Environmental groups have welcomed with “relief” the fomalised protection from development, of what they say is a significant bushland reserve at Caloundra.
In mid-2020, the Sunshine Coast Environment Council (SCEC) declared the site, known as the Isabel Jordan Bushland Reserve, “off limits” to the proposed expansion of the Queensland Air Museum (QAM).
SCEC says the Caloundra site, named after a pioneering member of SCEC, consists of rare coastal wet heath, provides ‘green relief’ and amenity to the surrounding built environment, and is used for recreational purposes. The site also has cultural significance for First Nations groups.
The reserve is included in the environmental management and conservation zone and is mapped as a wetland and native vegetation area under the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014.
QAM had petitioned State Parliament to fast-track their expansion plans, describing the land parcel, which is adjacent to their museum, as ‘vacant land’.
However, the museum has recently confirmed to Sunshine Coast News that it had already been advised the site was unavailable for lease and would pursue alternate plans.
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SCEC spokesperson Narelle McCarthy said the ”off limits” status was intended to protect the bushland and wildlife habitat and “not have swathes clear-felled to make way for other incompatible uses.”
“SCEC was concerned if QAM was allowed to take the western part of the reserve, then the eastern portion of the reserve containing the few remaining areas for spectacular coastal wildflowers may also be lost,” Ms McCarthy said.
“Any expansion into state land would also diminish the connectivity values.”
In July 2020, Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland – Sunshine Coast and Hinterland petitioned Parliament against QAM’s request to extend the lot, which included into the reserve, arguing it was identified by the State as having ‘Regional significance’ and containing ‘Essential habitat’ and ‘Special Biodiversity Values’.
The petition received more than 1800 signatures.
QAM Chaplin and Acting President, John Gould, “it was my understanding, even seven or eight years ago, we were never going to be able to get that land.”
He said the committee had been considering for several years to lease the land, but upon advice from the council, they’d recently withdrawn interest
“We were advised by the council in September, the land would never be ours, even though it was included in the plans to be developed,” Mr Gould said.
“We are going to concentrate on developing the land we are currently on and leasing from the council.”
Sunshine Coast Council decided on the removal of the reserve as an aerodrome expansion area in the Caloundra Aerodrome Master Plan 2042, at its November 17 ordinary meeting.
Ms McCarthy said SCEC welcomed the move. Wildlife Preservation Society of Qld – Sunshine Coast & Hinterland Secretary Jude Crighton said the group was pleased and relieved at the recommendation.
“The reserve and adjacent wetland areas and their unique vegetation was important habitat for rare and threatened creatures such as ‘acid’ frogs, and provided wildlife corridors linking other green areas. Local residents also appreciate these green corridors for cycling and walking,” Ms Crighton said.
A SCC spokesperson said the Caloundra Aerodrome Master Plan acknowledged the environmental and community value of the bushland reserve.
“That’s why … the reserve has been retained as a reserve and is not within the expansion area in the Caloundra Aerodrome Master Plan. The land will be retained within the council managed conservation estate,” the spokesperson said.
“An Environmental Constraints Report undertaken on the land identified high value habitat (native flora and fauna species) and an ecological survey found the presence of Wallum froglets which are protected species under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.
“Retention of the … reserve also enables aerodrome stakeholders, particularly the Queensland Air Museum, to better plan for their future activities.
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