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Sunshine Coast Local News

Maleny STP wetlands the focus of new environmental study

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Unitywater Executive Manager Infrastructure Planning & Capital Delivery Simon Taylor with USC research Professor Thomas Schlacher and USC Lecturer in Animal Ecology Dr Andrew Olds.

Unitywater Executive Manager Infrastructure Planning & Capital Delivery Simon Taylor with USC research Professor Thomas Schlacher and USC Lecturer in Animal Ecology Dr Andrew Olds.

A four-year research project has been launched to understand the types of wildlife that have been attracted to the rehabilitated wetlands at the Maleny Sewage Treatment Plant (STP).

The project will look for and then monitor all the species that return to the area, including those that are endangered.

Unitywater and the University of the Sunshine Coast have joined forces to conduct a comprehensive study which will include ecological and animal surveys focusing on frogs, birds, bats and small mammals.

Unitywater’s Executive Manager Infrastructure Planning & Capital Delivery Simon Taylor said the project follows the $17 million upgrade to the Maleny STP in March 2013 which included developing a reforestation and wetland area within the Maleny Community Precinct.

“The wetlands, which are like nature’s kidneys, help naturalise treated water from STPs while creating habitats for flora and fauna to benefit the environment and community,” Mr Taylor said.

“Through the wetlands and irrigated forest we hope to attract endangered bird species like the Regent Honeyeater and Australian Bittern as well as frog species like the Giant Barred Frog back to the site.

“We’re passionate about protecting the environment and providing a quality, sustainable community space for residents to enjoy and that’s why we’ve committed to this four-year study.”

Professor Thomas Schlacher from the University of the Sunshine Coast said the aim of this exciting research was to provide a reliable indication of the success of the wetland rehabilitation at the Maleny STP.

“As part of the study we’ll undertake a series of faunal surveys that assess the rehabilitated wetlands at Maleny against several locations with comparable landscape characteristics in the vicinity,” Professor Schlacher said.

“We’ll also actively engage the local community via participation in the surveys and related outreach activities which will be conducted by university students.”

The jointly funded research project, which is expected to cost around $150,000 over the four years, will conclude in 2018.

Mr Taylor said: “This study has long-term goals but regular progress reports will be shared by the University with the Maleny community and other interested groups.

“We believe the Maleny wetlands will increase natural diversity. By measuring and monitoring progress we will be able to transfer that knowledge to benefit other long- term projects.”

 

Six Rehabilitated Turtles Returned To Sea off Mooloolaba

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After months of rehabilitation, six sea turtles have been released into the Pacific Ocean today, after being treated and cared for by the animal team at Underwater World Sea Life Mooloolaba
The six turtles, affectionately named Superbowl, Dingo, Crush, Regi, Pita and Rafael, were taken in to SEA LIFE Mooloolaba at varying times over the last four months after they were found in the area either floating or malnourished.

Hawksbill turtle Superbowl was found at Cotton Tree Park with fishing line and a hook in its mouth in early February, while green turtle Dingo also arrived at the attraction in February after being found floating and covered in barnacles at Bribie Island.

The remaining four green turtles were found very emaciated and weak at Coolum Beach, Beachmere and Donnybrook.

SEA LIFE Mooloolaba’s Animal Health Manager Emily Thomas said the injured animals were placed in care at the attraction’s turtle hospital before being moved into the Turtle Temple zone for their final stage of recovery.

“We’re very excited to see these animals return to the wild – unfortunately some don’t make it, so the animal team are overjoyed when we are able to get improve their health and release them again,” she said.

“It’s great to see that people continue to call SEA LIFE Mooloolaba when they encounter distressed turtles, so that we can help care for them.

“We encourage anyone who sees a turtle washed up on the beach to call us instead of putting them back into the water. This way we can assess whether they need to be treated in a controlled environment before going back into the ocean.”

SEA LIFE Mooloolaba has been involved in rehabilitating sea turtles for many years, investing into the Ocean Tank and the Turtle Temple zone in 2012, which has become an integral part of the attraction’s marine conservation program.

