South East Queensland wildlife tourist attraction Daisy Hill Koala Centre will undergo a major revamp in time for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Making the announcement on World Environment Day, Minister for Sport and Member for Springwood Mick de Brenni said next week’s State Budget would include $3.3 million for stage one.

“We are kick-starting a 10-year Logan project to create a leading urban conservation and recreation destination in South East Queensland,” Mr de Brenni said.

“As Queenslanders we are absolutely spoilt for choice when it comes to natural locations to get active outdoors, and Daisy Hill Forest is my favourite place in the state.

“For me, the bushland that’s home to Daisy Hill Koala Centre has long been the centre of why we as locals love to call this place home. It’s one of these fantastic local places where horse and bike riders, as well as walkers and runners can all get active in a clean, green environment.

“In response to rapid growth of the area and growing interest from mountain bike riders, we hope to create a community hub within the next decade where people can connect with nature, and there is greater useability and improved tourism opportunities.

“I’ve been determined to work with our local community to make this plan a reality, and I’m looking forward to seeing the outdoor recreation hub develop over the next decade.”

Minister for the Environment Steven Miles said the revitalised Daisy Hill Koala Centre will improve the visitor experience and education.

“Daisy Hill Koala Bushland is an iconic pocket of conservation park surrounded by urban development,” Mr Miles said.

“The Palaszczuk Government has a vision of the Daisy Hill Koala Bushland as a refuge for south side residents, and as a tourist attraction for visitors from around the world.

“Daisy Hill is already growing in popularity; attracting up to 400,000 visitors to the area each year and 65,000-plus visitors to the Daisy Hill Koala Centre.

“We have been consulting with Queenslanders to determine the future development of the Bushland and Koala Centre – and we have now committed $3.3 million to implement Stage one of this vision.

“Stage one also includes an important upgrade for parking, and the ring road servicing the Daisy Hill Conservation Park picnic area.

“We will also upgrade the popular picnic area turning it into a more modern space by installing new amenities such as BBQs, and upgrading pathways, signage and nature play areas.

“The upper mountain bike trail hub on Daisy Hill Road will be upgraded with new tables and warm-up track, and the Paperbark Walking Trail will make it easier for people in wheel chairs and strollers to access.

“We have listened to community concerns around the conservation values of the site, with a range of revegetation, weed control and survey projects proposed.

“With this investment, Daisy Hill will become an outdoor hub for locals, interstate and overseas visitors, and sporting groups for mountain biking, bushwalking, horse riding, nature-based activities, and school excursions.

“The revamped Koala Centre will be exciting and educational. Interactive displays will improve the visitor experience – and make it easier to have an up close and personal encounter with our most iconic species.

“I would like to thank everyone who took the time to provide feedback on a plan setting a new direction and vision for Daisy Hill Koala Bushland, especially the Brisbane Region Environment Council and the Logan and Albert Conservation Association,” Mr Miles said.

To assist with delivery of stage one, a park user reference group will be established and will include representatives from tourism, recreation and conservation sectors, local residents and Traditional Owners.

Source
Joint Media Statement
The Honourable Mick de Brenni (Minister for Housing, Public Works and Sport)
The Honourable Steven Miles (Minister for Environment, Heritage Protection, National Parks and the Great Barrier Reef)