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

Community feedback so far
Feedback from the community has contributed to the shaping of this Draft Environment Strategy.
Community groups with an interest in the environment and sustainability attended a number of
Council forums to discuss and workshop key issues and priorities for the Environment Strategy in
2017 and 2018. A total of 26 community groups participated. The broader community was also
invited to comment on priorities for the Environment Strategy through Council’s Your Say Noosa
webpage in July and August 2018. More than 60 comments were received.

Top themes from community input so far are:
Maintain the naturalness of open spaces
People recognise the value of the natural environment in contributing to Noosa’s lifestyle,
economy, local character, recreation opportunities, as well as their own personal health and
wellbeing. Keeping Noosa “clean and green” and maintaining the unique balance of greenspace
and urban density is important. This includes keeping a natural look to public landscaping,
maintaining native vegetation around developments, and continuing to manage population growth
within sustainable limits.

Manage impacts on our natural environment
Protection of wildlife habitats and rehabilitation of degraded areas was identified as an important
issue. Managing visitor impacts on natural areas and continuing active weed management are also
key concerns. Residents understand the importance of protecting our coastal dune system from
human impacts and the need to build resilience to beach erosion. This will become increasingly
important under climate change scenarios. There are calls for improved waste and stormwater
management practices, particularly for litter, plastic rubbish and other pollutants to be kept from
entering waterways. Managing activities on and around the Noosa River to ensure the catchment
stays healthy is also highlighted.

Sustainable use of natural resources
There is recognition of the need to live and build sustainably. There are calls to increase recycling
and to promote composting to reduce waste to landfill. People wish to see Noosa doing its bit to
reduce emissions through greater energy efficiency opportunities and increased take-up of solar
power for businesses and households. Minimising soil degradation and improving rural land
management practices is also considered a priority, along with supporting and promoting
sustainable local food production. Sustainable fishing practices is a key resource management
issue, with local concerns about declining fish stocks.

Stronger community awareness
Supporting behaviour change is considered to be an important role for Council and community
groups. This includes building awareness of what individuals and businesses can do to maintain a
healthy, diverse and clean environment including protecting our native wildlife, preventing pollution,
reducing waste, and landscaping with native species. Continuing to build a strong culture of care
for our environment amongst existing and new residents is also emphasised.




Noosa Shire Environment Strategy                                                               Page 7