After working with governing bodies to rehabilitate sea turtles for many years, SEA LIFE Mooloolaba recently opened a new Turtle Hospital dedicated to rehabilitating sick or injured turtles and implementing new turtle health checks.

“SEA LIFE Mooloolaba has cared for almost 900 sick or injured turtles over the past 25 years and we can’t stress enough the importance of putting rubbish in the bin and keeping waterways clean,” Ms Thomas said.

“In line with SEA LIFE’s strong ethical and environmental values BREED, RESCUE and PROTECT, the entire team is committed to keeping the environment clean to protect marine animals.”

If you see a turtle that is sick, injured or in distress, please contact SEA LIFE Mooloolaba (07) 5458 6280 or The Department of Environment and Resource Management on 1-300-264-625.

Melbourne artist donates $25K to Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors

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Melbourne-based artist, Mitch Gobel, today announced a $25,000 donation from art sales to Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors in a very special demonstration at the Wildlife Hospital with the assistance of a few of Australia Zoo’s wildlife stars!

Over the coming days Mitch will create a custom artwork on site at Australia Zoo to hang in the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, as a token of his generous donation to the charity. Some precious Australia Zoo residents including a koala and cockatoo have also been practicing their painting skills in anticipation of helping Mitch put the finishing touches on his artwork, which will represent the plight of their threatened cousins in the wild.

Inspired by Steve Irwin’s legacy to protect wildlife and wild places, Mitch quit his job in horticulture almost one year ago to pursue a life-long dream creating art that reflects the beauty of the natural world, and save wildlife in the process. His work with resin techniques are unlike any other, and as the art world recognises his talent, Mitch’s contribution to the conservation efforts of Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors grows.

Wildlife Warriors’ key conservation project, the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, has treated over 55,000 native Australian wildlife patients in its ten year history. This generous donation from Mitch will go toward the ongoing treatment of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife at the hospital.

Sunshine Coast Solar farm one step closer

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Solar Park Artists Impression

Solar Park Artists Impression

 

Sunshine Coast Council has today taken the next step in becoming Australia’s first local government organisation to build a solar farm.

Council has lodged a Material Change of Use (MCU) development application to build a 15 megawatt (MW) solar farm at Valdora to offset the organisation’s entire electricity consumption at its facilities and operations.

Subject to the outcome of the development application and tender process, the project will see a utility-scale* solar farm installed on 24 of the site’s 49 hectares.

The solar farm is estimated to save Sunshine Coast Council millions of dollars over a 30-year period based on today’s electricity costs, which are anticipated to increase substantially in the future.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson said every Coast ratepayer would benefit from the certainty this project provided as it would combat the Council’s rising electricity costs and minimise future rate increases.

“As every ratepayer knows, electricity costs have escalated over the past decade and there’s no telling where the increases will stop, leaving Council at high risk,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“This project will see us proactively take control of our electricity supply while reducing our carbon emissions from electricity consumption to zero, also contributing to Council’s goal to become carbon neutral by 2020.

“This is certainly an exciting initiative which not only provides real savings for Council and therefore our ratepayers; it also positions us as leaders in the renewable energy space.

“We will be the first council to build a solar farm at utility scale in Australia and our residents can be very proud of the impact this will have as we strive to become Australia’s most sustainable region.

“The project also aligns with a range of Council policy documents such as the Economic Development Strategy, Climate Change and Peak Oil Strategy, and the Energy Transition Plan which all underwent  extensive community consultation, including review from external expert reference groups.

“The Energy Transition Plan specifically includes facilitating large-scale clean energy production and solar power stations as a key action.”

The combined total generating capacity of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on the Sunshine Coast has reached 95MW and in the past 12 months alone, solar PV capacity on private and commercial rooftops has increased by 15MW – the equivalent of the proposed solar farm’s capacity.

The Valdora land is already zoned for a renewable energy facility in the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014.

The current development application takes into account significant changes in the solar industry and includes much greater detail than the previous Material Change of Use (MCU) application which was prepared in 2010 and lodged and assessed in 2011.

