Original source · versioned page text
EASTERN BEACHES FORESHORE RESERVES MANAGEMENT PLAN - COMMUNITY CONSULTATION OVERVIEW AND PROPOSED CHANGES · Attachment 3 EBFRMP Engagement Analysis Articulous
Plans and drawings: the text below has words only, no drawings.
Attachment 3 Noosa Eastern Beaches Foreshore Management Plan Engagement Analysis May 2023 Attachment 3 OQarticulous Noosa Eastern Beaches Foreshore Management Plan Engagement Analysis May 2023 articulous.com.au
See the original
The page text is free to read. Viewing or downloading an original file needs an account.
Log in to see the originalFull text of the other 47 pages
Page 2
1. Table of Contents
2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3
3. BACKGROUND 4
4. METHODOLOGY 5
4.1. ENGAGEMENT METHODOLOGY 5
4.2. ANALYSIS METHODOLOGY 6
5. KEY FINDINGS 8
5.1. REPORTED PRIORITIES FOR KEY ACTION AREAS 8
5.2. REPORTED PRIORITIES 10
6. MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION FOR FINALISING THE EASTERN BEACHES FORESHORE MANAGEMENT
STRATEGY 12
7. APPENDIX 1: SURVEY ANALYSIS 13
7.1. WHO RESPONDED 14
7.2. COMMUNITY VALUES 18
7.3. ACTION AREAS 21
7.4. IDENTIFIED THEMES 22
7.5. ACTION AREA 1: CLIMATE CHANGE 24
7.6. ACTION AREA 2: ECOLOGY 25
7.7. ACTION AREA 3: SOCIAL VALUES 26
7.8. ACTION AREA 4: PARTNERSHIP 28
7.9. ACTION AREA 5: COMMUNITY EDUCATION 29
7.10. ACTION AREA 6: ENCROACHMENTS 30
7.11. ACTION AREA 7: PUBLIC ACCESS AND RECREATION 32
7.12. ACTION AREA 8: INCIDENTS AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT 33
7.13. ACTION AREA 9: COASTAL CREEKS AND STORMWATER 35
7.14. ACTION AREA 10: FORESHORE TENURE AND GAZETTAL 36
8. APPENDIX 2: ANALYSIS OF ROUNDTABLE OUTCOMES 38
8.1. WHO ATTENDED 38
8.2. ACTION AREAS 40
9. APPENDIX 3: POP-UPS 44
Page 3
2. Executive summary
Home to some of Australia’s most pristine beaches that stretch from Sunshine Beach to
Coolum, Noosa’s Eastern Beaches cover 122 hectares that boast a unique natural environment
that is loved by both residents and tourists alike.
As is the case with many other coastal reserves in Queensland, Noosa’s Eastern Beaches are
under threat due to mitigating coastal hazards and other climate change impacts which are
causing significant harm to both the environment and the community.
The draft Noosa Eastern Beaches Foreshore Management plan prepared by Noosa Shire
Council aims to both maintain and improve these important reserves to mitigate against rising
sea levels and more intense and frequent storms and coastal erosion.
This draft plan:
• Provides a guide for sound decision-making
• Respects the rights of property owners
• Maintains public access to beaches.
Following the public release of the draft Eastern Beaches Management Plan, Noosa Shire
Council undertook community and stakeholder engagement to educate residents about the
critical issue of protecting the foreshore and gather feedback on the strategy.
Through a series of targeted engagement activities, council was able to speak to a broad
cross section of the Noosa Shire community and gain their feedback on the Eastern Beaches
Foreshore Plan.
This report summarises outcomes from:
• 204 online survey responses
• 3 community roundtable discussions
• 13 pop-up events
This report provides a comprehensive summary of the feedback received during these
engagement activities and identifies key findings and recommendations for consideration in
finalising the Noosa Eastern Beaches Foreshore Management Plan.
93 written submissions have also been received. Analysis of these submissions is not included in
this report and will be reported on separately.
Across the ten action areas, there were varying levels of interest and feedback provided.
Encroachments received the most feedback (44.1% of survey responses), ecology, public
access, social values and community education received similar levels of feedback (36-39% of
survey responses). Coastal creeks, partnerships, incidents/disaster management and foreshore
tenure received fewer responses (under 32% of survey responses).
There was strong community interest in the below topics, which were present across the
feedback for several action areas. These have been identified as reported priorities:
• Dogs (mentioned in 7.2% of survey responses)
• Weeds (mentioned in 6.7% of survey responses)
• Funding (mentioned in 5.7% of survey responses)
• Community partnership (mentioned in 11.4% of survey responses)
Page 4
A summary of the feedback themes under each action area and the reported priorities can be found in the key findings. 3. Background The social and environmental values of Noosa’s Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves are being impacted by a number of factors and require mitigation and management to protect the longevity of the area. Some factors contributing to the impact include significant natural disasters such as storms and flooding, changes to the environment made by property owners, climate change and changes to the ecology. Noosa Council (Council) is greatly concerned by the impacts of these factors on the current environment, its flora and fauna as well as the community. Council has predicted further impacts on the area if management practices are not put in place to both maintain and improve the state of Noosa’s Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves. The Eastern Foreshores are a centrepiece in the liveability and attraction of Noosa Council. Residents and visitors use the 41 public beach accesses through the Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserve to access Noosa’s famous beaches. It is also home to a unique and valuable biome, with many plants and animals calling it home. Keeping this ecosystem healthy and protected is critical in mitigating the effects of climate change for the Noosa area, offering protection from storms, winds and waves. The community has recently been engaged to help develop the Environment Strategy 2019 and Noosa Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan 2021, which informs the draft Management Plan. It also sits under the Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Management Plan 2021-2026. The draft Management Plan outlines key issues and proposed management and mitigation actions to be taken to overcome the challenges. It also aims to protect and enhance the social and environmental values of the community and the region to ensure the Noosa beaches are there to be enjoyed by generations to come. Council is seeking feedback on the draft Management Plan from a range of stakeholders in the local community. Council also wants to use this as an opportunity to bring awareness to the community on the current threats and issues and educate the community on how they can be involved with the management process.
Page 5
4. Methodology
4.1. Engagement methodology
To inform the community and stakeholder engagement for the Eastern Beaches Foreshore
report, a targeted engagement and communication strategy was developed and
implemented, including a program of activities, over a four-week period beginning February
6 2023 and concluding March 31 2023.
The engagement and communication strategy was designed to make it easy for everyone in
Noosa Shire community to have their say about the Eastern Beaches foreshore management
plan. The following table provides an overview of the channels and tools used by Noosa
Council for this engagement.
Community round table discussions
Purpose To capture a diversity of views with advocates representing the
interests of both key organisations / groups and the lived experiences
of others in the community.
To involve participants to work through challenges in a collaborative
environment through a clear and concise process that is founded on
clear goals.
Description 3 round table discussions that provided an opportunity for
participants to work through challenges in a collaborative environment
through a clear and concise process founded on clear goals.
Online survey
Purpose To hear a wide and diverse range of feedback from stakeholders.
Description Hosted on Survey Monkey by Noosa Shire Council. An open response
approach that gave respondents the opportunity to provide:
• Feedback on the principles for the draft EBFMP
• Feedback on the management actions for all themes
Noosa Council Have Your Say project page
Purpose To host resources the plan and related resources and provide
information on engagement opportunities.
