It has been hot, and just after sunrise we see all the popular beach car parks already full. There are people everywhere surfing, swimming and cycling in the early morning, enjoying a healthy lifestyle before the mid-summer heat rises. It has been more like tropical Kakadu of late.
The increase in population on the Sunshine Coast has meant the early risers are flooding the foreshore beaches, parks, roads, cycleways and walkways more each year. This is putting increased pressure on our open spaces and remnant bush that provide habitat for birds and native animals. These assets are vital in supporting our wonderful Sunshine Coast lifestyle.
I love the Earth and our connection to nature with concern it could be loved to death. Like many of you, we have made the Sunshine Coast our permanent home in the last fifteen years.
We recently returned from Melbourne which was a beautifully planned city designed for Victorian tastes with large parks and gardens. Melbourne is Australia’s largest city or will soon be, and many public parks have permanent or temporary built infrastructure. For example, Albert Park home to the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre and the temporary stands for the Australian Grand Prix. Public land provides for events and services often limiting general public access to the city’s lungs and natural places.
The population pressure challenges similarly on the Sunshine Coast sees the loss of the lungs with the trimming of parks for motorways, airports and hard-built infrastructure. This city is in the top ten for population in Australia and the fastest growing region. The balance of infrastructure and natural assets needs to be a priority in cities.
Efforts to protect the natural assets are not just about winning hearts and minds, but education and enforcement of laws where necessary. For example, at Marcoola, we had campers in the bush reserves with tents left to inhibit the growth of the native plants. Also, there has been deliberate poisoning of coastal vegetation to improve views and it is important to report such matters to councils.
Let us hope we all can love the earth finding the joy of nature and connection to nature ongoing.