Council buys second property to protect wildlife

Moreton Bay Regional Council is continuing in its quest to protect native habitat and wildlife for future generations through the Land Buyback Program.

Set to create a continuous corridor of wildlife habitat from Elimbah to Beachmere, Council recently purchased its second property as part of the environmental program at Flowers Rd, Caboolture.

Mayor Peter Flannery says one of the aims of the program was to protect vulnerable environments and wildlife habitats and prevent them from being developed.

“Our community has made it clear to us that they want to see an increase in environmental protection in the face of anticipated growth and development,” Mayor Flannery says.

“This is about better planning for a strong and vibrant community where residents can continue to enjoy and connect with our region’s unique natural environment for years to come.

“That’s why we’re making it our responsibility to continue greening our region, investing $61 million into parks and the environment this 2021-22 financial year.

“The program also complements the investment we are making in green infrastructure which includes more than $1.1 million for fauna crossings and underpasses, protective fencing along roads and wildlife signage for drivers.

“We talk about population and economic growth as a key factor in building prosperity - protecting our native fauna and flora for future generations is part of that equation.”

Site worth protecting

Councillor Adam Hain (Div 3) says given its environmental value, the property is an important parcel of land to conserve.

“The presence of an endangered regional ecosystem on this site and its proximity to King Johns Creek and Lagoon Creek Ecological Corridor are the reasons why we needed to ensure its protection,” Cr Hain says.

“Sitting within a continuous corridor of mapped koala habitat from Elimbah to Beachmere, the 4ha property is home to important hollow-bearing habitat trees, a range of bird species and essential habitat for three vulnerable-listed fauna species, namely koalas, wallum froglets and wallum rocket frogs.

“The property is also connected to several bushland park areas, including the Golden Drive Park on the west of Pumicestone Rd, allowing us to connect the wildlife corridor.

“This program is a proud initiative of Council, with the plan to protect more land, such as this in Caboolture, and across Moreton Bay Region.”

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