Endangered wildlife will win through an agreement that protects an 11-hectare slice of open forest at Rocksberg, near Caboolture.
Moreton Bay Regional Council 's Division 12 councillor, Adrian Raedel said the legally binding permanent Voluntary Conservation Agreement (VCA), between council and the land’s owners James and Diana Caldwell, would ensure the future conservation of the ecologically significant property.
“This agreement will not only help the Caldwells
“Koalas and Glossy Black cockatoos, both of which are listed as vulnerable species, are known to live on the property or visit its eucalypts and Black She Oaks.
“The VCA on this property effectively strengthens an existing wildlife corridor because the land adjoins a Land for Wildlife Property, the Incanto Nature Reserve which is also a VCA property, and an environmental reserve to the east.”
Sustainability spokesperson, councillor Rae Frawley said council had entered the agreement because the overall nature conservation values of the W James Road
"The Caldwells, who bought the property with the aim of conserving it, have been involved with council’s Land for Wildlife program," Cr Frawley said.
"Under the VCA agreement, council will inspect the property regularly and provide a one-off $500 rebate for weed management as well as assistance which may include supplying nest-boxes or plants to help improve the conservation value of the land. "
The Caldwells
The VCA area is to be protected in perpetuity and an environmental covenant on the area is registered under the Lands Title Act, which will prevent its future development. Council has 11 VCAs with land owners in Moreton Bay Region covering a combined area of 192 hectares.
