2021-03-09 Planning & Environment Committee Meeting Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                     9 MARCH 2021


Finance
Currently the Noosa Trail Network has a Council operational budget of $120,000 per annum (both
labour and materials) per annum which is insufficient to maintain the trails to a high standard given
their 103km extent. The Masterplan calls for a rationalisation of the trail network with a greater
focus on quality rather than quantity. One of the key recommendations is to investigate funding
models to develop and maintain the trail network. One of the roles of the Noosa Trail Masterplan
Stakeholder Group is to investigate different funding models.
Risks & Opportunities
To make the Noosa Trail Network a ‘World Class’ attraction, the trail may need to be expanded to
showcase all of Noosa’s iconic destinations including coastal areas. There is a risk that expansion
of the trail network would increase Council and QPWS maintenance obligations. Any expansion of
the trail network would be contingent on a financial business case for funding for the ongoing
maintenance of the trail on National Park and Council land.
There is an opportunity to develop the Noosa Trail Network to a ‘World Class’ standard,
showcasing the Noosa Biosphere® key iconic destinations and attractions from the hinterland to
the coast. The Noosa Trail Masterplan Stakeholder Group has been discussing the possibility of
naming the trail as the ‘Noosa Biosphere® Trail’ for branding and marketing purposes. This would
generate greater commercial interest and provide a more robust business case for funding ongoing
trail maintenance on Council and QPWS land.
Consultation
External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder
To progress delivery of the Masterplan a Noosa Trail Masterplan Stakeholder Group has been
established to allow consideration of broad community interests to inform the development of a
more detail Masterplan. Stakeholder group meetings were held on November 2020 and February
2021. The first meeting was attended by members of the following organisations:
Bike On
Cooran Earth Rights
Cooroy Future Group
EcoTek
Kin Kin Bush Trails
Kin Kin Community Association
Noosa and District Landcare
Noosa Biosphere® Reserve Foundation
Noosa Museum
Noosa Trailblazers
Noosa Parks Association
Pomona & Districts Chamber of Commerce
Rideism
Spoke ’n’Trail
Sunshine Coast Area Trail and Endurance Riders
Tourism Noosa
Tri-adventures
Tropical Treks

In discussions with Kabi Kabi representatives, they have indicated a preference for formal
engagement when there is more detail around the Masterplan.
A public consultation process is recommended for the Trail 5 upgrade project and the Detail
Masterplan, once trail alignments and concept designs are finalised. This can be presented through
roadshows with support from stakeholder group members. A report will be provided to Council at
a later date.

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