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Committee Agenda
9 March 2021
Attachment 1 to Item 8
Noosa Climate Change
Response Plan
2020 – 2030
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Section 2
© Noosa Council 2021 www.noosa.qld.gov.au General Enquiries: By telephone: (07) 5329 6500 By email: [email protected] Fax: (07) 5329 6501 Street Address: 9 Pelican Street, TEWANTIN Postal address: PO Box 141, TEWANTIN QLD 4565 Endorsed by Noosa Council [date to be inserted] or insert document date
Section 3
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................... 3
The climate emergency .......................................................................................................... 3
A better future ........................................................................................................................ 4
Why do we need to act? ........................................................................................................ 5
About this Plan....................................................................................................................... 6
Climate change principles and objectives .............................................................................. 7
Climate projections ................................................................................................................ 7
LOCAL CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS ................................................................................ 8
Our current climate ................................................................................................................ 8
Our changing climate ............................................................................................................. 8
Temperature ..................................................................................................................................... 9
Rainfall 9
Oceans 9
Extreme events............................................................................................................................... 10
Transition risks................................................................................................................................ 10
The economic cost of climate change ............................................................................................ 11
Climate impacts and risks for key local sectors .................................................................... 11
NOOSA’S CARBON EMISSIONS ....................................................................................... 14
Noosa Shire community emissions ...................................................................................... 14
Noosa Council emissions ..................................................................................................... 15
What does Net Zero Emissions mean? ................................................................................ 16
Why is net zero emissions important? .................................................................................. 16
Why net zero by 2026 .......................................................................................................... 16
RESPONDING TO THE CLIMATE EMERGENCY .............................................................. 17
Themes and strategic priorities ............................................................................................ 17
Theme 1: Strong leadership and governance....................................................................... 19
Theme 2. Energy efficiency and renewable energy .............................................................. 21
Theme 3: Clean low emissions industries ............................................................................ 23
Theme 4. Sustainable Transport .......................................................................................... 25
Theme 5: Healthy and resilient natural systems and carbon sequestration .......................... 27
Theme 6. Sustainable agriculture and food systems ............................................................ 29
Theme 7: Resilient and adaptive communities and built environments................................. 31
Theme 8: Zero waste and circular economy ........................................................................ 33
SUMMARY OF ACTIONS ................................................................................................... 35
IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING AND REVIEW ............................................................ 48
DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................................................. i
Section 4
INTRODUCTION
The climate emergency
We are living in times of increasingly complex and rapid change, driven by technological
advances, economic transitions, demographic shifts, and a changing climate. Noosa
Council, in partnership with the local community and other levels of government, has an
important responsibility for providing essential services, managing local risks, and supporting
disaster recovery, as well as adapting to changing circumstances and finding new
opportunities to support a safe and prosperous Noosa into the future.
The 2019-2020 bushfire season, and the global pandemic, are stark reminders of both the
fragility of the social systems and networks upon which we all depend, as well as the
importance and benefits of responsible planning, rapid mobilisation, and working together as
a community. COVID-19 has also shown us that we can make our own new normal – throw
out old rules that no longer work for our community and make new ones, and ask ourselves
what we want for our world. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us how
scientifically-sound and carefully considered actions can lead us out of a crisis.
This is the type of unified response needed for responding to the global climate emergency.
The disruptions to our way of life caused by a rapidly changing climate demand a certain
moral courage that enables us to prioritise the ‘collective’ and to take positive action for
ourselves, for future generations, and for the planet. It requires everyone to act, to ‘step up’
and to reimagine and create a new, cleaner, and safer Noosa.
This Climate Change Response Plan is a vision for a new future for Noosa, and a blueprint
for us all to do our bit locally and to be an example for others of something better. It
challenges us all to think big, heed the scientific advice and take careful and resolute action
now.
Our journey so far
Noosa Council declared a climate emergency in 2019, making a strong statement in support
of taking action on climate change as part of a collective voice across local, state, and
federal governments worldwide. We need action at all levels of government and across all
sectors to avoid dangerous climate change. There are carbon emissions within the control
of Council, carbon emissions elsewhere within the Shire that we can influence, as well as
those that require regulatory change beyond Noosa’s boundaries.
Over the last several years Council has been working to reduce its own emissions. Since
2016, Council has had in place a Zero Emissions Organisational Strategy for the Council’s
operations to achieve zero net emissions by 2026. In this time, we’ve successfully achieved
the following:
Installation of over 600 kW solar PV across Council owned and operated buildings
and facilities
Improved energy efficiency of air conditioning systems for Council facilities
Changed hundreds of lights to energy efficient LEDs
Working to improve waste management and the efficiency of the landfill gas
extraction at the Noosa landfill site
Provided grants to community group for solar and energy efficiency projects
Free solar advice hotline and education programs for households and businesses
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through the Australian Energy Foundation
Partnered with ZEN Inc on a range of initiatives including solar for business, the
electric vehicle expo and Race to Zero school program.
Council has made significant savings in electricity costs due to the installation of rooftop
solar and energy efficiency initiatives. The annual electricity bill for large sites has been
reduced by $1.7 million since the commencement of the program in 2017.
In 2017 Council prepared a Climate Change Response Policy setting out our commitment to
proactively plan and prepare for climate change, and for building knowledge and capacity as
an organisation.
Council is also progressing the development and implementation of a Coastal Hazard
Adaptation Plan for addressing increasing risks associated with coastal erosion, tidal
inundation and sea level rise for public and private assets, as well as critical public
infrastructure.
The Noosa Council Environment Strategy was also adopted in 2019 with outcomes and
targets for both emission reduction and climate adaptation. This includes the target that
Noosa Council operations, and the Noosa community as a whole, reaches zero net
emissions by 2026.
Through its participation in the Queensland Climate Resilient Councils, and Cities Power
Partnership initiatives, Council has joined many other local governments across Queensland
and Australia in committing to a sustainable post-COVID economic recovery that creates
local jobs, supports industries and sectors that invest in a zero-carbon future, and
contributes to sustainable resilient communities.
A better future
Through these activities and the strategic priorities and actions outlined within this Climate
Change Response Plan, Noosa Council is striving to lead by example by making positive
progress, showing the way, and supporting and inspiring others.
Together, Council and the community are well positioned to be a powerful influencer to drive
deep systemic change from the grassroots level. This includes:
Transition to zero net emissions for Council operations and for the community
Transition to 100% renewable energy powering Council buildings and facilities,
and powering Noosa Shire
Drive clean low emissions industry, and innovative technologies and solutions that
address the climate crisis
Be a well informed and prepared community that considers climate change in in
making day-to-day and business decisions
Facilitate sustainable, resilient and adaptive communities, buildings and
infrastructure to help reduce the impacts of climate change
Support vulnerable populations, ensuring inclusion in solutions and equitable
access to opportunities and benefits
Accelerate transition to sustainable transport and increase mobility through new
technologies and active modes of transport such as walking and cycling
Enhance ecosystem health, adaptive capacity and carbon drawdown whilst
balancing other climate risks such as more frequent bushfires
Grow and distribute food locally and sustainably, enabled by sustainable land
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management and regenerative farming practices
Advance a zero waste circular economy where products and materials are reused
and repurposed.
Responding to climate change involves a multi-pronged approach:
Reducing emissions by reducing the levels of heat-trapping greenhouse gases in
the atmosphere by eliminating the sources of these gases (such as the burning of
fossil fuels for electricity, heat or transport), and enhancing the sinks that store these
gases including vegetation and soils (referred to as carbon drawdown or
sequestration)
Adapting to climate change by building resilience in our local communities, built
environment, economy and natural systems to reduce our vulnerability to the harmful
effects of climate change.
This new future also means making the most of the potential opportunities that climate
change brings, such as fostering new clean tech industries. It means transitioning beyond
business as usual to making a systemic shift across a range of sectors.
Why do we need to act?
We are already beginning to experience the effects of a changing climate. We can expect to
see more extreme weather events, bushfires, changes in rainfall patterns, increased
temperatures and heatwaves. As the climate continues to change, the risks to people and
property, infrastructure, natural systems, agriculture and the economy are expected to alter.
We all have a responsibility to reduce our share of global emissions as a Council and as a
community to minimise further impacts and safeguard our future.
It is critical that Council continues to adopt a proactive approach regarding climate risk to
help build the adaptive capacity of our shire and reduce emissions. Council has a role in:
Helping to inform and prepare our local community to ensure greater resilience in the
face of climate change impacts and extreme weather events
Helping to mobilise and strengthen community advocacy for greater action on climate
change across all levels of government and business sectors by strengthening
relationships, amplifying community voices and leveraging connections
Improving decision making by embedding consideration of climate risks and
emissions reduction into all areas of council operations
Ensuring appropriate development requirements, infrastructure planning and asset
management that take account of climate risks and emissions reduction
Ensuring future-ready and effective disaster management and governance systems
Improving its knowledge, capability and capacity to response to climate change to
drive meaningful action and localised emissions reduction.
Assessing climate impacts and coordinating an appropriate response and measuring
progress.
