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

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1.2 A system under pressure
The Noosa River system is a natural asset facing increasing pressure. To ensure the values of the




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river are maintained and improved, these pressures need to be managed effectively. Such pressures
are common to waterways across the region and come under three broad categories:
• Population growth, recreational demand and commercial use of the river.
• Rural and urban runoff.
• Climate change.
More than 54,000 people call Noosa Shire home, however this figure can increase markedly during
peak holiday periods when taking into account overnight visitors and day visitors. This seasonal
influx results in high volumes of boat traffic on the river and high numbers of people using foreshore
areas along the lower reaches of the estuary.
The Noosa River Marine Zones, in place since 2009, regulate some boating-related uses, however
these rules are not well understood or typically observed by the recreational boating public. Across
Queensland, the recreational boating industry has expanded rapidly with one in every 19 people
now owning a boat and/or a Jet Ski. This leads to high demand for marine infrastructure to service
this growth.
The Noosa River offers safe anchorage for cruising yachts, mooring locations for recreational
boating, and opportunities for living on the river. For many years there has been a proliferation
of abandoned and derelict vessels in the river, anchored vessels left unattended for long periods
of time, and swing moorings located in seagrass beds within declared Fish Habitat Areas. These
neglected vessels often occupy prime positions along the river and contribute to congestion, clutter
and safety concerns for other river users. People live on the river without the required approvals
with some on-board occupants discharging waste water into the river.
Commercial use of the river, including commercial fishing, supports livelihoods and tourism in the
region. These industries provide residents and visitors with a host of recreational opportunities and
commercially caught seafood.


                                                                            Noosa River Plan l Page 7