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Residents and visitors to the Sunshine Coast’s Mount Coolum National Park are being urged to comment on the future of the park, with the release of a draft management plan and visitor strategy.

Queensland Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch said these two documents – the Draft Mount Coolum National Park Management Plan and Draft Visitor Strategy represent a fresh approach to managing our protected estate and aims to strike the right balance between conservation and recreation at the National Park.

Minister Enoch advised “Mount Coolum National Park attracts about 240,000 visitors a year and is a significant area with unique values.

“The Draft Management Plan outlines the priorities for the National Park, and will update the current plan, which dates back to 1998.

“At the same time, we are also releasing the draft Visitors Strategy for this National Park, which is one of the first strategies of its kind for Queensland.

“These documents identify and set the management priorities for the park’s key values and takes a strategic approach to the needs of visitors while conserving and continuing to improve the park’s high natural and cultural values.”

The Queensland Government has invested $535,000 in 2017/18 and 2018/19 to protect the National Park and upgrade sections of the summit trail.

Minister Enoch added “(the Queensland) Government recognises the importance of this National Park, which provides habitat for rare plants and a haven for birds, such as the peregrine falcon on the cliffs, and the vulnerable ground parrot on the lowlands,.

“This National Park is also significant to the local First Nations Kabi Kabi Traditional Owners and the stories this land holds for them.

“I thank them for their input in these draft plans.

“Queensland Park and Wildlife Services (QPWS) will also continue to work with the Sunshine Coast Council, which manages the car park on a council road reserve at the foot of the summit trail, regarding the option to provide facilities at this location.”

The Draft Management Strategy and Visitors Strategy can be viewed at parks.des.qld.gov.au/managing/notices/.

Consultation is now open until 13th March 2019.

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