The choices we make today are the pathway to our children's future - one that is safe and
well prepared for any unavoidable impacts of climate change. Effective and affordable
emissions reduction solutions are available, and we are confident that we can mitigate risks
and adapt to climate change impacts locally. We need a clear and collaborative process to
prepare and deliver solutions. This includes making the most of the new opportunities here
in Noosa. We also need to engage and empower everyone in our community and to protect
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our most vulnerable as we adjust to a new future together - where people, businesses and
nature thrive.
About this Plan
This Climate Change Response Plan intends to establish Noosa as a genuine leader in
responding to climate change by creating and implementing a cross-sectoral, cross-
functional approach that is bold and efficient and maximises co-benefits.
The document details a 5-year plan that sets out the context, desired outcomes and actions
for addressing climate change in Noosa Shire in partnership with the community. The plan
provides overarching strategic direction, specific actions and targets for responding to
climate change. The objectives are to ensure:
Key climate risks are understood and accepted by Council and the community
Roles and responsibilities for addressing climate risks with Council and key sectors
of the community are established
Climate risks and emissions reduction are considered and responded to in a holistic
and strategic way and embedded in decision making, policy and planning
Opportunities arising from climate change for Council and the community are
identified
Collaborative approaches are considered and pursued for reducing emissions and
adapting to climate change
Implementation and outcomes of climate action and changing risks are monitored
and regularly evaluated.
The plan is structured under 8 themes:
1. Strong leadership and governance
2. Energy efficiency and renewable energy
3. Clean low emissions industries
4. Sustainable transport
5. Healthy and resilient natural systems and carbon drawdown
6. Sustainable agriculture and food systems
7. Resilient and adaptive communities and built environments
8. Zero waste and circular economy
Each theme has strategic priorities with information on why these priorities matter; how they
will be achieved; Council’s role in driving and influencing change; and important
partnerships.
Within the Summary of Actions there is an overview of the specific actions to be
implemented over the next few years, indicators for monitoring progress, and estimated
timeframes for delivery.
The public consultation process will help gain community feedback on the strategic priorities
and specific actions in this plan.
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Section 8
Climate change principles and objectives
The following principles from the Climate Change Response Policy and overarching
Environment Strategy will help guide strategic priorities, and the implementation of climate
change actions:
Maintain a precautionary approach to climate change adaptation and emissions
reduction by developing and implementing short- and long-term responses that seek
to achieve timely, well informed and effective action while also delivering other
social, economic and environmental co-benefits
Commit to being innovative, flexible and adaptive in responding to climate change
Increase resilience of the community, the economy and our natural assets to
environmental hazards and climate change
Ensure ecological sustainability is fully integrated into decision making in order to
help secure the continued availability of natural resources for present and future
generations
Use a scientific evidence-based approach to managing the environment and
climate change and adapt and respond appropriately as new information arises
Take an adaptive management approach to climate risks and periodically
undertaking climate risk assessments and updates consistent with ISO 31000:2009
Actively communicate and partner with the broader community to improve
awareness and build capacity around environment issues, climate risks and
emissions reduction
Provide up-to-date and balanced information to the community on climate change
that builds community understanding, preparedness and resilience, and helps
mobilise community action on climate change and emissions reduction.
Climate projections
Council recognises the important role of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC) plays in reviewing and summarising the latest climate change
science for public use. Due to slow global progress on reducing carbon emissions, Council
will use, as a minimum, regional climate projections that are based on a low-moderate global
emissions reduction trend to inform its climate risk analysis (commonly referred to as
“business as usual” or BAU). We will also use climate change projections that are consistent
with those used or supported by the Queensland Government.
In the absence of either of these, we will seek to apply climate projections published by the
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).
Council will commence a review of its climate response plans and actions within 12 months
of the publication date of new regional climate projections from the above organisations.
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Section 9
LOCAL CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS
Our current climate
The South East Queensland region has a sub-tropical climate. The average annual
temperature is 19°C. Summer average temperature is around 24°C, in autumn and spring it
is 20°C, and in winter 14°C.
Annual and seasonal average rainfall are variable, affected by local factors such as
topography and vegetation, and broader scale weather patterns, such as the El Niño–La
Nina. Most rainfall occurs in summer and autumn.
Our changing climate
Noosa has a long history of climate-driven extremes such as floods, droughts, heatwaves
and bushfires.
Climate change is likely to exacerbate the frequency and/or severity of these events, it can
be an amplifier of these and other hazards, and even lead to the emergence of new risks.
Many communities, businesses, and local governments across Queensland and Australia
are already working to incorporate climate change into their planning and risk management
processes.
Well-considered and effective adaptation measures that support existing lifestyle and
environmental values can help Noosa to manage the adverse impacts of climate change.
Therefore, it is critical we take proactive steps, today, to plan and then carry out adaptation
actions that seek to minimise our short-, medium- and long-term climate risks.
The climate is changing across Queensland. Average temperatures across the state are
around 1°C higher than they were 100 years ago. Recent decades have shown a clear
warming trend driving by unnatural carbon emissions stemming from human activities. The
climate has always been variable, but human-caused climate change is leading to shifts
beyond this natural variability, at a rate that could be as much as 50 times greater than
would have otherwise occurred.
Below is a summary of the expected changes in key climate variables for Noosa, as well as
some of the risks that we will likely need to adapt to. The figures presented have been
obtained from the Queensland Government’s Climate Dashboard (2021), and are based on
a global emissions scenario whereby low-moderate efforts to reduce carbon emissions are
made by the year 20901.
The risks posed by a rapidly changing climate can be chronic (e.g. changes in average
temperature or annual rainfall totals) or acute (e.g. rapid onset but relatively short-lived
disaster events such as floods and storms).
1 This scenario is called ‘Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8.5’
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Temperature
Noosa’s average, maximum and minimum temperatures are projected to continue to rise.
For the near future (2030), the annually averaged warming is projected to be around 1.5°C
above the climate baseline of 1986–2005. By the year 2070, this projected range of warming
will reach between 2.1 to 3.4°C above the baseline. Noosa’s current summer average
temperature is 25°C. This could increase to 27°C by 2050, 28°C by 2070, and 29°C by 2090.
Such rapid changes in temperature could have an effect on the lifecycles of local flora and
fauna, the viability of horticultural enterprises, and increase the prevalence of mosquito-
borne diseases and other harmful pests. Increases in the average and maximum
temperatures will also increase cooling costs for private- and publicly-owned buildings.
There is likely to be a substantial increase in the frequency of- and temperature reached on
the hottest days, and an increase in the duration of heatwaves. Currently, the average
duration for the longest single heatwave in a year is around 5 days. The duration of such an
event is projected to increase to 7.5 days by 2030, 14 days by 2050, 33 days by 2070, and
67 days by 2090. Such a change represents one of the most significant climate risks to
Noosa.
In Queensland, heatwaves are responsible for more deaths than all other natural hazards
combined. Those groups most at risk include the elderly, the homeless, and those with pre-
existing health conditions. Average age for a resident of Noosa is higher than the
Queensland average. In addition to people, heatwaves can have an impact on critical
infrastructure services, livestock and other agricultural practices, building cooling costs, and
local flora and fauna.
Rainfall
High climate variability is likely to remain the major factor influencing rainfall changes in the
next few decades. By the year 2090, projections of average total annual rainfall show little
change or a decrease across the Noosa Shire. However, the intensity of heavy rainfall
events is likely to increase as summer totals rise by 11% by 2090. Conversely, winter and
spring totals are projected to decrease by 8% and 25% respectively, by the year 2090.
By late this century, it is likely that the region will experience more time in drought, compared
to the present day.
The combination of a drier dry season and wetter wet seasons, and an increase in drought
conditions, could lead to increase soil loss through erosion (during heavy rainfall),
compaction of soils leading to reduced absorption of rainfall and increased prevalence of
outdoor sporting injuries, soil movement leading to fractures in built structures, and impacts
on agricultural enterprises and native flora and fauna.
Oceans
The average sea level for the coastal region Noosa is situated is projected to rise by 0.8m
above present day levels by the year 2100. Higher sea levels will increase the risks posed
by coastal hazards such as storm tide inundation and coastal erosion, and lead to more
frequent nuisance flooding of low-lying foreshore areas. Noosa Council’s Coastal Hazards
Adaptation Plan, and accompanying technical studies, contain details regarding how these
risks are expected to change, and what the most appropriate pathways for dealing with
these risks is for Noosa’s coastal zone.
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In addition to sea level rise, sea surface temperatures off the Queensland coast have risen
markedly over recent decades, and warming is projected to continue. Such increases could
lead to changes in the makeup of local marine and estuarine ecosystems. Warmer seas
could lead to a southward expansion in the range of certain tropical marine species,
including those both visually attractive to beachgoers and those that are potentially harmful.
The world’s oceans have been absorbing a significant amount carbon dioxide emitted by
human activities, and have increased in acidity by around 25%. If carbon emissions continue
to increase as currently, this acidification of the oceans will also increase. Along with
increases in sea surface temperature, this is likely to have a significant effect on marine
ecosystems, as a more acidic ocean makes it more difficult for important marine species
such as corals and plankton to make their skeletons and shells. Such impacts will extend up
the oceanic food chain, affecting important ecological values and economic activities such as
commercial and recreational fisheries and tourism.
