COUNCIL SUPPORTS BIOSPHERE RESERVE
Moreton Bay Regional Council has added its support to the nomination of the D’Aguilar Range and surrounding areas as a biosphere reserve. Mayor Allan Sutherland said biosphere reserve listings were aimed at developing sustainable living in areas already recognised for their environmental value. “Voluntary agreements are put in place by relevant stakeholders to develop, implement and promote practices which include conservation, ecological sustainability and support for research and education into these practices,” Mayor Sutherland said.
“Biospheres are about protecting natural landscapes, enhancing water quality and the productivity of agricultural land while also improving fire and weed control.”
Cr Sutherland said if the nomination was successful the biosphere reserve could potentially attract additional investment into the area through land management and tourism projects.
“The potential benefits could be considerable and it already has received strong support from sections of the community,” the Mayor said.
“For land owners and farmers it’s business as usual, even if the biosphere nomination is accepted.
”Biosphere projects are completely voluntary and have no legal impact on what owners choose to do with their land.”
Other organisations supporting the biosphere nomination include SEQ Catchments, the University of Queensland, SEQ Water, Forestry Plantations Queensland, Powerlink and Somerset Regional Council.
The deadline for the next round of UNESCO biosphere nominations is March, 2010.
“Biospheres are about protecting natural landscapes, enhancing water quality and the productivity of agricultural land while also improving fire and weed control.”
Cr Sutherland said if the nomination was successful the biosphere reserve could potentially attract additional investment into the area through land management and tourism projects.
“The potential benefits could be considerable and it already has received strong support from sections of the community,” the Mayor said.
“For land owners and farmers it’s business as usual, even if the biosphere nomination is accepted.
”Biosphere projects are completely voluntary and have no legal impact on what owners choose to do with their land.”
Other organisations supporting the biosphere nomination include SEQ Catchments, the University of Queensland, SEQ Water, Forestry Plantations Queensland, Powerlink and Somerset Regional Council.
The deadline for the next round of UNESCO biosphere nominations is March, 2010.