Description The project page hosted a variety of relevant collateral and
engagement tools, including a downloadable PDF of the plan, quick
polls, information on engagement activities and links to register to
community roundtable sessions.
Pop-ups
Purpose To engage participants in one-on-one conversations and target:
• Local residents
• Noosa Visitors
• People less likely to engage in consultation processes
• Areas within and outside of the coastal corridor
Page 6
Description Small booth/ table-based activity with 2-4 staff at each event
situated in high traffic locations.
Written email submissions from residents
Purpose To collect long-form feedback to inform the Management Plan.
Description Noosa Shire Residents provided detailed written submissions via
email.
Targeted discussions with Eastern Beaches Protection Association
Purpose • To discuss roles, scope and expectations.
• One facilitated meeting that provides a focused opportunity for
this group to provide feedback and comment on the management
plan.
Description Three meetings with specific group members, to provide an
opportunity to collaborate with the active stakeholders.
4.2. Analysis methodology
The wider community were invited to provide their individual feedback by completing the
online survey and providing a detailed written submission to the project email address.
This document reports on the following data sets:
• Survey data provided by NSC exported from Survey Monkey
• Qualitative feedback from 13 pop-up events
• Feedback from 3 Community Roundtable discussions
• Expression of interest (EOI) form data for Community Roundtables exported from
Typeform
To ensure the feedback shared through these activities was accurately captured and reported,
a combination of quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods were used.
Type Method Description
Quantitative General The data from the online survey was analysed
Quantitative analysis was and used to prepare graphs describing the
used to report on participant responses to each quantitative
responses to the survey survey question and to show how different
questions and show how demographics responded overall. Data from
different demographic the EOI form was also analysed to identify the
groups responded overall demographics of the roundtable attendees.
to the survey questions.
Qualitative Sentiment The data from the online survey was analysed
Through the roundtables, analysis to identify how many respondents expressed
pop-up events and open- overall support for an EBFR plan.
ended survey questions,
participants were able to Thematic Thematic analysis is a method for identifying
freely express their analysis and reporting on repeated patterns in a data
Page 7
thoughts and ideas. These set. Analysis was conducted to identify key responses were analysed themes in the open-ended survey questions and using two qualitative feedback from the roundtables and pop-up analysis methods. events.
Page 8
5. Key findings Over the four-week consultation period, Noosa Council and Articulous provided community members with multiple opportunities to provide feedback on the Eastern Beaches Foreshore Management Plan. The engagement included an online survey, community roundtable discussions, pop up information booths and written email submissions. Noosa Regional Council used these activities to seek direct community feedback on the ten key action areas in the plan. Across the ten action areas, there were varying levels of interest and feedback provided. The responses to the online survey were analysed to identify which action areas received the most feedback. 1. Encroachments 44.1% 2. Climate change 39.2% 3. Ecology 39.2% 4. Public access and education 38.7% 5. Social Values 36.8% 6. Community education 36.3% 7. Coastal creeks and stormwater 31.9% 8. Partnerships 28.4% 9. Incidents and disaster management 27.0% 10. Foreshore tenure and gazettal 13.2% 5.1. Themes for key action areas Feedback on each of the action areas was analysed to identify the key themes reported by respondents. Examples of verbatim feedback on the reported priorities for each action areas in the Appendix of this report (see 7.5 – 7.14). Key themes - Climate change • Monitoring: Use a range of technology to monitor dune degradation and rehabilitation following major weather events. • Funding: Ensure access to appropriate funding. • Dunes and vegetation: Community has strong interest in translating management statements into actions and activities. Key themes - Ecology • Weeds: Improve weed management and consider the inclusion of other weed species. • Littering and waste: Reduce use of plastic and stronger enforcement of animal local laws. • Flora and fauna: More accessible information and identification of how community can assist with rehabilitation activities.
Page 9
• Monitoring and mapping: Map and monitor flora and fauna, environmental health factors
(e.g., soil properties) and infrastructure impacts.
Key themes - Social values
• Viewpoints: Clear identification of official viewpoints to protect existing foreshore
vegetation.
• Indigenous engagement: Community expressed conflicting views on Indigenous involvement,
with some responses noting the importance of involving the Kabi Kabi people in foreshore
management and others wanting greater clarification on the extent of this involvement.
• Design and infrastructure: Improve existing infrastructure to encourage active transport
and enhance beach access.
• Tourism: Limit the number of short term accommodation (STA) approvals and improve
visitor information on caring for the foreshore and beaches.
Key themes - Partnership
• Community: Improve community consultation and relationship building between council and
residents.
• Land owners: More focused engagement with land owners and acknowledgement of their
role in foreshore rehabilitation and management.
• Business and development: Greater focus on environmental impacts of businesses.
• Local groups and organisations: Collaborate to educate the community and implement
foreshore rehabilitation and management activities.
• Clarity on actions: Improve clarity regarding scope and expected benefits of potential
partnerships.
Key themes - Community education
• Behaviour change: Engage and educate the community on best practice to protect the
environment.
• Awareness and education: Provide clear, inclusive and easy to understand communication
materials to educate all demographics.
• Educate dog owners: Provide more information for dog owners, particularly on leash
areas and waste disposal.
• Communication tools and tactics: Employ a combination of physical and digital tools to
educate the community, such as clearer signage around the foreshore area and greater
use of social media and online channels.
• Real estate/short term rentals: Provide information about neighbouring properties and
expectations for new rental properties. Involve short term accommodation (STA) owners in
foreshore rehabilitation and clean up.
Key themes – Encroachments
• Enforcement: Stronger enforcement of encroachments and the introduction of fines for
breaking boundary lines, with this money used to rehabilitate the environment.
• Community as a partner: While some respondents supported stronger enforcement, others
proposed Council work alongside the community and partner with foreshore neighbours to
identify and resolve encroachment issues.
• Fire mitigation: Incorporate fire mitigation in local infrastructure deign and provide clear
signage on fire risk.
• Informal pathways/historic use: There were conflicting views expressed, with some
respondents expressing the importance of informal pathways (particularly as evacuation
routes), and others requesting their removal.
Page 10
Key themes - Public access and recreation
• Infrastructure/signage: Provide clear signage for all areas of the foreshore and more
community infrastructure at access points.
• Access: Improve the accessibility of beach access points to create a more inclusive
experience.
• Dog areas: Establish and enforce definitive on and off leash areas for dogs, particularly
during turtle nesting seasons.
• Visitors: Address resident concerns regarding visitor behaviour on Noosa beaches.
Key themes - Incidents and disaster management
• Fire: Improve fire mitigation through better infrastructure, access, fire breaks and
community education.
• Coastal hazards: Ensure all impacts of coastal hazards are considered and empower the
community to take action through community clean ups.
• Pontoons: Improve the design of pontoons (e.g., not made with polystyrene) to minimise
their impact on the environment.
• Role of council: Clear and quick communication before, during and after disasters.
Key themes - Coastal creeks and stormwater
• Water quality: Increase the frequency and transparency of water quality assessments.
• Burgess Creek: Work with Unity Water and the community to address the water quality
issues and overflow risks.
• Infrastructure: Improve the infrastructure for drainage and mitigating run off.
• Assessment: Regularly evaluate and update actions and involve community in local
monitoring.
