Pimpama’s green credentials are the real McCoy
The council-owned McCoys Creek Wetland, a 146-hectare site at Pimpama, has been officially recognised as Queensland’s second “Conserved Area”.
The site is home to threatened species, including koalas, the tusked frog, water mouse, and the Moreton Bay lily.
It is the first Conserved Area in Australia to be managed by a council and all three tiers of government in Australia teamed up to protect the area.
McCoys Creek Wetland site forms part of the Gold Coast’s Northern Koala Corridor.
Federal Minister for Environment and Water Murray Watt said Conserved Areas offered an innovative way of formally recognising biodiversity conservation.
“The Albanese Government is committed to protecting 30 per cent of land by 2030 and Conserved Areas play an important role in helping us meet this target,” Minister Watt said.
“Recognising McCoys Creek as Australia’s Second Conserved Area is a key milestone for Australia’s conservation efforts.
“The Albanese Government is committed to working with states and territories to continue to protect and restore our spectacular natural environment.”
Queensland Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the milestone demonstrated strong collaboration between levels of government.
“Queensland is proud to secure another Conserved Area, recognising the outstanding environmental value of McCoys Creek Wetland and ensuring it is protected for generations to come,” Minister Powell said.
“This is a landmark achievement as Australia’s first council‑managed conserved area, showing what can be achieved when state and local governments work together to protect biodiversity.”
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said this was a landmark achievement for the Gold Coast.
“It’s an honour to be the first local government reserve in Australia to receive this kind of recognition,” Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said.
“This milestone supports our goal of working towards 51 per cent native vegetation cover, while protecting the Northern Koala Corridor and reinforcing the Gold Coast’s reputation as a leading destination for nature‑based recreation.”
Conserved areas are established to ensure sites with biodiversity, such as threatened species, are looked after in a way to protect the plants and animals alongside other land uses.
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