Piece by Piece Conservation and Development on the Sunshine Coast 1960-2020
Elaine Green
From 1960 settlement of the Sunshine Coast in South East Queensland was characterised by large areas being opened up under State Development Lease, the basis for most coastal development. During the 1970s those wishing to protect the natural environment emerged as a political force, resulting in successive changes in local and state planning legislation. The lifestyle now enjoyed represents the result of both successful and unsuccessful challenges to major development projects during sustained rapid population growth. This book brings together and interprets historical events relating to the preservation of, and threats to, the Sunshine Coast's unique places and landscapes. Iconic mountains, waterways, coastal heathland, forests and wildlife have come under threat from development associated with urbanisation over the past 60 years. The author values the Coast's natural heritage and highlights the combined efforts of concerned citizens and the contributions of local and state government towards the protection and expansion of Sunshine Coast conservation areas, while warning of the loss of the natural environment through continuing population increase promoted by levels of government in planning documents that prioritise development. The book is illustrated with around 120 historical and contemporary photographs, including aerial views, allowing an understanding of development over time. Source material includes archives of the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland, Sunshine Coast & Hinterland Inc, the Sunshine Coast Environment Council Inc, and the Sunshine Coast Daily newspaper .Publication has been assisted by a Cultural Heritage Grant from the Sunshine Coast Council, and has been undertaken by the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland, Sunshine Coast & Hinterland Inc, a not-for-profit organisation with a history of educating the public in environmental issues since 1963, particularly through the work of founder Kathleen McArthur (1915-2000),Sunshine Coast Citizen of the Century 2000. The book documents some of the changes in local government on the Sunshine Coast, including state government-prescribed amalgamation. The Sunshine Coast Regional Council brought together all three Sunshine Coast region shires - Maroochy Shire, Caloundra City and Noosa Shire, with Noosa Shire subsequently opting out on a decision to base its economy on its natural attributes rather than population growth.