2019-02-18 GC Agenda Att 1 to Item 8 - Draft Environment Strategy

The health of our waterways, wetlands and coastal areas are directly dependant on land use
practices within the catchment. Whilst the condition of the Noosa River is very good, it is still not
immune from a range of potential threats. The 2018 report card for the river indicates that there
has been improvements to freshwater aquatic bugs, and the extent of stream bank vegetation and
wetlands remains secure, however sediment washing into the river is increasing and is cause for
concern, and litter from stormwater and other sources is increasing.

Regional climate projections indicate Noosa can expect increased water temperatures, more
intermittent water inflows, and more intense rainfall events leading to more severe erosion and
pollutant mobilisation. Increased frequency and depth of tidal inundation of terrestrial areas not
currently exposed to saline waters is expected as a result of sea-level rise. These factors are
expected to further increase the pressures on our river systems.

There are a large number of stakeholders with interests in the management of Noosa River. The
State Government controls land, marine safety, and fisheries, while local government has planning
jurisdiction and also responds to reports of pollutants. There are many commercial operators in the
river, and the estuary is very popular recreation area for residents and visitors alike. Because of
the large number of stakeholders and diversity of interests, the Noosa River Plan aims to take an
integrated management approach to attempt to balance the needs of all parties. Given the large
number of stakeholders with interest in the River, Council will proactively seek collaborative
partnerships and alliances to ensure multiple interests are considered and combined efforts occur
towards mutual goals and objectives for the River and its management.

The Noosa Planning Scheme regulates development and aims to avoid and mitigate impacts on
ecosystems and habitats. Through mapping of biodiversity values, the planning scheme identifies
significant biodiversity areas and interconnecting vegetation corridors. Strict development codes
aim to minimise downstream impacts from development, control sediment, and protect native
vegetation, species habitat and water quality.

Wetlands
Wetlands are areas of land covered permanently or temporarily in water. They are often at the
interface of large waterbodies such as rivers, lakes and oceans. Plants and animals that live in
wetlands have unique qualities to cope with changes in water depth and condition. Similar to
corridors of vegetation across the landscape, wetlands offer connectivity for fauna and play an
essential role in maintaining water quality for river systems. Both the Mary River and Noosa River
catchments have significant wetland areas.




Wetland types (Source: Wetlandinfo)



Noosa Shire Environment Strategy                                                              Page 22