Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve protected, enhanced and expanded through Environment Levy purchase

The significant rainforest habitat at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve in Maleny will be protected, enhanced and expanded through the latest addition to the Environment Levy Land Acquisition Program.

Mayor Mark Jamieson said the 26.8 hectare property, located on the north-eastern boundary of the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, would connect and expand the existing ecological networks in the area.

“This acquisition demonstrates council’s ongoing commitment to protecting and enhancing our natural environment,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“Through the Environment Levy, council has allocated approximately $9.3 million this year in conservation projects designed to maintain, and improve, the natural environment of our region.

“Together with our recent purchase at Burgess Avenue, also adjoining Mary Cairncross, this property will provide opportunities for future rehabilitation and offsetting activities to enhance habitat and landscape connectivity.

“I’m pleased this additional 26.8 hectares will be added to our conservation estate, and I look forward to seeing this land enhanced over the coming years.”

Since the Environment Levy began in the early 1990s, Sunshine Coast Council has purchased almost 3000 hectares of land for conservation.

“More than 1080 hectares have been purchased since 2008, the majority of which has occurred under this council,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“It’s a practice I am proud of and one that will continue well into the future to ensure our natural environment is protected and enhanced as we develop and grow as a region.”

Some of Sunshine Coast Council’s recent acquisitions include:

• 4.8 hectares in the heart of Buderim;
• 27.5 hectares of eucalypt and rainforest habitat in the foothills of Buderim, on Crosby Hill Rd;
• 80 hectares across a property on MacDonalds Rd, Bald Knob and at Burgess Avenue, Maleny.

“Council is shaping a healthy, smart and creative future for our region and we will continue our strong focus on maintaining, enhancing and protecting our region’s outstanding environmental assets,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“We will continue to invest heavily in our conservation land, and support the valuable work of our volunteers who work tirelessly to keep our living environment healthy.

“Our environment is one of our greatest assets, and council intends to keep it that way.

“After all, that is what a healthy, smart and creative region does.”

Environment Portfolio and divisional Councillor Jenny McKay said the property was a fantastic addition to the Sunshine Coast’s existing network of 584 environmental network reserves.

“This purchase delivers excellent environmental outcomes,” Cr McKay said.

“In protecting our magnificent habitat at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve and expanding an important conservation corridor, we’re also protecting some of the headwaters of the Mary River catchment.”