endorsed by Sunshine Coast Council in 2023, set down a vision for a “new kind of park” delivering nature-based recreation, education and research.

The project aims to protect, celebrate and restore the 65ha site adjoining Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve at Maleny on Jinibara Country, returning the current cleared pasture land to its original ecosystems, alongside places for our community to gather and immerse in nature and local cultural heritage.

When complete, more than 70 per cent of the site will be revegetated.

Master plan highlights for our community include walking trails, wetlands, a forest lookout tower, treetop boardwalks, events space, a community hub with café and facilities for research and operations.

Innovative plan for community and nature recognised

The Australian Institute of Landscape Architects named the Sunshine Coast Ecological Park master plan winner of two categories at its Queensland 2024 Awards: the Excellence Award for Parks and Open Space and the Landscape Architecture Award for Landscape Planning.

Parks and Leisure Australia also named the project winner of the Strategic and Master Planning Award at its Queensland Regional Awards 2024.

Sunshine Coast Council shared the news at its June Ordinary Meeting.

Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Tim Burns said the master plan set down a long-term vision that would guide the project over the next 30 years.

“We knew this master plan was something special, and now it’s setting the standard for excellence in how we create places for our community and nature to thrive together in our Sunshine Coast Biosphere,” Cr Burns said.

“Groundbreaking projects like this Ecological Park is one way Council is working to nurture and enhance our environment and quality of life for our community.

“This park represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen, expand and protect our region’s green space and biodiversity now, and for our future.”

The master plan will now go into the running for both national awards, to be decided later this year.

What’s next for the Ecological Park?

Division 5 Councillor Winston Johnston said the project was in its initial phase of implementing the master plan.

“Right now, we are undertaking early works including site investigations to help us inform the detailed design elements of the master plan, along with some revegetation activities in areas already under restoration,” Cr Johnston said.

“We’ll be keeping our community up-to-date as this project progresses, and we’re looking forward to creating opportunities for everyone to get involved and grow with this regionally significant park.”

Making of the Sunshine Coast Ecological Park master plan

• May 2022: Gathering information on community vision and values.
• September 2022: Sharing, testing and gathering community and stakeholder feedback on ideas, proposed activities and strategies for the park.
• March 2023: Presenting the draft master plan for community feedback.
• July 2023: Final master plan endorsed by Council.