(07) 5473 9322
Tue-Fri 7.30am - 3.30pm
Saturday 8.30am - 12.30pm
Nursery History
The Coolum Community Native Nursery (CCNN) was established in November 2005 with a mission to support conservation in the region by growing local coastal native and salt-tolerant species.
How it Began
The Coolum Community Native Nursery (Coastal Community Native Nursery Inc) began with a vision to protect and restore the local coastal environment.
After a devastating bushfire swept through the dunal vegetation from Sturmers Creek to Coolum, members of Coolum Coast Care—led by Leigh Warneminde, Deb Voss, and Janette Wallis—set out to plant 2,000 trees to mark the new millennium. When they discovered that no local native seedlings were available, they were forced to source plants from the Bunya Mountains via Barung Nursery in Maleny. This experience highlighted a clear need for a native nursery focused on local coastal and salt-tolerant plant species.
In 2001, Deb Voss, working with the Coolum State Primary School’s Environment Club, began propagating seeds for dune plantings. Leigh, Janette and Deb supervised the club’s activities and approached then Maroochy Shire Councillor Bruce Dunne for help in identifying suitable Council land for a dedicated nursery.
A Home for the Nursery
Between 2003 and 2005, during Lend Lease’s controversial development negotiations with Council, community groups raised strong objections to bushland clearance near Warran Road. The outcome led to a significant win for conservation—as a condition of development approval in July 2005, Council required Lend Lease to construct and support a community native nursery for 25 years. This responsibility passed to Sekisui House in 2014 when they acquired the land.
From Concept to Community
With that agreement in place, CCNN began operations in November 2005 as a not-for-profit community endeavour. Before the permanent nursery was built, the group operated from an unused nursery site at the (then) Hyatt Hotel (now Palmers Resort), guided by Nursery Manager Gabe McGhee and supported by Green Corps trainees and community volunteers.
In 2008, the custom-designed nursery at 157 Warran Road, Coolum Beach opened to the public. The facility was built with sustainability and efficiency in mind—featuring rainwater harvesting, solar orientation, steel benches, engineered drainage, and sealed parking.
Accredited for Excellence
CCNN achieved NIASA Accreditation (Nursery Industry Accreditation Scheme Australia) in March 2011, following rigorous assessments by Nursery & Garden Industry Queensland (NGIQ). Our facilities were designed with industry best practices from the outset, allowing us to meet high standards in nursery management, hygiene, and sustainability.
What We Do
Today, CCNN grows over 70,000 plants annually, with a stock list of approximately 270 species, all suited to local conditions.
Plants are sold to residents, landscapers, government agencies, and environmental contractors. Our staff and volunteers provide expert, friendly advice on plant selection, care, and environmental suitability.
.png)
Powered By Community
CCNN is supported by 40–50 active volunteers, who contribute about 600 hours each month—with over 7,000 volunteer hours recorded in 2024 alone. Volunteers assist with everything from seed propagation to sales, office admin, weeding, pot recycling, and education. The nursery also welcomes interns seeking hands-on training in environmental horticulture.
Supporting Schools & Education
Since 2007, school visits have been encouraged, and in 2012, CCNN launched the Free Trees for Schools program. Registered schools can receive up to 50 locally grown plants to enhance school grounds and promote environmental awareness.
.png)
Looking Ahead
Today, the nursery thrives—supporting conservation and landcare efforts and promoting the planting of local native species.
We continue to grow—both our plants and our community sphere. Future plans include expansion of operations incorporating the latest in sustainable technologies and production practices, and serving as a hub for community education and environmental stewardship
The Coolum Community Native Nursery is more than a place to buy plants—it's a community of people working together to restore, protect, and celebrate the unique biodiversity of our coastal region. With deep local roots and a commitment to conservation and biodiversity, it’s a place that locals can be proud of.
Xanthorrhoea fulva - Wallum Grass Tree, Marcoola