Award, new report reveal value of flood plain reserve
A Coast residents association is calling for the extension of a prized flood plain reserve for protection from future development.
Sunshine Coast
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A Coast residents association is calling for the extension of a prized flood plain reserve for protection from future development.
New details have been revealed about the value of the Sunshine Coast’s Blue Heart reserve.
The project, which lays out opportunities for 5000ha within the Maroochy River flood plain, was also recently named the Regional Innovation Project of the Year at the Cities Power Partnership Climate Awards.
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The draft Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy estimated the area could be worth between $12 and $70 million by 2100 for its ecosystem services alone.
The area is impacted by tidal inundation and, over time, is expected to continue transitioning from predominantly rural lands to estuarine wetlands due to climate change and projected sea level rise.
The Blue Heart project ensures the land is transitioned in a sustainable manner, and explores opportunities for environmental, community and economic uses.
The land is already dedicated to conservation and rehabilitation of waterways as well as research into blue carbon capture and further investigations into other opportunities for landholders.
Some projects already under way include UnityWater’s Yandina Creek Wetland and a solar farm.
Organisations of Sunshine Coast Association of Residents president Melva Hobson said the total value of the area could be worth in excess of a billion dollars.
“We can’t underestimate the value to the community as a whole in terms of health, wellbeing and the environment,” she said.
“There’s also the amount of work involved in restoring the damage if there is an increase in floods along the Maroochydore River.”
Ms Hobson said the organisation wanted to see more of the Coast’s undeveloped flood plains included in the Blue Heart reserve.
It comes as pressure builds over a decision on a surf ranch and residential development proposed to be built on a 510ha parcel of land at Coolum West.
Some of the land for the proposal is in the Blue Heart reserve.
Co-applicants World Surf League and Consolidated Property Group are awaiting a State Government decision on an application, lodged 12 months ago, for the site to become a Priority Development Area.
Consolidated Property Group CEO Don O’Rorke last week said he feared World Surf League could look to develop elsewhere if a decision was not made soon.
Ms Hobson said the residents association was forming a submission in response to the Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy, to map out other properties suitable for the Blue Heart.
Earlier this year Sunshine Coast Council added to the network after purchasing an additional 16ha of property.
The property, located on River Rd, Maroochy River, is adjacent to existing public land and continues to consolidate the conservation and recreation network within Blue Heart Sunshine Coast.
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