Kabi Kabi Corporation signs on to Blue Heart floodplain project

The Kabi Kabi Peoples Aboriginal Corporation has joined the Blue Heart Sunshine Coast project as an official partner.

The Blue Heart is a partnership-based initiative focused on sustainable floodplain management in the Maroochy River catchment.

KKPAC now works alongside Sunshine Coast Council, Unitywater, and the Queensland Government's Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

The 5,000-hectare project area includes over 1,700 hectares of public land and is mostly surrounded by rural and rural lifestyle properties.

The partnership was formalised with a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Blue Heart partners.

KKPAC Chair Norman Bond said the Corporation had been engaged in Blue Heart activities for some time, offering cultural heritage advice.

"While our role in this project has been focused on cultural heritage, we recognise the broader importance of initiatives like the Blue Heart in addressing environmental challenges and creating a sustainable future," Mr Bond said.

"We hope that this MoU signing signifies a continued commitment to collaboration, respect, and the protection of both the environment and First Nations cultural heritage."

Sunshine Coast Council Liveability and Natural Assets Group Executive Mr Bill Haddrill said involving Traditional Custodians as equal partners would strengthen the project.

"The Kabi Kabi peoples have maintained a deep connection to this land for millennia and they carry profound knowledge of its ways, connections and history," Mr Haddrill said.

"This partnership is a commitment to caring for Country together, learning from each other and finding new ways forward as this land transitions over decades.

"We have been working with Kabi Kabi peoples in the Blue Heart for some time, and formalising this relationship ensures their advice and expertise, cultural expressions, heritage and values will be embedded in Blue Heart activities."

Key initiatives under the project include the Blue Carbon Pilot Project and Unitywater's Yandina Creek Wetlands, both aimed at wetland restoration.

Unitywater Chief Executive Officer Ms Anna Jackson said it was logical to extend the utility's partnerships with Traditional Custodians by welcoming KKPAC.

"We work closely and have strong connections with First Nations groups across our service areas and there are further opportunities for Kabi Kabi People to work on Country and deliver sustainable environmental and cultural heritage outcomes at our Yandina Creek Wetland," she said.

"The Kabi Kabi peoples have already been involved with mangrove restorative works, site master planning associated with the application of the Ministerial Infrastructure Designation, and cultural heritage assessments."

Ms Jackson said the new Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger Program being developed by KKPAC would support future involvement.

"As work in the Blue Heart continues, the Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger Program, being established by the Kabi Kabi Peoples Aboriginal Corporation, will provide land and sea ranger opportunities at our wetland site to incorporate indigenous knowledge and increase cultural connection and cultural tourism in our region."

The project's key goals are to protect critical floodplain areas, restore ecosystems, improve water quality, explore new rural land uses, support Kabi Kabi priorities, and expand cultural and recreational access.

The Blue Heart partnership aims to support shared care for Country within the Sunshine Coast Biosphere.