Environmental Protection
43 initiatives across 4 years
Underway this year
7
1 with disruption at end of March 2026
Delivery record
10 of 29
past initiatives completed · 11 on track, not yet complete
2026–27not started yet
1.1.1 Burgess Creekno update reported yet
1.3.1 Eastern Beaches Foreshoreno update reported yet
1.6.1 Noosa River Catchment Action Planno update reported yet
1.7.1 Environmental Conservationno update reported yet
2025–264 initiatives
1.1.1 Burgess CreekQ3 · On Track · Stakeholder and community engagement plan completed, and consultants for its delivery have been engaged. Technical report in final draft and distributed to stakeholders. Three community and stakeholder engagement sessions held in March and Action Plan currently in drafting stage to be taken to Council in May, prior to wider community consultation via 'Your Say' in June. On track for completion and final endorsement by end of the calendar year.
1.2.3 BiosecurityQ3 · On Track · An internal working group has been established, with several sessions held to help hone the critical elements of the Plan. The plan is in draft format and has been sent to agency stakeholders for review prior to being reported to Council. General community engagement through 'Your Say' is planned for mid year.
1.3.2 Eastern Beaches ForeshoreQ3 · On Track · This is an annual implementation program. Works are progressing as planned to deliver resilient ecosystems within limited budget, community education, and upgraded infrastructure. Turtle engagement material distributed via mail and workshop. Urban Wildlife Gardens event was hosted in conjunction with NICA, targeting engagement with Eastern Beaches residents. Scoping works with Council's Coastal and Foreshore Officer for beach access upgrades has occurred.
1.3.3 Encroachments PolicyQ3 · On Track · This is an annual implementation program. This initiative is on track including the delivery of community education and remedial works to the Noosa River Esplanade and other emerging localities within limited budget. Various investigations and inspections of reported locations. These investigations are ongoing and have been reviewed against the Encroachment Operational Guidelines.
2024–2513 initiatives · 4 finished on time
1.1.2 Management of bio basins · ended the year with minor disruption
Delivery of the maintenance schedule was delayed in Q3 due to adverse weather, and the programme was unable to recover these delays in Q4.
1.2.3 Biosecurity · ended the year with minor disruption
A draft is currently being reviewed; however, staff resources have been limited due to balancing competing operational demands. Completion anticipated in Q1/2 FY25/26.
1.3.3 High-risk erosion areas · ended the year with minor disruption
Progress through the High-Risk Erosion Prone Area Working Group has stalled due to staff vacancy and changes. A Noosa Eastern Beaches Creek Erosion Risk study has been delivered by consultants, covering geotechnical, hydrological & vegetation assessments at the nine creeks along the Eastern Beaches. Assessments were used to identify slope stability risks as well as urgent, short, medium and long term actions to reduce these risks. Actions vary from urgent remediation works through to longer term revegetation and weed control.
1.6.1 Noosa River Catchment Action Plan · ended the year with major disruption
Delayed to FY2025/26. This initiative will now be advanced as part of the SEQ Resilient Rivers Program for preparing a Catchment Action Plan. Council is being supported with funding via Resilient Rivers and resourcing to assist in preparing the Noosa River Catchment Management Plan. Community engagement on a Draft plan will occur in 2026.
1.7.1 Threatened Fauna Roadmap · ended the year with minor disruption
Action Plans for Koala Conservation and Sea Turtle are nearing completion (95%).
1.7.2 Koala Conservation Plan · ended the year with minor disruption
The final draft has been completed and is undergoing internal review in Q1 FY25/26.
1.1.1 Modern Water Quality Monitoring ProgramQ4 · On Track · This programme is ongoing. Monitoring was completed as planned for all sites in Q4. A six-month trial of Mary River sub-catchment monitoring has commenced with Sunshine Coast Council. Water quality dashboard has been trialled with the Noosa Waters Residents Association. Council to be briefed on the annual programme in August.
1.3.1 Noosaville Foreshore ManagementQ4 · Completed
1.3.2 Eastern Beaches ForeshoreQ4 · On Track · Education material is complete, and the public awareness campaign has started. A restoration program is underway within available budget and resourcing, and the beach infrastructure access manual is nearing completion (80%).
1.3.4 Encroachments PolicyQ4 · On Track · Ongoing implementation program underway. Recovery plans have been developed for the esplanade south of the ferry – associated works to be undertaken in FY25/26. Works at Lorikeet Dr, Peregian Beach, have been completed.
1.3.5 Noosa Spit Erosion ManagementQ4 · Completed
1.5.1 Yurol Ringtail State ForestQ4 · Completed
1.8.3 Council works follow Noosa Design PrinciplesQ4 · Completed
2023–2412 initiatives · 5 finished on time
1.3.5 Encroachments Policy · ended the year with minor disruption
Program mostly set up with minor delay due to staff turnover. Note-relisted in the new 24/25 Operational Plan
1.1.1 Modern Water Quality Monitoring ProgramQ4 · Completed · Water monitoring for Noosa River completed. Collaborative trial in place Q3-Q4 FY25 with SCC for Mary River sub-catchment reporting.
1.1.2 Restoration of aquatic habitatsQ4 · On Track · Education material complete for seagrass project. Prioritisation tool for riparian projects identified. Continued support to NICA for ongoing monitoring of the Oyster Reef project - next status report due EOFY. This program will effectively become the implementation of the Noosa River Catchment Management Plan. We were anticipating that it would move through the July Council meeting as planned. However, as there is a potential delay it has been difficult to plan for. There is a budget item for NRCMP projects that will include the above initiatives. Note-Ongoing and part of BAU
1.2.5 Noosa Biosphere Reserve FoundationQ4 · Completed · Support for NBRF continues from Council with expanded networking and collaboration with Council projects. Strategic Plan for NBRF successfully undertaken.
