2016-10-11 Planning & Environment Committee Agenda

HINTERLAND AND RURAL AREAS
The Noosa Trail Network, National Parks and              Rural Enterprise                                         Rural living
other reserves and local waterways provide for
                                                         The Noosa hinterland has potential for increased         While the attraction of the Noosa hinterland is strong,
various recreational pursuits and annual events are
                                                         local food production in both raw produce and value      demand for housing should not result in second




                                       T
emerging drawing both Noosa residents and visitors.      adding. Favourable conditions for both livestock
                                                                                                                  homes on the same property, although there may be
Accessibility around the Noosa Hinterland is             and horticulture present opportunities, especially




                                     F
                                                                                                                  capacity for small secondary dwellings. Subdivision
reasonable however residents are dependent on            for small scale producers. Compatible with this is
                                                         a range of food related enterprises such as cooking      for additional house blocks is not anticipated.
private vehicles as there are limited options for




                                    A
                                                         schools, permaculture workshops, farm gate sales
public transport, walking and cycling.                   and host farms, as well as the production of health




                                   R
                                                         and skin care products from locally produced
                                                         ingredients. Provision for on-site processing and
Looking forward                                          packaging, sometimes by employees may be needed.




                                  D
                                                         Other enterprises with potential for growth in the
                                                         hinterland relate to artists and artisans operating
Landscape and Environment                                from home in fields such as visual arts, furniture
The environmental values of the Noosa Hinterland,        making and other creative industries.
including natural vegetation, biodiversity, water        The Noosa Hinterland contains over 1,300 properties
quality, ecosystem services and scenic amenity,          of more than 5 hectares in area and less than 300 of
come under pressure from growth and development.         these are over 40 hectares. To support a breadth of
Population increases, loss of habitat, landform          rural enterprises, no further fragmentation of land is
                                                         likely to be necessary.
change, the natural flow of water and nutrients have
potential to impact on the landscape. Given the          Opportunities exist to decentralise the visitor
status of Noosa Shire as a Biosphere Reserve and         experience of Noosa Shire through low key rural or
                                                         nature-based visitor accommodation & experiences
its reputation as both a lifestyle destination and a
                                                         for example B&B’s, cabins, cottages, campgrounds
place for the clean, green production of quality food,
                                                         and health retreats. Locations close to the Noosa
there should be no impacts on environmental values       Trail Network particularly offer opportunities for
as a result of development.                              guided outdoor recreation.




                                                                                                                                                Discussion Paper 35