Mayor Jamieson said the new MCU application benefited from a body of work completed since 2013, including:

·         Independent business case reviews by an investment bank and business advisory firm with experience in commercialisation of renewable energy technology;

·         An Energex feasibility study which indicated grid connection could occur and that the generating capacity of the solar farm could be increased up to 15 MW;

·         Significant additional information about the project’s financial feasibility generated through the Expression of Interest process undertaken by Council in 2013 and which assisted in shortlisting potential partners to build the solar farm; and

·         More detailed and up-to-date geotech and flood study information as well as reviews of the traffic, ecological, visual and reflectivity impacts.

“This information has all had some impact on the scope of the project reflected in the MCU we have lodged, which delivers a much better result for Council and the community,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“The MCU application will be assessed by a qualified and independent planning consultant who will be responsible for providing a recommendation to Council on the merits of the MCU.

“This is essential to ensure appropriate due diligence is undertaken and there is transparency in regard to processing the development application.

“Given the site is already zoned for a renewable energy facility in the 2014 Planning Scheme, the assessment will primarily focus on the appropriate design and layout of the solar farm with regard to its potential impacts.

“This next step demonstrates that key stakeholders such as Energex, the Department of Transport and Main Roads and the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning have the opportunity to provide their respective inputs and requirements in regard to the proposal and to date these agencies remain supportive.”

Energex Asset Manager North Steve Lynch said Energex had been working with Council on this project for some time and provided a feasibility report in 2013 confirming the network capacity at this site.

“The site is optimal from Energex’s perspective, being adjacent to an existing 33,000 volt line which will minimise grid connection costs,” Mr Lynch said.

The MCU will now follow the usual process for development applications within Council with a result expected early next year, when council will take a final vote on whether to approve the project commencing.

It is anticipated Council will consider tenders in the first quarter of 2015, with construction starting soon after.

For more information on the solar farm, visit council’s website www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

Green Army descends on Maleny Community Precinct

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A Green Army has descended on Maleny Community Precinct to continue conservation efforts at the 125 ha site.

The Green Army, an  Australian Government initiative, provides an opportunity for young Australians aged 17-24 years to gain training and experience in environmental and heritage conservation fields.

Federal Member for Fisher Mal Brough today (Oct 15) met with Sunshine Coast Divisional Councillor Jenny McKay and Conservation Volunteers Australia members who will be coordinating the Green Army in conjunction with the Council on the precinct.

He also had the opportunity to speak to Green Army participants busy at work at the Precinct.

Mr Brough said he had fought hard to secure this project as he had previously seen the great environmental outcomes and the benefits to the participants.

Cr McKay said the Green Army would continue conservation efforts across the Maleny Community Precinct.

“They’ll be on site for 19 weeks from early October,” Cr McKay said.

“Work will include installing fencing, weeding and maintenance of existing plantings, additional planting across the riparian zones and constructing a walking trail.

“The precinct is true community collaboration, based on conservation and the sustainable public use of the land which is owned by Sunshine Coast Council ratepayers.

“The project will help restore riparian corridors, wetlands and remnant rainforest which in turn provide a habitat for our native fauna such as birds, small mammals, fish, reptiles and invertebrates.

“Controlling weeds that threaten to smother and impact vegetation is another important aim of this project, to help preserve endangered flora and fauna species.

“Improving community links is integral to Maleny Community Precinct project and the site brings together a wide spectrum of community groups.

“Our planning incorporates enhancing and protecting environmental values, providing community use and recreation and protecting early European heritage and the Green Army will  help us achieve that.”

Conservation Volunteers Australia Queensland Manager Dennis Gannaway said the organisation was proud to be the largest service provider for the Green Army initiative In Queensland and across Australia.

“We are particularly pleased to be working with the Sunshine Coast community and Council,” Mr Gannaway said.

“We believe that this experience offers young people an opportunity to get involved with on-ground projects which will result in positive outcomes for the natural environment.

“It will also give them a good practical background to working in the natural resource management field.”

 

* Video by View News

Private landholders provide bang for buck for green investment

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The passion, dedication and significant contribution of private landholders involved in Sunshine Coast Council’s Land for Wildlife Program and Voluntary Conservation Agreement programs has been recognised at today’s Ordinary Meeting.

