NOOSA BIOSECURITY PLAN 2026-2031 · Report

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                        6 OCTOBER 2026


31 and respondents can be supplied with this information on request.

A Risk Matrix is provided as an attachment to this report. 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.


Human Rights
Human Rights Compatibility Statement
In developing this Report, the subject matter has been considered in accordance with the
requirements of the Queensland Human Rights Act 2019. It is considered that the subject matter
does not conflict with any human rights and supports a human rights approach to decision making
by Council. Council representatives will endeavour to act and make decisions under this report in a
manner that is compatible with human rights. This report should be read in conjunction with
Council’s Human Rights Policy.


Consultation
External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder
Council resolved to undertake community consultation on the Draft Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2026-
2031 to provide residents, landholders, community organisations and other stakeholders with an
opportunity to review and comment on the proposed strategic direction and management actions.

The draft Plan was made publicly available for comment from 13 July to 20 August through Council's
community YourSay platform and website. Stakeholders with an interest in biosecurity,
environmental management and natural resource management were also notified of the consultation
opportunity.

A total of five (5) submissions were received during the consultation period.

Submissions were received from community members and stakeholder organisations, including
representatives from community pest management and environmental groups.
Overall, the feedback demonstrated broad support for the objectives and strategic direction of the
draft Plan. Key matters raised through the consultation process included:
   •   recognition and management of additional locally significant invasive plant and animal
       species;
   •   opportunities to further strengthen support for community-led invasive species management
       programs;
   •   management of roaming domestic cats and associated impacts on native wildlife;
   •   enhancement of aquatic biosecurity management, monitoring and surveillance activities;
   •   opportunities to improve community education and awareness programs; and
   •   minor editorial and technical amendments to improve the accuracy and clarity of the
       document.
All submissions were reviewed and assessed by Council officers. Where appropriate, amendments
have been incorporated into the final Plan. These amendments include updates to species
prioritisation tables, inclusion of additional aquatic pest species, clarification of stakeholder