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NOOSA ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY - YEAR THREE (2021/2022) IMPLEMENTATION PLAN ANNUAL UPDATED · Attachment 1 - Summary of action outcomes
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Attachment 1 - Year Three (2021/2022) Summary of progress against actions of the Environment Strategy Implementation Plan.
Enabling Actions Status Progress comments
A. Implement an Environment Grants Projects that contribute to implementation of the Noosa Environment Strategy are funded
program to support community projects and by Noosa Council through three different grant streams. The grant streams, and key
programs that lead to implementation of the projects they supported in the 2021/22 FY, are listed below.
Environment Strategy. Projects funded by Environment Project Grants in the 21/22FY include:
- Series of workshops developed by Noosa District Landcare to support regenerative
land management practices for private landowners. Council Investment of $11,330.
- Replace/relocate approximately 30 fishing line recovery bins installed at permanent
sites along Noosa River to improve recreational fishing waste disposal behaviours.
Council investment of $11, 670.
- Urban Wildlife Garden Program provided service to urban landowners wishing to
enhance urban ecology by using native plants and increasing the understanding of
biodiversity values on their property. Council investment of $7,656.
- 2021 and 2022 Noosa Electric Vehicle Expo with over 50 EV, EBuses, EScooters and
Ebikes increase public knowledge and interest in E transport options. Council
Investment $7,500.
- Solar Panel Installation for Heritage Centre in Cooroy. Council investment of $2,765.
- Solar for Strata delivered by ZEN and Tourism Noosa to address barriers to uptake of
rooftop solar by body corporate committees. Council investment of $18,000.
Projects funded by MEC grants in the 21/22FY include:
- Engaging Local Communities in Restoring Bush (Roving Restorers Noosa Chapter)
which is delivered by Noosa Landcare is a program that facilitates a group volunteer
who deliver restoration and weed management works on both private and public
land. Council investment of $23,620.00 over three years.
- Keep in in Kin Kin, delivered by Noosa & District Landcare is a large-scale soil
conservation project in the Kin Kin creek catchment that focuses on engaging private
landholders to undertake remediation works in priority riparian areas on their
properties. Council investment of $240,000 over three years.
- Plastic Free Noosa, by Tourism Noosa, is a program aiming to drive wide-scale change
by empowering the Noosa community in eliminating single-use plastics through
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Attachment 1 - Year Three (2021/2022) Summary of progress against actions of the Environment Strategy Implementation Plan.
Enabling Actions Status Progress comments
direct engagement and facilitating circular economies. Council investment of
$185,400 over three years.
- Hinterland Rural Extension Program, delivered by Mary River Catchment
Coordinating Committee, also focuses on private land riparian remediation. Council
investment of $105,000 over three years.
Organisations that received operational support from the Environment Organisation
Alliance Grants in the 21/22 FY period include:
- Wildlife Noosa;
- Noosa Integrated Catchment Association (NICA);
- Noosa & District Landcare;
- Noosa Environmental Education Hub (NEEH);
- Zero Emissions Noosa (ZEN) Inc.;
- Wildcare Noosa;
- Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee (MRCCC); and
- Flying-fox Rescue Release Noosa Inc.
B. Implement an Environment & The intent of this Noosa Environment Strategy enabling action is to transition from informal
Sustainability Roundtable to provide a stakeholder engagements to a more formal mechanism for providing input to Council’s key
mechanism for local community groups, environmental initiatives. Disruptions to normal operations and staffing due to COVID
government stakeholders and experts to limited progress toward this enabling action in the 21/22 FY.
have input into the development of
Meetings with key local Natural Resource Management groups were conducted to share
Council policy.
program information. In addition, the Noosa River Stakeholder Advisory Committee and the
Climate Change Response Community Advisory Group continue to provide opportunity for
stakeholder input into development of Council Policy.
Implementation of the formal Environment & Sustainability Round Table will be further
considered in the next financial year.
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Attachment 1 - Year Three (2021/2022) Summary of progress against actions of the Environment Strategy Implementation Plan.
Enabling Actions Status Progress comments
C. Support community environmental and Noosa Council supported the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation (NBRF) to (1) develop a
sustainable development networks and Sustainability Forum, due to launch in the next financial year, that will bring social,
forums to build partnerships to drive the economic, and environment sectors together, and (2) explore development of a data sharing
implementation of the Environment portal to provide easy access to research data for Noosa Shire.
