2016-10-11 Planning & Environment Committee Agenda

THE NOOSA STORY
Sustainability and lifestyle are two concepts that         Strategic Plan. This plan laid down the general         The “Noosa style” was developed around creating
have underpinned and guided Noosa for many years.          land use and development pattern for Noosa. A           great places with exemplary building design and
Noosa has a long history of protecting the natural         theoretical maximum population was estimated            quality public spaces. Buildings do not dominate
environment and ensuring development is well               based on the environmental capacity of lands            the natural environment and landscaped areas




                                         T
managed and designed. Noosa has taken a balanced           to support development, available and planned           are planted with local species. Noosa’s style is
and sustainable approach to planning, not just for         infrastructure, and community preferences for           celebrated through a high level of design quality in




                                       F
the current community and economy, but for future          particular localities.                                  its town centres, hinterland villages, riverside park
generations.                                                                                                       and recreation spaces, coastal strip and residential




                                      A
                                                           Following on from this, the Noosa Plan 2006 has
Noosa has a range of lifestyles enjoyed by its                                                                     areas. The interface between public spaces and
                                                           been the strategic planning document guiding Noosa
community and visitors. Noosa’s rural and hinterland                                                               private development has worked well creating places
                                                           for the past 10 years, with sustainability as the key




                                     R
areas provide for agriculture, rural living and villages                                                           with a high level of streetscape appeal, amenity and
                                                           driver of the plan. Areas for housing, community,
set amongst peaceful surrounds and dramatic                                                                        vibrancy.
                                                           employment, industry, business and preferred forms




                                    D
landscapes. Noosa’s coastal areas have access to           of development are well defined and building heights    In 2007 Noosa Shire was designated as a Biosphere
the river, beaches, aquatic activities, walking and        are limited to 2 – 4 storeys. The Noosa Plan 2006       Reserve under the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere
cycling with well-designed places for living and           Vision states:                                          program. The designation recognises the unique
activities.                                                                                                        and special natural attributes of Noosa. It provides a
                                                           Noosa is an inclusive community renowned for its        focus for the community’s aspirations to:
Noosa has a history of community activism and              creativity, innovation, vision and entrepreneurship
environmental conservation dating back to the              where sustainability underpins excellence. The key        continue to strive for a sustainable future;
                                                                                                                    	
1960s. In the past, the community campaigned
                                                           principles that underpin the Vision are:                  work together to build successful economies
                                                                                                                    	
against a number of inappropriate developments
                                                             social cohesion and community wellbeing;
                                                            	                                                       and communities, and become an important
and was supported by Council in protecting areas
                                                                                                                     centre for research; and
of environmental significance. This led to numerous          a strong sustainable economy;
                                                            	
and costly court appeals. Fortunately the most                                                                       ensure our natural ecosystems and biodiversity
                                                                                                                    	
significant appeals were finalised with successful           environmental excellence and sustainability;
                                                            	                                                       are valued, cared for, improved and conserved.
outcomes for the community and environment. Early            artistic and cultural diversity and excellence;
                                                            	                                                     In 2008 Noosa Shire was amalgamated into
recognition of Noosa’s natural landscape values                                                                    the Sunshine Coast Regional Council. To ensure
                                                             a commitment to maintaining a sustainable
                                                            	
shaped the Noosa of today. Noosa has continued to                                                                  Noosa retained its identity and its values were not
                                                             population;
strive for environmental excellence and sustainability                                                             eroded, Noosa’s ‘Iconic Values’ were enshrined in
over the years with a number of key initiatives.             quality, innovative and reliable infrastructure;
                                                            	
                                                                                                                   State planning legislation. Commitment by the local
                                                             and
The concept of an upper limit on development                                                                       community and a six year campaign finally saw the
or “population cap” originated with the 1997                 maintaining the “Noosa Style”.
                                                            	                                                     reinstatement of the Noosa Council in 2014.

                                                                                                                                                  Discussion Paper 7