DESTINATION MANAGEMENT PLAN - PHASE 2 ENGAGEMENT · Report

SPECIAL MEETING                                                                   4 AUGUST 2025


based on what we heard in Phase 1 consultation. It acknowledges the importance of tourism to
Noosa but it’s not about simply attracting more visitors.

Tourism is a big part of Noosa’s identity and economy, but the community has told us that it needs
to be managed carefully to protect what makes Noosa special.

The Noosa Draft DMP therefore is an action focused approach to help us:
   •   Protect and enhance our natural environment so future generations can enjoy it too.
   •   Make sure tourism benefits locals, not just visitors—by improving public spaces,
       supporting local businesses, and easing pressure on infrastructure and managing sensitive
       areas.
   •   Preserve Noosa’s character and protect our lifestyle, even as we welcome guests.
   •   Plan for the future, so we’re not just reacting to challenges, but shaping how tourism
       contributes to our community.

Phase 1 Review of feedback from Community Engagement
Phase 1 of our Community Engagement was exploratory, inviting the Noosa community to identify
issues of importance regarding tourism and destination management and indicate the level of
response or change they wanted to see in addressing these issues. This feedback has helped shape
the foundation of the Draft Destination Management Plan (DMP).

Since Phase 1 Community Engagement on the Discussion Paper, officers undertook the following
comprehensive steps to inform the Draft DMP:

1. A comprehensive analysis of Phase 1 community feedback

2. Review and alignment of proposed Actions & Solutions against existing Council Plans
   and Strategies
       o   70% actions/solutions were already under way, identified in existing plans.
       o   30% actions/solutions had not been commenced or were new ideas.

3. Identified the ‘Things that Matter Most’ from the data to the community in terms of managing
   the destination, the top issues were as follows:
       o   Ensure Tourism alignment with Noosa’s values
       o   Tackle Congestion especially traffic congestion in high demand areas at peak times
       o   Review Local Tourism Model (Tourism Noosa) Structure and Funding (including events)
       o   Protect Noosa’s neighbourhoods from STA
       o   Ensure Tourism contributes in ways that positively impact community

4. Refined ‘What Matters Most’ into a 4 Principles Approach, complete with Actions and
   Tasks. These principles are:
       o   Respecting Community
       o   Living our Values
       o   Leading the Way
       o   Tourism for Good