2014-01-20 Ordinary Meeting Agenda

ORDINARY MEETING AGENDA                                                   20 JANUARY 2014


6.3    NOOSA BISOPHERE RESERVE – REVIEW OF MANAGEMENT MODEL

DOCUMENT INFORMATION

File No          ECM/Subject/Noosa Biosphere Reserve

Author           Executive Officer, Executive Office



SUMMARY/PURPOSE

The purpose of this report is to recommend a process for the review of the management
structure of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve with the ultimate objective of maximising the levels of
community participation and the effectiveness of the Biosphere Reserve outcomes for the
community of Noosa.



BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Noosa Biosphere Limited is a council owned company responsible for advancing the
purpose of the Biosphere Reserve established by UNESCO in 2007.

Biosphere Reserves are considered sites of excellence, where new and optimal practices to
manage nature and human activities are tested and demonstrated. It is an inclusive process
where a community works together to achieve the ultimate environment in which they wish to live
and work.

Immediately prior to amalgamation into the Sunshine Coast Regional Council (SCRC), the former
Noosa Council designed their preferred management arrangements for the Noosa Biosphere
Reserve and this was ultimately implemented by SCRC. This model, in place for over 5 years, is
framed around an enhanced form of the former Noosa Council’s Community Sector Boards.

The new council has been elected on a platform of community participation in decision making
and the Biosphere Reserve management is seen to be a crucial vehicle to achieving this
outcome.

The new council has expressed a desire to review the current Noosa Biosphere Reserve
management model with the objective of more clearly defining and clarifying the vision,
objectives and preferred outcomes for the Biosphere Reserve; for broadening of the level of
community involvement; and an enhanced focus on the community’s aspirations for a sustainable
future.



PREVIOUS COUNCIL CONSIDERATION

Nil.




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