Mayor Mark Jamieson said Sunshine Coast had the largest Land for Wildlife membership in the state and Council’s program was the largest delivered by any local government in Australia.

“This voluntary conservation program supports landholders as they conserve wildlife and habitats on their properties,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“Council’s Land for Wildlife program protects more non-remnant vegetation in the Sunshine Coast local government area than all other tenures combined, including state and council land.

“The region boasts 830 Land for Wildlife members and thanks to programs such as this, Sunshine Coast is one of Australia’s most biologically-rich areas with just over 60% of remaining bushland privately owned.”

An SEQ Land for Wildlife network survey undertaken last year revealed that thanks to this program, Sunshine Coast respondents had improved their knowledge and skills in restoration, identifying weeds and native plants and habitat requirements.

“The survey revealed 363 Sunshine Coast properties planted a total of 441,000 trees, 95% of respondents planned to continue weed control on their own properties next year and 13% planned to assist on other properties,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“The 60% of respondents who said they adjoined a conservation reserve are not only benefiting their own property, but are enhancing those public assets by providing buffers, corridors and increased habitat viability.”

Environment Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay said the Land for Wildlife program could serve as a launching platform for the Voluntary Conservation Agreement program.

“Through the VCA program, council supports landholders to permanently protect ecologically-significant areas of privately-owned bushland,” Cr McKay said.

“We have 58 properties on the Sunshine Coast involved in that program, covering 918ha.

“Among other benefits, Council’s support of the VCA program helps contributes to the survival of plants and animals that are dependent on particular habitats and provides links between isolated conservation reserves, allowing for essential wildlife movement.

“The VCA program also promotes a sense of community responsibility for nature conservation and recognises and rewards good conservation management by private landholders.”

Mayor Jamison said Council’s investment in the Land for Wildlife and Voluntary Conservation Agreement programs including offering a range of environmental management advice, incentives and grants to assist property owners protect and manage wildlife habitat and benefited the whole community.

“Through landholder cash and labour in-kind contributions, the Land for Wildlife and Voluntary Conservation Agreement programs delivered more than $6.025 million or 652% return on council’s investment of $922,806,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“Of that, almost $414,600 is contributed by the Environment Levy.

“For every dollar invested by council in these programs, we receive a return of $6.52.

“That’s a very worthwhile investment and I congratulate these private landholders for managing and enhancing the region’s environmental assets.

“While this cash and in-kind contribution to the community is enormous, it is the underlying passion and dedication underpinning that contribution that will ensure the Sunshine Coast environment will continue to be protected and enhanced.

“It puts us well on our way in our quest to become Australia’s most sustainable region – vibrant, green and diverse.”

 

Council launches Bells Creek rehab project

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Future development, threatened plant and animal species and declining report card grades have kept the Pumicestone Passage front and centre with all eyes trained on improving the environmental statistics for this valuable 45km waterway.

Well, keep watching—council launched a three-year rehabilitation project on the southern bank of Bells Creek today that will restore 30 hectares of riparian habitat in this key Pumicestone Passage catchment.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson said the major $450k rehabilitation project is funded by the Environment Levy and is a key action from the three-year Pumicestone Passage and Catchment Action Plan.

“The Pumicestone Passage is not only a key recreation area, it provides rich, diverse and valuable habitat for a number of species, including the endangered water mouse found earlier this year during Environment Levy fauna surveys,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“We are 100% committed to protecting and enhancing our natural assets and that means reducing the impact development and everyday living has on our environment—it’s about getting the balance right and taking care of tomorrow today.”

Environment Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay said this is another great example of the Environment Levy in action.

“The threats to our environment are dynamic and diverse and we always need to be ahead of the game. The Environment Levy allows us to anticipate and evaluate environmental threats and act accordingly,” Cr McKay said.

Division 1 Councillor Rick Baberowski said the project aims to improve riparian habitat for threatened plants and animals and buffer future threats posed by population growth, development and agriculture.

“The project involves weed eradication and plantings along a 7km stretch of Bells Creek—reducing the weed species in the creek will help the natural regeneration of native species and planting over 7500 plants will enhance this riparian corridor,” Cr Baberowski said.

