Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson is celebrating a win with the transfer of the old Point Arkwright Police reserve into the adjacent Yinneburra Bushland Conservation Reserve being finalised today.
Ms Simpson who has championed the expansion of the conservation area on behalf of the community, said that
the transfer of the old police reserve into Council trusteeship is a very good outcome.
“I am pleased that this environmentally significant and heavily vegetated block of land on the corner of Andrew Street and David Low Way is now protected for conservation purposes,” Ms Simpson said.
“The land was gazetted for police purposes decades before most of the housing development in the area
occurred, meaning it was now part of the remnant vegetation in the area.
“It was not suitable for a police station and I’ve been working with the community to have the block permanently protected.
“Under the LNP Government I was successful in relocating the Coolum police to the South Coolum Road site next to the ambulance service, which is a much more suitable location for an emergency services precinct, meaning that this block is no longer required for use by police and can be included in the neighbouring conservation area.”
“The South Coolum Road emergency services precinct near the Motorway provides room for future expansion of these services, with the fire station to eventually be located there.”
Coolum and North Shore Coast Care President Leigh Warneminde expressed her appreciation to Ms Simpson for her efforts in securing this environmental “win”.
“The land has retained its natural vegetation and is an integral part of the existing reserve,” Ms
Warneminde said.
“Being situated on more stony ground, this areas supports a slightly different suite of plant species from the rest of the reserve, and accordingly is a valuable addition, providing food resources for wildlife not available in other areas.”
