CONSERVATION RESERVE OFF-LIMITS TO AERODROME EXPANSION-SCEC

The Sunshine Coast Environment Council (SCEC) has declared a protected bushland reserve ‘off limits’ to the proposed expansion of the Queensland Air Museum in Caloundra.

Although a relatively small reserve it consists of coastal wet heath, a rapidly disappearing ecosystem in the increasingly urbanised south of the Sunshine Coast.

“The region cannot afford to lose important conservation land such as this. The Reserve status is intended to protect vulnerable bushland and wildlife habitat in perpetuity – not have swathes clear-felled to make way for other incompatible uses.” said SCEC’s Narelle McCarthy.

The Isabel Jordan Bushland Reserve is administered for State Government by the Sunshine Coast Council as Trustee and recognised as important for biodiversity and habitat connectivity values. The Reserve allows water to disperse into other wetlands and eventually into the internationally significant Pumicestone Passage. It provides a rare ‘green relief’ and amenity to the surrounding built environment and traffic along busy Caloundra Road and offers recreational and health benefits for residents and visitors.

SCEC is concerned that if QAM is allowed to take the western part of the Reserve then the eastern portion of the Reserve containing the few remaining areas for spectacular coastal  wildflowers) may also be lost. Any expansion into state land would also diminish the connectivity values and should also not be permitted.

“This is a time for protecting and retaining as much bushland as possible, not destroying what little remains and Isabel Jordan’s impressive legacy in the process.” Ms McCarthy cautioned.

The Wildlife Preservation Society-Sunshine Coast & Hinterland Branch online petition to Parliament is at:

 https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/petitions/petition-details?id=3374