Strategy. ‘Give a Sheet’ was delivered in partnership with St. Vincent de Paul and BlockTexx Textile
Recovery Technologies. The event was a Queensland-first circular economy initiative to
reduce environmental impact by textile recycling.
Noosa Council were also participating members at a range of environmental management
networking events such as a Healthy Land and Water regional forum to improve catchment
management, and Landcare events.
D. Undertake monitoring programs required Monitoring programs are underway for ecosystems, important habitat, threatened species,
for evaluating and reporting on the and water quality. See below for actions 7, 8, and 11 for monitoring to evaluate success of
success of the implementation of the Environment Strategy implementation.
Environment Strategy.
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Attachment 1 - Year Three (2021/2022) Summary of progress against actions of the Environment Strategy Implementation Plan.
THEME: BIODIVERSITY
Actions: Protect and enhance existing ecosystems, vegetation networks and habitats
1. Undertake environmental restoration The 2021/22 FY was the first year of Bushland Reserve Strategic Management Plan
activities throughout Council’s implementa�on, which is the guiding document for managing Council’s Bushland Reserve
conservation reserves. Prepare Bushland network up to 2026. The plan has iden�fied 57 priority Bushland Reserves for ecological
Operational Assessments (BOAs) for restora�on ac�vi�es. The Natural Areas team and Community Bushland Care Program have
Council reserves to monitor the success commenced ac�vi�es to enhance ecosystem condi�on and resilience by best prac�ce
of work. methods defined in South East Queensland Ecological Restoration Guideline and Manual.
The Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Management Plan provides recommenda�ons for
how Council should manage its bushland reserve network over the next five years to achieve
bushland reserve network objec�ves. Three management categories - Protect, Enhance, and
Monitor - have been allocated to priority reserves. Approximately 38% of Council’s bushland
reserve network is included within the Enhance management program, under which
ecological restora�on ac�vi�es focus on developing ecosystem resilience, adhering to best
prac�ce detailed in the SE Qld Ecological Restora�on Framework Guideline and Manual
(Chenoweth 2012).
Bushland Opera�onal Assessments (BOAs) are a resilience-based method for mapping na�ve
vegeta�on condi�on. Mapping guides on-ground restora�on works to improve ecosystem
resilience. The BOAs provide quan�ta�ve baseline data to monitor efforts for the next 5
years. The Bushland Reserve Strategic Management Plan iden�fies 57 priority reserves
requiring a BOA, all of which were completed in the 2021/22 FY.
There is a risk of being unable to adequately manage con�nued growth and par�cipa�on in
the Community Bushland Care Program and this has been iden�fied as a priority for funding
considera�on in the 2022/23 FY budget.
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Attachment 1 - Year Three (2021/2022) Summary of progress against actions of the Environment Strategy Implementation Plan. THEME: BIODIVERSITY Actions: Protect and enhance existing ecosystems, vegetation networks and habitats 1. Undertake environmental restoration The 2021/22 FY was the first year of Bushland Reserve Strategic Management Plan activities throughout Council’s @) implementation, which is the guiding document for managing Council’s Bushland Reserve conservation reserves. Prepare Bushland network up to 2026. The plan has identified 57 priority Bushland Reserves for ecological Operational Assessments (BOAs) for restoration activities. The Natural Areas team and Community Bushland Care Program have Council reserves to monitor the success commenced activities to enhance ecosystem condition and resilience by best practice of work. methods defined in South East Queensland Ecological Restoration Guideline and Manual. The Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Management Plan provides recommendations for how Council should manage its bushland reserve network over the next five years to achieve bushland reserve network objectives. Three management categories - Protect, Enhance, and Monitor - have been allocated to priority reserves. Approximately 38% of Council’s bushland reserve network is included within the Enhance management program, under which ecological restoration activities focus on developing ecosystem resilience, adhering to best practice detailed in the SE Qld Ecological Restoration Framework Guideline and Manual (Chenoweth 2012). Bushland Operational Assessments (BOAs) are a resilience-based method for mapping native vegetation condition. Mapping guides on-ground restoration works to improve ecosystem resilience. The BOAs provide quantitative baseline data to monitor efforts for the next 5 years. The Bushland Reserve Strategic Management Plan identifies 57 priority reserves requiring a BOA, all of which were completed in the 2021/22 FY. There is a risk of being unable to adequately manage continued growth and participation in the Community Bushland Care Program and this has been identified as a priority for funding consideration in the 2022/23 FY budget. Page 4 of 15Page 5
Attachment 1 - Year Three (2021/2022) Summary of progress against actions of the Environment Strategy Implementation Plan.
