2014-06-17 Planning & Organisation Committee Agenda

PLANNING & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING REPORT                                     17 JUNE 2014


RECOMMENDATION
That Council note the report by the Senior Strategic Planner to the Planning & Organisation
Committee Meeting dated 17 June 2014 and authorise the Chief Executive Officer to respond to
the Seqwater Lake Macdonald Recreation Management Discussion Paper dated April 2014 in
accordance with the issues identified in the report by the Senior Strategic Planner.


REPORT
Prior to 2008 Lake Macdonald and adjoining public land was managed by Council. At that time to
ensure ongoing good water quality and community outcomes, Council co-ordinated the Lake
Macdonald Catchment Care Group (LMCCG). The LMCCG was comprised of landowners, the
Mary River Catchment Care Group, Noosa Landcare, staff of QDPI, Councillors and Council staff
with representatives from the CSIRO and other state government departments attending when
required. Numerous projects were co-ordinated by the group including the development of the
Lake Macdonald Recreation Plan 2002, scientific studies on Cabomba control (including
biological control options), rehabilitation projects, publication of a periodical newsletter and the
Noosa Festival of Water to name a few. The LMCCG is now principally confined to hosting the
annual Noosa Festival of Water.

Lake Macdonald and adjoining public land is now managed by Seqwater. The Seqwater website
states:

     Seqwater is responsible for providing a secure and reliable water supply to almost 3 million
     people across South-East Queensland and is the only bulk water provider in Australia that
     manages ‘open’ catchments, allowing the community to enjoy lakes and catchment land for
     recreation, while ensuring quality bulk drinking water supply for South East Queensland.
     Up to 2 million people a year visit Seqwater recreational facilities for anything from picnics,
     camping and fishing, to weddings and sporting events.

The Seqwater Cluster Overview Recreation Review Cluster: Lakes Borumba and Lake
Macdonald April 2014 document states:

     Seqwater’s Recreation Management Framework guides their decision making in regard to
     recreation management.

     Seqwater’s objective is to:
     Manage access to recreation opportunities while protecting natural resources and water
     quality.

Seqwater is releasing a discussion paper for each lake identifying current activities, past
feedback and any constraints associated with each lake. The Lake Macdonald Recreation
Management Discussion Paper (the paper) has been released for public comment. A copy of the
paper can be viewed at www.yourseqwater.com.au and feedback from the general public can be
provided via an online survey.

Seqwater are looking for partnering opportunities with council and other government
departments, such as Sport and Recreation Services to best deliver any significant new projects
that come out of the recreation review process as they are not explicitly funded for recreation
activities.

Consultation opened on the 23rd April and will remain open until the 18 th June. An extension to
the 30th June has been granted by Seqwater to accommodate Council’s Ordinary Meeting
schedule.


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