Extreme events
A warmer world is likely to result in an increase in the severity of extreme wind and storm
events. Based on currently available information, the frequency of tropical cyclones forming
and impacting the Queensland coast is expected to decrease. However, a warmer
atmosphere and seas is likely to result in an increase in the average severity of tropical
cyclones, as well as a southward expansion in their normal range. Whilst the does not
appear to be any change in their frequency yet, climate change projections indicate an
overall decrease in East Coast Lows can be expected.
An increase in the severity of storm and tropical cyclone events will lead to increased risks to
people, private property, important infrastructure, and the local environment of Noosa
associated with more intense and frequent flash flooding, and more frequent severe or
extreme wind events.
Bushfire weather is a measure of fuel dryness and hot, dry, windy conditions. Recent
bushfire events in Peregian, Cooroibah and Noosa North Shore have highlighted the ever-
present risk of bushfire. The combination of higher average temperatures, more frequent and
longer heatwaves, and an overall drying trend is likely to result in an increase in bushfire
risks across certain areas of Noosa Shire.
Transition risks
Not all risks associated with a changing climate are natural. How society responds to the
threat of climate change can lead to ‘transition risks’. Transition risks are the result of steps
taken primarily by governments, but also individuals and businesses, to reduce carbon
emissions. An example of a transition risk is a levy on carbon emissions. The introduction of
a carbon levy would increase the cost of doing business for organisations responsible for
carbon emissions, such as a local government that owns a landfill. Another example is a
reduction in the expected return on investment for assets and activities that do not align with
a clean economy, such as a coal-fired power station.
The existence of transition risks should not be viewed as a reason to avoid actions to avert
climate change, but rather as an added incentive to transition to a cleaner economy and
society more rapidly; a form of first-mover advantage. Taking such steps in Noosa, sooner
rather than later, is likely to minimise pressure on future budgets for Noosa Council, and
potentially the community as well.
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The economic cost of climate change
The costs of a changing climate are already being felt, and without action these are likely to
increase significantly in the decades ahead.
For example, the cost of extreme weather in Australia has more than doubled since 1970,
totalling $35 billion over the past decade. By around mid-century, extreme weather events
exacerbated by climate change, as well as the impacts caused by rising sea levels, could
cost the Australian economy $100 billion every year. Figures regarding the potential
economic cost to Noosa from climate change are not yet available.
Climate impacts and risks for key local sectors
Figures 1 – 5 illustrate how key sectors across the Noosa Shire are likely to be affected by a
rapidly changing climate. It is common for the same or similar risks to be faced by multiple
sectors.
Figure 1: Climate risks for Noosa's business and economy
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Figure 2: Climate risks for Noosa's transport system
Figure 3: Climate risks faced by biodiversity in Noosa
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Section 14
Figure 4: Climate risks for Noosa's agricultural sector
Figure 5: Climate risks for Noosa's built environment, infrastructure, and community
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Section 15
NOOSA’S CARBON EMISSIONS
Noosa Shire community emissions
Community emissions have been estimated in accordance with the Global Protocol for
community scale greenhouse gas emission inventories2. The GPC Protocol is designed to
promote best practice greenhouse gas accounting and reporting. The breakdown of Noosa
Shire emissions is shown in Figure 6 below.
Emissions from electricity consumption from the grid account for 58% of the total emissions,
whilst transport emissions make up 33% and waste comprises 9% of total emissions.
Council will regularly update this profile, however it should be noted that the actual quantum
of emissions may change as more accurate and granular data becomes available on a
community wide basis. Updated community emission profiles will be available on Council’s
website.
Figure 6: Breakdown of Noosa Community emissions profile
2 . https://ghgprotocol.org/greenhouse-gas-protocol-accounting-reporting-standard-cities
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Noosa Council emissions
Noosa Council calculates its own emissions from Council operations in accordance with the
Climate Active Standard Carbon Neutral Standard for Organisations3. These emissions are
reported on annually.
Council emissions are also included in the community emissions profile. As Council reduces
its own emissions from its operations, it will be reflected in the community emissions profile.
Figure 7 shows Council’s corporate emissions over time, since the baseline year of 2015/16.
There has been an 11% reduction in Council’s total emissions since 2015/16 despite further
categories of emissions being added to Council’s emissions profile as data has become
available. Council has reduced its electricity consumption for its own building and facilities by
34% compared to the baseline year as a result of the installation of over 600kW of rooftop
solar, energy efficiencies and staff behavioural change.
The most significant source of Council emissions (63%) is from the landfill owned and
operated by Noosa Council that collects and manages the Noosa community and residential
and commercial waste. Council is currently developing a new waste plan which will consider
landfill emission reductions, amongst other initiatives.
Figure 7: Noosa Council operation emission sources by year
3 https://www.industry.gov.au/data-and-publications/climate-active-carbon-neutral-standard-for-
organisations
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What does Net Zero Emissions mean?
‘Net zero emissions’ refers to achieving an overall balance between greenhouse gas
emissions produced and greenhouse gas emissions taken out of the atmosphere. Getting to
net zero means we can still produce some emissions, provided they are offset by processes
that reduce greenhouse gases already in the atmosphere. For example, these could be
things like planting new native forests, or drawdown technologies like direct air capture. The
more emissions to be reduced, the more carbon dioxide we need to remove from the
atmosphere to reach net zero. The process of removing carbon dioxide is called carbon
sequestration or drawdown.
To meet the goal of net zero, new emissions must be as low as possible. This means that
we need to rapidly phase out fossil fuels – coal, oil and gas – and transition to renewable
energy.
Why is net zero emissions important?
Climate change isn’t a tap we can turn off once we stop using fossil fuels. Carbon dioxide,
the main contributor to climate change, will stay in the atmosphere and keep heating the
planet for years and years.
Hence, reducing greenhouse gas emissions is hugely important - but we can’t stop there.
The end goal is to balance the scales and restore the global climate to pre-climate change
levels. To get there, we need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero and then get
cracking on repairing past harm by drawing down past emissions.4
“Unless we act decisively to phase out the use of fossil fuels, global temperatures will
exceed a 2oC-rise above the pre-industrial levels in a few decades. By 2030 the average
increase in global temperatures will reach 1.5oC, and the Earth’s climate system is likely to
begin to unravel. If we fail to act, dramatic destabilisation will be felt when the temperature
rise breaches 2oC, sometime before 2050. Despair is not an option. Nor is selfish
complacency. Instead, this is the moment to ask what you can do.”
(Tim Flannery ‘The Climate Cure: Solving the Climate Emergency in the Era of COVID-19)
Why net zero by 2026
Even if we limit global increases to 1.5oC, we can still expect rapid and far-reaching changes
in our land and water resources, energy, industry, buildings and transport. A target of ‘net
zero emissions by 2026’ for the Noosa community is commensurate with what these impacts
mean, what the science is saying, and the urgency of the situation - irrespective of how
difficult the target is to achieve.
Achieving net zero emissions is a shared responsibility. This plan outlines how Council is
contributing to meeting this target with an increased focus on advocacy and mobilisation of
the community. More broadly, social and economic transformation is required at all levels of
government and industry.
4
Climate Council https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/resources/what-does-net-zero-emissions-
mean/?atb=DSA01b&gclid=Cj0KCQiAgomBBhDXARIsAFNyUqPLFjZu4r3nfCOpoZxsMo858cG_faBYzQyuPl1ocqNNKX7QSgR
rMQIaAjxCEALw_wcB
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RESPONDING TO THE CLIMATE
EMERGENCY
Themes and strategic priorities
The following themes and strategic priorities have been identified to structure and direct
climate risk actions and emissions reduction opportunities for the Noosa community and
Noosa Council.
Theme 1: Strong leadership and governance
1.1 Advocate to levels of government and mobilise the community to drive decisive climate
emergency action
1.2 Strengthen partnerships with governments and stakeholders to take urgent action to
achieve a low carbon economy and resilient community
1.3 Move council from business-as-usual operations to adopting deep, systemic change and
being a powerful influencer and example of climate action.
Theme 2: Energy efficiency and renewable energy
2.1 Transition Noosa Council and Noosa Shire to 100% renewable energy and ensure the
transition is inclusive of low income and vulnerable residents and businesses
2.2 Develop a climate aware and empowered community with improved capacity to reduce
emissions
Theme 3: Clean low emissions industries
3.1 Through targeted initiatives, create an environment that supports business
development, innovation and investment shift to clean, green low emission industries
and technology
3.2 Utilise business support tools to work with industry, business associations and
government agencies to facilitate emissions reduction and environmental sustainability
for local businesses
Theme 4: Sustainable Transport
4.1 Accelerate public and active transport infrastructure investment and community usage
through the implementation of Council’s Transport Strategy and Walking and Cycling
Plan.
