Logan City Mayor, Councillor Pam Parker, and Federal Minister for the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Peter Garrett, today announced the joint purchase of nationally significant bushland in Cornubia.
Council and the Logan community identified the high biodiversity significance of the 43 hectare Logan Escarpment properties and the site was confirmed to be of national environmental significance when the Federal Government allocated a $1.5 million National Reserve Scheme (NRS) grant to assist Council with the purchase.
Logan City Council contributed $1.2 million to the purchase, with all money coming from the Environmental Levy paid by Logan ratepayers.
Mayor Pam Parker said the purchase was one of the most significant joint environmental initiatives between Logan City Council and the Federal Government.
She said the land would become a 43 hectare expansion to the Cornubia Forest Park which is one of the city's most recognised greenbelts.
''We acknowledge and appreciate the support of the Rudd Government in helping us achieve a positive outcome here for the community and for the environment,'' Cr Parker said.
Local Divisional Councillor Darren Power said the purchase would not only create a significant wildlife haven but also secured the aesthetic beauty for residents living in Daisy Hill, Shailer Park and Cornubia.
''This has been a pet project of mine for the past 12 years and I am delighted to finally see it come to fruition. I have no doubt this will be a major asset to not only the immediate area but the city in general,'' Cr Power said.
Cr Parker said the purchase represented a significant investment by Council on behalf of Logan residents and would benefit the city and future generations.
''This purchase also highlights the importance of the Environmental Levy paid by Logan ratepayers - without it Council would not have been able to purchase this significant land,'' she said.
The bushland is an important koala habitat and the forest is home to numerous endangered, threatened or rare species including the Powerful Owl, Greater Gliders, Glossy Black Cockatoo and the Great Barred Frog. Species of state, national and international significance occur on the site.
Cr Parker said Council had identified a number of other environmentally-significant properties throughout the city and looked forward to working in partnership with the Federal Government and other South East Queensland Councils to secure more funding to protect vital habitats.
''Council has a clear sustainability agenda for the city which includes economic initiatives and business development but it is critical to strike a balance with the environment and protect these significant habitats for current and future generations,'' she said.