Council puts brakes on 4WD hoons
SUNSHINE Coast Council is looking to put the brakes on four-wheel drivers using the former Cooroibah airstrip as a rip-and-tear rally ground.
Newly elected councillor Tony Wellington said after reading a Noosa News letter complaining about illegal access to a site bought for local conservation purposes, he had received a briefing from council officers.
The local resident had labelled the purchase "a futile waste of ratepayers' money" noting that "this area is used exclusively by four-wheel-drive vehicles which have turned the area into a quagmire".
"Was the purchase of this area intended to be for the use of a very small minority?"
The resident said every time it rained out there the four-wheel drivers appeared on site.
"It really makes my blood boil the way they trash the place," the local said.
"I am just bitterly disappointed that no one else has noticed or else chosen to turn a blind eye.
"I am delighted to think that something may now be done about it. But when, as it is a rather large area to be fencing?"
Cr Wellington said council officers were aware of "the illegal access that has occurred on the disused airstrip, and what is now called Cooroibah Environmental Reserve".
"Council is currently finalising quotes to install new 'anti-incursion fencing' (consisting of steel post and rail) along the front to the reserve," Cr Wellington said.
"It is expected that quotes will be finalised this week and work planned to commence on installation early next week."
Cr Wellington said council was also discussing with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service about vehicles accessing the site.
"Once the fence has been installed some rehabilitation works will be required to the site and ongoing monitoring of the site will be undertaken," Cr Wellington said.
Previously the site was mentioned as a possible location for a phone tower to improve delivery of phone services.
"It is recognised internationally as having significant conservation value," she said.
"While the former airstrip does not, as yet, contain mature vegetation, the adjoining parcels are very significant tracts of remnant vegetation containing five endangered regional ecosystems."
