Ben Bennett Bushland is a beautiful Bushland situated in the heart of Caloundra. This park of 21 hectares contains many different ecosystems such as a Eucalypt forest, Malalecua forest, Wet Heath and two endangered ecosystems, Dry Heath and Lowland Rainforest. Ben Bennett is also home to over 100 different species of birds (including the Glossy Black Cockatoo), 7+ species of Frogs, 7+ species of reptile, more than 8 mammal species and hundreds of different insects. This park is teeming with wildlife and with a walk through this bushland you will often find a number of animals that call this place home, and as it turns to night you can observe a huge number of frogs - an environmental indicator of a healthy ecosystem.  

HOWEVER, The Sunshine Coast Regional Council has proposed the development of a $37.8 million 4 lane road which will completely decimate this once protected bushland refuge, devastating ecological communities. This road will further contribute to exponential habitat loss and urbanisation already widespread throughout the Sunshine Coast and will lead to new avenues for pollution including discarded waste, noise and light pollution. Vehicle injury and mortality are already a high risk for species living within Ben Bennett Bushland, with this refuge gone we are basically signing these animals up for decimation. 
In addition to this, the project will eradicate 10 small locally owned businesses, impede on the RSL memorial garden and cause locals to lose their family homes. The Ben Bennett family (for whom the park was named after) has NOT been directly notified of this destruction. 

The purpose of this road is to help with traffic flow. We understand the traffic within Caloundra can be frustrating however there are many alternatives that won’t have such devastating effects on the community, such as upgrades to Caloundra Road Roundabout to include a slip lane into Pelican Waters and from the opposite side a slip lane onto the Nicklin Way. 

We need your help and we need council to hear our voices and opinions. We want them to know WE DO NOT APPROVE OF THIS DEVELOPMENT. Please take a moment to sign this petition. If you have the time please also write to our local council (details below) and voice your opinion - let them know that we need people in council that listen to the opinions of the local community.

Mark Jamieson: 5441 8242 - mail@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
Cr Terry Landsberg: 0418 348 896 - terry.landsberg@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au