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148 hectares of land at Currumbin on the Southern Gold Coast has been secured by the Queensland Government for transformation into one of Australia’s biggest eco-parklands.

Friends of Currumbin President Peter Kershaw said the group was delighted the Queensland Government had announced the acquisition of the land, known locally as Martha’s Vineyard or Martha’s Farm.

Kershaw highlighted “for more than three decades, Friends of Currumbin have fought to stop urban development on this iconic land parcel.

“It is comforting to know that the 46 hectares of endangered blackbutt forest that forms part of this land will be preserved for future generations.

“Friends of Currumbin now look forward to working closely with the government and other major stakeholders to bring about the best environmental, recreational, cultural, and eco-tourism opportunities on this site for the benefit of our local and wider communities.”

Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles notes “we can now work with the community to deliver one of the largest eco-parklands in Australia and protect koala habitat and local flora and fauna.

“This is not just about protecting land but improving it. We now have an enormous opportunity to create something special.

“The eco-parklands could be enhanced for recreation such as hiking, bushwalking and mountain biking, picnics or rehabilitation of both native wildlife and bushland.”

“Community consultation on the future of the site will be key. The next steps will be seeking initial community views on the site and how it should be used to ensure that the project will deliver on community needs.

“We’re aiming to get this underway in the next few months.”

Queensland Minister for Environment, Meaghan Scanlon adds “we’re preserving an amazing pocket of wildlife, protecting koalas and stopping development from encroaching on the local blackbutt forest.

“We’ll work closely with the whole community on this important project – just like we have through our other nature refuges and protected areas.”

“This has been a community-driven eco-parkland from the outset, and the community should drive its future.”

Deputy Premier Miles said the government undertook commercial negotiations with the landowners to purchase the site which is located on Piggabeen Road, Currumbin. However, when an agreement could not be reached, the land was compulsorily acquired.

Compensation for the land will be in accordance with the Acquisition of Land Act 1967.

People interested in being involved in community consultation on the Currumbin Eco Parkland should visit: haveyoursay.dsdmip.qld.gov.au/currumbin-eco-parkland

Image: Courtesy of Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary 

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