• Creek erosion: Investigate designs to mitigate erosion, particularly following disasters.
Key themes - Foreshore tenure and gazettal
• Specificity: More specific information regarding the purpose of this action area and the
expected outcomes.
• Actions: Ensure this work is translated into clear actions and next steps.
5.2. Reported priorities
Analysis of the feedback received also revealed several reported priorities that were present
across the action areas.
Dogs
49 of the 683 survey responses regarding the action areas mentioned dog/s (7.2%). Dogs
were also raised at 9 of the 13 community pop-up events. Major themes included:
• Educate owners on the environmental impacts of dog waste
• Use both education and enforcement to ensure dogs are not present in dog-free beach
areas and only unleashed in designated leash-free areas
• Address damage caused by dogs to the dunes, vegetation and wildlife (particularly when
off-leash)
Weeds
46 of the 683 survey responses shared regarding the 10 action areas mentioned weed/s or
weeding (6.7%). Weeds were also raised at 5 of the 13 community pop-up events. Major
themes included:
Page 11
• Focus not only on the glory lily, but other pest species such as the Singapore daisy and
asparagus fern
• Collaborate with the residents on weed management and acknowledge local knowledge
and efforts in this space
• Ensure the removal of weeds is accompanied by an increase of native fauna and flora
Stormwater and creeks
69 of the 683 survey responses regarding the action areas mentioned stormwater or creek/s
(10.1%). This was also raised in 4 of the 13 community pop-ups. Major themes included:
• Improve the channeling of stormwater runoff away from the foreshores, particularly
following heavy rain events
• Address water quality in Burgess Creek and work with Unity Water to upgrade filtration
from their treatment plant
• Place greater emphasis on the issue of erosion at the mouth of creek outlets to the beach
Funding
49 of the 683 survey responses regarding the action areas mentioned
fund/funds/funding/budget (5.7%). Major themes included:
• Concern regarding the capacity to fund all action areas proposed.
• Clarity on Council approach to ensure appropriate funds can be allocated from the
existing budget.
• Establishment of a funding model to resource long term management.
Community partnership
78 of the 683 survey responses regarding the action areas mentioned neighbour/s or
resident/s (11.4%). Major themes included:
• Leverage community knowledge and interest in caring for and maintaining the reserves.
• Increase engagement and partnership with neighbours.
Engagement process
Across the engagement activities there were concerns raised on the consultation process.
Overall, there was a desire for greater collaboration with community and stakeholders prior
to consultation beginning.
Concerns were raised on the length of the consultation period (February 20 – March 20,
2023):
• In response to this, Council extended the consultation close date from March 20 to March
31.
• This was to provide more time for Council to promote the consultation process and for the
community to response via the survey or written submissions.
• The extension also allowed for an additional face to face roundtable session.
The scope of the consultation was also raised as a concern by key stakeholders, who wished to
discuss related plans and policies such as the Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan 2021.
Moving forward, community and stakeholders would like greater partnership and engagement
from Council on the refinement of the plan and how it is delivered.
Page 12
6. Matters for consideration for finalising the Eastern Beaches
Foreshore Management strategy
These points are distilled from the outcomes of all engagement activities and may influence
the finalisation of this foreshore management strategy.
1. Integrated
This plan should integrate with broader council environmental strategies, operational
activities and other initiatives.
2. Stakeholder partnerships
Partnerships with Traditional Owners and Unity Water will be critical to the success of the
foreshore management strategy.
3. Community partnerships
Council should utilise the community appetite for continued engagement and partner with
neighbours, foreshore residents, local groups and the broader community on delivering the
implementation plan and related programs.
4. Targeted
Council should consider an area-specific approach for enforcement and regulatory
activities that acknowledges site specific factors.
Page 13
7. Appendix 1: Survey analysis
To encourage participation in the engagement process, Noosa Council hosted a community survey that was promoted through their Have Your Say
page and social media pages.
Featuring a mix of open-ended, multiple choice and Likert Scale type questions, the survey attracted 168 responses (82.4%) from residents within
Noosa Shire and 36 (17.6%) from other areas.
Key demographic results from the survey such as age, gender and home ownership were compared against the 2021 Australian census. The
results largely matched the demographic profile of Noosa, though there was a particularly strong skew in age towards those aged 55 and over.
Response summary
75.7% of respondents identified as living in the Eastern Beaches area
Of respondents living in the Eastern Beaches area, 57.8% identified as homeowners.
80.9% of respondents expressed overall support for an EBFR plan
683 written responses were provided on the 10 action areas
38.7% respondents identified as members of a community organisation
Page 14
When asked how well the draft plan identified the environmental values important to them, 62.5% of respondents chose
’Well’ or ‘Very well’
7.1. Who responded
Respondents by age, gender and suburb:
Respondents were asked to identify their age group, gender identify and the suburb they live in.
Of the 204 people who took part in the survey, 169 provided a response to this question (82.8%).
Age 18-24 Gender
1.8% 1.8% 4.7%
7.7% 25-34
Male
35-44
35.5%
17.2% 47.9% Female
45-54
47.3%
36.1% 55-64 Prefer not to
say
65+
Page 15
Suburbs: Top 10
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%
Peregian Beach 24.7%
Sunrise Beach 22.9%
Sunshine Beach 16.3%
Marcus Beach 6.6%
Tewantin 6.6%
Castaways Beach 4.8%
Noosaville 4.2%
Noosa Heads 2.4%
Doonan 1.8%
Peregian Springs 1.8%
Community groups and organisations:
Respondents were asked to identify whether they belong to a local community group or organisation.
Of the 204 people who took part in the survey, 169 provided a response to this question (82.8%).
Findings:
• 38.7% of respondents identified as belonging to a local group or organisation
• The groups and organisations most frequently identified were:
Page 16
- Coolum and North Shore Coast Care
- Eastern Beaches Protection Association
- Marcus Beach Bushcare Association
- Peregian Beach Community Association
- Sunshine Beach SLSC
Member of local community
group/organisation
17.2%
38.7% Yes
No
No response
44.1%
By living situation:
Respondents were asked to identify their living situation by location (Eastern Beaches, Noosa Shire, Broader Sunshine Coast, or Outside Sunshine
Coast) and home ownership (homeowner or resident).
Of the 204 people who took part in the survey, 169 provided a response to this question.
Findings:
• 164 people (80.4%) identified as being from the Eastern Beaches area or elsewhere in Noosa Shire
• Of those 164 people, 59.2% were also homeowners
Page 17
Living situation
50%
43.8%
40%
32.0%
30%
20% 15.4%
10% 5.9%
2.4%
0.6%
0%
Homeowner in the Resident in the Homeowner in the Resident in the Resident or Resident or
Eastern Beaches Eastern Beaches Noosa Shire area Noosa Shire area homeowner in the homeowner outside
area area broader Sunshine of the broader
Coast region Sunshine Coast
region
Page 18
7.2. Community values
Overall support for implementation:
Supports an EBFR plan
Analysis was conducted to identify how many respondents supported the
implementation of a Noosa Eastern Beaches Foreshore Management (EBFR) plan.
Of the 204 respondents to the survey, 165 (80.9%) demonstrated overall support 19.1%
for an EBFR plan. Yes
This number includes respondents that raised suggestions or concerns but were still No
80.9%
supportive of having an EBFR plan.
