THE STATE Government, in partnership with Sunshine Coast Council, has acquired a 150-hectare property at Peregian Beach for future dedication as a conservation park.
Located on Monak Road, the property shares boundaries with the Doonan Wetland Nature Refuge and Noosa National Park.
Division 9 Councillor Maria Suarez was at the announcement.
“It was great to be part of this exciting announcement about the acquisition of 150ha of incredibly ecologically significant land in Peregian Beach.
“The joint acquisition of this property by the State Government and Sunshine Coast Council will provide a critical conservation link between the Maroochy River catchment, Noosa River catchment and beyond.
“The site itself has high biodiversity values and is home to koalas, black cockatoos and probably ground parrots and there are six regional ecosystems of which three are endangered.
“The land can now be conserved in perpetuity and is free from threats of development or clearing.”
The new conservation park will allow visitors to connect with these protected species in their natural habitat while ensuring the estate continues to foster its unique biodiversity.
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service will work together with Sunshine Coast Council and the Kabi Kabi People to oversee the management of the estate, including pest control and fire management to ensure the area maintains its significant environmental value for generations to come.
Narelle McCarthy from Sunshine Coast Environment Council (SCEC) was also happy with the announcement.
“This is fantastic news for the region with huge benefits for our adjoining Sunshine Coast and Noosa Biospheres and communities.
“The expansion of the nationally important Noosa-Maroochy Wallum Corridor with this important acquisition provides crucial connectivity vital for biodiversity and threatened species.
“It is particularly significant to see the outstanding values and extent of the conservation estate on Kabi Kabi Country further increased through collaborative partnerships and management given the long-running campaigns first waged by the community over 20 years ago to establish the foundations of this incredibly important Protected Area.
“SCEC is absolutely thrilled with this latest acquisition and looks forward to further additions in future to safeguard habitat and ecosystems.”