2022-11-08 Planning & Environment Meeting Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA   8 NOVEMBER 2022




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PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                          8 NOVEMBER 2022

      Discussion:

         e   There is scope to prescribe an Environmental Regulatory Authority for large developments.
         e   Aclear pathway to increase communication awareness and pollution reports is needed.
      13. Noosa Shire Council Integrated Water Quality Program
      Noosa Council Environment Officer Sophie Blond acknowledged the Waterwatch volunteers’ efforts for
      years of data collection.
         e   Sophie provided an overview of the current status of Noosa Council's Water Monitoring Program
             and plans for a more integrated program in the future.
         e   Investigations into Burgess Creek are already underway, with plans for a dedicated Catchment
             Management Plan, given its complexities as a highly modified catchment.
         ¢   Description of the potential to incorporate remote sensing equipment and monitoring location sites
             for Noosa Council's future monitoring program, including a public dashboard to access real time
             data.

      Discussion:

         e   There is interest in generating regular local water quality reports to improve water quality and
             pollution management.
         ¢   Integrating data provided by all stakeholders will allow Noosa Council and key experts to identify
             sites and water quality parameters which could complement existing monitoring programs.
         e   Using historical data would facilitate development of yearly report cards for each sub-catchment
             across the Noosa Shire.

         e   Overview of the impacts of urbanisation and flooding on seagrass populations in the Noosa River
             and lakes.

   [Recommendation                                                               tion
      identify clear purposes for water quality monitoring programs to better  NRM groups
      understand local catchments, including generation of sub-catchment report
      cards and targeted monitoring and intervention points                    Researchers
                                                                               Noosa Council
      (Discuss at next workshop)

      Develop an integrated water quality monitoring program site map including NRM groups
     proposed new monitoring sites and review of parameters reported           DES
      (Discuss at next workshop)                                               Noosa Council
      Increase community understanding and engagement by promoting, advertising | Noosa Council
      and providing feedback on responses to pollution incidents               DES
                                                                               Unitywater

      Recommend an Environmental Regulation Authority for large developments   DES
                                                                               Healthy Land & Water

      Develop new local water quality guidelines and use historical and current data | NRM groups
      to create local WQOs and targets                                         DES
     Minutes — Water Quality Workshop 24/08/22                                                  Page 8

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