MAYORAL MINUTES · Attachment 1 to the Ordinary Meeting Minutes dated 19 March 2026 - Noosa Council Submission_SCWA Bill 2026

       2. strengthen coordination between SCWA’s Strategy and Program and Council’s
          statutory planning obligations;
       3. reduce the risk of strategic misalignment between State and local objectives;
       4. mirror the governance intent demonstrated in the GCWA model of regionally informed
          leadership; and
       5. Ensure improved alignment and collaboration between Local Government and the
          SCWA.
    Given the sensitivity and high community value of the Noosa River system, Noosa Council
    strongly submits that local government representation on the SCWA Board is not only
    reasonable but necessary to deliver well balanced governance outcomes that reflect local
    priorities while meeting regional objectives.


B3. Require Council endorsement not only consultation for the 10year Strategy and 3year
    Program
    Under the Bill, SCWA must consult with local governments but does not require their
    agreement before the Strategy and Program are approved by the Minister.
    Given the potential significance for Noosa’s foreshore, waterways, and community amenity,
    Council recommends:
    1. A mandatory endorsement or concurrence process for a ected councils on both
       strategic documents.
    2. A requirement that SCWA demonstrate how local government feedback has been
       incorporated or, if not, provide a written justification to the Minister.
    This amendment would significantly reduce governance conflict and support collaborative
    waterway management.


B4. Clarify the definition and scope of “infrastructure for the waterways”
    The Bill empowers SCWA to install and maintain infrastructure but does not define the term.
    Council recommends:
    1. Inserting a definition that aligns “infrastructure” to public marine facilities as defined in
       the Transport Infrastructure (Public Marine Facilities) Regulation 2023 and clearly limits
       SCWA infrastructure powers to facilities located within the waterway or directly
       associated with marine access infrastructure.
    This will ensure infrastructure delivery remains appropriately scoped and avoids unintended
    encroachment into Council’s land-based responsibilities.




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