Stockland, a large Australian property development company, has recently lodged an EPBC approval for Halls Creek, which they now name Aura South. This area has always been a ‘non-negotiable’ area for development, and the Sunshine Coast Council does not support any development on this land. This stance has been strongly supported by the Sunshine Coast community, as it is too precious land to let developers spoil.
The Sunshine Coast Council and councils before them have been opposed to the development of the area known as Halls Creek, as it has potential impacts on the Pumicestone Passage and Ramsar listed wetlands. The area is also a critical major green space that plays an important role in preserving the region’s distinctive character, identity, and valued lifestyle. The Regional Inter-urban Break separates the Sunshine Coast from the Greater Brisbane area and extends from the hinterland and rural areas surrounding the iconic Glass House Mountains in the west to the picturesque RAMSAR-listed Pumicestone Passage and coastline in the east. It contributes significantly to the natural environment and unique landscapes, which are the foundations of the Sunshine Coast way of life.
The development of Halls Creek could have significant environmental impacts, including habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, water and air pollution, increased traffic and infrastructure pressure, and disruption of natural processes. The Sunshine Coast Council recognises the importance of protecting the Regional Inter-urban Break in perpetuity and has identified it as a priority in their long-term planning and strategic directions.
The current status of the Stockland development project is uncertain, as the company has faced opposition from local residents and officials in the past. The Twin Waters Residents' Association was active in opposing a previous Stockland development project, which was ultimately defeated in the Queensland Planning & Environment Court in 2023. The Sunshine Coast Council wants legislation of the area for no future development, so it would be protected, in perpetuity.
Over the years, the Sunshine Coast has undergone significant social changes, transitioning from a hinterland-based rural farming economy to a focus on coastal development and the growth of the tourism industry. Biosphere Reserves are areas that aim to balance biodiversity conservation with the sustainable use of natural resources. They are places where people live and work, and where active conservation coexists with responsible development and sustainable living. The addition of the Sunshine Coast Biosphere Reserve brings the total number of biospheres in Australia to five.
The Sunshine Coast Biosphere Reserve, along with the Noosa and Great Sandy Biosphere Reserves, forms a biosphere corridor that stretches from the Glass House Mountains in the south to Tin Can Bay in the north, encompassing over 100km of pristine coastline. The recognition of the Sunshine Coast as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve highlights its international significance and the importance of preserving its natural and cultural heritage. It also serves as a reminder of the threats posed by development and the need to balance conservation efforts with sustainable practices.
There are growing concerns about the potential risks to the biosphere from various development activities, including those of Stockland. Additionally, there are concerns about the impact of development on the underwater environment, which is a key feature of this biosphere.
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