2020-01-13 GC Agenda - Item 10 - Attachment 1 - Report on the Sustainable Tourism Stakeholder Reference Group

Zero Emissions Noosa Inc have also noted that the tourism sector has the poorest uptake of solar
compared with other business sectors and also residential uptake. Whilst the uptake of solar rooftop power
generation is approximately 35% of residential dwellings, only 2-3% of tourism accommodation and
premises have solar power. The STSRG has been challenged by Zero Emissions Noosa to achieve world’s
best practice in terms of emissions and there is a large amount of work to be done to achieve that.
As a general rule, the STSRG agrees that the cost of reducing carbon emissions for the tourism sector
should be borne by that sector and not by Noosa residents.




Responses:
Tourism Noosa now employ a dedicated Sustainability Officer. They have also introduced a series of
programs that will both improve environmental outcomes and simultaneously raise Noosa’s standing as a
centre for sustainable practices. Actions by TN including Trees for Tourism, Refresh Noosa, and a new focus
on an eco-accreditation system are all aimed at a win-win outcome. TN also supports Plastic Free Noosa
and other environment initiatives.
Zero Emissions Noosa’s many-pronged approach to achieving zero net emissions also takes in consideration
the tourism sector.
Noosa Council’s zero emissions initiative, support for Plastic Free Noosa, Declaration of Climate Emergency,
work with Cities Power Partnership etc. are part of a suite of actions aimed at improving local
environmental outcomes. So too are actions such as the 2,400 hectare Yurol/Ringtail land deal that will see
plantation land rehabilitated and converted into national park – the largest local environmental project in
nearly 20 years. Other work by Council includes a range of policies and strategies, plus a new
Environmental Grant scheme, a new Noosa River Plan, work with The Nature Conservancy on permanent
oyster reefs in the river, and support for koala conservation to name but a few activities.
Meanwhile, Noosa Council has established the Teewah & Cooloola Working Group along with stakeholders
from Gympie Council area. The TCWG has already had success encouraging both QPWS and Qld Police to
take action on 4-wheel drivers accessing the dunes and other problematic behaviours.


                                                                                               15 | P a g e