Take Action for Pumicestone Passage - TAPP Inc

15/06/2026

Who should pay for this development?

The Sunshine Coast community has just been hit with significant rate increase.

With Council citing rising infrastructure costs, financial pressures and the need to fund essential services.

Now, according to reports, the developers behind the proposed Coochin Creek festival and tourist park are challenging more than $15 million in infrastructure charges, describing them as “unreasonable”.

Yet this raises an important question:

❓If a development requires new roads, stormwater infrastructure and other supporting works, should those costs be borne by the developer — or passed on to local ratepayers?

The proposed development was approved despite significant community concern.

Many local residents, environmental groups and community organisations did not support this project.

It is difficult to understand why Sunshine Coast residents should be expected to subsidise infrastructure associated with a development they neither requested nor supported.

At a time when households are facing increased rates and rising living costs, the principle should remain simple:
➡️ Growth should pay for growth.
➡️ Existing communities should not be left footing the bill for private developments.

Take Action for Pumicestone Passage will continue to advocate for decision-making that protects both our environment and the interests of local communities.

Read more here:

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CccUbvvFj/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Queensland pub barons have launched a court appeal against a local council over a $15m infrastructure charge tied to a state-approved festival site. https://bit.ly/4ebp4AC

15/06/2026

🌿🏅 Congratulations to our dear friend Jude Crighton OAM! 🏅🌿

The members of Take Action for Pumicestone Passage - TAPP Inc., extend our warmest congratulations to Judith Crighton.

On being awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours for service to conservation and wildlife.

Jude has dedicated countless years to protecting and enhancing the natural environment of the Sunshine Coast through her leadership, advocacy and hands-on conservation work.

Her contributions have spanned wildlife protection, turtle conservation, bushcare, dune rehabilitation, environmental education, and the protection of our precious bushland and coastal ecosystems.

Many within our community know Jude through her tireless work with Wildlife Queensland - Sunshine Coast & Hinterland Branch, as well as her unwavering commitment to safeguarding the environmental values that make our region so special.

Her recognition follows a lifetime of service to conservation and builds upon her receipt of Wildlife Queensland's Margaret Thorsborne Award in 2022.

Jude's dedication reminds us that meaningful environmental outcomes are achieved through persistence, collaboration, science, education and community action—values that strongly align with the mission of Take Action for Pumicestone Passage.

Thank you, Jude, for your extraordinary contribution to our environment and for inspiring so many others to become involved in protecting the places and wildlife we cherish.

👏💚 Congratulations on this well-deserved honour.

🔗 Read more about the 2026 King's Birthday Honours:

https://www.govhouse.qld.gov.au/government-house/office-of-the-governor/news-and-publications/latest-news/2026-king-s-birthday-honours

💚🌿

The Governor-General has announced the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List, recognising 142 exceptional Queenslanders for their outstanding contributions to the community, public service, the professions, emergency services and the Australian Defence Force.

11/06/2026

🌊 Golden Beach Seawall Complete – Protecting Our Coastline for the Future 🌊

The completion of the Golden Beach seawall marks an important milestone in protecting one of the Sunshine Coast’s most iconic waterfronts from the impacts of erosion, storm surge and a changing coastal environment.

For many years, Take Action for Pumicestone Passage Inc. has advocated for practical, evidence-based responses to the challenges facing Golden Beach and the wider Passage.

Through community engagement, submissions, meetings and ongoing advocacy, TAPP has consistently highlighted the importance of protecting both our foreshore infrastructure and the environmental values of the Pumicestone Passage.

The seawall project forms part of a broader conversation about coastal resilience, adaptation and the long-term management of our waterways.

As we continue to witness changes associated with coastal processes, sea level rise, extreme weather events and the Bribie Island breakthrough, investment in protecting vulnerable sections of shoreline becomes increasingly important.

While no single project provides all the answers, the completion of this seawall represents an investment in community safety, public access and the ongoing stewardship of the Golden Beach foreshore.

TAPP remains committed to advocating for the protection and enhancement of the Pumicestone Passage through science, education, community engagement and evidence-based environmental advocacy.

Read more here:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Hf47Zk6ct/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Learn more about TAPP’s involvement and advocacy regarding coastal erosion and shoreline protection:
https://takeactionpumicestonepassage.com.au/project/project-one/

Prior to the Bribie island Breakthrough TAPP Members worked to restore the TS Onslow site by planting mangroves along the shoreline. Stage 1 mangroves were unfortunately vandalised during 2021. The remaining mangroves from stage 1 of this project have been able to sustain the inundation since the br...

10/06/2026

Last Tuesday at the Take Action for Pumicestone Passage - TAPP Inc June General Meeting, we were fortunate to hear from guest speaker John Birbeck about an exciting proposal for a Sunshine Coast Koala Sanctuary.

John is a qualified horticulturist with more than 30 years’ experience as a Principal Environment Officer across three local councils, where he played a significant role in advancing biodiversity and sustainability initiatives.

His presentation outlined a proposal being put forward by the Wildlife Queensland - Sunshine Coast & Hinterland Branch to the Sunshine Coast Council following community consultation on the Council’s Koala Strategy.

The vision is ambitious yet practical: to establish an enduring protected estate that supports the recovery and long-term protection of a genetically viable koala population.

While some local koala populations are showing signs of recovery, particularly around Noosa and the Blackall Range, South East Queensland still lacks the connected network of reserves and protected corridors needed to allow koalas to move safely across the landscape.