4.2 Transition Council and the community to sustainable transport use and zero-emissions
vehicles
Theme 5: Healthy and resilient natural systems and carbon drawdown
5.1 Increase revegetation, ecosystems restoration and urban greening to increase carbon
drawdown, reduce urban heating and support ecosystem and species resilience
5.2 Optimise use and management of water resources through integrated water cycle
management including drinking water, wastewater, surface water and groundwater
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Theme 6: Sustainable agriculture and food systems
6.1 Support agri-businesses and landholders to create a sustainable and regenerative
food system that includes consideration and preparation for climate change risks
6.2 Promote sustainable, locally produced food and improve local food access for farmers,
residents, visitors and vulnerable people
6.3 Support agri-businesses and landholders to reduce their emissions through changes in
farming practices and technology implementation, and to take up opportunities for
income generation through carbon drawdown activities.
Theme 7: Resilient and adaptive communities and built environments
7.1 Create a resilient built environment for householders, businesses, vulnerable people,
property and infrastructure
7.2 Build Council and community awareness and preparedness for climate change and
extreme weather events
Theme 8: Zero waste and circular economy
8.1 Adopt circular economy principles to cut waste and pollution, keep products and
materials in use and regenerate natural systems.
8.2 Manage the landfill in accordance with best practice to minimise greenhouse gas
emissions
8.3 Minimise organic matter going to landfill from community waste
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Theme 1: Strong leadership and governance
Why this is important
Responding to the climate emergency is a collective effort across all sectors of the community.
Council has a unique role to lead by example for the community, other councils and levels of
government. By showing powerful leadership and governance, Council can inspire and support
others to integrate climate emergency responses into their daily activities and longer-term plans.
This means moving from community engagement and education to mobilisation of the broader
community, as well as stronger, political and strategic advocacy.
Council has engaged the community through education campaigns around solar power and energy
efficiency and working with community groups such as Zero Emissions Noosa Inc (ZEN Inc). This is
important and ongoing work. However, Council is broadening its reach and influence to drive
collective action, not just individual action.
How we’ll achieve this
Through this Climate Change Response Plan, Council will assess local climate risks, help coordinate
responses for the Council and local community, and monitor change and progress over time.
Embedding consideration of climate change across Council policy, decisions and operations is an
ongoing priority.
Council will continue to advocate for climate action and strengthen partnership opportunities. This
includes advocacy with other local governments through Climate Emergency Australia to provide a
collective voice for strong action on climate change. An advocacy and community mobilisation plan
will be prepared to establish positions on a range of state and federal issues and to help support
local community groups to develop their own climate advocacy programs for promoting positive
climate action across the different sectors of the Sunshine Coast.
A climate change community reference forum will be established to guide and provide advice on the
implementation of the Climate Change Response Plan. As part of this, Council will continue to
collaborate with local community groups and business associations through the existing Zero
Emissions Noosa Memorandum of Understanding.
Strengthening regional partnerships and collaborating across neighbouring councils to identify and
respond to common climate risks and to build a low carbon economy will also bring important
regional benefits.
Strategic Priorities
The following strategic priorities are identified for Strong Leadership and Governance:
1.1 Advocate to levels of government and mobilise the community to drive decisive climate
emergency action.
1.2 Strengthen partnerships with governments and stakeholders to take action to achieve a low
carbon economy and resilient community
1.3 Move council from business-as-usual operations to adopting deep, systemic change and being
a powerful influencer and example of climate action.
Specific actions for implementation through this Climate Change Response Plan are identified in the
Summary of Actions.
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Metrics
Number of climate change advocacy actions/activities
Number of partnerships/collaborations with governments and other stakeholders for responding
to climate change
Number of corporate and operational policies that have incorporated a climate response
Number of strategies and plans that have incorporated climate response objectives and actions
Number of staff training and capacity building activities
Partnerships
There are broad ranging areas that Council will extend its advocacy work through existing networks
including Climate Council, Climate Emergency Australia, SEQ Council of Mayors, Tourism Noosa, Zero
Emissions Noosa Inc, Food and Agri-business Network, Cleantech Sunshine Coast, Cities for Power
Partnership, LGAQ Queensland Climate Resilient Councils, Planning Institute of Australia, Engineers
Australia, Queensland Coastal Councils, and Youth Council, amongst others.
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Theme 2. Energy efficiency and renewable energy
Why this is important
Stationary Energy comprises 58% of Noosa Shire’s emissions profile. Emissions from stationary
energy are predominantly from electricity generated from coal fired power stations and small
amounts from natural and liquified petroleum gas (LPG). Reducing emissions from stationary energy
includes improving energy efficiency, reducing energy demand and switching to renewable energy
supply.
It has been estimated that over $30 million per year leaves the shire to pay for electricity generated
elsewhere. The renewable energy revolution is underway and the costs of renewable energy
continue to fall. Transitioning to renewable energy across the shire will significantly reduce
emissions and costs to Council, households and businesses. This is also a significant opportunity for
business development, economic growth and employment within Noosa.
Renters and low-income households are often locked out of the transition to renewable energy and
options to reduce energy demand such as more energy efficient appliance. It is important that the
programs to reduce electricity demand and the take up of renewable energy is inclusive of this
sector. Improving the energy efficiency of homes has co-benefits of freeing up capital to be used on
other essential expenses and makes homes more resilient to the impacts of climate change such as
increased heat.
How we’ll achieve this
Council is responsible for its own buildings and facilities including those buildings that are leased to
commercial or community tenants. Emissions from these buildings can be reduced by reducing
demand, improving energy efficiency, and switching to renewable energy sources. To this end,
Council will continue to invest in its own building and facilities to reduce emissions from stationary
energy and encourage tenants to improve energy efficiency and take up of renewables through their
leasing arrangements, grant opportunities and education.
Council will also support and assist the greater Noosa community to improve energy efficiency and
make the switch to renewable energy through education; facilitating the uptake of renewable
energy solutions via grants and expert advice; enabling access to energy solutions to vulnerable
residents of our community; and showcasing the positive actions of those within the community that
are reducing emissions from stationary energy.
Council will undertake further analyses of the options available to achieve 100% renewable energy
for Noosa shire.
Strategic Priorities
The following strategic priorities are identified for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:
2.1 Transition Noosa Council and Noosa Shire to 100% renewable energy and ensure the transition
is inclusive of low income and vulnerable residents and businesses.
2.2 Develop a climate aware and empowered community with improved capacity to reduce
emissions
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Specific actions for implementation through this Climate Change Response Plan are identified in the
Summary of Actions.
Desired outcomes/Targets
By 2026, all Council facilities will be powered by 100% renewable energy/net zero emissions energy
By 2026 Noosa Shire is powered by 100% renewable energy/net zero emissions energy
Metrics
kW of renewable energy generated for community
KW of renewable energy generated for council
Number of Council facilities powered by 100% /net zero renewable energy
Number of households completing energy audits
Number of community alliance grants provided
% of households powered by renewable energy
% of businesses powered by renewable energy
% reduction in community energy use
Partnerships
Council engages with a number of community and business groups including ZEN Inc, Clean Tech
Sunshine Coast and other industry networks. Council will continue to review opportunities to
partner with other entities on a local and regional basis to make renewable energy available to the
Noosa Shire.
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Theme 3: Clean low emissions industries
Why this is important
Economic recovery post COVID-19 brings opportunities for industry and governments to invest in
initiatives that create clean low emissions jobs and set communities up for the future. A recovery
that supports the environmental industries sector and tackles the challenges of climate change. The
actions we take now must create an economic environment for innovation where new technology
and industries form part of the climate change solution and help make communities more resilient
and sustainable.
Noosa is in a unique and opportune position to leverage its clean green brand to attract and drive
investment in clean low emissions industries and to showcase best practice sustainability and
climate solutions. This means aligning economic activity and tourism promotion with the vision of
making Noosa the preferred destination for clean, green business investment and clean tech
industries.
This also includes supporting local businesses to be more sustainable through energy efficiency
upgrades and waste minimisation.
How we’ll achieve this
Council will help create a strong, clean economy for Noosa by exploring opportunities and barriers to
developing the environmental industries sector, through the development of Council’s Economic
Strategy. This will improve understanding of how best to grow environmental industries in Noosa
that are high impact (create jobs and diversify the economy), leverage existing investment, are
targeted for beneficial change, and are timely for rapid job creation and economic recovery.
Council will also continue to work with local businesses to encourage participation in programs that
improve energy efficiency and sustainability, in partnership with Tourism Noosa, ZEN Inc and other
community groups.
Strategic Priorities
The following strategic priorities are identified for Clean Low Emissions Industries:
3.1 Through targeted initiatives, create an environment that supports business development,
innovation and investment shift to clean, green low emission industries and technology
3.2 Utilise business support tools to work with industry, business associations and government
agencies to facilitate emissions reduction and environmental sustainability for local businesses
Specific actions for implementation through this Climate Change Response Plan are identified in the
Summary of Actions.
Desired outcomes/Targets
By 2030, the number of businesses in the environmental industries sector has increased by X%
Metrics
No. of businesses in the environmental industries sector (% increase)
No. of business participating in energy efficiency and sustainability programs
No. of businesses with EcoCheck certification
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Partnerships
Council partners with a number of industry and community groups to diversity and grow a strong
and clean economy including Cleantech Sunshine Coast, Tourism Noosa, Food and Agri-business
Network.
