30ha forest beside Currumbin Valley Eco Village named new Merala Nature Refuge
A 30ha stretch of forest in the Gold Coast Hinterland has been declared a new nature reserve after private landholders struck a deal with the state government. SEE VIDEO >>
Southern Gold Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Southern Gold Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A 30-HECTARE stretch of rainforest beside the Gold Coast’s eco village has been declared a new nature reserve after private landholders struck a deal with the state government.
The new Merala Nature Refuge will protect multiple threatened species including dingoes, koalas and one of Australia’s most vulnerable butterflies the Richmond birdwing.
Landowners Alan and Meryl Wilson purchased the land with their son and committed to it becoming a “restoration area”.
“We said we can’t let it be anything else,” Mr Wilson said.
He added wildlife cameras placed on the property have previously captured photos of koalas and “true” dingoes – rather than dingo-dog hybrids – passing through.
“It was very exciting. We originally come from East Africa, where we were brought up with game parks and wild animals.
“We found it very exciting indeed.”
The state government announced at the weekend more than 4600ha in total statewide would become protected habitat, with half a million dollars being given to property owners to safeguard them.
Gaven MP and Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said: “We know this provides some additional measures for private landholders to have to do.
“(That half a million in funding) goes to 62 conservation projects and 28 fire management plans.
“It’s really providing private landholders with the funds so they can manage the land and better provide the sort of services we need to make sure these areas continue to be as biodiverse as they are in the long-term.”
‘Cat’s out of the bag’: Opera on the beach revival proposed
A revival of the popular opera on the beach event has been proposed as part of a widespread push to ramp up the Gold Coast’s cultural tourism credentials. FIND OUT MORE
‘Never be same without my son’: Mum’s Gold Coast crash anguish
Friends and family are paying tribute to a young Gold Coast man who died age 28 when he lost control of a car was driving at Coolangatta on Australia Day morning.