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The Sunshine Coast Ecological Park Master Plan has secured  the Landscape Architecture Award for Landscape Planning at the recent Australian Institute of Landscape Architects national awards.

It follows the ecological park taking out two state awards earlier this year.

The master plan was developed by Hassell Studio for Sunshine Coast Council in a process that involved three rounds of community consultation and valued input from a community reference group and excellence advisory panel.

The master plan, endorsed by Sunshine Coast Council in 2023, set down a vision for a ‘new kind of park’ delivering nature-based recreation, education and research.

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

The judging panel applauded the innovative strategy to transform 65 hectares of former pasture into a place for our community to connect with nature and each other.

The judges noted “the plan harmoniously blends human activities with ecological restoration and the celebration of cultural heritage, pioneering a new standard for cohabitation.

“It aims to foster nature-based recreation and provide opportunities for educational and research endeavours.

“The plan was developed with vital input from the Jinibara Traditional Owners and is deeply rooted in the principle of Healing Country.”

Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Tim Burns said an ecological park differed to traditional parks as a place that considers people, wildlife, resources and vegetation equally and added “in short, an ecological park balances recreation and connection with ecological restoration.

“This will be a place that inspires care and respect for our environment, community and culture for generations to come. That’s a legacy that will extend far beyond the park’s boundaries.”

Division 5 Councillor Winston Johnston said the initial phase of implementing the master plan was underway adding “with the help of Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve volunteers and staff, as well as other local organisations, we are continuing bush regeneration activities in existing areas of focus for restoration.

“Meanwhile our flora, fauna and fungi surveys and other site investigations are helping us to prepare for this long-term restoration and community project.”

Images from top: Artist impression of the accessible Tree Top Loop Path; Artist impression of the Wetlands Walking Circuit; Volunteers plant threatened Maroochy nut (Macadamia ternifolia) seedlings at the ecological park site; Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve volunteers at work helping to restore natural areas at the ecological park site.

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