2020-07-16 SM Agenda - Item 1 - Attachment 2 - Final Noosa Plan 2020 Parts 1-3

 Noosa Shire has exceptionally high biodiversity and is a critical stronghold for a wide range of regional ecosystems that include many
 threatened species. The Noosa River is the healthiest river system in SEQ and provides an important recreational resource for residents
 and visitors. Around 55 per cent of the Shire is covered in native vegetation and over one third of the Shire is in protected reserves, the
 largest being the Cooloola section of the Great Sandy National Park.

 The Shire serves as a domestic and international tourism destination with particular emphasis on nature­​based recreation
 opportunities. Tourism and retail are significant contributors to the local and regional economy and these provide a strong platform of
 leverage for other parts of the economy.

 It is recognised that larger centres outside of the Shire, including the principal regional activity centre of Maroochydore, fulfil many of the
 higher order needs for the Shire. Many residents of Noosa travel outside the Shire for employment, retailing and education. A significant
 proportion of employees that work in Noosa live outside the Shire.

 Noosa Shire has an estimated residential population of 54,654 (as at June 2017) which swells considerably during holiday periods to
 well over 70,000 people. Noosa's high visitor numbers and dispersed, low density settlement pattern put pressure on the local road
 network. This requires local and regional transport solutions that prioritise public transport, cyclists and pedestrians over cars and
 improved accessibility for local communities and key workers.

 The Bruce Highway and North Coast Railway serve as the main transport access to Brisbane and serve an important function for the
 movement of freight. An improved railway network would enhance access to Brisbane for Noosa ​based commuters, residents and
 visitors.

 The Sunshine Coast Airport at Marcoola (outside the Noosa Shire) is the primary airport servicing the Noosa Shire and caters for both
 domestic and international flights. It is the only airport in the Sunshine Coast subregion capable of servicing jet aircraft operations. Future
 expansion of the airport will allow for increased strategic opportunities in relation to freight and passenger movements.

 Noosa Shire has a highly engaged community, high rates of volunteerism, and proactive communities and individuals that make an
 active and positive contribution to Noosa Shire and beyond.

 Noosa Shire is recognised for its creativity, innovation, vision and entrepreneurship where sustainability underpins development, the
 economy, lifestyle and environmental excellence. This offers a genuine global model for sustainability. Both Council and the community
 play a responsible part in the global community. This is demonstrated in local efforts towards:
        cutting pollutants
        adopting low carbon alternatives
        promoting and adopting innovative, clean, green responses to business development and technology
        protecting and caring for valued ecosystems and the important services they provide for human wellbeing.

 3.2.2              A well managed and sustainable Noosa Shire

 Noosa's values, principles and long term approach to planning

 Noosa Shire is one of the most desirable places in the world to live and is an internationally recognised tourist destination. This status
 has been both the result of good fortune in terms of climate, amenity and natural resources, and good management in terms of how
 consecutive generations have cared for the place and evolved a set of community values and planning principles. These long standing
 values and principles have shaped the development of Noosa Shire and have been the foundation of Noosa's planning schemes.

 The core values of Noosa Shire are derived from its natural resources. This includes the extensive tracts of vegetated open space,
 distinctive landscapes, clean waterways and attractive beaches. These values support a lifestyle that benefits from a close affinity to
 nature; pleasing integration of the built form with the natural landscape; access to nature​­based outdoor recreation; and a relaxed pace
 of life relative to larger centres in SEQ. Success has come by finding the delicate balance between meeting contemporary needs and
 ensuring that the community's core values are not eroded. This includes measures to:
         protect and maintain natural assets for current and future generations
         support and enhance community wellbeing and economic prosperity
         ensure well planned infrastructure
         ensure the planned extent of urban development and population growth is sustainably maintained through the definition of urban
         and rural residential boundaries, development densities and building heights
         maintain low rise building heights.

 New buildings are predominantly one to three storeys high and are also limited to an absolute height measured in metres.


NOOSA PLAN 2020                                                                                                                       Page 2 of 23