Open Council is in active development and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Noosa Council. The data shown may be incomplete or incorrect — always check Council's own published documents before relying on it.

Open Council Noosa
Sign in

SUMMARY OF FEEDBACK - NOOSA RIVER CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN

Principal Environment Officer - River Strategy & Engagement, Amy Kimber · Strategy and Environment Department

Executive summary

A report on the Noosa River Catchment Management Plan was presented to the General Committee on the 18 September 2023 and referred to the Ordinary Meeting dated 21 September 2023 . At the Ordinary Meeting, Councillors deferred this matter to the October round of meetings to receive further feedback on the Plan. Additional information has been received and is detailed in this report and an attachment to this report alongside the original report. Link to previous report: General Committee Meeting Report 18 September - Item 6.1 At the 21 September 2023 Ordinary meeting, Council passed a resolution that item 6.1 Noosa River Catchment Management Plan be deferred to the next round of meetings to allow Councillors and other stakeholders an opportunity to consider the details and implications of the draft Noosa River Catchment Plan and provide feedback. The plan had been sent to key stakeholders ahead of the General Committee meeting and was sent again to an expanded group of 24 key stakeholders, including State Government agencies, Natural Resource Management and environmental organisations, community and industry associations, the Kabi Kabi Peoples Aboriginal Corporation, research institutes, and former members of the Noosa River Stakeholder Advisory Committee (NRSAC). Of the Stakeholders who responded either verbally or via submission, majority of stakeholders indicated general support for the Plan, a few not indicating one way or another however provided general feedback and a couple indicated objection to the plan. Feedback from former members of the Noosa River Stakeholder Advisory Committee was mixed, of those who objected it was mainly due to strong opposition by some members towards Action 1.1 of the Plan, “Consider the establishment of a Conservation Park across Fish Habitat Areas to protect and improve the health, biodiversity, and species habitats of the Noosa River Catchment.” In addition to stakeholder feedback, the deferral motion led to the Plan effectively being opened to input from the broader community. Unfortunately, the result was contrary to how Council would normally approach public consultation and had the negative consequence of widespread confusion and distrust within the community.

Recommendation

That Council note the report by the Principal Environment Officer - River Strategy & Engagement to the General Committee Meeting dated 18 September 2023 and the further report on summary of submissions to the Ordinary Council Meeting 26 October 2023 regarding the updated Noosa River Catchment Management Plan and;

  1. Adopt the Noosa River Catchment Management Plan for ongoing implementation, noting some implementation actions will involve further stakeholder engagement and are subject to future budget considerations; and
  2. Authorise the CEO to make minor changes and edits to the plan prior to finalising, designing and publishing the plan.
  3. Note the possible changes in response to feedback outlined in this report as per attachment 1 and consider if Council wishes to support these; and if supported authorise the CEO to make these changes prior to finalising and publishing the plan.

Report

Summary of stakeholder feedback Boating Industry Association: Expressed support for finalisation of the plan, with removal of Action 1.1 relating to considering a conservation park. The BIA welcomes the opportunity to work with Council on Action 1.1 after the Plan is endorsed. Additionally, the BIA supports: • A sustainable approach to the waterway that is based upon a true balance of social, economic, environmental, and cultural benefits. • Improved boating infrastructure and access to support people of all ages and abilities. • Compliance and enforcement of existing rules and conventions without adding more red tape. • Recognition that boating has true social value and includes proven mental and physical health benefits. • Recognition that around 1 in 5 households have a boat or some form of watercraft. • Education before regulation. •

Report details

Index: ECM/63.07 Noosa River Plan/22631243