Rare ‘remnant old growth vegetation’ secured for future generations

Noosa Council has secured almost 90 hectares of Boreen Point land for conservation in the latest environment levy purchase. 

Council’s purchase of 88 hectares of land at Boreen Point will protect significant vegetation, including koala habitat.

The 88-hectare property, split over two adjoining blocks on Lake Flat Road is known koala habitat and home to at least two vulnerable plant species.

Environment Levy Working Group spokesman, Cr Tom Wegener, said the $900,000 purchase was a win for the environment.

“Noosa prospers from environmental protection – it’s what makes us special. This purchase will conserve old growth vegetation, habitat for vulnerable species and a known koala corridor. It’s a win for the Noosa residents and another positive step towards our Man and Biosphere global goals,” Cr Wegener said.

“Purchasing land with the Environment Levy further assists with reaching the Noosa Environment Strategy target of ‘by 2030, half of all land in Noosa Shire is managed for its environmental values’.”

Council’s Principal Environment Officer, Peter Milne, said the site was heavily vegetated with open forest and rainforest listed as ‘of concern’ vegetation under the Vegetation Management Act 1999.

“The vulnerable Southern Penda and Bacon Wood plant species have been identified on the land, and there are also records of the vulnerable Boronia keysii,” he said.

“It is known koala habitat and will be a great addition to Council’s bushland reserve estate.”

Mr Milne said the land was also close to existing nature refuge land and the Great Sandy Cooloola National Park, offering important wildlife corridor potential.

The purchase settled on February 22.