“This project is very much a partnership with private landowners along the creek. They have given us access to their properties and have become champions for maintaining water quality and habitat in this important Pumicestone Passage catchment.

Kids in Action conference targets environment

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Kids learning from each other about things that really matter to their future.

Kids learning from each other about
things that really matter to their
future.

Around 300 local youngsters from 25 local schools came together today for the third annual Kids in Action Conference, hosted by Sunshine Coast Council through the Environment Levy.

The Kids in Action conference is part of the national Target Kids Teaching Kids Week and provides the opportunity for school children in year’s 5 – 9 to stand up and become the teachers.

Over two days, kids will share their environmental knowledge with each other across a range of subjects using workshops, presentations and displays. Topics range from turtles and the reef to toxins and waste.

Environment Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay said the conference is another example of council supporting the environment through community partnerships.

“Our environment here on the Sunshine Coast is unique and as a community we need to work together to make sure it is protected and maintained for current and future generations,” she said.

“The Kids in Action Conference aims to inspire the Sunshine Coast’s future environment leaders by growing a culture that values caring for our precious natural assets.

“It provides a wonderful opportunity for youngsters to develop skills and confidence to do something for our local environmental issues and creates links between young people and their community.”

The Kids in Action Conference is sponsored by the national Target Kids Teaching Kids Week and Unitywater.

Kids Teaching Kids Week event founder Aaron Wood said it was exciting to see the growth of the Kids in Action event.

“Sunshine Coast Council, schools, teachers and students run such a great event that really showcases environmental issues that are important to coastal communities,” Mr Wood said.

“Local communities from all parts of the country will try and emulate the ongoing success that this Sunshine Coast Council event has delivered since 2012.”

Unitywater CEO George Theo said the Kids in Action program continued to spark positive change on the Sunshine Coast.

“Since Unitywater became involved with this event we’ve had kids planting seedlings at our wetlands, learning about the sewage treatment process and doing water testing of streams,” he said.

“Unitywater has a commitment to the community and the environment, and we recognise the value in engaging and inspiring the next generation of environmental custodians.

We need to nurture their curiosity and enthusiasm through events like Kids in Action, so they can understand their role in sustaining our region’s natural heritage.”

Participating schools

Ananda Marga River School, Beerburrum State School, Beerwah State School, Blackall Range Independent School, Burnside High School, Caloundra State High School, Chancellor State College, Chevallum State School, Conondale State School, Cooroy State School, Kawana Waters State College, Kin Kin State School, Mount Mee State School, Nambour State High School, North Lakes State College, Pacific Paradise State School, Peregian Springs State School, Pomona State School, St Eugene College, Sunshine Beach State School, Sunshine Coast Christian Homeschool Group, Sunshine Coast Home Educators Group, Talara State College and Woombye State School.

 

Australia Zoo staff jump into a new year of crocodile research

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The Australia Zoo croc team set up their first trap on the 2014 croc trip.

The Australia Zoo croc team set up their first trap on the 2014 croc trip.

The Irwin family and the Australia Zoo crocodile research team have made it to Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve, kicking off another year of ground-breaking crocodile research.

Joined by Professor Craig Franklin and his team from the University of Queensland, Australia Zoo croc experts will once again use satellite tracking devices to determine new information about the species. Past trips have taught the team that crocodiles are in-fact judicious thinkers and affectionate partners with incredible homing systems – and in 2014, the team are keen to discover more!

Set on a 333,000 acre conservation property in Queensland’s Cape York Peninsula, the 2014 croc research team will spend the next month camping in the beautiful surrounds of the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve. Home to many unique species of flora and fauna and dedicated to the original Crocodile Hunter, the team are eager to continue Steve’s legacy and passion for crocodile research.

The annual project has seen Australia Zoo pour more than $4 million into croc research over the past ten years, and has taught people previously unknown facts about crocodiles. It is now understood that crocs can hold their breath for more than 7 hours at a time and can travel up to 60KM in one day. This research is directly applied to Australia Zoo’s international crocodile rescue work, protecting people and crocodilians around the world.

Currently, 114 crocs on the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve have tracking devices. Using data transmitted by satellite back to the laboratory and displayed on Google Earth – the croc research team continue to discover new information on their behaviour, position and physiology.