1.2.7 BiosecurityQ4 · On Track · Note-previously experienced a minor disruption, now on track for delivery in FY25 Note-the review of the Biosecurity Plan is relisted in the new 24/25 Operational Plan
1.3.1 Coastal Hazards Adaptation PlanQ4 · On Track · Works progressing with investigations into the Eastern Beaches coastal creeks budgeted within 2023/24 and continuing into 2024/2024, informing future works requirements. Note-relisted in the new 24/25 Operational Plan
1.3.2 Noosaville Foreshore PlanQ4 · On Track · The community has been engaged on the 80% masterplan document during Q4 of 2023/24, and Council are working through a variety of feedback with the expectation of an additional community engagement round being required before progressing to 100%. Note-relisted in the new 24/25 Operational Plan
1.3.3 Main Beach Erosion ManagementQ4 · Completed · Dredging and renourishment works for the SEMP project were completed June 2024. Some additional channel formation is also completed, and an asset renewal program will be required to maintain the shoreline following works completion.
1.3.4 Eastern Beaches ForeshoreQ4 · Completed · Plan complete and endorsed by Council.
1.5.1 Yurol Ringtail State ForestQ4 · Completed · Final report submitted. Awaiting gazettal.
1.7.1 Threatened Fauna RoadmapQ4 · On Track · Commenced Sea Turtle Conservation Plan and Koala Conservation Plan for delivery Q2 FY25. Completed baseline abundance and distribution for the Great Glider, Mary River Cod and Mary River Turtle (upcoming Conservation Plans for FY25). Note-relisted in the new 24/25 Operational Plan
1.8.4 Council works follow Noosa Design PrinciplesQ4 · On Track · Maintenance conducted as per Civil Operational Maintenance Plan. Design works are assessed against Noosa Design Principles and certified to comply with technical standards. Construction works are implemented to meet design intent and in terms of approved quality and environmental standards. Monitoring for compliance are undertaken internally and externally by experienced officers and professionals. This scope continues as part of business-as-usual operations for the Infrastructure Department. Note-relisted in the new 24/25 Operational Plan
2026–27not started yet
2.5.3 Hilton Esplanadeno update reported yet
2.8.1 Water Qualityno update reported yet
2025–261 initiative
2.8.3 Wastewater treatment systemsQ3 · On Track · The ongoing Wastewater Audit Program – Managing Health and Environmental Risks: The program has been undertaken with 117 residential properties audited through NATA-approved testing, educational materials, and remediation solutions were distributed to support compliance. Council officers have achieved a 70% uptake of electronic service reports via the new OMA app for on-site sewerage system registrations. This positive uptake in electronic OMA app for service reports provides easier submission of residents' service reports and reduces processing timeframes. The educational program for owners of OSF systems is ongoing. The ongoing Backflow Prevention Audit Program – Preventing the risk of contaminating Drinking Water Supply by focusing on high-risk zones. Further 3 stages of backflow prevention audits have been completed with audits carried out at Noosa Village Shopping Centre, Noosa Civic Shopping Centre and the Elysium Noosa Resort resulting in the installation high level backflow devices, reducing the risk of drinking water contamination.
2024–251 initiative · 1 finished on time
2.8.2 Wastewater treatment systemsQ4 · Completed
2026–27not started yet
4.8.6 Coastal Hazards Adaptation Planno update reported yet
2025–262 initiatives
4.2.2 Destination Management PlanQ3 · On Track · Creative design of final document and DMP Portal completed with soft launched planned in early Q4. Draft Implementation Plan being updated. Two presentations undertaken with Tourism Noosa Board. One meeting undertaken with Tourism Noosa staff. Presented to the board of Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation and to Visit Sunshine Coast. Presentations scheduled with Environmental Groups (NICA, Landcare etc), Business Round Table and Community Associations in early Q4. Soft copies of final document will be sent to other key stakeholders including but not limited to - Department of Tourism, Science and Environment, Tourism and Events Queensland, Tourism Australia and Destination Think (Global Think Tank). Responses to all submissions being prepared and will be sent out prior to soft launch. A media campaign will be implemented following soft launch to keep the Destination Management Plan "live" and at the forefront of the community's minds. Draft TOR for Destination Stewardship Council under development.
4.8.7 Coastal Hazards Adaptation PlanQ3 · Minor Disruption · Staff resource limitations have impacted the program. The Living Foreshore Hilton Esplanade project under consultation with community. Regional Coastal Process model project with SCRC in final phase and grant acquitted. The team continues to seek funding opportunities to undertake Phase 2 of the Coastal Wetland Restoration Project. QCoast grant application being prepared to fund erosion-prone area mapping to inform a future planning scheme amendment.
2024–251 initiative · 0 finished on time
4.8.4 Coastal Hazards Adaptation PlanQ4 · On Track · Phase 2 of the Coastal Wetland Restoration Project with University of Queensland and KKPAC is underway. An initial site assessment on Cooloothin Creek Nature Refuge has been undertaken and grant funding is being sought through QCoast2100 Round 3. The Living Foreshores Noosa project continues to progress, with works at Hilton Esplanade scheduled to recommence in Q1 FY25/26.
2023–242 initiatives · 0 finished on time
4.2.1 Destination Management Plan · ended the year with minor disruption
Deep Dive Analysis completed. Community Engagement Phase 2 scheduled for August/September 2024. Note-relisted in the new 24/25 Operational Plan
4.2.2 Destination Management PlanQ4 · On Track · Collaboration on DMP Action Plan (including Deep Dive overlay) is ongoing. Note-relisted in the new 24/25 Operational Plan