NOOSA RIVER STAKEHOLDER ADVISORY COMMITTEE SUMMARY REPORT · Report

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING                                                 6 JUNE 2023


Achievements

At its first meeting, of the NRSAC, MSQ noted that management of the Noosa River was now, “a
key focus of MSQ”. This included delivering on a range of current initiatives including:
   •   Appointment of a dedicated Noosa River Patrol Officer and dedicated MSQ office.
   •   Speeding in the Noosa River including collecting and analysing speeding data and
       addressing behaviour.
   •   Promotion of an education brochure “Know your Waterway”.
   •   Updates to navigation aids including beacons and buoys.
   •   War on Wrecks program – removal of multiple abandoned vessels from the Noosa River.
   •   Boat ramp education signage.
   •   Regulations governing “liveaboard” vessels, limitations and management options including
       anchoring restrictions.
At subsequent meetings, Committee members alongside Council and MSQ presented various
material to assist with joint initiatives, including, but not limited to:
   •   Discussion papers and recommendations on anchoring and mooring.
   •   Proposed river strategy and management frameworks.
   •   Noosa River datasets including vessel and trailer numbers.
   •   Advice on speed limits.
   •   Advice on the Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives for the Noosa River
       system.
   •   A project plan to support clean up and removal of unlawful structures and stored vessels,
       and rehabilitation along the North Shore of the river next to Frying Pan Track.
   •   A Seagrass Distribution Study.
   •   An Options Paper, proposed management plan and maps for review of Noosa River
       regulations.
   •   A vessel audit to assist with the proposed management plan.
   •   Noosa River Estuary Assessment of Urban Land-Use Pressures.
The significant voluntary contribution of NRSAC members throughout the Committee’s two-year
term, and MSQ’s efforts, are noted and appreciated.

Noosa River Planning - next steps

Following community feedback on the draft Noosa River Plan in 2019, the plan was put on hold to
allow for the creation of a river stakeholder committee to provide advice on the priorities of the final
plan. The NRSAC provided important feedback on a range of matters with specific focus on
anchoring and mooring reforms via MSQ.

An audit of all actions outlined in the 2019 draft Noosa River Plan has been completed and is being
reviewed and refined. It is intended that an updated plan be developed to provide a clear plan and
framework for all stakeholders with an interest in contributing to the health, safety and amenity of the
river and broader catchment.

A report on an updated draft Noosa River Catchment Management Plan will be brought to a future
meeting of Council in the coming months and will outline resource requirements for implementation
of the plan.