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

    regarding how the new Authority’s roles will intersect with local government responsibilities,
    environmental protection and existing community endorsed planning frameworks.
    Given the strong public investment in the future of the Noosa River system its environmental,
    cultural and economic sustainability, Council submits that a public committee hearing
    would:
       1.   provide an open forum for Noosa community members, Traditional Owners,
            environmental groups, local marine users, and businesses to express their views;
       2.   enhance local public confidence in the legislative process by ensuring transparency
            around the issues raised;
       3.   allow the Committee to directly engage with the Noosa community and hear the lived
            experience of those who interact with the Noosa River daily;
       4.   support the Committee in assessing potential opportunities, impacts and identifying
            improvements that align with community expectations and environmental
            stewardship; and
       5.   reinforce the Bill’s intention to deliver improved regional coordination while
            respecting local values and responsibilities;
       6.   Demonstrate the ongoing commitment by the government to work in partnerships
            with Local Government.
    Council would welcome the opportunity for such a hearing to be held in Noosa or otherwise
    conducted in a format that ensures direct, accessible participation by Noosa-based
    stakeholders.


In conclusion, Noosa Council appreciates the State Government’s intention to improve regional
coordination, long-term strategic planning and investment certainty through the establishment
of the Sunshine Coast Waterways Authority. The waterways covered by the Bill—particularly the
Noosa River system are environmentally sensitive, culturally significant and central to the
community’s lifestyle and identity.
Council submits that without these refinements, the Bill risks introducing functional duplication,
inconsistent regulatory interpretations, and strategic misalignment—particularly in
environmentally constrained and community sensitive waterways such as the Noosa River. By
contrast, with appropriate legislative and governance adjustments, the SCWA has the potential
to complement local government expertise, support coordinated regional outcomes and uphold
the environmental values and community expectations that define our region.

Council supports the objective of improving coordination and long-term management of
Sunshine Coast waterways. However, given the ecological sensitivity, cultural significance and
community value of the Noosa River system, it is essential that the final legislative framework
provides clear role definition, strong collaboration with local government and safeguards that
support place-based management outcomes.

                                                                                               24