Council will pursue and develop regional partnerships to drive low emissions industry investment for
the broader Sunshine Coast region and beyond. A collaborate approach to climate action and
environmental industry development will help with sharing knowledge, making efficient use of
resources, reducing duplication of effort/costs, scaling up successful local projects, and attracting
partners and funding.
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Theme 4. Sustainable Transport
Why this is important
Transport is the second largest source of emissions in Noosa Shire and is responsible for 33% of our
community emissions. Moving towards sustainable transport will bring huge benefits for emissions
reduction. This means switching to low/zero-emissions vehicles, increasing up-take of active
transport like walking and cycling, improved pathway connectivity, adopting zero-carbon public
transport systems, and reducing the need for private transport by supporting working from home
and home-based businesses.
These changes will provide broad-ranging benefits including more convenient ways for locals and
visitors to travel, reduced congestion, improved health and wellbeing for individuals, and job
creation opportunities. Sustainable transport will also contribute to Noosa’s reputation as a
sustainable, clean, green destination by reducing fossil fuel use and keeping up with changing
technology.
How we’ll achieve this
Council is responsible for local roads and public parking and sets carparking design requirements for
new developments. Public buses are run by the State Government Department of Transport through
TransLink. A number of private bus companies provide customer specific transport services to and
within the shire. Addressing the barriers to the take up of active transport and public transport due
to high dependency on private vehicles and Noosa’s dispersed settlement pattern is a key challenge.
Through the Noosa Shire Transport Strategy and the draft Walking and Cycling Plan, Council is
accelerating public and active transport investment and take-up by:
Encouraging a modal shift away from private car use towards active transport modes and public
transport through behaviour change programs and improved pathways and connections
Increasing public transport use through improved services and increased bus services to the
hinterland
Partnering with government agencies and transport providers to explore and enable the
replacement of diesel buses with electric/zero emission buses in Noosa
Partnering with transport providers to explore and enable the uptake of electric bikes and
personal mobility devices
Increasing parking management controls in congested areas through timed and paid parking
Expanding the pathway network in urban and hinterland areas
Rolling out electric vehicle charging stations at Council facilities
Amending the Noosa Plan 2020 to include requirements for new multi-residential and non-
residential developments for carparking areas to be ‘EV ready’.
Council’s fleet emissions are less than 2% of total Council emissions. Transitioning Council’s fleet to
zero-emissions vehicles where fit-for purpose demonstrates leadership to the community but has an
insignificant impact on Council’s overall emissions. Ongoing behaviour change programs aim to
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encourage staff to walk, cycle, use public transport, scooter and carpool to work and promote
multiple health and environmental benefits for staff.
Strategic Priorities
The following strategic priorities are identified for Sustainable Transport:
4.1 Accelerate public and active transport infrastructure investment and community usage through
the implementation of Council’s Transport Strategy and Walking and Cycling Plan.
4.2 Transition Council to sustainable transport use and zero-emissions vehicles.
Specific actions for implementation through this Climate Change Response Plan are identified in the
Summary of Actions.
Desired outcomes/Targets
By 2026, electric vehicle charging stations will be installed at all major Council facilities.
By 2030, electric vehicle charging infrastructure will be available at all major shopping villages
Metrics
% modal shift to walking and cycling in key urban areas and in hinterland towns
% increase of children walking and riding to school
% increase in electric micro-mobility devices/e-wheeling devices (e-bikes, e-scooter, e-
skateboards etc.) in use by residents and visitors Impact
% increase in public transport use
% increase in electric vehicle ownership
kms of sealed cycling and walking pathways
Number of EV charging stations in Noosa Shire
Number of EV charging stations installed at Council facilities
Number of staff that participate in walk/cycle-to-work day
Electric vehicle infrastructure factored into development requirements
Partnerships
Accelerating sustainable transport requires strong advocacy and partnerships with government
agencies and transport providers including Translink to future proof Noosa and connect
communities. Council will continue to work with other community partners such as ZEN Inc and
Tourism Noosa to help drive positive change.
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Theme 5: Healthy and resilient natural systems and carbon
sequestration
Why this is important
Climate change will impact biodiversity, water resources and natural systems in many ways.
Restoring ecosystems also present huge opportunities to remove greenhouse gases from the
atmosphere, create jobs, support tourism, increase resilience of our native ecosystems, improve
health and wellbeing through recreation and connection with nature, and improve heat-related
impacts in our urban areas.
Changing temperature and rainfall trends and increasing risks of extreme weather events are
creating significant impacts for Noosa’s biodiversity and natural systems that will exacerbate existing
threats. These changes are already being observed in the natural environment. Bushfires made
worse by dry conditions across parts of Noosa Shire in the 2019/20 summer had devastating
consequences for local ecosystems and highlighted the vulnerability of these natural assets.
Vegetation, soil and oceans are vital ‘sinks’ for absorbing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere
and storing them long term. Establishing restoration plantings to offset corporate carbon emissions
or to compensate for vegetated cleared elsewhere has broad ranging benefits for the environment
and for businesses and community groups that may partner in the restoration efforts.
How we’ll achieve this
The Noosa Environment Strategy addresses many of the threats and impacts to biodiversity and
natural systems arising from the Climate Emergency. A range of initiatives are underway to increase
habitat, landscape connectivity, riparian buffers and ecosystem health.
Council will continue to build on this and improve vegetation and bushfire management practices to
address climate risks, as well as take-up opportunities for maximising carbon drawdown through
tree planting. This includes increasing revegetation and ecosystems restoration including around
waterways and along connecting habitat areas. Enhancing canopy tree cover in urban areas will be
important for reducing urban heat stress, increasing carbon drawdown, and reducing energy needed
to keep internal and external building spaces cool. A further initiative includes converting gardens to
more drought tolerant native gardens to reduce plant loss, and irrigation needs, increase habitat and
food for local wildlife.
Strategic Priorities
The following strategic priorities are identified for this theme:
5.1 Increase revegetation, ecosystems restoration and urban greening
5.2 Optimise use and management of water resources through integrated water cycle management
including for drinking water, wastewater, surface water and groundwater
Specific actions for implementation through this Climate Change Response Plan are identified in the
Summary of Actions.
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Desired outcomes/Targets
Environment Strategy target: By 2030, half of all land in Noosa Shire is managed for its
environmental values (% in 2020)
By 2030 50% of mapped riparian buffers along waterways have vegetation coverage (42% in 2018)
By 2030 vegetation will be in place to increase canopy cover and shade to X% of public open spaces
in urban environments (to be calculated)
Metrics
% urban canopy cover
% change in estimated annual carbon drawdown by Noosa vegetation
% of Noosa Shire managed for its environmental values
% of mapped riparian buffers along waterways that have vegetation coverage (42% in 2018)
No. Land for Wildlife properties and Voluntary Conservation Agreements
Partnerships
Extensive community effort is directed towards protecting, maintaining, and restoring our natural
environments. Many environment groups are actively involved in caring for Noosa’s bushlands,
wildlife, coasts and waterways, including hundreds of volunteers.
There are important benefits in greater collaboration between property owners, governments,
community groups, businesses and infrastructure providers - working together to improve the
resilient of natural areas in the face of warmer and drier conditions.
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Theme 6. Sustainable agriculture and food systems
Why this is important
Local agricultural systems in Noosa are generally small-scale but diverse. Cattle grazing is the largest
subsector in the shire and a variety of small to medium-scale horticultural crops are also spread
across the region including macadamia nuts, coffee, and a mix of various fruit and vegetables. Short
value chains for local food are growing with an increasing number of growers marketing direct to the
public through farmers markets or providing produce to local restaurants. In 2018/19 the local
agricultural industry added $49.7 million to the local economy, or 2.2% of the total GRP while
employing 1.4% of Noosa’s workforce (economy.id 2020).
Changing temperature and rainfall trends and increasing risks of extreme weather events are
creating significant hazards for Queensland’s agriculture sector that will escalate and exacerbate
existing risks that farm businesses already face. This will impact on food security for Queensland and
the nation.
Changing climate also brings opportunities. For example, vegetable growers producing summer
crops may have the additional option of planting earlier, and later, therefore extending the
production season. Runoff from higher intensity rainfall events may, with careful planning and
adequate infrastructure, provide opportunities for growers to capture more water for irrigation.
As a community, we can reduce emissions and adapt to climate change by supporting sustainable
regenerative agriculture in Noosa and by encouraging the availability and consumption of fresh
locally produced food.
Changes in climate conditions require constant adapting to remain productive and viable. Early
adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices will put enterprises in the best position to deal with
climate risks and extreme weather. This includes increasing the organic matter in soils to increase
the carbon taken up in the soils. This has added benefits including higher fertility levels, better water
retention and prolonged resistance to drought.
There is also considerable cost savings to be gained by implementing on-farm emission reduction
and there are benefits for income generation for farmers through carbon drawdown practices such
as restoring soil health, planting native trees, and managing livestock.
