Moves are being made to introduce a range of new facilities at the base of a Sunshine Coast mountain that attracts 200,000 people a year.
Sunshine Coast Council has commissioned a consultant to complete preliminary design options for providing an amenities building and a sealed car park at the entrance to the Mount Coolum walking trail.
The mountain has become a must-visit destination in the region during the past decade, with increasing numbers of locals and tourists making their way up the 208m peak that provides stunning 360-degree views.
There is only a small gravel car park at its base to accommodate the influx of hikers.
Vehicles can regularly be seen parked on side streets within a kilometre or more of the track entrance.
Now, the council is taking action to make the site more accessible, while preserving its natural state.
A spokesperson said the council was working with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service “to better understand the challenges and opportunities at this site to support the 200,000-plus users annually”.
“Council has commissioned a consultant to complete preliminary design options for providing an amenities building, new sealed car park and connection of services for the Mount Coolum walking trail,” they said.
“This information is now being considered by council and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, with further investigation and funding required to support subsequent assessments, planning, detailed design, permits and construction of the preferred option, in relation to both the amenities building and car park.”
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State MP for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson said work needed to be done there, in a way that suits locals.
“The Sunshine Coast community loves Mount Coolum, but the lack of amenities is an issue causing detrimental impact to the local environment as well as upon visitors’ comfort,” she said.
“Getting the location and design right also needs to take into account minimising impact on the local residents.”
Ms Simpson said the commissioning of a consultant for design analysis was crucial.
“This work has to occur before the cost can be determined and funding is sought, but is a step in the right direction,” she said.
A QPWS spokesperson said the mountain and its surrounds were environmentally and culturally important.
“Mount Coolum National Park provides critical habitat for protected species, including the ground parrot and the endangered Mount Coolum she-oak,” they said.
“The park is also culturally significant to the Kabi Kabi First Nations People.”
The spokesperson said the mountain was a drawcard for hikers and outlined some of the initiatives undertaken for conservation.
“The park attracts more than 200,000 visitors (every year), who come to enjoy the challenging 1.6km summit walk,” they said.
“Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service manages the national park and works with Sunshine Coast Council, who own and maintain the adjacent car park.
“To ensure Mount Coolum National Park maintains its environmentally and culturally significant values while continuing to be a key tourist drawcard for the Sunshine Coast, QPWS undertakes regular park maintenance on the summit walking track.
“This includes engaging specialist track builders who have constructed an environmentally friendly and resilient walking track that can endure the high visitor use at this location.”
The spokesperson said hikers could do their bit to protect the area.
“It is important that visitors respect the national park to help us keep it in pristine condition by sticking to designated tracks, obeying all signs and following directions from rangers,” they said.
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