Annual Report 2020-21

                                                                                2020 - 21 Annual Report
                       Theme - Noosa Environment
                       Corporate Plan Goal - Our environment is protected
                       and enhanced and is valued by the community

Key achievements as we work towards our long term goal include:
Specific Operational Plan Priorities
•	The Noosa Environment Strategy was adopted by Council in 2019 and implementation is well
   underway. The first progress report on implementation actions was provided to Council in
   September 2020.
•	Council developed a draft Climate Change Response Plan and community consultation was
   undertaken in relation to that plan. The final plan including a detailed action plan is proposed for
   adoption by Council in late 2021.
•	Council established, in conjunction with Marine Safety Queensland (MSQ ), the Noosa River
   Stakeholder Advisory Committee. This committee has broad representation across the various
   stakeholder groups for the Noosa River and is providing advice to both Council and MSQ on river
   management issues.
•	Council entered into a new 4 year Partnership Agreement with the Noosa Biosphere Reserve
   Foundation. A project that came to fruition in 2020/21 was the NBRF initiated project to develop
   a new master plan for the hinterland tracks and trails. This has resulted in initial funding of $1.6M
   from the State government to initiate its implementation with a focus on Pomona/Cooran.
•	Council worked with key partners to continue to transition the Yurol and Ringtail forestry areas
   to National Park. The first 350 ha has been dedicated as National Park and final harvesting of pine
   and hardwood forests is ahead of schedule. Tree planting at Ringtail has already occurred via
   community tree planting days with over 25,000 trees planted. Negotiations are also underway
   with a large not for profit organisation to join the project and undertake major restoration works.
•	Council has continued to reduce its carbon footprint while aiming to achieve a zero net carbon
   emissions by 2026. This including installing more solar panels on Council facilities.
•	The three-year partnership between Noosa Council and The Nature Conservancy continues with
   the aim of starting to restore the lost oyster habitat that once formed the basis of the Noosa River
   ecosystem ultimately improving biodiversity in the river. Engineering and bathymetric work is
   complete.




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