Stage two of Sunshine Coast City Council’s Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation Project is progressing, with the new section of work focusing on vegetation transplanting and removal to deliver a greener, shadier and more accessible coastal environment.
The Council says the landscape design reflects community feedback calling for more shade, shelter and open space. Upon completion, Stage 2 will feature 85 trees — up from 80 currently — including 57 new native trees and more than 6,600 shrubs and ground covers.
As part of the works, almost half the trees and palms on site will be retained, including Pandanus, Tuckeroo, Cotton Tree, Banksia, Horsetail She-oak (Casuarina) and Norfolk Island Pines.
More than 30 Pandanus and palms are being carefully moved. The viable, existing Pandanus will be moved to a different location within the works area, where they can continue to grow and be part of the Mooloolaba Beach landscape – before being replanted in their final locations throughout the Stage Two area.
The vegetation operation is being carried out by a team of experienced tree transplanting contractors using specialised equipment, including a 34-tonne crane truck, to ensure the trees are moved safely and effectively. The trees will be carefully nurtured and monitored, the Council said.
Council Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor, Tim Burns said some trees would be removed in line with the community endorsed Central Meeting Place design.
“These changes support vital pedestrian connections, including a new east-west walkway linking the beach to businesses and a widened coastal pathway that allows safer, more inclusive movement along the foreshore,” Cr Burns said.
“Native species have been chosen that are better suited to our coastal conditions and will provide long-term shade and habitat.
“We’ll soon begin a very challenging stage of the project, working carefully around existing Norfolk Pine trees and removing 28 trees.
“Eight Norfolk Island Pines are being retained within Stage 2, with the removal of five pines and invasive species such as Singapore Daisy and Pepper Tree to protect the natural landscape.
“This considered decision to remove the trees was not taken lightly and we recognise the deep connection our community has with Mooloolaba’s foreshore.”
