2021-03-09 P&E Agenda - Item 8 - Attachment 1 - Climate Change Response Plan

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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Noosa Climate Change Response Plan - draft for council endorsement March 2021