John explained how existing National Parks, Council reserves and Land for Wildlife properties could be linked to create an extensive habitat corridor, enabling koalas to feed, breed and disperse more freely.

The proposal also considers practical measures including wildlife crossings, fencing, road signage, traffic calming and habitat restoration. It recognises the important role of smaller native species and the need for ongoing w**d and feral animal management to support healthy ecosystems.

Importantly, community groups have a vital role to play. Meaningful environmental outcomes often begin with informed, passionate communities advocating for positive change.

This is the kind of project that could deliver significant environmental benefits for future generations while also showcasing the Sunshine Coast as a leader in genuine nature-based tourism.

Now that's the right kind of ecotourism.

09/06/2026

Have you watched episode 2? Episode 3 dropped this morning!

08/06/2026

🌊 KEITH HILL PARK FORESHORE – HAVE YOUR SAY

The Diamond Head foreshore at Golden Beach is one of the most iconic and environmentally significant areas within the Pumicestone Passage catchment.

As our coastline continues to face challenges from coastal erosion, storm impacts, sea level rise and changing shoreline dynamics, it is important that future works balance community access, public amenity and long-term environmental resilience.

Take Action for Pumicestone Passage (TAPP) encourages community members to review the proposed concept design for Keith Hill Park and provide feedback during the consultation period.

Key elements of the proposal include:
🔹 Coastal protection and shoreline stabilisation works
🔹 Stormwater infrastructure upgrades
🔹 Sand nourishment initiatives
🔹 Improved beach access and connectivity
🔹 Enhanced public spaces and shade

TAPP supports informed community participation and encourages decisions that protect the health of the Pumicestone Passage while ensuring future generations can continue to enjoy our unique coastal environment.

Community feedback is open until 3 July.

📍 View the proposal and have your say here:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1H8h7xoQby/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Together, we can help shape a resilient, healthy and sustainable future for our coastline and the Pumicestone Passage.

𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗲 – 𝗞𝗲𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗛𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸...
We’ve released a draft concept design for the Diamond Head foreshore at Keith Hill Park, focused on protecting our coastline while enhancing how the community uses and enjoys this space every day.
Planned improvements include:
✅ A new seawall and upgraded stormwater infrastructure
✅ Sand nourishment to support a healthier beach
✅ Improved beach access with new stairs and a multi-use ramp
✅ Upgraded pathways, seating, shelters and more shade
Now we want to hear from you! Community feedback is open from 8 June to 3 July.
Come along and chat with us in the park on 17 June (9–11am) or share your thoughts online.
Together, we’re creating a foreshore that’s safe, accessible and resilient for generations to come.

06/06/2026

Tune in to PPCMB!

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1HLfgQsVPN/?mibextid=wwXIfr

04/06/2026

🌏 World Environment Day 2026 🌿

Today we celebrate not only the beauty of the Pumicestone Passage, but the people who dedicate their time, knowledge and passion to protecting it.

For many years, Take Action for Pumicestone Passage (TAPP Inc.) has worked tirelessly to protect and enhance the environment of the Pumicestone Passage and its catchment.

As a volunteer-led community organisation, we have advocated for responsible planning, improved water quality, habitat restoration, environmental monitoring, community education, and the long-term health of one of South East Queensland’s most significant coastal ecosystems.

From restoring shoreline vegetation and supporting biodiversity, to raising awareness of emerging environmental threats and championing science-based decision-making, our members continue to demonstrate the power of community action.

The challenges facing the Passage continue to evolve.

Rapid regional growth, inappropriate developments, water quality concerns, coastal erosion, habitat loss and climate change all reinforce the importance of remaining vigilant, informed and engaged.

On World Environment Day, we acknowledge the many volunteers, researchers, community groups, Traditional Owners, environmental organisations and local residents who continue to stand up for the future of the Pumicestone Passage.

Together, we will continue working towards a healthy, resilient and thriving Passage for future generations.

💙 Protect.
💚 Restore.
💙 Educate.
💚 Advocate.

Learn more about TAPP and how you can get involved:
https://takeactionpumicestonepassage.com.au

Take Action for Pumicestone Passage (TAPP) is a volunteer group whose aim is to protect and enhance the Pumicestone Passage environment and catchment.

03/06/2026

🦈 JUVENILE BULL SHARK FOUND IN PELICAN WATERS

A juvenile bull shark has reportedly been found deceased in one of the Pelican Waters lakes.

Bull sharks are known to utilise estuaries, rivers and coastal waterways as nursery habitat, but what caused the death of this young shark remains unknown.

It’s also worth noting that bull sharks are one of the few shark species capable of living in both fresh and salt water, so its presence within the Pelican Waters lake system may not be as unusual as many people think.

❓ Could it have been natural causes or disease?

❓ Was it injured by a vessel, fishing activity or another predator?

❓ Did recent weather, rainfall or changes in salinity play a role?

❓ Could low dissolved oxygen levels or other water quality issues have contributed?

❓ Did it become trapped within the lake system and unable to return to open waterways?

At this stage, there is no confirmed explanation, and it would be inappropriate to speculate on the exact cause without further investigation.

However, every such incident serves as a reminder of the importance of healthy waterways, good water quality, connected aquatic habitats and ongoing environmental monitoring throughout the Pumicestone Passage catchment.

🌿 Our lakes, canals, creeks, wetlands and the Passage itself are all interconnected. The health of one influences the health of all.

🎥 Original video:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1H9ag4zdFS/?mibextid=wwXIfr