Sunshine Coast’s green heart beating stronger thanks to biodiversity boost
A Peregian Springs green haven has expanded to 474ha of wildlife corridor and is now the largest reserve in Sunshine Coast Council’s conservation estate.
Noosa
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A double celebration will be held on Saturday as the Sunshine Coast embraces the World Environment Day Festival at a biodiversity hot spot which has just been increased by 94ha.
The Doonan Creek Environment Reserve has expanded to 474ha of wildlife corridor and is now the largest reserve in Sunshine Coast Council's conservation estate of more than 7000ha.
Mayor Mark Jamieson said the purchase preserved an area of a highly valued wallum biodiversity corridor between the Maroochy River and Noosa which was covered entirely with native vegetation.
"This corridor includes diverse habitats such as coastal lowlands and flood plains that together form an essential corridor for our wildlife to move through the landscape," Mr Jamieson said.
Councillor Maria Suarez said the acquisition boosted the council's environment and liveability strategy to expand and connect the Coast's conservation estate.
"This additional land will also protect more than 2km of Doonan Creek," Ms Suarez said.
"Through implementation of the Doonan Creek Environment Reserve Management Plan this reserve will also provide opportunities to connect people with nature through conservation, recreation and education."
Meanwhile, Visitors to Saturday's festival will be able to take part in tree planting and plenty of family fun activities.
Festival co-ordinator Natalie Frost said the Sunshine Coast Environment Council had been hosting its signature event for more than 40 years.
Ms Frost said the Sunshine Coast was home to more than 3000 species of plants and animals, with 117 of them threatened.
The environment council is supporting a month-long festival program including guided walks, seminars, workshops, live music and interactive art as well as markets at the Crystal Waters Eco Village near Yandina.
"The jam-packed program offers a unique opportunity to connect with local organisations and groups doing fantastic work restoring ecosystems and preventing biodiversity loss," Ms Frost said.
Covid-19 restrictions and social distancing practises will be in place for all events and tickets to attend are required. For all details got to https://www.scec.org.au/wedfestival2021.
Originally published as Eco 'gift' to the Coast to help preserve biodiversity
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