2022-03-08 Planning & Environment Meeting Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                               8 MARCH 2022


4    NOOSA RVER STAKEHOLDER ADVISORY COMMITTEE UPDATE

Author          Environmental Services Manager (Acting), Shaun Walsh
                Environment and Sustainable Development Department

Index           ECM/ 63.08 Noosa River Stakeholder Advisory Committee

Attachments     1.    MSQ Noosa River Speed Review Consultation


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The report provides an update on activities accomplished in 2021 by the Noosa River
Stakeholder Advisory Committee (NRSAC) and outlines planned focus for 2022.

RECOMMENDATION
That Council note the report by the Environmental Services Manager (Acting) to the Planning &
Environment Committee Meeting dated 8 March 2022 providing an update on activities of the
Noosa River Stakeholder Advisory Committee, and note the planned focus for 2022.


REPORT
The Noosa River Stakeholder Advisory Committee (NRSAC) commenced in March 2021 and
have met on 14 April, 12 May, 23 June, 31 August, 20 October and 1 December 2021. A meeting
is scheduled for the 9 March 2022. The formal NRSAC meetings have been complemented by
numerous sub-committee meetings of community members.
ACTIVITIES IN 2021
The priority focus of NRSAC in 2021 has been vessel management in the Noosa River,
consistent with community feedback from previous published versions of the draft Noosa River
Plan. Vessel management activities accomplished in 2021 with the assistance of NRSAC
members and Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) include:
-    Comprehensive survey of vessel numbers and types on the Noosa River.
-    Mooring audit by MSQ that has revealed 30% capacity and improved monitoring of mooring
     conditions.
-    Speed and safety review by MSQ (more information below).
-    Preparation of recommendations for Mooring, Anchoring and Live Aboards on the Noosa
     River (more information below).
-    Plan of action for Frying Pan Clean Up. The encroachment plans have now been
     distributed to landowners and stakeholders for review.
-    Advocacy for an improved enforcement program over the Christmas holidays.
-    Involved as a key stakeholder in the Noosa River Non-Powered Water Sports Study that
     has recently commenced.
Other tasks not related to vessel management accomplished by the committee include:
-    Comprehensive involvement in the review of Environmental Values and Water Quality
     Objectives for the Noosa River by the Department of Environment and Science. This will
     fundamentally inform the maintenance of good water quality in Noosa River in the
     forthcoming period.
-    Submission in the Noosa Areas National Park, including the parks interface with the Noosa
     River, creek and lake system.

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