2018-07-10 P&E Agenda Attachment 1 to Item 8 - Draft Noosa River Plan

   2.0                  The path to here

2.1 Background
to river planning
Noosa Council commissioned the
first Noosa River Plan in 1997. It
delivered a comprehensive review
of marine infrastructure and
use patterns, identified various
environmental, recreational and




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fisheries values, and outlined the
factors affecting river use and




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management.
Subsequent planning activities




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undertaken by the Noosa
Integrated Catchment Association




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(NICA), Council, State Government
and industry and community
representatives, focused on ensuring a healthy and productive catchment.




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This process provided a forum for broad community input and discussion from stakeholders across the
catchment. Issues and management actions were identified and prioritised, and a level of funding was
obtained from various sources over the years to help implement some of the actions.
In 2004 an updated River Plan was implemented by Council under a coordinated management framework
with the relevant State Government agencies. The River Plan also received broad community support and
became Noosa Council’s strategic policy position regarding planning, development and management of the
Noosa River system. It delivered:
    • A speed limit review and seasonal speed limit restrictions.
    • Voluntary Codes of Practice for Noosa’s commercial boatmen, living on board and kite surfers.
    •	Legislative changes and the introduction of the Noosa River Marine Zones restricting and prohibiting
       certain activities.
    • Research into water quality issues.
    • Rehabilitation of degraded riparian areas and wetlands throughout the catchment.


2.2 Current river management
The management of anchoring, mooring and living on board watercraft in the Noosa River system is
administered by the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) through Maritime Safety
Queensland (MSQ). There are several key pieces of legislation which provide the head of power for the
State authorities to manage the:
    • Use of nominated waterways.
    • Water traffic and associated infrastructure.
    • Condition and operation of vessels.
    • Ship-sourced pollution.


                                                                                Noosa River Plan l Page 11