Clear Mountain land protected

An ecologically significant parcel of land at Clear Mountain will be preserved for native flora and fauna thanks to an agreement between the owners and Moreton Bay Regional Council.

The 6ha parcel is part of a 9ha privately owned property.

The owners, who wish to remain anonymous, have entered into a Voluntary Conservation Agreement (VCA) with Council, preserving the 6ha in perpetuity.

Mayor Peter Flannery says it is a significant contribution to the environment of the region.

“The generous landowners don’t want to be identified, this is an entirely ecological decision on their part and they aren’t doing it for any recognition,” Mayor Flannery says.

“We are humbled and happy to work with them to ensure the environmental values of their land are protected for future generations.”

Critical link

Mayor Flannery says Clear Mountain is a critical link between developed areas such as Eatons Hill and Warner, out to the western hinterland

“The environmental value of this property to our biodiversity and fauna can’t be understated, especially as we work to improve and connect the wildlife corridors around our region,” he says.

The Clear Mountain property will be the 15th to have a Voluntary Conservation Agreement with Council, adding to the 185ha of land under protection through the program.

Significant contribution

Cr Cath Tonks, whose division covers Clear Mountain, says the agreement is significant for the area.

“I would like to thank the property owners for their generous and personal contribution,” Cr Tonks says.

“This area plays an important role for animal habitat.”

An officers’ report to Council says the landowners have been part of Council’s Land for Wildlife program since 2013, and have transformed the property into an area of high value vegetation.

“Council will support the landholders with access to financial incentives and expert advice to help manage the covenant area,” Mayor Flannery says.

Protecting threatened species

The program supports landowners to protect and enhance habitat for threatened flora and fauna species such as koalas, greater gliders, glossy black cockatoos, grey-headed flying foxes, giant barred frogs, powerful owls and marbled frogmouths, as well as long-nosed potoroos and short-beaked echidnas.

Voluntary Conservation Agreements are a legally binding agreement between Council and a landholder to protect the environmental values on the landholder’s property forever.

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