2. Reduce the threat of priority biosecurity In the 2021/22 FY, 82 proper�es were visited as part of Council’s approved Biosecurity
risks, such as pest plants and animals, on Surveillance Program, targe�ng Cats Claw Creeper and other priority weeds. Biosecurity
Council land and support private threats were detected on 15 of these proper�es with 3 advisory leters and 2 Biosecurity
landholders to do the same. orders issued. Ongoing assistance is provided to landholders to control Fireweed in the Lake
MacDonald area and Cats Claw Creeper in the Upper Six Mile Creek catchment area.
Pest Management Officers con�nue to provide ongoing assistance to landholders in the
control of Wild Dogs, Fox, Deer, Feral Cat and Myna Birds on private land as part of their
regular business.
In 2021/22, 26 landowners received Land for Wildlife management incen�ves, with 13.7
hectares of land managed for weeds including Camphor Laurel, Cat’s Claw vine and lantana.
Council also invested $25,000, with a landowner co-contribu�on of $15,500 and materials
totalling $2,900.
3. Implement rehabilitation programs of Rehabilitation actions are on target with Greenfleet and Noosa Landcare continuing
former forestry areas in the Yurol and revegetation works.
Ringtail State Forests, in preparation for
the land to be transferred to National
Park.
Actions: Expand vegetation networks and habitat
4. Support private landholders to achieve As of 30 June 2022, there are 419 Land for Wildlife properties collectively managing 2,700
environmental outcomes on their hectares of retained habitat and 470 hectares of habitat under restoration, and there were
property through an expanded Land for 21 active Voluntary Conservation Agreement (VCA) properties, with 2 new VCAs signed up
Wildlife and Voluntary Conservation in the financial year. A highlight was the registration of a 32-hectare rural residential zoned
Agreement Program. property at Cooroibah that includes endangered regional ecosystems.
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Attachment 1 - Year Three (2021/2022) Summary of progress against actions of the Environment Strategy Implementation Plan.
5. Identify priority land parcels that enhance Several properties were assessed for potential acquisition during the year however no
landscape connectivity and seek to have acquisitions were made due to high market prices and staff resourcing limitations.
them managed for environmental
outcomes, either through direct purchase
by Council, or utilising
other appropriate protective mechanisms.
6. Undertake an urban environmental The Urban Wildlife Gardens Program (UWG) commenced its second year with good uptake
education program to improve from landholders. This is a Council program, funded through the Environment grants, that
environmental outcomes for urban has been developed and is delivered by Noosa Integrated Catchment Association. The
wildlife in strategic locations. program aims to assist urban property owners in enhancing habitat opportunities in their
own backyards through education and professional advice. Participants receive a property
visit from the program coordinator who provides information and advice tailored to their
properties and supplies a number of appropriate native plants. Six relevant workshops per
year are also available to UWG participants. An Urban Wildlife Gardens welcome pack for
new residents has been developed and is proving to be quite popular with local real estate
agents. The pack includes an invitation to join UWG, a copy of Noosa Native Plants – a field
guide to our local flora, and information on responsible pet ownership and managing
weeds.
Actions: Improve long-term survival for threatened species and ecological communities
7. Undertake detailed biodiversity ShapingSEQ 2017 maps biodiversity values and iden�fies maters of state environmental
assessments across different Broad significance (MSES) cri�cal to protec�ng ecosystem func�ons and species at regional scale,
Vegetation Groups, with a view to and states that “these values are to be inves�gated and refined by local government for
understanding and monitoring the protec�on as maters of local environmental significance (MLES)” (p. 89).
health of biodiversity across the Shire.
Fieldwork has been undertaken to (1) improve knowledge of Noosa Shire’s environmental
values by fine-scale RE mapping, (2) improve accuracy of baseline State preclear mapping,
(3) correct discrepancies between Council biodiversity overlay and State vegeta�on
management mapping, and (4) update cleared areas, regrowth, and high-value regrowth in
mapping products. At the close of the 2021/22FY approximately 29% of the Shire fieldwork
and mapping was completed.
