Sunshine Coast Protection Schemes Get the Green Light

Protecting and enhancing the Sunshine Coast’s natural environment was today secured as a top priority following council’s approval of the $9.28 million Environment Levy Program 2016/2017.

Environment Portfolio Councillor, Jenny McKay, said that the Environment Levy was a primary funding source that allowed council to invest in the protection, enhancement and sustainable use of the region’s biodiversity, waterways and coastal foreshores.

“To enable council to develop and deliver a progressive 2016/17 program, the rate for the Environment Levy will increase by $10 to $70 per property – the first increase since the levy was introduced eight years ago,” Cr Jenny McKay said.

“The overall Environment Levy Program increase of $1,559,100 will help keep us on track to achieve our vision to become Australia’s most sustainable region – vibrant, green, diverse.”

The 2016/2017 program aims to continue to deliver a range of outcomes towards the protection and enhancement of the natural assets including:

• $775,000 towards coastal rehabilitation activities (increased by $155,000);
• $451,000 towards river restoration projects in the Pumicestone, Maroochy and Mary River catchments (increased by $36,000), etc.