2021-06-17 OM Agenda - Item 2 - Attachment 1 - Draft Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Management Plan 2021-2026

A new Prioritisation Matrix and Decision Support Tool has been developed for this Plan. The tool
contains elements of a method initially developed by Marsh et al (2007) that has been used
recently in threatened species management optimisation in applications in Queensland and New
Zealand. An outline and explanation of the justification and source of the assessment criterion of
the Bushland Rating Matrix and Decision Support Tool is contained within Appendix 3.

The prioritisation system needs to be as simple and repeatable as possible and only include
criterion which helps differentiate one reserve from another in regards to resource allocation. It
principally utilises GIS data, including data layers recently produced for the Noosa Biodiversity
Plan Background Report. Where existing data or GIS data was unavailable, data was determined
by seeking the views of the Council officers who manage the entire bushland reserve network and
have in-depth knowledge of the majority of reserves.

A variety of criterion were developed to provide scores for the following values:
 Biodiversity Value
 Waterway Value
 Carbon Sink Value
 Social Value
 Cultural Value

Data was collated to assist in the scoring of the potential for successful management outcomes,
namely:
 Ecological Potential for Recovery
 Ongoing Management – Financial and other Costs of Management.

Weightings for each category of values was determined through a survey of an internal stakeholder
group consisting of 16 people from Environmental Services, Strategic Planning, Development
Assessment, Park & Gardens and Civil Operations staff for the Plan development within Council.


Figure 17 - Prioritisation Weighting




Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Management Plan 2021 – 2026                               Page 30