2016-12-12 General Committee - Attachment 1 to Item 6 - Biodiversity Assessment Report

                                                      Noosa Biodiversity Plan – Biodiversity Assessment Report




6        Noosa Shire Conservation Initiatives
There are a number of conservation management programs and initiatives that are currently underway
within Noosa Shire. These are focused on areas and species of key interest and importance to both the
local and the wider community. Some are founded in legislative requirement and are therefore driven
and overseen by Council. However, many initiatives are undertaken by the community and are reflective
of the unique relationship the residents of Noosa Shire have with their surrounding environment.

A summary of the key programs and initiatives is provided below, along with a series of case studies that
demonstrate how actions are being implemented on the ground.

         6.1   Co u n ci l E n v i ro n m en t al Pl an s & O p e r at i o n s
Noosa Council has an open and transparent approach to developing operational plans. Draft plans are
posted online, where community members can have their say. A number of plans have been developed
recently that address biodiversity issues within the shire. They are focused on key environmental values
and espouse Noosa Shire’s commitment to sustainability. These plans include:

     •    Carbon Reduction and Energy Efficiency Plan
     •    Community Jury – Management of the Noosa River
     •    Noosa Biosphere® Reserve Management Review
     •    Noosa Shire Koala Conservation Plan 2016 (adopted)
     •    Noosa Shire Pest Management Plan 2015 (adopted)
     •    Noosa Shire Bushland Reserve Fire Management Plan (adopted)

One of the Council’s primary environmental operations is the management council parks and natural
reserves. Noosa Council’s Parks and Natural Areas team manages over 160 Bushland Reserves across
a range of BVGs from the coast to the hinterland. The reserve system is an essential part of the shire
vegetation network and provides habitat and refuge for a range of mammal, bird and reptile species. The
Bushland Reserves are managed for weeds, feral animals, fire and recreational use and are highly valued
by the Noosa community.

 Koalas in Noosa Shire

 Within Noosa Shire, the Koala lives in a diverse landscape of natural, rural and urban settings. Visitors
 are often surprised to encounter koalas in close proximity to residential areas. Concerns have been
 expressed about the plight of koalas which are now listed as a threatened species, both under
 Queensland and Commonwealth legislation.

 In 2016, Noosa Council developed a Koala Conservation Plan with the aim of conserving and protecting
 this iconic species.




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