Division 5 Councillor, Jenny McKay, said the council will consider funding support in the 2008/09 budget to assist with the relocation of plant stock, watering systems, tanks, sheds and shade structures, and provision of facilities such as parking and amenities.

“Council recognises and appreciates the significant contribution that Barung Landcare has made to increasing environmental awareness throughout the Sunshine Coast, along with the delivery of various consultancy projects for the organisation,” Cr McKay said.

Division 1 Councillor, Anna Grosskreutz, said an interim tenure arrangement would allow Barung to move to the precinct site as a short term measure while the precinct was under review by Council.

“Yesterday, council agreed to a tenure for one year, with a possible 12 month extension,” Cr Grosskreutz said.

“Council still intends to look at a long term lease for Barung Landcare at the Maleny Community Precinct in line with other interest groups keen to locate to the site.”

Barung Landcare addresses environmental issues through services such as revegetation programs using appropriate native species, the provision of assistance with the regeneration of native plant communities, weed identification and control, consultancy and property planning, the production of species lists for existing native vegetation, farm forestry using local cabinet timber species, and landscaping using local native plants.

At yesterday’s Ordinary Meeting, Council also agreed to look at possible future activities for historic Pattemore House, taking into consideration any issues raised within the Conservation Management Plan, which will be presented to council at a future meeting.