Eco park vision for hinterland

AN ambitious vision to restore cleared grazing land to original rainforest in a “new kind of park” has been revealed by Sunshine Coast Council.

The community has now been invited to have its say on the proposed ‘Sunshine Coast Ecological Park’, which features highlights including two treetop bridges, a forest lookout and forest rooms for children to play and explore in.

The 65ha land parcel, currently used for cattle grazing, lies in Jinibara country adjacent to the existing Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve at Maleny, and within the Mountain View Green Space, one of the Sunshine Coast’s five major green spaces.

Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said this project was important for the region’s sustainability and that he hoped for an enthusiastic response from the community.

“In 30 years and beyond, council wants our next generations to benefit from the decisions we make today,” Mr Jamieson said.

“Over time, we’ll have the privilege of watching the ecosystems in this park recover as species return to the restored forest and wetland.

“My hope is the community will embrace this park as their own as a place to immerse in nature, connect with each other and be inspired to continue our sustainability journey.”

With the Sunshine Coast now recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere, Mr Jamieson said he hoped the proposed park would allow people and nature to co-exist and to restore the rainforests and wetlands. He said the aim was to do this through education, play areas, and natural recreation at the proposed park.

Sunshine Coast Kennel Club Shows on soon

YES, our shows will be on this year! But earlier than usual in March, rather than April.

We are holding four Conformation shows which are the ‘beauty contests’ judging the best dogs in each breed to end up with a Best in Show. The first show is on Friday March 24, starting at 6pm. On Saturday the 25th we begin the

Championship show at 8.30am followed by Junior Handlers and an Open Show. The Sunday show also starts at 8.30am. Alongside the show on Sunday, there is a Flyball competition run by the Elimbah Krush club. This will start at 9am and run for most of the day. It is a great event for spectators and encourages participation in dog sports. A canteen with delicious food will be operating and also a coffee van on site. We welcome the community to come along and join us for these activities.

Do come and have a look, talk to exhibitors, enjoy the dog sport events and browse the various stalls with lots of ‘doggy’ paraphernalia for sale.

The event will be held at the Beerwah Sportsground and entry is free.