How we’ll achieve this
The Noosa Environment Strategy addresses the challenges and environmental threats relating
agriculture in Noosa Shire and the opportunities for better managing agricultural areas to ensure
adaptive and sustainable food production that increases agricultural productivity and protects the
natural environment.
Council will investigate opportunities to encourage rural landholders to increase soil carbon
drawdown through sustainable agricultural practices and tree planting. Council will also continue to
support onground actions and education with landholders to improve their capacity to manage
climate risks. Providing support for local food producers to help promote and connect supply chains
to consumers is also a priority to help grow businesses and ensure fresh local food supply.
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The establishment and enhancement of industry networks will allow the continual advancement of
knowledge and sharing of best practise to help move the sector towards a state of adaptability and
sustainability.
Strategic priorities
The following strategic priorities are identified for this theme:
6.1 Support agri-businesses and landholders to create a sustainable and regenerative food system
that includes consideration and preparation for climate change risks
6.2 Promote sustainable, locally produced food and improve local food access for farmers,
residents, visitors and vulnerable people
6.3 Support agri-businesses and landholders to reduce their emissions through changes in farming
practices and technology implementation, and to take up opportunities for income generation
through carbon sequestration.
Specific actions for implementation through this Climate Change Response Plan are identified in the
Summary of Actions.
Desired outcomes/Targets
Environment Strategy target: By 2030, 80% of all grazing land achieves best practice management
for agriculture
Metrics
% of all agricultural land achieving best practice management for agriculture
Number of local producers promoted or accredited as being ‘sustainable’ or an equivalent.
Partnerships
Council will continue to work with the Food and Agri-Business Network, Regenerative Agriculture
Alliance, Country Noosa, and other organisations to improve support for agri-business and
encourage take-up of sustainable agriculture.
Strengthening regional partnerships across councils will provide important benefits to the broader
agricultural industry through increased collaboration and sharing of knowledge and resources.
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Theme 7: Resilient and adaptive communities and built environments
Why this is important
Climate change will result in very real impacts on the physical environment, water resources, health
and human services, the local economy and communities. Homes and businesses will experience
more extreme weather, bushfires, coastal hazards, flooding, and heatwaves. These hazards put
increased pressure on emergency services and pose increased risks to property and people,
including vulnerable groups such as the elderly and low-income earners.
We are already experiencing detrimental changes to our climate and built and natural environments.
These effects will worsen over time.
Adapting to a changing climate involves adjusting to short duration events such as cyclones, floods
and fires, as well as gradual changes such as sea level rise. Community resilience is the ability to not
only cope with the impacts but to adapt and recover. Increasing the resilience of individuals,
businesses and the community requires risk awareness, disaster preparedness, careful planning and
management to help minimise risks and recover and adapt more easily.
Increasing the resilience and adaptive capacity of our communities and the built environment is
about designing places, buildings and infrastructure to be more adaptive and sustainable, creating
more comfortable and safe homes and workplaces, and reduced emissions and energy costs.
How we’ll achieve this
Council can support the community to increase resilience to climate change through building,
infrastructure and landscape design that is responsive to the subtropical climate, and that is
resource efficient for energy and water, and minimises emissions. The Noosa Plan 2020 planning
scheme (including planning scheme policy 5) sets standards for sustainable, subtropical design.
These standards will be built upon to ensure that design outcomes increase the resilience and
comfort of building occupants from climate risks, such as extreme heat. The development of climate
responsive design guidelines will help provide support to the planning scheme, place making, asset
management and infrastructure design. Localised assessments of climate risk, such as flooding,
inundation and urban heat risk, will also help build understanding of appropriate design responses
required for high-risk locations, including along foreshore areas subject to sea level rise and
inundation risks.
Council is responsible for its own capital works program which includes new buildings. Buildings
need to be designed and constructed to meet the 6 Star Green Building Standard and national
standards for carbon neutral buildings.
Council seeks to build awareness and preparedness for extreme weather events through disaster
management planning and response, development requirements, and resilient infrastructure design
and delivery. Individuals and households are encouraged to develop and maintain up to date
emergency action plans and Council collaborates with the State government as part of the Get
Ready program. Providing resilient community infrastructure and safe refuge spaces for extreme
weather events that are accessible to all community members is an ongoing priority.
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Strategic Priorities
The following strategic priorities are identified for this theme:
7.1 Create a resilient built environment for householders, businesses and vulnerable people,
property and infrastructure
7.2 Build Council and community awareness and preparedness for climate change and extreme
weather events
Specific actions for implementation through this Climate Change Response Plan are identified in the
Summary of Actions.
Desired outcomes/Targets
Environment Strategy target: By 2030, sustainable building outcomes are delivered through
regulation, education and showcasing best practice design.
Environment Strategy target: By 2030, community awareness, planning and preparedness for natural
hazards and climate change is increased
Metrics
% respondents that understand the topic of climate change and what it means for Noosa
and themselves. (In 2019 almost four fifths of respondents (79%) either understood climate
change reasonably well (41%) or had a very good understanding of climate change (38%).
% respondents aware of the level of risk posed by climate change and natural hazard events
with respect to heatwaves, drought, flooding, beach erosion, stormtide, tropical diseases,
extreme weather (2019 baseline available)
% respondents that are prepared for the risks of climate change and natural hazards with
respect to heatwaves, drought, flooding, beach erosion, stormtide, tropical diseases,
extreme weather (2019 baseline available)
% respondents that are prepared for a disaster or emergency and have an emergency plan.
(In 2017 60% of respondents had a disaster management plan in place for a flood or fire,
increasing to 66% in 2019).
Number of Council buildings that achieve a 5 Star or above under the Green Building Council
of Australia rating scheme.
Partnerships
Council will continue to work with representatives of the Local Government Association of
Queensland, other councils participating in the Queensland Climate Resilient Councils initiative,
State agencies, and key infrastructure services delivery partners, such as Unity Water, SEQWater and
electricity providers.
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Theme 8: Zero waste and circular economy
Why this is important
Our current linear economic model of take-make-waste results in the excess use of resources, land
and water pollution and vast amount of waste going to landfill once products are no longer deemed
necessary. In a circular economy, raw materials enter a cycle wherein their value is maintained
throughout their life cycle.
Around 79000 tonnes of waste is taken to the Noosa Landfill each year. Of this 48% is reused or
recycled, whilst the rest (41,000 tonnes) is buried in the landfill. Material that is dumped into landfill
is a lost resource and a source of carbon emissions.
When organic matter (food, green waste, paper, etc) is sent to landfill, it is decomposed under
anaerobic conditions. As the organic matter decomposes, it releases methane. Methane is 28 times
more potent as a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. Emissions from landfill comprise over 60% of
Council’s corporate emissions and around 9% of the Noosa community emissions.
The degradation of organic waste in landfills is a complex series of chemical and biological reactions.
Landfill gas is currently extracted from the Noosa Landfill, and flared, converting the methane into
carbon dioxide. Methane from landfill gas can also be used to generate electricity. Landfill
conditions, weather conditions, age of the waste and gas extraction equipment productivity will all
affect the methanogenic bacterial action and hence the resultant landfill gas that is captured.
By moving from a take-make-waste system linear system to the circular economy, resources are
used many times over, the nutrients from organic material are captured, land required for waste
disposal is reduced, and the costs throughout the system overall are lower.
How we’ll achieve this - Council’s role and influence
Council is responsible for the collection and processing of the community’s waste. Council manages
the landfill operations and the landfill gas system in partnership with its contractor. Council is
currently developing a waste management strategy to determine the most effective management
methods for the collection and processing of waste and the management of the landfill.
Council is also responsible for the generation of waste within its own operations and projects.
Council can also increase demand for recycled products through its own procurement practices.
Council can influence how the community can reduce its waste generation and the amount of waste
ending up in landfill through the provision of appropriate infrastructure such as bins and collection
services and through providing and supporting community waste reduction education and behaviour
change initiatives with the commercial and residential sectors to reduce waste to landfill. Council
can support and promote programs such as Plastic Free Noosa.
Strategic Priorities
The following strategic priorities are identified for this theme:
8.1 Adopt circular economy principles to cut waste and pollution, keep products and materials in
use and regenerate natural systems
8.2 Manage the landfill in accordance with best practice to minimise greenhouse gas emissions
8.3 Minimise organic matter going to landfill from community waste
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Specific actions for implementation through this Climate Change Response Plan are identified in the
Summary of Actions.
Desired outcome/Target
Environment Strategy target: By 2030, all green waste and food waste is diverted from landfill
Metrics
% green waste and food waste diverted from landfill
Reduction in waste to landfill
Landfill gas emission reductions
Partnerships
Noosa Council partners with a number of community groups to educate the community on how to
reduce waste. Noosa Council has a waste education program that is delivered to schools and the
wider community.
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SUMMARY OF ACTIONS
The following identifies strategic priorities and specific actions for the next 5 years. Actions with budget implications that sit outside normal operational
costs are shown in bold.
