Annual Report 2023-24

                                                                                                                                                         Our Shire
     Discover
     Located in South-East Queensland, Noosa Shire is
     situated at the northern tip of Queensland’s Sunshine
     Coast and it is approximately 120 kilometres north of
                                                                  It is the natural landscape that attracts visitors to Noosa
                                                                  Shire. The coastal landform of shallow lakes, river
                                                                  systems and coastal escarpment provide a stunning
                                                                                                                                Noosa Shire has held
                                                                                                                                UNESCO Biosphere
     Brisbane. Noosa Shire covers an area of 869.9 km²            backdrop to our community. Noosa Shire has a proud
     with more than 800 kilometres of roads and nearly            history of preserving its natural environment with 35%
     450 kilometres of bikeways. The region is bound by           of the Shire protected as either national park, reserve or



                                                                                                                                Reserve status since
     the Gympie local government area in the north and            conservation area.
     west, and the Sunshine Coast local government area
     in the south.                                                Since 2007, the Noosa Shire has held UNESCO




                                                                                                                                2007. It recognises
                                                                  Biosphere Reserve status. It recognises the ongoing
     Noosa Shire is home to more than 56,000 people. The          efforts of the Noosa community to manage the region’s
     region enjoys a sub-tropical climate, beautiful beaches,     land, waters and wildlife sustainably, in balance with its
     mountains and forests, which makes it one of Australia’s     urban population and visitors from across the globe.



                                                                                                                                the ongoing efforts of
18
     most desirable places to live, work and visit.               Together, with more than 700 biosphere reserves                                          19
                                                                  around the world, we are working towards the global
     The traditional owners and original custodians of the        sustainability goals of the Man and the Biosphere



                                                                                                                                the Noosa community
     land are the Kabi Kabi people.                               Program and Lima Action Plan.


     Noosa Shire is a growing residential and tourist area,




                                                                                                                                to manage the region’s
     with substantial rural, rural-residential and parkland
     areas. It is made up of 18 hinterland villages and 11
     coastal towns and has an economy that is diversifying
     beyond a thriving tourism industry. Noosa’s economy



                                                                                                                                land, waters and
     relies significantly on the health, professional services,
     tourism, retail and construction sectors. It is home to
     more than 7,000 businesses, predominately small and



                                                                                                                                wildlife sustainably.
     micro, including successful entrepreneurs and skilled
     business people.




                                                                                                                                                         Noosa Council Annual Report 23/24