A soon-to-open new parkland by the beach has earned rave reviews for preserving and enhancing the natural landscape.
More than 10,000 shrubs and ground-covers, plus 120 trees, were planted at Mooloolaba’s Northern Parkland, earning the project a major gong for environmental responsibility.
The Sunshine Coast Council project was recognised with the Green Space Urban Award, by the Australian Institute of Horticulture Inc.
Judges made special mention of the management and protection of the iconic Norfolk pines and native vegetation during the construction period.
Tree protection zones were created, along with specialist animal habitat rehabilitation, on the Mooloolaba Esplanade embankment.
The parkland will officially open for the Queensland school holidays, with a free community event on Saturday, July 2 (scroll down for more on this).
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said the award highlighted council’s commitment to preserving and enhancing our natural and urban environments.
“Council’s vision is to be Australia’s most sustainable region and the preservation and enhancement of our green space plays a big role in that,” he said.
“It’s a great honour to be recognised by AIH for the first stage of this world-class community parkland project.”
AIH President Michael Casey said it was a pleasure to present the award in person at Mooloolaba, following the cancellation of the 2021 AIH award ceremony due to COVID-19 restrictions.
“The Australian Institute of Horticulture recognises the commitment, professionalism and excellence of those who have made a significant contribution to the horticultural industry,” he said.
“I’m thrilled to present the Green Space Urban Award for this signature project and congratulate all those involved, including the Sunshine Coast Council team, Murphy Builders, Arboractive and the Queensland State Government for contributing vital funding.”
Sunshine Coast Council Division 4 Councillor Joe Natoli said the parkland would further enhance the community’s natural, healthy and active way of life.
“I consider this to be one of the most incredible parklands in our region and I am thrilled our community will soon be able to enjoy the new community space when it opens in late June,” he said.
The project’s consulting arborist/horticulturist David Hawthorne of Arboractive was commended for his work on the project.
The Northern Parkland is the first stage of the multimillion-dollar, multi-stage Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation Project.
Festival to celebrate new beachfront parkland
Residents and visitors will be able to usher in the new parkland at a vibrant community event, during the school holidays on Saturday, July 2.
Organised by the Mooloolaba Chamber of Commerce with the support of Sunshine Coast Council, the Mooloolaba Foreshore Festival will celebrate the grand opening of the parkland with live music, markets and family-friendly entertainment.
The final pieces of the parkland’s adventure playground, the impressive Pandanus Towers and slides, were crane lifted into place on Monday, June 6.
Inspired by all things in, on and under the sea, the festival will feature all the latest parkland additions including the playground, oceanfront picnic and barbecue areas and premier viewing decks.
Attendees can meet a mermaid, spot incredible sand sculptures, soak up live music or wander the sunset markets.
At “Ocean Alley” on the Esplanade, there will be ocean displays and workshops, delicious food, free rides and face painting, and activities for everyone to enjoy.
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