Residents demand greater say in Council’s plans for Mt Ninderry

Residents expressed dissatisfaction with how feedback was being gathered during an on-site meeting attended by Cr Suarez

Residents of Mount Ninderry have voiced their frustration and concern about Sunshine Coast Council’s recent proposals to enhance the Mount Ninderry Environment Reserve. 

Critics argue that the council is advancing its own agenda without adequately considering residents’ feedback or the potential impact on local wildlife and lifestyle.

The council recently introduced a draft landscape plan designed to make the reserve more accessible while preserving its ecological and cultural values. The plan includes new trails and a cultural education area intended to increase visitor numbers and improve accessibility.

But, local residents have raised significant concerns with the consultation process considering the potential implications of the plan. They fear increased traffic could disrupt their quiet residential area and further endanger local wildlife. 

Community frustrated

Resident Matt Herrmann, in a letter following an on-site meeting between locals and Div 9 Cr Maria Suarez, said the community was  frustrated with how community feedback was gathered.

Mr Herrmann noted that the meeting with Cr Suarez resolved to extend the consultation period and refine the online survey questions to encourage more accurate responses.

“We are concerned that the responses may be summarised into a generic positive or negative outcome, which could be used to advance the development without truly addressing community concerns,” Mr Herrmann said.

“The questions asked on the council’s ‘Have Your Say’ page were related to how people enjoyed the mountain, or why they visited Mount Ninderry. If the questions were more specific, we believe the feedback would differ. 

“For instance, asking whether residents support further development of Mount Ninderry or the specific development of access via Ocean Vista Drive might yield more accurate responses.”

Mr Herrmann even conducted basic traffic monitoring from his premises on Ocean Vista Drive, revealing that on average, 18 vehicles pass by daily, with 90+ percent being residents commuting to school or work, and the remainder mostly tradespeople and rock climbers. 

“Other Sunshine Coast trails attract over 200,000 visitors annually – if Mount Ninderry attracts a portion of that number with the new access and infrastructure, it would increase traffic on a narrow residential street by hundreds of vehicles per week. It seems likely that the development would replicate the issues seen at other Sunshine Coast trailheads, negatively impacting local residents’ quality of life as well as multiple other problems, including wildlife disruption and road suitability.

“Our local community, including members of the Kabi Kabi community who are residing in Ninderry Rise Estate, oppose the Ocean Vista Drive entrance development. We would prefer to rehabilitate the current grass area into natural bushland and native animal habitat, in line with the rest of the nature reserve. Additionally, we suggest reallocating more funds to enhance the existing entrance to better protect residents and improve the trail to manage current traffic more effectively.”