Latest news with #SunshineCoastCouncil
ABC News
22-05-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Business groups angry after Sunshine Coast Council scraps midnight NYE fireworks again
Business and tourism leaders have slammed a Queensland council after it voted not to hold midnight fireworks on New Year's Eve for the second year in a row. The Sunshine Coast Council controversially cancelled last year's traditional midnight display in Mooloolaba, citing cost and public safety reasons despite the region having the state's lowest crime rates. Now the council has doubled down, ignoring the results of a small resident survey that showed a slight preference for midnight fireworks over an earlier display. The Sunshine Coast will spend $376,000 on an 8.30pm show and another $470,000 to decorate poles and trees with Christmas banners. But the midnight display costing $133,000 — or 36 cents per resident — was seen as unaffordable. The Sunshine Coast Council, which has a $587 million budget, announced a hiring freeze in January. On Wednesday, councillors voted nine to two to seek private sponsorship to fund the midnight display, or the New Years Eve event would finish at 9pm. Tourism operators slammed the move as "short-sighted" for a large holiday destination. "I can't understand ... it's astounding," Mooloolaba Chamber of Commerce president Brett Thompson said. "We're one of the major tourist attractions in Queensland. "The backlash last year was huge. No doubt it's going to be a major, major backlash again this year." Councillor Terry Landsberg said the decision was embarrassing. "For an amount of $133,000 … we're really talking about an amount of money that should be readily available out of general revenue from council's rates," he said. Cr Landsberg criticised the methodology used to justify the decision, noting the 444 people who filled out a survey represented just 0.12 per cent of the region's residents. Councillor Taylor Bunnag said it came down to priorities. "We should have Coca-Cola fountains at every five-minute interval when I go for a walk — the question is who pays for it all?" he said. "The cost of midnight fireworks … cannot be carried alone, and nor should it be, by ratepayers." He appealed to businesses to "please help us fund these fireworks". Deputy Mayor Maria Suarez said businesses got the main benefit, so they should pay. "If they want it, put your hand in your pocket and help support it," she said. Mayor Rosanna Natoli spoke passionately in favour of the council running the midnight fireworks, but still voted to reject funding them. "The reputational damage cannot be underestimated," she said. "What message does it send … if on New Year's Eve, the one night when people are prepared to stay up late, we say forget it, go home at 9pm? "We most definitely should have a celebration at midnight. Anything less is selling our region short. "The motion calls for us to be seeking external [funding] support, and I guess at a time where we do have these budgetary constraints … I guess I'm prepared to support the motion." Sunshine Coast Business Council chair Sandy Zubrinich said the region was a "nanny state". "This is absolutely unexplainable, we're a tourist region," she said. Ms Zubrinich said the council had a civic duty to hold community events, and she was disappointed the mayor publicly supported midnight fireworks, but ultimately voted against funding them. She said she was concerned about the council's "diabolical" financial management. "For them not to be able to fund $130,000 … why is their budget in such a poor state?" she said. "There ought to be some people held accountable." Ms Zubrinich said she was unsure whether private businesses would step forward to fund the fireworks. "The other question of course is, could the private sector do it actually cheaper than $130,000? It seems to be a lot of money for one location," she said. Councillor Joe Natoli said the decision short-changed the community. "It just blows me away," he said. "We've taken the fun out of the event, it's a babysitting event [now]. "You want to make it safe, but if we're going to have a festival … we want people to enjoy themselves."
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Photo of biosecurity threat 'hiding in plain sight' prompts reminder to Aussies
A photo of 25 young cacti has prompted council to issue a serious warning to Aussie residents about the risk of buying and selling invasive species, with serious fines applying if caught. Sunshine Coast Council told Yahoo the cacti in the photo are "destructive invaders" to Australia and issued a reminder today after a non-local vendor was caught selling a range of invasive cacti at an event last July. "These destructive invaders were hiding in plain sight," council said. The species photographed include Blind cactus (Opuntia rufida), Bunny ears cactus (Opuntia microdasys) and Coral cactus (Cylindropuntia fulgida). According to Biosecurity Queensland, all of the species pictured are illegal to grow, keep or sell, and penalties may apply if caught in possession. "In Queensland it is illegal to sell invasive cacti on Gumtree, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, at markets, nurseries, or any marketplace," it said. Council has taken a tough stance on invasive plants in the region, with several new invasive plants added to their hit list for total destruction late last year. 'Many invasive plants were previously sold as garden plants and could be hiding on private properties," Sunshine Coast councillor Maria Suarez told Yahoo News. "Others spread by birds or the wind, finding their way into gardens. From there, they can spread to our creeks, reserves, dunes and other natural areas. "Many can smother native vegetation, others are costly to our farmers and graziers, while some like annual ragweed pose health risks." Yahoo previously reported on the devastating impacts the harrisia cactus has on the environment. It was originally introduced to Queensland as an ornamental plant in the 1800s. Its ability to grow in poor soil and reproduce through seeds or broken segments has seen it proliferate, invading pastures and reducing grazing land for livestock by forming dense thickets that are difficult to remove. Its spines can injure animals, while its fruit, though eaten by some native and introduced animals, helps disperse its seeds, further spreading the infestation. Councillor Tim Burns added everyone plays a role in protecting native species and natural areas — and urged residents to report troublesome weeds. "If you're the person in the know on invasive plants, you can spot a priority weed before it escapes and manage it effectively, or report weeds on Council's eradication and prevention lists," he said. "Managing invasive plants at home means you're helping to protect our unique biodiversity." 