Protected habitat for glossy black cockatoos and other local wildlife has received a significant boost with the strong growth of a new rehabilitation site at Noosa’s Girraween Nature Refuge.
Three hectares of degraded land have been converted into what will be protected, high-quality bushland, delivered as part of BlueCare’s new integrated independent living retirement and residential aged care project in Sunrise Beach.
Project partners BlueCare and Keyton have released a video telling the story of the rehabilitation program through the eyes of the site’s restoration ecologist and rehabilitation contractor. And how prioritising a best practice approach has seen the site exceed all expectations.
The rehabilitation program was designed to mitigate the effects of tree removal as part of the Sunrise Beach development with a specific focus on she-oaks, the preferred feed trees of glossy black cockatoos.
One thousand she-oaks and hundreds of other natives have been planted on the rehabilitation site, far exceeding any project conditions. All of the she-oaks are from seed collected from the development site, with some seed being collected as early as 2018.
“We are thrilled with the exceptional results already achieved at the rehabilitation site delivered as part of the BlueCare Sunrise Beach precinct development,” UnitingCare Group General Manager Property Lavinia Dack said.
“We have invested heavily in our local environment, through our work in the rehabilitation site, the community-oriented Australian Native Plant Program and use of Australian natives in our landscaping, including up to 400 grasstrees from the project site. This is only some of many outstanding outcomes of our unique partnership with Keyton.
“The precinct is now coming to life with the recent opening of BlueCare Sunrise Beach Aged Care. This ground-breaking home is providing residents with bright and airy accommodation designed on the small household model, redefining the traditional approach to aged care.”
Keyton, appointed by BlueCare to develop and operate the precinct’s independent living retirement community, said doing the best for both people and the planet had been front of mind for the project.
“Balancing the impact on the environment is a key consideration in all of our operations,” Keyton CEO Nathan Cockerill said.
“Keyton is proud to be investing in the local environment and increasing protected habitat to safeguard Noosa’s wildlife for the future.
“We’re excited to share this example of just what rehabilitation can achieve when you keep a best practice mindset at the core of your program.”
The video provides an insight into what it took to achieve the impressive growth and species diversity already present on the site.
A key part of the project involved the immediate transportation and spreading of seed-rich topsoil and mulch from the development site. This was integral to achieving excellent natural germination and minimising the loss of seed viability that often comes with the considerable handling and stockpiling of more traditional methods.
BlueCare and Keyton also elected to install irrigation to safeguard against periods of drought and maximise the rehabilitation outcome.
The site will be cared for by an experienced team of independent ecologists and vegetation management specialists through to the end of 2028, when responsibility is handed over to Noosa Shire Council. At this point, the site is anticipated to be opened to the public.
About BlueCare
BlueCare and UnitingCare Queensland provide important, extensive support services. With 8,000 employees and 2,000 volunteers, BlueCare is one of Queensland’s largest and most trusted providers of home care, residential aged care, disability services and retirement living.
BlueCare is an agency of UnitingCare Queensland. UnitingCare provides aged care, disability supports, health care and crisis response in Queensland through BlueCare, Lifeline, The Wesley Hospital, St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital, Buderim Private Hospital and St Stephen’s Hospital. We also provide support in the Northern Territory through ARRCS.
BlueCare is proud to have won the Reader’s Digest 2022 and 2023 Gold Quality Service Award for Home Care in Queensland.
About Keyton
Keyton is a leading owner and operator of over-55’s independent living communities in Australia with more than 75 villages and 17,000 residents across the country. We have over 30 years’ experience in retirement living, empowering independent seniors to choose where and how they live – and to make those choices with confidence. We lead with heart, prioritising wellbeing, connection and choice for residents and customers.