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Attachment 1 - Year Three (2021/2022) Summary of progress against actions of the Environment Strategy Implementation Plan.
In conjunc�on with the above fieldwork, data was collected on EVNT species and large,
hollow-bearing trees. During the 2021/22FY, approximately 60 ENVT species records were
added to local and State databases and 48 hollow-bearing trees were recorded to inform
development of an old-growth overlay, protec�on of old-growth rainforest and eucalypt
forest, and management of hollow-dependent fauna.
8. Scope and undertake monitoring Delivery of ongoing monitoring programs including koala surveys using drones of Yurol
programs on populations of 6-8 key Ringtail State Forest by QUT, monitoring Glossy-black Cockatoos through the Glossy Black
representative threatened species, to Conservancy, and flying-fox monitoring under the Na�onal Flying-fox Monitoring Program.
mitigate against local extinctions.
Given there has been no other notable work on this significant ac�on, and considering
community concerns for various species, Council appointed a Fauna Management Project
Officer in March 2022. This has resulted in a dra� Threatened Fauna Recovery Road Map
being endorsed for public consulta�on by Council in May 2022.
The limited progress on this ac�on prior to the appointment of the Fauna Management
Project Officer was iden�fied as a key risk for biodiversity in Noosa Shire. Therefore, the
considera�on of priority funding in the 2022/23 FY budget for threatened fauna recovery
has been requested. Assuming funding for the Fauna Management Officer is on-going,
commitments under Strategy 1.3 of the NES are expected to be on target in the next
repor�ng period.
9. Implement propagation programs that Council has provided financial support to Noosa Landcare who undertake propaga�on of
grow threatened plant species and result threatened plant species. Council has provided leters of support for the Community
in new populations at appropriate, low- Sustainability Ac�on Grant – Threatened Species Recovery CSAT22019 via the NBBCC
risk locations. bushland care group (auspiced by Noosa Integrated Catchment Authority) to propagate
Eucalyptus conglomerate and establish popula�ons across Tewan�n Na�onal Park and
Girraween Nature Reserve. Council will con�nue to maintain planted species. Council's role
in implemen�ng propaga�on programs will be reviewed as part of the Implementa�on Plan
Review in 2023.
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Attachment 1 - Year Three (2021/2022) Summary of progress against actions of the Environment Strategy Implementation Plan. In conjunction with the above fieldwork, data was collected on EVNT species and large, hollow-bearing trees. During the 2021/22FY, approximately 60 ENVT species records were added to local and State databases and 48 hollow-bearing trees were recorded to inform development of an old-growth overlay, protection of old-growth rainforest and eucalypt forest, and management of hollow-dependent fauna. 8. Scope and undertake monitoring voy | Delivery of ongoing monitoring programs including koala surveys using drones of Yurol programs on populations of 6-8 key c d Ringtail State Forest by QUT, monitoring Glossy-black Cockatoos through the Glossy Black representative threatened species, to Conservancy, and flying-fox monitoring under the National Flying-fox Monitoring Program. mitigate against local extinctions. Given there has been no other notable work on this significant action, and considering community concerns for various species, Council appointed a Fauna Management Project Officer in March 2022. This has resulted in a draft Threatened Fauna Recovery Road Map being endorsed for public consultation by Council in May 2022. The limited progress on this action prior to the appointment of the Fauna Management Project Officer was identified as a key risk for biodiversity in Noosa Shire. Therefore, the consideration of priority funding in the 2022/23 FY budget for threatened fauna recovery has been requested. Assuming funding for the Fauna Management Officer is on-going, commitments under Strategy 1.3 of the NES are expected to be on target in the next reporting period. 9. Implement propagation programs that r Council has provided financial support to Noosa Landcare who undertake propagation of grow threatened plant species and result threatened plant species. Council has provided letters of support for the Community in new populations at appropriate, low- Sustainability Action Grant — Threatened Species Recovery CSAT22019 via the NBBCC risk locations. bushland care group (auspiced by Noosa Integrated Catchment Authority) to propagate Eucalyptus conglomerate and establish populations across Tewantin National Park and Girraween Nature Reserve. Council will continue to maintain planted species. Council's role in implementing propagation programs will be reviewed as part of the Implementation Plan Review in 2023. Page 7 of 15Page 8
Attachment 1 - Year Three (2021/2022) Summary of progress against actions of the Environment Strategy Implementation Plan.