🌱 Quiet shift taking place in Aussie gardens creates 'really exciting' trend 🧑🌾 Property owners sound alarm over deadly threat invading landscape 🌿 Poisonous invasive species smothering Aussie orchards Community members were last year urged to be aware of and survey their properties for the identified 'eradication' plants, all off which should be removed or destroyed following an approved method. The added species included drooping tree pear cactus, cane cactus, eve's pin cactus and prohibited cholla cacti — all of which the authorities say present a serious 'risk' — have been identified for eradication under the council's updated biosecurity plan. "These species can do serious damage to our natural spaces and agriculture," council said. "Once they've infested an area it's incredibly difficult and expensive to manage." They encourage Aussies to reach out to their local native nursery instead of purchasing destructive invasive plants. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Incredible time lapse footage captures 'week-long feast' in Aussie bush
A couple have captured an 'incredible' scene on a time lapse camera purposefully placed on their rural property. The sped-up footage shows numerous native animals, including honeyeaters, bats and one chunky brushtail possum, enjoying a 'week-long feast' on a uniquely Aussie plant in Dunbogan, south of Port Macquarie in New South Wales. A total of 10 different species were caught on camera visiting a conservation area on Andy and Nette McCoubrie's land to munch or suckle on the thousands of tiny cream flowers on three tall Xanthorrhoea spikes. 'A variety of hungry visitors, including honeyeaters, gliders, insects and bats, gathered to feed and pollinate nearby grass trees,' the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust posted online on Wednesday. In the video, a young squirrel glider can be seen staring right at the camera as it clutches one of the spikes, while another bent and drooped to the ground after a hungry possum climbed to the top. 'The time lapse footage was taken with loaned monitoring equipment from our Land Libraries project and highlights just how vital this species is to the local ecosystem, especially after fire.' The Xanthorrhoea's ability to 'resprout and quickly produce flowers after a fire makes them a lifeline for animals living in burnt areas', the organisation said. White-cheeked honeyeater Two squirrel gliders — an adult and juvenile Little wattlebird Noisy friarbird Grey-headed flying fox Common brushtail possum White-throated treecreeper Lewin's honeyeater Rainbow lorikeet Eastern blossom bat The presence of the eastern blossom bat, also known as a common blossom bat, has especially excited the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust. The small nectar feeding bat is reddish-brown in colour and features a very long, thin tongue that has a brush-like tip. They are listed as vulnerable in NSW, according to the state's Office of Environment and Heritage. 🦎 Aussie photographer captures gecko's 'rarely documented' behaviour 🏝️ Push to eradicate unlikely invasive pests destroying tourist island 🦈 Incredible encounter of rare shark filmed near Aussie island: 'Amazing' 'As their name suggests, blossom bats specialise in blossoms! The extra-long papillae on their tongue, act like the bristles of a paintbrush to aid in the uptake of nectar,' conservation biologist Clancy Hall said in an article posted by the Sunshine Coast Council. 'Their fur also has a unique structure that increases its pollen-carrying capacity. Like their larger megabat relatives, blossom bats perform a very important role in pollinating our native plant species. 'Although there is still a lot to be learnt about the social behaviour of blossom bats, we know that they lead a fairly solitary life and will vigorously defend their feeding grounds.' Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Aussies praise homeowner's 'brilliant' shed idea: 'It took three years'
A homeowner's 'brilliant' shed idea has been praised by thousands of Aussies, many of whom say they can't wait to craft and install one of their very own. Using a plastic plant pot, a pair of old jeans, cable ties, duct tape and rope, a Queenslander who lives in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, created a homemade bat roost and hung it in an open-air machinery garage. 'The landowner was originally planning to put this up outside, so the inner-pot has been sealed with tape to make it more waterproof,' a Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia. 'The jeans hang down so the bats can fly to them and then climb inside.' While the property owner first thought of the idea three years ago, it wasn't until earlier this month, as torrential rain drenched the area, that they spotted a handful of winged creatures inside. 'After attending a Land for Wildlife workshop on wildlife nest boxes and hollow dependent fauna they decided to try and make one themselves,' the spokesperson explained. 'It took approximately three years before the local bats found it and started using it.' Land for Wildlife South East Queensland is a voluntary program that encourages landholders to manage habitats for native animals on their properties. They also provide education and advice about threats such as invasive weeds and destructive pests. At the peak of the heavy downpour, it appears there were six to eight long-eared bats taking shelter. Photos posted online show the 'gorgeous' animals clinging to the denim with their claws. 