Analysis was conducted to identify how many respondents supported the implementation of a Noosa Eastern Beaches Foreshore Management
(EBFR) plan.
Of the 204 respondents to the survey, 165 (80.9%) demonstrated overall support for an EBFR plan.
This number includes respondents that raised suggestions or concerns but were still supportive of having an EBFR plan.
Responses shared by those who support an EBFR plan included:
• “Yes-all vitally important and as stated we would 100% support greater resources are applied to help manage these plans.”
• “No, again long overdue but hopefully will mitigate any future disasters and the long term impact on the natural environment.”
• “I like the actions and agree things change and need to be addressed. However, I am wary when it gets wrapped up in the term climate change
where time and energy are wasted on things that cannot be controlled and may not even be happening or the reason for it.”
39 respondents (23.1%) did not support an EBFR plan. Responses shared by those who did not support an EBFR plan included:
Page 19
• “As before - "funding" comes AFTER an objective and verified actual need for this activity - not before. As before - "climate change" needs
to be reworded to specify what is meant, with verified genuine references.”
• “Council has done nothing to manage weed infestation or the dying pandanus trees that were infected by pests. These dunes are in good
condition and nothing needs to be done other than dealing with the erosion that storm water causes.”
• “Council is ignoring the real cause of erosion, treated sewage and untreated stormwater. Council staff that want to spend $400k on
compliance of encroachment should be ashamed of themselves. They don’t care about our beaches.”
Environmental values:
Respondents were asked to rate how well the draft plan identifies the environmental values that are important to them on a scale of 1-5, with 1
being not very well and 5 being very well.
Of the 204 people who took part in the survey, 160 provided a response to this question (78.4%).
Findings:
• The average rating across all responses was 3.71
• Only 22 respondents (13.8%) did not think the draft plan identified the environmental values that were important to them (1-2 rating)
• 69 homeowners and 49 residents in the Eastern Beaches area responded to this question, giving average ratings of 3.77 and 3.49
respectively (see next page)
How well does the draft plan identify the environmental values
that are important to you?
60
40
20 38 51 49
0 14 8
1 = Not very 2 3 4 5 = Very well
well
Average rating = 3.71
Page 20
Environmental values (by living situation):
This data was also compared to the living situation of respondents:
*Only 4 respondents who identified as a resident or homeowner in the broader Sunshine Coast region and 1 respondent who identified as a resident or homeowner outside of the
broader Sunshine Coast region responded to this question. Due to the low response rate, these have been excluded.
Environmental values: Homeowner in the Environmental values: Resident in the
Eastern Beaches area Eastern Beaches area
30 30
20 20
10 19 25 19 10
14 12 14
0 4 2 0 7 2
1 = Not 2 3 4 5 = Very 1 = Not 2 3 4 5 = Very
very well well very well well
Average rating = 3.77 Average rating = 3.49
Environmental values: Homeowner in the Environmental values: Resident in the Noosa
Noosa Shire area Shire area
30 30
20 20
10 10
0 2 4 4 8 8 0 1 1 4 4
0
1 = Not 2 3 4 5 = Very 1 = Not 2 3 4 5 = Very
very well well very well well
Average rating = 3.62 Average rating = 4
Page 21
7.3. Action Areas
For each of the 10 action areas in the management plan, respondents were able to provide a written response to the question “Noting the scope
of this draft Plan, is there anything you feel is missing or overlooked in the proposed actions for this theme?”
Across the 204 survey respondent, there were a total of 683 provided responses across the 10 action areas. This figure does not include non-
descript responses (e.g., no, n/a, all good), which were excluded from analysis.
Across the 204 survey respondent, there were a total of 683 provided responses across the 10 action areas. This figure does not include non-
descript responses (e.g., no, n/a, all good), which were excluded from analysis.
Action areas - total responses
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
1: Climate change 80
2: Ecology 80
3: Social values 75
4: Partnerships 58
Action area
5: Community Education 74
6: Encroachments 90
7: Public access and recreation 79
8: Incidents and disaster management 55
9: Coastal creeks and stormwater 65
10: Foreshore tenure and gazettal 27
Page 22
7.4. Identified themes
Thematic analysis was used to identify reoccurring themes and patterns that emerged for each of the 10 action areas. The following graphs show
the themes identified for each action area and the percentage of responses related to them.
Climate change Partnerships Community Ecology Weed
Monitoring
enagement management
Land owners Littering and
Funding
waste
Business & 9.2% management
19.6% 23.2% 19.4%
25.8% development Fauna and flora
Dunes and 12.3% 33.8%
8.9% vegetation Clarity on
12.9%
12.9% actions 21.5% Monitoring and
17.9% Mitigation
Local groups & mapping
30.4% 21.0% 23.1%
organisations
General
General 8.1% General
Social values Viewpoints Community education Behaviour Encroachments Enforcement
change
4.1% Awareness / 4.5% Community as
Indigenous
engagement education a partner
13.7% 8.3% 12.5% 15.3%
Communication 18.0% Fire mitigation
Tourism 36.0%
37.0% tools & tactics
11.1% 11.2%
31.5% 27.8%
Real estate & Informal
Design and
short term pathways /
infrastructure 25.0% 21.3%
13.7% rentals historic use
Educate dog 9.0% Supports
General
owners actions
Page 23
Public access and recreation Coastal creeks and stormwater Non-specific responses that did not align
Infrastructure/s
with a theme (e.g., someone expressing their
ignage overall view on the plan and action areas)
Water quality were identified as general. Further detail on
Access the themes can be found from 7.5 onwards.
7.1% 13.1% 20.0% Assessment
21.4% 25.0%
Dog areas Creek erosion
20.2% 18.8% 7.5%
38.1% Burgess Creek
Visitors
22.5% 6.3% Infrastructure
General
General
Incidents and disaster Foreshore tenure and gazettal
management
Fire
8.5% Greater
Coastal hazards specificity
30.0% 30.0%
13.6% 27.1% Pontoons
Taking action
Role of council
22.0% 10.2%
Community 40.0%
18.6%
cleanup General
General
Page 24
7.5. Action area 1: Climate change
Respondents were asked to provide a written response on whether there was anything missing or overlooked in the proposed actions for climate
change.
Of the 204 people who took part in the survey, 80 provided a response to this question (39.2%).
• 49 of these responses (61.3%) related to the climate change action area, and 31 related to other action areas
• There were an additional 4 responses shared across other action areas that related to climate change
Relevant responses were analysed to identify the below key themes:
Theme Key comments include:
Monitoring “Perhaps a specific study on the degradation and regeneration of the foredunes area after large weather events. Also the
impact of out of control dogs in off leash sections of the fore dunes.”
“Active 3 monthly minimum GPS based aerial observations of coastal erosion impact of climate change and tailored
appropriate response action”
Funding “Most important is having financial reserves for emergency situations eg. By the time action was budgeted for, the
styrofoam was distributed everywhere and broken up into tiny balls.”
“Funding? Hope that the Budget is able to handle all the suggestions for extra Environment support & management.”
Dunes and “Very much interested in bush regeneration, vegetation rehab and dune rebuilding.”
vegetation
“Would like to know more about what these management statements mean in terms of actual actions and impacts on
residents as the climate change umbrella seems to be a bit of a catch all without acknowledging the health of the dunes in
the context of the urban environment. The dunes and vegetation in Peregian are in good health (minus the weeds) looking
at aerial photos.”
