2021-08-10 Planning & Environment Committee Meeting Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                     10 AUGUST 2021


An audit of Trail 5 and short loop trails is being conducted by contractors. The audit includes
information on preferred user groups based on the trail location, design and condition. This will
provide a basis for the final design and the development of an Implementation Plan for on-ground
works, including capital and operational works costings. It is anticipated that works at Pomona and
Cooran trail heads will commence in October 2021 and the main trail works in the new-year.

Previous Council Consideration
Ordinary Meeting Minutes, 18 March 2021, Item 3, Page 22
That Council note the report by the Principal Environment Officer to the Planning & Environment
Committee Meeting dated 9 March 2021 and:
A.   Note the update on the development of the Noosa Trail Masterplan, the establishment of the
     Noosa Trail Masterplan Stakeholder Reference Group and the grant funded Trail 5 Upgrade
     project; and
B.   Adopt the Noosa Trail Masterplan for the purposes of enabling further detailed planning to be
     undertaken that will include consideration of opportunities and constraints to achieve:
     1.    A shire wide trail network that links the hinterland to the coast and defines trail locations
           and standards for walkers, runners, mountain bikers, horse riders and canoeists;
     2.    Creation of shorter trail loops around existing towns and villages suitable for all ages and
           abilities;
     3.    A significant enhancement of canoe and kayak trails and infrastructure to link to land
           trails including along Weyba Creek, Eenie Creek, Wooroi, Cooloothin Creek and the
           Noosa River and Lakes;
     4.    Linkages between Cooloola National Park/ Lake Cootharaba/ Boreen Point to Kin Kin
           and Lake Macdonald;
     5.    Opportunities to link to trails in adjoining Shires to create the opportunity for week-long
           adventures;
     Noting that any expansion of the trail network is subject to feasibility assessment, landowner
     consent, ongoing operational maintenance costs and consideration of any new projects as part
     of Council’s annual budget processes.


Finance
The final capital and operational costs for both the grant-funded Trail 5 Upgrade project and the
wider Noosa Trail Masterplan will be subject to the development of an Implementation Plan with
capital and ongoing operating costs based on the trail audits. Ideally grant funding will be targeted
for the future staged rollout of the plan.

Risks & Opportunities
The development of a shire-wide Noosa Biosphere® Trail and Implementation Plan provides an
opportunity to showcase Noosa’s key attractions/experiences through a world class trail network, in
turn supporting local economies.

Consultation
External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder
•    Noosa Trail Masterplan Stakeholder Group was instrumental in helping to develop the Noosa
     Biosphere® Trail Concept Plan
•    Tourism Noosa
•    Noosa Biosphere® Reserve Foundation

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