In response to ongoing advocacy from our office and residents alike, the Department of Environment and Science (DES) have proposed that two sites be relocated to alternative sites along the route. We have been advised the following:
New proposed Site B (Banksia) is located outside of the flooding inundation zone of the Noosa River, off an existing vehicle access track and approximately 400m east of the Noosa River. The proposed Site B avoids significant wetland values, in particular the Cooloola Patterned Fens, avoids potential fauna habitat, mature koala habitat and hollow bearing tress, and is close to the Cooloola Great Walk. This is proposed site replaces the previous Site N.
New proposed Site R (Ridgeline) is entirely outside of Poona Lake’s catchment near the existing QPWS communication tower, approximately 400m west of Poona Lake. Site R is located in previously disturbed (ex-forestry) blackbutt woodland, away from high value rainforest and undisturbed old-growth blackbutt, and requires no additional vehicle access track to be constructed. This proposed site replaces the previous Site P.
Site Maps and Questions/Answers, including regarding site selection, are available at https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/management/ecotourism/trails-program/cooloola-great-walk-ecotourism-project-faqs/_nocache#toc-6
In addition, we have been advised:
Traditional Owners the Kabi Kabi Peoples have given notice of a private Traditional Owner community meeting to be held on 5 November to consider the proposed ecotourism accommodation sites for the Cooloola Great Walk project. If the proposed site changes are accepted, the authorisation of an Indigenous Land Use Agreement and Cultural Heritage Management Plan will follow.
We understand that CABN are still to submit their application for approval by DES, for which there are still other processes needed before any approvals are given, including local government development approvals with both Noosa Shire Council and Gympie Regional Council for their respective areas.
Further general information regarding the Cooloola Great Walk project is available at https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/management/ecotourism/trails-program#cooloola_great_walk
For advocacy with the Minister for Environment’s office regarding this project or other environmental concerns within Queensland, please email environment@ministerial.qld.gov.au
Public submissions may be made to DES regarding any and all aspects of the Cooloola Project, associated State approvals, and lease conditions (including an appropriate lease term). Any submissions received will be considered as part of its assessment should an application for the Cooloola Project be made by the proponent, and as part of the Chief Executive’s decision-making process should the project progress to final approval. Submissions can be made to DES at any time via this email (ecofacilities@des.qld.gov.au).