Page 25
General “It is about climate change adaptation not mitigation. Mitigation refers to reduced carbon emissions.”
“Experiment? Use tried and tested, please don't experiment on our beautiful beaches.”
7.6. Action area 2: Ecology
Respondents were asked to provide a written response on whether there was anything missing or overlooked in the proposed actions for ecology.
Of the 204 people who took part in the survey, 80 provided a response to this question (39.2%).
• 60 of these responses (75%) related to the climate change action area, and 20 related to other action areas
• There were an additional 51 responses shared across other action areas that related to ecology
Relevant responses were analysed to identify the below key themes:
Theme Key comments include:
Weeds “Weed management plans are essential in ensuring the native coastal vegetation dominates not introduced species like the
glory lily, asparagus ferns and cotton trees.”
“Other pests species could also be included with the glory lilly eg, Singapore daisy, pepper trees, asparagus fern.”
Littering and “Become a plastic free shire. Stop all use of plastics - including in super markets ie. nothing wrapped in plastic."
waste management
“Better signage and enforcement of dog free area of the beach. Enforcing laws about picking up after your dog. There is a
big problem with people not picking up after their pets and/or leaving bags on the beach and walkways.”
Page 26
Fauna and flora ”Work with residents/STA owners about need to retain native vegetation and sand dunes to reduce erosion.“
“Investigate the implementation of resilience features within the total scope of dune management to determine if such
features can assist the natural environment withstand climate change effects (stormwater out, ocean coming in) to improve
overall benefits of dunes and beaches for flora fauna and humans with cotton towels and foam boards and fishing rods."
Monitoring and “As well as vegetation and animals, soil properties (eg porosity, carbon, pH, salinity, moisture) should also be monitored
mapping periodically (eg every 5 years with the vegetation) as soil properties can be impacted by climate change - thus
measurements may assist in mapping/predictions for how to best revegetate an area”
“Map all private infrastructure and tree clearing and assess its impact on the ecological function of the foreshore, including
erosion impacts and future severe weather events.“
General “An improvement"
“These all look good but are general statements, not specific actions.”
7.7. Action area 3: Social values
Respondents were asked to provide a written response on whether there was anything missing or overlooked in the proposed actions for social
values.
Of the 204 people who took part in the survey, 75 provided a response to this question (36.8%).
• 56 of these responses (74.7%) related to the social values action area, and 19 related to other action areas.
• There were an additional 16 responses shared across other action areas that related to social values.
Page 27
Relevant responses were analysed to identify the below key themes.
Theme Key comments include:
Viewpoints “Would not spend too much on providing additional viewing points, just sufficient to prevent environmental damage by
those that seek out the views.”
“Identify and formalise beach access points and surf viewing points while protecting all back dune and foredune vegetation
from impacts associated with access.”
Indigenous “Kabi Kabi should be consulted with and heavily involved not invited. Guidance has been offered for years with regards to
engagement control burning and other management techniques used by traditional land owners and have been ignored.”
“I agree that it is essential to have Kabi Kabi work in partnership with council especially to incorporate cultural heritage
values in Foreshore management.”
Design and “Increase parking alongside beach access, but not in local streets. Do NOT repeat the front-in parking spaces such as at
infrastructure Castaways which is not easily usable for water craft carried on car roof racks.”
“Upgrade pedestrian bridge pathway from Orient Drive to tunnel access (access 38) Foot traffic has increased substantially
over the last 2 years and pathway needs redesign to accommodate bidirectional traffic, walkers carrying boards- bulky
items. Poorly maintained surrounding bush ecosystem also needs some thought.“
Tourism “The process around identification of viewpoints and determination of environmental sustainability is not specified. The
references around improving access for visitors is subject to future budget! Is this code for shut down access points at our
determination without any budget commitment to what will be provided for visitors instead. Not great for encouraging
visitors which sustains our local businesses.“
”Review the number of approvals of STA which are having huge social impact of lifestyle for residents in
the eastern beaches areas. Noise, parking, traffic and over tourism is now a constant issue and is impacting on the social
fabric & dynamics of what was once a peaceful beachside area living in harmony with the natural environment.”
Page 28
7.8. Action area 4: Partnership
Respondents were asked to provide a written response on whether there was anything missing or overlooked in the proposed actions
for partnerships.
Of the 204 people who took part in the survey, 58 provided a response to this question (28.4%).
• 54 of these responses (93.1%) related to the partnerships action area, and 4 related to other action areas.
• There were an additional 29 responses shared across other action areas that related to partnerships
Relevant responses were analysed to identify the below key themes:
Theme Key comments include:
Community “Nominated Council contact with clearly identified email pathway for community engagement and notification of concern,
particularly when erosion issues are progressing and have not been acted upon.”
“…history would suggest a lack of proper consultation and realistic timeframes for responses from stakeholders.”
Land owners “Better engagement with local property owners would be a good start and not as much emphasis placed on some of the
extreme views of associations that purport to provide the views of local ratepayers but restrict who can become
members eg only those supported by the existing association committee!”
“Your biggest partners will be people living locally to the beach. There is no doubt they will turn out to litter picking
weekends, weeding etc if organised and mobilised.”
Business “As long as any partnerships with business or developers benefit the environment instead of them.”
and development
“Ban on any commercial development in any partnership."
Local groups “Partnerships with schools to teach about sustainability. Involvement of schools with groups like Tangaroa Blue on beach
and organisations clean ups and sorting rubbish for data collection. Types and origins of plastic waste.”
“Work with National parks to implement control burning programme now before next elnino run of natural and inevitable
dry seasons.”
Page 29
Clarity on actions “Don’t think this tells me anything. What sort of partnerships?”
“Clarify and give some examples of previous successful partner projects and collaborations‚ Are these going to be financial
partnerships or sponsorships or in kind collaborations?”
General “No - however history would suggest a lack of proper consultation and realistic timeframes for responses
from stakeholders.”
“Ban on any commercial development in any partnership.”
7.9. Action area 5: Community education
Respondents were asked to provide a written response on whether there was anything missing or overlooked in the proposed actions
for community education.
Of the 204 people who took part in the survey, 74 provided a response to this question (36.3%).
• 57 (77%) of these responses related to the climate change action area, 14 related to other action areas
• There were an additional 22 responses shared across other action areas that related to community education
Relevant responses were analysed to identify the below key themes:
Theme Key comments include:
Behaviour Change “Engage local schools in regular practical education around looking after our beaches and biosphere, contributing to
sustainable practices and environmental preservation.”
“Make sure you mention turtles. Safe disposal of fishing items - bait bags, lines etc. Information on seas snakes and presence
of snakes in dunes and bushland. Why you should stay off the dunes. Bonfires on the beach - rules, safety.”
Page 30
Awareness “Engage local schools in regular practical education around looking after our beaches and biosphere, contributing to
and education sustainable practices and environmental preservation.“
“Provide guidelines and information to real estate agencies about access and inclusions for bordering properties being
advertised.“
“Appropriate wording of communications. At present, communications are accusatory and at times defamatory.”
Educate dog owners “Education of dog owners of the impact of permitting dog faeces to remain on the beach and approaches.”
“When providing information to residents and visitors, include locations for: A) patrolled beach areas / times and B) beach
access points where "no dogs are allowed."
