Environment Levy secures significant riverside land parcel

Noosa Council has secured a significant riverside land parcel for conservation in a major environment levy purchase.

The 100-hectare property, off McKinnon Drive, contains remnant koala habitat, provides an important linkage with the riparian corridor along the western side of Noosa River and will help protect water quality.

The land parcel, situated on the banks of Noosa River and Cooloothin Creek, overlooks Lake Cootharaba.

Council’s Principal Environment Officer, Peter Milne, said although much of the site was previously cleared, vegetation had substantially regrown.

“Now that the land is protected it can be allowed to naturally regenerate,” he said.

“Strategically this is a very significant purchase, as it serves as an important linkage with the riparian and wildlife corridors along the western side of Noosa River, and complements the biodiversity values of nearby Cooloola National Park,” Mr Milne said.

“The state government has listed remnant koala habitat on the site as ‘of concern’ vegetation. This purchase will now protect that habitat from the threat of development and potentially provide a favourable environment for koalas,” Mr Milne said.

Noosa’s Environment Levy funded the $2.7 million land purchase.

21 December 2015