Sunshine Coast Ecological Park: ecological restoration and community connection

Sunshine Coast Council’s vision is to be Australia’s most sustainable region: Connected. Liveable. Thriving. Part of that vision includes creating the Sunshine Coast Ecological Park, a once-in-a-generation legacy project aiming to create a place of cherished nature and ecological wonder for generations to discover and enjoy. 

The proposed ecological park considers people, wildlife, resources and vegetation equally, balancing community recreation with ecological restoration, and providing a unique space for connection, culture, education and environmental stewardship. ​

​The park will be a showcase for the Sunshine Coast Biosphere. Recognised internationally by UNESCO, the Sunshine Coast is part of a world network of biosphere reserves which showcase how communities and nature can live in harmony together.

Now in the early stages of design, which occurs alongside early ecological restoration works, this is a long-term project that will evolve over several decades as funding becomes available.

Background

The Sunshine Coast is located one hour’s drive north of Queensland’s capital city, Brisbane. It is one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations, known for its stunning natural landscapes and vibrant communities. To protect the region’s unique environment, landscape and character values while providing access to nature and recreational opportunities for its growing population, Council identified five major green spaces. These are areas where Council aims to deliver and advocate for conservation, recreation and agricultural and rural landscapes. Among these is the Mountain View green space in the hinterland.

The ecological park project will transform 65 hectares of pastoral land adjoining the award-winning Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve in the Mountain View green space. The new park will build on the ecological values and established destination appeal of the existing reserve. Together, these will provide a thriving ecological and community hub.

Source: Sunshine Coast Council

Key functions of the ecological park include:

• recreation and wellness
• ecology and restoration
• research, education and culture.

Achieving these functions will fulfil the project’s vision and values, along with community expectations.

The new park is expected to be a major tourism drawcard for the region, with some elements expected to be delivered in time for the region to welcome visitors to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Project development

Developing the Sunshine Coast Ecological Park Master Plan was a collaborative effort spanning seven years and involving extensive community and stakeholder engagement. Key stakeholders included the Jinibara Traditional Owners, local residents, the broader community, environmental groups and government. The project was guided by a strategic governance framework, including a Steering Committee, an Excellence Advisory Panel and a Community Reference Group.

Source: Sunshine Coast Council

The master plan outlines four distinct but interconnected precincts: the Heart, the Rainforest, the Waterways, and the Hub. Each precinct is designed to offer unique experiences while promoting ecological restoration and community involvement. The Heart will serve as a community destination with active uses and programs, the Rainforest will focus on habitat restoration, the Waterways will enhance ecological function through wetland and creek restoration, and the Hub will be the centre for research, operations and stewardship activities.

Master plan highlights for our community include walking trails, wetlands, a forest lookout tower, treetop boardwalks, events space, a community hub with café and facilities for research and operations.

Council adopted the master plan in July 2023. Since adoption, the current phase focuses on research, detailed site investigations, preliminary revegetation activities, design development and exploring further potential partnership and funding opportunities.

The community will be able to visit, get involved and enjoy the benefits of the park long before the ecological park is fully realised. Throughout the park’s transformation, our community will be able to join the journey and continue to play a key role as part of a “living laboratory” through restoration programs and citizen science. This is already occurring with multiple small-scale planting events and research delivered in partnership with community groups.

The project is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our community to become part of history and to contribute throughout the park’s evolution, benefitting future generations.

Source: Sunshine Coast Council

Outcomes

The ecological park is set to deliver significant environmental, social, and economic benefits, both during its development and once fully realised. By restoring the site’s natural ecosystems in partnership with the community and providing diverse recreational opportunities, the park will enhance community wellbeing and foster a deeper connection to nature. The project aligns with various strategic priorities, including climate resilience, zero-net emissions, First Nations stewardship and sustainable tourism. It is expected to attract both domestic and international visitors, boosting the local economy and promoting eco-tourism.

The park and its experience will spark conversation and intrigue in the natural environment so the knowledge and appreciation spreads beyond the site’s boundary, extending into people’s homes and through communities.

In a major win for the project, the master plan took out a national honour: the Landscape Architecture Award for Landscape Planning at the 2024 Australian Institute of Landscape Architects national awards. It follows the ecological park taking out state awards earlier this year from Parks and Leisure Australia and the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects.

Source: Sunshine Coast Council

Where to from here

The Sunshine Coast Ecological Park is a long-term project that will be delivered in stages and evolve over several decades. Future phases will include ongoing ecological restoration, constructing community facilities and delivering educational and cultural programs. These will be delivered as funding becomes available.

For other local governments looking to undertake similar projects, extensive community engagement, strategic planning, and strong partnerships are of utmost importance. Potential pitfalls to avoid include underestimating the complexity of ecological restoration and the need for sustained funding and resources.

Sunshine Coast Council remains committed to the project’s vision and continues to seek partnerships and funding opportunities to ensure it can be delivered. The ecological park illustrates the potential for local government to work with the community in environmental stewardship and deliver a sustainable future.