Communication tools “Local laws policing is currently totally inadequate and needs much greater funding. Beach signage is woeful. Some of the
and tactics information is wrong and none of the signage is large enough or sufficiently clear.”
“Communication may be in the form of targeted ads on social media or online (eg Facebook/Instagram/Tiktok/TV/email).
Physical communication may be given twice a year, not regularly to reduce waste.“
“Perhaps some well designed, appealing signs posted at beaches explaining the flora and fauna to be found in that
particular location and education Re the importance of sand dunes ( do not tramp on them). A better way to educate the
general public than letterbox drops.”
Real estate / short term “Provide guidelines and information to real estate agencies about access and inclusions for bordering properties being
rentals advertised.”
“Regarding short term rentals - involve them in the rehabilitation of the dunes - tree planting, spinifex planting, turtle
cleanup.”
7.10. Action area 6: Encroachments
Respondents were asked to provide a written response on whether there was anything missing or overlooked in the proposed actions for
encroachments.
Of the 204 people who took part in the survey, 90 provided a response to this question (44.1%).
Page 31
• 81 (90%) of these responses related to the climate change action area, and 7 related to other action areas
• There were an additional 21 responses shared across other action areas that related to encroachments
Relevant responses were analysed to identify the below key themes:
Theme Key comments include:
Enforcement “This is a big issue and harsh fines and timeframes to reinstate the bush back to its natural habitat asap should be a
priority. No one should be exempt from keeping their garden within its boundary lines. North Sunshine has a good
example of someone creating a garden of incredible size in the dunes.”
“Fines for existing and new encroachments to fund revegetation and fire mitigation."
Community as a “Be aware of the council's limited capacity and historical negligence in relation to caring for all bushland areas and
partner encourage the responsible and considered engagement by private property owners in caring for and maintaining land
adjoining their property. Recognise that property owners are highly motivated to engage in this process because the
safety of their personal and property safety is dependent on it."
“Negotiation and cooperation with those who are encroaching on public land, may bring about a more satisfactory
result. Some landowners backing onto the foreshore maybe willing to restore the natural state of the foreshore reserve
themselves."
Fire mitigation “Glad that fire risk mitigation is being considered, I think some of the encroachments might have been done with fire
mitigation in mind."
“Re fire risk, my first suggestion about signage at beach accesses prohibiting beach fires at night."
Informal "Stop the illegal pathways from beachfront houses."
pathways/historic use
“The definition of encroachment is clearly the issue. Historic access paths from beach side properties seems to be on the
hit list when there are much more important ecological issues. Paths to the beach have many benefits for firefighters,
residents, (eg. access to assist in weed reduction) (evacuation from fire). Very disappointed if that is what this
Page 32
encroachment policy is about. Not sure how it is relevant to the CHAP which is where this plan is supposed to be driven
from. If it is about illegal structures on the foreshore by all means use the existing council laws to remove them."
General "There is so much delay with these strategies. This is all talk and development and not taking action on immediate
threats."
"Relate the encroachment targets with the local town plan & its objectives."
7.11. Action area 7: Public access and recreation
Respondents were asked to provide a written response on whether there was anything missing or overlooked in the proposed actions for public
access and recreation.
Of the 204 people who took part in the survey, 79 provided a response to this question (38.7%).
• 64 (81%) of these responses related to the climate change action area, and 15 related to other action areas
• There were an additional 23 responses shared across other action areas that related to public access and recreation
Relevant responses were analysed to identify the below key themes:
Theme Key comments include:
Infrastructure / “User facilities should be common across all access points where viable eg showers."
signage
“Yes and signage ocean side on dunes to make people aware they should not be on the dunes (or their animals) during
November to May for turtle nesting season and fines do apply for failing to comply. The beach access signage is helpful
but no one reads them - they must be signs on the dunes ocean side to deter them from walking through the access and
straight up onto the dunes or from the beach up to the dunes.”
Access “I do hope that the review of existing beach accesses will result in a decision to remove the spaced wooden slats which
were installed by Noosa Council to accesses 60 to 67 when South Peregian was transferred from Maroochy Council.
These wooden slats are difficult to walk on, have caused minor foot injuries and have prevented access to the beach. They
perform no useful purpose and pose an injury threat and should be removed."
Page 33
“Enlarge platform at Sunrise beach to allow wheelchair access. Could also book for a wedding. I am very impressed with
Noosa National Park accessibility at Hastings St end. Perhaps wheelchair access at main beach?”
Dog areas "Make sure dogs are forbidden on the current no dog sections. Do not give in to pressure from dog owners. Turtles nest
on these beaches and dunes and need our protection from predators including dogs."
"Please change access 37 to include it as part of the off leash dog friendly area stretching to access 43? Many many
many sunrise locals support our local Chalet and Co and attend with our dogs in tow. This is definitely supported by many
locals who have already petitioned for it."
Visitors "This seems very comprehensive. However from my experiences over the last year, residents and visitors are ignoring
signage and the "educational" approach. They are blatantly breaking the rules. It is time for enforcement of Local Laws.
This may need considerable more resources over a period of time. But it will be worth it. This place is our home!"
"Provision and/or limitation of transport aspects for the beaches. An example would be to make one of the car parks at
Peregian Beach permit holders only and make permits available to residents of Noosa Shire. Once again, enforcement
would be critical. Another consideration could be ceasing marketing for tourism to Noosa Shire. Visitors are already
causing major social and traffic problems. Perhaps the time has come to limit visitation."
General "No, although this is long overdue, the end result should be a positive outcome for all and also for preserving the natural
dunal systems."
"More of the same- some sound ideas over done."
7.12. Action area 8: Incidents and disaster management
Respondents were asked to provide a written response on whether there was anything missing or overlooked in the proposed actions for incidents
and disaster management.
Of the 204 people who took part in the survey, 55 provided a response to this question (27%).
• 52 (94.5%) of these responses related to the climate change action area, and 3 related to other action areas
Page 34
• There were an additional 10 responses shared across other action areas that related to incidents and disaster management
Relevant responses were analysed to identify the below key themes:
Theme Key comments include:
Fire "Ensure the preservation of informal access, which proved vital in extinguishing spot fires in the direct aftermath of the
Peregian fires.”
“Talk to QPWS about providing Rural Firefighters with unlimited free beach access: we're the ones putting our lives at
risk driving fire trucks around when disasters strike - we should not have to pay to use these areas when there's no fire on,
because we need to learn the lay of the land while it's *not* an emergency.”
“Fire breaks every where along the beaches.“
Coastal hazards “Better support and collaborate with the community to facilitate local stormwater debris cleanup. Debris come from land
(stormwater) and ocean (marine) why do you keep missing this point?”
“Surf Clubs and lifeguards conduct rescues up and down these beaches. After unusual weather events and King tides, we
often can not travel down sections of the beach which can impact on our ability to conduct rescues in a timely manner.
Please include this type of incident in your planning.“
Pontoons “Ensure pontoons are not made with polystyrene. All pontoons are registered and if flooded out to the ocean, then the
owners can be fined. This needs state government support.”
Role of council “As noted previously, nomination of a Council Coastal liaison officer with identified pathways and action obligations.”
“There are many locals who happily assist with collaborative community clean ups but often unsure of what they are
allowed to do! So some more information over time!“
General "What evidence is there that this would have any positive effect on the area."
