In the lead up to the September Federal Election, we need you to speak up for the places you love by telling the major political parties that final environmental approval powers cannot be trusted in the hands of the states. The laws that protect the places you love in Australia are under threat like never before, but you have the power to say what happens next. State governments in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria already have our cherished national parks and nature reserves in their sights and are systematically weakening state planning laws that allow damaging practices like...

Stage 1: Bruce Hwy Upgrade Project (Caloundra Road to Sunshine Motorway) The proposed  Stage 1: Bruce Hwy Upgrade Project (Caloundra Road to Sunshine Motorway) represents significant impact to the remnant forest on the Steve Irwin Way. Old growth habitat trees would be destroyed and threatened fauna & flora species lost.  This is one of the few remaining remnant forests in this part of the coast. If this project proceeds with current design it will forever destroy an important part of  the Sunshine Coast's biodiversity & natural beauty leading to localised extinctions. While recognisng...

2nd August 2013 From the SCEC desk.. Another busy month with lots on for August so enjoy the read below. If you missed viewing SCEC's Strategic Plan that will take us into the future and operate in a more sustainable fashion., you can see it  here. We hope you like our new newsletter format and of course feel free to give us feedback by emailing us here. Follow us on facebook to receive ongoing updates about conservation issues on the Sunshine Coast and throughout Australia, sustainability stories from around the world and all other things green and...

PLACES YOU LOVE The Places You Love campaign, of which SCEC is an alliance member, has achieved some positive gains in retaining environmental protection. By signing petitions, sending the Prime Minister postcards and spreading the word on social media, you are making a difference. Thank you for standing up for the places and wildlife you love. The new Federal Environment Minister Mark Butler has clearly heard that federal control of approval powers should be retained and committed to this in his announcement. Prime Minister Rudd’s statements in his speech to the National Press Club which specifically only mentioned assessment bilateral arrangements (Federal/State assessment process) which encouraged keeping...

After months of discussions, deliberations, writing and editing the SCEC Management Committee has adopted a strategic plan which will guide the organisations activities for the next 3 years. The strategic plan seeks to continue the proud history of over 33 years of environmental advocacy work in the Sunshine Coast region whilst responding to changes in environmental threats, community demographics and campaign tools and methods. Click here to  download a copy of the SCEC Strategic Plan 2013-2015

  A report on last nights ABC 7.30 Report revealed confidential documents obtained by the ABC showed that the State Government intended to change legislation to allow sand mining at the Enterprise mine to continue beyond its current closure date of 2019. This apparently had been done without consultation with the Quandamooka people, who have native title over the area in question. The peak environmental groups have put out a media release strongly condemning the State Governments position.