A missing link in a Sunshine Coast nature corridor has been secured through a partnership between the Queensland Government and the Sunshine Coast Council.
The joint-purchase of a 150ha Peregian Beach property, which shares boundaries with the Doonan Wetland Nature Refuge and Noosa National Park, protects a key koala and ground parrot habitat that will now be managed for a future declaration as a conservation park.
Sunshine Coast Council Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Maria Suarez said the parcel of land on Monak Rd provided a critical link in the Noosa–Maroochy Wallum Area between Doonan Wetlands Nature Refuge and Council-owned environmental reserves to the south and Noosa National Park in the north.
“The estate features extensive high-quality bushland, a strong diversity of vegetation communities across six mapped regional ecosystems and a strategic position within the landscape, and will offer rare protected habitat for the vulnerable ground parrot in our region,” Cr Suarez said.
As well as koalas and ground parrots, the estate provides essential habitat for the glossy black cockatoo, the Wallum Froglet and the tusked frog.
State Environment Minister Leanne Linard said the property was also home to the endangered Mountain Emu she-oak, which was only found within a 55km radius between Beerburrum and Noosa.
“The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service will work together with Sunshine Coast Council and the Kabi Kabi People to oversee the management of the estate, including pest control and fire management.” Minister Linard said.
