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

7. Dispersing Tourism




One of the strategies identified internationally to deal with increasing tourism has been attempts to
disperse tourists away from key precincts and thus to spread both the impact and financial benefits further
afield.
There are plainly opportunities to encourage more tourism in the Noosa hinterland. Certainly there are
currently very limited accommodation offerings in the hinterland.
Teewah Beach and Cooloola are arguably already suffering from too many vehicles and/or campers.
Within its planning and other strategies, Council must consider the impact of tourism on precincts,
including places like Peregian Beach, Noosa Junction, Noosaville foreshore etc. This goes to a range of
planning decisions regarding zonings etc.
Although there has been a historical argument from some key locales, such as Cooroy, to increase visitor
numbers in order to benefit local businesses, we are already beginning to see some push-back from
residents who don’t want increased numbers of people, and especially vehicles, in their home town. This
conflict has played out most recently in responses to the Council’s planned Nature Adventure Park in
Cooroy.
Responses:
Noosa Council has upgraded and sealed Dr Pages Road and part of Kinmond Creek Rd to facilitate a loop
road through the hinterland.
Tourism Noosa has established the Noosa Country Drive which is promoted via a map and through their
website etc.
Council and Tourism Noosa have funded a Noosa Trail Master Plan to determine what improvements may
need to be made to that facility.
The state planning instruments encourage eco-tourism opportunities, particularly in rural areas.
What Next?
Certainly there is opportunity to generate tourism offerings in areas removed from the key precincts.
However, resident amenity and expectations will need to be carefully managed. Some residents prefer

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