Gold Coast eco-tourism set to flourish with new parkland

• Currumbin Valley site to be transformed into one of Australia’s largest eco-parks
• Miles Government investing more than $45 million and delivering on election commitment
• Activation Plan highlights opportunities to unlock property’s eco-tourism potential and protect flora and fauna.

The Gold Coast is set to become home to one of Australia’s largest eco-parklands, with plans unveiled to develop land in the heart of Currumbin.

Set to build on the Gold Coast’s global reputation as a tourism destination, while protecting native animals and bushland, the 148-hectatre site will feature new hiking trails, picnic areas and a location for wildlife rehabilitation.

Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace released the project’s Activation Plan today, backed by a $31 million investment over three years which is in addition to the money already invested to acquire the land, carry out the consultation, and develop the Activation Plan.

The Plan’s release follows extensive community consultation and a full ecological study of the site, with the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary having already establishing a koala fodder plantation as part of the parkland.

Alongside the plantation, the eco-parkland will include the Wildlife Sanctuary’s new koala facility - a small-scale vet unit and fodder eucalypt plantation, while other areas have been identified for wetland restoration.

View the activation plan here.

View photos of the site and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary b-roll here.

Quotes attributable to Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace:

“The Miles Government is committed to make the Currumbin Eco-Parkland a reality, because we know this project will ensure this unique natural wonder will be appreciated for generations to come.

“Through the site’s development, we’re ensuring the strong ecological values of this site are upheld while opening a world of new eco-adventure tourism for the region.

“Importantly, we have worked closely with the traditional owners, local community groups like Friends of Currumbin, environmental and sporting groups, the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital and the City of Gold Coast Council to deliver this vision.

“We are committed to preserving our natural areas and environmental heritage, particularly close to major population centres.

“This is a terrific result for the Gold Coast community as well as visitors to the city.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment Leanne Linard:

“In time, a large portion of Currumbin Eco-Parkland will be dedicated as conservation park, contributing to the Miles Government’s commitment to expand Queensland’s protected areas and ensuring the parkland remains accessible to the public and future generations.

“Once works are completed, the parkland will be a magnificent addition to Queensland’s already impressive protected area estate, and will become a safe haven for an amazing array of wildlife, including koalas.

“Part of this investment is a funding allocation to the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation, to carry out ongoing land management activities, including fire and pest programs and revegetation works.”

Quotes attributable to Friends of Currumbin President Peter Kershaw:

“We are pleased to witness the realisation of the next phase of the Currumbin Eco-Parkland, which signifies a significant milestone.

"The tireless efforts of Friends of Currumbin in safeguarding this area over the years have now been affirmed by the Queensland Government's substantial financial commitment, marking a remarkable stride in the right direction.

"It is with great assurance that we acknowledge the protective measures embedded in this activation plan, ensuring the conservation of 46 hectares of endangered blackbutt forest for the benefit of future generations.

"We look forward to our continued collaboration with the Queensland Government and community stakeholders as we move ahead with the advancement of this project."

Quotes attributable to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary General Manager Travis Couch:

"Koala conservation is at the forefront of so much of the work we do at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and Currumbin Wildlife Hospital.

“Investing in the future of green spaces like the Eco Parklands, will help provide food and a safe environment for our local Koalas.

“We look forward to seeing the space come to life, with new tree plantations and Koalas recovering from treatment, preparing to be released into the wild."

Quotes attributable to Kombumerri traditional owner Justine Dillon:

“Ngarang-Wal and the Kombumerri Rangers have been involved in several stages of this Currumbin (kurrohmin meaning kangaroo) project and have seen the personal and cultural benefits of working on our Traditional Country for our work team and family.

"We are working an area and site that our Kombumerri people would have once occupied and used for resources - the on-ground surveys we have participated in show an abundance of food and medicinal sources - which cements our cultural knowledge of the area.

"The level of community engagement committed to this project has helped foster many positive community and professional relations with all the stakeholders involved, especially the inclusion of our Traditional Owner body and our Ranger group being requested by “landowners and groups to engage and bring our cultural perspectives into to planning, surveys and development.”

ENDS

Media contact – Kate Talbot – 0439 803 211