Strategic Priorities Specific actions Indicators Timing
What are our priorities for the next 5 How will we achieve our strategic priorities? How will we measure effectiveness or Year 1 – 2020/21
years? success of risk mitigation or emissions Year 2 – 2021/22
reduction efforts? Year 3 – 2022/23
Theme 1 – Strong leadership and governance
1.1 Advocate to levels of government Advocate to the other local governments is Number of advocacy actions to Ongoing
and mobilise the community to drive Queensland and Australia for them to declare a other local governments
decisive climate emergency action. climate emergency/take climate action and adopt net
zero emissions targets in line with climate science
Advocate to the Federal government to increase Number of advocacy actions to Ongoing
support for renewable energy, transitioning to a low the Federal Government
carbon economy, and addressing climate risk impacts
from coastal hazards, flooding, drought, heat risk,
bushfires and biodiversity loss.
Advocate for legislative change to allow for Council to Whether action is completed Ongoing
facilitate Environmental Upgrade Finance to enable
eligible parties to access low risk finance for
environmental building upgrades.
Develop an advocacy and community mobilisation Whether action is completed Year 2
plan to prepare advocacy positions on a wide ranging
of state and federal issues and to educate and assist
community groups, residents and others to become
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effective advocates.
Develop and promote an annual program of Whether action is completed Ongoing
community-based climate events for the broader
Sunshine Coast region.
1.2 Strengthen partnerships with Scope a strategic approach to transitioning to LED Whether action is completed Year 2
governments and stakeholders street lighting, and adopt turtle friendly lighting for
to take urgent action to achieve coastal areas in partnership with infrastructure
a low carbon economy and providers and state governance agencies.
resilient community
Develop collaborations with other local governments Number of collaborations with Year 2
to address climate risks and help build a low carbon other local governments
economy.
Investigate opportunities for private public Whether action is completed Year 2
partnerships to develop scalable pilot projects in
Noosa that demonstrate solutions for climate
resilience and/or radical emissions reduction.
1.3 Move Council from business-as- Continue to embed climate emergency responses Number of corporate and Ongoing
usual operations to adopting deep, within all council departments, procurement operational policies that have
systemic change and being a powerful decisions, key policy documents and decisions led by incorporated a climate response
influencer and example of climate the internal Climate Change Response Project Control
action Number of strategies and plans
Group
that have incorporated climate
response objectives and actions
Update Council’s climate governance road map based Whether action is completed Ongoing
on findings of QLD Climate Resilient Councils (Q CRC)
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governance audit and Council’s risk assessment, with
annual updates provided to the Audit & Risk
Committee
Establish a community reference forum for climate Whether action is completed Year 2
change that periodically meets to provide advice to
Council on climate issues, action program, barriers and
successes and ongoing program development
Continue to develop a web-based platform to provide Whether action is completed Ongoing
information on climate resilience and sustainability for
households, businesses and farmers.
Provide training and capacity building for council staff Number of staff training and Ongoing
on embedding climate change within their roles, capacity building activities
procedures and decisions.
Theme 2- Energy efficiency and renewable energy
2.1 Transition Noosa Council and Renewable energy investigation (community focused)- Whether action is complete Year 2
Noosa Shire to 100% renewable Assess opportunities and financial models within and
energy and ensure the outside the shire for community owned renewable (subject to
transition is inclusive of low energy projects, such as solar farms, micro grids and budget)
income and vulnerable solar gardens.
residents and businesses
Zero Emissions Pathways Study (community focused) Whether action is complete Year 1
to identify least cost emissions abatement
opportunities for the Noosa Shire community and the (funded under
role council plays in this. 2020/21
budget)
2.2 Invest in energy efficiency and Noosa Council 100% renewable energy study to Whether action is complete Year 1
renewable energy measures within determine the most effective way for council to
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Council and for Council owned achieve 100% renewable energy for council facilities (funded under
buildings including leased facilities eg. power purchasing 2020/21
agreement (PPA), green power, etc. budget)
Continue to invest in energy efficiency and renewable Number of Council facilities Ongoing
energy measures within Council and for Council powered by 100%/net zero
owned buildings and public lighting renewable energy
kW of renewable energy
generated
Trial the provision of energy audits for vulnerable Number of households Year 2
households completing energy audits
(subject to
budget)
2.3 Develop a climate aware and Continue to partner with Australian Energy Foundation % of households powered by Ongoing
empowered community with (AEF) and other services to enable residents and renewable energy
improved capacity to reduce businesses to easily access expert advice on energy
emissions % of businesses powered by
efficiency, solar and other products, including low
renewable energy
income households/rentals.
% reduction in community energy
use
kW of renewable energy
generated
Continue to make available community alliance grants Number of grants provided Ongoing
for community groups delivering emission reduction
and adaptation benefits
Explore options for trialling an emissions reduction Whether action complete Year 2
grant category to support households, businesses and
community groups reduce emissions and increase
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energy efficiency.
Promote new technologies and tools that build capacity Whether action complete Ongoing
and sustainable behaviour change.
Theme 3 – Clean low emissions industries
3.1 Through targeted initiatives, Through the development and implementation of the No. of businesses in the Ongoing
create an environment that supports Economic Strategy: environmental industries sector
business development, innovation and
Explore opportunities and barriers to developing the
investment shift to clean, green low
environmental industries sector
emission industries and technology
(also linked to Themes 1, 2, 5, 6, 7) Pursue and develop regional partnerships to drive low
emissions industry investment for the broader
Sunshine Coast region.
Align economic activity and tourism promotion with
the long-term vision for making Noosa the preferred
destination for clean, green business investment, new
clean tech business (eg, Firetech).
Work with Tourism Noosa to investigate programs to
offset travel emissions for visitors to Noosa.
3.2 Utilise business support tools to Encourage business participation in emissions No. of business participating in Ongoing
work with industry, business reduction and climate resilience programs, eg.. ecoBiz. emissions reduction and climate
associations and government agencies resilience programs
to facilitate emissions reduction and Expand EcoCheck certification program for business No of businesses with EcoCheck Ongoing
environmental sustainability for local and actively promote businesses under the program in certification
businesses partnership with Tourism Noosa.
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(also linked to Themes 1, 2, 5, 6, 7)
Theme 4- Sustainable Transport
4.1 Accelerate public and active Through implementation of the Transport Strategy and % modal shift to walking and Ongoing
transport infrastructure investment Walking and Cycling Plan: cycling in key urban areas and in
and community usage through the Encourage a modal shift away from private car use hinterland towns
implementation of Council’s Transport towards active transport modes and public
Strategy and Walking and Cycling Plan. transport through behaviour change programs and % increase of children walking
improved pathways and connections and riding to school
increasing public transport use through improved % increase in electric micro-
services and increased services to the hinterland mobility devices/e-wheeling
devices (e-bikes, e-scooter, e-
Partnering with government agencies and transport skateboards etc.) in use by
providers to explore and enable the replacement of residents and visitors
diesel buses with electric/zero emissions buses in
Noosa % increase in public transport use
kms of sealed cycling and walking
Partner with transport providers to explore and
pathways
enable the update of electric bikes and personal
mobility devices Number of staff that participate in
walk/cycle to work day
Increase parking management controls in congested
areas through timed and paid parking
Expand the pathway network in urban and
hinterland areas
Continue behaviour change programs that
encourage staff to walk, cycle, use public transport,
e-scooter and carpool to work
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For other priority actions - Refer to Walking and Cycling
Plan (being developed)
4.2 Transition Council and the Develop a Council policy that requires the selection of Whether action complete Year 3
community to sustainable transport lowest emission vehicles that are fit for purpose.
use and zero-emissions vehicles
Incorporate electric vehicle charge stations at Council Number of EV charging stations Year 2: Peregian
facilities (eg. Tewantin Council Offices, Pomona Depot, installed at Council facilities Rufous Street
Noosaville Depot, Peregian Community House, and Stage 3
libraries
Amending the Noosa Plan 2020 to include Number of EV charging stations in Ongoing
requirements for new multi-residential and non- Noosa Shire
residential developments for carparking areas to be
EVs factored into development
‘EV ready’.
requirements
% increase in electric vehicle
ownership
Theme 5- Healthy and resilient natural systems and carbon sequestration
5.1 Increase revegetation, ecosystems Develop an urban greening program for streets and % urban canopy cover Year 2
restoration and urban greening public spaces that increases tree canopy cover, native
to increase carbon drawdown, vegetation and biodiversity, as well as to increase (subject to
reduce urban heating and carbon drawdown and reduce urban heating. budget)
support ecosystem and species Investigate how implementation could be funded
resilience through an alternative revenue source. eg Trees for
Tourism.
Prepare a Climate Change Ecosystem Vulnerability Change in estimated annual Year 1
and Carbon Drawdown Assessment to help prioritise carbon drawdown by Noosa
revegetation and restoration of high priority vegetation
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biodiversity, riparian and wetland areas vulnerable to (funded under
climate threats and to assist with calculating carbon 2020/21
credits. budget)
Through implementation of the Environment Strategy: % of Noosa shire managed for Ongoing
its environmental values
Continue to increase habitat, landscape connectivity,
% of mapped riparian buffers
riparian buffers, and ecosystem health and resilience
along waterways that have
through partnerships with levels of government,
vegetation coverage (42% in
landholders and community groups (NPA, Biosphere,
2018)
SCEC, NDLC)
No. Land for Wildlife properties
Expand and promote Trees for Tourism in partnership and Voluntary Conservation
with Tourism Noosa, Landcare and Land for Wildlife Agreements
properties
Continue to monitor groundwater systems and
groundwater dependent ecosystems and the impacts
of climate change in partnership with University of
Queensland
Continue to improve coastal ecosystem resilience
through the Coastal Connect bushcare project
Continue to implement the urban gardens for wildlife
program to encourage planting of native plant species
and enhance urban biodiversity, in partnership with
NICA.
