Organisational Emissions Reduction Progress Report · Report

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING                                        9 DECEMBER 2025


•   Modelling of different waste diversion scenarios for future actions outlined in the Waste to
    Resource Plan alongside new opportunities not previously considered.
•   Determining local options for carbon removal using FullCAM to model tree planting, land use
    change, and soil carbon.
•   Analysis on budget and resourcing requirements to deliver on the roadmap actions.
At this stage, the focus for emissions reduction actions is likely to be on accelerating organic waste
processing and food waste treatment at the landfill, fast-tracking development of the Resource
Recovery and Renewables Hub, engaging suppliers to support decarbonisation of supply chains,
and implementing a fleet electrification transition plan. The roadmap will also address residual
emissions through carbon removal projects, with priority given to initiatives located within the Shire
to maximise local environmental and community co-benefits. In parallel, an investment strategy will
be developed to enable innovative and alternative funding options as well as the resources needed
to help accelerate the delivery of these actions.

Setting a new emissions reduction pathway that aligns with the latest climate science and
establishing a clear investment plan is not only best practice, but it also allows Council to show
leadership in its commitment to minimise the increasing impacts of climate change on the
community, whilst reducing potential legal liability exposure for inadequately addressing foreseeable
risks, a position affirmed by Council’s insurers, LGMS. The development of the investment road map
will incorporate lessons learned, both successes and challenges, from the setting of the 2026 date
in the ZEN Strategy and will demonstrate to community that Council remains committed to climate
mitigation.


Link to Corporate Plan
Theme No. 4 - Future
This theme is focused on our future, strengthening our relationship with First Nations peoples and to
ensure our community is prepared and resilient to change. A focus on youth, climate resilience and
adaptation, sense of place and destination management.

The work directly links to:
Objective 4.7: Fund and implement the Climate Change Response Plan to support Council,
community and the local economy to build resilience and preparedness for climate risks and to
achieve net-zero emissions by 2026.
Key Action: Continue to adequately plan for, prepare and resource for climate change resilience.
Performance Measures: Noosa Council operations and service activities to reach net-zero emissions
by 2026 and By 2028, landfill gas emissions will have reduced by 60% compared to 2021/22.
This work advances a number of Council's Sustainability Principles in the Corporate Plan, particularly
(2) Noosa’s environment is protected, preserved, and managed in a manner that is nature positive,
low carbon and climate resilient and respects our traditional owners spiritual and cultural connection
to Country.

Indirectly, this work advances the following objectives:
3.7 Deliver the waste program focused on accelerating actions and solutions including circular
economy opportunities to cut waste and pollution, keep products and materials in use and regenerate
natural systems.
2.8 Provide opportunities to enhance the health, wellbeing and safety of our communities.
1.5 Deliver expanded vegetation networks, rehabilitation and habitat across the Shire and advocate
to the state and federal governments to assist funding environmental action.

It also links directly to Operational Plan actions, including:
4.7.1: Develop the road map and investment plan towards Zero Emissions for Council services.
5.2.2: Continue to drive emissions reductions and cost savings for Council through implementation