10. Undertake targeted wild dog control in Wild dog control including trapping and bai�ng has been undertaken in some of the
key Koala Habitat Areas as identified in iden�fied Koala Habitat Areas mostly on private land in the locali�es of Como, Kin Kin,
Koala Threat Mapping. Cootharaba, Cooran, Federal, and Ridgewood with 3 wild dogs trapped in these areas. A
significant por�on of the Koala Habitat Area iden�fied is Na�onal Park and an
agreement/partnership is yet to be developed concerning wild dog control in these areas.
THEME: WATERWAYS, WETLANDS AND COASTS
Actions: Maintain & improve the health of waterways, wetlands & catchments
11. Develop an integrated water monitoring Three workshops have been held with external stakeholders involved in the integrated
network for Council, community, and water quality monitoring program - Noosa & District Landcare, Mary River Catchment
other agencies, including event Coordinating Committee, and Noosa Integrated Catchment Association, to discuss the
monitoring of sediments, nutrients and purpose and objectives of the program. Components of the program include:
litter for Noosa and Mary Catchments, • Sub-catchment reporting to supplement the annual Noosa River Healthy Land & Water
and a Mary River sub- catchment baseline Report Card; Trial telemetry logger program and locations for installation;
and report card.
• Development of live dashboard with water quality monitoring data accessible to the
public and consistent with water quality monitoring methodology; and
• Training to ensure methods are replicated between all stakeholders.
All water quality monitoring data (except for Mary River Catchment Coordinating
Committee which is still in progress) has been uploaded into the SWIM local database.
SWIM local have provided training workshops to Council, Noosa Integrated Catchment
Association and Noosa & District Landcare in the use of the program and provide support
where necessary.
Council will continue to liaise with natural resource management groups to implement the
program.
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Attachment 1 - Year Three (2021/2022) Summary of progress against actions of the Environment Strategy Implementation Plan.
12. Improve the water quality and The founda�ons for oyster reef ecosystems are in now place at four restora�on sites in the
biodiversity of the Noosa River by Noosa River Estuary as part of the Noosa Oyster Ecosystem Restora�on Project. The Nature
restoring aquatic habitats, such as oyster Conservancy and NICA will con�nue post reef construc�on monitoring and repor�ng, reef
reefs, and improving riparian vegetation. seeding events and targeted community engagement ac�vi�es.
Under the Community Bushland Care Program, there are 18 Bushland Care Groups involved
in various projects working towards the preserva�on of riparian vegeta�on under Bushland
Restora�on Plans. NSC supports Community Group projects through grant funding. Land for
Wildlife members also receive extension advice on riparian vegeta�on management if
applicable.
Noosa Council's Natural Areas team undertake vegeta�on management works under the
same plans and work with community groups to manage riparian areas throughout Council's
Bushland Reserves.
Council has also provided support through grants to the Keep It In Kin Kin project delivered
by Noosa & District Landcare, aimed at reducing the mobilisa�on of soil in the upper Kin Kin
Creek catchment and reducing fine sediment loads from entering Lake Cootharaba. The
project consists of extension services to landholders, direct management of invasive weeds,
community workshops and engagement ac�vi�es, and water quality monitoring at 10
loca�ons in the catchment.
13. Investigate and implement best practice The report released in August 2020 highlighted fine silt sediments as the primary cause of
solutions to reverse the decline of benthic benthic biodiversity and primary produc�on decline in the Noosa River.
biodiversity and primary production in the
Two major projects are underway to progress this ac�on, Keep it in Kin Kin – a large scale
lower Noosa Estuary.
project aimed at preven�ng mobiliza�on of soil in the upper Kin Kin creek catchment to
reduce fine sediment loads entering the Noosa River, and Noosa Oyster Reef Ecosystem
Restora�on – aiming to re-instate oyster habitat in the Noosa River. Council's Rivers & Coast
branch are working closely with local NRM groups on investigation of options for seagrass
restoration in the Noosa River.
