MEDIA RELEASE
20 July 2018
The Sunshine Coast Environment Council (SCEC) has welcomed support for recommendations to have land at Palmview retained for conservation and flood storage.
“These parcels have significant ecological and habitat values, function as wildlife corridors and are almost entirely flood prone.
They form important linkages with the nearby Mooloolah River National Park and Lower Mooloolah Environmental Reserve and support the hydrology necessary for the health of these conservation areas and function of the floodplains” said SCEC spokesperson Narelle McCarthy
“The robust assessments contained in Council Officer reports provided for last Thursday’s Council meeting were thorough and detailed reasons why they are not suitable for urban purposes.” Ms McCarthy explained.
These parcels were part of future urban investigation areas coming out the controversial renegotiation of the Palmview Structure Plan which delivered concessions on top of existing, generous development approvals.
The review process (not a development application) gave ample opportunity for landowners to put their case forward via a special condition relating to ecological importance and flood vulnerability. Assessments were subsequently undertaken against agreed criteria.
Due to significant biophysical constraints in this area, the landowners have clearly not demonstrated these parcels could be developed for urban purposes nor override natural hazards and risks for proposed uses which are already catered for in the approved Palmview Structure Plan.
The sound recommendation by Council staff, supported by a majority of Councillors, reflected this.
"While SCEC acknowledges the landowners have another opportunity to make further submissions on the Draft Determination in the next couple of months, these parcels should be consolidated and protected as conservation areas within the natural floodplain." she concluded.
-ENDS-
Media contact: Narelle McCarthy 0424 465 487
Council Ordinary Meeting 19 July-item 8.5.1 and reports
ATTACHMENTS: Council Assessment Report and Investigation Area maps
Narelle McCarthy
Liaison and Advocacy
Sunshine Coast Environment Council
M: 0424 465 487
The Sunshine Coast Environment Council (SCEC) is the peak regional environmental advocacy group on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. Established in 1980, it currently represents 64 community groups working on conservation, natural resource management and sustainability with a combined membership of over 15,000 individuals.