Brian O’Connor

1 BRIAN O’CONNOR Question 1: Noosa Council is part of a troika that is working with HQ Plantations on a $3.5 million conservation deal to convert 2400ha of Yurol Forest and Ringtail Forest, currently the site of plantation timber harvesting operations, into National Park; and so I ask what plans exist for the rehabilitation of cleared areas of forest either side of Yurol Forest Drive between Pomona and Cooroy. Will these lands become replanted koala habitat or will they form part of the Noosa Trails Masterplan upgrade proposal? Response by Brett de Chastel, Chief Executive Officer: As you have pointed out in your question, this land will become National Park once the existing pine forest and some hardwood areas have had their final harvesting completed. As such, the land will be protected for future generations for their enjoyment and use as National Park. There are over 23 protected/endangered species in this area including the iconic koala. As you are aware, part of the Noosa Trail already passes through this land and the Noosa Trail Masterplan envisages that to continue. All of our discussions with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has indicated support for those trails to continue to be used through the proposed National Park area both in the short and long term. Question 2: Has Noosa Council given thought to using the opportunity of converting Yurol State Forest and Ringtail State Forest into National Park to reserve a small parcel of that land for affordable housing for Indigenous First Nations People whose ancestors walked that land and whose descendants today have traditional ownership heritage and a lasting and ongoing relationship with these forests? Response by Brett de Chastel, Chief Executive Officer: No - there are no current plans to excise any of the land for housing. Under the existing agreements, all of the land will be converted into National Park over the next 3 to 7 years. However, we have been working closely with the local Kabi Kabi leaders on this project over the last 18 months. This includes looking at opportunities to engage with the Kabi Kabi on regeneration activities, fire management and cultural heritage site reviews. The Kabi Kabi are very supportive of this project and are keen to be involved in the next stages of this project. All parties to the existing agreements are also supportive of the Kabi Kabi being involved in future stages of this project