'As the rain eased off the number of bats reduced each day, with none using it a few days after the rain ended,' the spokesperson said, adding the property owner identified at least five microbes species living on their property using an ultrasonic recorder loaned from Land for Wildlife. The long-eared bats seen using the makeshift home 'usually roost in tree hollows but are also known to roost in, or under houses and sometimes inside banana bags'. The spokesperson said the idea originally came from Alan and Stacey Franks who started Hollow Log Homes, a local business that builds and installs nest boxes. 'During a Land for Wildlife workshop on building wildlife nest boxes, Alan suggested using common household items to build low-cost nest boxes. Other materials suitable for microbat roosts include raincoats, hessian, gumboots or old outdoor umbrellas.' 🪴 Aussies urged to make one 'critical' backyard change to combat crisis 🐦 Bunnings worker inspires with 'amazing' $10 garden idea 🐨 Australia blasted for 'sniper shooting' hundreds of koalas Other Aussies agreed, with one sharing they often find bats hiding in their raincoats which are hanging outside. 'My husband hangs his overalls on the verandah line sometimes and it's not long before the little bats move in up the legs,' another commented. Several people said they were eager to create their own roosts. 'We'd like to do this in an awning near where we've seen microbats roosting in old banana leaves,' one local wrote. 'This is the coolest!' someone else said. Meng Tze Chia with Wildcare Australia told Yahoo the Sunshine Coast homeowner had 'created the ideal environment' for bats, which is a 'dark hiding spot, up high, with easy access to outdoors and in a space that is not regularly disturbed by human activity'. 'In fact, many of our microbat species have taken to living in man-made structures,' Meng said, noting that people living in old timber homes probably have long-time winged residents that they're unaware of. 'Unused pool umbrellas is a great favourite of the eastern broad-nosed bat, jackets and raincoats left in the back patio for a while make great hideaways, blinds and shades that have not been moved for a while are another favourite haunt.' Meng said the best way to help native animals is to 'conserve and protect old growth trees' as tree hollows 'make great homes for bats and other native animals like birds, possums and gliders'. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Incredible reason behind 'tiny cardboard teepees' on Aussie roadside
Roads pose a constant threat to native wildlife by cutting them off from important areas for breeding, food and shelter. It's an all too common scene in Australia to see wildlife harmed on the side of the road, with recent NRMA statistics revealing there were over 12,000 wildlife-related road claims in the past year. But one Aussie council has been praised by its residents for installing dozens of "tiny cardboard teepees" on the side of the road after removing overgrown invasive weeds and replacing them with native species. Sunshine Coast Council recently upgraded its one-of-its-kind 150m wildlife bridge on Creswell Road, in Meridan Plains, which acts as a crucial corridor for native animals such as insects, frogs, reptiles and small mammals like sugar gliders, bush rats and bandicoots from habitats south of the bridge with reserves on the north. "This overpass has a wide strip about five metres wide of bushy vegetation and [council] weeded out all of the invasive plants and reseeded it with native ones," ReHatch inventor Dr Alexandra Carthey explained. For mammals that primarily live in trees, such as possums and squirrel gliders, there is a 130m long elevated rope bridge, but for ground-dwelling animals, the plants will "take a while to grow" before they are safe to use, meaning that they'll be of no use to small critters for shelter until they are bigger. It's hoped that the cardboard habitat pods, which last in the environment for a year before breaking down, will bridge that 12-month gap. Known as ReHabitat, the pods were originally designed as a solution "after bushfires", but they work "just as well" in this scenario too, inventor Carthey told Yahoo. "The initiative makes a lot of sense even if it looks funny." Carthey is a wildlife ecologist at Macquarie University who came up with the idea in 2020 after the Black Summer bushfires. "We saw injured wildlife surviving bushfires, but there was no cover left in those burnt environments, so they became sitting ducks for predators," she said. In the aftermath of bushfires, feral cats and foxes have been able to easily hunt without the impediment of thick bush where animals can usually hide away. Searching online, Carthey saw temporary shelters for humans after disasters and wondered "why don't we do this for animals?" The pods are designed with flatpack cardboard that can be fit together in the field, and biodegrades over time. "They start to collapse and fall apart and cardboard peels open, but we want that to happen," she explained. Once it starts to decompose, more critters like lizards and beetles move in. "They have a whole lifecycle that we're discovering," she said. The idea has been used in multiple scenarios around the country, most recently in the Grampians National Park after it was scorched by bushfires, as well as by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy to monitor native mice on predator-free islands. While being used alongside a road was not her initial vision for the pods, Carthey said she "loves it". "I think it's great," she said. "As long as it's benefiting wildlife, it's all good." 🪲 Homeowners warned after pest controller's invasive find in roof insulation 🐈 Desperate move to slow down invasive predators in Aussie national park 🚦 Little-known device on roadside post mistaken for 'speed camera' Councillor Tim Burns said the area was weeded and replanted with 530 native plants which they hope will soon become home to small mammals, frogs, insects and reptiles. "We know wildlife moves across the region and our team at Council has undertaken studies to understand this further,' Burns said. "Our surveys have shown that the Cresswell Road bridge is used by a large variety of native animals as safe passage over the busy Caloundra Road. It provides a crucial north-south connection across what would otherwise be a significant barrier to their movement." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
