Sunshine Coast Council Division 2 Councillor Tim Dwyer said the adoption of the _Pumicestone Passage and Catchment Action Plan 2013 – 2016 _has highlighted the importance of collaboration on major planning and environmental issues.
Cr Dwyer said the plan is the result of years of co-operation between the State Government, Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay Regional Council, community and industry groups.
“Part of the Pumicestone Passage catchment is in Division 2 and I think it’s important that we listen to our community groups about how we look after this area, especially in relation to Halls Creek,” Cr Dwyer said.
“The local community knows the Pumicestone Passage like few others after many years of dedicated service to preserve and promote it – and they have always placed the protection of Halls Creek as a high priority.
“As a Councillor who served also with the old Caloundra City Council I can say with authority the position of the local community on this issue has been consistent – it wants Halls Creek catchment and the Pumicestone Passage protected from urban development.
“Caloundra City Council echoed the sentiments of the community and had a long-standing policy of protecting Halls Creek.
“Sunshine Coast Council adopted this position as well – backed by a large body of supporting evidence which goes back many years.
“This is an issue where the stance of the council and community has been consistent, credible and clear.”