"This plan needs to be replicated in Noosa National Park, particularly Alexandria Bay."
Page 35
7.13. Action area 9: Coastal creeks and stormwater
Respondents were asked to provide a written response on whether there was anything missing or overlooked in the proposed actions for coastal
creeks and stormwater.
Of the 204 people who took part in the survey, 65 provided a response to this question (31.9%).
• 60 of these responses (92.3%) related to the coastal creeks and stormwater action area, and 5 related to other action areas
• There were an additional 29 responses shared across other action areas that related to coastal creeks and stormwater
Relevant responses were analysed to identify the below key themes:
Theme Key comments include:
Water quality “Assess the quality of all stormwater at intervals throughout the year and make the results readily available to the public."
“Very good points. Kabi Kabi are very interested in water quality assessments, very important to have Kabi Kabi involved
and resourced to be involved."
Burgess Creek “Burgess Creek really needs to be fixed. I cannot believe that all the run off is allowed. At the very least it looks terrible
and it is toxic, you can't go in that water and sometimes you cannot even cross it on the beach. That pollution then travels
north and south to where people are swimming. And what is it doing to marine life? What if people catch and eat fish
(from the open beach) that have been in that water?"
"I would imagine that improved water quality at Burger Creek stems from the occasional overflow from the sewage plant
when working at full capacity, there is no mention of enlarging this facility, address the problem at the head, rather than
the tail. See that storm water is redirected into storm water outlets at street level rather than directly onto the dunes."
Page 36
Infrastructure "Scope, budget and implement the installation of grates or system that sieve all water before discharge into the ocean or
creeks."
"Local streets/roads need better curb and guttering, and much improved stormwater channeling/runoff, away from the
foreshores."
Assessment "Include regular evaluation of the efficacy of actual implementation actions so they can be modified if ineffective
quickly."
“Encourage all local residents to monitor the storm water drains in the nearby inland streets to the west of the ocean -
often the grids are covered by old newspapers and junk mail that residents don't pick up."
Creek erosion "Investigate stormwater outfalls for potential to produce landslips or rapid erosion e.g. Sunrise Beach incidents."
"Burgess Creek gets all the attention, but each of the creeks that enter the beach area are a cause of erosion during
storm events. At beach access 27, the storm water caused enormous erosion last year and the beach had to be rebuilt by
bulldozer. Storm water in the creeks are a bigger source of erosion than anything else mentioned in this review."
General "Some of these principles are not within council responsibilities eg managing river mouth alignment."
"This should be action number one. Without this nothing else really works."
7.14. Action area 10: Foreshore tenure and gazettal
Respondents were asked to provide a written response on whether there was anything missing or overlooked in the proposed actions for
foreshore tenure and gazettal.
Of the 204 people who took part in the survey, 27 provided a response to this question (13.2%).
• 9 (33.3%) of these responses related to the foreshore tenure and gazettal action area, and 18 related to other action areas
Page 37
Relevant responses were analysed to identify the below key themes:
Theme Key comments include:
Specificity “Yes clarity around the purpose here. Much of the language alludes to locking up for conservation without consideration
of the urban nature of the foreshore and associated recreational uses.”
“Not sure what this means. Land acquisitions buy hacks, conservation covenants for neighbouring private properties?
What is the intent and action more specifically please?”
Actions “Needs to probably be translated into actions, not just exploration.”
“When all is said and done, more is said than done.”
Page 38
8. Appendix 2: Analysis of roundtable outcomes
Background
Articulous facilitated a series of community roundtables to facilitate feedback on the actions outlined in the EBFR plan.
There were three events held:
• A face-to-face roundtable on March 7;
• An online roundtable on March 13; and
• A face-to-face roundtable on March 28.
Objectives
At the beginning of each roundtable, Council gave a presentation to participants on the background of the plan. The facilitator then confirmed
agreement from participants on the proposed agenda items and the scope of the discussions.
The structure of the roundtable discussions was aligned with the community survey, with participants encouraged to provide ideas or insights on the
10 action areas in the EBFR management plan.
Attendees
An expression of interest (EOI) process was used to find a mix of stakeholders and community members to attend roundtable discussions.
Identified stakeholders were directly contacted through email and directly invited to complete an online EOI form. Noosa Council also used their
social media and web channels to promote the roundtables and encourage community members to submit their interest.
There was a total of 29 attendees across the 3 roundtable sessions.
8.1. Who attended
By demographics:
• All attendees were aged 41 or older.
• 53.8% were male and 38.5% were female.
• 52.1% identified as residents or homeowners in the Eastern Beaches Area.
• 30.8% identified their suburb as Peregian beach, making it the most strongly represented area at the roundtables.
Page 39
• This was followed by Sunrise Beach, Sunshine Beach and Tewantin, each represented by 15.4% of attendees.
Age Living situation
30% 27.1%
25.0% 25.0%
41-50
20% 16.7%
19.2% 15.4% 51-60
10% 6.3%
23.1%
61-75 0%
42.3% Resident in EB Homeowner in EB Homeowner in Resident in Noosa Resident or
(Eastern Beaches) area Noosa Shire Shire homeowner in
75 years area the broader
and over Sunshine Coast
region
By community group or organisation:
Member of local community
• 42.3% of respondents identified as belonging to a local group or organisation.
• It is worth noting there were people who identified themselves at the roundtables as group/organisation
belonging to a group or organisation, but not in the EOI form.
• The groups and organisations identified by attendees through the EOI process were:
- Comet Park Bushcare Bushland Care
- Coolum & North Shore Coast Care
- Eastern Beaches Bushcare collaborative 42.3% Yes
- Eastern Beaches Protection Association
- Natural area contractors 57.7% No
- Noosa and District Landcare
- Noosa Biosphere
- Noosa Bush Beach and Creek Care
- Noosa Heads SLSC
- Noosa Integrated Catchment Association
Page 40
- Noosa Parks Association
- Non-coastal bushcare groups
- Peregian Beach Community Association
- Peregian Family and Friends Association
- Sunshine Beach Surf Club
- Surfrider Foundation Australia
- Zero Emissions Noosa
8.2. Action Areas
Participant feedback was recorded through worksheets, online engagement tools (Menti) and typed notes from the facilitators. This feedback was
then collated and analysed to identify how many comments were shared on each of the action areas.
