A treetop bridge, tree houses and forest lookout are among features proposed as the council shapes a new 65 hectare ecological park in the hinterland.
The vast green space near Maleny and overlooking the Glass House Mountains is being developed with input from the public.
A draft concept has been released for residents to have their say, following the first round of community consultation in May.
An aerial diagram shows proposed features such as a large loop path, natural ampitheatre, play forest, sensory garden and BBQ lawn.
Natural features include a wetland, creeks and a dam.
There would be some tree houses to provide shelter to “experience” the forest.
The treetop bridge (pictured above) is described as “a unique experience of the growing forest incorporated into the loop path to enable access across the creek and wetland”.
The interactive map shows people standing on the high bridge at the level of the treetops as part of the loop walk.
Sunshine Coast Council is inviting residents and visitors to have their say on the draft concept, and indicate which features they’d like to see via an interactive map.
The park would be located across 65 hectares of council-acquired land, adjacent to Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve in Maleny.
Sunshine Coast Council Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Cr Cox said the second stage of community consultation was an opportunity to help inform a draft master plan.
“The proposed Sunshine Coast Ecological Park will be the first of its kind for our community and a wonderful place for recreation and wellness, ecology and restoration, plus research, education and culture,” Cr Cox said.
“To ensure the project delivers the desired mix of recreation, green space and ecological conservation, this next stage of engagement will help us understand which features are a priority for our community and stakeholders.”
“In line with our Environment and Liveability Strategy 2017, the proposed ecological park is a unique opportunity to enhance our conservation and recreation credentials for the entire Sunshine Coast community and visitors to enjoy.
“An Excellence Advisory Panel and Community Reference Group have been established to help inform the development of a master plan and continue to provide feedback throughout all stages of the master planning process.
“Council is also working alongside Traditional Custodians to understand the cultural and traditional heritage of the site and respectfully integrate history into the design of the park.”
“People can provide feedback on the draft concept until September 14, either online or by chatting to the project team at one of the pop-up events.
“The Sunshine Coast ecological park will be a beautiful place for both Sunshine Coast locals and visitors, so we’d like to hear from everyone.”
You can complete the survey by visiting http://haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/sc-eco-park-master-plan.
Or have your say in person:
Friday, September 2, 8.30am to 11am: Mooloolaba Boardwalk – near new Northern Parkland, Mooloolaba Esplanade.
Friday, September 2, 2. 30pm to 5pm: Maleny Main Street – near IGA Maleny, 26 Maple St, Maleny.
Saturday, September 3, 7.30am to 10am: Kawana Markets, 119 Sportsman Parade, Birtinya.
Saturday, September 3, 1pm to 3.30pm: Happy Valley, Caloundra – near playground, Esplanade Bulcock Beach, Caloundra.
Sunday, September 4, 2pm to 04.30pm: Tickle Park – near Shelter, David Low Way, Coolum Beach.
The second stage of community engagement will inform the project’s draft master plan, which will be shared for public comment in early 2023.
The proposed Sunshine Coast Ecological Park will be located within Mountain View, one of the Sunshine Coast’s five major green spaces.
For more information on how council is securing and activating spaces for future generations, head to council’s Environment and Liveability Strategy website.
