Sunrise Beach rehab site blooms beyond expectations
Species diversity will be the winner as protected habitat regrowth for glossy black cockatoos and other local wildlife continues to strengthen with the excellent progress of the environmental rehabilitation site at Noosa’s Girraween Nature Refuge.
In 2022/2023 three hectares of degraded land was quarantined for what will be protected, high-quality bushland, delivered as part of BlueCare’s new integrated independent living retirement and residential aged care project in Sunrise Beach.
Project partners BlueCare and Keyton have released a new video illustrating the site’s progress over the last 12 months and how it continues to outperform every target.
The rehabilitation program was designed to mitigate the impact of tree removal as part of the Sunrise Beach development with a specific focus on she-oaks, the preferred feed trees of the local glossy black cockatoos.
One thousand she-oaks and hundreds of other natives were planted on the rehabilitation site, far exceeding project conditions. All she-oaks are from seed collected from the development site, with some seed being collected as early as 2018.
After two years the she-oaks have achieved a survival rate of almost 95%.The standout result has been due to the project’s best practice approach to live seed soil transfer.
By immediately transporting and spreading seed-rich topsoil and mulch from the development site, natural recruitment has exceeded all expectations.
Eighteen months after transfer, germination is still ongoing. A total of 56 species have been observed on the site so far including trees, shrubs, groundcovers, sedges and grasses.
Trees and shrubs have reached more than suitable heights and are seeding and flowering. And with new habitat provided for native fauna, there has been plenty of evidence of animals using the site.
The site also shows extremely low weed presence that’s closer to 1% than the targeted 5%.
“BlueCare is proud to partner with Keyton on this important environmental rehabilitation site, which reflects our long-standing commitment to the communities we serve,” said Natalie Smith, General Manager BlueCare Retirement Living.
“This initiative goes beyond environmental responsibility — it’s about supporting the health and sustainability of the Noosa region for generations to come. By working together with Keyton and the local community, we’re helping to protect this unique ecosystem.”
Keyton, appointed by BlueCare to develop and operate the precinct’s independent living retirement community, said it was proud to be investing in Noosa’s local environment and protecting habitat for the future.
“It’s been a joy to witness the progress of the rehabilitation over the last 12 months and see how it has taken on a life of its own,” Keyton CEO Nathan Cockerill said.
“That our best practice approach is proving to have made such a difference is the best kind of feedback on the actions we’re taking to balance the impact on the environment.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the site continue to evolve and exceed the requirements of our ecological management plan,” Mr Cockerill said.
The site will be cared for by an experienced team of independent ecologists and vegetation management specialists through to the end of 2028, when responsibility is handed over to Noosa Shire Council. At this point, the site is anticipated to be opened to the public.
Media Contacts
| BlueCare | Keyton |
| Erica Clydsdale 0401 718 112 erica.clydsdale2@ucareqld.com.au | Tim Mahony 0402 059 987 tim.mahony@keyton.com.au |
About BlueCare Sunrise Beach
BlueCare Sunrise Beach is a new integrated independent living retirement and residential aged care precinct in Grasstree Court, Sunrise Beach, Noosa. The precinct will allow people to age in place, remaining in the local area they already call home and maximising care outcomes for residents and their families. Sunrise Beach Aged Care opened in early-2024, while Sunrise Beach Village is currently under construction and set to welcome residents from late-2025. Homes are now selling. Keyton is constructing and will initially operate the retirement village on behalf of BlueCare. When completed, around 260 people will live in the integrated precinct, meeting community demand for better care close to home.
About BlueCare
Australia’s most trusted and respected health and community services provider, BlueCare is delivering exceptional, values-based care and accommodation to Queensland families in every corner of the community, and is globally recognised as a leading light in care model innovation for ageing Australians. With the state’s largest network of dedicated care professionals – 8,000 employees and 500 volunteers, supporting 46 age care homes, 33 retirement village and care at home services we are proud to make a meaningful difference, together. Making the everyday easier for the people we support, recognising and respecting their individuality, choice and freedom.
About Keyton
Keyton is a leading owner, operator and developer of retirement communities in Australia. Today, over 15,000 residents call Keyton home in more than 65 villages around the country, from vibrant inner-city residences to charming coastal communities. We focus on delivering the best possible retirement living experience for independent seniors with the help of our 900 passionate staff. We create places that support the wellbeing and happiness of residents while also generating long-term value in the assets we develop.
