A pristine pocket of Sunshine Coast parkland will remain in safe hands for generations to come.
The Milne Park Environment Reserve, which is located on Mons School Rd, Forest Glen, was recognised today with a naming sign unveiled on the historic and environmentally significant parcel of land.
Division 7 Councillor Ted Hungerford said the site forms part of council’s Environmental Reserves Network and is managed for its ecological, social and recreation values.
“This parcel of land was purchased by David and Dorothy Milne exactly 100 years ago and was used to grow coffee, sugar cane, fruit and vegetables and even cotton in its early days,” Cr Hungerford said.
“Half of the property, which is now known as the Milne Park Environment Reserve, was gifted to council in 1994 as per the will and estate of David Milne’s son Kenneth Milne. The remaining share of the property was purchased by council from another of David Milne’s sons, Selwyn Milne in 1995.
“So it’s absolutely wonderful to have Kenneth & Selwyn’s younger brothers Cameron and Doug Milne here today to help council unveil this sign at the Milne Park Environmental Reserve. I want to thank all of the Milne family on behalf of the Sunshine Coast community, for having the foresight and trust in council to donate this land for the enjoyment of our future generations.
“In collaboration with the Mons Progress Association, council developed the Milne Park Landscape Concept in 2016, which formalises the ongoing maintenance and preservation of the site.
“I have also contributed councillor discretionary funding towards the removal of camphor laurels and revegetation with local native species at the site as well as cleaning and weed removals and the installation of a picnic shelter, sign shelter and a stone clad seating wall.
“Council has further plans to make Milne Park a place for visitors and locals alike to come and take in the amazing views and in the future walk the paths that will wind down the hill.”
The Milne Park Environmental Reserve contains a number of ecosystems, one of which is listed as ‘endangered’.