Terri Irwin said she was thrilled to be spending the next few weeks on the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve.

“Each year we break new ground in crocodilian research, and this year is particularly exciting as it’s our first trip to the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve since the Queensland Government declared it safe from strip mining,” Mrs Irwin said.

“This result means that all the resources we’d been channelling into the battle to save the reserve can now be focused on other key conservation projects, such as the new GPS transmitters we are using this year to tag the crocs.

“With integrated depth sensors, these high precision tags allow us to not only track the movement of crocs, but also record the animal’s diving behaviour. They will be used to help us understand how wild female crocs select breeding locations and nesting areas, and the lengths sub-adult crocs go to in order to find new territories. These are areas that there is currently very little knowledge about.”

Crocs were Steve’s core passion, beginning formal crocodile research in 1996. The Irwin family continue his legacy each year on their annual trip to the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve, with his renowned capture and study techniques – the most advanced in the world, still proudly used by the Australia Zoo croc research team today.

While the 2014 trip is well under-way, and the chance for people to sponsor and name their own crocodile is gone for this year, there are plenty of other ways to help break new ground in crocodile research. For more information on how to contribute, please email croctrip@australiazoo.com.au or phone (07) 5436 2000 today.

Stay up to date on the 2014 croc trip via daily news and photographs posted on our website:www.australiazoo.com.au/conservation/projects/crocodiles/

 

Climate Change Relay – from Sunshine to Kings

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On the 23rd of September 2014 UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon will host a global climate summit involving leaders of government, business and civil society. The Sunday prior to the summit people around the world will be running events in their community to show their concern about climate change and urge world leaders to take strong action on the issue. Millions of people have already registered for thousands of events with mass rallies planned in London, Rio, New York, Berlin and Melbourne.

The Sunshine Coast Environment Council will host a Climate Change Relay to join our voice to the global chorus of concerned citizens. The relay will walk the length of the coast starting at sunrise at the Sunshine Beach SLSC and finishing just after sunset at Kings Beach.

The route, which runs (almost) entirely along the beach, has been divided in 35 stages each of which will take approximately 20 minutes to complete (click here to see the relay schedule). We are inviting everyone on the coast to come and join us for one or more stages and show you care about climate change.

Why are we doing this?

Climate change is real, climate change is happening now and climate change will impact on every facet of our community.

We have the knowledge and technology to respond to climate change and avoid dangerous (more than 2 degrees) global warming but we are lacking the political will to take decisive action that will protect our future.

“Our politicians are pushing the mining industry as the holy grail of economic growth and argue that acting on climate change will ruin the economy,” said Wiebe ter Bals, SCEC Executive Officer. “But nothing could be further from the truth. Carbon intense assets will become an ever increasing liability as the impacts of climate change are starting to be felt and the reality of the need to cut emissions will sink in.”

“Renewable technology on the other hand will see exponential growth (as we have already seen with rooftop solar). Just like the petrol engine replaced the steam engine, so will renewable replace fossil fuels, and the counties smart enough to develop the technology first will reap the benefits”.

Why walk along the beach?

“We want to draw peoples attention to the fact that climate change is not just about the planet getting warmer or the floods getting wetter,” says ter Bals. “Climate change will impact on every facet of our community, our food systems, our health systems, our infrastructure, water and sewage systems.”

Importantly on the coast climate change will impact on our beaches. Our coast has formed under the influence of winds, waves and currents. As the climate changes so will the winds and with it the waves and currents. This will change beach formation and erosion processes putting at risk community infrastructure and $72 billion of private investment in coastal real estate.

It will also change our waves putting at risk our favourite surf spots and our very lifestyle.

Why 20 minutes?

Ter Bals explains: “The science tells us that, to in order to have a fighting chance of avoiding more than 2 degrees warming, we need to cut our emissions by 20% by the year 2020. And two degrees warming on average will mean 4 to 6 degrees warming on the Sunshine Coast. A 20% cut that would give us a change to avoid such a massive change to our climate is not even being talked about by our ‘leaders’. It’s time to put it back on the agenda.