This is an ecological park ‘like no other’

The vision to create an “ecological wonder” and restore a pasture site to rainforest and wetland ecosystems is now a step closer to reality thanks to Sunshine Coast Council endorsing the Sunshine Coast Ecological Park Master Plan.

The plan sets out Council’s vision to restore the 65ha site adjoining Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve on Jinibara country.

It seeks to deliver nature-based recreation, education and research, while protecting, celebrating and restoring the site’s inherent environmental, natural and cultural heritage values.

Elements of the proposed park include walking trails, wetlands, a forest lookout tower, treetop boardwalks, events space, a community hub with café and facilities for research and operations.

Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said with the park’s vision now set, Council would work to establish the required governance, plan staged design and delivery and explore strategic and financial partnerships to help realise the benefits of this once-in-a-generation park project.

“This master plan is the result of years of effort and cementing our partnerships is important to ensure this park fulfills its vision and becomes a place where our community can come together to care for nature,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“We anticipate it will take decades to bring this vision to life and for these ecosystems to fully recover.

“We do this for our future, and for future generations.”

Jinibara Culture Man BJ Murphy, who is also a member of the project’s Excellence Advisory Panel, said the area had great significance as home to the Nalbo Clan since time immemorial, with an ongoing responsibility to protect, maintain and heal the land.

“As a Jinibara custodian, my greatest vision for this park would be to see it become what it once was: a beautiful rainforest full of flora and fauna, all native to this region, that can be sustainably enjoyed by our community in its entirety,” he said.

Division 5 Councillor Winston Johnston said the master plan had been co-designed with the community through three rounds of engagement.

“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,” Cr Johnston said.

“Thank you to everyone who contributed through the three stages of community engagement and helped co-design this unique park.

“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.”

The Community Reference Group and Excellence Advisory Panel also provided invaluable contributions to guide the co-design master planning process.

Environment Portfolio Councillor Peter Cox said the Sunshine Coast Ecological Park project was unlike any other Council had delivered, enhancing both our region’s conservation and recreation offerings for the community and visitors to enjoy.

“There are many places where Council has restored vegetation or acquired vegetated lots for conservation and others where we have created parks for the community,” Cr Cox said.

“What makes this ecological park project different is core value of environmental stewardship, celebrating the ways nature sustains us and sharing new ways of caring for nature.

“When we immerse in nature, we truly appreciate its importance.”

Explore the Sunshine Coast Ecological Park Master Plan on Council’s website.

Council endorsed the master plan at the July 2023 Ordinary Meeting.

FAST FACTS

• The vision for the Ecological Park is to create a place of cherished nature and ecological wonder for generations to discover and enjoy.
• The Sunshine Coast Ecological Park master plan sets out four interconnected yet distinct precincts across the park: The Rainforest, The Heart, The Hub, and the Waterways.
• The vision for the Sunshine Coast Ecological Park is underpinned by six core values. Explore the master plan to find out more.