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Attachment 1 - Year Three (2021/2022) Summary of progress against actions of the Environment Strategy Implementation Plan. 12. Improve the water quality and The foundations for oyster reef ecosystems are in now place at four restoration sites in the biodiversity of the Noosa River by CS) Noosa River Estuary as part of the Noosa Oyster Ecosystem Restoration Project. The Nature restoring aquatic habitats, such as oyster © Conservancy and NICA will continue post reef construction monitoring and reporting, reef reefs, and improving riparian vegetation. seeding events and targeted community engagement activities. Under the Community Bushland Care Program, there are 18 Bushland Care Groups involved in various projects working towards the preservation of riparian vegetation under Bushland Restoration Plans. NSC supports Community Group projects through grant funding. Land for Wildlife members also receive extension advice on riparian vegetation management if applicable. Noosa Council's Natural Areas team undertake vegetation management works under the same plans and work with community groups to manage riparian areas throughout Council's Bushland Reserves. Council has also provided support through grants to the Keep It In Kin Kin project delivered by Noosa & District Landcare, aimed at reducing the mobilisation of soil in the upper Kin Kin Creek catchment and reducing fine sediment loads from entering Lake Cootharaba. The project consists of extension services to landholders, direct management of invasive weeds, community workshops and engagement activities, and water quality monitoring at 10 locations in the catchment. 13. Investigate and implement best practice yoy | The report released in August 2020 highlighted fine silt sediments as the primary cause of solutions to reverse the decline of benthic benthic biodiversity and primary production decline in the Noosa River. biodiversity and primary production in the cu d . . . . oe ye as lower Noosa Estuary. Two major projects are underway to progress this action, Keep it in Kin Kin — a large scale project aimed at preventing mobilization of soil in the upper Kin Kin creek catchment to reduce fine sediment loads entering the Noosa River, and Noosa Oyster Reef Ecosystem Restoration — aiming to re-instate oyster habitat in the Noosa River. Council's Rivers & Coast branch are working closely with local NRM groups on investigation of options for seagrass restoration in the Noosa River. Page 9 of 15Page 10
Attachment 1 - Year Three (2021/2022) Summary of progress against actions of the Environment Strategy Implementation Plan.
14. Enhance Integrated Catchment Council grants support three projects that contribute to this ac�on. Keep it in Kin Kin, the
Management of the Noosa River and Hinterland Rural Extension Program, and the Noosa chapter of Roving Restorers.
Mary River sub- catchments, with a focus
Council’s Natural Areas team contribute directly to this ac�on through management of
on improving land use, wetland, and
riparian management practices through Bushland Reserves, and Land for Wildlife members receive extension advice on improving
landholder engagement on on-ground land use, wetland and riparian management at property visits/inspec�ons.
rehabilitation programs.
15. Implement a septic system inspection Noosa Council's Plumbing team are responsible for undertaking inspections of septic tanks.
program in high priority areas (such as The Rivers & Coast team will work with Environmental Health and Plumbing to determine
Noosa North Shore) to better understand high priority areas to focus on.
the impact of these systems on the quality
of surface water and groundwater
systems.
Actions: Protect and enhance coastal environments and vegetated buffers to coastal foreshores
16. Investigate the need and appropriateness Through the Noosa River Stakeholder Advisory Committee, Noosa Council has been working
of statutory mechanisms to protect closely with Maritime Safety Queensland on the introduction of new regulations concerning
Noosa’s coastal and marine waters, vessel management in the Noosa River, including vessel speed, anchoring, mooring, and
including the lower reaches of the Noosa live-aboard vessels. The possible expansion of Councils Local Laws governing foreshores is
River. also currently being investigated
17. Implement an Eastern Beaches dune Scoping for the Eastern Beaches Coastal Foreshores Management Plan (EBFMP) has
rehabilitation program to improve the commenced, and good ini�al progress made. A dra� is scheduled for comple�on in the
condition, species diversity and stability of 2022/23 FY.
dune ecosystems and enhance resilience
to climate change. The Eastern Beaches Bushcare Collabora�ve continue to undertake dune rehabilitation works,
enabled by Council funding commitment of $225,000 over three years through MEC grants.
Six Community Bushland Care groups undertook dune rehabilita�on in the 2021/22 financial
year. The Eastern Beaches con�nue to be the area of highest interest and par�cipa�on by
community Bushcare groups.