Action area Key feedback / opportunities
Climate change Feedback
• 6.1 does not recognise the urban areas
• Erosion mapping too aggressive
Opportunities
• Noosa as a fast moving, flexible innovator of environmental policy
• Support ZEN
• Support push for no new coal + gas in Australia
• Support bushland care programs to help restore native vegetation in at-risk areas
Ecology Feedback
• Maintenance of foreshore important for other reasons such as tourism
• Consider suburbs in extent of restoration
Opportunities
• Community groups work with contractors to manage winds
• Integrate with QLD Government land management & litter control
• Burning on dune system for propagation in August
• Ongoing community buy in
Page 41
Social values Feedback
• Historic informal access part of the fabric and culture of beachside living in Noosa
• Environment at forefront of discussion
• Cutting down trees, encroachment & soil disturbance in Kabi Kabi cultural landscape artefact areas / heritage
values breaches Queensland Government Aboriginal Heritage Act 2003
Opportunities
• Responsibility of beachfront landowners legislated
Partnerships Feedback
• Represent the broader community and minority interests, including beach front owners
Opportunities
• Arts festivals promote environmental volunteering (e.g., Floating Lord and Noosa Surf Festival)
• Engage/partner with surf clubs on operational matters, mitigation opportunities, impact from use, access and
programs
• Engage community organisations in the planning process
• Work with key stakeholders such as university, health land and water and QWALC
• Partnership between Council and community to undertake co-management actions
Community Feedback
education • Need burning on dune system for propagation in August
• Maintaining foreshore important for other reasons such as tourism
• Move from information delivery to participation
Opportunities
• Need burning on dune system for propagation in August
• Community groups work with contractors to manage winds
• Integrate with QLD Government land management & litter control
• Maintaining foreshore for other reasons such as tourism
Encroachments Feedback
• Need burning on dune system for propagation in August
• Current communications on this negatively framed
• Further clarity needed on how encroachment is defined and boundaries
• Should be consistent standards with considerations to case-by-case flexibility
Page 42
Opportunities
• Work directly with Beachfront owners to implement policy
• Link encroachment policy to bushfire plan
• Look at parallel activities to assist Council in maintenance
Public access and Feedback
recreation • Informal accesses are not private
• Residents have invested in improvements to dunes
• Need to accommodate broader community access
• At high/king tides patrols are pushed onto dunes or lose access to patrol areas – consider best practice for
equipment on beach
Opportunities
• Charter between council & owners for management
• Flagged section of the beach for limited hours
• Patrols pushed onto dunes at high/king tides or lose access to patrol areas – look at better beach access and
best practice for equipment on beach
Incidents and Opportunities
disaster • AI could be used to assist with expanding environmental mitigation efforts
management • Proposal 13.4 to “better support marine debris clean up” should not be a separate exercise – integrate clean up
with rest of Foreshore management
Coastal creeks and Feedback
stormwater • Make developers more accountable for the impacts of storm water runoff on erosion and flooding
• Issues with Unitywater and creek quality / flow
• Testing and recording of water by Council is a positive step
• What are the future steps for ensuring recreational quality water
• Nutrient levels impacting ecosystems and changing vegetation types
Opportunities
• Clear water quality guidelines for creeks (particularly Burgess)
• Independent water quality testing that is externally funded, transparently organised and publicly available
• Use water sensitive design
• Harness local knowledge on local conditions
Page 43
• Specific management plan for Burgess Creek Foreshore Tenure Feedback and Gazettal • Clarity between reserves and foreshore as a whole
Page 44
9. Appendix 3: Pop-ups Background Noosa Council held pop-up events in high traffic locations across Noosa as means of engaging both the community and visitors on the plan. In addition to supporting engagement with a broader range of people in the Noosa community, they acted as a means of engaging hard to reach groups such as Noosa's younger population and visitors to the shire. Objectives The pop-ups were used to both gather feedback and educate the community on: • what the draft Management Plan is • why it is important for Noosa Shire • how they can provide feedback on the Management Plan (directing to the community survey) People engaged 13 pop-up events were held in February and March both in the Eastern Beaches area and the wider Noosa Shire region. Approximately 485 people were engaged across these events. Date Location People engaged 22 Feb Noosaville Library 30 25 Feb Cooroy Library 18 26 Feb Noosa Farmers Markets 73 28 Feb Victory Park, Lorikeet Dr Peregian Beach 35 2 Mar Tingara Cres, Sunrise Beach 44 4 Mar Pomona Markets 36 5 Mar Kin Kin Markets 15 9 Mar David Low Way, Castaways Beach, Beach access 40 20
Page 45
11 Mar Seaview Tce, Sunshine Beach, Beach access 27 48 12 Mar Noosa Marina Markets 42 15 Mar Peregian Esplanade Beach access 50 40 16 Mar Tristania Dr, Marcus Beach Beach access 47 47 19 Mar Peregian Beach Markets 36 + Action areas The Noosa Council team recorded key feedback heard during conversations with members of the public at these pop-up sessions. This feedback was analysed to identify how frequently each of the action areas were raised across the events. The ecology action area was raised at 12 of the 13 pop-up events. Specific feedback was not provided in relation to the foreshore gazettal & tenure action area. Specific sites Analysis also revealed the specific suburbs and sites in Noosa that were raised in relation to the plan • Boreen Point • Marcus Beach • Burgess Creek • Marcus Creek • Clay St Reserve • Mary River • Cooroobilla Lake • Morning Glory Drive • Cooroy • Noosa North Shore • Hilton Terrace • Peregian • Lake Doonella • Peregian Beach Action areas In keeping with the outcomes of other engagement activities, dogs, weeds and Burgess Creek emerged as major interest areas: • In relation to dogs, people specifically discussed dog waste, damage to environment, and presence outside of dog areas. • In relation to weeds, people specifically discussed management, education and community involvement • In relation to Burgess Creek, people specifically discussed water quality, infrastructure and erosion
Page 46
Action areas raised at pop-up events
10 Foreshore gazettal & tenure 0
9 Coastal creeks & stormwater 7
8 Incidents & disaster management 2
7 Public access & recreation 8
6 Encroachments 6
5 Community education 9
4 Partnerships 3
3 Social values 2
2 Ecology 12
1 Climate change 1
0 5 10 15
Action area Key feedback / opportunities
Climate change Feedback
• Coastal erosion not seen as advancing over the years
• Erosion mapping too aggressive
Opportunities
• Build artificial reefs/banks to create surf breaks
Ecology Feedback
• Address waste management along beaches (littering and dog waste)
• Need to protect current and future turtle nesting sites
• Off-leash dogs causing ecological damage to vegetation and dunes
• Consider the ecological significance of sites such as the wetlands
Opportunities
Page 47
• Encourage positive dog owner behaviour through education and increased signage, bins and dog bags
• Eradicate weeds and replace with native landscaping
• Improve education and mobilise community to assist with weeding/clean up efforts
Social values Feedback
• Swale behind dunes is a sacred birthing place
Opportunities
• Improve accessibility of beach facilities
• Improve parking, access and maintenance for beach access points
Partnerships Feedback
• Acknowledge role of foreshore neighbours in weed / land management
Opportunities
• Leverage large base of local volunteers
• Work with community to coordinate clean ups
Community Feedback
education • Dog owners require further education on off-leash spaces and waste management
• Community education on weeds
• Advertise bushcare events better
Opportunities
• Improve signage and education on beach access and care
• Reduce illegal camping through better promotion of legal camping areas
Encroachments Feedback
• Concern on ecological damage of encroachments and tree clearing
• Residents don’t want more development on foreshore
• Delay in addressing perceived as political
• Encroachments not an issue
Public access and Feedback
recreation • Better maintenance of beach facilities and access points
• Need more consistent pathways to beaches and viewing areas
Opportunities
Page 48
• Extend dog areas
• Improve accessibility for those with mobility issues, such as the elderly and people in wheelchairs
Incidents and Opportunities
disaster • Improve fire management
management • Bushland fire strategy
Coastal creeks and Feedback
stormwater • All coastal creeks require better management
• Burgess Creek raised as key concern
• Stormwater runoff and coastal creeks causing erosion
Opportunities
• Address water quality concerns at Burgess Creek
• Use wall to control Sunshine Creek mouth