Three parcels of state forest around the Sunshine Coast are set to be permanently protected from logging, grazing and mining, after the state government began the process of turning them into conservation parks.
Last week state parliament approved the revocation of the current land tenure classification of the entire 1150-hectare West Cooroy State Forest, plus 129 hectares of Beerwah State Forest – known locally as Ferny Forest – and 62 hectares of Luttons State Forest, near the Glass House Mountains.
“We are committed to transferring 20,000 hectares of state forest to the protected areas estate under the Native Timber Action Plan,” Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef Leanne Linard said.
“The motion passed in state parliament is the first stage of transferring more than 2500 hectares of land currently declared as timber reserve and state forest into our protected areas estate as either national park or conservation park.
“This will afford stronger protections and enhanced management for crucial habitat for threatened species, including our iconic koala.”
Queensland Conservation Council campaigner Nicky Moffat said she was pleased the government was moving towards its promise to end native forest logging in the region.
“This is a great first step for endangered greater gliders, koalas and dozens of threatened species and ecological communities that rely on these forest ecosystems,” she said.
“It’s also great news for mountain bike riders and others who enjoy using conservation parks. Locals will be thrilled.”
Mountain bike rider Cameron Gibson, 45, who lives in Narangba but grew up near the Glass House Mountains, has ridden in Ferny Forest since he was 14 years old.
“It’s awesome news Ferny is protected,” he said.
“I ride there often, and take mates there. I go out there now and feel like I’m 14 again – I love being in the bush.
“This area has the best local tracks for mountain biking, it’s such a great thing for kids to get into so it’ll be great to preserve them.
“It’s amazing the animals you see in these forests, I’ve seen koala, pythons and even platypus are in some of these forests. They’re really important.”
Related story: Tree-mendous: more state forests officially protected
Ms Linard said conservation areas were important to the state’s economy.
“Our protected area estate is also a major contributor to Queensland’s economic prosperity,” she said.
“They attract over 50 million visits per year, including visitors from around the world. This injects billions of dollars into the Queensland economy and supports thousands of jobs across the state.
“Growing our protected area estate is great for the environment and the economy.”
The Queensland Conservation Council said in a statement West Cooroy State Forest would be the new West Cooroy Conservation Park, Beerwah State Forest (Ferny Forest) would be the new Mooloolah River Conservation Park, and Luttons State Forest would be part of the existing Glass House Mountains Conservation Park.
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