A proposal has been put forward to the Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing by Eco Camp Pty Ltd (Discovery Group) to downgrade 2.6 hectares in the Noosa River Declared Fish Habitat Area at Elanda Point (see Map 2) from a management A to a managment B Fish Habitat Area so they can build a 70m private jetty out into the tranquil, natural beauty of Lake Cootharaba with its rich, aquatic...

It has been two months since the Council voted to defer a decision on rocking the Maroochy River mouth and there has been no public indication of what level of consultation there will be. Time is running out for meaningful consultation given that a report is due to go to Council’s June meeting. Concerned residents, including former Councillors who have a strong association with this important issue, have formed a working group researching the issue in conjunction with SCEC. Some of these people were involved in the decision making process...

Conservation of our coast or ‘beachfront garden’ for a few? A small group of North Shelly Beach residents has approached the Sunshine Coast Council (item 8.2.1 of the 23 March Ordinary Meeting agenda) requesting a change in management of the dunes between Russell Street and William Street to provide for their improved scenic amenity. Councillors need to know your views before Thursday 23 March! The area is currently cared for by local Turtlecare...

At the 25 January Ordinary Meeting of the Sunshine Coast Council, a questionable and contentious motion recommending options which would ultimately see the rock walling of the magnificent Maroochy River was sensibly not supported. Instead, an alternative motion put by Mayor Mark Jamieson to undertake further studies and consultation was unanimously passed.   Amongst a range of necessary considerations, this 'pause and revisit' importantly provides  the opportunity to re-establish the Maroochy River Entrance Working Party- a consultative group comprising broad representation offering a range of expertise and knowledge initially convened some twenty years ago. Such a group provides the required independent model to ensure robust and interactive community engagement upon...

Media statement- Minister Dr Steven Miles MP The Palaszczuk Government has released a discussion paper on its draft Protected Area Strategy Environment Minister Dr Steven Miles said the discussion paper was available online and invited all Queenslanders to have their say on the draft strategy. “We’re asking the public for their comments on how we can build and manage a diverse and effective protected area system in Queensland,” Dr Miles said. “Our protected areas include our national parks and privately owned nature refuges, and...

Draft SEQ regional plan released-have your say by 3 March 2017 The draft South East Queensland (SEQ) Regional Plan has been released and is open for comment until midnight on Friday 3 March 2017. Read more… The SEQ Regional Plan is an important regional planning tool, which can direct how both the state and local governments undertake planning and development decision-making in SEQ. Regional Plans override planning schemes where there is inconsistency. As part of the package released...

Care about the environment, community, responsible development and quality planning? Right now, important opportunities exist for you to have your say on how planning happens in your region and across the state. To make sure you have the information and analysis you need to take up these opportunities, leading independent community legal centre Environmental Defenders Office Qld is partnering with the Qld Department of Planning to put on a number of free seminars. QUEENSLAND...

Shaping SEQ 2016 The draft SEQ Regional Plan or ShapingSEQ was released on 20 October for comment until 03 March 2017. While the real questions about unsustainable population growth and 'growth' projections need to be asked and objectively answered, the South-East Queensland Regional or ShapingSEQ is the overarching statutory planning document. As such, it has significant implications for the region's environment and liveability. The Sunshine Coast Council has prepared this overview and video which reinforces the crucial elements such as protecting the Moreton Bay to...

Recent addition to coastal pathway-Warana. Edge effects from weeds & struggling revegetation apparent The Sunshine Coast Council has released the Coastal Pathway Master Plan  for comment. While elements of a coastal pathway have merit, some proposed sections along the 73km alignment represent unacceptable environmental and amenity impacts and should be avoided. Such impacts cannot be justified to simply fulfil the “vision” of a continuous, mostly concrete, pathway. SCEC has initially assessed some of key northern links and prepared this attached pro-forma submission for the Stumers Creek Coolum to Birrahl Park Yaroomba sections with some points...

The design layout for the $929.3 million Bruce Highway upgrade between Caloundra Road and the Sunshine Motorway will be on show at public displays on the Sunshine Coast over coming weeks. Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the project involved upgrading the...

Following Expressions of Interest for the Bruce Highway Upgrade-Caloundra Road to Sunshine Mwy, SCEC understands two proponents have been selected to progress into the competitive design phase. Now subject to commercial-in-confidence, emphasis has been given by Transport & Main Roads to 'minimise' the impact on the Steve Irwin Way Forest.While it's encouraging  and absolutely necessary such a significant factor is incorporated into the preparation of the final design, avoidance of the forest is really the only way impact will be minimised. An improved design for better conservation...

Caloundra Rd to Sunshine Motorway projectMinister for Main Roads, Mark Bailey MP unveiled the final design and tender for this project on the Sunshine Coast on Friday 16 September. The efforts of the Minister and the Main Roads project team and their willingness to engage with the community to listen to and address justified concerns has seen an innovative, Australian first design which is a significant improvement on previous versions. Minister Mark Bailey MP- briefing with environmental stakeholders One critical improvement is the reduction of...