2022-02-08 Planning and Environment Committee Meeting Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                   8 FEBRUARY 2022


3     WATER PLANNING FOR NOOSA SHIRE

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

Index             ECM/ Integrated Catchment Management 21.16

Attachments       1. Water Planning Process and Possible Implications for Noosa Shire



EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Significant water planning processes are underway by various agencies in the Noosa River,
Eastern Beaches and Mary River Catchments of the Noosa Shire. There is the potential for the
outcomes of those processes to impact ecology of our waterways and have implications for potable
water supply for Noosa residents. It is proposed to form an internal working group to co-ordinate
involvement, input and manage outcomes from the various water planning processes, as well as
an Environmental Round Table with local Natural Resource Management Groups to disseminate
information and strategies and seek feedback and input.

RECOMMENDATION
That Council note the report by the Acting Environment Services Manager to the Planning &
Environment Committee Meeting dated 8 February 2022 and note:
A.    the information pertaining to water security and management in Noosa Shire and the various
      water planning processes currently underway as discussed in this report and summarised in
      Attachment 1,
B.    the formation of an internal Working Group to co-ordinate involvement, communication and
      outcomes from the water planning processes, and
C.    the proposal to call an Environmental Round Table with Natural Resource Management
      groups to engage on the topic of regional water strategy.


REPORT
Various agencies and entities of the Queensland State Government have announced planning
processes and development proposals concerning water management in the catchments of the
Noosa River, Eastern Beaches waterways and Mary River.
The current programs and projects that are currently underway or recently commenced that staff
are aware of include:


 Program                                                             Agency
                                                                     Queensland Government
 Mary Basin Water Plan (the basin includes the Noosa River
                                                                     Department of Regional
 catchment)
                                                                     Development, Manufacturing and
 https://www.rdmw.qld.gov.au/water/consultations-initiatives/mary-   Water (DRDMW)
 basin-water-plan

 Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program - Mary Region          Australian Government department
                                                                     of Agriculture, Water and the
                                                                     Environment (AWE) ; and the



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