223 million reasons to protect Maroochy River

19 October 2009 223 million reasons to protect Maroochy River

A ground-breaking study by the Sunshine Coast Council has identified a conservative annual economic value of the Maroochy River of $223 M. The study, entitled Maroochy River Value Project, was conducted in partnership with the CSIRO, and is the first to undertake this assessment.

Importantly the study also assesses the impact on this value through two scenarios of increased urbanisation or increased river rehabilitation, and finds that increased urbanisation will have significant impacts on the economic value of the Maroochy River.

Councillor Vivien Griffin, who has the Maroochy River flowing through a large part of her division, says that the findings confirm Council's decision to focus on sustainable carrying capacity in the new planning scheme.

"We need to challenge the population projections reflected in the SEQ Regional Plan, which are predicting a doubling of the Sunshine Coast by 2031. We need to bring intellect and evidence to arrive at a sustainable population outcome. It cannot be automatically assumed that continued population growth will contribute to increased economic benefits."

"We want to have a sustainable economy into the future, and this study shows the economic benefits and jobs that are linked to a healthy river ecology. Many of those working in the environment movement have always known that having a healthy river delivers massive benefits back to the economy, that it is not a trade-off one for the other," said Cr. Griffin.

"This study has identified a conservative Total Economic Value (TEV) of $223 M per annum, with important contributors to that cost estimate being tourism expenditure ($85M), an annualised value of unimproved land to residents ($57M), and value of recreational fishing to residents of $19M."

"Equally importantly, the study has estimated that there would be a significant reduction in the TEV based on the implementation of current Strategic and Regional Plans for the region without substantial catchment wide rehabilitation or interventions. This reduction in value would be experienced in recreational fishing expenditure, sewage treatment costs, commercial fishing, tourism and value of residential land."

Cr. Griffin said the study was the first of its kind for the Sunshine Coast, and further refinement of the methodology and inputs could be expected in the future. "If we are to make a strong case to the State Government for a sustainable future for the Sunshine Coast, then we have to be a leader in using best science to justify our position."

Permanent Link: 223 million reasons to protect Maroochy River
Publish Date: 20 Oct 09

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