NOOSA BIOSECURITY PLAN 2026-2031 · Report

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                           6 OCTOBER 2026


7.2.2       NOOSA BIOSECURITY PLAN 2026-2031


Author             Environmental Services Manager, Ben Derrick
                   Environmental Services | Strategy and Environment
Index              21.26 Pest Management
Attachments        1.   Attachment 1 - Summary of submissions received from Biosecurity
                        Plan Community Engagement and responses
                   2.   Attachment 2 - Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2026-2031
                   3.   Attachment 3 - Biosecurity Plan 2026 - Risk Matrix


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report seeks Council endorsement of the Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2026-2031 following
completion of community consultation on the draft Plan. The Plan provides the strategic framework
for managing invasive plants and animals across Noosa Shire over the next five years and fulfils
Council's obligations under the Biosecurity Act 2014. It also supports delivery of the Noosa Corporate
Plan and Environment Strategy by addressing biosecurity risks to biodiversity, agricultural
productivity, community amenity, public safety and environmental assets.

The Plan adopts a risk-based and evidence-informed approach to invasive species management
across all land tenures. It establishes management priorities based on prevention, early detection
and rapid response, eradication and containment of priority species, protection of high-value
environmental assets, and community capacity building to support shared responsibility for
biosecurity outcomes.

At its meeting of June 18 2026, Council resolved to place the draft Plan on public consultation.
Consultation was subsequently undertaken with community members and key stakeholders. Five
submissions were received. Feedback generally supported the direction of the Plan and provided
recommendations relating to invasive species prioritisation, aquatic biosecurity management,
stakeholder partnerships, community education initiatives and document amendments. Relevant
feedback has been incorporated into the final Plan, strengthening the strategic and operational
content of the document.

No matters were raised during consultation that warrant changes to the strategic direction, objectives
or implementation framework of the Plan.

A risk and opportunity assessment undertaken in accordance with Council's Enterprise Risk and
Opportunity Management Framework identified that, without coordinated intervention, biosecurity
risks are predominantly rated High to Extreme. Implementation of the Plan is expected to significantly
reduce these risks, with most residual risks reducing to Medium and within Council's acceptable
tolerance levels. A residual High risk remains for the potential establishment of prohibited biosecurity
matter, including Red Imported Fire Ants, reflecting the significant consequences associated with
these incursions and the ongoing need for surveillance, preparedness and rapid response capability.

Endorsement of the Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2026-2031 will provide Council, land managers and the
broader community with a coordinated framework for managing biosecurity threats and protecting
Noosa's environmental, social and economic values.

The purpose of this report is to seek Council's endorsement of the Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2026-
2031.