Growing urban sprawl hardly falls into biosphere category

Most of the natural heritage features such as Fraser Island and Pumicestone Passage are strictly not in the council area.

Aerial photo of Kawana Waters. Picture: Patrick Woods

SUNSHINE Coast Council is using the UNESCO biosphere application 'Biosphere to boost the region' (Daily, June 17) as just another pro-growth, pro-tourist gimmick for the region without any really deserving natural features to justify it.

Most of the natural heritage features such as Fraser Island and Pumicestone Passage are strictly not in the council area.

The council is behaving like a smoke and mirrors magician to conjure up more un-needed growth by a light and fire show.

Town planning here is done ipso facto by the developers as exhibited by the ugly over-crowded cement cliff jungle at Picnic Point which I'm sure nets bucket loads of rates for the council.

The development of the airport as a freight distribution centre for local foodstuffs does not conform with sustainability principles that more enlightened parts of the world are embracing.

This is bio-toxic behaviour.

The council has been responsible for unmitigated growth on the coast and if they succeed in getting a Biosphere identification it will be the first time urban sprawl is considered "sustainable” and "unique”.

MICHAEL HENDERSON

Maroochydore