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Attachment 1 - Year Three (2021/2022) Summary of progress against actions of the Environment Strategy Implementation Plan.
The Noosa Environment Strategy 2019 requires review of changes to the extent and number
of coastal Regional Ecosystems (REs) every five years. Detailed RE mapping for the Eastern
Beaches Foreshores Reserves was extracted from State government datasets as part of
EBFMP development, revealing significant expansion of mapped High Value Regrowth (HVR)
and some expansion of mapped REs. The total mapped HVR and RE vegeta�on increased
from 87.3 ha to 126.9 ha from 2021 to 2022, including four new REs - 12.2.5, 12.2.7, 12.2.13,
and 12.2.15. While most of the increase reflects more detailed and accurate mapping rather
than increased vegeta�on extent alone, this updated data provides an accurate benchmark
for future monitoring.
Manage waterways and coasts to protect environmental values while enabling sustainable public access, recreation
and commercial use
18. Work with stakeholders to review current The Noosa River Stakeholder Advisory Committee has determined that review of fisheries
fishing practises and achieve sustainable practices is not a priority for their immediate attention.
recreational and commercial fishing It is noted that the Qld Government Sustainable Fisheries Strategy 2017-2027 includes
outcomes in the Noosa River. progressive annual reporting. See https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-
priorities/fisheries/sustainable/sustainable- fisheries-strategy-overview
19. Undertake a stormwater quality The Assets team has been undertaking an audit of stormwater quality improvement devices
improvement program that includes an to determine asset condition. Each device is given a rating from 1 - 5 to determine priorities
audit of stormwater quality improvement for drain upgrades and further water sensitive urban design solutions.
devices, analysing current infrastructure,
current best practice and options to
improve infrastructure as it is due for
replacement.
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Attachment 1 - Year Three (2021/2022) Summary of progress against actions of the Environment Strategy Implementation Plan.
20. Work in partnership with a range of Noosa Integrated Catchment Association deliver a long-standing Council funded program that
stakeholders including Kabi Kabi to addresses this action. Program objectives include: assisting implementation of local,
provide an on-river presence to deliver a catchment and regional strategies; providing information to facilitate education and
range of environmental and education awareness on catchment, river, biodiversity, water quality, ecosystem health, and fisheries
programs, and support compliance with management; providing assistance to institutional, government, and industry based
regulations on the Noosa River. research; identifying environmental issues and potential project sites; coordinating litter
collection and assisting with pollution control; and promoting community discussion and
participation. Council supports a river ranger program through the Indigenous Land and Sea
Ranger Program.
THEME: SUSTAINABLE LIVING
Actions: Reduce waste to landfill
21. Work with other agencies on a Regional The Waste Manager has now joined the COMSEQ waste group to discuss opportunities in
Waste Strategy to develop broader South East Queensland. Previously we were not able to do this as Noosa Shire Council was
regional solutions to local waste not a member of COMSEQ. Noosa Council has progressed a regional Memorandum of
management problems. Understanding (MoU) with Gympie Shire Council regarding waste management solutions
and will continue to work with Gympie Shire Council on specific projects. Noosa Council,
Sunshine Coast Council and Unitywater are also in preliminary discussions regarding
collaboration and investigating regional solutions.
22. Improve rates of commercial recycling and Green waste bins are now available to all residents resulting in 16,000 tonnes of green
green waste diversion through waste being diverted from landfill.
implementation of bulk green waste bins Targeted education and behaviour change programs will be implemented as part of the
and targeted education and behaviour Noosa Waste Strategy 2023-2027.
change programs for commercial users.
23. Develop a waste education centre at the This action has been completed. A recycling talk and landfill tour was delivered to over 1300
Noosa Landfill Resource Recovery Centre students in this reporting period. Participation in climate conversations community talks
to support waste and sustainability and supporting schools with waste audits and implementation of a waste strategy to
education programs for school-aged improve waste behaviours.
children and broader community
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Attachment 1 - Year Three (2021/2022) Summary of progress against actions of the Environment Strategy Implementation Plan.
24. Continue to increase the different types As part of a ‘continuous improvement’ way of operating, the waste team continues to
of recycling services available to Noosa investigate opportunities to divert different waste streams from landfill subject to available
residents. technologies, operational viability, and market drivers.
