Exciting plans for an ecological park land to complement Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve were unveiled as Sunshine Coast Council announced the acquisition of two new properties in Maleny today (Friday Dec 6).
The properties, totalling a combined 24 hectares, build upon existing public land that adjoins the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve.
Mayor Mark Jamieson said the Sunshine Coast is known for its natural beauty and lifestyle, which is characterised by expansive green spaces such as our environment reserves, parks and the rural landscapes that surround and support our neighbourhoods and towns.
"The additional properties council has acquired bring the total council-owned open space in the project area to 65 hectares, with a long-term goal to establish a major ecological park land for the entire region to enjoy and strengthen the environmental values of the existing Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve," Mayor Jamieson said.
"Setting aside this additional land will not only benefit the flora and fauna of our region – it will present new opportunities for Sunshine Coast residents and visitors to picnic, kick a ball, enjoy a walking trail and soak up the great outdoors.
"The additional land complements the existing reserve, expanding a green space that connects environmental corridors to support our plants and animals.
"Preserving and enhancing the landscape and character of our region is a key direction of our council and its Environment and Liveability Strategy.
"As our region grows, we're working to ensure that future generations experience similar or improved park lands to what we already have here today.
"Through acquisitions such as these, council is providing an important asset for the community, contributing to a healthy environment and liveable Sunshine Coast on our journey to becoming Australia's most sustainable region – healthy, smart, creative," he said.
Environment Portfolio and Division 5 Councillor Jenny McKay said it was wonderful to have secured these lands, as they would benefit not only the local Maleny community, but the entire Sunshine Coast.
"We know that our residents enjoy the outdoors and appreciate our environment, so it's really rewarding to provide Sunshine Coast residents with a greater variety of recreation opportunities in natural settings," Cr McKay said.
"We are especially keen to provide larger parks that encourage Sunshine Coast residents to explore our wonderful hinterland and everything it has to offer, particularly its natural landscape.
"Once established, this park will be a wonderful place for families to come and connect with nature, to explore, to learn and to be creative in our beautiful environment."
This purchase was made possible through council's strategic land acquisition program, which continues to invest in properties to meet the growing community demand for parks and recreation spaces.
