Opportunity to create new trails for legendary mountain

A new plan is offering an incredible opportunity to explore a previously inaccessible area of a much-loved mountain.

Mount Ninderry Environment Reserve, on Kabi Kabi country, is a place favoured by many and Sunshine Coast Council has developed a draft landscape plan to share more of it with people of all abilities – in a way that conserves its ecological and cultural values.

It has been prepared in partnership with the Kabi Kabi First Nations people and through targeted workshops with Councillors, reserve neighbours, key stakeholders and community groups.

Now, our community can participate in planning for the mountain’s future by sharing their story on their Mount Ninderry experience at haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au before July 15.

Kabi Kabi man Kerry Jones said Mount Ninderry was very important to the Kabi Kabi people.

“It’s a part of our story line, our legend that is connected to all these significant mountains and rivers around here,” Mr Jones said.

“Kabi Kabi has been working with Council and we have the opportunity to look at new trails and share the stories of the Kabi Kabi people.”  

Plan for Mount Ninderry’s future

The draft landscape plan follows on from the recommendations of a management plan that was prepared in 2021, recognising the growing popularity of Mount Ninderry with only one trail option currently available.

New walking trails are proposed to share new experiences and other places for people to enjoy and appreciate the beauty and views of Mount Ninderry.

To honour the Kabi Kabi connection to this land and also create opportunities for all abilities access, a new cultural and education node area is proposed in a stunning location, to the east of the peak.

^{Mount Ninderry Visitor Hub artist impression.} 

The intention will be to share the Kabi Kabi peoples' story of Mount Ninderry, environmental facts, trail information and artwork.

^{Mount Ninderry Eastern Lookout and Western Escarpment Trail artist impression.} 

A new workshop shed is proposed as a base for Kabi Kabi training and landcare volunteers. This shed will provide room for tools, workshops and training activities, supporting community efforts to care for the land.

^{Mount Ninderry caring for country and people artist impression.} 

These new experiences will offer sustainable and culturally sensitive access for the community to appreciate and enjoy the mountain and its beautiful natural environment.

Tell your story of Mount Ninderry

Sunshine Coast Division 10 Councillor David Law said Mount Ninderry was a picturesque backdrop for people to get out, be active and connect to Country.

“Across the years, Council has been able to expand the original environment reserve which is now 199 hectares,” Cr Law said.

“There is so much more to Mount Ninderry than a hike to the top of the mountain.

“We are excited to be able to share these new experiences with visitors through the draft landscape plan.

“It’s a plan for the mountain’s future. This infrastructure is costly and will take years to be fully developed – however, the new opportunities proposed are worth waiting for!”

Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Maria Suarez said the Mount Ninderry Landscape Plan was an example of how Council was working with our community to nurture and enhance our environment and quality of life.  

“I encourage our community to head to Council’s Have Your Say website to share their own story on their Mount Ninderry experience,” Cr Suarez said.

“They can also watch the video as the Traditional Owners, the Kabi Kabi people, share what Mount Ninderry means to them and why future planning matters.

“You'll also discover how important its natural forests are to the Sunshine Coast’s plants, trees and wildlife.”

Share your story of Mount Ninderry at haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au before July 15 or drop in and speak to an officer at the Mount Ninderry trail head between 9am-12noon on June 27 and July 7 at Ninderry Road,  Ninderry.