25. Provide waste and sustainability This work is ongoing. The Waste Education and Sustainability Officer has worked
education programs to improve the collaboratively with key stakeholders to deliver multiple education programs and events,
understanding of waste management and including:
sustainability in the Noosa community. • Recycling talks to schools, kindergartens, and community groups;
• Weekly Facebook posts for “Waste Free Friday”;
• A public landfill tour; participation in Green drinks;
• Annual textile drive; and
• Plastic free initiatives.
More than 1300 students attended talks at the new waste education centre at the landfill.
Actions: Encourage incorporation of more sustainable building elements
26. Advocate for mandating minimum energy The Noosa Plan 2020 sets the minimum requirements for sustainable building design for
efficiency and renewable energy multiple dwellings and commercial development through the Sustainable Building Design
generation to all new development in the Works Code and supporting Planning Scheme Policy for Sustainable Design. Work is ongoing
shire, including domestic residences. preparing submissions to the Federal Government to advocate for updates to the National
Construction Code for higher energy efficiency standards, as well as preparations for a CoAG
motion to help with this (submitted in August 2022).
27. Advance the idea of a Noosa Discussions with Economic Development and Strategic Planning have continued. It was
Sustainability Institute to establish a agreed that any actions should align with the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation's future
coordinated approach to research and priorities and strategic plan, which are still being finalised.
activity occurring in our community
towards sustainability.
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Attachment 1 - Year Three (2021/2022) Summary of progress against actions of the Environment Strategy Implementation Plan.
Actions: Adopt sustainable agricultural practices
28. Support the community to connect a This action has progressed well. The introduction of green waste bins saw approximately
circular economy for organic waste 16,000 tonnes annually of organic waste, that previously would have gone to landfill, diverted,
through enhanced connectivity between and recycled for consumer use. The waste team are currently developing a Waste Strategy
providers and end users. and further enhancement of this action will be a key component.
29. Support on-ground actions with The ac�on is progressing and at this stage is serviced through the following two different
landholders that improve environmental, program streams. Council’s Community Conserva�on Partnership programs, Land for Wildlife
economic, and social outcomes on rural and Voluntary Conserva�on Agreements where par�cipants receive extension advice on
properties throughout Noosa while sustainable land management as well as contractor support and materials such as tube stock
contributing to long-term sustainability of for riparian revegeta�on.
rural landscapes in the Shire.
The other being through Council’s grants program which funds mul�ple projects contribu�ng
to this ac�on. These are: The Keeping it in Kin Kin project and Regenera�ve Land
Management Workshop series, both delivered by Noosa Landcare; the Hinterland Rural
Extension Program delivered by MRCCC; and the Roving Restorers by Hinterland Bush Links.
Combined total Council investment is $405,189.00
THEME: CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION & RESILIENCE
Actions: Reduce emissions and resource consumption
30. Identify potential areas for carbon Council participated in the WRI Pilot Project for the Land Sector and Removal Guidance, and an
sequestration in the Noosa Shire and option analysis for purchasing vs generating offsets on Council land has been conducted.
support landholders to take advantage of Identification of potential strategic areas for carbon sequestration needs to be completed.
available opportunities.
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Attachment 1 - Year Three (2021/2022) Summary of progress against actions of the Environment Strategy Implementation Plan.
31. Investigate emission reduction New vertical wells have been installed and gas capture has increased significantly. Staff are in
opportunities at Noosa landfill for ongoing discussions with LMS energy for future emissions reduction opportunities.
reducing the creation of methane-based In addition to the role out of the Green waste bins, the Waste team are currently working
emissions. towards producing a strategy to reduce organic waste to landfill. These initiatives are to be
incorporated into the Noosa Waste Strategy 2023-2027.
32. Implement energy efficiencies throughout Over 680 kW of solar has now been installed across Council buildings and facilities, resulting in
Council-owned facilities and operations, emissions reductions and cost savings.
such as the installation of solar PV
systems and use of lower-emission
transport options.
33. Investigate Noosa Council’s future The 2021/22 Carbon footprint was 45,259 tonnes CO2e. This was a 12% reduction on the
emission offset possibilities, identifying previous year’s carbon footprint.
the options with the most environmental,
social and economic co-benefits.
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