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

            e. Demonstrate Net Community Benefit
            All proposed infrastructure must be assessed against net community benefit,
            including impacts on:
             1. environmental quality;
             2. public amenity;
             3. foreshore access;
             4. visual amenity and landscape character;
             5. tra ic and safety;
             6. local neighbourhood character.


B9 Statutory Mapping of Waterways

Council recommends the inclusion of a statutory map or schedule within the Act or supporting
regulation clearly identifying the spatial extent of Sunshine Coast waterways subject to the
jurisdiction of the SCWA.

Such mapping would provide clarity regarding:

       1.   the application of the “high water mark” boundary;
       2.   the inclusion or exclusion of canal estates such as Noosa Waters;
       3.   upstream limits of adjoining waterways; and
       4.   the operational interface between SCWA jurisdiction and council-managed foreshore
            land.

This would assist both the Authority and local governments to administer the legislation
consistently and reduce ambiguity for stakeholders.



B10. Recommendation for a Local Public Committee Hearing
    While noting the public committee hearing in the Sunshine Coast on 1 April, Noosa Council
    respectfully recommends that the State Development, Infrastructure and Works Committee
    convene a public hearing in Noosa as part further consideration of the Bill and submissions.
    Council considers a public hearing essential for the spirit of ensuring transparency,
    accountability and meaningful community participation in legislative processes that will
    have long lasting implications for the management of the Noosa River and surrounding
    waterways.
    The Bill proposes significant changes to waterway governance, including the establishment
    of a new statutory authority with functions relating to regional planning, infrastructure
    delivery, navigational access and sediment management. These proposed changes have
    generated substantial community interest, and in some cases concern, particularly


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