5.2 Optimise use and management of Continue to participate with Unity Water in the Whether action is completed Ongoing
water resources through integrated development of a total water management plan for the
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water cycle management including for Shire’s water use, supply and management.
drinking water, wastewater, surface
Increase connection and access to alternative water No. of recycled water Ongoing
water and groundwater
sources where suitable such as recycled water for connections or uses in Noosa
irrigation eg. sports fields and agriculture. Shire
Strengthen requirements for water sensitive urban Whether action is completed Year 2
design for small scale developments through
amendments to the Noosa Plan 2020 planning scheme.
Theme 6- Sustainable agriculture and food systems
6.1 Support agri-businesses and Continue providing support to Landcare and MRCCC’s % of all agricultural enterprises Ongoing
landholders to create a sustainable rural extension programs to encourage sustainable successfully engaged in land
and regenerative food system that agriculture and land management, and increase management practices
includes consideration and awareness of climate risks (eg. Keep it in Kin Kin supported by Landcare/MRCCC
preparation for climate change risks program). Number of farmers participating
in on-ground actions through
land management programs
Promote platforms and programs for farmers to access Whether action is completed Year 2
climate projections, training, workshops, grants and
guidance material for climate-ready farming.
Work with Food and Agri-Business Network, Whether action is completed Ongoing
Regenerative Agriculture Alliance and Country Noosa,
and other organisations to improve support for agri-
business and encourage take up of sustainable
agriculture
6.2 Promote sustainable, locally Through development and implementation of the Number of local producers Ongoing
produced food and improve local food Economic Strategy: promoted or accredited as being
‘sustainable’ or an equivalent.
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access for farmers, residents, visitors Support and promote farmers’ markets, farm gates and
and vulnerable people. local food box programs.
Support and promote businesses that use sustainable,
regenerative food production methods including
organic, biodynamic and agro-ecological principles.
Continue to work with Eat Local Noosa, Slow Food
Noosa, Tourism Noosa (eg. food and drink festival) and
other organisations to promote local producers and
connect supply chains to local consumers.
6.3 Support agri-businesses and Investigate opportunities to encourage rural Whether action is completed Year 3
landholders to reduce their emissions landowners to sequester soil carbon and accrue carbon
through changes in farming practices credits through restoring soil health and sustainable
and technology implementation, and agricultural practices. (eg. Landcare Soil Health Cards,
to take up the opportunities for Carbon Farmers of Australia)
income generation through carbon
drawdown activities.
Theme 7 - Resilient and adaptive communities and built environments
7.1 Create a resilient built Develop climate responsive design guidelines to Whether action is completed Year 2
environment for householders, support the planning scheme, place making, asset
businesses, vulnerable people, management and design to improve understanding of (subject to
property and infrastructure how infrastructure and urban design measures can be budget)
used to increase climate resilience within Noosa’s
public areas, streetscapes and buildings.
Develop locality-based Heat Risk Assessment and Whether action is completed Year 2
mapping for urban areas to improve understand and
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help development responses to urban heat impacts in (subject to
Noosa. budget)
Continue to update Noosa Plan 2020 planning scheme Climate change and heat risks Year 2
to manage the impacts of climate change on buildings factored into land use planning
and public spaces including heat mitigation
Number of Council buildings
requirements.
that achieve a 5 Star or above
under the Green Building
Council of Australia rating
scheme.
Advocate through LGAQ and the State for state policy Whether action is completed Year 2
and guidelines that provide a minimum standard for
designing buildings to reduce urban heat risks.
Prepare a Socio-economic impact hazard assessment Whether action is completed Year 1
of flooding and inundation including survey of building
stock vulnerability (floor heights, building types and (funded in
materials) to provide a business case for risk mitigation. 2020/21
budget)
This will also inform wind vulnerability assessment by
Geoscience Australia.
Prepare localised modelling and concept design of Whether action is completed Year 2
inundation hazard reduction measures for
Noosaville/Noosa Heads area (e.g. flood levy, (subject to
landscape design, stormwater improvements). Linked budget)
to Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan.
7.2 Build Council and community Provide best available hazard information and update Whether action is completed Ongoing
awareness and preparedness for design guidelines and capital works procedures for
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climate change and extreme weather design, upgrade and maintenance of infrastructure
events works and building assets, e.g. new cyclone standards
informed by the State’s severe wind Assessment.
Work with industry partners to conduct disaster % respondents that understand Ongoing
management and climate change preparedness the topic of climate change and
workshops with various sectors (ie. businesses, what it means for Noosa and
households, aged care, farmers). themselves.
% respondents aware of the
level of risk posed by climate
change and natural hazard
events with respect to
heatwaves, drought, flooding,
beach erosion, stormtide,
tropical diseases, extreme
weather
% respondents that are
prepared for the risks of
climate change and natural
hazards with respect to
heatwaves, drought, flooding,
beach erosion, stormtide,
tropical diseases, extreme
weather
% respondents that are
prepared for a disaster or
emergency and have an
emergency plan.
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Theme 8 - Zero waste and circular economy
8.1 Adopt circular economy principles Through development and implementation of the new Reduction in waste to landfill Ongoing
to cut waste and pollution, keep waste plan:
products and materials in use and
Ensure Council’s waste management program
regenerate natural systems.
adheres to circular economy principles for waste
elimination, reuse and recycling and carbon reduction
Continue and expand the community waste education
and behavioural change programs
Embed circular economy approaches into Council's
procurement (use of recycled material where
possible) and management of assets (design for
sustainability)
Investigate opportunities for local/regional processing
of recycled materials
Advocate to State and Federal governments for strict
packaging and product stewardship standards and
improved infrastructure/business opportunities for
waste reuse.
8.2 Manage the landfill in accordance Continue to install landfill gas wells and improve the Landfill gas emission reductions Ongoing
with best practice to minimise quality of the landfill cap to increase capture of
greenhouse gas emissions
landfill gas
Continue to explore power generation from landfill
gas
8.3 Minimise organic matter going to Implement recommendations from the new waste % green waste and food waste Ongoing
landfill from community waste plan to minimise organic matter going to landfill diverted from landfill
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IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING
AND REVIEW
Monitoring and evaluation
Monitoring and reporting on progress are critical to understanding the effectiveness of actions and
to ensure deliver on the ambitions and strategic priorities in this plan.
The scale and urgency of the climate emergency means that the Council and the community need
the evaluation of progress to be meaningful, transparent and timely.
Periodic Council reporting against the targets and metrics in this plan will occur every second year to
allow Council and the community to review the actions and progress made.
Community reference forum
Council will establish a climate change community reference forum to strengthen accountability,
transparency, and cooperation. Representatives of the forum will be able to provide advice on
climate change issues, on-ground action, barriers and successes, and ongoing program development.
This includes working with existing community groups established under the existing Zero Emissions
Memorandum of Understanding.
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DEFINITIONS
Adaptation: Regarding climate change, adaptation is the process of adjustment to actual or expected
climate and its effects. It seeks to moderate or avoid harm or take advantage of beneficial opportunities.
Carbon sequestration: The removal of carbon from the atmosphere by capturing or storing it through
biological, chemical and physical processes.
Circular economy: A closed system in which reuse, recycling and disposal channels are in-build to consumer
and industrial products, to elimination.
Climate: Relates to the average weather over various timescales, including over a period of months up to
millions of years.
Climate Change: is any change in the climate lasting for several decades, including changes in temperature,
rainfall and wind patterns. It refers to the average weather conditions over a period of 30 years or longer.
Climate change is different from weather. Weather refers to what you seen and feel outside from day to
day (e.g. sunny, rainy).
Hazard: the potential occurrence of a natural or human-induced event, trend or impact that may cause
damage, including loss to property, infrastructure, livelihoods, service provision, and ecosystems.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change: Established by the United Nations, the IPCC is the leading
international body for the assessment of climate change, with representatives from 195 countries.
Mitigation: A human intervention to reduce the sources or enhance the sinks of greenhouse gases.
Resilience: The capacity of social, economic, and environmental systems to cope with a hazardous event,
trend, or disturbance, responding or reorganising in ways that maintain their essential function, identity,
and structure, while also maintaining the capacity for adaptation, learning, and transformation.
Risk: is the potential for consequences where something of value is at stake and where the outcome is
uncertain, recognising the diversity of values. Risk is often represented as probability of occurrence of
hazardous events (likelihood) multiplied by the impacts (or consequences) should these events or trends
occur.
Water sensitive urban design: A holistic approach to water management that integrates urban design and
planning with social and physical sciences in order to deliver water services and protect aquatic
environments in an urban setting
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