State Development Minister Grace Grace defends Currumbin Eco-Parkland as top green destination
Currumbin is poised to become a global green destination, with a $31 million investment in a sprawling eco-parkland. See the plans.
Gold Coast
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State Development Minister Grace Grace has defended the decision to resume a large parcel of potential prime housing land on the Gold Coast for one of Australia’s largest eco-parks, saying it had “incredibly significant ecological values” and needed to be preserved.
Ms Grace on Saturday unveiled the master plan for the $46m Currumbin Eco-Parkland which will include a koala rehabilitation centre and eucalypt plantation as well as boardwalks, wetlands, walking trails and picnic facilities.
The state government compulsorily acquired the 148ha site in the Currumbin Valley from wealthy pioneering family the Neumanns, who were planning to develop housing and parklands on the property.
The $15m acquisition, which was announced during the 2020 election campaign as Labor tried unsuccessfully to wrest back the marginal seat of Currumbin from the LNP, angered the powerful Neumann clan.
But Ms Grace said the acquisition fulfilled an election commitment and the Neumanns would, in years to come, “acknowledge it was the best way forward”.
Despite Queensland’s chronic housing shortage, she did not believe the flood-prone property would have been suitable for residential development.
“There are much better sites on the Gold Coast for housing and we’re advancing those with the mayor and council,” she said.
“I think if you look at developing those areas compared to this, it’s a no-brainer.”
Ms Grace said it was difficult to strike a balance between conserving green space and providing enough housing as South East Queensland’s population boomed.
She said the government’s $3.1b “Homes for Queensland” plan would result in 53,000 new homes being built which was “an incredible investment”.
“This was an election commitment that we made – it has incredibly significant ecological values on this site,” she said.
“Obviously we compulsorily acquired that. In years to come they’ll acknowledge it was the best way forward.”
Friends of Currumbin president Peter Kershaw, whose group has been championing the preservation of the former Marist Brothers farm site for decades, said creation of the Currumbin Eco-Parkland would help preserve 14 threatened flora and fauna species including a 46ha blackbutt forest.
The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary also backed the plan and will run the koala rehabilitation facility.
First look: Inside new Gold Coast super park
New plans show the Gold Coast will become home to one of Australia’s largest eco-parklands, with a $31 million investment at Currumbin.
While protecting native animals and bushland, the 148ha site will feature new hiking trails, picnic areas and a base for wildlife rehabilitation, and be promoted to overseas tourists as a global green destination.
State Development Minister Grace Grace released the project’s Activation Plan on Saturday.
The roadmap for the site is backed by more than $30 million in funding across three years, on top of money already invested to acquire the land and carry out consultation.
The plan’s release follows community consultation and a full ecological study of the site, with Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary having already establishing a koala fodder plantation as part of the parkland.
The finished product will include the Wildlife Sanctuary’s new koala facility — a small-scale vet unit and fodder eucalypt plantation — with other areas identified for wetland restoration.
“The Miles Government is committed to make the Currumbin Eco-Parkland a reality because we know this project will ensure this unique natural wonder will be appreciated for generations to come,” Ms Grace said.
“Through the site’s development, we’re ensuring the strong ecological values of this site are upheld while opening a world of new eco-adventure tourism for the region.
“Importantly, we have worked closely with the traditional owners, local community groups like Friends of Currumbin, environmental and sporting groups, the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital and the City of Gold Coast Council to deliver this vision.
“We are committed to preserving our natural areas and environmental heritage, particularly close to major population centres.
“This is a terrific result for the Gold Coast community as well as visitors to the city.”
Environment Minister Leanne Linard said a large portion of eco-parkland would be dedicated as conservation park, ensuring it remained accessible to the public and future generations.
“Once works are completed, the parkland will be a magnificent addition to Queensland’s already impressive protected area estate, and will become a safe haven for an amazing array of wildlife, including koalas,” she said.
“Part of this investment is a funding allocation to the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation to carry out ongoing land management activities, including fire and pest programs and revegetation works.”
Friends of Currumbin president Peter Kershaw welcomed the next planning phase.
“We are pleased to witness the realisation of the next phase of the Currumbin Eco-Parkland, which signifies a significant milestone,” he said.
“The tireless efforts of Friends of Currumbin in safeguarding this area over the years have now been affirmed by the Queensland Government’s substantial financial commitment, marking a remarkable stride in the right direction.
“It is with great assurance that we acknowledge the protective measures embedded in this activation plan, ensuring the conservation of 46ha of endangered blackbutt forest for the benefit of future generations.”
The content summaries were created with the assistance of AI technology then edited and approved for publication by an editor.
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