The Yandina Creek Wetlands is a biodiversity hotspot, regarded as nationally and internationally significant under Commonwealth Government guidelines and the provisions of international conventions. The 200-hectare wetlands on the Sunshine Coast provide habitat for federally and state-listed rare, threatened and endangered species. They contain an extraordinary diversity of habitat ranging from mangroves and mudflats to reedbeds and grasslands. The wetlands in the heart of one of Australia's fastest growing cities have great potential as an ecotourism destination and are important for flood mitigation.

 The wetlands were drained recently for sugar cane plantations but can be restored. The only way this can happen is if the Queensland Government provides the necessary funds to the Sunshine Coast Council to acquire one of both of the properties involved so that the wetlands can be protected as a reserve.

Peter Wellington holds the balance of power in the Queensland Parliament and the fate of the minority state Labor government in his hands. Mr Wellington is asked to use his good offices with the government to secure funding so that the wetlands can be protected.

 Mr Wellington can be emailed at this address:

Nicklin@parliament.qld.gov.au