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

Introduction
The vision of Noosa Council is Noosa: different by nature. Nowhere is this more clearly illustrated
than our commitment to environment and sustainability.

Historically, Noosa has chosen a different path to other areas of south-east Queensland and today
we reap the benefits, with large tracts of retained vegetation, the healthiest waterways in the
region, and an engaged and active community.

These great strengths also form the basis of our economy as people travel from all over the world
to enjoy Noosa’s natural environment. The value of the Noosa brand also provides great
opportunities for new ‘smart’ and ‘green’ industries to develop and thrive, diversifying our economy
beyond tourism, whilst offering high economic value and low environmental impact.

More than 50 years of environmental activism, dating back to 1962 when Dr Arthur Harrold
established the Noosa Parks Association, has resulted in a community that places a high value on
the natural environment. It has also resulted in a community that seeks to live sustainably and
reduce its impact on that environment.

The purpose of this Environment Strategy is to provide a long-term, overarching framework to
maintain and continually improve on this historical trajectory. It recognises that Noosa will
continually strive for a higher standard in the way we manage and live in our environment. It
includes clear strategies, targets and range of outcomes that Noosa Council seeks to achieve, in
partnership with the community.

The Environment Strategy will help prioritise investment and deliver an integrated approach to
managing Noosa’s environment. It also seeks to recognise the role Council can play in achieving
these intended outcomes, and how we can work with other management agencies and the Noosa
community to achieve excellence in environmental management.



Policy and planning context
The Environment Strategy is guided by Council’s Corporate Plan, Sustainability Principles and
Environment and Sustainable Living Policy. It is also informed by applicable international,
Commonwealth and State legislation and policy.

In 2015 Noosa Council adopted a set of six Sustainability Principles to ensure consideration of
sustainability across all areas of Council business;
  1. Resources are sustainably managed so that the lifestyle of the community is preserved,
     without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
  2. Noosa’s economy is prosperous, diverse and protective of its unique environment.
  3. Noosa residents belong to a community that values its diversity, accessibility and
     affordability.
  4. Noosa’s community is inclusive, connected and resilient and encourages participation and
     information sharing.
  5. Noosa’s community benefits from quality places and programs that enhance wellbeing and
     support creative, active and healthy lifestyles.


Noosa Shire Environment Strategy                                                              Page 3