2021-01-18 GC - Item 2 - Attachment 2 - Consultation Report River Plan Version 1 (2018)

Further comments relating to DRAFT Noosa River Plan document in terms of structure, content and approach.

Submitter               Submission / Grounds of Submission

                            -   All of the above statements have merit, and work in conjunction with each other.
Private                     -   Noosa has always pride itself on its natural beauty and wildlife and for me that is paramount. I know you are only concerned with the river in this project
                                but I also have concerns for Laguna Bay, North Shore and the Noosa National Park.
                            -   I would prefer to see Noosa not a playground for the "noisy toys" but rather a getting back to nature.

                            -   The plan and vision lack connection to the Transport and Economic strategies.
Private                     -   The omission creates a conflict of vision and intent.
                            -   The vision should make explicit connection to the current use of the river system and the experiences of visitors and locals alike.

                            -   Most use and focus on the river is below the lakes, so focus / control of direct impacts should be here.
                            -   Maintenance of "whole of river" quality needs community engagement and perhaps promotion of the river at Lake Cootharaba and above would help with
                                both local and visitor appreciation of the river.
                            -   E.g. non-motor based activities, picnic and short walking trails at places already accessible be land (Harry's Hut, crossing on the Cooloola track up to
                                Rainbow Beach.

Private                     -   I'd suggest an independent audit of the finances and costings for any projects

Noosa Nth Shore             -   Communications:
Residents Association       -   Key to much of the success of implementation of the strategy will be clear and easily understood communication.
                            -   We suggest that a communications strategy be developed that targets both tourist and shire residents that would include e.g. on the Council website,
                                with rates notices or newspaper ads, etc the changes.
                            -   Hire Boat operators should have a standard handout to all hirers.
                            -   At all boat ramps, beach entries, etc there should be clearly visible and comprehensible signage.
                            -   At many locations there are different signs in different fonts in different condition of wear and tear.
                            -   Consideration should be given to the concept of a standardised cross-jurisdictional ladder board sign that captures the key messages needed to
                                effectively communicate to the public.

Private                     -   RESEARCH
                            -   Inviting more research concerning the Noosa River can only help improve outcomes in due course.
                            -   Collaboration with existing entities such as universities, environmental and sporting groups will undoubtedly reveal areas of concern or success which
                                can drive future policy and changes.

Noosa Nth Shore             -   Partnerships and projects:
Residents Association       -   What is clearly lacking with the so-called 'Bring Back the Fish Project' is any measurable benchmarks.
                            -   We see ratepayer monies by way of grants funding oyster bed trials that have no historical base case data by fish species and accepted targets that
                                would quantify the success or failure of the project.
                            -   Instead, the project will use current data collected as the baseline from which future results will be measured.
                            -   The Noosa River system has a long history of recreational and commercial fishing, for fin fish (mullet, bream, flathead, tailor, whiting) and prawns
                                (greasyback & school), but the basis of this project is a perception (not data or fact-based) that over recent decades, catches of some, if not many, of the
                                species have declined.
                            -   This is confusing given that both Queensland Agriculture & Fisheries and the Federal Fisheries Research and Development Corporation data suggest
                                that all popular species in the region are of sustainable levels?
                            -   The clear message here is that with this, or any project, quantifiable / qualifiable outcomes using empirical data must be a standard - not perception-
                                based as is the case with BBTF.

Private                     -   Yes, I think we need to protect our Noosa’s soul, that great balance of people, and those who contribute to the economy.
                            -   So with this said my suggestion is that feedback, submissions and consultations should be restricted to ratepayers or at least people who live in the
                                Shire?
                            -   I am seeing a lot of cowboys lately stirring the pot, especially with regards to jet skis, boating and critical of our way of life and the council, and they do
                                not all live here many are day trippers.
                            -   Hastings Street on the weekends are being taken over at night by intoxicated youths.
                            -   Many locals and some tourists have stopped going to Hastings Street because of this.
                            -   My point is we are being inundated with people who would love to live here but do not, yet they are close enough to be day travellers and therefore do
                                not stay in any of our accommodation outlets or barely eat at the restaurants, but yet they use up all that is on offer by day and night.
                            -   They seem to be the loudest voices at the moment and if you are consulting with all who give feedback and put no restrictions on who you listen to we
                                will be disadvantaged even more.
                            -   I think our soul will completely diminish and others are fearful of this.
                            -   Send out a survey to all ratepayers with the rates notices.
                            -   Some consideration needs to be given to this issue.
                            -   You only need to look at the Noosa community notice board to see who is the loudest.
                            -   It is a bit like affordable housing.
                            -   It is like if I wanted to live at Noosa Sound or along the river but I know I cannot afford to do so, so I go somewhere where I can afford to live this is how it
                                should be.
                            -   It is not a given right to be housed beyond ones means just so one can then afford booze or cigarettes and whatever is fancied.
                            -   My point is there are places one can go to get housing I have worked with the homeless and or with those who choose to be homeless for lifestyle.
                            -   Why should the ratepayers pay for those who want a particular lifestyle.
                            -   I am not saying the state should not provide housing for families who already live in the area because I believe they should, I also think share housing
                                should be looked at.
                            -   The same goes for catering to the masses in Noosa along the foreshore, should the ratepayers provide lifestyle for those who contribute nothing to the
                                economy?
                            -   I would like discussions around that issue.
                            -   We need to stop trying to be everything to everybody.
                            -   Otherwise, Noosa will just become another place to go to and nothing will separate Noosa from the rest, we will lose our uniqueness because any town
                                can be ordinary.

Noosa Waters                -   In regard to the Noosa Council’s call for comment on the draft NR plan we wish to make the following comments.
Residents Association       -   Of the approximate 1200 residents within the Noosa Waters estate, over half are fronting onto the canal (part of the Noosa River) and our membership
Inc                             are the largest homogenist group of users on the Noosa River.
                            -   Our members have a very keen interest in this plan.
                            -   In 2014 NC had a stated plan for the river and despite a much more focussed objective this seems to have produced in the way of results.
                            -   Given the proposed River Plan is a much broader vision, there is no reason to expect any better outcome.
                            -   After reviewing this Draft River Plan, our immediate reaction is that much of the plan is a duplication of items in other plans.
                            -   We would prefer to see the Noosa River plan only include targets that are not included elsewhere.
                            -   In particular, this should include measurable achievements, to be delivered within a clear timeframe.
                            -   A tightly focussed results orientated plan should assist in convincing the Queensland Government that devolution of powers will achieve results.


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