**** A new environmental offset agreement with Energex is set to help Sunshine Coast Council power towards its objective to create Australia’s most sustainable region – vibrant, green and diverse.
Mayor Mark Jamieson said the offset agreement will see the rehabilitation of nine hectares of open space at London Creek Environment Reserve, Peachester, which council purchased in 2010 using environmental levy funding.
“As part of their commitment to sustainability in South East Queensland, including the Sunshine Coast region, Energex offsets vegetation it clears when constructing and installing new infrastructure,” he said.
Division 1 Councillor Rick Baberowski said the offset agreement would greatly enhance the biodiversity and habitat values of the London Creek Environmental Reserve.
“This particular site is described as core habitat area by council’s Biodiversity Strategy 2010-2020 so it is a prime location for these works to occur and will really value-add to current on-ground regional environmental targets and projects,” he said.
All offset tree planting under the agreement will be undertaken using a range of local native species and guided by an agreed rehabilitation management plan.